These final days in May mark the end of another school year and the beginning of a new adventure in living and learning. Summer has finally arrived with all its blessings (Vacations, Time off for teachers and students, Sunshine and warmer weather, and VBS) and a few negatives (Summer heat, Lawns to mow, and those pesky mosquitos and gnats). Life is indeed an adventure and we all want to be on it, but let’s stay safe this summer. Stop, look, and listen. Put the cell phone away when driving. Wear a life vest when boating. Watch out for children especially in the neighborhood. Look for opportunities to help others and show and share the love of Christ wherever you are.
God is blessing us at Harding Street. Our next big ADVENTURE is our summer VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. We’ve chose our theme “OUR BIG GOD” taken from the life of Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament. There will be classes for every age that will remind us that our God is everything we need. Our VBS is scheduled for 5 sessions beginning Sunday morning at 10:15 and going through Wednesday, each evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. JUNE 16-19. I hope to see you here for this very special VBS.
Words I choose not say and why:
1. “Can’t” – Philippians 4:13
2. “Never” – Mark 9:23
3. “Quit” – Galatians 6:9
4. “Depressed” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
5. “Hate” – Romans 5:5
6. “Doubt” – Romans 10:17
7. “Broken” – Acts 27
How about you? Don’t say “I can’t” because you can through Christ who strengthens you. Don’t say “I can never make it or do it or be it” because if you believe, all things are possible to one who believes. Don’t say “I quit” because only those who refuse to quit will receive the good from their labors. Don’t let depression master your life because though we are hard-pressed on every side, we are not crushed. Though we are perplexed, we are not in despair. Though we are persecuted, we are not forsaken. Though we are struck down, we are not destroyed. God will provide. Don’t hate. God’s love is everywhere, poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Don’t doubt. Get into God’s word, the Bible. Faith comes through reading, hearing, and meditating on His word. Life may try to break us. When you read about the shipwreck in Acts 27, note that Paul and the others who suffered through the storm used the broken pieces to make it to safety.
We’ll close out our May series “Living Forgiven” this Sunday (26th). When God forgives, He forgives instantly, completely, and REPEATEDLY. Yes. When I sin, even if I sin seven times in a day and ask God to forgive me, He will. Even if I sin 70 times 7 times in a day and repent, God forgives. What about you and me? God expects us to follow His lead, His example, and His commands. Sunday evening is very special at Harding Street. We’re looking at Jesus’ Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 and “The Four All’s of the Great Commission.” We’ve consider “All Authority” and “All Nations” and this Sunday evening we will look at #3 – “All That I Have Commanded You.”
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