In this special service dedicated to worshiping God and honoring mothers, we’ve delved into the profound essence of parenthood as a divine journey marked by God’s provision, wisdom, and unending love. Worship, we’ve learned, is not just about singing songs or attending services but living a life filled with praise, prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with believers—a life deeply connected to God and His family. Through the illustrations of the crimson lifeline from the ceiling, the kinked water hose, and Braxton’s IV bag, we’ve grasped the concept that God’s blessings flow abundantly when we actively engage in worship and maintain a strong connection with Him.
Today’s message is a heartfelt invitation to all mothers, fathers, and grandparents who may look back wishing they knew “then” what they know “now” about raising their children. Parenthood is an endless journey filled with uncertainties and constant learning, impossible without a connection to God’s specific supply for each child. Children come into this world with unique needs, and navigating those needs can feel overwhelming without an instruction book. Yet, God intended parents to rely on Him for guidance and support in this challenging role. Parenting reminds us that we don’t have to know everything; we just need to seek wisdom and strength from the One who does. It’s a lifelong journey with different stages and challenges, but with God as our source of wisdom and strength, we can navigate the complexities of parenting with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith, fulfilling His purpose in shaping the lives of our children. The divine dependency empowers mothers to continue learning, growing, and seeking guidance from God in every aspect of their parenting journey, trusting in His unfailing love and provision.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Galatians 5:17, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
The “lust of the flesh” in Galatians 5:16 refers specifically to the lust to bite and devour others (v. 15).
These lusts are desires to strike out at someone by speaking in a way that would cut and hurt.
They are feelings of being extremely unhappy with others.
These desires manifest themselves in all of us from time to time.
Paul says that the way to deal with them is to walk by the Spirit.
Notice, however, that in walking by the Spirit he says that you shall not fulfill or carry out the lust of the flesh.
We usually understand this to mean that you will not have the lust of the flesh; that is, you will not feel any negative reactions within your being.
In other words, we think that if we are really walking by the Spirit, we will not be bothered by the slightest problem.
Many of us have the concept that to be in the Spirit means to experience a total absence of anything contrary within us.
According to our thought, to be in the Spirit is to soar like a bird, without any opposing factor.
Thus, if we still have contrary feelings and reactions while contacting the Lord, we conclude that our fellowship with Him must be defective.
We reason that if we had really touched the Lord or were really in our spirit, we would not have any ugly thoughts or feelings.
This kind of thinking ends in accusation and discouragement, and frustrates us from the full enjoyment of the Lord.
Contrary to what we think, Paul says that to walk by the Spirit means that we do not carry out or fulfill the lust of the flesh.
This implies that we may feel the lust of the flesh while we are in the process of following the Lord.
The key point is not that we do not have the lust of the flesh, but rather that we would not fulfill it.
Therefore, the basic need in our experience of Christ is to remain continually in the realm of the Spirit so that we automatically deprive the flesh of its power over us and consequently do not carry out its lusts.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Junior Stephens – Funeral Monday 11:00 at Church
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
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
Drew
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
June Cronan’s Sister
Junior Stephens
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Miles Bradshaw
Nora Allison
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
Ricky Gipson
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Susan Mosley
Tom Witcher