Grace Family Church Celebrates 32 Years

 
Sunday Morning June 12
Leon Patillo Concert
 
Unknown
 
On Sunday June 12
10:30am
 
Leon Patillo will kick of our anniversary celebration with a concert on Sunday Morning .  Leon was the former lead singer for Santana, the latin rock band.  He then went on to have a successful career in Contemporary Christian Music, signing with Word Records where he had a string of successful hits.  Leon also had his own tv show called “Leon and Friends” on the TBN network and he was recently featured on Fox News.  Don’t miss this special concert.
 
 
Grace Family Church
3202 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Rockford, IL 61114
 
Phone 815-877:5300

 
 
June 12-14 6:30pm
Kevin & DeAnna Frost
 
frost
Sunday June 12 6:30pm through
Tuesday June 14th,6:30pm
 
DeAnna Lockwood Frost comes from a family of missionaries and she is president of Life Centre Ministries in CO.  This past year she married Kevin Frost and together they head up a team of missionaries around the globe, sharing the gospel.  This couple has a heart for ministry and you will be blessed by their inspired preaching and teaching.  Join us Sunday night through Tuesday night at 6:30pm
 
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Grace Family Church
3202 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Rockford, IL 61114

Phone 815-877:5300

June 15, 2016 6:30pm
James Moffett
St. John In Exile Drama
james
Wednesday Night
6:30-8:00pm

James Moffett will be with us on Wednesday night for a drama presentation of St. John in exile.  James has served as a missionary to China, and currently pastors a church in Colorado.  The stage will be set with scenery and props taking you back 2000 years in time when John was on the Isle of Patmos, where he received the book of Revelation.This one man drama has been seen by thousands and it will inspire you and you don’t want to miss this special evening.
Please invite a friend and lets try and pack the place for this special event.


Grace Family Church
3202 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Rockford, IL 61114

Phone 815-877:5300



Saturday

 
John 1:29
 
 
Scripture:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
                John  1:29  NIV

Observation:
John the Baptist was given the awesome task of introducing Messiah to the World.  Of all the names he could call him, from cousin to King, John introduced him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  John could have gone to the Book of Genesis and introduced Christ as the promised seed who would crush the head of the serpent.  The many names referring to Messiah throughout the pages of the Old Testament, he could have called him The Lily Of The Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, the Fairest of Ten Thousand, and  on and on we could go. 

But instead John reached out to the greatest need of mankind, and called Jesus The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!   He knew that even when forgiven each year on Yom Kippur, the forgiveness was temporary and it wouldn’t take long till mankind was in need again to restore his relationship with God.  When John called Jesus the Lamb of God, he was referring back to the Passover where all of Israel would sacrifice a lamb and that lamb would encounter God’s wrath to pay for Israel’s sin.  
But John also said that this Lamb, Jesus would take away the sin of the world!   Not just forgive our sin, but take it away.  The world sin here mean’s to fall short of miss the mark.  It was a term used in that day for sporting events, when the archer would shoot an arrow it would fall short of the target.  John was prophetically saying that what Jesus would do, was not just provide forgiveness but he would take away that awful condition of always falling short, and separating us from God. 
Through Christ God not only forgave our sin, he took away our sinful condition, that constant falling short.  Because now God sees us not through our performance but rather Christ’s performance on the cross.  God sees you perfect, because of the spotless Lamb of God.

Application:
Today meditate on the wonderful forgiveness we have been given through the cross.  But also understand that we have been given sonship through Christ.  God has adopted us into his family and he sees you as his child, and not just your performance.

Prayer:
Father today I give thanks that you took away my sinful condition.  You gave me sonship through Christ and you no longer see me as falling short.  Help me to live out my faith, so as to be an example to others of your love and forgiveness.
 


Friday

Contentment

Scripture:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 
                                   Philippians  4:12
 
Observation:
It seems that our human nature compiles us to want more and seek more in our lives, and often times the lack of contentment causes us to miss out on the truly important things in life.Paul told the Philippians that he knew what it was to have needs, and he knew what it was to have abundance, but he learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.
 

Application:

Understand that our life does not consist of things.  But rather of taking life one day at a time and giving thanks for all things.  God has promised to supply all of our needs.
Prayer:

Father help us to be content with the things you have given us.  To seek first your kingdom and your righteousness and then you will give us everything we need for our life.


Thursday

Seasons
 
Scripture:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven

                      Ecclesiastes  3:1 NIV
 
Observation:
As I drove through my neighborhood today it was obvious to me that fall is in the air.  My subdivision is called Maplewood and the beautiful maple trees have turned from their rich green color to bright orange and brown.  Always a thing of beauty for me to see, and yet a reminder that this beauty will soon be followed by the harsh winters we often face here in Northern Illinois.
Just as we have the four seasons to our weather, so life itself brings seasons our way. 
Often times we do not like change and no matter how hard we fight it, the new season comes our way and we are forced to embrace it, or resist it.  I have found that nothing in my life, either good or bad can happen until it first filters through the hands of my Sovereign God.  And if it gets this far it has come with great purpose and God will see us through.

 

Prayer:
Father help me to recognize when you bring me in to a new season in my life.  Help me to trust in you with all my heart and understand that you are there working everything out for my good.  



Wednesday

Healing The Children’s Bread

 

Scripture:
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
                                       James 5:14  NIV

Observation:
Sickness is often rampant in our society.  It seems like every other day I hear of someone that I know who has been diagnosed with cancer, heart problems, high blood pressure or some other illness.   It is comforting to know that just as God forgives our sins, he also heals our sickness.   Psalm 103:2-3 says “Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
I wish I could understand why everyone I pray for does not instantly receive physical healing, but we cannot let that distract us from the promise of God’s Word.  If you are sick today, ask God who has all power to heal you today and have a friend join in agreement as you pray together.
 

Prayer:
Father we thank you that healing is found in the atonement and that you have in the past and still today heal your people when we are faced with sickness and disease.  Touch us today and we give you thanks for forgiving all our sins and healing all our disease.



Tuesday

 
Perfect Peace
 
Scripture:
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you
Isaiah 26:3
 

Observation:
I am often reminded that true peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather the ability to face any conflict sustained by the presence of God.   Jesus told is in this world we would have trouble but he said “Don’t be afraid for I have overcome the world.”   Whatever you are facing today, don’t allow it to steal your peace.   Think back over the past how many times God has brought you through difficult situations that you wondered if you would ever make it through.   
Secondly that perfect peace was promised to those who mind is stayed on God, or steadfast.  Once we give our problems to him, don’t pick them up again, but leave them in his hand.  

Prayer:
Heavenly Father I am so thankful for your peace, that in the middle of my storm you are there measuring the trial guaranteeing my outcome.   You have promised to care for me as you do the lilies of the field.  Today I rest in that peace and give you thanks for your provision.



Monday

Freedom From Fear

Scripture:
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

 
Observation:
We live in a generation that has ample opportunities for one to encounter fear in their life.  Whether it is terrorism, the world economy or just the daily pressures of getting through this life, it is so important for us to realize that God wants us to be free from fear.   Fear is one of the greatest weapons that the enemy can use against you.  The very reason terrorists do what they do is so often just to incite fear in the community.  So it is with the devil,  if he can make you afraid, then he can paralyze you and render you ineffective in the Kingdom of God.
 
Application:
The Bible teaches us that perfect love casts out all fear.  The more we become aware of God’s love for us, the more it frees us from fear.   Embrace God’s love and strength in your life and allow him to make you strong in your own weakness and failure.
Prayer:
Father God we thank you that your love frees us from fear, and today I accept that freedom into my life.  Help me not to be afraid of the evil one, or to simply be the person you desire me to be.