Dunkirk First United Methodist Church

20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He resides in our hearts forever. We may be in the flesh, but we now live by faith. All because God loves us so much and Jesus went to the Cross for us, because of that same love. Christ crucified is for our Salvation and eternity with Him!!

33 "For God is the God of harmony, not confusion, as is the pattern in all the churches of God’s holy believers." 1 Corinthians 14:33. God is love and peace. He doesn't want His people in a state of confusion, but of peace and harmony and a whole lot of love. Paul is talking about those with the gift of tongues. If everyone in the church talked at once and there was no one to interpret what they were saying, it would be pure chaos. If someone speaks in tongues in a group setting, there needs to be an interpreter to say what is being said. Otherwise it will leave people confused. " 27 If someone speaks in a tongue, it should be two or three, one after another, with someone interpreting. 28 If there’s no one with the interpretation, then he should remain silent in the meeting, content to speak to himself and to God." 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.

20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. When we give up our life and live for Christ, that is the best thing we can do for our Father that gave Himself for us. We were not capable of making it in life without Him becoming truly human to teach us how to love and live with others. Praise His Holy Name today, tomorrow and always!!

21 "And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." 1 John 4:21. There are some people we find it hard to love, but we are commanded to love them. That doesn't mean we have to try and make them our best friends, but we must pray for them and come to their aid if it is needed. If God is in us, this will be easier to do. We just take the love He has given us and use that to help others. Let us BE the love of God to all our brothers and sisters.

17-18 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." 2 Samuel 22:17-18. When we are at our lowest and feel like we are drowning, God will pull us out of the depths and rescue and restore us. He will turn away the enemies that are attacking us and give us peace. He is the only One Who can do this for us!

18-19 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Psalm 34: 18-19. God knows when we need Him. He will wait until we cry out to Him before He makes Himself known. He is a gentleman and not pushy. If all we can do is "think", "God , I need You", He is there. We don't even have to speak, because He knows our needs, He knows our hearts and He wants to take care of us. What a good, good Father He is!!

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. When we pray, He answers our prayers. It may not be in the way we want it to be, but it is what He knows is best for us. When You seek Him, you WILL find Him, because He has been waiting for you!! When you knock on the door of His heart, He will open it to You, for He has a great love for you. When I think of Jesus knocking on the door, I think of the picture of Him with the light blue robe at the alcove door with no k**b with His hand raised to knock. To open the door, we have to let Him in. Do you need to let Him in?