THE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE:
As an action point, I encourage U to embark on a simple yet profound exercise. Go through the alphabet from A to Z & find something to be thankful for with each letter. This exercise not only cultivates an attitude of gratitude but also opens our eyes to the everyday blessings we often overlook. From Sunday’s Sermon
A – Ancestors: For the heritage and history they have passed down.
B – Bonding: For the times spent together that strengthen family ties.
C – Care: For the love and attention family members give each other.
D – Dinners together: For the shared meals and conversations.
E – Encouragement: For the support family members offer each other.
F – Forgiveness: For the ability to move past mistakes and grow closer.
G – Generations: For the presence of different ages and the wisdom they bring.
H – Home: For the safe and loving environment families create.
I – Inheritance: For both the tangible and intangible legacies left for us.
J – Journeys: For the trips and experiences shared as a family.
K – Knowledge: For the lessons passed down from one generation to the next.
L – Laughter: For the joy and mirth shared within a family.
M – Memories: For the cherished moments spent together.
N – Nurturing: For the care and growth families foster in each member.
O – Optimism: For the hope and positive outlook shared among family.
P – Protection: For the safety and security that family provides.
Q – Quality Time: For the precious moments spent with family.
R – Resilience: For the strength families provide to face life’s challenges.
S – Stories: For the shared narratives and histories that bond a family.
T – Traditions: For the rituals and customs that create a family’s unique culture.
U – Unconditional Love: For the love that persists regardless of circumstances.
V – Values: For the moral and ethical guidance families impart.
W – Wisdom: For the insights and guidance offered by elder family members.
X – eXtra Mile: For the times family members go above and beyond for each other.
Y – Youth: For the energy and new perspectives brought by the younger members.
Z – Zeal: For the enthusiasm and energy families share in pursuing common goals.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Titus 2:11-12, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
To properly understand the Christian life, we need to apprehend a divine principle that governs God’s relationship with man: whenever there is demand from God, there is always supply waiting to meet that demand.
We just need to be escorted to the source of the supply.
Whether it is the demand of the law, the Sermon on the Mount, our environmental dealings, the church life, or the kingdom–all are to lead us to Christ to interact and fellowship with Him, that we might partake of His victorious life.
May this word govern us the rest of our lives, so that we would realize again and again that our weaknesses are our escorts out of ourselves into Another life.
When our flesh reacts to the Lord’s measurement, instead of staying in the reaction, or fueling the reaction, we need to allow the reaction to bring us to Christ in a specific way.
Various kinds of reactions–discouragements, defeats, and temptations–are all our escorts to experience more of Christ.
Yes, your flesh is lustful.
Your lustful feelings affect you in a negative way.
But walk in the Spirit and you will turn those feelings into paths to Christ.
None of us can change our flesh (John 3:6).
It is irreparable and unchangeable.
However, while we are still in these mortal bodies as redeemed children of God, God uses the flesh to lead us to Christ over and over again!
Therefore, when we allow our greatest weakness to escort us to Christ, it will become the factor of our greatest supply of life.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Brandon’s Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Ward
Erik Magnusson
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
Heather May
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Janie Roberts
Jillian Gray
Joanie & Jeanie
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
John McClain
June Cronan
June Cronan’s Sister
Kathy Mabe
Kim McClain’s Mother
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marlon Cook
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nancy Proudfit – Home
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
Pat Chupp
Ricky Gipson
Ricky Stubbs
Rose Fuller – Rehab
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Tom Witcher