As we are starting a new chapter in our lives, I like to compare it to reading a novel. I love to read - I get engrossed in a book and and am excited to see what the next page or chapter will bring. I never sneak a peek at the end - I love the anticipation of what is happening next - what twist and turn in the road lies ahead. I try to figure out the the theme of the page or chapter - sometimes I am right and other time I am totally off the road I thought I was on. Does this not seem like life?? God has that total book of my life written - whenever I think I 've got it all figured out in my earthly mind I discover God has it all figured out according to His plan. As we relax here in NW Arkansas I ponder on the road ahead - but am just relying on God to lead and allow me to follow.
When we left Texas for Arkansas, we stopped at the Gees in Joshua, Texas, for a few days of relaxation and a bit of down time and a chance to take a breather. We had closed on our place in Texas, bagged and boxed hundreds of pounds of food for the colonias, met with those who are planning on taking over the ministry, packing our things, and saying our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet time, but again, a time of great anticipation. We attended church with them on Sunday where we listen to their pastor's interpretation of Colossians. We then traveled to NW Arkansas, took a few days to try to get settled at our daughter's for the time being, putting things in storage and trying to decide what needed to be left out. We attended church at our amazing home church in Prairie Grove, when Pastor Vance proceeded to give a sermon on the exact scripture that the pastor of the Joshua church!!! It was amazing, as there were two different views of the same scripture. Of course I listened with great interest - trying to combine both messages.
I do need to apologize for missing two weeks of my blog - hopefully all of you will again check me out every week again. We plan on staying here in NW Arkansas for a few weeks, then taking a much needed vacation to Wisconsin to visit friends and relatives, as well as attending a baby shower for our 9th great grandchild.
This morning Pastor Vance continued our journey through Colossians, as we followed Paul's letter to the church in Colossae - a new church. Paul was in prison in Rome, where Epaphras visited him. Paul had never been to Colossae so Epaphras related to him how the church was coming along. People there were off center - they were new Christians and needed help on how to live a Christian life. So Paul wrote them a letter and encouraged them to pray for themselves. We need to take note of Paul's message. Pray to know God's will for our lives. Be filled with the Holy Spirit - being filled means to be controlled by. We need to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and understanding We need to live our lives vertically - through God, and not horizontally, as through the world. It is the will of God for all men to be saved. As you walk with Him, he reveals the specific will of God. Pray to live a life worthy of the Lord - place your heart and mind on things above bearing fruit in every good work work nd knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for power of endurance and patience. Paul wrote to these people who knew that they would have a challenge. Endurance is the strength to deal with obstacles in life. (stronger longer). Patience is the wisdom to be able to deal with people in your life. Pray to never forget what God has done for you. We have been qualified to be in Christ through the things that He has done. His death and resurrection assures us of that. We have been removed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light through Christ.
Continuing with the ladies of the Bible, Cozbi. Her name means deceiver, deception. She was a Midianitish woman, daughter of Zur, who was the head of a chief house in Media. Her name was given to her because her parents were disappointed in her birth because she was a girl. Although she was a princess, her influence among the leaders was evil. She was among the group who encouraged moral and religious corruption among the Israelites. She was slain by Phinehas, son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron. She was slain by a "javelin thrust her belly.
May all of you bask in the glow of summer - enjoying all of God's magnificent creation.
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