Words in Red

The next time you read the words of Christ in the Bible think about this:

There are two ways to look at these passages. One is to read them, value them as truth, the very word of God. Plant them in your heart, glory in them as they tell us so much about our One True Love. Then, read them again and allow them to be a checklist of sorts for your own heart and mind. Since the Bible tells us we are to be like Christ, can the same characteristics be seen in your life. When you see the deficiencies, ask the Lord to help you in that area of your life. Recognize that apart from Christ you cannot exhibit any of those qualities, but in Christ we should desire to be like him, and we have the enabling of the Holy Spirit. We will never attain His Perfection, but we should be growing.

Here's an example from last week's lesson:
John 8:28
So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.

1. Delight in the fact that Christ was willing to carry out the Father's will. It results in our salvation. Lifting up Christ is our life goal. He did not have his own agenda, but delighted in the Father's will.

2. Ask yourself, in what areas of life and I working on my own initiative (will). In what areas am I pressing for my own agenda, my own way? Ask the Lord to show you, then repent, confess that what you are actually doing is saying, "God, my way is better." If you are discontent where the Lord has you, you are not exhibiting the character of Christ.

TRY IT! Look for those words in red and then look at it from both perspectives!

Thanksgiving Traditions

Here's a link with some ideas for creating a Thanksgiving tradition with your family. You have the opportunity to start when your kids are little. Trust me, they will be all grown up far too soon. It's not what's on the menu that will be remembered but the time you spend together.

http://familyfun.go.com/parties/holiday/specialfeature/thanksgiving_mgi_ms/

Where Oh Where....

Where oh Where has my little class gone? I missed all of you who were not there Sunday. Please let me or Cecilia know how you are.

We had a refreshing look at John and dissected the verbal argument between Christ and the Pharisees. We challenged ourselves and examined our own hearts by the light of the Scriptures.

I hope you have a grateful Thanksgiving and remember it's not all turkey, football, and shopping. It's about giving thanks to the Lord.

Cecilia's Latest Lesson...

Above are the pics of Cecilia's accident. God is sovereign and I thank Him for His protection.

Cecilia

I bet you didn't know that Cecilia was a deer hunter. Well, on Wednesday night, on her way home from church, she killed an 8 point buck! With her car! Thank the Lord, she is going to be alright. She did take a ride to the ER and had to have 4 staples in a cut on the side of her head and some wounds cleaned up. I'm sure she is very sore today, so please be praying for her.

The class is giving her a gift certificate to Lynda's Loft. You can contribute on Sunday if you would like. Please be praying for her. Her address is in the class directory if you would like to contact her.

Wild Week!

I've had the privilege of ministering to a sister in Christ this week who has lost her husband. I have just a few thoughts I wanted to share with you about this surreal experience.

God is ALWAYS faithful.
The GRACE of God is visible and overwhelming.
God's plan for our lives is UNIQUE and always good.
Whatever is happening in your life today is a PREPARATION for the what God has in store for you.

I will share with you more in class on Sunday.

Breathe Grace...

I enjoyed today's lesson, and I hope that you benefited as much as I did. It was great to have Jennifer visiting with us. God is faithful, we need to keep praying for our new enrollees and reaching out.

Look this week for the person who needs grace and be the one who has the privilege of offering them the Gospel. I would bet that there is someone you know who is weary and heavy laden. Why would you not share with them your faith and the joy of knowing God?

Also, remember to breathe grace and encouragement to those who are facing the holidays who have lost someone in the last year. When the whole world is celebrating it can be very painful and lonely for those in grief.

Remember the motto, "Something is better than nothing, and always aim for more." However much time you have been spending with the Lord, work to increase it this week. I want to hear testimonies of how you did this....

Have a great week in the Lord!