This is an excellent sermon from HopePointe by Father Bryan White. Finding Joy in Difficult Circumstances.
We all have times where we are blue, down or discouraged. We have to be sincere.
Paul was a tent-maker to supplement his Ministry. If you were to ask Paul how to put up a tent, he would say you have to plan carefully. Fabric Pieces are measured. And for the Tent to be shelter, a durable frame would be also measured and sometimes a team of people have to put the tent up and in place.
Our lives are like this - what would be a parallel? The Bible has a very good parallel.
Matthew 13:31-32
31 Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. 32 Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”What would Jesus say additionally? Be Salt and Light.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Philippians 2
19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. 20I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. 21For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
God is saying that by building each other up ~ we are building a shelter. We put down our cares to create a shelter. We make meaningful lives. We find Joy.
In certainty, of course, we must be real. Not a happy face with a sad heart.
1 Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Romans 12
8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere!!!
Tonight HopePointe Anglican Church hosted the Community with Christmas in the Woods. A Spectacular Event pulling in Beautiful Music, Art from the Centuries, the Congregation demonstrated the Art. We heard Jesus is Joy and Jesus is the Reason for Christmas. We joined in singing 'Emmanuel' and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" we were treated to talented singers of all ages. Jesus was thrilled.
Father God,
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Our God will give us endurance and encouragement. Grant us eternally and internally to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And we will welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you and me, for the glory of God.
We know that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that all people might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the people,
and sing to your name.”
We hope to please the heart of Jesus, Abba and Holy Spirit
“Rejoice, O God, with Your People.”
We will Praise the Lord, all People!
We know with Isaiah,
“The root of Jesse has come,
even He who arises to rule the all people and nations;
in Jesus will we all hope.
May Our God of faith, hope and Love fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
We offer to Abba freely with Joy and Expectation the blessings of those we love and the people Jesus has Given us. We offer with Lifting Hearts the Churches, work places, and communities we know. We give great thanks for our Nation and freedom to Praise God. Be pleased with Us, Father God, Shine and lift up Your Face upon us and we are Glad and in Joy. Blessed be the Name of Jesus our Lord this Christmas Season, Now and Always Alleluia and Amen in Jesus Christ - God's Only Son.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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