Dove / Turtledove

Photo: Home 3/29/07

Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year. But not my people! They do not know the Lord’s laws.

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest

"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.

At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life."

Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, "Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a shopping mall!" That's when his disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house consumes me."

Jeremiah 8:7 Song of Solomon 2:12 Psalm 55:6 Matthew 10:16 Mark 1:9 John 2:15

Praise is the voice of a soul set free.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, CO 80921

Direction

Photo: Oak Creek Canyon, AZ

What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him makes it.

God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, Sends them in the right direction.

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go in that direction.

Is there any god like God? Are we not at bedrock? Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction? Now I run like a deer; I'm king of the mountain.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.

Psalm 18:30 Psalm 25:8 Psalm 23:1 Ezekiel 1:20 Psalm 18:31 Ephesians 4:4

Go to the Bible for your protection, correction and direction.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Guides

Photo: Gleneagle,CO

I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

"Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also brings them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment, He opens up the depths, tells secrets, sees in the dark—light spills out of him! God of all my ancestors, all thanks! all praise…”

Psalm 16:7 Psalm 25:9 Proverbs 11:3 Proverbs 16:23 Psalm 23:3 Daniel 2:19

Where God guides, He provides.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO

Great

Photo: Gleneagle,CO

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you

The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it

In the course of listening to Paul, a great many Corinthians believed and were baptized. One night the Master spoke to Paul in a dream: "Keep it up, and don't let anyone intimidate or silence you. No matter what happens, I'm with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you. You have no idea how many people I have on my side in this city." That was all he needed to stick it out. He stayed another year and a half, faithfully teaching the Word of God to the Corinthians

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation, God's works are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love. … Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—

Romans 11:33 Psalm 17:7 Psalm 68:11 Acts 18:8 Acts 17:11 Psalm 11:1

It doesn’t take great people to do great things – just unselfish ones.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Fresh

photo: Gleneagle,CO

Help us again, God of our help … Why not help us make a fresh start—a resurrection life? Then your people will laugh and sing! Show us how much you love us, God! Give us the salvation we need!

There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way? Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.

God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.

Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean.

Psalm 85:4 Psalm 19:11 Psalm 1:2 Psalm 18:20 Psalm 32:1

For joy that will last, always put Christ first.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Wisely

photo: Maui

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, dealt wisely, and sought after God, inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him [of vital necessity].

When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

I will behave myself wisely and give heed to the blameless way--O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house in integrity and with a blameless heart.

Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life

Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! … Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long. Make up for the bad times with some good times; we've seen enough evil to last a lifetime. Let your servants see what you're best at— the ways you rule and bless your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

"So, my dear friends, listen carefully; those who embrace these my ways are most blessed. Mark a life of discipline and live wisely; don't squander your precious life. Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day's work. When you find me, you find life, real life, to say nothing of God's good pleasure.

Psalm 14:2 Psalm 73:21 Psalm 101:2 Proverbs 9:7 Psalm 90:12 Proverbs 8:32

Spend time an money wisely – they both belong to God.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Cares for

photo: Lanai, HI

And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place.

God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun! …He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.”

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Deuteronomy 1:31 1 Samuel 2:6 Psalm 138:6 Hosea 14:8 Nahum 1:7 1 Peter 5:7

In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort.

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Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Bud

photo: Gleneagle, CO

I made for myself pools of water from which to water the forest and make the trees bud.

Yet through the scent [and breathing] of water [the stump of the tree] will bud and bring forth boughs like a young plant.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.

Then Jesus said, "God's kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help: first a green stem of grass, then a bud, then the ripened grain. When the grain is fully formed, he reaps—harvest time!

Ecclesiastes 2:6 Job 14:9 Isaiah 55:10 Matthew 24:32 Mark 4:26

Even when we don’t sense God’s presence, His loving care is all around us.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Await

photo: Gleneagle, CO

The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

Await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

1 Thessalonians 1:7 Luke 6:22 Galatians 5:5 Philippians 3:20 Hebrews 9:28 Jude 1:21

Joy in trials comes from knowing that the outcome will be good.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Discover

photo: Monument, CO

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

But now that you've found you don't have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way!

For who do you know that really knows you, knows your heart? And even if they did, is there anything they would discover in you that you could take credit for? Isn't everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God? So what's the point of all this comparing and competing? You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle.

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

Romans 12:17 Luke 10:42 Romans 6:22 1 Corinthians 4:7 Matthew 5:9

When we find Christ, we discover that we were the ones who were lost.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Close

photo: Maui

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him.

Even when I walkthrough the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. See how close his salvation is to those who fear him?

You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow. Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe.. .Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed

Psalm 34:18 Psalm 145:18 Psalm 31:23 Psalm 23:4 Psalm 85:8 Psalm 91:1

Walk so close to God that nothing can come between.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Witness

photo: Lanai, HI

Souls are saved by truthful witness

Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be clean." Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done."

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ").

The group that had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from among the dead kept telling it [bearing witness] to others.

And with that, the apostles were on their way, continuing to witness and spread the Message of God's salvation, preaching in every Samaritan town they passed through on their return to Jerusalem.

"Then he said, 'The God of our ancestors has handpicked you to be briefed on his plan of action. You've actually seen the Righteous Innocent and heard him speak. You are to be a key witness to everyone you meet of what you've seen and heard. So what are you waiting for?

Proverbs 14:25 Matthew 8:3 John 1:40 John 12:17 Acts 8:25 Acts 22:14

Witnessing isn’t just a job to be done; it’s a life to be lived.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Fill

photo: Lanai, HI

How exquisite your love, O God! How eager we are to run under your wings, to eat our fill at the banquet you spread as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water. You're a fountain of cascading light, and you open our eyes to light.

Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises! If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post.

Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I'll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers. Down-and-outers sit at God's table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. "Live it up, from head to toe. Don't ever quit!"

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Psalm 36:7 Proverbs 2:10 Colossians 3:16 Psalm 63:5 Psalm 22:25 Romans 5:5

Let God’s Word fill your mind, rule your heart, and guide your tongue.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise music

Come to ...

photo: Sedona, AZ

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

For I am the Lord; I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall be performed (come to pass); it shall be no more delayed or prolonged, for in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and will perform it, says the Lord God.

"And the women prophets—son of man, take your stand against the women prophets who make up stuff out of their own minds. Oppose them. Say 'Doom' to the women … "Therefore God says, 'I am against all the devices and techniques you use to hunt down souls. I'll rip them out of your hands. I'll free the souls you're trying to catch. I'll rip your magic bracelets and scarves to shreds and deliver my people from your influence so they'll no longer be victimized by you. That's how you'll come to realize that I am God.

We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt, Our sins too much for us— but you get rid of them once and for all. Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse. All your salvation wonders are on display in your trophy room. Earth-Tamer, Ocean-Pourer, Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser, Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash, of mobs in noisy riot— Far and wide they'll come to a stop, they'll stare in awe, in wonder. Dawn and dusk take turns calling, "Come and worship."

Proverbs 10:28 Psalm 32:10 Psalm 40:5 Ezekiel 12:25 Ezekiel 13:20 Psalm 65:2

The best reason for hope is God’s faithfulness.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921

Prepare

photo: Maui

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].


[ Be Holy ] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

You visit the earth and cause it to overflow; You greatly enrich it; the stream of God is full of water; You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth.

Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Psalm 5:3 1 Peter 1:13 Psalm 65:9 Proverbs 21:31 John 14:2 John 14:3

To find your way through life, follow Jesus.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Look for

photo: Gleneagle,CO

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed;

Let your love, God, shape my life with salvation, exactly as you promised; Then I'll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word. Don't ever deprive me of truth, not ever— your commandments are what I depend on. Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!— relishing every fragment of your counsel.

"I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity; Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street. … Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics; I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out. With my help, leaders rule, and lawmakers legislate fairly; With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority. I love those who love me; those who look for me find me. Wealth and Glory accompany me— also substantial Honor and a Good Name. My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary; the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus. You can find me on Righteous Road—that's where I walk— at the intersection of Justice Avenue, Handing out life to those who love me, filling their arms with life—armloads of life!

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired

Psalm 39:7 Psalm 25:3 Psalm 119:41 Proverbs 8:12 Isaiah 40:31

Creation is filled with signs that point to the Creator.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Intentions

photo: Gleneagle,CO

I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

If you forgive anyone anything, I too forgive that one; and what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sakes in the presence [and with the approval] of Christ (the Messiah), to keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions.

I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.

The Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Romans 7:17 Hebrews 4:12 Galatians 5:17 2 Corinthians 2:11 Revelation 2:23 Psalm 33:11

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. (I Cor. 10:13)

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Actions

photo: 7 Falls, Colorado Springs

A good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.

Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up.

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 14:14 Psalm 119:5 Proverbs 21:2 Proverbs 20:11 Proverbs 24:12 Proverbs 16:3

Real love puts actions to good intentions.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God.

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Appear

photo: Alaska

There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.

False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Proverbs 14:12 Lamentations 3:28 Mark 13:22 Psalm 42:2 Matthew 24:30 Isaiah 58:8

God can bring showers of blessing out of storms of adversity.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD Worship/Praise Music

Given

photo: Naples, Long Beach,CA

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

James 1:5 2 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:3 2 Peter 1:3 1 John 4:21 1 Peter 1:13

God owes us nothing but gives us everything.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD – Worship/Praise Music

Share

photo: Kim & Regina - '06

[Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God's agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.

Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.

And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy, for he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands … Light shines in the darkness for the godly… They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.

And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Ephesians 2:12 Ephesians 2:16 Ephesians 3:6 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Psalm 112:9 Colossians 3:4

God has left us in the world to witness to the world.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

Glenn – 368 Mission Hill Way, Colorado Springs CO 80921
DVD Worship/Praise Music

Convenient

(photo: Camp 'Desperation' Colorado Springs)

The woodworker draws up plans for his no-god, traces it on a block of wood. He shapes it with chisels and planes into human shape—a beautiful woman, a handsome man, and ready to be placed in a chapel …He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: "Ah, this is the life." And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, "Save me. You're my god."

Some days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess; and he sent for Paul and listened to him [talk] about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he continued to argue about uprightness, purity of life (the control of the passions), and the judgment to come, Felix became alarmed and terrified and said, Go away for the present; when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you.

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"

Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.

Isaiah 44:13 Acts 24:25 Romans 15:1 2 Timothy 4:2

Often it’s the joy behind our words that makes our testimony ring true.

LIFEgroups – together experiencing God

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