Happy Spring!
O how wonderful it is to feel the warmth of the sun on your face again.
I love spring because it is the visible reminder of the cycle of life -
and spring, to me represents new life or a new beginning.
In case you missed church the first Sunday of Spring Break - Michael Criner gave a message on being "Sifted Like Wheat." He took it from two verses in Luke 22 where Jesus is talking (v.31-32), "Simon, Simon, behold, satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." O how wonderful it is to feel the warmth of the sun on your face again.
I love spring because it is the visible reminder of the cycle of life -
and spring, to me represents new life or a new beginning.
Four points and two side notes:
Point1 - satan has to go to God for permission to "sift us like wheat" - sifting involves violent shaking - so it infers we will be shaken, even violently, but God Knows!
Sidenote 1 - the you in this verse is plural -meaning satan has demanded permission to sift all of us like wheat. Christians are not exempt - in fact they are a primary target.
Point 2 - But Christ Himself has prayed for us...can you even imagine? The God of all creation is praying for our faith not to fail.
Sidenote 2 - The you in this phrase is singular...Jesus Christ has prayed for YOU- Kim, Melle, Laura, Kathy, Melissa, Pam, etc....
Point 3 - even though He is praying for our faith not to fail, He already knows it will --> "and when you have turned again" (back to me after denying me)...He knows we will fail and yet he has provided a way for us to get back to Him, back home.
Point 4 - We are not useless when we fail..."when we have turned again, strengthen your brothers (or sisters)" - we have a job to do...and with His power, His forgiveness, His restoration, we shall strengthen each other.
So, those are my verses: Luke 22:30-31
Kathie's verses in honor of Passover this month.
ReplyDeleteExodus 12:24-27a
Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. And when your children ask you, "What does this mean to you?", then tell them, "It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians."
2Tim. 2:21
ReplyDeleteIf a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to da any good work.
melle bain
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love. which binds them all together in perfect unity.
ReplyDeleteColossians 3:12-14
"Those who have knowledge use words with restraint, and those who have understanding are even-tempered." Proverbs 17:27 NIV
ReplyDeleteMy verse for April 1 (sorry it's late.)