“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
Greetings: It’s a great day to live for Jesus. Oh, to have a Heart like HIM. Another week is almost gone. I will be travelling tomorrow to Cohutta Springs, Georgia to attend a Children’s Ministry Convention. Please pray for the speaker, presenters, attendees, and those that have worked so hard to make it possible. I have attached the VBS Showcase Flyer for you to print and share with your church. March 11 is the date and the place is here at the Florida Conference Community Room from 3-6PM. It is my hope that you or your staff will attend and evaluate the VBS/Followup programs for your church and community. The BEST thing is that there will be lots of give aways…even several 2017 VBS Kits. Please know that I will be praying for you and your staff as you prepare for summer programming. This is a great outreach event where all can get involved.
The Heart of God Feb 08, 2017 06:00 am The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. Through that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah’s goodness. The sun and moon were made by Him; there is not a star that beautifies the heavens which He did not make. The superscription of Christ is upon it all. He was nailed to the cross that all His bounties might flow to God’s workmanship. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in His exaltation to the throne of God, He might also exalt those who believe in Him, to a seat with Him upon His throne.
Activity: A Heart for Jesus What to say: What I have here is a yummy Tootsie Roll Pop! Everyone loves Tootsie Roll Pops! There is delicious candy on the outside, and even more delicious chewy Tootsie Roll in the center. You know this candy reminds me about how a person can have a relationship with Jesus. First, the center of this candy is soft, like a person’s heart. The Bible talks about having a hard heart. How does a heart become hard? Well, it is sin. The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The hard candy reminds me of sin that covers the heart. Each time someone sins, another layer of hard stuff surrounds the heart. Then, to make it worse, people refuse to admit they are sinners. Instead, they cover their sin with pride, denial, even doing things that make them look good. That is like the wrapper covering this candy. When a person removes the wrapper of denial and pride (remove wrapper), the Holy Spirit can complete His work. He can lick past all the hard stuff covering your heart (take a few licks) and give you the gift of life that comes from knowing Jesus as Savior. Your heart then belongs to Jesus, and that is a wonderful ending. Now we will get ready for the homework! (Pass out one candy with instruction slip attached to each child.) I want each of you to take your Tootsie Roll Pop home. Yes, your homework is to eat the Tootsie Roll Pop. Not so bad is it! However, as you do I want you to following the instructions on the small slip of paper that is attached. That part is very important.
Parenting Insight You Can Use Now Anger is a problem in many families. One of the ways you can address it is by having some honest and even fun conversations about anger in family life. Here’s an activity that can launch your family into an interesting discussion. Who knows where the interaction will lead you. You might have this discussion around the dinner table or part of an evening devotion time. Begin with this statement: Let’s all share some pet peeves that we each have. A pet peeve is something that others do that makes you mad or easily irritated. Other people may not be bothered at all but you have a hard time whenever this thing happens. One mom said, “Here are some of mine. I don’t like to see towels on the floor in the bathroom or bedrooms. I get angry when I lose my keys, or when the car gas tank is on E after Dad drives it.” Dad said, “That’s interesting. I didn’t know that was one of your pet peeves. You know, one of mine is when my tools aren’t returned to the toolbox or when you drive my car and don’t put the seat back in place.” The kids smiled as they saw their parents expressing pet peeves and were able to think of some themselves, borrowed toys, irritating noises or touching, and being interrupted while on the computer. Then you might talk about being tolerant and thoughtful of each other. This discussion can be very practical and lead to many helpful thoughts and ideas about anger in daily family life. For more heart-based strategies for your family, consider the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. A great reference book for every home.
Calendar Updates:
February 10-12 Georgia Cumberland Conference Children’s Ministry Conf
February 1st 3 weekends Women’s Retreat Ministry Expo
March 11 VBS 2017 Showcase @ Fla Conference Community Room
March 18 Creative Ministry /Children’s Day @ 1st SDA Church WPB
Singles ASAM Info: Good morning, all……. Just a reminder that there is an ASAM Celebration of Love party this Saturday night. Let’s all get together to celebrate Valentines Day….a day to celebrate the love in our lives. And how lucky we are to be unconditionally love by the God of the Universe. So come and join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and of course, good food. Make sure to bring some of that good food to share and of course, your lovely personality. Party starts at 7:00PM. – 966 Welch Hill Circle, Apopka. – Hope to see you there!!! Directions: From Forest Lake Church, head west on SR 436. Turn right at Wekiva Springs Rd (CVS on the corner). At the 4th traffic signal (Welch Rd), turn left. At the 2nd traffic signal (Vick Rd), turn left. Take the 2nd left into Wekiva Springs Reserve (Sun Bluff Lane). At the stop sign (Welch Hill Circle), turn right. House is the 6th one on the right (look for street light adjacent to driveway).
There is lots of information in this letter.
Please read and use/get involved where you feel led.
Prayers need for those travelling this weekend.
Questions? Just ask. More Next week.