What a wonderful time we had together this past Saturday! Tom is out of town but will place some great pictures on the website when he returns. Look for them. We packed out the upstairs at Clifton's, for sure. The food was awesome! The fellowship was fun! The fireworks were spectacular! The traffic was horrific!!!!! I guess we must learn to take the good with the bad and allow God to make good out of it all. AT least we were presented a great opportunity to get to know each other better as we sat in traffic.
Many or you signed up to go canoeing and kayaking with us on May 16. We will be in touch with details soon.
Let's focus for a moment on our study in "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere. We will have this discussion Thursday April 23 at 7:30 in Minor Lane foyer. Join us there!
All That Can Be Shaken Will Be Shaken:
(read pages 215-217 and pages 79-88)
(study these scriptures: Hebrews 12:26-27, I Cor. 3:10-11, I John 2:15-17, Luke 22:24-32)
We studied last Thursday about Simon Peter being named "Rock" and why we should build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ. We learn this week how toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry Peter discovered that he was not as strong as he had previously thought. He was not yet walking in the character and humility of Christ, but was building his life and ministry with past victories and pride, such as walking on the water, or his revelation of who Jesus was, or being present at the mount of transfiguration. He had become quite self confident until the night of the betrayal. Jesus warned him "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31) Remember: When the Enemy (Satan) shakes us, it is to destroy us completely.
Note that when Jesus prayed for Peter it was that Peter's faith would not fail in the process of the shaking. He did not pray that Peter would escape the intense test. Jesus knew that this trial would bring out a new character, the one that Simon Peter needed to fulfill his destiny and strengthen his friends.
Some think that it is the big things that cause men and women to stumble. Often it is the minor ones. Many people have prayed a "sinner's prayer," attended church, become active, and studied their Bibles. All of this, however, is without a revelation of who Jesus really is, even though they have confessed Him with their mouths. When a severe disappointment occurs, they are offended with God and will have nothing to do with Him. (read Mark 4:16-17) We must be rooted and grounded in love. We will never lay down our lives for someone we do not trust.
What trips you up:
the lust of the flesh
The lust of the eyes
The pride of life
When any part of our lives is built upon worldly things, that part will be shaken by Christ. Count on it! Any thought process or heart attitude that is rooted in selfishness or pride will be shaken and purged. Ask God to sift the pride, selfishness, and lust from your life. Remember:
GOD IS WAY AHEAD OF THE DEVIL AND HE HAS A DIFFERENT PURPOSE FOR OUR TIMES OF SHAKING!
May God change our character to reflect His image,
Becky
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