Take a minute sometime and check out how Bible writers close their books. It is interesting to say the least! Consider this example, Luke 24:52-53 “And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the Temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” Keep in mind everything these men had been through. Jesus had been beaten beyond recognition, crucified, buried for three days and now He was risen. Luke tells us Jesus “was parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.” NOW HE IS GONE!!! But notice how the disciples respond! They “worshipped,” they had “great joy,” and “they were continually in the Temple, praising and blessing God.” This is remarkable! Look at these words again! It is no secret what happened here, but notice how Jesus’ disciples responded! Are you struggling with your faith? Disappointed? Discouraged? Depressed? Or maybe even doubting God’s love for you? Look again my friend, Jesus is not dead; He’s alive! He alive forevermore! The devil is a liar! Jesus is at His Father’s right hand! What is He doing? Hebrews 4:14 tells us what Jesus is doing, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Luke’s words in chapter 24:52-53 are just what we need! Yes, my friends, Jesus is alive, He is interceding for you and me and HE IS COMING AGAIN! Keep your head up and your knees down, and see what the Lord does in your life!
Our Wednesday evening prayer meetings are just around the corner. Let’s begin praying now. Let’s ask God for some big things! The Lord wants you to grow in your faith! He wants you to believe Him for guidance and direction. He wants you to have His wisdom. He wants us to have a deeper understanding of who He is and what His plan is for our church and for our families. What about that friend or family member that needs to be saved? What about that friend or family member struggling with an addiction? Moms and Dads, what about your children? Will our prayers make a difference? YES! Our Lord hears and answers our prayers. Do some soul searching, and see what the Spirit says. Everything I have mentioned here deserves prayerful attention. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Summer 2016 is going to be special for Grace Church! Adjust your calendar, set aside some things and devote some time for praying with your Grace Church family.
MISSION SERVE SUNDAY LUNCHEON: This coming Sunday our Faith Promise Mission Team is hosting a luncheon in support of our Mission Serve trip to South Carolina. Everything earned will be used to serve this mission effort. Many of those going on this work trip are teens. They have sold tickets for this luncheon and they need our support! We know this for sure. Missions is at the heart of everything we do at Grace Church! Enjoy lunch Sunday after our worship time and support missions at the same time! The food will be good and the fellowship better. Thank you for supporting missions at Grace Church!
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
God bless you!
Mike and Cheryl <><