Pastor's Weekly Musing
Hey everyone!
This week, I've asked Jessie Baldwin to bring the devotional. Jess and Rick are Praying Elders at Meadows, and have been faithfully serving our church for many years. Their behind-the-scenes covering and prayers are a big part of what makes Meadows work.
Enjoy!
This week, I've asked Jessie Baldwin to bring the devotional. Jess and Rick are Praying Elders at Meadows, and have been faithfully serving our church for many years. Their behind-the-scenes covering and prayers are a big part of what makes Meadows work.
Enjoy!
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What does it mean to bless someone?
To bless someone is to speak well of them, verbally affirming them for who they are, and encouraging and inspiring them toward future success. There is no age limit on this kind of affirmation. We often think of blessing our young children, but we should also be doing the same for our adult children. We read about the Priestly Blessing in Numbers, where the Lord told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites. He told him to say to them:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
Speaking this blessing over your adult child can lay the groundwork for God to move in their life. This is especially true if your adult children are in a season where they are not necessarily following the path you had hoped. When we bless our children, we do the same thing that God does when He blesses us - He forecasts His favor and guides us toward the abundant life He wants us to enjoy!
The prayer of blessing is an acknowledgement that we are not trying to control our children's future, but rather we are handing that future over to God and trusting in Him to give them a vision for their talents and abilities, as well as a sense of purpose in their life.
This can sometimes feel difficult because you can't control your adult child's lifestyle choices. Remember this: A blessing is NOT the same thing as an endorsement. Just because you are praying blessings over your adult child does not mean you are supporting all the choices they are making. Instead you are reminding them of their identity. You are forecasting God's favor upon them.
"The tongue has the power of life and death." (Proverbs 18:21)
This verse strikes me to my core. I know my words can be sharp. But I also know my words can be healing. I want to be sure I am using my tongue to speak life into my children. The best way for me to do this is to pray them through all seasons, good and bad! It will not only strengthen them, but it will strengthen me. Praying blessings over my children brings me incredible peace.
I don't pretend to have all the right words, but I know who does. God has the words. When I pray, I pray the Scriptures over my children. I know that when I use God's word that it will never return void.
Pray, and replace the blanks with the name of your child. Feel the power of the word of the Lord as you speak it: "May the Lord bless ________ and keep _______. Lord, may Your face shine upon ________ and be gracious to ___________. Lord, turn your face toward _________ and give ________ peace."
May the Lord bless each one of you, too.
To bless someone is to speak well of them, verbally affirming them for who they are, and encouraging and inspiring them toward future success. There is no age limit on this kind of affirmation. We often think of blessing our young children, but we should also be doing the same for our adult children. We read about the Priestly Blessing in Numbers, where the Lord told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites. He told him to say to them:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
Speaking this blessing over your adult child can lay the groundwork for God to move in their life. This is especially true if your adult children are in a season where they are not necessarily following the path you had hoped. When we bless our children, we do the same thing that God does when He blesses us - He forecasts His favor and guides us toward the abundant life He wants us to enjoy!
The prayer of blessing is an acknowledgement that we are not trying to control our children's future, but rather we are handing that future over to God and trusting in Him to give them a vision for their talents and abilities, as well as a sense of purpose in their life.
This can sometimes feel difficult because you can't control your adult child's lifestyle choices. Remember this: A blessing is NOT the same thing as an endorsement. Just because you are praying blessings over your adult child does not mean you are supporting all the choices they are making. Instead you are reminding them of their identity. You are forecasting God's favor upon them.
"The tongue has the power of life and death." (Proverbs 18:21)
This verse strikes me to my core. I know my words can be sharp. But I also know my words can be healing. I want to be sure I am using my tongue to speak life into my children. The best way for me to do this is to pray them through all seasons, good and bad! It will not only strengthen them, but it will strengthen me. Praying blessings over my children brings me incredible peace.
I don't pretend to have all the right words, but I know who does. God has the words. When I pray, I pray the Scriptures over my children. I know that when I use God's word that it will never return void.
Pray, and replace the blanks with the name of your child. Feel the power of the word of the Lord as you speak it: "May the Lord bless ________ and keep _______. Lord, may Your face shine upon ________ and be gracious to ___________. Lord, turn your face toward _________ and give ________ peace."
May the Lord bless each one of you, too.
_____________________________________________________
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Thursday, February 24: Theology Class begins
Pastor Robyn's theology classes are back in action, and you won't want to miss it! This 6-week class (on Thursdays from 6-8:30 PM) will deep-dive into the Doctrine of God, Jesus, Humanity, and Sin. It's an incredible class.
Click HERE for more info and to register. The deadline to register is this Sunday, February 20!
Tuesday, March 1: Ladies Connect begins
Join the Meadows Ladies for a Launch Party, as they begin an 8-week study together. This session is geared toward learning about and creating lifelong friendships and a God-centered community that will encourage us, challenge us, and grow us.
We're offering this gathering in the morning AND evening: Tuesdays at 10 AM AND 6:30 PM, beginning on March 1. Click HERE to register and get more info.
April 8-9: The Altar Men's Conference
Right here in our own backyard -- at the Thomas & Mack Center -- there will be an awesome Men's Conference, with quarterback David Carr, Matt Redman, Maverick City Music, John Bevere, and many more leading thousands of men into a time of worship and prayer.
More info is at www.thealtarconference.com. Click HERE to register; a team member will contact you to discuss details as we get closer to the conference dates.
Thursday, February 24: Theology Class begins
Pastor Robyn's theology classes are back in action, and you won't want to miss it! This 6-week class (on Thursdays from 6-8:30 PM) will deep-dive into the Doctrine of God, Jesus, Humanity, and Sin. It's an incredible class.
Click HERE for more info and to register. The deadline to register is this Sunday, February 20!
Tuesday, March 1: Ladies Connect begins
Join the Meadows Ladies for a Launch Party, as they begin an 8-week study together. This session is geared toward learning about and creating lifelong friendships and a God-centered community that will encourage us, challenge us, and grow us.
We're offering this gathering in the morning AND evening: Tuesdays at 10 AM AND 6:30 PM, beginning on March 1. Click HERE to register and get more info.
April 8-9: The Altar Men's Conference
Right here in our own backyard -- at the Thomas & Mack Center -- there will be an awesome Men's Conference, with quarterback David Carr, Matt Redman, Maverick City Music, John Bevere, and many more leading thousands of men into a time of worship and prayer.
More info is at www.thealtarconference.com. Click HERE to register; a team member will contact you to discuss details as we get closer to the conference dates.
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The monthly Men's Breakfast was a hit this past Saturday. 30 men showed up and enjoyed the nice weather, the Chick-fil-a sandwiches, and Alan Ray's message.
Join the men next month for another time of food and fellowship!
Join the men next month for another time of food and fellowship!
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ALSO: MYG (Meadows Youth Group) returned safe and sound from another great trip to Camp Cedar Crest. Many thanks to all who led the youth, funded the youth, prayed for the youth, and supported the youth for Camp.
What a great church we got, huh?
What a great church we got, huh?
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This Sunday, we'll continue our series, The Heart of Christ.
We're studying what the Bible says regarding the heart of our Savior: what does Jesus live for? What gets Him going every day? What is going on inside Him as He loves and leads us?
We don't have to guess! This week, we'll look closely at what Jesus does for us and to us on a daily basis, as revealed in His Word. Spoiler: it's good news!
Join us this Sunday for Part 3 - Intercessor.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
We're studying what the Bible says regarding the heart of our Savior: what does Jesus live for? What gets Him going every day? What is going on inside Him as He loves and leads us?
We don't have to guess! This week, we'll look closely at what Jesus does for us and to us on a daily basis, as revealed in His Word. Spoiler: it's good news!
Join us this Sunday for Part 3 - Intercessor.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the walkway!
Pastor Ronnie
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