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
Thankful For The Things I’m Not Thankful For
- Alarm clocks – Thankful for waking you up to start a new day.
- Bad days – They make you appreciate the good ones even more.
- Criticism – Helps you grow and improve.
- Delays – Give you extra time to relax or plan.
- Experiments that fail – They teach valuable lessons.
- Failure – Offers opportunities to learn and persevere.
- Ghost stories – Add excitement and suspense to life.
- Hard times – Strengthen your resilience and character.
- Inconvenience – Makes you appreciate convenience when you have it.
- Jokes that fall flat – Remind you of the humor in trying.
- Kitchen mishaps – Create memorable stories and experiences.
- Lost keys – Encourage mindfulness and patience.
- Mistakes – Lead to personal growth and self-awareness.
- Noise – Highlights moments of peaceful silence.
- Overcast days – Make sunny days feel more special.
- Puzzles – Challenge your problem-solving skills.
- Quarrels – Foster understanding and communication.
- Rainy weather – Nourishes the Earth and brings life.
- Setbacks – Force you to reevaluate and adapt.
- Traffic jams – Offer moments for reflection and podcasts.
- Unpredictable outcomes – Keep life exciting and adventurous.
- Vague instructions – Encourage creativity and interpretation.
- Waiting in line – Provide time for people-watching or reading.
- X-rays – Aid in medical diagnoses and treatment.
- Yardwork – Keeps you active and connected with nature.
- Zero-calorie foods – Allow you to indulge without guilt.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
God can deal only with a justified person.
He will not touch your raw, natural life apart from His justification.
He dare not, because there is nothing to work with.
You and I first have to know our fixed position in Christ.
He is our absolute righteousness and standing before God.
In Him we are beyond the reach of condemnation.
We have to stand in Christ, our righteousness.
When you and I have this as our point of reference, then God can afford to begin to deal with us.
He can dismantle our pride and our motives, and expose the hidden things in our heart.
And we can afford to let the light shine on us and to let the Spirit operate in us to show us how utterly bankrupt we really are.
When the light shines, we see that we are far worse than we knew.
It is so bad.
We realize it is a bottomless pit.
Nevertheless, it is wonderful that the light shines.
Now, “Walk in the light as He is in the light.”
This means walk in the total light of the gospel that reveals God’s righteousness.
We can walk in that light because “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
So just confess your sins.
Just admit you are wretched, you are no good.
Admit it, because you are admitting it as a justified person!
You are not admitting it as a cowering person in yourself.
This is why God can deal with you in Romans 7 and 8.
He has laid a solid foundation of justification in Romans 3-5.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’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