You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
Psalm 65
We think this Psalm is saying that God provides as with everything we need to flourish physically and spiritually. Like a gardener, He gives us things we need to grow such as: family, friends, and our faith. Just like a gardener though, He can’t force us to grow. Not every plant will grow and bear good fruit. That part is our responsibility.
We need to use the tools given to us to grow in ourselves. Because God gives us all this, we need to thank Him through prayer and song and worship. Within ourselves, God will give us his strength to grow. By his gifted tools, our spirit will grow abundantly and will flourish. As Christians, it is our responsibility to use the resources we’ve been given by God.
Shane and Justin Kelly
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 6, 2011
Quiet down, far-flung ocean islands. Listen! Sit down and rest, everyone. Recover your strength. Gather around me. Say what's on your heart. Together let’s decide what’s right. (The Message)
Isaiah 41:1–4
In this passage, Isaiah speaks to generations to come, throughout the lands surrounding Israel, preparing them for the emergence of a king who will come to conquer all but God's chosen people. Isaiah 41 is a complicated chapter in a complicated book. It is quite challenging to read and comprehend the full meaning.
Stepping away from the context, however, we think today's passage offers important guidance on how we should conduct ourselves in the face of everyday life. Life today moves quickly, is fraught with challenges and confrontation, and often seems to require us to stand up and be heard. How often do we react to these challenges without thinking? How often do we lash out at others, without taking the time to consult our friends or to reflect upon what's truly in our own heart? Upon what we think is God's will?
The next time we feel compelled to make a strong statement, let's make sure we're really listening, let's take the time to rest and reflect, and then let's act from the heart.
George and Claire Pickart
Isaiah 41:1–4
In this passage, Isaiah speaks to generations to come, throughout the lands surrounding Israel, preparing them for the emergence of a king who will come to conquer all but God's chosen people. Isaiah 41 is a complicated chapter in a complicated book. It is quite challenging to read and comprehend the full meaning.
Stepping away from the context, however, we think today's passage offers important guidance on how we should conduct ourselves in the face of everyday life. Life today moves quickly, is fraught with challenges and confrontation, and often seems to require us to stand up and be heard. How often do we react to these challenges without thinking? How often do we lash out at others, without taking the time to consult our friends or to reflect upon what's truly in our own heart? Upon what we think is God's will?
The next time we feel compelled to make a strong statement, let's make sure we're really listening, let's take the time to rest and reflect, and then let's act from the heart.
George and Claire Pickart
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 5, 2011
I am content and at peace as a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. (GNB)
Psalm 131
To really understand this passage, we must further reflect on it. In Psalms chapter 131:1-3, it states, “God proclaims that he wants us to worship, but not worship things “too marvelous and too great.” He wants us to have calm and quieted souls. And if we are too attached to worshiping things too powerful, he wants us to be slowly weaned, like a child from their mother. God only wants us to hope in Him.
It's not always easy to hope in God all the time. We all lose faith, and are tempted from time to time. There are countless things that try to grasp our attention and turn it away from God. However, if we pray and study God's Word, we can overcome that temptation and return to God before we stray too far. For it is only God who can bring true peace.
Kyle Carrier and Will Pickart
Psalm 131
To really understand this passage, we must further reflect on it. In Psalms chapter 131:1-3, it states, “God proclaims that he wants us to worship, but not worship things “too marvelous and too great.” He wants us to have calm and quieted souls. And if we are too attached to worshiping things too powerful, he wants us to be slowly weaned, like a child from their mother. God only wants us to hope in Him.
It's not always easy to hope in God all the time. We all lose faith, and are tempted from time to time. There are countless things that try to grasp our attention and turn it away from God. However, if we pray and study God's Word, we can overcome that temptation and return to God before we stray too far. For it is only God who can bring true peace.
Kyle Carrier and Will Pickart
Monday, April 4, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 4, 2011
God is educating you, that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. (The Message)
Hebrews 12:5–15
While this quote may be inspiring, we have no idea what it means without reflecting upon a passage in Hebrews. In chapter 12: 5-15, we are told not to “make light of the Lord’s discipline”, not to “lose heart when He rebukes us,” because “The Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” In other words, we’re being advised not to make light of God’s discipline, because it’s a serious matter. We’re also advised not to be disappointed by it, for He loves us, and views us as His own children. God is educating us in His ways. He doesn’t want us to leave Him when we feel overwhelmed. He wants us to endure His hardships, yet continue to respect Him so that we may share His holiness.
Will Pickart
Hebrews 12:5–15
While this quote may be inspiring, we have no idea what it means without reflecting upon a passage in Hebrews. In chapter 12: 5-15, we are told not to “make light of the Lord’s discipline”, not to “lose heart when He rebukes us,” because “The Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” In other words, we’re being advised not to make light of God’s discipline, because it’s a serious matter. We’re also advised not to be disappointed by it, for He loves us, and views us as His own children. God is educating us in His ways. He doesn’t want us to leave Him when we feel overwhelmed. He wants us to endure His hardships, yet continue to respect Him so that we may share His holiness.
Will Pickart
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 3, 2011 The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Blessed is [the one] who refuses to work during my Sabbath days of rest, but honors them. (TLB)
Isaiah 56:1–8
The Sabbath is a weekly day of rest, and for many Christians, that day is Sunday. God plainly instructs us to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, because this special day is that important- for our relationship with God, and for our relationships with our family and friends. It is crucial to take a day to separate ourselves from the stress we endure during the week, and to take one day to stop and rest, and be thankful and mindful of the abundance of good things that God has provided for us.
The concept of honoring the Sabbath day is referenced many times in the Bible. It clearly is of utmost importance to our Lord. Families can work together to honor the Sabbath by: attending church, reading the Scriptures, writing in journals, visiting relatives and the sick, enjoying uplifting music, worshipping, serving others and participating in restful, family-centered activities. These are just some ideas to work toward showing our love for our Heavenly Father, certainly, every week, on the Sabbath.
In this Lenten season, when we are so mindful of the sacrifices that our Lord made for us, striving to honor His command that we keep the Sabbath holy would certainly honor His name.
Susan Dowling
Isaiah 56:1–8
The Sabbath is a weekly day of rest, and for many Christians, that day is Sunday. God plainly instructs us to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, because this special day is that important- for our relationship with God, and for our relationships with our family and friends. It is crucial to take a day to separate ourselves from the stress we endure during the week, and to take one day to stop and rest, and be thankful and mindful of the abundance of good things that God has provided for us.
The concept of honoring the Sabbath day is referenced many times in the Bible. It clearly is of utmost importance to our Lord. Families can work together to honor the Sabbath by: attending church, reading the Scriptures, writing in journals, visiting relatives and the sick, enjoying uplifting music, worshipping, serving others and participating in restful, family-centered activities. These are just some ideas to work toward showing our love for our Heavenly Father, certainly, every week, on the Sabbath.
In this Lenten season, when we are so mindful of the sacrifices that our Lord made for us, striving to honor His command that we keep the Sabbath holy would certainly honor His name.
Susan Dowling
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 2, 2011
And now bless the God of all, who everywhere works great wonders, who fosters our growth from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. May he give us gladness of heart, and may there be peace in our days…
Sirach 50:22–24
We believe as a class that this verse, as much as many in the bible, reflects God’s love, nurture and mercy for us all. Because of this unconditional love, we are the beneficiaries of the peace and happiness it brings. Think about it, as the scripture states, He who fosters our growth from birth, shows God truly loves us for who we are. As the intended purpose of the scripture we also thank God for his mercy and for the joy and salvation He brings. Joy and salvation are definitely two key words in our Christian lives, and inevitably salvation is about love. Without God's mercy, we are nothing. May He give us gladness of heart and peace in our days, and without gifts like these, we wouldn’t have a whole lot.
J2A Class (grades 9-11)
Sirach 50:22–24
We believe as a class that this verse, as much as many in the bible, reflects God’s love, nurture and mercy for us all. Because of this unconditional love, we are the beneficiaries of the peace and happiness it brings. Think about it, as the scripture states, He who fosters our growth from birth, shows God truly loves us for who we are. As the intended purpose of the scripture we also thank God for his mercy and for the joy and salvation He brings. Joy and salvation are definitely two key words in our Christian lives, and inevitably salvation is about love. Without God's mercy, we are nothing. May He give us gladness of heart and peace in our days, and without gifts like these, we wouldn’t have a whole lot.
J2A Class (grades 9-11)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Lenten Reflection - April 1, 2011
The Apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:30–32
Do you spend enough time resting? Do you give yourself enough quiet time to pray with our Lord? In our fast-paced world of long hours and not enough time to accomplish the things that we think are important, weariness has become a way of life for many. It seems as though many of us have failed to understand or have forgotten the purpose and source of rest in our lives.
The Apostles were preoccupied with "all they had done and taught," but the Lord called them to come away to a quiet place. He sought to teach them that in order to be effective in ministering, they must learn how to take time from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time alone with Him in prayer.
The message is not to be lazy or "take it easy" on a continual basis, nor is the message to relax whenever we might feel like it. Missing the point of the message will lead us to become ineffective in our ministries and weaken our relationship with God. Taking time for rest refreshes our body, mind and soul, gives the opportunity for more time spent in prayer, and deepens our relationship with God. The passage is a reminder that rest is a gift from God provided for our benefit. Whether your weariness is physical, emotional or spiritual, the same Jesus who offered his apostles rest then offers us rest now.
Cindy Carrier
Mark 6:30–32
Do you spend enough time resting? Do you give yourself enough quiet time to pray with our Lord? In our fast-paced world of long hours and not enough time to accomplish the things that we think are important, weariness has become a way of life for many. It seems as though many of us have failed to understand or have forgotten the purpose and source of rest in our lives.
The Apostles were preoccupied with "all they had done and taught," but the Lord called them to come away to a quiet place. He sought to teach them that in order to be effective in ministering, they must learn how to take time from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend time alone with Him in prayer.
The message is not to be lazy or "take it easy" on a continual basis, nor is the message to relax whenever we might feel like it. Missing the point of the message will lead us to become ineffective in our ministries and weaken our relationship with God. Taking time for rest refreshes our body, mind and soul, gives the opportunity for more time spent in prayer, and deepens our relationship with God. The passage is a reminder that rest is a gift from God provided for our benefit. Whether your weariness is physical, emotional or spiritual, the same Jesus who offered his apostles rest then offers us rest now.
Cindy Carrier
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