Pastor John has called for a 14 day fast leading up to one of, if not the most important Presidential Election(s) ever. This Sunday's message is "Fasting 101" We have had several people in the last couple months that have had a lot of questions concerning the spiritual act of fasting. I encourage you to find something to fast, put that time into studying God's Word and spending extra time in prayer for things you need direction for but also for the direction and the leadership of our country. Here is just some food for thought from my message this Sunday concerning fasting:
Fasting is not:
What fasting is:
Bail Out
Have you heard this term lately? My thoughts on this is that America has been given a bail out offer much bigger than 700 billion dollars. It comes in the simple but profound scripture of John 3:16. "For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have every lasting life." We all are recipients of this and the offer stands and the pay out of God's inredible grace from Jesus' death, burial and resurrection will affect us not only is this life but the life to come.
PJ
I was doing my devotions today and thought I would pass on to you the entry from today's date.
My Father is the gardener (John 15:1)
It is a comforting thought that trouble, in whatever form it comes to us , is a heavenly messenger that brings us something frmo God. Outwardly it may appear painful or even destructive, but inwardly its spiritual work produces blessings. Many of the richest blessings we have inherited are the fruit of sorrow or pain. We should never forget that redemption, the world's greatest blessing, is the fruit of the world's greatest sorrow. And whenever as time of deep pruning comes and the knife cuts deeply and the pain is severe, what an inexpressible comfort it is to know: "My Father is the gardener."
John Vincent, a Methodies Episcopal bishop of the late ninetheenth and early twentieth centuries and a leader of the Sunday school movement in America, once told of being in a large greenhouse where clusters of lucious grapes were hanging on each side. The owner of the greenhouse told him, "When the new gardener came here, he said he would not work with the vines unless he could cut them completely down to the stalk. I allowed him to do so, and we had no grapes for two years, but this is now the result."
There is rich symbolism in this account of the pruning process when applied to the Christian life. Pruning seems to be destroying the vine, and the gardener appears to be cutting everything away. Yet he sees the future and know that the final result will be the enrichment of the life of the vine, and the greater abundance of fruit.
September 19th Streams in th Desert by L.B. Cowman
I don't have to tell you what time it is, because everyone knows it's time to go back to school. When I ask student if their excited they almost always say NO! but they are a little nervous for all of the unknown that is ahead for this school year. Will I know anyone? Will my friends from last school year still be my friends? Will I like my teacher(s)? Will my teacher(s) like me? Will I have lunch with anyone I know? Will I have any classes with my friends? I wonder how much homework I will have every night? I wonder how many cute guys or girls I will see the first day? (lets be honest this is a huge question) Are my classes going to be too hard? What sport(s) should I try out for? Do I want to try out for the musical this year? I wonder how long it will take for me to memorize my locker combination? I wonder if I know anyone that rides my bus? . . .
If you have a student or are a student you have been dealing with these questions and probably will for the next few weeks as classes begin. In a student world these are BIG questions that need answers, and are things that are weighing heavy on their minds. Join with us as we pray for the students throughout our enitre community that God would give them Peace, that even if they don't have all the answers that He will be with them. Also that God would protect all of the campus', students, faculty & staff of the schools from the things the world has to offer. And believe that this is going to be the best year yet!
Be Blessed!
Matt
10. Enjoy the end of summer. Be sure to complete everything on your to do list so you'll be able to have plenty of great stories to tell once school begins.
9. Get in a routine. Kids are creatures of habit. It is very important to "practice" going to bed on time and waking up on time before school begins.
8. Take a trip to your school and visit you teacher(s). Getting a child familiar with there new surroundings will be very beneficial.
7. Go over their school schedule. Talk to you child about what they can expect day to day while at school.
6. Go school shopping! Who doesn't like shopping? This is a time of fun for all kids. A time for new clothes and school supplies that are sure to get them excited and in the mood for school!
5. Get a haircut. Why stop with new clothes? Throw in a haircut too. Get a fresh start with a new look.
4. Review what you child learned last school year. Go over old tests and worksheets. This will get your child's brain in learning mode. It will help jog their memory so they won't have to play catch-up while trying to remember what they learned last year, but will be able to move forward with new material.
3. Bring up positive experiences you had while in school and particularly in their grade. Avoid ALL negative stories and attitudes toward school... these will only lead to you child's anxiety!!!
2. Acquire a good attitude. Do everything within your power to help your child have a good outlook for the upcoming school year.
1. Pray! Begin praying now with your child for their class, teacher, and friends. Prayer is a great comfort for fearful kids. Try praying with them every morning before they leave for school as well. It boosts their confidence and helps them to remember that they are never alone!
