Sundays! Aren't they wonderful? Today we attended our wonderful Bible study group, the Peacemakers, at Hillside Christian Church. Jim McKee, our teacher, did such a great job delving into very difficult passages of Hebrews. Passages that create lots of discussion and questions. But when you have a class of sincere Christians, just trying to understand God's Word and its impact on us and the way we live our lives, and an absolutely dedicated teacher leading us through the Word, then no matter if there are differing backgrounds, opinions, or conclusions, we can study in an atmosphere of Christian love and acceptance. I just can't urge you enough to join with other Christians in the study of God's Word.
Then I got to have the extreme pleasure of sharing communion with four of my favorite ladies at the Arbors Residential Care Home. Wanda, Julianna, Betty and Elizabeth just always bring such joy to my heart. They inspire me with their smiles as they face each day with faith and trust in their Lord. How good God is when He allows us to make friendships with people we never saw coming into our lives, but who come just the same and make our lives sweeter and more meaningful.
Now it's Sunday evening, and it's time for a wonderful new verse in our section of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. You got this past week's verse down...Ephesians 5:18, "And don't be drunk on wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Holy Spirit." I can't tell you how many times this week I have said this verse over in my head, asking God to fill me completely with His Spirit, to rid me of anything that might restrict His presence in my life. I want Him, more than any thing else, to fill my life.
So our review....
Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle word turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."
The Holy Spirit's Role in our Lives (6)
Ephesians 5:18 "And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit."
and the very next verse...
Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your heart."
Actually, we're going to memorize Ephesians 5: 18, 19 and 20, just to let you know ahead of time! These three verses convey to us the reality of daily Christian living when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Did you ever think of singing as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit? Well our verse seems to imply just that, doesn't it? Robert J. Morgan puts it this way, "As we live in yielded obedience and faith, we're filled with His Spirit, living under His influence. The first and most natural by-product is a song in our hearts."
Sing! If not out loud, within your heart. For when you sing, you can't help but smile...and when you're smiling, someone is sure to ask you why! And then...always be ready to give the reason for the hope that is within you!
Then I got to have the extreme pleasure of sharing communion with four of my favorite ladies at the Arbors Residential Care Home. Wanda, Julianna, Betty and Elizabeth just always bring such joy to my heart. They inspire me with their smiles as they face each day with faith and trust in their Lord. How good God is when He allows us to make friendships with people we never saw coming into our lives, but who come just the same and make our lives sweeter and more meaningful.
Now it's Sunday evening, and it's time for a wonderful new verse in our section of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. You got this past week's verse down...Ephesians 5:18, "And don't be drunk on wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Holy Spirit." I can't tell you how many times this week I have said this verse over in my head, asking God to fill me completely with His Spirit, to rid me of anything that might restrict His presence in my life. I want Him, more than any thing else, to fill my life.
So our review....
Promises of God (10)
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 "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."
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 3:-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.
Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle word turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath."
The Holy Spirit's Role in our Lives (6)
Ephesians 5:18 "And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit."
and the very next verse...
Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your heart."Actually, we're going to memorize Ephesians 5: 18, 19 and 20, just to let you know ahead of time! These three verses convey to us the reality of daily Christian living when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Did you ever think of singing as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit? Well our verse seems to imply just that, doesn't it? Robert J. Morgan puts it this way, "As we live in yielded obedience and faith, we're filled with His Spirit, living under His influence. The first and most natural by-product is a song in our hearts."
Sing! If not out loud, within your heart. For when you sing, you can't help but smile...and when you're smiling, someone is sure to ask you why! And then...always be ready to give the reason for the hope that is within you!
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