The tension is building as we continue in our Rev study - In the opening verses of chapter 8 we see the power of prayer as it relates to the Day of the Lord and the blowing of the 7 trumpets. What an encouragement it is to know that our prayers have such significance in the overall plan of God. This weeks recap lists a number of opportunities for you to grow in your relationship with God and one another.

Family Recap for February 8, 2010

Meditation verse for these next few weeks come from what is known as “The Bridge.” This week we are looking at the price paid for the penalty of our sin through Rom 5:8 (NIV) ”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Yesterday we saw the incredible power there is in prayer. I don’t think I had realized it quite as much before, that my prayers, offered in a God honoring way, can actually bring on the Day of the Lord and the return of Christ. I want to share with you that quote from John Piper concerning that time when the last prayer will be offered and God will command his angel to take up that censer, fill it with fire and pour it out upon the earth. Piper says “Which means that the consummation of history will be owing to the supplication of the saints who cry to God day and night.” Every time we sincerely pray the Lord’s Prayer we are asking God to begin the process of restoration and redemption of earth. It is only natural that we all want to be free of the oppressive restraints of this earth (death, illness, suffering, pain, crime, immorality, even weeds, etc) but all of that is a by product of what will happen as Christ clears the land of all its “squatters.” Our ultimate desire is to be with the Lord, for we truly believe:

Psa. 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Therefore the goal of each of us should be to develop personal and corporate times of prayer for what we hold true as to the impact of our prayers on the future of this world, can also be applied to our prayers for one another, our church and our community. But here’s the catch, the enemy, Satan and all his legions, also know the value of what God is trying to teach us, and will therefore do everything he can to keep us from doing it. I invite you, I urge you to come and join with others as we pray together on Sunday mornings at 8:15 am and Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm.

Beginning next Sunday we will begin to see how difficult and horrific the days will be prior to the return of Jesus Christ. We’ll begin to look at the 7 trumpets followed by the 7 bowls of God’s wrath ultimately leading to the full redemption of this place – a new heaven and a new earth.

I hope you are serious about inviting others to join you on Sunday morning, this may be the turning point in their lives

Something to chew on

Focus – The biblical definition of “disciple” is that of student. Disciple’s in Jesus’ day put following their teacher at the top of their priorities in all things – family, job, everything! Everything they did outside of following Jesus was to support and assist them in following Jesus – that’s how important it was. In light of that, on a scale of 1-10 (10 high), how would you rate yourself as a disciple of Jesus.

What’s goin’ On?

Repeat– Winter Break – Let’s go to the Hermantown basketball game on Sat, Feb 11 beginning with Mitch Hiner’s JV team at 1 pm followed by the Varsity at 2:45 pm. Following the game go sliding at the Fredenberg hill (approximately 5 pm) followed by an outdoor cookout (bring something to share) at the pastor’s home. Got snowshoes? Bring them along and take a trek through the woods. The post game activities will be canceled only if the weather is REAL lousy.

Repeat – “VBS” - Mark the dates on your Calendar now - June 13-17. Once again it will be an evening school and we hope you will assist us in getting the word out. This year we will take a trip to Egypt and follow the story of Joseph.

New– Young at Hearts - Tues, Feb 16^th 1 pm– plan to join this us for this joyful fellowship group

Reminder – Wednesdays

9:30 am Ladies Bible study (repeated Thursday 6:30 pm) – new study begins this week!

4:00 pm After school Community Center activities

5:15 pm Evening meal will be served

5:30 pm BRICK Class for students in grades 6-8

6:30 pm Kids Club

Jr and Sr Youth Groups meet in the Youth Center

“ALPHA” – A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith”

Update – “ALPHA” - We meet Wed nights at 6:30 pm. God has seen fit to have our study on Wed. night match up with the message on Sunday morning – “Why and How To Pray” – Come join us!

Reminder– Walkers! – Mon, Wed, and Fri from 11-noon. A great way to get a little exercise during these winter days.

New – Osnaburgh Update – Sunday the 21^st – Time for hearing what God is doing up on the reservation that we have been going to for number of years. Testimonies and stories to warm your heart and challenge you to be a part of this exciting ministry.

Revised– “Easter Schedule” – The following events will take place this year. We will once again host a Seder meal (April 2^nd) and we want to invite the community to this wonderful event. We’ll have our annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday April 3^rd and then our two services on Easter Sunday (April 4^th). This is an excellent time to invite others to join us.

Repeat– After School Treats - Each Wednesday afternoon a group of kids are meeting at the skating rink. We serve them cookies and hot chocolate. If you can help provide either of these, bring them to the chapel or contact Kevin for arrangements.

New – Camp Shamineau Ice Climbing Trip – Feb 18-21 – Gooseberry Falls and Baptism river – contact the camp at 1-800-305-8118 or www.shamnineau.org