Weekly e-news March 20, 2020
Hey, everyone!
I hope you’re well and finding His peace and feeling Him near this week!
We’re super praying for that for all of you!!
“…and the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!”
What beautiful and precious words!!
And if you’re looking for stuff to do/watch/read while we’re home more these days…
I just finished a book that I loved!
And if you’re looking for one, it seems perfect for our days ahead!
It’s called “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton…
Ray (as his friends call him) was convicted for two crimes he did not commit and spent 30 years on death row until an amazing lawyer argued his case before the United States Supreme Court and proved his innocence in 2015.
Anthony has been lecturing about his 30 years in a 5’ by 7’ cell…
He has a sweet love for Jesus and an amazing heart!
“They took my 30’s…
they took my 40’s…
they took my 50’s…
but they couldn’t take my joy!”
(I mean, what better book if you’re having to learn to look on the bright side of being cooped up in your house these days?!)
He explained that after his first few years, he realized that even tho’ his body was locked up, his heart was free to go wherever his imagination would take him!
“Sometimes, from my cell I’d decide that I was going to spend the day in Paris…
I’d get on the plane, flying first class to France…
walk the Champs Elysees…
go up the Eiffel Tower and be back by bedtime!”
“Some days, the Queen of England would call and say, ‘Anthony, would you like a spot of tea?’
So I’d be on my way to Windsor Castle and we’d have a delightful time chatting about the days events…”
“I won Wimbledon three times and led the American League in batting ten years in a row as a third baseman for the Yankees!”
Of course, he’d open his eyes and find it all wasn’t true.
But today, I decided to try it.
With all the anxiety crackling in the atmosphere, I decided I was going to take a break from it.
I decided I was going to spend the day in my mind with Jesus Himself beside me all day!
We chatted about everything!
He was even beside me while I mowed!
Up and down, up and down my yard for a couple of hours!
He had let me know from some things He said previously (in Matthew 6.25-34, for example)
that He didn’t want me worrying about everything that is happening, and that He really expected more from me than that!
His expectations actually gave me a freedom to say “No!” to fear all day!
“Jesus doesn’t want me doing that stuff!” I thought.
My day had begun in my mind with a trip with Jesus thru the heavens to the very presence of God the Father!
To His very Throne!
Jesus, being God the Son could bring me there!
And I was able to tell Him all that I hoped would happen!
And what I actually needed Him to do for me and for my heart!
And my mind!
That I wanted peace in my heart today!
And I wanted to be able to believe Him better!
And I wanted to feel loved all day!
And with Jesus right beside me the whole day, how could I not!
And then I opened my eyes and found it all WAS true!
We love y’all!!
Here are a few announcements…
This is from our own Lee!
“Whoa! Triple C is doing tons of stuff online while we’re all cooped up!
How cool! And, how do I find that stuff? — I’m glad you asked. Our hope during this unique time is to bring you encouraging thoughts, Scriptures, songs and even our worship services right over the internet into your phones and computers so that we can worship together - even when we’re not together! So here’s the best way to stay connected and make sure you don’t miss out:
1. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! When you subscribe and click the little button that looks like a bell, you can make sure you know whenever we post a new video. Our channel is brand new, it’s going to have daily (or nearly daily) videos for your encouragement, and you can find it right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjKMbKN8RMMgPX8Q5OnnLHg
2. Like our Facebook page - This way, you’ll see our videos, blog posts and stream services (we’re planning to have two a week: Sunday morning at 10:45 EST and Wednesday evening at 7:00).
3. Share a link with a friend. If you see a video or post that touches you, send it to a friend who may need to see, hear or think about those same words. Our heart is simply to find new and creative ways to keep each other encouraged and thinking about Jesus during this time.
We love y’all!”
Thanks, Lee!
Hey, if you’re interested in participating in the ministry of praying in intercessory ways for our community, our own Triple C healthcare workers on the front lines, our country and the world, call or text Tom at 865 320 7692! We have some ideas that honor the distance and numbers together we need to maintain!
Also, if you need help (mowing, groceries, errands, etc (or know someone who does) let us know!