Eating turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie may not come again for another year, but the theme of Thanksgiving can be on our minds and hearts every day! Here are some verses to ponder that tell about the importance and necessity of being thankful:
Colossians 2:6-7
…just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
Psalm 9:1, 7:17
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds...I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
What are you thankful for?
Having a loving family, supportive friends, clean water, and the opportunity to go to college, are just some of the many things we might say in response. There are countless things we can thank and praise God for every moment we’re alive.
It’s easy to forget sometimes though, that we are called to be thankful for everything, not just for things that are obviously blessings, but for difficult circumstances as well. Paul talks in 2 Corinthians chapters 11 and 12, about all the hardships he has endured and how tormenting his “thorn in the flesh” was. But through all that, he manages to say “…I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong” (12:9-10). We can be thankful for things that seem despairing because we know God is working in every aspect of our life. He can display His power when we are weak, and he can turn any situation into one that brings Him glory.
Let’s be “overflowing with thankfulness” today for everything in our life.
Happy Thanksgiving! (It might be a week late, but I’ll say it anyway. :) )
- SL
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Howdy All!
Holy cow this semester has gone by quick! It seems like just yesterday we are coming back to Abilene to start the new year and now here we are with just 2 weeks left. I for one have had a great semester; I have met a bunch of new friends and I have had a lot of fun and I have even learned a little bit along the way. However it seems that I am stuck in the grind and I know these last 2 weeks are going to be killer. I would just assume be done and be home for the break but I would like to encourage you to press on. It says in 2 Chronicles 15:17b "Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." That verse has been an encouragement for me these last few days and I would like to make this a prayer for all of us college students looking for strength these last few papers, essays and final exams.
I heard a great quote by the late basketball coach, Jimmy Valvano, he said, "Don't give up... don't ever give up." Hopefully that can be the attitude you take in the next 2 weeks.
Adios,
JS
Currently listening to "Love Wins" by Robbie Seay Band
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Hey guys! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Friday morning we will have coffee, breakfast, and prayer at 7a.m. at John and Elya's house
Sunday morning is College Bible Study at 9a.m.
Join us Sunday at noon in room 150 for the College Christmas Party! FREE! Lunch, fun games, and awesome give-aways! Wear your best Christmas Sweater for a chance to win a prize!
No FREE! Meal at 6 this week.
Upcoming...
Dec. 10th Service Project from 4 to 6
Dec. 11th Pancake Study Break at 8!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sunday 11/13 - Jeremiah
This past Sunday we heard a lesson about Jeremiah! Here’s a recap for anyone who was not at Bible study, or if you would like a reminder…
Jeremiah was a prophet called from God to deliver bad news to Judah. In chapter 1 we see God make Jeremiah some wonderful promises. God said his presence would always be with Jeremiah and he would protect him.
In chapter 20 however, we see a stark constrast. Jeremiah is crying out to God asking him to curse the day he was born! He is fed up with being ridiculed and mocked. He begins to wonder where God is in the midst of his troubles. But, even through his doubt and frustration, he continues to do as God tells him. He might have hesitated to continue doing God’s work, but his hesitation did not lead to refusal.
Jeremiah shows us how it is okay to be honest with God. We will all have times in our life that are extremely difficult, but it is important even if we doubt, to not forget the promises God has given us, to not give up, and to keep pressing on to follow God’s will for our lives. Just because we experience opposition at times, and things may get hard, that doesn’t change God’s plan for us. God doesn’t promise to make life easy, but he does promise to be with us through it all. When we have times of doubt, we can use that time to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our faith. When it seems like we’re stuck in the middle and we have lost sight of God’s initial promises and of how great the ending will be, we can find out more about who God is and who we are. God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. When we struggle, he can work the most! Being the hands and feet of Christ costs us everything, but it is by far the best thing we could ever do in our entire life.
When we feel we have lost sight of God, remember that we can come to him with anything. Jeremiah gives us an example of what being brutally honest with God can look like, but he also shows us how important it is to fulfill God’s call and not give up even when things get rough.
Jeremiah was a prophet called from God to deliver bad news to Judah. In chapter 1 we see God make Jeremiah some wonderful promises. God said his presence would always be with Jeremiah and he would protect him.
In chapter 20 however, we see a stark constrast. Jeremiah is crying out to God asking him to curse the day he was born! He is fed up with being ridiculed and mocked. He begins to wonder where God is in the midst of his troubles. But, even through his doubt and frustration, he continues to do as God tells him. He might have hesitated to continue doing God’s work, but his hesitation did not lead to refusal.
Jeremiah shows us how it is okay to be honest with God. We will all have times in our life that are extremely difficult, but it is important even if we doubt, to not forget the promises God has given us, to not give up, and to keep pressing on to follow God’s will for our lives. Just because we experience opposition at times, and things may get hard, that doesn’t change God’s plan for us. God doesn’t promise to make life easy, but he does promise to be with us through it all. When we have times of doubt, we can use that time to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our faith. When it seems like we’re stuck in the middle and we have lost sight of God’s initial promises and of how great the ending will be, we can find out more about who God is and who we are. God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. When we struggle, he can work the most! Being the hands and feet of Christ costs us everything, but it is by far the best thing we could ever do in our entire life.
When we feel we have lost sight of God, remember that we can come to him with anything. Jeremiah gives us an example of what being brutally honest with God can look like, but he also shows us how important it is to fulfill God’s call and not give up even when things get rough.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
This week!
Coffee and Prayer at John and Elya's- Friday at 7a.m.
We are really excited about this Sunday. The topic is Global Awareness. We will be hearing testimonies from several students. You won't want to miss it! - College Bible Study Sunday morning at 9a.m.
FREE! Meal Sunday night at 6!- Opportunity to help others: Bring loose change or money to help fight World Hunger!
Can't go home for Thanksgiving?? A couple from the church would love to have two college students over for a Thanksgiving Meal at their home! If you are interested contact Gayla at College@pdbc.org First come first serve!
Have a great weekend and a wonderful break!
Coffee and Prayer at John and Elya's- Friday at 7a.m.
We are really excited about this Sunday. The topic is Global Awareness. We will be hearing testimonies from several students. You won't want to miss it! - College Bible Study Sunday morning at 9a.m.
FREE! Meal Sunday night at 6!- Opportunity to help others: Bring loose change or money to help fight World Hunger!
Can't go home for Thanksgiving?? A couple from the church would love to have two college students over for a Thanksgiving Meal at their home! If you are interested contact Gayla at College@pdbc.org First come first serve!
Have a great weekend and a wonderful break!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Camp Eagle! - Part 1
We’re back! What an amazing few days many students at Pioneer had in Rocksprings, Texas this past weekend. Thank you to all who went and helped to make the retreat a success! Whether by rock climbing, navigating a dark underground labyrinth, swinging like Tarzan in The Mill, or sleeping and meditating on God’s word, I think it’s safe to say everyone got a much needed break from the stressors of school. It was a wonderful time to get to know others, withdrawal from our day to day routine, and find rest and excitement!
Here are some pics!
Here are some pics!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)