Follow God's Example

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1-2 

As dearly loved children, God calls us to follow His exmple.

And walk in the ways of love.

Just as Christ love us.

He gave Himself up for us.

A fragrant, scented offering.

And a sacrifice to God.

All for us.

Christ Loved Us

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 1:2

Christ loves us.

He even loves me.

Not just when I'm obeying His Word, but even when I'm avoiding Him.

He gave himself up for me as a fragrant offering.

Jesus took my place as a sacrifice to God.

Last week we paid off our home!

We give God the glory and praise for providing for us over and above anything we could ask or imagine.

Tomorrow we will go out to celebrate.

Like Living Stones

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 2:5

Today I met my friend Lainie for lunch.

She treated me to Greek food at cafe Athena. Yum.

Then we walked around her neighborhood, admiring the new construction.

And the tangerines on her tree.

She has a green thumb.

Here are some of the air plants she grew.

We are being build into a spiritual house.

To be a royal priesthood, offering sacrifices to God.

A Thank Offering

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. — Psalm 116:17

 

Tonight we celebrate thanksgiving with a service at church. 

We will sing hymns, pray, and share our thanks to God.

We will give our offerings of money, time, and talents.

Giving thanks to God for His abundant greatness.

Kirk and I will lead the Psalm readings along with our friend Sheri.

We will worship God in the beauty of His holiness.

Gathering together in our church courtyard outside.

Calling on the name of the Lord.

Praising God for His goodness and love.

And for His sacrifice for each of us.

Calling on the name of the Lord.

 

Worship the Lord

Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! — 1 Chronicles 16:29

On Sunday our worship service was down to a bare minimum of participants.

It was available via live-stream since the congregation stayed home.

Our governor mandated that we shelter in place on Friday.

So here's the link to the service: https://livestream.com/fpcsd/events/9038961

Greta presented an awesome sermon.

I sang "I Surrender All" accompanied by our interim music director, Rodney Girvin.

God knew that this song would go well with the sermon, "I Thirst."
 I sang the first hymn, "To God Be the Glory," with our other soloists.

Luigi did a great job on the other hymns and the praise song with our drummer, Joel.

Adam, Neil and Dave did the sound and tech. Isa had the video camera.

Pastor Jerry led the welcome, prayers, communion, children's sermon, and benediction.

It was strange to have no congregation there.

But God was there and with each person who watched online.





He is with us now!

Beloved Children

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1-2

It is not always easy to walk in love when we are around people who are mean or rude or disrespectful.

We are beloved children of God.

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

He is a fragrant offering and a pleasing sacrifice for us.

He is a sacrifice to God.

We are blessed.

Dearly Loved Children

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1

Sunday my friend Mari made me some delicious emapañadas.

She also gave me some holiday coffee made by a pastor friend of hers as a fundraiser.

What a wonderful combination.

Mari and her husband walk in the way of love and bless me with their friendship.

My friend Mariley does the same.

We met for lunch last week.

She has been praying for me since I was first diagnosed with cancer.

And she has been supporting me and encouraging me along my journey.

Even sharing her personal story with me and how she has overcome cancer herself.

These friends walk in the way of love, showering me with their blessings and care.

As dearly loved children, God also showers us with His love.

Even giving himself up for us.

Christ loves us and offered himself for our sakes. Wow!