calvary updates 05/22
- George Winfrey
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The first year I put this plant in the ground (2024) it seemed to grow very little. Last year the vines started to grow up to and around the railings on the deck, but still no flowers. I had to help them attach by tying them to the railings and I spread the vines out in a pattern that would cover the most space. This spring the cone shaped flower clusters started to open up. I am really enjoying them, their beauty assures me the last two years were definitely worth the wait.
The small plant I initially put in the ground needed some help. During the extremely hot stretches of the summer I tried to make sure it was treated to some water. I also mixed up a few watering cans of "Miracle Grow" off and on during the growing season. Evidently, the plant loved it!
How are you responding to the efforts made by the "gardener of our souls" to see that you flourish and flower in your faith? You may have gone through some pruning or some painful training and belief adjustments. He may have asked you to release your attachment there and to reattach over here. One word used to describe this is training is discipline.
Hebrews 12:11: No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Are you allowing the Lord Jesus continue his ministry of disciplinary training? I hope you carry a humble and teachable heart, allowing God to keep perfecting the work he started at your salvation. There is so much more God would delight to teach us if we are receptive? But requires perseverance.
Here are words of encouragement from earlier in the same chapter of Hebrews. 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12: 2,3).
Sunday, May 24th Sunday School at 9:15 and Worship at 10:30 AM.
I enjoyed our worship so much last week, thanks for seeking to learn some new songs and at the same time rejoicing in some of our favorite hymns. I look forward to seeing you this week. My message Sunday focuses on 2 Timothy 4:8: Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. We continue our Discipleship Alignment series. The message is titled, "Are you Finishing Well? Is Your Eye on the Prize?" Our Sunday School provides two options exploring I Samuel or the book of Daniel. Donuts and coffee at 9:15 AM.
A Song you will hear this Sunday
Prayer Wednesday, May 27th 5:30-6:30 PM
Movie Night Sunday, May 31st, 4 PM at Morton Theater "Revolutionary America" a film about the beginnings of our country will be in theaters next weekend only. Robin and I hope to attend, interested in joining us? For more info go to fathomentertainment.com
Flourish. Tuesday, June 2nd from 10-12 noon.
Men's Breakfast Saturday, June 13th, (2nd Saturday this month) at 8:30 AM
Brazil Missions Trip. Continue to pray for and consider investing in sending our team to Brazil, July 10-19! Mission envelopes at the rear of the Sanctuary.
Today's readings were: Numbers 24, Isaiah 14, Psalms 66 & 67, and I Peter 2. If you are looking for a different reading plan, you might enjoy:
In 1 Corinthians 9:27, the Apostle Paul compared the Christian life to an athletic race, stating that he strictly disciplined his body and made it his ______________ in order to win the ultimate prize.
In Jesus joy,
Pastor Frank Winfrey
cell: 309-645-9621
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