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Notes from the Pastor's Desk #notesfromthepastorsdesk 📖1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (ESV) 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 📘Pastor's Note: What a powerful statement from Paul to the Thessalonian church. When it came to brotherly love, no one needed to instruct them on how to treat one another. They had been taught by God and were clearly loving one another as they ought to. Their demonstration of love was so great that it extended to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. This is an amazing testimony from this church, which stands as an example for all churches as the divine standard of love exercised by the body. The church should be known for its love. As a matter of fact, our love for one another stands as a powerful testimony to the lost world. We should love our Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul, and love our neighbor.1 Corinthians 13:1–8 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” Church, how are we doing in this area of our lives? Are we known for our love? Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we patient and kind? Do we envy or boast? Are we arrogant or rude? Do we insist on getting our way? Are we irritable or resentful? Do we rejoice with the truth? Do you think your fellow brothers and sisters see love demonstrated in your life? Never underestimate the importance of love!!1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 🙏I'm praying for you always. ❤️ Pastor Jamie Read the Chapter: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%204&version=ESV Learn more about us: www.mygpchurch.com/whoweare #notesfromthepastorsdesk #thegpchurch #Truth #seek #study #serve #mygpchurch  James 1:2-4 (ESV)Notes from the Pastor's Desk #notesfromthepastorsdesk 📖James 1:2-4 (ESV) 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 📘Pastor's Note: Trials and tribulations are not going to be uncommon in this life. As believers, we are to recognize that. As a matter of fact, when we trust in Jesus, we need to understand that there’s an enemy bent on trying to steal our joy. He wants to use whatever he can to limit our effectiveness for the sake of the gospel. But it’s equally important to know that God sovereignly allows trials in our lives to refine us in the faith. Gold is made more pure by intense fire. So, as you experience these things in various ways, consider that. Have your armor on and know that even in middle of the fire that the Lord is there walking with you and that He has a purpose for your good and for His glory. Find joy in it. I know that is easier said than done at times. But that is the encouragement that James gives to us. Endurance and perseverance through trials, when we see it biblically, helps us in keeping our focus right and allows us to find joy because we know that our Lord is at work perfecting us in the faith. 🙏I'm praying for you always. ❤️ Pastor Jamie Read the Chapter: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201&version=ESV Learn more about us: www.mygpchurch.com/whoweare #notesfromthepastorsdesk #thegpchurch #Truth #seek #study #serve #mygpchurch  Psalm 139:1-6Notes from the Pastor's Desk #notesfromthepastorsdesk 📖Psalm 139:1-6 (ESV) 139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 📘Pastor's Note: As we walk out our faith in Christ in a world that is contrary to God and His precepts, sometimes it can feel like we are walking alone. As we see human depravity on full display in a world that continues to fall deeper into sinfulness, we may wonder if God is paying attention. We may even cry out, "God, where are You?" Then, you crack open His Word where He answers and encourages our hearts. He tells us that He is always here. He is always present. He reminds us that His divine patience with sinful man who hates Him and seeks their own evil desires is a sovereign demonstration of His holy character. Yes, we may wrongly think, from our human perspective, that He is absent at times, but that's not true. He is ever present, He is ever at work, accomplishing His plan according to the counsel of His good and perfect will. That is why we need to drink from His living Word daily, better yet, continuously. His Word is truth. In it, He fills our hearts with the beautiful reality of His being. He searches our hearts. He knows us intimately. We don't even take a seat or rise up without Him knowing. He knows our very thoughts. He actively searches out our path, He is fully acquainted with all of our ways. Before we even speak, He knows what will be spoken! He goes before us, He has our back. He is always right on time when we need a breath of encouragement to persevere in hardships. He knows when we need His hand to be laid upon our shoulder, reminding us that He is right there with us. Oh, to bask in the glories of our great God! How wonderful is He? To comprehend His wonders is almost unattainable. Think about this when you get discouraged. As a Christian, this is the God of our faith. A God who loved us so much that He willingly sacrificed His Only Son on the cross at Calvary so that wretched, rebellious sinners can be saved, be adopted into His family, be called His children. Therefore, because we have been adopted into God's family through faith in His Son King Jesus, we are in a royal family. We belong to Him! That is our position. We are IN HIM! Remember that, my brothers and sisters in Christ, as we seek and serve our King! 🙏I'm praying for you always. ❤️ Pastor Jamie Read the Chapter: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&version=ESV Learn more about us: www.mygpchurch.com/whoweare #notesfromthepastorsdesk #thegpchurch #Truth #seek #study #serve #mygpchurch  Proverbs 31:28-29Notes from the Pastor's Desk #notesfromthepastorsdesk 📖Proverbs 31:28-29 (ESV) 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 🌹Mother's Day: As Mother's Day approaches, it's a perfect time to reflect on the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs 31:28-29. This passage beautifully captures the essence of motherhood, highlighting the profound impact a mother has on her family and the world around her. The verse begins by emphasizing the esteem and honor children have for their mother. It's a testament to the love and care she provides, fostering a deep bond of respect and admiration. The husband's words of praise further underscore the significance of a mother's role within the family unit. His acknowledgment goes beyond mere gratitude; it's a recognition of her exceptional qualities and contributions. While acknowledging the excellence of many women, the passage ultimately highlights the incomparable nature of this particular mother. It speaks to her uniqueness, strength, and virtuous character. A mother's love knows no bounds. It's a selfless, enduring force that shapes lives and nurtures growth. This Mother's Day, let's honor the mothers who have poured their hearts into raising their children, making countless sacrifices along the way. The words we speak hold tremendous power. Let's make it a priority to express our appreciation and admiration for the mothers who have shaped us. Every mother is unique, bringing her own blend of strengths, talents, and experiences to the table. This Mother's Day, let's celebrate the individuality of each mother and the invaluable contributions they make to their families and communities. May we honor and cherish the mothers in our lives, recognizing their immeasurable worth and the profound impact they have. To all the mothers out there, you truly surpass them all. Have a Happy Mother's Day! 🙏I'm praying for you always. ❤️ Pastor Jamie Read the Chapter: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021&version=ESV Learn more about us: www.mygpchurch.com/whoweare #notesfromthepastorsdesk #thegpchurch #Truth #seek #study #serve #mygpchurch  Proverbs 21:31Notes from the Pastor's Desk #notesfromthepastorsdesk 📖Proverbs 21:31 (ESV) The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. 📘Pastor's Note: Life's journey is like a battlefield, where we face various challenges that demand our preparation and effort. Proverbs 21:31 reminds us that while we ready ourselves for the battles ahead, true victory ultimately rests in His victorious hands. In a world that often glorifies self-reliance and individual achievement, this concept challenges us to reconsider our approach. It requires us to trust in something greater than ourselves—to place our faith in our Lord and Savior. While hard work is undoubtedly biblical, there are countless circumstances beyond our control. Surrendering control doesn't diminish human responsibility; rather, it offers a broader perspective that extends beyond personal achievement. Embracing this mindset requires humility, faith, and resilience. It's about finding solace in adversity and fostering gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us. It's a recognition that, despite our best efforts, there are limits to what we can achieve alone. At its core, surrendering to victory means acknowledging that, ultimately, the outcome is not entirely in our hands. It's about doing all that we can, then relinquishing the rest to Jesus. It's about finding comfort in the knowledge that our Lord fights our battles for us, guiding us through the trials of life. So, as we navigate the challenges that come our way, let us remember to stand firm in our faith. Let us trust that, no matter the outcome, the Lord holds the results in His victorious hands. And in that trust, may we find peace and assurance knowing that we are never alone in our journey. 🙏I'm praying for you always. ❤️ Pastor Jamie Read the Chapter: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021&version=ESV Learn more about us: www.mygpchurch.com/whoweare #notesfromthepastorsdesk #thegpchurch #Truth #seek #study #serve #mygpchurch  |
AuthorPastor Jamie Payton 
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