"Eliminate the Negative" #242

 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us… In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Do you have the disease, Negativitis? It has symptoms like most diseases. Also like other diseases is gets worse unless something is done about it. Also you may have it and not know it. Do you find yourself complaining about your situation? How about being critical of people and problems you encounter. Maybe you need to go the Great Physician and thank Him for the cure He has already provided. Ephesians says you are blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies. Keep your eyes on the spiritual life and not too much on the problems of the here and now. You have been saved, redeemed by Christ’s blood; forgiven completely.

You have been given God’s stamp of approval and acceptance through the truth of the gospel that you accepted. You were sealed for all of eternity in the Holy Spirit. That doesn’t leave much room for negativitis. Your life is for the praise of His glory; not your comfort or prosperity. Allow the presence of God’s Holy Spirit to teach you that His Life is your life.

__________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Do you like riding on a roller coaster? The unexpected turn or dip can throw you for a loop. Some of the ride is fun, some scary and some downright awful. That is sort of the past week in our family. 

Burke had his end of quarter summative. The class built a tent after learning about architecture and what wind and water do to structures. The tent is the result. His presentation and tent project was one of the fun parts of the ride this week. 

Johnny's birthday was actually the week before but I like the picture so you will just have to endure the repetition.

Collin says our family is now in the 21st century. That is due to fact Sandy, Collin and I got Iphones this week. He was so excited. It just means I have to try to put some 21st century technology into a mid 20th century brain. 

One of my cousins sent me this old photo of our young family. Enjoy.

Now for the wild part of the ride. Last Thursday I began to almost pass out every time I stood up. Finally called the Dr and Saturday. Didn't help much so I called again Monday morning and he said I needed to get to the emergency room immediately. It seems that the strain of the cancer and liver struggles is now causing my heart some problems. I now have a cardiologist to add to my ever growing list of drs. It is nothing too serious. The procedure is still a go for Monday. Really will appreciate your prayers. 

I look back across the years and realize how incredibly blessed I have been. It will be 7 years in May since the cancer in my liver was discovered. At that time the Dr said I had a few months to live. Seven years later I am still here and praying daily that my life will bring glory to God no matter what happens. 

                                                                                He has been good to me and my family. To God be the glory.

God bless you today with an attitude of gratitude. You will be blessed. 

I love and appreciate all of you.   ~  DGW