"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. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
II Peter 1
Such good words flowed through Peter’s pen from
the Holy Spirit, and how richly they reward us now!
As the nation collectively mourns the tragic
loss of life in CT and other areas of the country where murders have taken
place, we can take comfort from these words. We have great and precious
promises to help us escape the corruption of the world which is filled with
evil desires.
Today’s worship was extraordinary for me, so
greatly appreciated and necessary at this time. The theme was “Rejoice” and the
pink candle lit on the Advent wreath, representing joy. It is also known as the
Shepherd candle. It was wonderful to hear the pipe organ well played and the
singing--oh my!
The Order of Service used was Morning Praise,
which is so lovely. I cried a bit during the Te Deum when the text speaks of
the ‘white robed army of martyrs praise you’, since the readings and tone of
the service pointed that direction as well. The Epistle lesson was from
Philipians 4, which is the chapter selected from my funeral sermon. “Rejoice, I
say again, rejoice!”
As we were leaving the sanctuary, I spotted my
friend/cousin, Yvonne, leaving with her in-laws. She recently moved back to
this area from TX and we had not seen each other in the flesh for many years.
We can ‘talk’ every day but it’s still nicer to do so in person! My plans this
week include going to see her new home and spend some time visiting. I hope she
will throw a log or two on the fire!
The parent/teacher group was hosting a bake sale
so Jill, Danny, and I went right from worship to the tables. I am well stocked
now with baked goods which might hold me for the duration. “Might” is the key
word there! Nothing like good, home-baked delights to please the palette!
From the bake sale I went downstairs to the
Heritage Hall for Bible study, getting there just in time for the class to get
underway. The study is in Romans, and I was again well-fed with time in the
Word. How I cherish these Bible studies! I did so enjoy it and look forward to
the next opportunity to study, especially with my friend, Linda, and my family
there beside me.”’Tis good, Lord, to be here!”
