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| the weekly eWell | 27 february 2008 / issue 36 |
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In this issue: • latest news • community groups • well said • more info • classifieds
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"Be Joyful Always" Jen Simmons “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This was one of the first verses I heard after becoming a Christian. It has helped me to understand how a believer in Christ should live and comes to my mind immediately when I am struggling with the pressures of life. At first glance, it seems so simple. So few words, yet so much instruction. It is not always easy to live this way daily, but this verse gives us instructions for how to live the life that God would want for us. Life… it gets so…busy… sometimes... and…slow and difficult…at other times. As followers of Christ, I think we try not to lose our focus on our purpose: to glorify God. But in the everyday “to do” list of life, this “glorifying God” thing gets put on the back burner. But shouldn’t everything we do be purposeful in bringing God glory? Can changing one of Karsyn’s poopy diapers bring God glory? I know it can. Taking care of the precious child he has entrusted to Scott and I brings Him joy (probably laughter as I cleaned up poop that shot clear across the room onto the floor and on the dog’s back). Everything, I mean EVERYTHING we do should be done with the intent to bring God honor. If we live like we are instructed in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, I think every moment of our lives would glorify God. Trust me, I do not have this all figured out. I struggle with patience, with selfishness, with perseverance, with stress, with worry; the list could go on and on and on some more. How can we be joyful always? If you would remember the joy of your salvation when you struggle with feeling the frustrations of life and go back to that moment when you began a relationship with Christ and reflect momentarily how He has carried you through so much since then. You could find joy, no matter how bleak your current situation may seem. How can we pray continually? We cast our thoughts, our worries, and our concerns to Him who can handle them. Walk with Him—and share with Him. Don’t try to take control of your life because if you gave it to Christ, it is not yours. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 Talk to God as you live your life… How do we give thanks in all circumstances? Trusting in Him; knowing that He is sovereign; that He acts according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Most importantly, knowing that He has already given you the best gift you could ever receive: an eternal life with Jesus. My cousin has a toddler that was just diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. They were told their child’s life could be short and painful. How can they give thanks to God as such a horrible disease afflicts their beloved son? They can remember how God sent His son for a horrible death on a cross, so we could know Him. God is in control over everything. So, in summary, life is not easy. But life is an awesome journey (filled with joy, peace, and thanks) when we have a clear purpose…Jesus! I hope this encourages you to not be bogged down with the day-to-day duties we get swamped in, but to reflect in the joy you have been given in salvation, the peace you have in knowing God is in control, and the thankfulness in your heart for what God has done and continues to do. If we can remember these things, we will be doing our best to be in God’s will. (Jen Simmons is wife to Scott (the Well's Worship Leader) and mom to five-month-old Karsyn. She teaches science courses online with Florida Virtual School.) |
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If you are interested in helping out with The Well's Easter on the Moon Service, please make plans to attend an important volunteer meeting on Sunday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. in the Godby auditorium. THEOLOGY 101 Todd Inserra will be leading a time of teaching, learning, and discussion about the basics of Christianity and Theology on the first Sunday of every month at 4:30 p.m. Join Todd on March 2nd for the kickoff of the Theology 101 Workshops with "The Trinity." COLLEGE LADIES DINNERS College Ladies...join each other for a Potluck Dinner on Saturday, March 1st, at 7:00 p.m. at Dr. Robinson's house. Contact Natalie Fady at natialie@nomorethirst.org to rsvp and for more info and directions. SERMON PREVIEW This Sunday, Dean continues the "Perceptions" series with "All Christians are Sheltered".
Sunday Service is held at Godby High School. Join us in the auditorium each week at 5:30 p.m. COLLEGE DINNERS Due to the Spring Evening at Cafe and Spring Break, there will be no college dinners for the next two weeks. The dinners will begin again on March 17th. Upcoming College Dinners are being held at the Simmons', Dr. Robinson's, and Tricia Hiskey's. PRAYER POINT Please pray for Tiffany Singleton who is serving in Africa for nine months, and Bennett Accuff's uncle who is working in Kenya during a very turbulent situation. The Well WEBCASTS Dean's sermons are now available online at nomorethirst.org. Save them to your IPod, burn them on a cd, or listen to them over the internet. Sermons will be added each Sunday night following the service. eGIVING eGiving is here! Log on to egiving.nomorethirst.org to set up your eTithe. |
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The news is true! The Well's Easter Sunday service will be held on The Moon at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 23rd. Make plans for you and all your friends to attend this very special event. For more information, keep checking EasterOnTheMoon.com. Pick up a few invite/info cards this week (in the foyer at Godby) to handout to all those you want to invite! |
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Visit www.nomorethirst.org for more info! |
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| Dean Inserra, Pastor Scott Simmons, Worship Leader dean@nomorethirst.org scott@nomorethirst.org | |
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| Copyright 2008 © The Well Sunday Nights, 5:30 p.m. @ the Godby High School Auditorium | |
