December 15, 2024
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 (NLT) ~
CHEERFULLY COURAGEOUS
When opera singer Beverly Sills daughter, Meredith, turned 2 years old, it was discovered that she was virtually and completely deaf.About this time her son, Peter, was born, who was diagnosed as severely autistic.
Beverly reduced her performance schedule drastically in order to care for her children. During this time, a close friend asked her if she was happy. Her reply was, “I’m cheerful. There’s a difference. A cheerful woman has cares but has learned how to deal with them.”
Jesus said,
“… Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” ~ Matthew 14:27 (NKJV) ~
Jesus often used the words, “Be of good cheer.” In newer translations this phrase is translated, “Take courage” “Be courageous” “Have courage” “Take heart.” There’s a connection between being brave and being cheerful. Beverly Sills demonstrated that in her attitude toward difficult times.
I don’t know each one of the things that frighten you right now. Nor do I know all the struggles and pains you are living with as you are reading this today. But I do know that every one of us must deal with frighting, hurtful, and sometimes paralyzing things in our lives. My question for you today is not what are those issues, but rather, are you letting God be God and allowing Him to give you the joy that only He can give?Are you demonstrating “good cheer” in the middle of the chaos, strife and pain?
You may be asking how? “How do I find cheerfulness in my situation? Can I be happy right now with all that is going on?”
The answer is two-fold.
First: Happiness is an emotional response to the circumstances around you. We are never called to be happy. We really have no control over most of what is happening. So many times, life just happens! So, God never commands happiness on our part.
Second: Cheerfulness/Courage is commanded. Joy comes from choices we can make during the turmoil of life. Jesus commands us to choose courage. That is a decision that we can make. It is a faith-based decision. You say, “Despite my circumstances, I am choosing to face this situation in the power of Jesus Christ who lives in me and who is walking with me for my good. I do not choose an emotion (because I really cannot do that.) Instead I am choosing an action. I am choosing courage.”
That choice brings peace cheerfulness the joy that gets us through. That’s how you can say, like Beverly Sills: “A cheerful woman (or man) has cares but has learned how to deal with them.”
Blessings on your week. Choose faith rather than fear in those overwhelming situations that you will inevitably face and see what God can do! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our choir will be presenting the Christmas musical: The Greatest Story Ever Told. I do hope you will invite friends and neighbors to attend with you. You will all be blessed.
Pastor Terrell
ScheduleforSunday,December15,2024:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM Men’s Bible Study in Room #202
Wednesday@ 6:30 PM Youth Group in Cabin
Thursday@ 6:00 PM Mid-Week Adult Bible Study & Prayer in Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY
December 22, 2024
Bring your favorite Christmas Cookes to share! Not sure what kind of cookies to bring? See Pastor Terrell for suggestions!
MEN’S Bible Study:
The Life of the Apostle Paul Tuesdays 10:00 AM in Room #202
IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE
Deacon of the Week:
Mike Wagar
757-604-2265 with our
Adult Bible Study
Thursdays @ 6 PM in Fellowship Hall
YOUTH GROUP Students in grades 7-12
Wednesdays 6:30 PM at the CABIN !
Gospel Conversations since 2021 Total : 49,437
Next Sunday, you will have the opportunity to participate.
Also on Christmas Sunday, December 22, 2024 in KID CITY:
Morning Worship at a Glance
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” “All Hail King Jesus” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
JOY IS HERE Celebration Choir presents: Pastor’s Response “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” “Go Tell!”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265
PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713
PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
Advancing the Kingdom of God one heart at a time.
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