As we approach the Easter season we have been studying the writings of Peter. The lesson is from 1 Peter 5: 1-4 and 2 Peter 1:3-11. Peter was unusual in his writings because Peter viewed Jesus' life through his eyewitness account of Christ's ministry, he witnessed Jesus death, burial and resurrection. Peter was calling upon the church to be humble and desire to do God's will, be eager to serve God and lead by example not by force. When we are saved by Faith we are given the Holy Spirit to give us direction and protection. We put on the armour of God and willingly submit to His authority and humble ourselves to be a servant just as Christ served. While we serve and trust in the Lord we should also be alert and guard against the devil ready to devour the believers. The lessons states the devil will prowl like a lion looking for someone to devour. Don't be controlled by fear and anxiety, don't be controlled by your circumstances. Resist the devil by standing firm in the Faith. Peter writes " His divine power has given us everything we need" that is the Holy Spirit and the life that lives within us delivers the Christian from the bondage of sin. Peter tells us that by Faith we are saved and by God's grace we grow. The spiritual growth we should strive for is Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance( the ability to stand firm under adversity), godliness ( having an attitude of reverence toward God), brotherly kindness ( concern for others), and love or charity toward others. Failure to grow will make us ineffective. WE have a choice to stay a spiritual infant or grow to Christian maturity. We grow in grace and knowledge and our heart should be a reflection of our growth. We should strive to remain firm in the truth of God's word and always move forward in your walk with Christ. Salvation is not a promise of a better future but a call to live God's purpose for your life. Did you know that heaven will not be filled with "good" people but with "
FORGIVEN"people. Heaven awaits all that have Faith and accept His free gift.
Celebrate, He is alive!!!!
On April 26th 2008 LeAnn Brooke Lemon married Justin Bennett. Happy Anniversary, one year already!!!
These are the first signs of spring when my Jack-in-the-Pulpit shows its head and then will quickly grow. It doesn't do much but I find it very interesting. This is a giant version of Jack and in the lower pictures you will see a native version of Jack, he is much smaller but just as interesting. Then the Trout lily with the green specks on the purple leaves that bloom a bright yellow flower and they spread like crazy. The purple flowers are a ground cover and the little flowers that look like daffodils are Petite Daffodils, I have the yellow and white and yellow, but I have seen other colors too.
