April 27, 2009 • 7:38 am 0
So now, what, Lord?
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. . .And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:6, 10
Oh. okay.
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April 23, 2009 • 7:50 am 0
-J.I. Packer
Thank You, Jesus, for loving me enough to bring me through this to draw me closer to You.
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April 20, 2009 • 10:00 pm 1
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.
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April 19, 2009 • 2:12 pm 1
If there is anything that reminds me of our God’s beautiful goodness, it’s this.
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April 13, 2009 • 9:09 pm 1
Sometimes I think that Jesus loves future Toni more than present Toni. Sometimes I think that He really loves the Toni that gets up to read her Bible every day at 6 AM, the Toni that never forgets to call people, the Toni that doesn’t struggle and doesn’t have issues. Basically I feel like He loves the Toni that I imagine I’ll be in years (imagine being the key word) more than the Toni I am today.
Because man, I’m messed up..and sometimes healing seems so far away.
But in this, I can find my hope:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
Matthew 5: 3-6
When I feel like I am falling apart, I am blessed.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” 1 John 3:16
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
And I am loved. In all of my mess. I am loved.
Thankfully, He loves me enough to not let me stay in my crap. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me enough not to leave me comfortably in my sin.
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April 11, 2009 • 11:52 pm 0
Today we get to celebrate the love that the Father has lavished on us through the sacrifice of His only Son (1 John 3:1).
Today, we get to celebrate that we were once enemies of Christ, but have been reconciled to His side (Romans 5:10).
Today, we get to celebrate that we who were once dead are now alive and a new creation (2 Cor 5:17).
Today, we can celebrate because there is nothing that can separate us from His perfect love (Romans 8:37-39).
I can celebrate because Christ has rescued me from being a liar, a a self-worshiper, a people pleaser, suicidal, and an addict. He has saved me, but at a price. I am His. And I was bought at the price of death on a cross.
May we never forget the weight of His sacrifice as we rejoice in His mercy and grace.
Rejoice, brothers and sisters. Our Savior has died, risen, and dwells in us through the Holy Spirit.
Lift your eyes.
Celebrate His death and rising.
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April 10, 2009 • 10:48 am 2
“With one voice they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
“For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.”
Luke 23:18-25
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Cor. 5:21
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April 6, 2009 • 12:39 pm 0
God, thank you for showing Yourself to me in..
-the creativity of my friends. In Britt’s dance. In Red’s painting and photography. In Dan Gibbs’ ability to play every instrument that I have ever heard of and more.
-lazy Saturday mornings spent at Cool Beans with Julie
-Beck’s hunger for the Word
-Julie’s discipline and pursuit of righteousness
-a run down Wheat street on a warm spring afternoon
-Melissa’s joyful giggle that you can hear across a crowded room
-Bailey’s wisdom over a venti Americano
-Jay’s humble encouragement
-how great of a ministry team Brandon and Kristi are
-Jon’s strange way of speaking truth, making me want to punch him in the face
-brunch at Cafe Strudel
-Allen’s compassion for the hurting
-my sister’s renewed desire to pursue Jesus
-Courtney’s gentle way of talking that can speak so much truth
-Grubbs’ sense of humor and leadership
-sitting down by the river, reading as the sun sets
-Matt Crawf’s caring…and bizarre sense of humor in song.
-Erica P’s joy in the Lord
-my beautiful Midtown family.
In what ways do you see/experience God?
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