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Pastor's February 2012 Message |
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In January, I had the privilege of teaching an adult Sunday School class with Jenny Long. In preparing for the class we called “Ties that Bind”, we both felt strongly about how God works in the family and through the family to establish His truths and His story. Jenny was quite passionate about demonstrating how honoring rituals and traditions throughout our lives give families a sense of structure, stability and security. These are three things families really need today! Over the course of our 3 weeks in class we saw how God has used generation after generation to share His story - to share His love. God taught His chosen people and told them to talk about His laws and His love when they ate, when they got up, and when they went to bed at night. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) They did this in their traditions and rituals. It’s not easy to see the big picture here - we get caught up in our everyday routines and the reality is, we fall short of what we’d really like to have our families be a part of. But listen to what Reggie Joiner says in his book, Think Orange. God is at work telling a story of restoration and redemption through your family. Never buy into the myth that you need to become the “right “kind” of parent before God can use you in your children’s lives [or in your grandchildren’s…or your neighbor’s lives]. Instead, learn to cooperate with whatever God desires to do in your heart today so your children will have a front-row seat to the grace and goodness of God. That is so great! God is working through my family and yours to tell His story. We get to be the vessels of His love to the next generations! Joiner continues on to say, The family was and is God’s primary conduit. It is interesting that He used families - mothers and fathers, daughters and sons - as a timeless platform throughout history to put His glory on display. In the Old Testament, God’s promises and commandments were passed from one generation to the next through the conduit of the family. The heart of God is communicated primarily through the heart of the family. The generations before us – in their words, traditions, actions and rituals - shared God’s legacy of love. It’s our honor and privilege to share God’s legacy of love with the generations beyond us. Begin in your family - as a mom, dad, grandparent, sister, brother, uncle, aunt or even a neighbor and friend. Share His truths and His love. Let those we love know the unending love and tremendous plan of salvation that God has for them! Because others shared with me, I share with you, Paula Weiss
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