Ephesians Week 6

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 Ephesians 5   5  1  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children   2  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.   4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.   5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [ a ]   6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.   7  Therefore do not be partners with them. 8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light i...
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Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by DeMoss

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Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them free by Nancy DeMoss is a book that every woman should read.  Our society, our own sin nature, our friends, our family, etc... tell us lies on a daily basis. I.E. God is not really good.  God doesn't love me, God is not really enough.  God's ways are too restrictive.  I need to learn to love myself, My sin isn't that bad. God can't forgive what I have done. etc.  I read this book over 10 years ago..and I still go back to it.  It is a great book for seeing the lie..and then, seeing the truth in God's word.  In light of the horrible things that have happened nationally and  internationally, I thought I would start with these lies that DeMoss identifies.
The Lies
If my circumstances were different, I would be different.
I shouldn't have to suffer.
My cicumstances will never change- this will go on forever.
I just can't take any more.
It's all about me.

The Truth
My circumstances don't make me what I am, they just reveal my chacater.
If I am not content with my present circumstances, I am not likely to be happy in any other set of circumstances.
I may not be able to contro my circumstances, but my circumstances do not have to control me.
Every circumstance that touches my life has first been filtered through His loving fingers.
It is not possible to be holy apart from suffering. There is redemptive fruit that only happens through hard circumstances.
True joy is not the absence of pain, but the knowing God is with you in the midst of pain and trial. 
My suffering might last a long time, but it will NOT be forever.
My painful circumstances will not last one moment longer than God knows it is necessary to achieve His holy plan in my life.
One day, there will be NO more tears and pain.
Whatever the pain, the situation, His grace is sufficient for me.
It is about God.  I was created for His glory.

A pastor's wife, Susan Hunt, said this ..
History is the story of redemption. This story is much bigger than I.  I am not the main character in the drama of redemption.  I am not the main point.  But by God's grace I am a part of it. My subplot is iintegral to the whole. it is far more significant to have a small part in His story than to star in my own puny production. This is a sosmic story tha twill run throughout eternity. Will I play my part with grace and joy, or wil I go for the short run, insignificant story that really has no point?

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Psalm 30: 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night,  but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Colossians 1: 16-18     16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
 

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  1. RachelpJuly 25, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    http://inhonoroftheking.blogspot.com/2011/03/linda-dillow-part-4-final-part-hardest.html
    Just in case you are dropping in and just think I can say this because my life is easy...read the above post. NO ONE's Life is EASY..no one. My son has a disorder that causes tumors to grow...I have other problems everyone has (hurt feelings, broken relationships, rowdy children).. hang in there. We can do this together..

    ReplyDelete

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