“A phoenix is a mythical bird with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again.The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. It is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. The Phoenix's ability to be reborn from its own ashes implies that it is immortal, though in some stories the new Phoenix is merely the offspring of the older one.”
“A phoenix is a mythical bird with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again.The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. It is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. The Phoenix's ability to be reborn from its own ashes implies that it is immortal, though in some stories the new Phoenix is merely the offspring of the older one.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)
Every major culture in the world has a story about a similar type of bird. It would seem that mankind needs to believe in the idea that something can rise from the ashes renewed and reborn.
As Christians we have an even better story: a true hope. We know of a man who died, was buried and rose from the grave three days later. In the face of incredible opposition, torture and even death, Jesus remained true and pure. Because He was both man and God He conquered our greatest enemies and fears: death, hell and the grave.
As you face the needs in your group you may feel that you are facing death, hell and the grave at times. I encourage you to remember the story of the phoenix, meditate on the greater story of our Savior fulfill His will for your life.
Ephesians 2
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Remember that your home through Christ can become a true Home of Hope. Because He lives again we will also live again! Through His power you, your family and your small group can be reborn: facilitate rebirth!
Vision:
1. August 3rd-5th – Youth Congress
2. September 4th & 5th – Family Sunday & Labor Day (SFC Offering)
3. September 8th – 10th – Missouri Men’s Conference
4. September 11th – AM Service: NLC, The Connection at St. Ann Park following
5. September 18th – AM Service: FriendsDay: Potluck dinner on grounds following service. PM Service.
The Lord Bless and Keep YOU!!!
I prayed for you by name today.