Amazing Grace

2-26-17 Sermon

The Heart

Matthew 5:21-22 KJV

21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Most people will agree that a murderer needs to go before the judge for punishment. However, Christ goes further. The judgement is required before murder even happens.

We know that evil things begin in the heart,

Matthew 15:19 KJV

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Why not stop it there? If you let anger fester in the heart or if you let the thought of someone being a food stew, evil will ensue. Take care of the issue before it goes that far.

Throw Back Thursday

An encouragement for mothers . . .

"These are the mothers, the world needs today!"

The Law

Matthew 5:17-20 KJV

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Many people think the old testament is obsolete because Christ fulfilled the law. However, as we learn in these scriptures, Christ didn't come to destroy (make obsolete) the law, but to fulfill it. There isn't any part of the law that should be changed until it is fulfilled. The law is good.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that one can earn salvation by living by the law, but that doesn't mean that the law is something to be ignored either. It would do us well to study the law and the prophets and see why those commands were given to the people in the first place.

Arms Wide Open

2-19-17 Sermon

Motherhood

I received a book for Christmas that I have been wanting to read for a few years.

This book has been perfect for my time as of late because each entry is short and easy to read amidst the chaos of having a new baby. Since I have been a little sleep deprived, I haven't been able to read large chunks without getting tired and forgetting what I have read. This book has been refreshing in those short amount of times I have available.

I have followed Kelly Crawford's blog, Generation Cedar, for a few years and have found it uplifting, educational, and though-provoking. I knew that I would enjoy this book as well.

I wanted to share a poem from this book that I found thought-provoking and encouraging. In the midst of a busy life of raising children, it is a good reminder to slow down and cherish the time we have.

Mother, Take the Time

by Kelly Crawford

(shared with permission)

I used to race, I used to hurry,

I used to fret and frown and worry.

My children thought they had new names-

"Hurry Up" and "We're Gonna Be Late"!

Even when we were at home-

Laundry, cleaning, answer the phone . . .

I never had the extra time

to sit and cherish these children of mine.

But in His grace the Lord broke through

And I saw everything anew.

We have but only a few days here,

to love and share and pull them near.

And while there're things that must be done,

Our lives are like the setting sun.

While its light is burning bright,

Before we face, alone, the night,

Let's stop the madness of this race-

Let's take back a slower pace!

Look into those grinning faces, 

Plan your day with lots of spaces.

Grab a hand and take a walk,

Listen while your children talk.

Let them show you childhood things,

Take turns laughing on the swing.

Snuggle up beside the fire,

Kiss the hurt left by a brier.

Meet them with a morning smile,

Go out and fish a little while.

Choose carefully how you spend your time.

Don't wait until you suddenly find

The wrenching grief of a heart that aches

Who loved too little and found out too late.

Love in Deed

My Reason for Being Absent

The blog has been quite quiet lately and for good reason . . . a new member joined our family just over 2 weeks ago!

Bella was born Feb. 1st and she stole our hearts! She came over 2 weeks past her due date, but she was worth the wait.

As always, a new baby means a time of adjustment. My older girls have been such a blessing by taking care of all meals, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, taking care of the younger children and allowing me to take naps during the day to help me with the sleep I lose at night. It is such a joy to see that they are fully capable of running a home!

I am hoping to be able to spend more time writing posts. I have lots of ideas running through my head, but I have lacked the time to get pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!).

I thank you for your patience as we try to find our new "normal"!

What is Love?

2-12-17 Sermon

Your Gifts

2-5-17 Sermon (Guest Preacher)

Let It Shine

Matthew 5:14-16 KJV

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

When we become children of God by accepting Christ's free gift of salvation, we become light to the world. We are to shine for Jesus. We are to share Him with others so they can come to know HIm, too. We can not hide our lights.

First, we couldn't even if we tried because light overtakes darkness. Secondly, what good is a light that doesn't reach those around it? We must share Jesus!

Throw Back Thursday

I've been studying a lot about peace lately. Here is an oldie, but a goodie.

Perfect Peace

Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5:13

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Salt is good for two things-preserving and flavoring. As salt, we should be "flavoring" the world around us with Christ's love. In doing so, we can preserve mankind. If we fail to season life with Christ's love, what good are we?