She's A Really Good Bowler

On Tuesday, Carpenter's Sons organized a family bowling night in Abbotsford and it was a lot of fun.  It was my daughter's first time bowling and we could've cooked a turkey between the time that the ball left her hands and when it hit a pin.  At one point in the night, as we waited for the ball to bang five or so times against the gutter guard and then knock down an outside pin, another four year old leaned over to an adult and said, "You know...  she's a really good bowler."

Thank you to Eugene for organizing a good evening of Church family fun.

Is God Our Treasure? Pt 3

March 28 - April 3, 2011
When We Treasure Jesus We are Satisfied (Mtt. 6:25-34)

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  Take time to reflect and journal on vv. 25-34.

DISCUSS
What do you worry about in life?  Why do you have those worries?  How does Matthew 6:19-34 fit with you worries?  How will applying the truth of Jesus’ words affect you personally, in your relationships, in your Church, and in your community?

LIVE
Look at today... however long is left in the day, and put God first in the remainder of your day.  If you don’t know what that looks like in your life, ask God to guide you.  Repeat the process tomorrow and the day after.  As you’re doing this find someone to share with.   Tell them what you’re doing, tell them how it’s going... you don’t need to “show off”, but Jesus in you can be a huge inspiration and encouragement to others.

Prayer Focus This Week:  Shaela Warkentin (Accident in California); Zain Krikau (Improved Health);  All Saints’ Anglican Church (on 2nd Ave);  Northridge Foursquare Church (Maple Ridge, BC); John & Debbie (Canadian Foursquare Missionaries); Nations of Japan, Libya, and Yemen.

Is God Our Treasure? Pt. 2

March 13-19, 2011
Is God Our Treasure?  Part 2: Who we treasure reforms our heart.

PRAY
 Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  How do the different metaphors and illustrations link together in teaching something greater about the nature of how we see God and self?

DISCUSS
What is it about our focus that changes how we operate?  Have you ever tried to be in two places at once... and how’d that go?  Have you every tried to serve both yourself and God at the same time... how’d that go?

LIVE
Take time to reflect at the end of each day this week (a journal is recommended).  Go over your day’s events and reflect on your response to those events.  Ask yourself which things were self-satisfying and which things were God-glorifying?  Reflect on thoughts, attitudes, and actions.  Ask yourself, was my focus today on God or self?  Learn from today and engage the truth in tomorrow.

Is God Our Treasure?

March 6-12, 2011
Is God Our Treasure? Part 1: What we treasure reveals our heart.

PRAY
Before you begin reading, reflecting, discussing, and applying, begin by opening your heart up to our Creator and Sustainer.  Praise Him and ask Him to incline your heart to His.

STUDY
Read Matthew 6:19-34.  Take time to reflect on Jesus’ heart behind the saying these things.  Do you think Jesus was speaking to an audience that was wealthy or rich?  Why is that question even important when reading this passage?

DISCUSS
What does Jesus mean when he says the word, treasure?  What are the natures of treasures on earth and treasures in Heaven?  What storehouse are you investing in?  Read all of Matthew 6:19-34 and look to see how verses 19-21 connect and relate to following verses.

LIVE
Make an hour in your week to look at: 1) your bank statements from the last couple months; 2) your calendar from the last couple months; and 3) look at your hands in the context of your calendar and ask yourself what did I do with skills God has given me?  Take the remaining time to come before Jesus and worship Him.  Confess, repent, and thank God for His grace and power.  Look back to your calendar, statements, and hands, and see how you can live like Jesus is your treasure.