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2020 Should I Go Or Should I Stay? 3 13 20 |
2019 |
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Friday, March 13, 2020 |
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Scripture: Romans 8:28 (NIV) – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Message: This past year has been a new season of life. My family made a geographical transition from Florida to Ohio. Change is a difficult thing for me. Some days I am lonely, homesick and doubt the choices that led me to Ohio. I recently attended a liturgical retreat where the speaker recommended keeping a gratitude journal. The concept involved writing down three things everyday that you are thankful for. I first thought of my family, my health, and the beautiful moonlight I often see on my evening walks. I realized that regardless of my location, we are all under the same orbiting moon. My family, my health, and Earth’s moon are the same in my new location as they were before. When God calls us to something new, we need to be prepared for the unexpected. We are called for different roles, in different ways, at different points in our lives. One season holds one purpose and the next holds another, but God is unchanging. Maybe now that I have been called to move to Ohio; it’s time for me to grow there right where I am. Prayer: Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your blessings. I know You have not sent me out on my own. You call us to Yourself. Help me to walk with You, to know You, to follow You, and to be like You. For every "go", there is also a "come". Jesus, You call and when I answer, You say “come near, come now, and come stay. I am not done with you yet.” In Jesus name. Amen. Rachel Gupta |
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Tuesday, March 12, 2019 |
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Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV) - "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ." John 3:5-7 (NIV) – “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” Romans 6:1-2 (NIV) – “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Message: I wish I could bless my children with the lyrics of the refrain of a popular song by Jason Mraz “Have It All”1 My young boys’ lives are full of hope and promise of a better tomorrow, but I know that promises and hearts can be broken. When Jesus told Nicodemus “You must be born again” (John 3:7), He reiterated the fact that we can’t reenter the womb and receive a do-over. However, we take solace in the fact that Christ’s death on the cross enables us to live a life free from the power of sin and darkness. We no longer have to dwell on the mistakes and regrets of the past. As Paul states: “We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2b-c). There is only one alternative and that is to move forward knowing that our life is hidden in and made anew in Jesus. We cannot go back to our old life with its destructive ways any more than an adult can return to childhood. Therefore, we can rejoice that Christ’s sufferings on the cross will lead us to not only a victorious tomorrow, but reveal a life moving forward all for His glory. Prayer: Dear Creator of my life, I so often believe I can save myself but it always ends in failure. You care for me as a loving parent. Bring me to a new life in You. Help me to experience Your love in the passion, death and resurrection of Your Son. Let Your love shine out from within me in this sacred journey of following the path You have set for me. In Jesus' name. Amen. Rachel Gupta 1. “Have It All” by Jason Mraz. Written by Jason Mraz et al. 2018© Copyright. Published by Word Collections Publishing. Copyright held by Global Music Rights. Permission not required for use of Title. For lyrics, search for “Have It All” by Jason Mraz” on official website. The Official Video is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFkTu8Y1KLs |
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