Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 14:12-15 "12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it. 15 If ye love Me, keep My commandments." We are learning that GOD has provided us with everything and we are to call on Jesus for help! Yesterday we read from the Gospel of Luke where Jesus said; "For every one that asketh RECEIVETH; and he that seeketh FINDETH; and to him that knocketh it shall be OPENED." We need to PRAY to Jesus. For today's verses we turn to the Gospel of John where we read the record of Jesus consulting with His Disciples right before His journey through the Garden of Gethsemane and on to the cross and the grave. The Disciples are about to experience their moment of truth. Jesus is offering them comfort ...

Luke 11:9 & 10 "9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." As we study the cross and it's effect on our lives and FAITH, we have seen that GOD has provided us with everything. God permits us to "do all things..." He allows us to put our shoes on the wrong feet! He let's us learn from our mistakes. And, when we don't learn GOD sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die on the cross for you and me! Jesus Christ strengthens you for eternal life in heaven and He gives you strength for today and all the challenges you will face in this life. We have to learn to call on Jesus for help! For today's verses we turn to the Gospel of Luke, chapter eleven, verse nine and ten. Jesus is in the middle of teaching with parables and He has this straight talk lesson for ever...

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This is worth contemplating more than one day.  God let's us "do all things..." God has provided us with the Law and the Gospel. God has a plan for us and yet He permits us to "do all things..." He allows us to put our shoes on the wrong feet! He let's us learn from our mistakes. WHEN we make our mistakes GOD helps us out; "...through Christ which strengtheneth me." GOD teaches us and gives us the guidance we need. We ignore the lessons and do it "my way!" We like to think if it's not hurting anyone why does it matter? But, our actions do have consequences. We need God's helping hands in our lives. If for nothing else to save us from OUR sins. This is GOD'S WAY! To send His only begotten Son to suffer and die for you and me! Jesus Christ strengthens you for eternal life in heaven and He gives you strength for today and all the challenges yo...

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." This season leading up to Easter we are studying the cross and it's profound effect on our world. This last week we looked at the GREAT example Joseph provides for us. His example of growing closer to GOD in times of difficulty. When we are in similar situations we can be like Joseph; wait and pray, don't make rash decisions.  Yesterday we read in Apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, chapter two, verses eleven and twelve where we are reminded; it's ALL GOD'S work. It's not mine. It's not yours. It's not even Paul's or Joseph's. It's GOD who has called us and gives us His gift of FAITH!!! We can only strive to be "worthy." Today we turn to the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter four, verse thirteen; "I CAN DO all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." We spend a lot of time and energy when we are g...

1 Thessalonians 2:11 & 12 "11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." Joseph was faithful to GOD, a good husband to Mary and the best Dad to Jesus. The challenges he faced were GREAT. He had to stand up for his wife in front of disbelieving family and friends. He had to protect the Son of God from the bloodthirsty Harrod. And, many challenges we can only imagine. Joseph was a humble man from a modest family. A man who worked with his hands, labored and provided for his family. He is an inspiration to us all. His loyalty and dedication is admirable. Also his example of growing closer to GOD in times of difficulty. When we are in similar situations we can be like Joseph; wait and pray, don't make rash decisions. Make faithful decisions. We can ask; "what would Jesus do?" Turn to the Holy Scriptures and our faithful...

Matthew 1:24 & 25 "24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." Joseph was a great man. He was faithful to GOD, a good husband to Mary and the best Dad to Jesus. The challenges he faced were GREAT. He will have stand up for his wife in front of disbelieving family and friends. He will have to protect the Son of God from the bloodthirsty Harrod. And, many challenges we can only imagine.  Joseph is blessed; every step of the way he has "GOD with HIM." Jesus Christ is GOD Incarnate! While He was GOD in utero His "step" father was visited by The Angel of the LORD in a dream. Joseph was assured of the origin of this Son and his new born Son is the fulfillment of many prophecies! And, will SAVE the WORLD from it's sins!! Joseph was a humble man from a modest family. A man who worked with his h...

Matthew 1:21-23 "21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." "GOD with US." Jesus Christ is GOD Incarnate! While He was GOD in utero His "step" father was visited by The Angel of the LORD in a dream. Joseph was assured of the origin of this Son and in today's verses; prophesied about; "And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be FULFILLED which was spoken of the Lord by the PROPHET, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name EMMANUEL, which being interpr...

Matthew 1:18-20 "18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Our study series leading up to Easter is titled "Lift High the Cross." So far, this week, we studied the parable of ten virgins parable told by Jesus to teach His followers to be READY for His return. His Advent. The rest of this week we will continue reading in the Gospel of Matthew, BUT looking at the Advent of Jesus through the Virgin Mary and Joseph.  Today's verses; "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wi...

Matthew 25:10-13 "10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." We are studying the ten virgins parable told by Jesus to teach His followers to be READY for His return. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. The lamps in their hands is the profession of their FAITH. The Bridegroom is our Lord and Savior and the Bride is the church.  The pervious verses set up that there were ten virgins, half were WISE, and half were FOOLISH. "THEY ALL slumbered and slept." While waiting for the Bridegroom to return. Up and until this moment both the foolish and wise looked the same. Now, as the bridegroom returned, it became obvio...

Matthew 25:6-9 "6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." Our study series leading up to Easter is titled "Lift High the Cross." Yesterday we began the ten virgins parable told by Jesus to teach His followers to be READY for His return. The first hearers of this lesson knew exactly what Jesus was teaching. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. The lamps in their hands is the profession of their FAITH. The Bridegroom is our Lord and Savior and the Bride is the church.  Ysterday's verses set up that there were ten virgins, half were WISE, and half were FOOLISH. "THEY ALL slumbered and slept....

Matthew 25:1-5 "1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." Our study series leading up to Easter is titled "Lift High the Cross." It is giving us the opportunity to learn and review important things about our FAITH in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We just read about Jesus's last words to His Disciples and that He will RETURN! "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall NOT pass away." Of course we want to know WHEN Jesus is coming back. We need to be ready it can happen at ANYTIME; right now or a long time from now. We don't know and have no way of knowing! Like the ten virgins we begin to study today... This p...

Matthew 24:35 & 36 "35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only." We just studied Jesus's last words to His Disciples; "GO ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" GO! He said as an imperative, not a choice. Reach out beyond your nearest and dearest. Think outside your church and your four walls. Share God's Grace. We do NOT go out alone, Jesus is with us... "even UNTO the END of the world. Amen." Not to long before these words Jesus had assured His Disciples with the words in today's verses; "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall NOT pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth NO man, no, NOT the angels of heaven, but My Father ONLY." These words promise not only the steadfastness of Jesus's teaching but also that He...

Matthew 28:20 "20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." The people listening to these words witnessed His torture, death, burial and RETURN from death!!! They were listening to His every word. Then, He told them He was given power and authority over all creatures, and all things in heaven and earth. Jesus has their undivided attention. And He says; "GO ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" GO! He said as an inparative, not a choice.  GO. Our mission is to be despatched. "Go..." calls for us to be on the go, out in the world. Reach out beyond your nearest and dearest. Think outside your church and your four walls. Go across the street. Go across town. Go across the country and across the globe. We have to get out of our comfort zone. Go out on a limb. We have to GO! And, today...

Matthew 28:19 "19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" These are the last words Jesus said to His Discples. He spoke these words after the Disciples witnessed His torture, death, burial and RETURN from the grave!!! Then, He told them He was given power and authority over all creatures, and all things in heaven and earth. Jesus has their undivided attention. And He says; "GO ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" GO! Inparative to do this, not a choice. Not a option.  GO. Our mission is despatched. "Go..." calls for us to be on the go, out in the world. Reach out beyond your nearest and dearest. Think outside your church and your four walls. Go across the street. Go across town. Go across the country and across the globe. We have to get out of our comfort zone. Go out on a limb.  GO! The good pa...

Matthew 28:17 & 18 "17 And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." Our study series leading up to Easter is titled "Lift High the Cross." It is giving us the opportunity to learn and review important things about our FAITH in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We just read about RECONCILIATION; we are given the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God because of JESUS!!!  We are "a NEW CREATURE!"  And, "we are AMBASSADORS for Christ!"  We need to build relationships with people so they will come to Christ, and Jesus will take them to GOD. It's an amazing relationship.  Next, we are going to read the last words Jesus said to the Ambassadors He recruited when He walked the dusty roads of Judea. We are turning to the last verses of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty-eight, beginning with verse seventeen; "And when they saw Him, they worsh...

2 Corenthians 5:20 & 21 "20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." We have the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God because of JESUS!!! Jesus did everything!! We are RECONCILED!! This is the bottom line! The "...old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW." We are "a NEW CREATURE!" We will surprise ourselves with how easy it will become to put a positive spin on life. It will be easy to share the Gospel. Praising others will be natural.  Today's verse, we work for GOD now; "...we are AMBASSADORS for Christ!" Jesus led us back to God. Jesus is The Bridge between us and God. He is The Ambassador of Heaven, AND we are His Ambassadors on earth. We need to build relationships with people so they will come to Christ, and Jesus will t...

2 Corenthians 5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." We are studying the Second letter to the Corenthians, chapter five, we began with verse seventeen; "...old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW." Making us "a NEW CREATURE!" Meaning we can and will have characteristics we never had before. We will surprise ourselves with how easy it will become to put a positive spin on life. It will be easy to share the Gospel. Praising others will be natural.  Our resurrection is made possible by our reconciliation "...God, who hath RECONCILED us to Himself by Jesus Christ," Reconsillation is an accounting term. It is the act of bringing accounts into ballace. GOD took action and initiated the forgiveness. God doesn't even ask us to do anything! His Son, Jesus did everything!! Today's verse, God forgi...

2 Corenthians 5:18 "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;" We are studying the Apostle Paul's writing in the Second letter to the Corenthians, chapter five, begining with verse seventeen; "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW." No matter what we were before; moral or immoral, infidels or hopeful believers, friendly or difficult, intoxicated or sober, ALL experience a GREAT change. Making us "a NEW CREATURE!" Meaning we can and will have characteristics we never had before. We will surprise ourselves with how easy it will become to put a positive spin on life. It will be easy to share the Gospel. Praising others will be natural. Spontaneous acts of kindness will just happen by us even when we don't plan them! All things are possible. We have resurrection through Jesus Christ.  ...

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." We were studying the Apostle Paul's encouraging writing in First Thessalonians. He emphasized that we are called to put a positive spin on life. Because we are awake to the reality of the blessed Gospel we need to be alert and mindful. Looking for ways to share the Gospel. Praising others and setting a good example for all. People need GRACE and often GOD is depending on you and me to be His GRACE for others! Our hands become GOD'S hands of mercy. People need that. Spontaneous acts of kindness don't just happen we have to plan for it!  Today we turn the pages to more of the Apostle Paul's writing, the Second letter to the Corenthians, chapter five, verse seventeen; "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW." To "be in Christ"...

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 "9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." We are First Thessalonians where the Apostle Paul is encouraging the church to grow in faith. Paul's words are like water for the thirsty soul, even today! They provide hope in the face of suffering and uncertainty. "Ye are ALL the children of LIGHT..." or, children of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We are a new creation. We are called to put a positive spin on life. Most people do not think of the Heavenly things or even their salvation through Jesus Christ. They are asleep. 😴 Because we are awake to the reality of the blessed Gospel we need to be alert and mindful. Looking for ways to share the Gospel. We will need to guard our heads and hearts from the dangers and attacks...

1 Thessalonians 5:7 & 8 "7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." We are in the First letter to the Thessalonians. Written by the Apostle Paul just a few months after departing from this church he had started. In the letter we read Paul's encouragement to the church to grow in faith. Paul's words are like water for the thirsty soul, even today! They provide hope in the face of suffering and uncertainty. "Ye are ALL the children of LIGHT..." We are a new creation. We are called to put a positive spin on life. It's a new life after all! Most people do not think of the Heavenly things or even their salvation through Jesus Christ. They are asleep. 😴 Because we are awake to the reality of the blessed Gospel we need to be alert and mindful. Looking for ways to share the Gos...

1 Thessalonians 5:5 & 6 "5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." As Easter is fast approaching, as we pass through the season of Lent; we want to learn more about GOD and the many things He has done for us. We just read the first verses of the Gospel of John that teaches Jesus was there in the beginning. Before there was even time. And, when Jesus became incarnate He was "THE LIGHT shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it NOT."  Today we turn to the First letter to the Thessalonians. Written by the Apostle Paul just a few months after departing from this church he had started. In the letter we read Paul's encouragement to the church to grow in faith. Paul's words are like water for the thirsty soul, even today! They provide hope in the face of suffering and uncertainty. "Ye are ALL the children o...

John 1:17 & 18 "17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him."  The first verses in the Gospel of John remind us that Jesus was there all the way back in the beginning. Before there was even time. Before time Jesus was there. This is SO foundational it helps us understand so much more that Jesus DID; healing, making the weather obey, raise the dead. Things we can only imagine. Jesus DID in front of people. Witnesses. They recorded what they could, by no means did they get it ALL.  When Jesus became incarnate He was "THE LIGHT shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it NOT." The dark reality of human HISTORY struggles with our Lord and Savior generally and GOD The Father specifically. All times and all people have difficulty accepting GOD and His plan for our lives. Today's verses... THE LAW and THE G...

John 1:4 & 5  "4 In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."  We want to spread this Gospel message during Lent and always. We want to Lift High the Cross, always proclaiming Jesus's name. We have begun reading the first verses in the Gospel of John. It is an interesting contrast to the Gospels that begin with genealogy detailing the family tree of Jesus. Here in John's writing we are taken all the way back to the beginning. Before there was even time. This is a challenging idea for us; we live in time and can't imagine life outside of time. Before time the Word was there.  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH God, and the Word WAS God..." With and Was. Separate and the same. Part of the Holy Trinity. This a mystery we can get a hold of even if we not able to fully understand it. This is SO foundational it helps us understand so much more that Jesus D...

John 1:1-3 "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made."  Jesus's work on the cross gives us VICTORY in heaven for all eternity! We want to spread this Gospel message during Lent and always. We want to Lift High the Cross, always proclaiming Jesus's name. Today we are turning to first verses in the Gospel of John. It is an interesting contrast to the Gospels that begin with genealogy detailing the family tree of Jesus. Here in John's writing we are taken all the way back to the beginning. Before there was even time. This is a challenging idea for us; we live in time and can't imagine life outside of time. Before time the Word was there.  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH God, and the Word WAS God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and with...

1 Corinthians 15:57 & 58 "57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." GOD will help you through the trials and tribulations of life and BEYOND!!! When our Lord and Savior RAISES us up to our new life we will be even better. INCORRUPTIBLE and IMMORTAL! Jesus helps us CROSSOVER to the other side.  We have a lot to LOVE in this life. We hold it tightly and will one day have to let it go. We will be reborn in heaven. Through the channel we call death we will arrive in our New life. Once there, we will never want to go back.  "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable," Because of God's GRACE and the great gifts from His Son; Jesus Christ we want ...

1 Correnthians 15:54-56 "54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." GOD will help you through the trials and tribulations of life and BEYOND!!! When our Lord and Savior RAISES us up to our new life we will be even better. INCORRUPTIBLE and IMMORTAL! We need the message of Ash Wednesday; "...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." We need to hear this message. There are ALL kinds of ways to go; heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, accidents, violence and too many more. We can't wish it away. We have to come to grips with it. Look the bad news in the eyes. It's all too real. We will be changed on that day. It's a mystery to us now. One day it will be clear. J...

1 Correnthians 15:51-53 "51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." God shapes us and molds us through the life experiences He has planned for us. The trials and tribulations help us grow us closer to God. All the "mini" deaths we experience again and again are tiny samples how the world treats GOD. GOD will help you through it all and BEYOND!!! When our Lord and Savior RAISES us up to our new life we will be even better. INCORRUPTIBLE and IMMORTAL.  Today we enter into our Lenten study series titled "Lift High the Cross." Today's verses and thoughts are from our Ash Wednesday service titled "Crossover." Who needs Ash Wednesday? It's SO in your fac...

2 Corinthians 4:12-14 "12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you." God shapes us and molds us through the life experiences He has planned for us. We are His "jars of clay." The trials and tribulations help us grow us closer to God. Makes us better.  When you are picked on, not accepted, not worthy, not right, outside the group, thought of as uncool; you are experiencing how our Lord and Savior was treated. All the "mini" deaths we experience again and again are tiny samples how the world treats GOD. GOD will help you through it all and BEYOND!!! Today's verses; "So then death worketh in us, BUT LIFE in YOU. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and ...

2 Corinthians 4:9-11 "9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." Yesterday's we started with the famous "jars of clay" verses. We are the jars of clay. Clay can be molded and shaped. Clay can be made into a wide array of useful and beautiful vessels. Clay is fragile. We all become flawed and cracked. Sometimes broken. We are not defined by our breaks. We become stronger and better. No one chooses their trials and tribulations. Yet they grow us closer to God. Makes us better. "...yet NOT DISTRESSED; ...but NOT in DESPAIR;" Thanks to the power OF GOD, and not of us... "Persecuted, but NOT forsaken; cast down, but NOT destroyed; Always bearing about in the body ...

2 Corinthians 4:7 & 8 "7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;" We are wrapping up our study of God's Garden. This week's produce is raisens. We should all eat some raisens right now! Research shows that raisins can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood sugar. The fiber in raisins works to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which reduces strain on your heart. And, much more! The good benefits of raisens are like the benefits of the Holy Scriptures; they are more and more. Yesterday's verses were a poetic summary of our studies this past week. We can try to make our conversation shine the Light of Jesus Christ in the hearts of our friends and neighbors.  Today's verses emphasize our study for this week, the famous "jars of clay" verses or in the KJV "ea...