BST's Blog

I got word yesterday that my Aunt Ruby died. This is my aunt who lives in Groesbeck, TX...close to Waco. I wrote about the many childhood memories I have from our visits there. It's a very sad loss. It's the end of an era. No more Thomas family in Groesbeck--except for a host of relatives buried there...including my father. I want to go so badly, I just don't think we can afford the ticket. I am also not sure I would feel good about leaving Sheryl to be SUPERMOM for another couple of days. I don't know...Please pray about this for me. The thought of missing that funeral and being with my relatives as they gather there is really weighing on me. I haven't been to my dad's grave in several years. I'd really like to go. I just need some wisdom in making these decisions.

What an amazing morning it's been! WOW! Tim is preaching on the baptism of Jesus and specifically on God's words to him...You are my Son...I am pleased with You...I love You. He spent the morning talking about our own baptism experience and that we should be hearing the same words--they should be life shaping. What a powerful message! We sane songs like "I Will Praise You", "You Are Holy", "What the Lord Has Done In Me", and "I Will Change Your Name". I honestly think it's one of the most encouraging mornings we've had in some time. I borrowed this from a poster in my office and wanted to post the version we did today as a congregational reading.

As Believers We Are:
MEN:
Saved by grace through faith—Romans 5:1,2
Forgiven--Eph 1:7
Accepted--Rom 15:7

ALL:
Beloved of God--Rom 1:7

WOMEN:
Servants of the Most High God--Acts 16:17
New Creatures--2 Cor 5:17
Dead to Sin--Rom 6:11
Alive to God--Rom 6:11

ALL:
Walking in the Newness of Life--Rom 6:4
Baptized into Christ Jesus--Rom 6:3
The Temple of the Holy Spirit--1 Cor 6:19
Clothed with Christ--Gal 3:27

MEN:
Holy--Heb 3:1
Blameless- 1Cor 1:8
At Peace with God--Rom5:1
Christians--Acts 11:26
Born Again--1 Peter 1:23

ALL:
Partakers of the Divine Nature--2 Peter 1:4
Empowered by God-- Eph 3:20
Children of Promise--Gal 4:28
One in Him--Gal 3:28
The Body of Christ--1 Cor 12:27

WOMEN:
Vessels of Honor--2 Tim 2:21
Salt of the Earth--Matt 5:13
Light of the World--Matt 5:14

MEN:
Seated in Heaven--Eph 2:6
Kingdom Citizens--Phil 3:20
A Royal Priesthood--1 Peter 2:9

ALL:
Soldiers of Christ--2 Tim 2:3
Fishers of Men--Mark1:17
Ministers of Reconciliation--2 Cor 5:18
Victorious!-- 1 Cor 15:57

God bless your day of worship and rest. Thanks for your prayers. God is good.