relationships

  • Those Defining Relationship Moments {Sherry’s Sermon Notes Series}


    “Because you are his sons, 
    God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
    the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
    Galatians 4:6  NIV

    Can you think back to one of your defining relationship moments?  You know what I’m talking about…those events that change your connection forever?  Well, I’ve had my fair share.  I remember, with my heart getting this fluttery feeling, the moment Todd said his vows to me before Pastor John.  I still get this excited feeling as I write!

    Wedding Vows
    Todd’s Actual Wedding Vow Card from 2012

    From that day forward our bond was set and my life has never been the same! Todd was no longer my boyfriend…not even my fiancé, he was my HUSBAND!  

    Today’s Soul H2O devotion in the Sherry’s Sermon Notes Series tells about another one of those defining relationship moments that truly changed e-ve-ry-thing!

    Our church held a worship and prayer night; we call them Encounter Nights and boy was I encountered by a truth I hadn’t fully grasped…to be honest, I’m not sure I have yet.  Before we broke into prayer groups Pastor Nathan felt to highlight and do a little teaching on Galatians 4:6.   

    “And because we are his children,
    God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
    prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father.""
    Galatians 4:6  NLT

    Before Jesus, the people of God were afraid to say the name of God; they considered it blasphemy to do so.  In order to get around this they came up with calling God YHWH.1

    Their relationship with the father was distant and fearful, but by receiving Christ a defining relationship moment occurs and they are to call Him Abba Father; the aramaic equivalent of “daddy” or “papa”.2  How intimate, how loving, how kind.

    This change is mind blowing!

    God’s people went from living under old testament law, to grace and freedom in Christ…from being slaves to sons who inherit all The Father has…rules were replaced with relationship and legalism superseded by love.  

    The relationship changes were epic and still hold true today!  Years ago when I started to understand this concept I began addressing God as “Daddy”.  It’s changed my prayer-life drastically and helped me to remember whose I am. 

    When you receive Christ and what He did for you on the cross, it brings about one of those defining relationship moments with the Father for YOU! He becomes your Daddy and replaces e-ve-ry-thing with His love.  I challenge you to live today grasping the wonder of your relationship with Him.

    Prayer

    Father…I thank You for sending Jesus into this world so my relationship with you could be changed for the better.  Help me to accept my position with You. I’m part of Your family, a joint heir with Your son because I hold the position of a son; the legal heir in Your heart. Let me fully grasp how you are my Daddy and not let that be tainted by any past human failings from the men in my life…because…You, are a loving, kind and faithful father.  In Jesus Name…Amen

    [tweetthis]Before Jesus, the people of God were afraid to say the name of God; now we call Him Daddy![/tweetthis]

    If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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    Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

    Drawing From The Well - Brown and Blue

    1. Galatians 4:6
    2. Mark 14:36
    3. Romans 8:15-16
    4. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

    lakepoint logoMy Church
    http://www.lakepoint.church

    Nathan AlbrechtTo Watch Pastor Nathan’s Sermons or see Inspiring Testimonies,
    Click on our  Lakepoint Vimeo Account

    This post is Used with permission from Rev. Nathan Albrecht.

    Nathan
    champions the overall vision & leadership of LakePoint. As the primary communicator, Nathan is dedicated to revealing the truths of scripture in practical & relevant ways to help people take the next step in their faith journey. When not in the office, you’ll probably find Nathan with his family or reading about the latest hockey news.


    Sherry’s Sermon Notes Series  Part 1  There is a Sunny Day Somewhere


    Blogger Prayers-Pinky BrownYOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
    MONDAY
     Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
    TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
    WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley GerthWord Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
    THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community  Barbara Bradford Ottinger
    FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. MeadGrace and Truth Linkup – Arabah JoyCounting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

    ENDNOTES

    1. https://www.behindthename.com/name/yahweh   Website Accessed:  2017-12-01
    2. https://biblehub.com/greek/5.htm Website Accessed:  2017-12-10

     

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  • Work It Out—Jesus’ Teachings on Offence #2

    “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend.”
                                             Mathew 18:15

    I find this verse hard to live out. I would rather just ignore when someone hurts me and pretend it didn’t bother me. I cringe when I know that I need to discuss an issue with someone. Recently our pastor had the Core Leadership Team go through a teaching on the need for crucial conversations. The training was invaluable in learning how to work it out in relationships when you’ve been offended.

    Jesus’ teachings were given to help us learn how to restore relationship whenever possible. Jesus doesn’t teach us to lash back, get back or stuff it. Jesus tells us to confront the person who hurt us. Confront; not in a hurtful way, but in a way that conveys the offense and still gives the message that you are trying to work it out. I read a great book years ago, called The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. The basis of this book is in line with this verse in Matthew. The book was written for dealing with conflict in the workplace but applies to all relationships. It teaches that when you have conflict with someone, you should not ignore it but immediately confront the person for one minute explaining the issue. The premise is that if you don’t quickly confront, the tendency is to let offences pile up and then it is often too much work to work it out.

    Follow Jesus teaching and learn to gently, but honestly, in private work it out with those around you.

    Prayer

    Father…help me to live out your teachings, even when I find them difficult. Help me to be able to tell people when they hurt me in a way that treats them as your child, while not skirting the issues. Help me to be able to speak in ways that will work it out with those who have hurt me. May your blessing be over my relationships. In Jesus Name…Amen

     

    http://www.kenblanchard.com
    http://www.spencerjohnson.com

     

     

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