Thankful In All Things
Our children
Our parents
Our siblings
Colossians 3:15 says,
Psalms 100: 4-5 says,
God calls us to be thankful in all things, at all times, because of His great provision and love for us.
His care covers us, sustains us, and carries us through challenges in life that call us to thankfulness.
When we look at how He provides for us, we see His hand of provision through
every circumstance that faces us daily.
It is amazing how the Lord works!
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Discovering Jesus, the Real Deal
Christianity isn’t a religion as much as it is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The evidence of the Bible being true, from an archaeological standpoint, is another way one can know Christianity is real. Even as recent as the last decade, locations (and types of destruction of Biblical cities/Biblical events) have been discovered and unearthed.
A few of many examples:
The walls of Jericho falling in- instead of out- when God’s people marched on the city and the walls tumbled down. Based on the type of wall construction, it was a miracle for them to fall in (not out) at that very moment in history.
Prophecy fulfilled as God used the prophets of the Old Testament to predict hundreds of events that would take place in the future… and some of them thousands of years later. The most notable prophecies are about Jesus. It was foretold where he would be born, what family line, how he would die, and how he would be raised from the dead in three days. Powerful stuff!
Lastly, and maybe most convincing to others that know us, are changed lives.
When the Holy Spirit draws us, repentance takes place and we submit to God’s Lordship over our lives. We accept Jesus as our personal savior; this is our new birth and call to action to work out the salvation that God, through Jesus, has worked into us.
An important part of that call to action is being prepared to tell your story.
God will use your story powerfully as you share how Jesus is the real deal in your life.
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Prayers for Our Children (With a Little Help From Paul)
That God would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in their knowledge of Him.(vs. 17)That the eyes of their hearts would be opened so that they’d know the hope of His calling of them.(vs. 18)That they’d know the surpassing greatness of His power toward those who believe in Him.(vs. 19)That these things are done in their lives by the same power and strength that God used to raise Jesus from the dead. (vs. 19 – 20)
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I’m So Busy!
How many times have we used these statements?
My life is so hectic!
The Lord has been speaking to me lately about how to use my time more wisely. It seems our time is consumed by many things in our everyday life; running kids to soccer practice or games, working on things around the house, personal appointments… oh, and let’s not forget about work.
We obviously have many things vying for our time. I know we should, and even need, to do these things.
The Lord is my strength and shield… my heart trusts in him and he helps me.
In the Bible, we read many stories where Jesus made time for those in need-
whatever and whenever the need might have been.
Jesus took time to…
Heal (Mark 5:21 – 40)
God does not call people as a favor, but because He has something for them to do.
What is God calling me to do today? What is God calling you to do today?
When the Lord speaks to us about something he wants us to do, let’s take time to say:
Lord, use me in whatever way you want.
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In the Eye of the Storm
In my life currently, God has used Ryan Stevenson’s song “In the Eye of the Storm” to help me through a very difficult situation. Not only am I experiencing some trying times, but our country too, along with those severely impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters.
The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life of – whom shall I be afraid?
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soulYou alone are the anchor, when my sails are tornYour love surrounds me in the eye of the storm
Are you experiencing troubled times or difficult situations today?
He is our light and salvation…our stronghold in the storm.
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A Stone of Remembrance
Everyone experiences moments in life that are big.
Graduations & new jobs
Wedding day & new homes
It seems that our church is in the middle of one of these types of moments right now as we’re working through the purchase of a new campus for our grade school.
Reaching a major life goal
Paying off your house
Getting a promotion
It seems that the biggest life moments tend to center around the deeper and more personal things. They shape our lives and create the deepest memories.
In Joshua 3 & 4, we find the story of Israel crossing the Jordan River on their way into the Promised Land. This moment marked the end of two eras in Israel’s painful history: 400 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years of desert wandering. This particular generation of people was well acquainted with the on-going pains of desert life; food and water were a constant concern, safety from dangerous neighbors plagued them and a continual sensation of not belonging anywhere reminded them they still had not found home.
God told them to cross the Jordan River with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Joshua describes the waters immediately receding as far north as the city of Adam (15 miles upriver), as well as all the tributary streams down river toward the Salt Sea (Dead Sea). By the way, the river was already at flood stage as always at this time of year.
God provided through their painful hardships
Mark your big moments with a “Stone of Remembrance.”
Raise it so it’s plainly visible in your life and home. Keep it as a reminder that by God’s grace, You will never return to the way things were.
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