I was so blessed by Scott's sermon (once again) yesterday!! Jarvis just brings it EVERY week and every lesson pierces right through my heart! I walked into church feeling very unsettled and unsure about several things...and left feeling encouraged and at peace. Scott reminded us that the Resurrection is not just an event, not just a day...but is the essence of who Jesus is...in John 11 He proclaimed "I am the resurrection and the life"!! What an absolutely amazing concept!! Because we believe, because we have faith that Jesus came as a man to this earth, suffered a cruel death on a cross...and then 3 days later rose again and now prepares a place for us in heaven...my sins are forgiven, your sins are forgiven...we have the promise of eternal life one day where there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more struggles, no more tears...only joy, peace, love and the chance to worship our Father forever. Amazing and sometimes unfathomable!!! I am ever so thankful.
He also reminded us that when we go through trials, are unsure of the future, don't know how we are going to make it...we need to remember that God IS the one in control, that ultimately He gets all of the glory...and that it is NOT about us!! Our hope is in Him-our faith, our trust, everything we need is in HIM...the I AM...the Resurrection, the Life, the Way, the Truth...in Him we have everything we need or ever will need. Our past, the present, and the future-are all in His capable hands! Our trust is in Him and no matter what we are doing or are facing-He is the one getting the glory! Hallelujah! :)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~Romans 5:1-5
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3 comments:
I have had a lot of struggles in my 21 month walk back. When I was in active addiction, it WAS all about me. Drugs was the center of my life. How many pills I had for the day, how many I would need on my days off. When I finally gave in to the unmanageability of my life & the spiritual void in my heart there was a sense of relief, shame, guilt, and denial all at once.
At first, there was hope after drugs. Hope I wouldn't be in a lot of pain. Hope I could survive an order from the pharmacy board. Hope someone would want to hire a pharmacist who was a recovering addict.
It is only by God's grace I'm not in jail. Not still addicted to pain meds. It is by God's grace I have a story to share. That my God is a forgiving God. He knew my heart when I didn't. Talk about thankful? I sometimes feel I can never repay God.
I read this the other day, but I guess I needed to read it again in order to say "Amen"!
John~thanks for jumping through all of the hoops to give me an Amen! ;)
Shellie~Wow, thanks for sharing your testimony-it is so powerful-I know that is not easy, but I am so thankful that God is carrying you through it...and has showed you His incredible mercy, grace, and forgiveness! It is amazing, often indescribable, and no we can never repay-but that is what makes it SO beautiful! :) Thank you so much for sharing-you have a mighty testimony for our Father!!
You know this is what I write about--that it matters not our circumstance, our trial, or our changing situation, God is God & unchanging, and His promises are true & unchanging. It is still amazing to me that it doesnt matter how often I think I learn that lesson I still forget when I am in the moment! Then God says to me "I Am!" and once again I am reminded of His faithfulness.
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