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“You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, ‘Do not fear’

This guy must be thirsty, fishing, bathing?

  O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.”

 Lamentations 3:57-58

A good passage to address my deepest insecurities, self criticisms, and even demonic accusations. My God and King gives me hope – for he advocates my deepest desires – my dreams and hopes – yes even ones that I do not know or think are best for my soul. He speaks up for me – prays for me – contends for me and in this I take great encouragement!

By the way – during time in prayer I came across this Buck – standing right in the middle of a shallow lake. How cool is that? Chunky thing isn’t he?

 

 

Our sermon series on Spirituality and Family brought us to the topic of Fathers and Husbands. The above video, Pursuit, helps us understand the Father Heart of God – The only Perfect Father. The second half of the message is all about the needs of a husband. We discussed How to Destroy the Manliness of your Man. I encourage you to give it a listen…great practical ways to live out Ephesians 5:33. I also want to give credit to a strong man of God for his influence on my life and for teaching me many of the lessons in this sermon – Dr. Bill Thrasher.

Relationships: A small group gives you the opportunity to get to know people at a more intimate level.  Sunday mornings are an awesome time to worship with the whole family of God, hear a sermon, engage in corporate vision, but a small group gives you a chance to build deeper friendships.

Learning the Word of God: Sunday’s sermon is a great time to get a broad teaching of the Word of God. However, small groups provide time for one on one discussion. Your group can provide a time to clarify answers to questions from Sunday’s sermon.

Opportunity to Serve Others: One of the greatest joys of being in a small group is the chance to bear others burdens, serve their needs, and step out beyond your own issues.

Place to invite friends: A small group is a natural place to invite friends and family. Sometimes people are more comfortable going to a small group then attending a Sunday morning service.

Place to Pray and Share your needs: A gathering of a few people is a natural environment for prayer. A big part of prayer is conservation with God and small groups provide the perfect environment for communing with God.

Engage in worship: Gathering in a small group allows you to experience worship at a very intimate level.

Follow the New Testament pattern: Acts 2:42-47 gives us a blueprint of what the early church was passionately committed to. The early Christ Followers gathered in homes, shared meals, read the Word, prayed, and worshipped. When you participate in a small group you are following the New Testament pattern.