Scripture
– NIV
Ephesians
4:17-29 –
So
I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as
the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their
understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that
is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity,
they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of
impurity, and they are full of greed.
That,
however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and
were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were
taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which
is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of
your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness
and holiness.
Therefore
each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for
we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun
go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone
who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something
useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those
in need.
Do
not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful
for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen.”
Galatians
5:22-23 –
But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Bob’s
thoughts:
We went
to Crossroads to see our grandchildren perform some of the songs they learned
at Vacation Bible School the past week. I was disappointed when the
congregation stood up and we couldn’t see them, but someone posted a video soon
after the service and we got to see most of it.
The
message was part of a series on how the Spirit of God changes us. A former
pastor uses me in sermons often as an example of God’s Spirit changing someone
who comes to Christ.
I was
feeling a little disconnected and then heard faint children’s laughter and
music and it brought me out of my slump. That is some of the very best medicine
that can’t help but bring you closer to God.
Jan’s
thoughts:
Our
grandkids know they can count on a positive response when they invite us to
their church for a special program, and that’s where we were blessed to be
today.
The
congregational support and unity was clearly displayed by the adult volunteers who
sported a KidsXP t-shirt and participated in the enthusiastic singing and
dancing presentation with the youth. A great deal of work went into Crossroads’
Vacation Bible School last week, which was attended by a record-breaking 129
children, including seven of our grandkids. The musical presentation was upbeat,
energetic, and kids and adults alike were thoroughly engaged. It was a joy!
The
current message series is called The Good
Life, and today’s part two was entitled Live
Different. Pastor Mike began by using “before” and “after” photos and concepts
to illustrate the changes in a person before and after accepting Christ. He
emphasized that following Jesus will change us and we think differently and
behave differently. The power to live differently comes from the Holy Spirit
and is made clear by the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
I
was grateful to be there today, to see the joy on the faces of so many children
as they come to know Jesus and learn to believe Him. He is the solid foundation
in an uncertain world and worth every bit of time and work given to the task of
teaching them that.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
I sense an unexpected change for this church You are growing. I pray for Your
continued guidance and everlasting love. Amen.
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