2009 – Can You Believe It!?
How will 2008 be better than 2009? I think we need to get to that place where we truly desire to live life with God every day.
But … YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP BEFORE YOU GO UP …
2 Corinthians 5 [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Romans 6 [6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Ephesians 4 [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [ 24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
So what are some old things that we can give up and what are the new things that God wants us to do … so that we really start living out this new me that we really are – as Christians … so that we start to live life the way God intended for us in 2009?
~ Give up negative thinking … instead, learn to be content no matter what. Ph.4:10-12.
Contentment: Realizing that God has already provided everything we need for our present happiness.
~ Give up your unbelief … instead, believe that you can change. (Phil 4:13)
We’re not talking here about positive thinking. We’re talking about supernatural power. I believe I can change – not on my own power but with the power that Christ gives me.
~ Give up your grip on things … instead, invest your life in sharing what you have to help others connect with God.
Galatians 6 [8] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Doing good means investing your time, talent and treasure in helping others …
You have to give up before you can go up. You have to give up some things in order to live the life that God intended you to live … give up your
The Perfect Gift
With all of the craziness in the economy this year, perhaps we will stop and reflect more than we have in the past and be thankful for all that God has given us — and even taken from us.
There’s no gift like Jesus – God’s perfect gift to humankind.
To My Brother John … and Mom too
My brother John – my spiritual mentor, friend and brother – died on this day back in 1996. John, I still miss you and think of you often. Your love of life, Christ, Pam and your boys still lives on!
The reunion in heaven with mom must have been something! We you and mom … but … we know that we will be with you soon enough — forever with our Lord … enjoying life with God and so many others!
Thanks everyone!
Laura and I had a wonderful time at the special gathering to honor mom today! It was great to be with so many of you and just celebrate her life, enjoy her paintings and just connect some with so many of you from church today! Thank you for all of your love, prayers and support as we continue to grieve and also at the same time celebrate mom too.
Honoring Mom
Lots of emotions today. What a beautiful service to honor mom and lift up Jesus to all of the people there. The support and love of our church, and family has been something in the midst of losing mom. There was even a time in her funeral service where people shared stories about her. It went on and on. She touched a lot of people. The graphic here is from the funeral service and the flowers are part of one her own paintings. Mom was quite an artist.
