VOICE OF TRUTH... PERSEVERE... ENDURE...

MEDITATION MONDAY

~PERSEVERANCE~

~ENDURANCE~

James 1:12


Blessed is a (wo)man

who PERSEVERES under trial;

for once she has been approved,

she will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised

to those who love Him.

Hebrews 12:2-3 2

“Let us fix our eyes on JESUS,

the Author and Perfector

of our FAITH,

who for the joy set before Him

ENDURED the cross,

scorning its shame…

sat down at the right hand

of the throne of GOD.

CONSIDER Him

who ENDURED such opposition

from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary

and lose heart.”

Hebrews 11:1

“Now FAITH is being sure

of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:3-40

“By FAITH,

we understand that

the universe was formed

at GOD's command…

And without FAITH,

it is impossible to please GOD,

because anyone who comes to Him

must believe that He exists

and that He rewards those

who earnestly seek Him…

By FAITH,

men conquered kingdoms...

administered justice...

gained what was promised ...

shut the mouths of lions...

quenched flames…

escaped the sword…

weakness turned to strength…

became powerful in battle…

Hebrews 12:1

“Therefore,

since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders,

the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with PERSEVERANCE
the race marked out for us.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

The truth is that

ENDURANCE AND PERSEVERANCE

work best when alongside

Faithful Friends!

~BLESSED~

VOICE OF TRUTH...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

It was Friday, but Sunday has come!

THE VOICE OF TRUTH

as sung by Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have

The kind of faith it takes

To climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone

Into the realm of the unknown

where Jesus is

And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name

And they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me

Time and time again.

"Boy, you'll never win!"

"You'll never win!"

Chorus:

But the voice of truth

tells me a different story

The voice of truth says,

"Do not be afraid!"

The voice of truth says,

"This is for My glory."

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe

the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have

The kind of strength it takes

to stand before a giant

With just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors

Shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name

And he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me

Time and time again.

"Boy you'll never win!"

"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size

To put the giant on the ground

And the waves they don't seem so high

From on top of them lookin' down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

~BLESSED ~

CHERISH THE TREASURE.,., WITH FAMILY...

KETCHUP AND MUSTARD DAY

Catch Up and Must Do

I cherish the treasure of family time! The last few nights were a special time at our house. It wasn't necessarily because "our team" won the World Series. It was because the barometric pressure was above 30, which meant our oldest daughter (who suffers from chronic pain caused by low barometric pressure) was able to enjoy it with us. Thank You, God!!!!

I cherish the years of memories I had sitting with my Granny and watching / listening to Cardinals games on her little TV (with "rabbit ears") as we listened to Jack Buck announce the games via the radio.

I cherish the time we'll have the next few days with our youngest daughter - the Yankee's fan - who is flying home today for a visit.

How wonderful to know that the treasure of my Granny and our 2 daughters is not in the ball team, but in Jesus Christ, our treasure for eternal life!

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE... FOR THE CHILDREN...

I've been a people watcher for a long time, when it comes to families. I heard many years ago, that one of the best ways for parents to raise children is for the children to really see and know that their daddy loves their mommy and their mommy loves their daddy!

Over the years, I've seen parents who choose to "stay together for the sake of the children". They live, putting on foot in front of the other, tolerating their spouse. It's mediocre at best!

Life is so hard! Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy! Why allow him to do that to our marriages? Our families? Put Jesus at the center of your marriage relationship and soon Jesus will become the center of your family. Put Jesus and the center and there will be many blessings, beginning with the fruit of THE SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

I pray that if you have not had a chance to read the posts of this week, that you do so now. They will encourage you to become a Spirit-led mommy who cherishes the treasure of your spouse because of Jesus! Go ahead! Be a blessing by counting your blessings!

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE... CHOOSE FAITH AND FORGIVENESS...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

What a treasure! Jesus not only forgives me, but He models how I must forgive others. Easier said than done. Jesus, You are an incredible example of inner strength!

In our marriage seminar this last weekend, the speaker discussed "not forgiving" as a poison to the person who does not forgive. It is unhealthy (and downright deadly) for body, mind, soul, and spirit to hold on to unforgiveness.

Over the last few days I have had continual opportunity to be impatient, frustrated, angry, and even furious with various people. It did not take long for me to get a knot in my stomach and feel the need to tell it like it is to more than a few people. But why go at it with that attitude?

Not always, but often, people "do not know what they do! Not always, but often, people have "no clue"! We can injure each other with our actions, our words, our ingratitude, and our forgetfulness. Sometimes forgiveness means having a loving dialog with the other person. Sometimes the other person is not ready for that discussion or even clueless as to what they did. In such a case - FORGIVE AND MOVE ON!

SIGH! Easier said than done! Yet, "I don't wanna', but I'm a gonna'!"

At home today, with our husbands and children, let's cherish the treasure and choose forgiveness.

Out and about today? Let's do the same! I certainly don't need any more toxins in my body than I already have.

I forgive! I choose to count my blessings and not my troubles!

FAITH

Fixes my eyes on JESUS

Hebrews 12:2-3

“Let us fix our eyes on JESUS,

the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR

of our F.A.I.T.H.,

who for the joy set before Him

endured the cross,

scorning its shame…

sat down at the right hand

of the throne of GOD.

3 Consider Him

who endured such opposition

from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary

and lose heart.”

FAITH

Assures me

of what I hope for!

Hebrews 11:1

“Now FAITH is being sure

of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.”

FAITH

says,

"I don’t wanna’

but I’m a gonna’!"

Hebrews 11:3-40

“By FAITH we understand that the universe

was formed at GOD's command…

6 And without FAITH,

it is impossible to please GOD,

because anyone who comes to Him

must believe that He exists

and that He rewards those

who earnestly seek Him…

by FAITH men conquered Kingdoms…

administered justice…

gained what was promised;

shut the mouths of lions,

quenched flames…

escaped the sword…

weakness turned to strength…

became powerful in battle… "

By FAITH, I choose to forgive!

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE...

*NOTE: Practice these verses today, challenging your memory. If you can't figure out what goes in the blanks, look over on the right sidebar.

BLOG'S OCTOBER SCRIPTURE MEMORY

JAMES 1 12

Blessed is a (wo)man who ___________ under trial;

for once she has been ____________,

she will receive the _________of life

which the Lord has ____________

to those who ______ Him.

FAITHFUL FRIENDS CLASS VERSES

FAITH Fixes my eyes on JESUS – Heb 12:2-3 2

“Let us fix our ______ on JESUS,

the AUTHOR and __________ of our _________,

who for the ______ set before Him

endured the cross, _________ its shame…

sat down at the right hand of the __________of GOD.

3 Consider Him who endured such ____________

from sinful men, so that you will not grow _______ and lose heart.”

FAITH Assures me of what I hope for - Heb 11:1

“Now FAITH is being sure of what we ______for

and ________ of what we do not see.”

FAITH says I don’t wanna’ but I’m a gonna’-Heb 11:3-40

3 “By FAITH we understand that the universe

was formed at GOD's ___________

6 And without FAITH it is ___________ to please GOD,

because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He ______

and that He rewards those who earnestly _______ Him…

by FAITH men ___________ Kingdoms…

administered justice…

gained what was ____________;

shut the mouths of lions,

34 quenched _________…

escaped the sword…

weakness turned to ___________…

became ___________ in battle…

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE... INSIDE THE TREASURE

I love it that THE TREASURE lives at my house. It is a privilege and an honor to be BLESSED with the treasure of my husband, Steve. It is THE TREASURE who lives inside of Steve who makes Steve the man he is.

When a person walks in step with the Spirit of God, the Spirit's fruit is evident (Galatians 5:22-23):

• love


• joy


• peace


• patience


• kindness


• goodness


• gentleness


• faithfulness


• self control
  

I cherish my husband and THE TREASURE he allows to live inside him and keep step with.

Galatians 5:24-26
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE... HEAVENLY PLACES...

MEDITATION MONDAY

WHO AM I AS A CHRISTIAN?

AS A CHRISTIAN WIFE?

MOTHER?

SISTER?

FRIEND?

CHILD OF GOD?

Today, after a full weekend of being part of a powerful marriage retreat, the Faithful Friends Bible class, and a Holy Spirit driven sermon about Heavenly Places, I am cherishing the treasure of my LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Over the course of this quarter, in our Faithful Friends class, there has been an emphasis on seeing with "spiritual eyes". Throughout the marriage retreat and Steve's sermon, we were challenged to do the same. Steve encouraged us to see ourselves in Heavenly Places and make sure that's where our marriages and ministries are. Those two words are found 5 times in scripture - all in the book of Ephesians. Let's meditate on those five today as we CONSIDER our marriages, mothering, and ministries.

• 1:3 "BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly Places in Christ..."

• 1:19-21 "...what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly Places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

• 2:5-7 "...even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

• 2:9-11 "... and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the Heavenly Places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord..."

• 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the Heavenly Places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

NOTE: The devil is in Heavenly Places, too. Re-read 6:11-13.

Steve encouraged us to put on God's FULL ARMOR, as we live in Heavenly Places. "Remember when the devil tries to remind you of your past - you remind him of his future!"

~BLESSED~

CHERISH THE TREASURE...

Cherish the Treasure

as sung by Steve Green

I cherish the treasure
The treasure of you
Lifelong companion
I give myself to you
God has enabled me
To walk with you faithfully
And cherish the treasure
The treasure of you

As I obey the Spirit's voice
And seek to do His will
I then can see the wisdom of His plan
For as He works His will in me
I then can love you selflessly
And by His grace,

can pledge my love
To you

Chorus

This sacred vow I make to you
Does not contain an "if"
Though I'm aware that trials lie ahead
I will love you and pray with you
And through it all, I will stay with you
Our home will be a refuge of
Unconditional love

Chorus

Cherish the treasure...
The treasure of you

~BLESSED~

BLESSED ASSURANCE... FOR FLAWED FAMILIES...

Let's face it! We are all flawed! I'm flawed! You're flawed! Husbands and ex-husbands are flawed! Children are flawed! Yet, it is because of Jesus that God sees us differently. Once you and I took the steps to become a christian, we became part of a large eternal family. We've said, "We are friends of Jesus!" On the Judgment Day, Jesus will say to His Heavenly Father, "These guys are with me! I claim them as my brothers and sisters."

If we know we are all flawed and Jesus is the answer for life, then why don't people flock to Jesus? What about when marriages need a tune-up or a major overhaul? Shouldn't Jesus be the answer to the problems within marriage?

This weekend our church is hosting a Marriage Enrichment, beginning this evening at 7 p.m. www.cochrist.org

Couples are taking the step to confess that there are flaws in their marriages. They know that Jesus is the answer! What BLESSED ASSURANCE!

~BLESSED~

BLESSED ASSURANCE... NOT MY WILL BUT THINE...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

Our kids grew up hearing their daddy often say, "I don't wanna' but I'm a gonna"!" It's a phrase that has stuck with all of us. Jesus used a similar phrase, "Not my will, but Thine!"

You and I both know how hard life can be. Sometimes I literally scream, "I don't wanna' do this!" It can be because of fear, frustration, exhaustion, or even bull-headness. Each time, though, I pray that it is by FAITH that I say, "Patti, you may not 'wanna'', but it's the right thing to do!" That's when the "I'm a gonna!" steps in.

Here are some thoughts to ponder as you consider how you are transforming into Jesus' likeness:

F ix your eyes on Jesus!

A ssurance is in what we hope for and do not see

I don't wanna', but I'm a gonna!

T

H

Scroll down to yesterday's post to read our scriptures that go with these statements.

~BLESSED~

BLESSED ASSURANCE...AS WE PERSEVERE...

JAMES 1:12

12 Blessed is a (wo)man

who perseveres under trial;

for once she has been approved,

she will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised

to those who love Him.

*NOTE:

This whole concept of perseverance

was one of the biggest things

my earthly father taught me.

Dad, today, I celebrate your life!

You would be turning 90 years old!

You lived 76 years, persevering to

please your Heavenly Father.

Thank you!

FAITHFUL FRIENDS CLASS VERSES


FAITH Fixes my eyes on JESUS – Hebrews 12:2-3

2 “Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of our FAITH, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame…sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”


FAITH Assures me of what I hope for - Hebrews 11:1

“Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”


FAITH says I don’t wanna’ but I’m a gonna’-Hebrews 11:3-40

3 “By FAITH we understand that the universe was formed at GOD's command…6 And without FAITH.it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him… by FAITH men conquered Kingdoms… administered justice… gained what was promised; shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched flames… escaped the sword…weakness turned to strength… became powerful in battle…

~BLESSED~

BLESSED ASSURANCE... FROM GUILT TO GRACE...

Oh, the joy!

One of the meanings of "Blessed" is "Oh, the joy!"

Oh, the joy I have IN CHRIST! Oh, the joyful assurance to trust Him at His word. I have my identity IN HIM!

IN HIM, I have BLESSED ASSURANCE! Oh, the joy to move from guilt to living in the grasp of His grace. Thank You, Jesus!

WHO I AM IN CHRIST:
A live with Christ
B eloved of God
B lessed
B orn of God, and the evil one does not touch me
C hosen
C omplete in Him
C rucified with Christ
D ead to sin
D elivered from the power of darkness/translated into God's kingdom
E stablished, anointed, and sealed
F ree from Condemnation
F irmly rooted, built up, established in the faith
F orgiven of all my sins
F riend of Jesus Christ
G od’s workmanship
H ealed by the wounds of Jesus
H oly and without blame before Him in love
I mage of His glory
J ustified
J oint heir with Christ
K ingdom seeker
L ight of the world and salt of the earth
L oved
M ore than a conqueror
M ember of Christ's body
N ew Creature
O ne in Christ
P rotected from the evil one
Q ualified to share in His inheritance
R edeemed from the curse of the law
R econciled to God
R aised up with Christ
R ighteousness of God
S aint
S eated in heavenly places
S et Free
S trong in the Lord
T emple of the Holy Spirit
U nited with God and one spirit with Him
V ictorious
W ise
eX alting Christ in my body
Y ahweh’s Child
Z ion Dweller

~BLESSED ASSURANCE~

BLESSED ASSURANCE... I AM PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST...

MEDITATION MONDAY

BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE! As I meditated on the words of Fanny Crosby's song yesterday, I was profoundly convicted by the words. (See yesterday's post and listen to 3 versions of this week's theme song on the playlist).

In his sermon, yesterday, Dan spoke of the greatness of being part of the Church. He said, "Jesus died for the church." - Ephesians 5:25-26 and "The church is mysteriously presented as the "body of Christ." - Ephesians 5:27-32. As part of the "body of Christ", the hour before Dan's sermon, a group of women sat together in Bible class. We are being challenged as to "WHO I AM IN CHRIST". We are working on our ABC's.

WHO I AM IN CHRIST:
A live with Christ - Ephesians 2:5
B eloved of God - Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:4
B lessed -Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Matthew 5:1-12; Galatians 3:9
B orn of God, and the evil one does not touch me - 1 John 5:18
C hosen - 1 Thess. 1:4; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9
C omplete in Him - Colossians 2:10
C rucified with Christ - Galatians 2:20
D ead to sin - Romans 6:2, 11; 1 Peter 2:24
D elivered from the power of darkness/translated into God's kingdom - Col. 1:13
E stablished, anointed, and sealed - 2 Corinthians 1:21: Colossians 1:8
F ree from Condemnation–Romans 8:1
F irmly rooted, built up, established in the faith - Colossians 2:7
F orgiven of all my sins – Eph. 1:7, Heb. 9:14, Col. 1:14, 1 John 1:9 & 2:12
F riend of Jesus Christ-John 15:15
G od’s workmanship - Ephesians 2:10
H ealed by the wounds of Jesus - 1 Pet. 2:24; Is. 53:6;
H oly and without blame before Him in love - 1 Peter 1:1, Ephesians 1:4
I mage of His glory – 2 Corinthians 3:18
J ustified – Romans 5:1
J oint heir with Christ - Romans 8:17
K ingdom seeker – Matthew 6:33
L ight of the world and salt of the earth – Matthew 5:
L oved – 1 John 3:3
M ore than a conqueror - Romans 8:37
M ember of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
N ew Creature - 2 Corinthians 5:17
O ne in Christ - John 17:21-23
P rotected from the evil one - John 17:15
Q ualified to share in His inheritance - Colossians 1:12
R edeemed from the curse of the law - 1 Peter 1:18,19; Gal. 3:13; Col. 1:14
R econciled to God - 2 Corinthians 5:18
R aised up with Christ - Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6
R ighteousness of God - 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)
S aint - Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1)
S eated in heavenly places – Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6
S et Free - John 8:31-33
S trong in the Lord - Ephesians 6:10
T emple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19
U nited with God and one spirit with Him – 1 Corinthians 6:17
V ictorious - Revelation 21:7-
W ise – 1 Corinthians 3:30
eX alting Christ in my body – Philippians 1:20
Y ahweh’s Child – John 1:12
Z ion Dweller – Hebrews 12:21-23

~BLESSED~

BLESSED ASSURANCE...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

BLESSED ASSURANCE

lyrics by Fanny Crosby

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

~BLESSED~

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS... AND FIX YOUR EYES ON HIM...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

There are some days that getting out of bed is hard. There are some weeks when getting out of bed is really hard. This is one of those weeks. It could be the change in the weather. It could be exhaustion. It's just possibly too many things to think about. And then it hits me again, right between the eyes...

I can not fix it!

I live in a lost and broken world. There is only One answer; only One Fixer!What I need to do again today, tomorrow, and forever is FIX my eyes on Jesus! Focusing on Jesus, living for Him, and modeling how He lived and loved is how I can make it through these kinds of todays.

When I FIX, I'm focusing on Jesus Christ!

When I FIX, He is faithful!

When I FIX, He assures me!

When I FIX, I'm not focusing on the winds and the waves (other people or circumstances)

When I FIX, He is faithful!

When I FIX, He assures me!

It's transforming!

Blessed assurance!

Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.

~BLESSED~

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS... CROWN OF PROMISE...

JAMES 1:12

12 Blessed is a (wo)man who perseveres under trial; for once she has been approved, she will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.


FAITHFUL FRIENDS CLASS VERSES


FAITH Fixes my eyes on JESUS – Hebrews 12:2-3

2 “Let us fix our eyes on JESUS, the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of our FAITH, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame…sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”


FAITH Assures me of what I hope for - Hebrews 11:1

“Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”


FAITH says I don’t wanna’ but I’m a gonna’-Hebrews 11:3-40

3 “By FAITH we understand that the universe was formed at GOD's command…6 And without FAITH.it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him… by FAITH men conquered Kingdoms… administered justice… gained what was promised; shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched flames… escaped the sword…weakness turned to strength… became powerful in battle…

~BLESSED~

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS... CROWN OF THORNS....

It is this crown worn by the KING of kings that most profoundly shows how He is the NAME above all names. It took over the top COURAGE for Him to accept the placement of this crown to demonstrate His love for us. Thank You, Jesus!

The people of Sherwood Pictures have walked the walk of courage on their journey to produce films that honor God. I am so thankful that Alex Kendrick and friends have produced FLYWHEEL, FACING THE GIANTS, and FIREPROOF. They knocked it out of the ballpark with their new movie: COURAGEOUS. This group at Sherwood Pictures understands the courage that it took for Jesus Christ to live the life that He did.

Last night, my hubby and I went to see the movie COURAGEOUS. I saw how deeply the movie touched his heart. This man of conviction and courage, has led our family on a journey that has required much long-suffering, persistence, and endurance... courage. He has continually connected us to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit's leading. I am so thankful to be the wife of this man of COURAGE - Steve Sikes. It is and has been a transforming journey!

JAMES 1

12 Blessed is a man

who perseveres under trial;
for once he has been approved,
he will receive the crown of life
which the Lord
has promised
to those who love Him.


~BLESSED~

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS... HE IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY...

MEDITATION MONDAY

There were many connections that ran loud and clear between my Sunday morning class for women and Steve's sermon. We had not talked about them together. Yet, the Holy Spirit of God took care of that. One thing that came across loud and clear in both:

"Fix your eyes on Jesus in order to become Jesus Christ to the world... so that the world will know that there is a GOD."

In class, we talked about a multiplicity of descriptions/names of Jesus. Once entering the worship service, there were an array of connections to who Jesus was in the song service, communion, and Steve's sermon:

• 
  
  
  WORD



• 
  
  
  LORD



• 
  
  
  HOPE OF GLORY



• 
  
  
  LION



• 
  
  
  LAMB



• 
  
  
  LIGHT



• 
  
  
  LOVE



• 
  
  
  HEAD OF THE BODY

Steve encouraged our LOVING, SERVING, and GIVING congregation that there are still ways that we need to GROW-UP and MATURE in Christ. Our goal is to be completely in tune with Jesus Christ, who is the HEAD of His body, the church. By Jesus' power, through His truth, unity, and use of our Holy Spirit gifts we can come to maturity in Christ.

.

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS!

~BLESSED~

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS

SUNDAY IN THE SON

Crown Him with Many Crowns
Text: Matthew Bridges, 1800-1894, and Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903
Music: George J. Elvey, 1816-1893


1. Crown Him with many crowns,
the Lamb upon His throne,
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns
all music but it's own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
of Him who died for thee,
and hail Him as thy matchless King
through all eternity.

2. Crown Him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o'er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing,
who died, and rose on high,
who died, eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

3. Crown Him the LORD of peace,
whose power a scepter sways
from pole to pole, that wars may cease,
and all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
and round His pierced feet
fair flowers of paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.

4. Crown Him the Lord of love;
behold His hands and side,
those wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise and glory shall not fail
throughout eternity.

~BLESSED~

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS... I WANT MY GRANDCHILDREN TO KNOW...

Happy First Birthday, Kaleah Faith!

Gigi wants you to know that your blessings all come from God and the best friend you'll ever have is Jesus!

~BLESSED~

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS... HANG ON TO HIM...

TRANSFORMING THURSDAY

How do we convince the caterpillar,

in the picture above,

that her life will not always be this way?

It is literally the perseverance... the endurance... the patience... even the long-suffering that is the transformation process! A caterpillar expert once told me, "Some of the most beautiful butterflies are those who have taken the longest time to transform from the caterpillar."

Hang in there, mama! Whatever your going through has a tremendous BLESSING ahead. This month's verse reminds us:

"Blessed is a woman who perseveres under trial;

for once she has been approved,

she will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised

to those who love Him."

~BLESSED~

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS... HE PERSEVERED FOR US...

THIS MONTH'S VERSE (FEMALE STYLE):

JAMES 1

12 Blessed is a (wo)man who perseveres under trial;

for once she has been approved,

she will receive the crown of life

which the Lord

has promised

to those who love Him.

~BLESSED~

NOTE: The plan is that over the next few months we will continue the theme of BLESSED via the book of James, much like we have already through Matthew 5.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS... THANK YOU!

So thankful for Your friendship, Jesus! You are my:

Advocate

Blessing

Counselor

Deliverer

Eternal Friend

Faithful Friend

Guide

Help

Immanuel (God with us!)

Just Judge

King of kings

LORD of lords

Mediator

Name above all names

Only One

Prince of peace

Quieter of my winds and waves

Redeemer

Savior and Sin offering

Teacher of Truth Unfailing love

Victory

Way, Truth, and Life

eXample

Yahweh

Zion stander

I am a woman most

BLESSED!

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.... YEP! THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES IT EVIDENT...

MEDITATION MONDAY

Usually, every Sunday morning at the Pitman Road church of Christ, there are obvious Holy Spirit connections. Yesterday morning, to those who had just come from our ladies class called, "Faithful Friends" we saw those Holy Spirit connections loud and clear. They were in the songs, the scriptures, the communion talk, and the sermon. Here are a few:

1. Our focus on fixing our eyes on Jesus to forge strong spiritual friendships was affirmed as we sang several songs, led by Dwight, including: "Faithful love flowing down from a thorn covered crown, makes me whole, saves my soul, washes whiter than snow... Faithful love calms each fear, reaches down, dries each tear, holds my hand when I can not stand on my own. Faithful love from above... " Yep! We'd talked about that in class!

2. Our class focus on having "spiritual eyes" was affirmed when Glynn shared via his communion talk about a lady who he ministered to via his hospice job. This lady was blind, but could see clearly the spiritual world. Her prayer was that she could see completely once Jesus took her home. Yep! Seeing with spiritual eyes that have fixed themselves on Jesus!

3. In class, I shared about how we are not teaching our children to think at a higher level. The simple ability of asking questions and/or answering the hard questions will stifle their search for the meaning of life... for God. In Dan's sermon, he shared that the church's children are leaving church at an alarming rate. We must not focus on, "We are right and they are wrong!" We must focus on Jesus, with the attitude of these 10 words: We're sorry! We were wrong! Forgive us! We love you!

Yep! Jesus articulated how we are to be LIGHT and SALT to this world, "Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn... the meek... those who hunger and thirst for righteousness... the merciful.... the pure in heart.... the peacemakers... "

4. There were many more connections throughout the service, yesterday. Yet, the most profound was that at the end, the scripture that came up on the screen until the service was over were the verses that our class has focused on the last 4 weeks:

Hebrews 12

2 “Let us fix our eyes on JESUS,

• the AUTHOR and PERFECTOR of our F.A.I.T.H.,
• who for the joy set before Him
• endured the cross,
• scorning its shame…
• sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.

3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Yep, we are soooooo Holy Spirit

~BLESSED!~

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS...

SUNDAY IN THE SON

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

~BLESSED~