2011 November « New Life For The Nations

PROMISE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Isaiah 44:3-4 “I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children. They shall thrive like watered grass, like willows on a river bank.”

Over and over in the Bible God promised to bless families who followed His directions and obeyed His Word. It is a wonderful promise to see it being fulfilled in your children and grandchildren.

It seems like it was just yesterday that Jerry and I adopted Scott and then Miriam. Raising children is not easy, and we were not the perfect parents. One thing we did right; they always knew we loved God and loved each other.

The greatest joy a parent can have is to see your children and grandchildren following God and receiving HIs blessings on their lives. The hard times we have faced in our family was faced with trust in God to work everything out, and He did.

We were so blessed this Thanksgiving as all of our chidren and grandchildren were with us as we ate the wonderful food, laughed, and shared the family times of the past. The hard times were worth the fruit that came out of them–Children who love the LOrd and are now raising their children to follow after God.

Message for November 27, 2011

” In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thes. 5:18

Since this is Thanksgiving season, let us consider a Scripture about thanksgiving that many people misinterpret; thus completely changing the meaning of the verse. The above verse tells us that in everything we should give thanks. This means that no set of circumstances should stop us from being thankful for what God is doing for us. We must never feel that God is not our friend or has forsaken us. God will never leave us nor forsake us. He promised.

We are not suppose to be thankful “for” everything but “in” everything. I am not obligated to be thankful for bad circumstances. But, I should never allow a situation to alter my thanks for God’s blessings.

The real issue is in understanding the rest of the verse. In regard to this verse, what is the will of God? Incorrectly, many think it means that what happened was God’s will for you. The truth is that it is God’s will for you to always be thankful no matter what. To cease to be thankful results in complaining and doubt invading your mind. This will lead to your defeat. Therefore, always be thankful, for God has promised you will be victorious.

THANKSGIVING REMINDERS

Psalm 100

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

1. The noise I make is unto Him–not man.

2. I serve Him with gladness–not man.

3. I sing in honor of His presence–not man

4. The Lord is God–I am not.

5. God made me like I am–accept it.

6. He is my Shepherd–I will follow Him.

7. I will praise and be thankful for His provision, protection, and health.

8. He is good and has only good for me.

9.His mercy is forever and new every day.

10.His Truth is for me and all of mine.

Message for November 20, 2011

“ So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” Ezekiel 34:5-6 “For thus says the Lord God: ‘Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:11-12

Jesus is portrayed as Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Provider, and other awesome names. One of the things He is called is Shepherd. As a matter of fact He called Himself “the good shepherd.” Our understanding of the role of a shepherd could determine our understanding of what it is for Jesus to be our shepherd. A shepherd is one who takes care of the sheep, provides their needs, and leads the sheep into green pastures. He meets all their needs but He leads the sheep, He doesn’t drive them. A shepherd that is “good” commands respect and his sheep love him because they know he loves them. “The Good Shepherd” never makes a mistake nor injures His sheep. I am glad “the Lord is my Shepherd,” aren’t you?