Give Thanks.

I've been thinking about this week and Thanksgiving. Realizing that I've never been so thankful in my life. Below are some verses about giving thanks:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians3:15-17

* I encourage you to use this time with your friends & family to share the good news and how Christ has impacted your life.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians5:16:18

*The holidays can be a tough time for some people. Don't forget to pray and be thankful in ALL circumstances. Do not dwell on what you don't have, be thankful...JOYFUL for the LIFE you have in Christ.

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2Thessalonians1:2-4

*I am thankful for the Porch and all of you that attend. Watching your faith grow in Christ is inspiring. Watching new relationships and community form is amazing. Watching you share Christ's love with those around you is a blessing. Thank you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever...I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation...This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Pslam118:1,21,24,29

*I thank the LORD for his love that endures forever. I am thankful and humbled that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John3:16)

Thankful & praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

You are the Only You.

I loved last weeks message, especially when JP said "You are the only you...with a unique set of gifts only given to you. the world needs you to play your part and impact others for the Kingdom."

"Know yourself, like yourself, be yourself."

It's so easy to get caught up in the world. We often end up comparing ourselves to others, whether it be their house, their car, what they look like, their boyfriend/girlfriend, how much scripture they know, how many people they know etc.

When we start to compare we end up becoming prideful or insecure, arrogant or doubtful. It becomes more about us, and less about God.

Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Do not compare...

2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, THEY ARE NOT WISE.

Greatness of knowing Christ...

Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them RUBBISH, that I may GAIN CHRIST.

Be Cheerful, you have it ALL...

2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make ALL grace abound to you, so that in ALL things at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in every good work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQzhdWJFHbI

www.theporchdallas.com

THaNKFuL

This week hasn't been the best, but in the midst of everything I've tried to think of some things I am thankful for and here we go:

1. My amazing family (immediate & extended). I am blessed to have parents that are still married for more than 30 years, an incredible sister, brother-n-law, and nephew. I feel so lucky to have Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, & cousins that I love keeping in touch with... Extremely blessed!

2. My faithful friends. It is the best feeling in the world to know that I have friends who are there to listen, pray, be honest, and support me.

3. My precious nephew. When he says "Love you Aunt Ally" I melt and it is the greatest thing in the whole world.

4. ATM Direct deposits. I love being able to drive up & just put my check into the machine. So much easier!

5. Good food. Enough said. Blessed that my mom brings homemade gumbo etc, and Fernando brings homemade tamales!

6. My generous friends who give me tickets to games because they know that makes me the happiest girl

7. The awesome high school kids that I get to hang out with through Young Life.

8. and MOST importantly I am thankful for a perfect, loving, and merciful God who has blessed me more than I could ever dream of or deserve.

Luke 15:21-24

After last Tuesday I couldn't stop thinking about this...

Luke 15:21-24

"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."

All of us have sinned against heaven & against the ones we love, BUT...


"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7


Rejoicing? Celebrating? How humbling is that. We have a Father who loves us unconditionally, loves us in a way that we can't even imagine. All He wants is for us to come home to him with humbled hearts...

The Bible clearly states:

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11

But let us not forget that Christ humbled himself first.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

Humbled by God's grace and love...

Check out this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJIG8PswugM&feature=player_embedded

www.theporchdallas.com

Heirs to The Kingdom.

I was thinking about JP's message and how we are heirs to THE KINGDOM. While having a quiet time I was studying Hebrews 6 and encourage each of you to check out the whole chapter. Below are some of the verses that really stood out to me:

10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised...
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL, FIRM AND SECURE...

*Romans8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com