David Frees- Peace is a reality few people experience these days. But in the midst of our chaotic world, God offers a peace that goes far beyond human understanding. This hope of peace lies at the heart of the story of the Bible. Because of Adam and Eve's rebellion in the garden of Eden, all of us are born in need of a restored relationship with our Creator. But God lovingly provided a solution: Jesus, 'the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' (John 1:29). By faith we identify and trust in Jesus' offer of Himself for our sins so we can experience salvation and, as a result, peace with God.
Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid' (14:27).
The apostle Paul encouraged his readers with these words: 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful' (Col. 3:15).
The big story of the Bible is that Jesus has conquered death and promises us eternal life. Because of this wonderful truth, we don't need to be consumed by the world's uncertainty. Instead, we can let the peace of God rule in our hearts."
Let's pray-
As few people experience peace these day, may we seek Your peace to confront the chaotic world we live in. This peace goes far beyond our understanding, pointing us to the hope that's found in Bible stories.
Adam and Eve's rebellion in the garden of Eden has caused all of us to be in need of a restored relationship with You. Thankfully, You've provided the solution: Jesus has become our Savior, taking away our sins upon repentance of them, belief and our receiving Him into our hearts. We can experience the power of salvation that brings Your peace!
The apostle Paul encourages folks to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. and be thankful" (Co. 3:15).
The Big story of the Bible is that Jesus has conquered death and promises us eternal life. Because of this wonderful truth, we don't need to be consumed by the world's uncertainty. Instead, we can let the peace of God rule in our hearts.
We're praying this for our good and the glory of Christ Jesus. Amen.
"Seeking God keeps us from being tossed to and fro with fears and fretfulness. When we seek him, our rapid heart-rates calm as He holds us close."
#105 Testimony- Theodore Monod
Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be
When I proudly said to Jesus—
"All of self and none of Thee."
Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on the accursed tree;
And my wistful heart said faintly,
"Some of self and some of Thee."
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower, while I whispered
"Less of self, and more of Thee!"
Higher than the highest heavens,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
"Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
None of self and ALL of Thee!"
1861-1865 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-
1861- Matt. 21:22 "And all things whatsoever he shall ask in prayer believing, ye
shall receive."
1862- Neh. 13:31b "Remember me, O God, for good."
1863- Ps. 65:1a "Praise waiteth from thee, O Lord."
1864- Hosea 14:2a "Take with you words, and turn to the LORD."
1865- John 6:29b "This is the work of God, that ye believe in him whom he hath
sent."
#143 Hymn- What A Friend We Have in Jesus
Joseph Scriven watched in shock as the body of his fiancee was pulled from the lake. Their wedding had been planned for the next day. Reeling from the tragedy, he made up his mind to immigrate to America. Packing up his belongings in Dublin, Ireland, he sailed for Canada, leaving his mother behind. He was about 25 years old.
Ten years later, in 1855, he received a word that his mother was facing a crisis. Joseph wrote this poem and sent it to her. Mrs. Scriven evidently gave a copy to a friend who had it published anonymously, and it quickly became a popular hymn, though no one knew who had written it.
Until a short time before his death it was not known that he had a poetic gift. A neighbor, sitting up with him in his illness, happened upon a manuscript copy of "What a friend We Have in Jesus." Reading it with delight and questioning Mr. Scriven about it, he said that he had composed it for his mother, to comfort her in a time of special sorrow, not intending that anyone else should see it. Some time later, when another Port Hope neighbor asked him if it was true he composed the hymn, his reply was, "The Lord and I did it between us."
Some encouraging words- Merlin Carothers
"Many people live in fear of God rather than accepting His love for us. But when we understand all He has done for us we will want to follow Him. Once we become fully convinced of His grace, we then become dedicated to loving and serving Him"
Church Notes:
LEGACY
Something is left for someone when our death comes.
A Christian legacy is what we leave of the faith we have.
How clearly is Jesus seen in our lives?
Our lives need to resolve around Jesus.
Our relationship with Jesus should proceed everything!
We're to trust in His faithfulness.
Repentance and running to Jesus is what we need to do daily!
We're to pass our faith along to others.
People will remember us by our love.
We're to be faithful when no one is watching!
Be bold ambassadors for Christ, enduring the storms.
Be faithful in our assignment from God.
God sees us and how we treat one another.
People are watching too!
Everything is to honor the Church and Christ!
Upcoming posts:
7/4th- WELCOMED HOME BY GOD- Mike Wittmer
11th- CHRIST'S LOVE FOR YOU- George Whitefield
18th- PRAY FIRST- James Banks
Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)
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