The Fourth of July is now in the rearview, but letƵs not forget why we celebrate. ItƵs more than a day to gather with friends and family for a cookout, cool off at River Springs, or enjoy the spectacular fireworks hosted by the Owatonna Early Edition Rotary Club. While we all love a day off, especially when it extends into a long weekend, thatƵs not the real reason for the holiday.
Galatians 5:1 Ƶ ƵIt is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of bondage.Ƶ
Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV: ƵI know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.Ƶ
Matthew 7:26-27 ƵAnd every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.Ƶ
Proverbs 1: 8-9 ƵMy son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.Ƶ
We just passed Easter and the incredible fact of the Resurrection of Christ. Paul tells us that without the resurrection, our faith would be useless ƵAnd if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is in vain [it amounts to nothing] and your faith is devoid of truth and is fruitless (without effect, empty, imaginary and unfounded).Ƶ 1 Cor 15:14 AMP. ChristƵs Life, Death and Resurrection are the pivotal point in manƵs history.
I recently read an interesting anecdote regarding Sam Nunn. Nunn served as the Senator from Georgia for 24 years. After he announced that he wouldnƵt seek re-election, reporters wanted to know what he considered his greatest accomplishment during those years. He surprised them when he said keeping his family together and helping his wife raise two wonderful children was his most important accomplishment.
Here I am in Hawaii, enjoying a wonderful time visiting a lifelong friend from school as I soak up the beauty, including rainbows, the ocean, and breathtaking views, along with gorgeous landscapes in full bloom, featuring flowers galore.
With MotherƵs Day approaching this week, we are invited to reflect on the profound significance of motherhood in our lives and faith.
Earlier this month on Easter Sunday I spoke about the awesome power of God, and how that power, which raised Christ from the grave, is available in the life of all believers. The power of God not only prevails, but it permeates in believers through the Holy Spirit, it propels followers to act and live more righteously, and also promises to us our own future resurrection.
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