Sunday Words of Encouragement November 8, 2015

This morning we continued our study in Romans and I plan to use those notes for a Sunday when we are away again. We celebrated communion and Pastor’s sermon was titled: Jesus Paid It All. Pastor noted that without the resurrection Christ's suffering was in vain. Isaiah 53:5 describes (prophetically) how “he [Christ] was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  Pastor argued that healing is for us today. Christ redeemed and redeems those who believe. If God’s Spirit is living in you, He will also give life to your mortal bodies. Romans 8:11. God gives life abundantly (John 10:10) and He wants us to succeed and prosper in health as well as spiritually. 3 John 2.

God wants us to praise, remembering His ‘benefits’, remembering who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases. Psalms 103:2. There have been several suicides locally and our community is suffering from an epidemic of depression and discontent. Pastor reminded us that we need to rebuke Satan’s lies, not claim illness or sickness, but instead claim the promises and healings of God. Jesus carried our sins on the cross. He did it, it's done. We need to return, come home, to our Shepherd. 1 Peter 2:24-25. (Read Psalm 23.)

If He is our shepherd, are our actions showing God’s will, grace, power and healing in our lives?
We need to act by faith even in a world of darkness. God’s grace covers our daily living. Partaking of communion, in an attitude of reverence and heartfelt gratitude, brings restoration and healing. 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.

Once again, I started looking for one song and ended up with another.

This one fits renewal and allowing the Spirit to live within.

Verse for Today:
Romans 8:11 NIV
11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Lord, I praise you and thank you for the words you have given for your children in the Bible and through spiritual leaders who confirm your messages. The more I read and listen the more I see your redeeming love from 'before the world began' to the expanse of eternity.