H.O.P.E.

Concluding thoughts last week were somewhat somber.   Life sometimes gets difficult and we struggle.  However, The word of God is a comfort to all of us that are struggling and looking for hope.  We read...

Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version)

The LORD your God is with you, 

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

H    Help… others-and never be too proud to ask for help yourself.

       Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, An ever-present help in trouble."

  

O  Opportunity... There is always an a reason to be optimistic.

     Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

P  Persist…no matter what, never give up..

    Galatians 6:9 (ESV) " And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,

                                            If we do not give up."

E  Evangelize…  Evangelism is about making Jesus known.   It is not simply a message shared  - it  

Is a message lived out when we share our life, in Christ... We can only make Him known to the extent that     

           We  know Him!

       

Mark 16:15-16 (NIV)   5 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all     

                                           Creation..... 

Jeremiah 29:11-12 (New International Version)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

See Ya!

-Kelly

What on Earth are we here for?

Been here before?  What on Earth are we here for?  The Scriptures say, "we are called according to His purpose...."

The Children of Israel, so often missed God's purposes. God wanted to make them strong - strong in faith, strong in trust, strong in the Lord. However, when food and water began to run low, they didn't feel strong; they felt weaker.

They missed God's purpose - He wanted to strengthen them, and provide for all of their needs. But they often doubted, or grumbled and complained. God's ways were higher than their ways.

So...while we're here...let's...

DRAW NEAR TO THE LORD.

The Lord Himself  is our strength.  Drawing near to Him insures that His strength will dwell in us, because His presence will be near. We are told to "seek the Lord, and His strength." (Psalm 105:4).

...and...

BE OF GOOD COURAGE.

The Word says, "Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." (Ps.27:14).  To draw near to God we must have courage and faith.  

...as well as...

THE  WORD OF GOD

Strengthens your faith, and builds you up. The Word of God can be relied upon, with confidence. "Strengthen me, according to Thy Word." (Psalm 119:28 NASB). 

We're here for Him...He will "always" be there for us.

See Ya' Tonight

-Kelly

Rules to Live By

Good Morning Groupies....these are your have a great day rules! 1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.  "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24 2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."  I Samuel 16:7 3. Stand Up!!  For  what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10  4 Look Up !!... To the Lord.  "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13  5  Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6  6. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.  "Do not worry about anything; Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6 See Ya' Tonight -Kelly

F.O.R.M.

Good Morning Friends...

One of our small "groupies" reminded me of my Form formula.  It is a great "tool" to have - so I'm reminding each of us how it works...

When in a situation that  requires meeting or greeting new people (such as a small group) use FORM....

Ask questions based on...

F    how's your family?

O    what do you do for occupation (work)?

R    what do you do for recreation (fun)?

M    always leave a word of ministry

The Bible says...

"Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone."  Colossians 4:5-6 NRSV

"Some friends play at friendship, but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin."  Proverbs 18:24 NRSV

See You Tonight

-Kelly

Here's a thought

Good Morning....hope to see you tonight...and here's a thought.

Romans 8:28 (NRSV)

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Really?  Everything?  Sometimes this verse is a little hard to take.  But then we find...

Romans 8:31-32 (NRSV)

31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us,...

Oh no...the God card, yes, really and yes, everything...because

Romans 8:38 (NRSV)

38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Sometimes scripture is a hard inexplicable truth - but it is still TRUTH.

See Ya!

- Kelly