Redemption Sunday!!

Eve is coming to my church, Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville - and I want you to come too! Eve and I have been invited to take part in a Sunday morning service called Redemption Sunday on June 26th at 10:00AM, and will be sharing her story!

If you have no idea what I'm talking about - the story starts here.

Eve, in the Bible is remembered for two things – she was the first woman, and maybe more than that – she is remembered for her sin.  Right now,  the Eve in this story is the same, she is the first in what I hope will be a long line of redemption stories, and is currently only known for her sin… but that is going to change! 

On June 26^th, you’re going to hear a story of redemption and I promise you will be amazed at what God can, will, and wants to do in our lives!  Eve’s life is evidence of that!  If you, or someone you know, have reached a point in your life where you feel you have no value to anyone – including God, I hope you will join us on Redemption Sunday!  Like I said, the worship service starts at 10:00AM and childcare is available.

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This morning, I lay in my bed for a moment debating whether I should get up and face the battle (i.e. get four kids ready for church) or take a moment to read my Bible.  I decided I would read later since time was tickin'. 

I stood up and a... well... a... a force, I guess, a wall, a...a something...or...or Someone hit me out of no where.  I literally fell back (hard) on my bed.  I was stunned for a moment.

"Ooohh-kaaaayy!"  I cautiously reached for my Bible, "You know, on second thought, I think I'll read RIGHT NOW!  I mean, when it's that clear, you know you better listen, right?  :)

I've been reading in Psalms, but Isaiah 43 jumped off the pages at me and I drank in these beautiful words.  I was so blessed, I knew it had to be passed on to each of you! 

From Isaiah 43:

Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
   I've called your name.

You're mine.
When you're in over your head, 

I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, 

you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
   it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, 

your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
   all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
   That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
   trade the creation just for you.

 ^5-7"So don't be afraid: I'm with you.
   I'll round up all your scattered children,
   pull them in from east and west.
I'll send orders north and south:
   'Send them back.
Return my sons from distant lands,
   my daughters from faraway places.
I want them back, every last one who bears my name,
   every man, woman, and child
Whom I created for my glory,
   yes, personally formed and made each one.'"

 ^8-13Get the blind and deaf out here and ready—
   the blind (though there's nothing wrong with their eyes)
   and the deaf (though there's nothing wrong with their ears).
Then get the other nations out here and ready.
   Let's see what they have to say about this,
   how they account for what's happened.

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Tomorrow morning, The Darkest Hour: Eve's Story Part 3 will be posted!  Find a quiet place... and you might want some kleenex!