Jesus, the Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. — John 11:25

During this advent season, we await the coming of Jesus. Advent means coming.

But we are also reminded that He gave His life for us on the cross.

And He rose again and now lives in heaven with His Father, God.

Jesus is the resurrection.

He is alive, and we, too, can have eternal life, thanks to  His sacrifice.

When we believe in Him, we will live even though we die.

What a wonderful message that is to hear.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. — 2 Corinthians 4:7

God has formed  us just a potter forms a jar from clay.

We have the treasure of salvation in our bodies, jars of clay.

This power is all-surpassing.

It is a gift from God.

It is not from us nor from anything we do.

We are struck down but not destroyed.

We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed.

Thanks be to God!

Our Competence Comes from God

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Corinthians 3:5

I am not competent in myself to claim anything for myself.

My competence comes from God.

On Sunday I sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" for our worship service.

You can watch it on LiveStream about 59:35 minutes into the service:
https://livestream.com/FPCSD/events/8914821/videos/199466636

Our new pastor was preaching a sermon about Tamar and Judah, but he told me the theme was God's care.

When he mentioned that, I immediately thought of this song, which ends with "I know He watches me."

During the sermon I was doubting the choice, thinking "Because He Lives" might have been more appropriate.

I asked God to communicate the song's message through my singing.

I realize I'm not competent on my own.

God helped me communicate His message through the song, and our pastor Jeff mentioned how perfectly it fit with his sermon.

That was definitely a God thing.

He can use me as He sees fit. My competence comes from God.

He is worthy of our praise!

Each One Is Part of the Body of Christ

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. — 1 Corinthians 12:27

We are each part of the body of Christ.

He has baptized us into His family and has filled us with the Holy Spirit.

On Friday we will celebrate the life of Tina Thompson.

She was part of our church family and served as pastor and in other roles at several churches.

She served at Ladle Fellowship and on the session of our church over the years.

Her smile was infectious.

Here is a photo of our street choir, some of whom are also Ladle guests.

We are each part of the body of Christ.

 

 

Jesus, the Bread of Life

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35

Last night we watched some of Ben Hur before we went to sleep.

One of the people in the film was a wise man who visited Jesus when he was born and was now trying to find him, 30 years later.

During this Christmas season, we are thanking God for sending Jesus.

We rely on Him as our bread of life.

He has given us strength to continue when can't do it on our own.

And He has healed me from cancer.

Whoever comes to Him will never go hungry and will never thirst.

Rejoicing in His promises.

God's Consolation Brings Joy

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:19 

When I get worried or anxious, God comforts me.

The diagnosis of cancer was shocking, and I was anxious.

When Kirk's dad died and things took longer to resolve than expected, I grew anxious and worried.

But God reminded me that the length of time I would take to resolve didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

He reminded me that He was still in control in both situations.

And He guided our family as we pushed ahead to continue to get things done for Him.

God's consolation has brought me joy.

Our Christmas tree reminds us of His great love for us. 

Sending His Son, Jesus, to take on our sins was the greatest sacrifice.

Even in the midst of uncertainly and anxiety, God remains our rock.

Praying for You

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. — 2 Thessalonians 1:11

In Scripture, Paul reminds me to pray continually.

I ask God to help me do that more and more.

I also try to pray regularly for my friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, and people I encounter during the day.

Our pastor Jerry needs healing. So do many others.

My coworkers need encouragement.

The Rogers family needs comfort in the loss of Gary.

And when we remember our times with him, we think of Rita, too.

My sister-in-law Miki needs comfort and healing in the loss of her mom and dad.

My friend Dave lost his dad this year.

So did the Pulliam and McSwain families and many others.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and answering them.

Give us wisdom, fill us with your power that you may fulfill every good purpose of yours through us.

In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.