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Feeling the pressure of a looming deadline (like tax day)? We ought to commit to reflecting Jesus in our actions. Let's embrace patience, kindness, and understanding as we interact with others, extending grace and embodying the love of Christ in all we do. Through our worship and service, may we inspire others to join us in reflecting Jesus to the world around us, fostering a community of compassion and servant-heartedness.
Anytime the word Hope is mentioned in a Christian context, it must always be mentioned that we do not mean here some kind of wishful thinking or chance possibility. When we say Hope is Christian circles, we mean a sure and solid confidence and joyous reality on the horizon. There is nothing tentative about it. It is part of who we are as God’s children.
The joy that Jesus brought the earth is incomparable with any other joy or feeling of happiness that can be experienced in life. It is a supernatural joy that was brought to the earth in a unique way when God took on human form and became the Savior of the world!
Did you know that Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, touched on the topic of money in a whopping 11 out of the 39 parables he shared with the crowds? It's pretty fascinating how he used money as a tool to unveil our true priorities. Think about it – our bank statements spill the beans on what truly matters to us. At the core of Christianity lies this beautiful idea that God, in His vast creativity, crafted everything, and it all ultimately belongs to Him. We humans? Well, we're more like stewards or managers of these divine resources, and that includes our hard-earned money. Stewardship isn't just a small part of the Christian journey; it's the whole shebang! It's about embracing the notion that every penny we manage is a chance to express our devotion and care for what truly matters in the grand scheme of things
Celebrating a New Beginning is a joyful and transformative experience, akin to embarking on a fresh journey with Jesus. It's an opportunity to leave behind the past and embrace a spiritual rebirth filled with hope, faith, and the promise of a brighter future.
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things you have to do on your journey to growth and peace. When we hold on to hurt, pain, resentment, and anger it harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness frees us to live in the present. Forgiving yourself can be the hardest of all. Everyone makes mistakes and even worse, intentionally chooses the wrong way. But God’s love for us is overwhelming and covers a multitude of errors.
The song goes, “This is the day, this is the day, this is the day the Lord has made.” Each day is one the Lord gives for us to love Him and love others to build us up and become a kingdom of priests through the blood of Jesus. God is working, moving, forming and transforming us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus each and every day for it is the Lord’s Day.
Have you ever asked someone “How are you doing?” And they respond by saying, “I’m blessed by the best!” Have you ever thought about what they were getting at? When we recognize that all things come from God— our homes, our careers, our ability to take a breath— you’ll begin seeing how truly blessed you are by God. When we are blessed, we are also called to be a blessing. To give back to God the love, respect, and adoration He deserves for blessing us even in the midst of suffering, of when money it tight, of the highs and lows of life. God deserves our praise!
Where would you be if your friend or relative didn’t ask you to come to church or attend a Christian event? Think about it. Your friend was most likely your friend first before asking you to hear about Jesus. How we seek people, how we listen, how we engage and invite can make all the difference. It can soften hearts to hear the good news of the love of God through Jesus Christ.
Our God is not only a pursuing God, he is a sending God. Jesus’ great commission is for his people to go and do likewise. To go and seek those who are lost and share their witness, their testimony of who Jesus is and what he has done in and through our lives. God calls us to be part of the rescue mission, the search party, the body of Christ to love those who are lost.
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WORSHIP GATHERINGS:
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. 835 Riverside Avenue Torrington, CT 06790 See our regathering info here PHONE (860) 482-4705 OFFICE EMAIL secretary@firstcong.com GENERAL CHURCH EMAIL fcongrchurch@optonline.net |