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‘For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.’ Isaiah 44:3
A wisp of breeze stirs swirls of dust over the barren land. When the downpour finally comes, the "thirsty land" swallows voluminous amounts of water as the rain runs off the wet surface and finds its way into the deep cracks of the drought. The ground swells, the grass comes back to life, and life is replenished. In a barren spiritual wasteland, God's Holy Spirit pours out His blessing, brings times of refreshment, and replenishes our thirsty hearts! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
What do we do to welcome new neighbors into our neighborhood or apartment complex? How warmly do we personally welcome visitors at our church or in our Bible study group? When was the last time we invited someone new in our congregation over for dinner or included them in a gathering of your Christian friends? While some have the gift of hospitality, all of us need to be warm and open to folks we don't know that join us for Christian worship and fellowship. Why not make a commitment to meet and welcome one new person at church each week. In a cold impersonal world, we can make a huge difference in the lives of those seeking the shelter and grace of Jesus and His people. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.” 1 John 2:3
When we seek righteousness in our own lives, and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise, we reap the spiritual rewards which God intends for us to enjoy. When we behave ourselves as godly people, we honor God! When we live righteously and according to God’s commandments, He blesses us in ways which we cannot fully understand! As we fulfill our responsibilities today, hold fast to that which is good, and let’s associate ourselves with believers who behave themselves in like fashion. When we do, our good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to our Heavenly Father! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
Do we sometimes look at the mess our world is in and wonder why Jesus Christ doesn't just come back and end the horrific things? Why doesn't He put a stop to senseless wars, child abuse, murders and all the other things which make life so dangerous? He could. He could come at any moment. He's not slow in returning as some might think. God, in His incredible love and patience, doesn't want anyone to miss out on salvation. All people have the freedom to choose Him or not. He's hoping all will say yes to His will and yes to His ways. But they can't say yes if they haven't heard. We are to share the story of salvation every chance we get. Tell the story so others may come into the arc of safety and know that Jesus Christ is Lord! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Which of you by worrying can add one whit to his stature?” Matthew 5:27
Worry is a complete waste of energy. It solves nothing. That’s why Jesus said, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” In essence, He was saying, “You go to bed tonight and fret and fuss because you’re not five feet eleven inches , you’re only five feet nine inches. But when you wake up in the morning, you’re still going to be five feet nine inches.” Worry will never make you stretch. And it won’t resolve that anxiety on your mind either. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:10
Most of us have experienced how changing circumstances of life have an influence on us and those we love. One moment we experience joy, the next we are in despair. Regardless of these events in our life, we have the assurance of God’s love for us. However despondent we may be, let us never lose sight that Jesus loves us with an eternal and perfect love! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.
"God is right in everything he does." Daniel 9:14
God is never wrong. He has never rendered a wrong decision, experienced the wrong attitude, taken the wrong path said the wrong thing, or acted the wrong way. He is never too late or too early, too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow. He has always been and always will be right. He is righteous. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
Sheep and goats were very precious to the Palestinian shepherds. The shepherds took special care of them by leading them to pastures and water, protecting them and searching for the ones which went astray. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd who cares for God’s children. He provides for our daily needs, protects us, shows us the path of righteousness, and searches for us when we go off course. He lovingly brings each of us back to the safety of the flock. The Good Shepherd offers us His protection and immeasurable love, and asks only that we love Him in return! Oh! To be kept!!! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
Our trials aren’t superficial or irrelevant. They are vehicles of grace that God uses to bring us growth. Superficial problems call for superficial solutions. But real life isn’t like that; its headaches and stresses go deeper, right down to the bone. They touch the nerve areas of our security. But God says He is a present help in trouble. He is immediately available. Remember that wherever you travel, whatever the time of day; you can call and He will answer. |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
November 2024
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Community Abundant Life Church
1701 NW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 557-7822 Pastor Derrick Richardson |
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“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
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