I shared some notes from a church study we’re doing to start 2021 about why we need to be intentional about our encounters, or looking for encounters with God: – we need His power, not our own (I Corinthians 2:4-5) – we need His presence, not just our practices (Psalms 16:11) – we need His purposes, not our wants (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
We can encounter God through our desperation, humility, repentance and obedience.
Name something a school bus driver wouldn’t want to see thrown out of a bus window: 1- books or a bookbag 2- another child 3- trash 4- food 5- a bottle
Ashton from Mount Vernon guessed the first two answers correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup! Congratulations!
Today I shared some Monday Motivation from writer John Blase that fits perfectly into the start of 2021. As we think about what we can do differently this year, it might be wise to take a look at our foundation. What is it we are standing on? What is holding us up?
Today we shared some Monday Motivation from Our Daily Bread. A devotional about God showing us the growth and healing that we should celebrate even through the hardest times. Read it by clicking here.
The second devotional talked about God’s beautiful assurance to us and the confidence we can gain by living through him. Read it by clicking here.
Name a mistake that little children make when getting dressed.
Shoes on wrong – (42 votes) Clothes backwards – (35 votes) Button wrong – (8 votes) Inside out – (5 votes) Ties shoes wrong – (4 votes)
Congratulations to Pat of Mount Vernon for correctly guessing the top two answers to our question. She won a $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup!
Today’s Monday Motivation comes from Isaiah 9:2, 5-7 (NIV)
2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
One of the first indications of the Christmas season is LIGHT. The appearance of lights seemingly everywhere – on trees, with candles, above streets; there is radiance all around us.
Lights are not just for decoration of course, they are symbolic.
In his book, Hidden Christmas, Pastor Timothy Keller says one of the most important spiritual truths at Christmas is this: the world is a dark place, and we will never find our way or see reality unless Jesus IS our light.
Keller writes that the word ‘darkness’ in the Bible refers to evil and ignorance. The world has evil and untold suffering. The world also has no one who can cure the evil and suffering. We look towards the earth and our human resources to try to fix the world. We think we can end darkness with intellect and innovation. That’s the ignorance.
So the message of Christmas is NOT, “we will be able to put together a world of unity and peace.” The message, instead, is a humble one: “Things really are this bad and we can’t heal or save ourselves. Nevertheless, THERE IS HOPE.”
Notice the verse in Isaiah doesn’t say the light comes from the world…it says that upon the world a light has dawned. It has come from the outside, and Jesus has brought that light to save us! Because, as John 8:12 says, He IS that light!
Today’s Christmas Gift Exchange winners were Pam from Fredericktown and James, also from Fredericktown.
Today for Monday Motivation we shared a devotional from Our Daily Bread called “The Father’s Blessing” written by Winn Collier. It talked about the importance of fatherhood and how God blesses us as a good Father. Read the full devotional here.
Name a sign that people disobey.
1 – Stop (60 votes) 2 – Yield (9 votes) 3 – Do not enter (8 votes) 4 – No littering (5 votes) 5 – Speed limit (4 votes) 6 – No smoking (4 votes)
Congratulations to Denny of Mount Vernon who correctly guessed the top two answers and won a $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup!
Today’s Monday Motivation comes from our friend Adam Holz (yes, the guy from Plugged In). It’s called ‘Lord of the…Nails?’ and deals with control and trust. Click here to read it!
Name a gift kids DON’T want to open on Christmas morning! 1 – underwear (31 votes) 2 – socks (27) 3 – hygiene products (12) 4 – books (6) 5 – handmade sweater or scarf 6 – puzzles
Congratulations to Becky from Fredericktown who guessed the top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup!
Today’s Monday Motivation starts with a reminder of how we can control the flow of a rumor mill. Author Amy Boucher Pye shares her devotional , inspired by Exodus, from Our Daily Bread. Read it by clicking here.
Our second is called “Run Towards Challenge,” from author Mike Wittmer and inspired by II Kings. Read it by clicking here.
Name a reason you might not leave your house all day…
1- bad weather 2- being sick 3- watching a TV show 4- you have a day off 5- you’re waiting on a repair 6- you’re tired
Congratulations to Cathy from Zanesville, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup.
