Sunday Words of Encouragement May 18, 2014

This morning we celebrated graduation of our high schoolers. It is remarkable that many of them already have a year of college from dual enrollment and one had received her associates degree (two years) before completing high school. I would have loved that in high school and it is a shame that they are making the dual enrollment program more difficult by putting the cost burden on the school districts.

I enjoyed our pastor’s brief comments based on Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, a young follower.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

He further encouraged the graduates to use all they have learned through life after first seeking the Lord. Matthew 6:33. Continue to stay connected to God because when we know more of God, then we know better how to live our lives. Psalm 1:2-3. Then he urged them to continue to surround themselves with Godly people who encourage growth and living for God’s glory; and to work and serve with grace. He noted Mr. Walgreen’s commitment to a Godly life and exhorted them to live as above average Christians.

This is a nice version of Seek Ye First

Verse for Today
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Lord help me to take this message to heart each day: first seeking You, then serving You by sharing your love with others and living as an above average Christian.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 8, 2010

We started early this morning visiting with our daughter, son-in-law and grand kids at their church VBS celebration. They sang a great children's song: WOW, Look What the Lord has Done. The kids jumped up on the WOW. Too bad I couldn't find any video of the song.

Then we headed back to our church. Our Sunday school lesson (we lead the young college age adults) was on "acceptance" - a great lesson! We are to accept those who seem unacceptable (including our loved ones who hurt us) just as God has accepted us when we were (and continue to be) unacceptable.

Our Pastor's message was "Discovering the Oasis in the Desert" based Psalm 63:1-8. Pastor asked what we should do when we find ourselves in a dry and weary land (place)? The answer: turn to God, praise Him and find restoration.

The song I have chosen is an old favorite
and follows a wonderful Bible passage (Matt 6:3)
Seek Ye First

A verse for today:

Psalm 63:1 (NIV)

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

 ¹ O God, you are my God,

       earnestly I seek you;

       my soul thirsts for you,

       my body longs for you,

       in a dry and weary land

       where there is no water.

We prayed to remember to reach out and rediscover God.