Faith Triumphs In Trouble

Romans 5:1-5 " Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us."  

Some days our words are not sufficient. But His grace is, so we hope in that. My heart is inexplicably full of joy today. So l will power on and stand as best l can in Him, knowing that at the end of each day these words from Romans are true. So l have the Holy Spirit.  What a gift. May we open that gift, each one of us today.

In His Service,
Pastor Fred

Acts 3:4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John.  Then Peter. said, "Look at us."

Eye contact is so powerful.  So much opportunity for contact, for communication, and for ministry is missed for a lack of eye contact. My father used to make me look him in the eyes.  Especially, it seemed, when he knew I was lying.  But also, when he as concerned about me for other reasons.


We aren't terribly fond of eye contact.  With younger children, we ask for eye contact to make sure we are being heard or understood.  I sometimes want eye contact so I can convey that I care or give someone an opportunity to share or trust.  Peter and John gave something to share and they want to make sure they are understood.

Our lives can get pretty messed up and complicated.  I hope we don't miss too many opportunities to look each in the eyes so we can respond to what is really going on for us and each other.  The beginning of help or change or the miraculous can be as simple as really looking into each other's eyes.

Here's looking at you my friends,
Pastor Fred

 The Gift, Part 4
Shared by Margie Johnson

To love the Lord with all your mind,
With all your heart and soul;
To live for Him, is great reward,
And to serve Him…your pleasure and goal.
 
Please know that His love is so real and so great;
It is yours, if you want it…or not.
But only the one who follows His Son,
Is forgiven of every blot.
 
My prayer is that this Christmas you’ll see…
Far greater than all you can gain for a fee,
Is the gift that’s not under the tree!
 
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Daily Devotional  The Gift, Part 3 Shared by Margie Johnson It’s the gift of life God offers to man Through His Only Begotten Son; It’s not mine to give ~ only mine to share, And it’s offered to everyone. In order to receive and call it your own, You must first think, once or twice… The gift is free; it’s through Jesus given, Because He paid the price. So before I go, I must let you know Though you can’t earn God’s gift of life; It will still cost you dearly; giving up your own will, To deny self…is your sacrifice. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Daily Devotional 
The Gift, Part 2
Shared by Margie Johnson

If only once-a-year, or two,
Or maybe once-a-week,
We acknowledge that Jesus Christ the Lord
Is real, but for whom we’ve no need…
 
Then we’ll not understand God’s salvation plan,
To bring us under His wings.
We’ll still be a slave, to sin and the grave…
And death will still have its sting.
 
God never intended we simply agree
That Jesus is kind and good.
It’s flowers God seeks and call to Himself;
Those whose heart find His Word to be true.
 
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

The Gift, Part 1

Shared by Margie Johnson

Is there room in your heart for the gift from above?

For the gift that’s not under the tree;

The only one that won’t wear out;

The only gift precious…yet free!

The child born of a virgin 2,000 years ago,

Was not created by God above,

But was sent down to earth to save all mankind;

He was sent from the Father, with love.

It was for us He came; his enemies…

Due to our disobedient ways.

It was for us He came to pay the price

To bring us to His heavenly place.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Daily Devotional -  by Faith Peay
 
    One of the bible stories that has always intrigued me was the story of Enoch walking with God in Genesis 5:22-24.  “Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years……and he was not, for God took him.”  Hebrews 11:5 tells us that Enoch had “obtained the witness, he was pleasing to God.”

     I mean seriously, Enoch walked with God 300 years.  Every day, Enoch arose and sought the Lord, walking faithfully with the Almighty.  Eventually, Enoch became so pleasing to God that, without passing through death, he was taken home to be with the Lord.  I try to wrap my head around that.  I wonder what they talked about for three hundred years.  I would like to have one day like that, let alone three hundred years.  Sometimes we forget, or I do, to just walk with God, and carry on a conversation without asking for things or to just to be in His presence being enough.  The trouble is, the troubles of the world crowd around us and we get nervous and frightened about what lies ahead. 

     Whatever may happen in the future, the God of the future is walking with us today.  And while we may not be able to see into tomorrow, our faithfulness to Christ today is our best security for whatever lies ahead.

     As the first person raptured by Christ, Enoch sets the standard for all whom Jesus will one day gather to Himself.  Simply and passionately walk with God.
 
Your friend in Christ
Faith