FRL NOW 11-18-16 : What do you remember about people?

by | Nov 18, 2016 | FRL NOW, Uncategorized, Word Of The Week

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3 NIV).

What do you remember about people — the good experiences or the bad experiences? The apostle Paul said, “I like to remember the good things about people, focus on the good times we’ve had, and remember the positive experiences.”

When Paul said this, he had not had an easy time in Philippi. Acts 16 tells us that when he went to Philippi he was illegally arrested, whipped, humiliated, and thrown into prison before finally being asked to leave town. Yet he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you”(Philippians 1:3 NIV).

Paul could have dwelt on the negative. He could have remembered the painful memories. He chose not to remember the painful things; instead, he focused on the things he could be grateful for.

Maybe you have been hurt in the past by a parent or a partner, and you’re still holding on to that hurt. As a result, you can’t enjoy being around that person today. You’re still focusing on the negative.

Be grateful for the good in people. Pleasant memories are a choice. You can choose what you’re going to remember about the past.

I’m not saying that you should deny the hurts you’ve had or excuse the weaknesses in other people. That is psychologically unhealthy. But focus on the good, and choose to emphasize the strengths.

I hear wives say, “He’s a good man, but …” Anytime you hear “but,” it means the emphasis is on the negative and not the positive. Be grateful for what you’ve got! Mr. Perfect does not exist! I’ve heard the same thing from husbands, but Mrs. Perfect does not exist either!

If you want to enjoy others, you’ve got to focus on their strengths and not their weaknesses. With some people, it takes a lot of creativity. But you can find something good in everybody.- Rick Warren

Friday Night Dinner Ride 11/18/16 We will meet at Kohl’s at 6pm and at 6:30 will ride to the Red Zone Cafe for great food, fun, and fellowship. Don’t miss out on some great family time.

Sunday 11/20/16 Life Celebration in Memory of Duane Wendt  We will meet at Kohl’s at 3:15 pm for a memorial ride to Bella Vie,13603 Slide Road. At 4pm we will come together as a family to remember Duane’s life here in earth and celebrate the new life he now has with Jesus! After the celebration service all are invited to meet for dinner. Location will be announced at the celebration.

Bless someone today with the positive love of Christ!
Tony

FRL NOW 11-11-16 : The eyes of the Lord

by | Nov 11, 2016 | FRL NOW, Uncategorized, Word Of The Week

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. (Psalm 34:15)

God knows in great detail the devastation caused by tragedy. He understands the pain and sorrow acquainted with grief and loss. He understands because He is all knowing. Furthermore, Jesus endured suffering (see Isaiah 53) and experienced pain—even the pain of feeling abandoned (see Matthew 27:46). And because God is with you always, He knows that you are hurting. He sees your pain, and hears the cries of your heart. You are not alone in your suffering; He is there for you. 

God cares very deeply about you, and is attentive to every detail of your life—even those things that burden your heart. First Peter 5:7 says that you should cast “all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” Isn’t it comforting to know that God Almighty cares about you! It may seem like your life has been shaken to the core, but His love for you is never shaken. “‘For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ says the Lord who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10).

No matter how bad things may seem, God is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge. Matthew 10:29-31 says, “Not one sparrow (What do they cost? Two for a penny?) can fall without your Father knowing it. … So don’t worry! You are more valuable to Him than many sparrows.” If God’s eye is on the sparrow, He’s most certainly watching you. In the midst of sadness and uncertainty, His hand is there to guide you; His strength is there to support you. You are never out of His reach.

Friday Night Dinner Ride 11/11/16 We will meet at Kohl’s parking lot at 98th & Indiana at 6pm. Join us for a time of prayer and thanksgiving. This week begins our cool season mode. At 6:30 we will ride to a local restaurant for dinner. Come share this special FRL family time.

Second Saturday ride is canceled for this month.

Tell someone how much you love them today and everyday.
Tony