June 4th - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me. You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle.
The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me. Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. -- James 1:2
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -- Philippians 4:13
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. -- Isaiah 26:3
I needed to hear those words as I was struggling with the changes and the unknown. It reminded me of a previous sermon from Pastor Chris from the end of April.
Transitions: By the Way
4/30/2017
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.”
Acts 16:6-12 NIV
http://bible.us/111/act.16.6-12.niv
Pastor Chris focused on how it can be frustrating when you don't know where to start and reminded the congregation that Cross Way UMC is on the move. When God sends, we follow. Period. In the scripture, Acts 16:6-12, the spirit of Jesus was doing what location services (GPS within technology) does for us today. It was sending them where they needed to be. We are on a mission from God. He reminded all of us how God's plan pre-dated Cross Way UMC since we are the daughter church from Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco, TX. There is a amazing journey ahead! Pastor Chris ended the sermon focusing on Hebrews 12:1-4. I am reminded when we focus on God's plans, rather than our own plans, life tends to go easier! Everything will fall into place as it always seems to do.
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
The sermon reminded me of the song, God is on the Move, from 7eventh Time Down. As a mom, the most amazing thing is to hear my kids sing christian music including this one. This is probably one of their favorites too!
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