Eagerly Waiting

So much of life seems to be waiting; and, yet, are we waiting with anticipation for the things God would want us to wait for...His presence, guidance, leadership, direction, power and return? When we think of waiting, we tend to think of the frustration that it brings and, by all means, don't pray for patience! If it's a fruit of the Spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22 and a quality of Jesus, then I definitely will be praying for God to produce the fruit of patience in my life! God wants to teach us many valuable lessons and grow our faith in the 'waiting room of life'. He teaches us full and complete dependance on Him as the Good Shepherd and the One who sits on the throne as the Sovereign Lord over all. He shows us that He is weaving a grand and glorious tapestry in our lives, although, at times we are focused on the ragged edges and loose threads everywhere rather than Him using all things to bring Him glory in and through our lives. The Lord wants us to wait on Him to receive that indwelling power that comes from the Holy Spirit being preeminent in our lives and that requires us being still and resting in His presence and His great and precious promises. (Acts 1:4-8, II Peter 1:3,4) He also insturcts us to be patient in affliction. (Romans 12:12) Affliction is not just trouble, but it is intense pressure and stress. The Lord put me through affliction this past fall as I was seeking to adjust to life back in the States and many other changes. I continued to walk with Him and trust him each day, bowing to His sovereign control and authority in my life. I am still not sure why God allowed it, but am thankful to have gone THROUGH it by His grace ALONE. Are you EAGERLY WAITING for His return?! That means with anticipation and joy in your heart to be able to sing His praises day AND night! (Revelation 4:8) What a glorious day that will be! In the meantime, go and make disciples and wait (Matthew 28:19-20), serve and wait (I Thessalonians 1:9,10), worship and wait! "so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28)

Let's get Passionate about Passion Week!

I heard a GREAT sermon by our pastor, Scott Jackson, at Fellowship Church in Arkadelphia, AR yesterday and want to challenge you, just as he did, to get PASSIONATE about PASSION WEEK! He gave us an excellent guide that outlines the various passages in the Bible of the events leading up to Jesus' resurrection and ways to remember and reflect on these events. So, please join me in rekindling or strengthening your love for our Risen Savior and Lord! Let's get Passionate about Passion Week! Monday Key event: Jesus cleanses the temple - dishonors the Gentiles and disappointed with the religious leaders of the day Matt. 21:10-17 Mark 11:15-18 Luke 19:45-48 John 2:12-16 Symbolic event - Coin is symbolic and need to spend time in confession; our bodies are the new temple and ask the Lord to cleanse His temple. I John 1:9; I Cor. 6:19-20 Tuesday Key event: the Day of Controversy - belief vs. disbelief; Trick ?'s for Jesus Matt. 21:23-24-24:51 Mark 11:27-13:37 Luke 20:1-21:36 Symbolic  event - write verse of belief and carry it with you - Rom. 10:9 Wednesday Key event: Day of Rest/Preparation Mark 14:1;John 12:1 Symbolic event - fast and spend time in worship and prayer Thursday Key event: The Lord's Supper and Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Matt. 26:17-30 Mark14:12-26 Luke 22:17-33 John 18:1-2 Symbolic event - The Lord's Supper Friday  Key event - The crucifixion of Jesus Matt. 27:1-66 Mark 15:1-47 Luke 22:66-23:56 John 19:1-37 Symbolic event - carry a cross Saturday Key event - Jesus' death in a borrowed tomb Matt. 21:57-66 Mark 15:42-47 Luke 23:50-56 John 19:38-42 Symbolic event - spiritual nap, somber reflection 2nd Sunday Key event - Jesus' Resurrection Matt. 28:1-13 Mark 16:1-20 Luke 24:1-49 John 20:1-31 Symbolic event - go to church and WORSHIP!