Jon and I usually attend church on Saturday nights, but today we went to the earlier service. We changed our routine because after the service, we had our Harvest membership interviews. This last week, we completed a membership class called Peak Performance and the interview was our next step. Jon and I were able to have our interview together with a very sweet-hearted man. First, we each told our testimony and how God has changed our lives. It was wonderful to listen to Jon and hear how God has changed him and how he has grown. Of course I know his story, but had never really heard it in that sort of setting. Isn't it wonderful how God saves us? I told my story and soon began to cry; I didn't think I would get emotional, but I surely did. Just looking back at how I strayed and how Satan lied to me makes me so thankful for God rescuing me and giving me Jon to help me along in this path. I was also so thankful for my wonderful mother who was a steadfast prayer warrior, praying on my behalf when I couldn't see and didn't understand who God really was and what He had in store for me. I am so thankful for all the people who prayed for me and showed me that God is real and He cares for me and doesn't want me to be away from Him. Isn't our God so loving and amazing? So those are some of the reasons that came in like a flood over me and made me realize how God has brought my husband and I out and to His path of life. After talking about our believer's baptism and how God has brought us to Illinois, the man prayed for us. I felt so blessed to be prayed over and encouraged by what he said. We are so glad that we belong to such a wonderful church and we look forward to continuing our worship there as well as working for Christ through the many opportunities at Harvest.
I know I have posted the website before, but thought I would do it again so you an check it out if you would like. This week's sermon was on forgiveness and what happens when we do not forgive: grieving God, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice (Ephesians 4:31-32). It was so practical and hit me in my own state of bitterness. So, I encourage you to listen to the sermon and check out the Harvest page.
Now, off to clean the house in our 90 degree (whoa) weather! Have a wonderful Sunday and start to your week!
Anika
I know I have posted the website before, but thought I would do it again so you an check it out if you would like. This week's sermon was on forgiveness and what happens when we do not forgive: grieving God, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice (Ephesians 4:31-32). It was so practical and hit me in my own state of bitterness. So, I encourage you to listen to the sermon and check out the Harvest page.
Now, off to clean the house in our 90 degree (whoa) weather! Have a wonderful Sunday and start to your week!
Anika
2 comments:
What a beautiful story, Anika. It reminds me very much of the time we joined Autumn Ridge Church; the new member classes and the interview. God will use you and bless you in ways you can't imagine as the years go by.
Dear hearts Anika and Jonathon,
This is the 2nd time I've read this now and I am still blown away by the Lord's GREAT goodness, love, mercy, and grace! Thank you for your transparency, continued return to obedience, and even now to share this with us, Anika! May God mightily bless and encourage all who read this! I KNOW He'll bless YOU!
so much love,
Your smh/deb
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