We have received word that our eldest member, Doris Hausman has stepped into the arms of Jesus. She lived her 104+ years well and now has completed her race. She was very ready for this day and now is fully healed and at peace. We can celebrate and we can mourn with, pray for and comfort the family, Sally, and her kids and grands.
Last evening we had about eight new people join our dinner huddle. We had great conversations, fellowship, prayer, study of God's Word and ate together. Could some of our 30 new attendees we are praying for be being led to our Wed. Night Church? Maybe close to half the attendees are not members. God is doing something as we gather. Consider joining us sometime and keep praying for God to draw and us to love like Jesus. Last night we discussed what it means to be a disciple or apprentice of Jesus and and Apostle or sent one at the same time. We are learning, gifted and sent to love like Jesus and grow His Kingdom just as we are in Christ. Amen! It's coming alive around the table just as in Acts 2:42. Keep praying into that!
Last night one of our conversations around one of the tables was about death and heaven and what transpires as we await our resurrection bodies and the new heaven and earth. That comes alive today as we think about Doris/Nana. She is in paradise in Jesus' presence in spirit right now awaiting that Great day of the Lord when we put on our new bodies and dwell in the House of the Lord forever. 2 Corinthians 5:8 reminds us that we can be confident that when we leave these bodies behind we will be at home with the Lord. In Isaiah 57:2 God says that if we continue to walk in His ways, we will rest in peace when we die. God is peace and love and we will abide in these--in Him forever. Amen!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Morning Children of God! Yes you are, if you have received Jesus as you Lord and Savior--always and forever His child! You are created in God's image for His purposes which include loving as we are loved, walking in His ways, worshiping and abiding in His presence and as heirs of His Kingdom. You are His! He calls you by name, has redeemed you, gifted and empowered you and is with you always. All He asks is for your heart and to do what you can with who you are and how you've been created to love Him and others, glorify and worship Him, trust and obey and follow Jesus. You were created and then gifted in Christ according to His perfect plans for you and He does have great plans for you that He is working together. Then He has gathered you with other of His children to love each other, help each other and grow His Church. And Jesus' easy yoke for you involves being who you are created to be and walking with Him to His perfect plans for you and for His Body. Paul tells us that in this life Christ is all that matters and Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes that Loving God and enjoying life are to be our focus. Micah reminds us what God expects of us and what is good...do right or be doers of His justice (good things/helping others), love mercy and walk humbly with our God. In reality, our life lived well in Christ is summed up in the Greatest Commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as you love yourself. When we are doing that we are worshiping, obeying, and blessed and a blessing to God and others (and even ourselves). May we always keep our focus there! Our goal is to learn to live and love like Jesus and do so more and more until He calls us home! Keep at it children! Eternity awaits as we complete our races well. What love, grace and mercy God showers over us--His faithful ones!
Check out the devos below speaking about God's love, grace and mercy and our walking humbly with God and loving well. he loves you--eternally and has created you for such a time as this and walks with you until that last breath here and then welcomes you as you take those first breaths of heaven in His presence. Yes He is Love and loves us so much! PTL! Some things we will never know or understand this side of heaven but we do have assurance of His eternal love and of being in His presence always from today through eternity! Amen
UR: Do You Talk to Jesus
[Jesus] took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. - Mark 10:16 (NIV)
One morning after church, my pastor and I were discussing some church business when I noticed that my four-year-old granddaughter was not with me. As I looked around, I noticed her sitting in the doorway to the sanctuary, munching on her fruit snacks. I could see that she was talking to someone as well. I went up to her, knelt down, and asked, “Who are you talking to?” Pointing to a large stained glass picture of Jesus holding children on his lap, she said, “Jesus!” Then with the innocence of a four-year-old, she asked me, “Nana, do you talk to Jesus?” With a chuckle I told her, “Yes, all the time!”
In the Bible, God tells us that children are a blessing and a gift. Their spirits are filled with innocence and trust. But what a reminder to me that I too can talk to the Lord with that same innocence and trust. With childlike humility and faith, I can trust that God is listening and will not turn me away. God wants to hear from every child — no matter their age.
Today's Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for children and grandchildren, who remind us that we are all your blessed children. In the name of Jesus, who never turned the little ones away. Amen.
ODB:
“If Jesus were physically seated at the table with us this morning, what would you want to ask Him?” Joe inquired of his children at breakfast. His boys thought of their toughest questions. They decided they wanted to ask Jesus the most difficult math problems and have Him tell them how big the universe really is. Then his daughter replied, “I would ask Him for a hug.”
Can’t you picture the love in Jesus’ eyes for these children? I think He would be glad to comply with the requests, don’t you? I imagine Him bantering with the boys and opening his arms to the little girl. He might especially like the desire of Joe’s daughter for a hug, which seems to demonstrate a heart of love for Him and a desire for His love.
Children have a sense of their dependence, and they know that Jesus is strong and loving. He said, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:17). Christ longs for us to recognize our need for His grace, forgiveness, and salvation. He enjoys humble hearts that long to be near Him.
Is there something you’d like to ask Jesus? We’ve certainly all had our questions! Or maybe you just want to be close to Him? Run to Him now for that hug and so much more that you need.
By Anne Cetas
|
What do you think you will say or do when you first see Jesus? What does it mean to have the faith of a child?
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The parable of the tax collector (Luke 18:9-17) was specifically told to those who, like the Pharisee, were confident in their own righteousness. It wasn’t a warning against being righteous but against trusting in our righteousness, thinking that doing certain things or following certain rules puts us in correct standing with God. Jesus says the opposite is true. God looks with grace and mercy upon those who in humility recognize their need of Him, regardless of their actions. James reminds us of this same truth: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
J.R. Hudberg |
|
|
|
|
|
Sarah Young
Chuck Swindoll
Joyce Meyer
LISTEN ONLINE
