I LOVE LIFE! Yes, I really DO … though I must confess there
are those times that come … either sneaking up on me slowly or grabbing me by
the throat without warning. Suddenly
propelled against my will into those rare (or not-so-rare) moments - I find myself
saying, “Umm … I’m not at all thrilled about how I’m feeling about this thing right
now!” (OK, Lord, maybe it’s because OF
my will!) I’m so glad that God jerks me
back to reality when I get myself into these unpleasant spots – and reminds me
that if I will turn my eyes back on Him … the thing that upsets me so much will
seem like a mere speck of dust in the light of what is eternally important! Within moments, a flood of recollections is
unleashed, and torrents of remembered blessings and joys and divine favor are
played out for me. And what I realize is
that I am so very, very blessed – even on my worst days and in my worst
moments. Lord, forgive me when I get so wrapped
up in things that allow Satan to toy with my emotions. I take full responsibility, knowing that when
I let down my guard – he jumps into that break in the hedge and magnifies my
weakest and worst traits. But, I have an
Advocate to help me against those onslaughts from the roaring adversary – and reaching
out for help, once again I am free! I’ve
defused the frustrations and I’ve used the God-given power that is mine to shut
the enemy out of the situation. I have
among many marked verses in my Bible, this particular one underlined as
well: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to
demolish strongholds. We demolish
arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:4-5) I find myself going to this verse time
and time again to be reminded of how to “get it right” – thrusting down the
thoughts that come from every angle but from God above, bringing them into
submission to the power and will of the Lord Jesus Christ! God, I don’t want to just be in the same book
with You, or even just in the same chapter.
I want to be on the same page, same line and even the same word as You,
so that my life will be in total alignment with Yours, as much as is humanly
possible. On that level, life is even
more lovable … because we realize that circumstances and attacks cannot steal
away our love for life or for living. God
has given each of us a specific number of days in His perfect plan for us. And I will not allow anyone or anything to
rain on my parade, (not even ME), so long as God gives me strength and wisdom
to make the choice to rise above the battles each time they come! So here we are, standing wistfully in the
remaining days of summer, but peering excitedly into the autumn days about to
be unveiled. What will they hold? Hopefully, an increased love for life and desire
for personal and corporate revival! We
will be joining together more frequently as our fall ministry schedules soon
begin – and we will have increased opportunities to learn together, worship
together, fellowship together, and serve together! Most of all, may we exhibit victorious lives
that are proof of God’s amazing power within … so that others will want what we
have as they see us LOVING LIFE to the max!!!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Liz who celebrates on September 6th;
may God bless your entire year!
SUN, SEP 02: 11:15 A.M. –
KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES for everyone – we invite you to participate!!!
SUN, SEP 09: 10:00 A.M. –
PRAISE & WORSHIP/COMMUNION/”Addressing the Heart of the Church!”
SUN, SEP 09: PLANNING
& VISIONARY CHURCH MTG w/POTLUCK LUNCH to follow; bring favorite foods!
FALL MINISTRY SCHEDULES will be available in printed form for everyone for your involvement!
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
