He Has Done Great Things

In reading through Romans the past few weeks, it has been very interesting to note how self-aware Paul was of the pervasive power of sin within his own life and within the world. This has been something that has really hit upon my heart as well. It has a very strong hold upon us, and upon the world. So strong that it wrangled another powerful force, something that was incredibly good and holy, which was God’s law. I found myself screaming alongside Paul in Romans 7:21-23:

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

Thank goodness that sin has met its match through Jesus, as Paul answers what seems like a rhetorical question at first blush, with,“ thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

What is he thankful for? He is thankful for Romans 8, which talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit along with the gift that because of Jesus death, we are no longer condemned. This is truly powerful, and truly good news.

In what ways have you seen God’s restorative power in your own life? In your family? In your neighborhood? At Emmanuel?

He Has Done Great Things

-We are still receiving baby bottles, praise the Lord! Thank you all for all that you have done by spending your time, and your money on raising support for Birthright, a very worthy cause. If you still have a bottle please try to get it into Laura Maddox as soon as possible.

-We had a great time at the JAM Fundraiser Dinner and Show. A good evening of delicious Montague’s BBQ and some hilarious Tim Hawkins. Thankful for all those who helped, participated and for your generosity. The JAM kids were very thankful that they could give back in some way in service, so I hope it was a blessing for everyone. Be in prayer for the kids that are going on the trip to Hidden Acres, IA, which is coming up a week from this Friday (2/15-2/17). Also, a current need at the moment is for transportation for all 13 of them (11 kids and 2 adults). If you can help in any way, please contact Darrel and Leesa Boyer.