What a glorious day! God has been so good to us by giving us unbelievable weather.
This week I’m encouraging you to exercise your spiritual muscles. Back in January, I clung to this verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9 “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power is may rest on me.” I love this reminder that when we are weak, Christ IN US makes us strong, equipped, and capable.
Key Verse: 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Gideon
May 22, 2020 • Angie Smith
Fight Evil by Praising Jesus
May 15, 2020 • Angie Smith
This week we continue to learn from the book of Judges, specifically chapters 4-5. The Israelites continued a cycle of sin, bondage, deliverance, and peace; this week we see how God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to rescue His people. Deborah and Barak wrote a song of praise to God for the victory He gave to the Israelites. Let us not take lightly the power to silence the enemy through our praise, and especially the praise of children!
Main Point: God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to rescue His people
Key Verse: 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Totally & Completely
May 1, 2020 • Angie Smith
Joshua 10:14 says "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!" Watch as we talk about what that could have been! We also talk about adverbs, and obeying our parents, totally and completely!
Happy first day of May! With a new month, comes new possibilities, opportunities, and more dependency on the Lord. Isn’t it reassuring to know that before the foundations of the world, God saw this day from start to finish AND that He sovereignly ordained it to be just the way it was? Can’t wait to see what God has for all of us for May!
I’ve got another video message for you kids. The trained teacher in me simply can’t resist a teaching opportunity and, while reading God's Words in Joshua 10, my teacher “feelers” kicked in high gear. More importantly, this theme of “complete” and “total” obedience cannot be overlooked!
Parents, we hear from Pastor Grant almost weekly that the key to all things (miracles, favor, breakthrough) is obedience. This is why it is so important that our children practice obedience daily. God’s love, our love for our children, is the fuel and motivator to why we practice, expect, and discipline in obedience. This is why I expect quick obedience from my kids at home, at school, and church. If my kids won’t listen and obey me when I speak, how could I ever expect them to do the same for God? I hope that you and your children hear my heart on this! The hard work you are putting in now with your kids will have a lasting impact!
Our Island Church friend, Dr. Allen Meyers said it best, “You either pay now and play later or play now and pay later. Either way, you pay, and it’s always cheaper to pay upfront.”
Main point: God made the sun stand still and gave His people victory.
Key passage: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
The Remembrance Stone
April 16, 2020 • Angie Smith
Here is a silly cooking video my family and I made for your kids to watch. I wanted to give your kids an activity in which they can make their own stones of remembrance like the Israelites, and I think we can all use a little creativity and a whole lot of laughter these days.
Isn’t this sunshine amazing? I wake up every morning thanking God for the gift of warmth and sunshine. It’s truly a blessing!
This week we pick up where we left off two weeks ago. Moses has died and Joshua has become the new leader of the Israelites. They are about to enter the promised land but need to cross the Jordan River to get there. God did something amazing as the priest carried the Ark of the Lord across the river, the waters stopped and everyone crossed on dry ground.
I love the many themes outlined in this story: obedience, faith, and God’s presence. We can clearly see how all three worked together to bring a miracle in which every Israelite got to experience. My prayer for us is that we choose faith, act in obedience, and follow God’s presence wherever He leads us because that's where breakthrough, miracles, and healing happens!
Main Point: God held back the Jordan River for His people to cross.
Key passage: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
So proud of you all stepping it up and becoming the priests, teachers, and leaders of your home church!
And be sure to check out the link above, of a recital of Psalm 91, memorized by the Sheehy family. Let’s not forget that we are hidden, sheltered, protected, defended, and secured by our loving Lord.
