Paula's Hope Collaboration Within Our Community
"Sharing, Caring, and Learning"
Article by: Makaya Barnett, Paula's Hope Staff Volunteer |
Our Father’s Blessings:
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This past month, we celebrated Father's Day. While it is a joyous occasion for some, it can be a struggle for others who aren't on the best of terms with their earthly father, or maybe they have passed away. That weighed heavy on my heart, but the Lord spoke to me that no matter what our relationship with our earthly father is, He is our true Heavenly Father. He has adopted us, provides for us, and gives us a rich inheritance that we do not deserve.
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<<< John 1: 12-13
John 14: 2-3 |
One part of this adoption that I am excited about is that He is going to prepare a place for us. I think about all of the care that human parents put into preparing their home for a newborn baby - picking out the nursery theme and decorations, washing and hanging up all the tiny clothes, and lining up the small army of baby bottles in the kitchen cabinet. I think about my friend who is adopting two little boys after fostering them for nearly 2 years. She knows them much better than if they were newborns, so she can prepare their rooms to better fit their personalities, their interests.
How much more effectively will God be able to prepare a place for us? We aren't just a friend of the family that crashes on the couch and raids the fridge. No, we are full-blooded heirs. He knows us inside and out, the good with the bad. He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we would be co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Just being in God's presence in Heaven will be more than enough, but He goes even a step further than that. He makes sure that we know that we belong there. He is preparing a place for us - custom made just for me, and just for you! Also, much better than just having a couple foods in the fridge that we like, He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. He meets our needs and provides for us in a way that only He can.
How much more effectively will God be able to prepare a place for us? We aren't just a friend of the family that crashes on the couch and raids the fridge. No, we are full-blooded heirs. He knows us inside and out, the good with the bad. He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we would be co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Just being in God's presence in Heaven will be more than enough, but He goes even a step further than that. He makes sure that we know that we belong there. He is preparing a place for us - custom made just for me, and just for you! Also, much better than just having a couple foods in the fridge that we like, He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. He meets our needs and provides for us in a way that only He can.
Galatians 4:4-7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Have you ever taken a moment to think about what your inheritance from God is? There are many verses about the benefits of our adoption, but the two main facets of my inheritance that stick out to me are peace and victory.
Philippians 4:7 speaks of the peace that surpasses all understanding. I am still in awe of the perfect peace that only comes through laying my burdens at Jesus' feet and trusting Him to take care of them. I know He is able to handle any problem if I will just give it over to him. Easier said than done, but it is so rewarding when I manage to do so. In place of all the cares and troubles that were taking up my mental space, He freely gives peace. It also helps me to remember that He has already won the victory over sin and death, and that everything else is just a minor detail in comparison. Even so, He cares about us and our daily struggles. The Lord goes with us and fights for us against our enemies (Deut. 20:4), and through Him we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). There is no mightier ally than God, and He is gracious enough to let us share in His victory. 
God knows us, loves us, and meets our physical, mental, and spiritual needs. He comforts us and fights for us. He is good, patient, kind, just, merciful and mighty. If you ask me, that sounds like a pretty good Father figure to look up to in our lives.
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- Michael Daniels - Paula's Hope Prayer Coordinator
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Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. (Isaiah 8:18)
Some theologians claim that miracles are "apostolic," meaning they only happened when the first apostles were alive. They say that technology is responsible for all we accomplish today. But, this is not true. It's just another device the enemy uses to distance us from our Creator. In fact, satan wants to take miracles out of the picture altogether. Even so, miracles are still happening every day all around us.
Why did Jesus perform miracles? There are several reasons. Even when Jesus lived and ministered in the flesh, skeptics and naysayers refused to believe He was the Son of God. So Jesus performed miracles to reveal who He was. Additionally, Jesus performed miracles to glorify God the Father. Last of all, He wanted to give us a preview of what eternal life with Him would be like. Hallelujah! Jesus modeled a lifestyle of performing miracles when He was here, and God is still performing miracles today—through and for each of us. (Thanks to Bill Winston.)
Why did Jesus perform miracles? There are several reasons. Even when Jesus lived and ministered in the flesh, skeptics and naysayers refused to believe He was the Son of God. So Jesus performed miracles to reveal who He was. Additionally, Jesus performed miracles to glorify God the Father. Last of all, He wanted to give us a preview of what eternal life with Him would be like. Hallelujah! Jesus modeled a lifestyle of performing miracles when He was here, and God is still performing miracles today—through and for each of us. (Thanks to Bill Winston.)
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Classes & Courses
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~Upcoming Events~
~New Men's 12 Week Bible Study
Starts Saturday, July 8th ~ 8am - 9:30am at Paula's Hope Office/Education Bldg.
317 W. Poplar St., Rogers, AR 72756 Phone: 479-372-4370
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A man cannot be passive about what Scripture tells him to do for his family and expect to be found faithful to God in the end. He must see with spiritual eyes and realize that future generations are directly impacted by his daily decisions.”
—The Resolution for Men The Resolution for Men is the inspiring book born out of Courageous , the film by the makers of Fireproof back in fall 2011. The movie, which presents a powerful story of strong male leadership, is an emotionally charged wake-up call to fathers whose influence upon their children and society is immeasurable. The Resolution for Men follows to challenge men of all ages to become as bold and intentional about embracing their responsibilities as leaders of their homes, marriages, and children. Written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, screenwriters of Courageous and authors of New York Times No. 1 best seller The Love Dare (five million copies sold), The Resolution for Men strategically inspires men to reconcile with their past, re-engage in the present by taking full responsibility for their wives and children, and then move forward with a bold and clear resolution for the future. |
~New Classes Starting Soon~ |
~Coming In August~ |
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