Monday, January 13 – Light...in the darkness

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. –John 1:4-5 (TEV)

We are made to receive the light.  Light comforts us...we seek it...the light of day dispels the fears of the night.  Don’t you feel better in the light of day?  Aren’t your spirits boosted in the light of the sun?

But light also scares us.  Sometimes we hide in the shadows because the light is so revealing; it shows us who we really are.

The light of the Son shows us who we really are...sinners, yes...but even more...children of our Father in heaven.  The light of the Son tells us who we really are!  Are you willing to receive that? ...to receive life in his name?

Pray for those you love to receive the light...and come out of darkness.

Saturday, January 11 – Human 2.0 – Baptism of Our Lord

To prepare for worship tomorrow, you can read ahead.

Read the first chapter of the gospel of John.  Some of it will be very familiar, other parts not.  Read the whole chapter and ask and answer  the following questions:

1)  What word or phrase lingered in my thoughts?

2)  Where/How does this chapter connect with my life?

3)  What does God want me to do or be in response to his Word?

Friday, January 10 – A Family Place

“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. ⁵  And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. ⁶  And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. ⁸  Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. ⁹  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.         –Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.      –Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)

Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.   –Colossians 3:21 (The Message)

Poor parenting, abuse, addiction, domestic violence can continue on for generation after generation...unless it is stopped.

Many parents don’t know how to parent in a positive, loving manner.  If they didn’t have good examples, how are they going to know?  Even when we’ve had good examples of loving parenting, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.

A Family Place exists to stop the cycle of abuse, violence, addiction, and poor parenting.  It’s getting positive results; it’s transforming lives and we’re becoming a part of it.

Pray for A Family Place and for the families that will be changed by it.

Thursday, January 9– Youth finding their own faith

Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  –1 Timothy 4:12 (NRSV)

How can young people keep their way pure?
         By guarding it according to your word.
¹⁰ With my whole heart I seek you;
         do not let me stray from your commandments.
¹¹ I treasure your word in my heart,
         so that I may not sin against you.    –Psalm 119:9-11 (NRSV)

Confirmation was originally a ministry of the parents passing on the faith to their children.  It can be a partnership between the congregation and the home.  That’s our goal.

Young people are given an opportunity to learn, serve, worship, ask questions, and have fun together.  After a period of instruction, they are given the opportunity to make the faith that was given to them their own.  We support and celebrate their decision...however they choose to express it.

Please pray for our confirmation and youth ministries.

Wednesday, January 8 – SHINE

Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. ¹⁷ Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father. –Colossians 3:16-17 (TEV)

Jackie Calonder loves children...and she loves to bring “Christ’s message in all its richness” into their lives.  As most of us know SHINE involves teaching and singing and helping children from 3years through fifth grade find ways to speak and act with Jesus in their minds and hearts.

Thanks to all who join Jackie on Wednesday evenings.  There is room for more volunteers to become a part-time or regular part of the team.

Please pray for Jackie, for SHINE, for those who help...and for your part in supporting this ministry.