Archive for the ‘ Church ’ Category
So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Galatians 4:7, ESV
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, so we are called to serve the world in the same sacrificial manner, yet we also are called to eternal life and joy in Him.
This is a call … with a story …
This past Sunday was our promotion Sunday, celebrating our graduating high school seniors.
Only two were present, but that made it more special.
Why?
In 2018, I was given the privilege of starting the youth group for our congregation. I started with only three students – a 7th-grader (the pastor’s oldest son) and two 6th-graders. Last year, that old 7th-grader graduated and is now working toward becoming a pastor through Grand Canyon University’s Barnabas program (which started in 2020 with only 4 students!)
Those two 6th-graders were the two we got to call forward and pray for this weekend.
I was fine during all the preparations. I was tired and mildly stressed due to many volunteers calling in sick or injured and my being the one to make sure all of our Sunday prep was done.
As I walked up to the front to call them forward, it slammed into me:
I started crying as I took the mic.
The older of the two (by two days) is taking at least a year before college for engineering, because, due to his love for Minecraft, he has already been working for a year with landscape designers. He will also help out with the youth group while here.
The other took some trade school classes as he finished his senior year, and, two weeks earlier, he became certified in autobody work. He wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps to help people by doing something he loves. (His dad runs a local portion of a motorcycle ministry in our area, reaching the rough crowd and helping any in need.)
So, here is the standard call:
Things are a little crazy. I work in a university setting, and I see what most 18-19-year-olds are facing academically and socially. They need all the prayer they can get!
This Sunday at Church: Ask a member what is their favorite Psalms.
This Sunday at Church: Ask a member what is their favorite Psalms
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'”
Matthew 25:34, NIV
The Holy Spirit guides us to the Kingdom of God, points us to Jesus, and gives us the hope of eternity.
This is something I and our pastor have done many times over the years. I already planned on doing it for a few people very soon. It’s always good to learn how to read the Bible better!
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following:Get someone a book on how to interpret the Bible.
This Sunday at Church: Get someone a book on how to interpret the Bible
We just sent out our missionaries, but they greatly enjoy receiving communication from their home church. Missionaries can use home support and encouragement, whether abroad or at home.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Talk to missionaries your Church support if they are in town.
This Sunday: Talk to missionaries your Church support if they are in town
For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Encourage someone who normally don’t pray aloud in prayer meeting to pray aloud.
This Sunday at Church: Encourage someone who normally don’t pray aloud in prayer meeting to pray aloud
Unity amongst our leadership became a major priority in 2023, which we called “the year of the attack on unity” for our congregation. 2024 was not better, but we have become more close-knit as leaders and even amongst the congregation as a whole.
Pray hard and often for the unity of pastors and elders.
Daniel
This Sunday at Church: Pray for the unity of your church pastors.
This Sunday at Church: Pray for the unity of your church pastors
This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Meditate on Luke 9:31 and Christ’s Resurrection.
This Sunday: Meditate on Luke 9:31 and Christ’s Resurrection
I was actually surprised to see I had not shared this yet. Now, I have.
Daniel
For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Share a truth from our series of Sunday Morning Motivations for Preachers and Teachers.
This Sunday at Church: Share a truth from our series of Sunday Morning Motivations for Preachers and Teachers
a simple man of God 