Peter's Confession - Morning Devotion on Feb. 13, 2024

Peter's Confession

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Matthew 16:13-20

We should attain the love of God, to say nothing of the love of the Holy Spirit and Jesus. If we express the nature of the Trinity from this perspective, then we can say that the Holy Father is love, the Holy Son is life, and the Holy Spirit is truth.

So, to the question of Jesus, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matt. 16:16) This answer of Peter's refers to the true and existing quality of the nature of Jesus. In other words, it means that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of the living God, and that he is the one existing human being who perfected the mind and body. Similarly, looking at the fact that Peter testified to Jesus as the Son of the living God, we can observe that Peter understood the internal heart of Jesus, and that he was able to stand on the level that can be linked to the one principle.

Then, what should we, who are seeking the truth, do now? More than anything, we should possess the key of truth that can fit inside the heart of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. If you do not possess this key, then you cannot perfect your physical self. Moreover, you cannot create a bond with the Holy Spirit, the divine spirit of truth...

Beloved Father, please allow this to be a time when the words of the Lord can be heard through the ears of our hearts and minds. Please allow us to understand that the words Jesus spoke were relevant, not only for his time but also for us at present; they are words that transcend history.

Please allow us to fathom the anguishing heart of Jesus toward Peter. Allow us to fathom as Peter understood the thoughts of Jesus and gave such a reply that he could inherit the whole will of heaven.

Beloved Father, we earnestly wish and desire that you will allow the words given to us today to make a deep connection with us. Just as Peter testified, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," allow us to look upon the Lord and rejoice and to testify to the Lord. As the people who can become harmonized with the eternal words of the Father, please guide us always to reflect upon ourselves while we are on the path until the moment when we can appear spotless before the Father, the Holy Spirit, and all created things... Amen.

We Are the Ones Who Should Possess the Keys to Open the Kingdom of Heaven

March 17, 1957

Jesus never won the chosen people of Israel, and he never gained the support he needed from them. He came to erect the kingdom of God on earth, but instead he had to caution his disciples even to keep his identity a secret because people did not accept his legitimacy as the Messiah.

The Future of Christianity - October 28, 1973

Jesus Wept - Morning Devotion on Feb. 12, 2024

Jesus Wept

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they, replied Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

John 11:32-36

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, abandoned the crown and lowered himself to the bottom of the misery of humanity. The Bible explains very little about Jesus' life, but he was the one who wept the most; he poured out tears. Jesus came with the mind of a parent and the heart of the True Parent. He examined everything from the viewpoint of a parent.

Men Are Destined to Go the Road of Restoration

March 14, 1965

God's true love means one of two things: either that he only loves himself and is working for his own glory, or that he forgets himself completely and only works for the well-being of the entire creation. Which is true love? Visualize God going after this fallen world. Is he coming with joy, laughing every day and calling: "Here is true love. All my fallen children, please come"? Or is he grieving, going after fallen man with tears? Why is the true God the one who is seeking his children with tears?

Then in what circumstances does God want to meet his loved ones? God will meet his loved ones in a tearful place, in a tearful way If you are absolutely sorrowful and are shaking with sobs then you are not only shedding tears, but water is coming from your nose and mouth as well. Have you ever cried in that fashion? If you have never experienced such tears, you have not yet tasted true love.

Crossroads of Life and Death

December 17, 1978

Acts 1:4 And being assembled together with them (the disciples), He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, you have heard from me, for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days from now. 

Acts 1:9 Now when he had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus who was taken up from you up into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.  

Psalms 109:8 Let another take his office. 

Acts 1:21 Therefore of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning with the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us, of His resurrection.  

Sunday Service on February 11, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on February 11, 2024

Musical Offering

Sermon - Will There Be Blues Music In Heaven?

The sermon discusses the intersection of music and the principle of creation. It explores the idea of whether there will be blues music in heaven and delves into the concept of God's dual characteristics. The speaker also shares personal experiences and insights on the direct Dominion of God and the purpose of creation.

Key Insights 

• The speaker highlights the connection between blues and gospel music, both originating from the work songs of slaves and expressing their suffering and faith.
• The speaker discusses the importance of honoring and praying for one's spouse during their transition to the eternal world, as exemplified by True Mother's devotion to True Father.
• The speaker emphasizes the significance of the direct Dominion of God, describing it as an intimate and unbreakable relationship that prevents one from falling.
• The speaker shares their personal journey of giving up worldly desires to follow God, and how He restored and utilized their talents for His glory.
• The speaker recognizes the need for balance in leadership and the revolutionary message of God's dual characteristics, calling for a shift towards female leadership.
• The speaker reflects on the purpose of creation, highlighting the joy and blessings that come from living a life of faith and striving towards building God's kingdom.
• The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Divine Principle and the importance of having a relationship with God before receiving the more challenging truths.

Sunday school: Bible study - Solomon's Wise Judgement

Solomon's wisdom: Solomon was known for his wisdom and people came to him for advice.

Dispute resolution: Solomon used his wisdom to resolve a dispute between two women claiming the same baby.

True mother: Solomon determined the true mother by her willingness to spare her son's life.

Respect for Solomon: Solomon's wise judgement earned him respect from the people of Israel.

Wisdom from God: The wisdom that God gave Solomon is available to anyone who asks.

Weekly Update on Feb. 8, 2024

Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m.  Bob Huneycutt is giving a message titled: Will There Be Blues Music In Heaven. Mr. Asada is sharing a Sunday school lesson about the wisdom of Solomon.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch. 

The final Cheon Shim Won Wednesday evening prayer will be Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m.  After that, we will move the CSW prayer to Sundays after service.

TFC will celebrate True Parent's birthday on Sunday, February 18 with a banner, offering table and celebratory cake.  Please join the official celebration online on Thursday, February 15.  Don't forget to show gratitude by making the offering of a donation online.  

Registration for Hyojeung CheonBo Great Works commemorating True Parent's birthday is open. Register at this link.

The Nilsons are hosting a second gen couple from Connecticut who would like to share a successful business idea with other members, especially young people.  They will speak at church, after lunch on Sunday, February 18. 

Please join the 40 day special devotion period for the triumphant entrance into the Cheon Il Sanctuary and Cheonwon Gong, and True Parent's Birthday, from January 7 - February 15.  Pray for: 1. Safety of True Parents and True Family 2. Victorious entrance into Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum 3. Successfully witness to new people, especially young people, and real church growth. 4. For the unification of North and South Korea and a heavenly unified Korea. 5. To overcome all crises affecting our world and realize a heavenly unified world. 

Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.   

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is February 19. Here is the link to join the meeting.

Please join us for Morning Devotion from Monday to Friday at 6:00 a.m.
Here is the link.

We will join Dr. Achille and Capitol Family Church on the weekend.
Here is the link.  Passcode: 2027

Please feel free at any time to use the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) at TFC to pray or meditate.  

Jesus Prays Alone On the Mountain - Morning Devotion on Feb. 8, 2024

Jesus Prays Alone On the Mountain

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

We know well that Jesus visited high mountains whenever he was laced with serious matters...

Jesus went to the Israelites and the synagogues with the victorious pattern established in his 40-day wilderness course, yet they did not welcome him. Instead of welcoming him, they persecuted him wherever he went. He met with opposition and ridicule. Having to go the wilderness course after being rejected the first time [by John the Baptist] was already enough to provoke hard feelings and anger. When Jesus saw the Jewish religion and the Israelite nation opposing him, having returned to them with a victory over Satan, his heart was consumed with inexpressible pain and sorrow. We need to think about the position and situation of Jesus. In difficult circumstances of persecution, to return the nation and religion to God, Jesus prayed on the mountaintops and fought against Satan throughout his three years of public life.

Jesus' heart was such that rather than feeling sorrow for his lonely position, he regretted that the result of God's efforts for humanity during the 4,000 years was so meager, and he felt sorry to express his heart to heaven. To Jesus, consumed with such a heart, it was out of the question to express resentment toward the nation, the synagogues, or fallen humanity. We should know that Jesus did not have the leisure to bear a grudge against anyone.

Father, we know well that the great religious figures of history had relationships with mountains, sharing their situations with mountains and determining the standards of life and death and victory and defeat on mountains. We have learned that Jesus, as the representative of humankind, visited the top of a mountain and there pleaded with God from the depths of his heart.

As we have realized the historical connections with mountains, please allow many sons and daughters of God to appear on the mountain tops of this peninsula. Guide them to be proud people who can return the glory of victory to you and indemnify the historical grounds of resentment over what took place on the mountains.

To be such people, we know that besides our individual selves, our families, our societies, our religions, nations, and world must all go to the mountaintop. Please guide us to resemble the heart of Jesus, walking up and down the mountains for the sake of heaven and earth, and to follow in his footsteps. Allow us to become the children who can fight with fidelity until the day we set up a victorious altar on the mountaintop and sing "Hosanna" Let us fight without exhaustion or retreat.

Father, we know that if we have such a determination, you will help us. Lead us to go through any complications with single-mindedness. We pray all this in the name of the Lord. Amen.

The Sorrowful Heart of Jesus as He Went to the Mountain

January 25, 1959

How pitiful a person was Jesus? His mind could not help but lament when he looked at the people, and there was nothing for his heart to do but weep aloud when he looked at the religious bodies. Humankind could not understand the situation of Jesus, who carried the responsibility of heaven's providence and destiny. There was no one who understood his heart as he wandered in the mountains alone at night.

Prayer

October 18, 1959

Seeking God Early
Mark 1:35; Psalm 5:3; Hosea 6:3, 143:8

There are many scriptures in the bible pointing to the idea of going before God early in the morning.

• Some signify that it is the beginning of a new season.
• Some suggest we should go to God before the worries of the day manifest.
• Some suggest that the morning is the most creative time of the day.

Psalm 30:6 Weeping may linger for the night, but Joy comes in the morning.

What is the significance of mountain top prayers?

The mountain signifies drawing closer to God. 

Rising above the hills of the earth but remaining humbly beneath the heavens.

Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly…

Gen 22 1:18 Abraham went to the Mountains to offer a sacrifice to God.  The ram in the bush.

Exodus 3: Moses went to Mount Sinai, where he had an encounter with God:

“the bush burned but it was not consumed.”

The mountain top symbolizes a clearer view of the world around us with fewer distractions.

Matt 4:8 The devil in his temptation efforts, took Jesus to the mountains to avoid distractions.

Most people do not have access to mountain regions.

Praying is not limited to mountains.

Today Scripture says: 

Psalm 121:1-4

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from which comes my help.

My help comes from the Lord. Which made heaven and earth…

Fish and Loaves “Action” - Morning Devotion on Feb. 7, 2024

Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14

1. This action demonstrated Power and authority.

Here Jesus performs a very public impressive and over the top act. 

Not even his disciple could see this coming.

Jesus had already healed people publicly. 

This act was different because it was not only seen but experienced by many. 

It is very different to say that: you heard that He did something. 

He did this for me!

Here 5,000 men experienced what he did.

2. This action demonstrated Empathy, Compassion, and Generosity.

We can see that following Jesus requires that we should see people where they are and address their immediate needs. Even when they may have gotten themselves in that predicament.

It would have been easy to take the side of the disciples and tell them to go away and get your own food. 

Jesus took advantage of the moment and showed Empathy, Compassion and Generosity.

3. This action highlights Motivations.

Was Jesus trying to be their King or control their sustenance (Food), causing dependance.

Were the people following Jesus his righteous message or just to see miracles…?

- Do we follow Jesus for the Fire insurance?

- Do we follow Jesus for the Health insurance?

- Do we follow Jesus for the free bread?

4. This action highlights Faith.

Is your Faith limited to how much money you currently have? Phillip (8 months wages)

Is your Faith limited to the available resources. Andrew (this boy’s lunch is not enough)

Is your Faith in God or resources? 

Gen 18:14 Is anything too hard for God?

Jer 32:27 I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Luke 1:27  For nothing will be impossible with God.

Psalm 147:5   Great is our Lord, mighty is his power, his understanding is unlimited.

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes - Morning Devotion on Feb. 6, 2024

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

Jesus... withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote plate, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish." they answered.

"Bring them here to me," he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:13-21

In front of his God, Jesus could forget himself without any pretense or excuse. He was willing to do anything for the sake of the Father's will. We should become sons and daughters who inherit the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus gave us the words of the gospels during the 30-odd years of his life. When he met starving people as he was going around with his disciples, he fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes. He gave everything he could. He introduced faith, life, and love. He introduced all that humanity could demand.

Have you ever received the words of Jesus as his substantial body? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of God's eternal faith? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of eternal life? Have you ever felt through the words of Jesus that he is the embodiment of eternal love? If you cannot feel this even after you have heard Jesus' words, then Jesus' heart will be torn.

Oh Father; We Welcome You!

March 9, 1959

The countless people who were following Jesus believed he was the Messiah and the Savior of the people when he showed them the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Yet when Jesus was killed, all the people abandoned him and went away. If the people who were following Jesus had understood the internal heart of Jesus toward heaven, if they had understood that he possessed a deeply penetrating heart toward God and that he came to take responsibility for the whole history of the dispensation, they would have realized his situation and followed him. Furthermore, following them, the whole nation of Israel also would have followed Jesus.

Let Us Climb Over the Hill of Historical Misfortune

January 19, 1958

Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14

We believe with our eyes and our experiences. 

Jesus wants us to “live by faith and not by sight.”

1. God is in control.

God will often test our faith. 

How far are we mentally and spiritually prepared to go?

Nothing catches God by surprise. 

He already knows what he is going to do. 

2. God is about Multiplication.

When what you have in your hand is not enough; give it to God!

A little bit in our hand, is more than enough in God’s hands. 

3. Multiplication often requires Trust.

If he gives what he has to these people, what would he eat?

This young boy had to put trust in Jesus when giving all he had. 

The disciples trusted that they would not be embarrassed in front of all these people.

4. Multiplication often requires Sacrifice.

Sacrifice is often celebrated in Scripture!

The Boy gave all that he had for the purposes of God that day. He personally went from a position of comfort to discomfort, not knowing the outcome.

Sacrifice drives our comfort.

5. Multiplication is a result of God’s work, not our work.

Although the boy supplied the meal and the disciples disperse the meal they were only participants in the performance of God’s miracle.

God wants us to trust in the same way when it comes to our possessions.

God rewards those who sacrifice for kingdom purpose.

The Mission of John the Baptist - Morning Devotion on Feb. 5, 2024

John’s mission was to come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord.

Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the LORD”

John understood that God had given him a following for one reason – to point them to Jesus.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

John demonstrates the greatest example of humility, especially in times of Success.

John didn’t allow his following to go to his head, he remained humble.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Lessons we can learn from John the Baptist.

1. Speak out for Justice and truth.

a. John’s unapologetic decision to speak out for what he believed and for the laws of God eventually cost him his life.

b. It is because of his unwavering integrity that we can stand up and speak out against injustice.

Last week the question was asked: Why was John in Prison?

2. John’s primary mission was to steer people away from sin.

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”.

The Hebrew word for Repent means to “turn away” from sin.

The Greek word for Repent means to: “change one’s mind”.

Sunday Service on February 4, 2024

Triangle Family Church Sunday Service on February 4, 2024

Musical Offering - "Amazing Grace" 

Sermon - Father's Words Are The Eternal Truth.

Scientists Speak Out About Evidence of Intelligent Design in Nature

• Overwhelming evidence for intelligent design in nature, seen in various scientific fields.
• Purposeful fine-tuning of the universe and our planet for our benefit and survival.
• Fossil evidence points to intelligent design.
• Exquisite engineering and encoded information found in living cells.
• Genetic code and complexity in life suggest the involvement of intelligent agents.
• Nature exhibits incredible examples of innovation surpassing human technology.
• Clear message from molecules: intelligent design is the source of life. 

• Scientists studying creation from a logical, scientific perspective are realizing the existence of a Creator.
• Living relationship with God is sought after, not just faith or belief based on scripture or experiences.
• True Parents emphasize mind and body unity, connecting the spiritual and physical aspects of life.
• A speech by Father in 2005 highlights the purpose of life and the need for personal growth.
• Father's prayer from 1958 expresses gratitude and longing for a world filled with God's love.
• Father's teachings are eternal and unchanging, derived from Heaven's truth for the salvation of humanity.
• Personal experience with Father's message and the Divine Principle solidifies belief in his role as the Messiah. 

Sunday school: Holy Spirit "Hovercraft" - Hands-on experiment to understand how the Holy Spirit helps us 

The Holy Spirit is a helper sent by God to be with us forever and help us follow Jesus and True Parents 1

Gravity is a force that keeps us stuck, but the Holy Spirit can help us get unstuck.

The wind experiment with the bottle top and balloon demonstrates how the Holy Spirit can lift us on a cushion of air.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to obey God and helps us get unstuck when we disobey.

Weekly Update on Feb. 1, 2024

Join us for our weekly worship service on Sunday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m.  John Pace is giving a message titled: Father's Words Are The Eternal Truth. Mr. Asada is sharing a Sunday school lesson about how the holy spirit helps us.  Please bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.  Pastor and Church Council will meet after lunch. 

Anne Nilson will be at church on Saturday, February 3 at 10:30 to join the zoom call Divine Principle introduction with Henri Schauffler.  Please feel free to join. 

The Nilsons are hosting a second gen couple from Connecticut who would like to share a successful business idea with other members, especially young people.  They will speak at church, after lunch on Sunday, February 18. 

Please join the 40 day special devotion period for the triumphant entrance into the Cheon Il Sanctuary and Cheonwon Gong, and True Parent's Birthday, from January 7 - February 15.  Pray for: 1. Safety of True Parents and True Family 2. Victorious entrance into Cheon Won Gung and Cheon Il Sanctum 3. Successfully witness to new people, especially young people, and real church growth. 4. For the unification of North and South Korea and a heavenly unified Korea. 5. To overcome all crises affecting our world and realize a heavenly unified world. 

ACLC is sponsoring a two-day conference in Washington D.C. on February 1 - 2 called Raise The Family Flag.  The conference is led by Christian pastors to encourage cooperation to save the family through the Blessing.  Please send your minister contacts to Pastor Davetta at d.morganogunlola@gmail.com.  Register at this link.

Dr. Achille is teaching an online advanced DP course every Monday for 12 weeks, starting January 8 from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. "Living The Divine Principle" teaches application of DP in daily life, and how to prepare for the Blessing.   

Join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for fellowship and prayer in the Cheon Shim Won (prayer room).

Statewide ACLC outreach meetings are the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is February 19. Here is the link to join the meeting.

Please join us for Morning Devotion from Monday to Friday at 6:00 a.m.

Here is the link.

Please feel free at any time to use the Cheon Shim Won (Prayer Room) at TFC to pray or meditate.