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5.22.17 Betty Ann Penick’s Memorial Service

A Video Blog

As most of you know, my sweet Mother, Betty Ann Penick, passed away May 5th.

Betty Ann and Tinsley Penick

We hired a videographer to record her memorial service held May 12, 2017. I have provided the link to this 38-minute celebration of her life for those who couldn’t attend:

Though I will continue to grieve my loss, I find comfort knowing I will see her again for eternity. In the meantime, I will cherish the many beautiful memories of her and the legacy of love she demonstrated to me.

Blessings,

Lee Ann

 

4.23.17 I Peter 3:8-9

Download Lesson: 4.23.17 Class Notes – I Pet 3.8-9

LOOK:

Love is a recurring theme in Peter’s letters, not only God’s love for us, but also our love for others. We should begin with love for God’s people, evidenced by unity of mind, compassion, tenderness of heart toward others, and loving our enemies.

12.30.16 Does Your Yoke Fit?

We have all done it. We have over-committed our time. We have said “yes” to endeavors that are worthwhile, but we underestimated the time involved to perform our roles. The more we invested our energies into these commitments, the less joy and satisfaction we had. As we look to 2017, let’s ask ourselves, “What are we engaging in that is draining us or burning us out?” I want to help us biblically discern whether we should unhook from any commitments or not. To guide us, I want to summarize three simple lessons I learned from Dr. Yount, a former seminary professor of mine. His teaching came from this passage:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30) 

Dr. Yount read this passage in class and asked us, “DOES YOUR YOKE FIT?” His question intrigued us, so we listened as he broke down this passage for us.

Photo Courtesy @www.patheos.com

 

Lesson #1: We have the POWER of Jesus when we share His yoke

When farmers need to plow their fields, they often place the yoke on two oxen to till the fields. By using two oxen, the synergy of two animals makes cultivating the field easier than if one ox did all the work. Moreover, the farmer makes sure that the yoke fits for each animal. Dr. Yount reminded us that we can be guilty of putting on a yoke that Christ never asked us to wear! Imagine wearing a yoke that choked us every time we exerted effort. Not only would it be painful, but most of us might ask, “Why are we doing this?” If Jesus invites us to wear HIS yoke, then His “yoke is easy and His burden is light.”

 

Lesson #2: We have FELLOWSHIP with Jesus when we share His yoke

When two oxen share yokes, they are not only working together, but they are spending time together. In our walk with Christ, we spend time with Him through prayer. We listen to His voice. He wants us to learn from Him. And we will not find a better teacher to study under than Jesus! Henry Blackaby, the author of Experiencing God, said, “God wants to do extraordinary things through ordinary people like us.” We can’t do extraordinary things without God’s power and help. When God invites us to partner with Him to fulfill our callings, He never asks us to do it alone. We remember that “apart from Him, we can do nothing!” (John 15:5) If the yoke fits, we will experience His fellowship and teachings as we journey with Him.

 

Lesson #3: We have REST with Jesus when we share His yoke

Jesus invites those of us who are weary and burdened to come to Him. Is it possible that we are not experiencing rest because we’ve taken on a yoke that doesn’t fit? Jesus never intended for us to become run down. If we’re experiencing burnout or chronic exhaustion, that is not from Him. It is likely that we put on a yoke that wasn’t from Him. I can see past chapters of my life where I over-committed because I wanted to please people. I made poor decisions when I prayed for God’s guidance, but then became impatient while waiting for His answer. If He was too slow, I pre-empted the work of the Holy Spirit, and took on yokes that He wasn’t asking me to wear. These were hard lessons to learn.

If the Lord has brought a certain commitment to mind as you’re reading this, perhaps God is asking you to re-evaluate it. Ask, “Does the yoke fit?” If not, TAKE IT OFF! The Lord has a custom-fit yoke that is just for you to help you succeed in your callings. If we wear the right yoke, I feel confident that 2017 can be our best year yet because we’ve partnered with Jesus to accomplish HIS goals. I welcome your thoughts below.

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

11.18.16 Three Truths to Help Us Rest with Trump

Some of us are thrilled to see Donald Trump become our President elect, while some of us are heartbroken that Hillary didn’t win. Some are mourning that we have yet to break the glass ceiling by having a woman serve as our President, while some are so angry at the election outcome that they are protesting in the streets. Many of us are just glad the election is OVER. Whether you’re filled with hope or disappointment, I believe all of us can rest in the outcome of this Presidential election by remembering three truths about God.

Photo Courtesy @ amerika.org

Photo Courtesy @ amerika.org

 

Truth #1: God is sovereign and carries 51% of the vote in all elections.

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its EVERY DECISION IS FROM THE LORD” (Prov 16:31)

The media had us convinced based on certain polls that Hillary would win this election. As the battle states started to turn more red than blue, the Democrats began to feel uneasy. Political analysts began to admit that these were not good signs for Hillary. By the time the votes were counted, Trump had pulled off an amazing political feat. Political commentators were forced to ask why the polls were so off. Some were suggesting that the pollsters should be fired! The Bible tells us that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Prov 21:1) God made sure that the majority of hearts were turned toward Trump for this election. It’s good to be reminded that no pollster, no pundit, no person could predict who the Lord would choose.

 

Truth #2: God is trustworthy.

“Trust in the Lord always, and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5-6)

Mr. Trump makes some people nervous. Hillary has thirty years of experience as a public servant, and Donald does not. Donald boldly announced that he intends to deport at least three million undocumented workers who are criminals. He’s ready to repeal and replace the majority of provisions in the Affordable Care Act. He’s added a controversial Chief Strategist, Steve Bannon, who will have significant influence in the White House. Will Mr. Bannon advance unhealthy ideologies found on his website that allowed a platform for white nationalists? Will Trump govern with a level head as he meets with domestic and foreign leaders? It’s hard to trust Trump after watching how he conducted himself throughout his campaign. I understand why there are people who are feeling unsettled with Trump as President.

But our trust is not in Trump! Our trust is in the Lord who allowed Trump the office of President. God already knows Trump doesn’t have any political experience. He knows Trump’s temperament because He created him. He knows his strengths and his weaknesses. God knows exactly what He wants to accomplish in the next four years through Trump. It’s easier to rest in the outcome of this election when we commit to trust in the Lord only, even when the outcome doesn’t make sense to us.

 

Truth #3: God’s purposes cannot by thwarted.

“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)

If you’re feeling any angst over this election outcome, I want to invite you to look at the bigger spiritual picture. God gave us the gift of life. He ordained when we arrived and He already knows the day we will die. He allowed us to live in America and for this unique chapter of time. God’s divine purpose underlies everything that happens, including the election of Donald Trump as President. We will get to watch what God is up to over the next four years! I’m sure Mr. Trump will have his successes, and he’ll have failures. That’s our story too, yet God continues to work out His purpose through our lives. I take comfort knowing that God is intentional in this decision because He always has our best interest in mind as a country.

Now that this election is over, God has called us to PRAY for Mr. Trump and those in office who are leading this great country. If we accept that God’s purpose cannot be thwarted, then one of the best ways to show our support for God’s choice is to pray fervently for Mr. Trump and his staff.

Let’s rest in the fact that Trump will be our President by placing all of our trust in God. He is sovereign, trustworthy and faithful to accomplish His purposes. He will do it through Mr. Trump just like He does it through us.

I have provided some truths about God that allows us to rest with Mr. Trump as our new President. Are there other truths about God that helps you rest with the outcome of this election? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

9.11.16 Hebrews 12:15-17

Download Lesson: 9.11.16 Class Notes-Heb 12.15-17

LOOK:

In order to make sure that “no one misses out on the grace of God” and to “not let any bitter root grow up to defile many,” let’s be encouragers to one another. Where there is bitterness, there is probably hurt. Listen well to the people in our circles of influence and pour into them encouragement and love. You will experience gratitude from those you take the time to encourage and love.