Weekly Challenge

What a wonderful night of discussion!  Thank you to everyone who spoke up and shared their thoughts, opinions and feelings on Saturday.

In Colossians 2:1-8 Paul is hitting the crux of the issue.  He encourages the church against false teachings and worldy philosophies.  The ammunition with which to fight these things is the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ.

On Saturday we discussed that worldly and deceitful philosophies don't necessarily have to be anti-Christian worldviews.  It could simply be a system that focuses on knowing about Jesus rather than knowing who He is and developing a deep relationship with him.

The Challenge:
Take time to ponder if their are any kinds of worldly wisdom to which you grasp on to.
Ask God to show you the truth with which to combat it.
Meditate on your relationship with God and ask Him to show you what the next step is in your relationship.

In Him,
Aaron

Weekly Challenge

Paul describes the mystery of Christ in us as glorious riches in Colossians 1:27.  The list of spiritual riches we came up with in class included power, energy, wisdom, abundance, peace, hope, etc.


The Challenge:
Spend time reflecting over the riches you have as a result of Christ in you.
Spend time thanking God for those riches.
Seek ways to share those riches with others.

In Him,
Aaron

February Family Devotional

"LOVE" Mealtime Moments

 

     With Valentines Day approaching I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to share with our kiddos what God's view of love looks like. Opposed to the worldly view of love that they see on TV, in movies, through the commercialized Valentines Day hoopla, etc.  Love isn't something you do only when you feel like it, or something you do every once in a while. Love is an act of obedience, regardless of how you feel, and puts God and others before yourself. I have to admit this is one of my pet sins. I have a very difficult time loving with out my selfishness and feelings getting in the way. God seems to constantly remind me and I consistently have to repent for my selfish unloving ways. The most convicting part, aside from not being obedient in how God has called me to love, is that I portray the wrong kind of love to my daughter. So with that said, I'm excited about using these activities to share God's Word on what love truly is.

 

Follow this link to the Mealtime Moments from Focus on the Family, on the topic of "Love." http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/spiritual_growth_for_kids/family_mealtime_devotionals/love.aspx

There are 5 activities listed under this topic. So shoot for sitting down and eating a meal with your family at least once a week. If you can throw the 5th one in there somewhere, great!

 

Here are the topics of love addressed in each activity:

Eat It Up! - Who does God love? (Acts 10:34-35)

Featuring the Greatest Commandment, Part 2 - Who does God tell us to love?

 (Matthew 22:37-39)

Anniversary: You First - How does God define love? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Let's Bake!  - God loves you! (Psalm 139:13-14)

Pizza Party - How are we suppose to love God? (Luke 10:27)

 

    You can do them in whatever order you like, but some of them will need some planning beforehand. I personally think "Pizza Party" should go before "Featuring the Greatest Commandment," but that's just me. The "Let's Bake" sounds yummy, but isn't going to help  me loose weight, so that may be the one we skip. Take a look for yourself and see what you think works for your family. Most of all, have fun being intentional!

 

Crystal (: