Oct
6
Parenting Teens
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Another aspect of our vision at CoJ is to be a congregation that is “life building.” As a faith community we invest in each other, encourage one other, and build each other up to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We’ve refocused our Wednesday night format around a family night concept to address this goal.
One of our family night offerings is a video class called “Parenting Teens.” The videos are well produced and include interviews with teens about what they need most from their parents. One parent who attended last week’s session said, “I’m learning how to be a better listener.” I heartily recommend this class to all parents who want to be all they can be for their teenager(s). The class meets in my office from 6:45 - 7:45 PM on Wednesdays. Why not plan to attend?
Oct
5
The Secret of Happiness
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At the risk of sounding harsh, have you ever noticed how chronically miserable some Christians appear to be? Why would someone considering the Christian faith want what they’re offering? I don’t want to minimize how hard life can be. Living the Christian life is challenging and sometimes downright difficult. Nevertheless, we have resources to employ. The Holy Spirit indwells us, encouraging us with His presence and empowering us to endure. We’re members of God’s family, which means we’re not alone in facing our challenges.
For all who feel bound and gagged in a prison of unhappiness, or for all who would like to be equipped to encourage those who are, the opening words of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offer hope. For the next eight Sundays in October and November we’ll consider the Beatitudes of Jesus from Matthew 5:3-12 in a series of messages entitled “The Secret of Happiness.” Join us as we explore this passage together.
Oct
3
Draw Near To God
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Part of our CoJ vision is to be “God Honoring.” What does it mean to be God Honoring? One way is to draw near to God. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” The context is dealing with how to resist temptation. James is saying we can’t be out there doing our own thing and going our own merry way and expect to be spiritually strong enough to fend off temptations when they strike. James admonishes Christians to draw near to God. Meet with Him in prayer. Treat Him like your best friend. Get to know His heart and share your heart with Him and by so doing, find the strength to resist temptation.
Remember that God made the first move toward us in His offer of salvation. God so loved the world that He gave …. Furthermore, He keeps reaching out to us with overtures of love. How then shall we live? Ignoring or neglecting Him? Of course not! We’re family. Our instinct is to be close. Yet, we become busy. Life crowds in on us. We have lots of pressures and demands on our time. Yet, by neglecting Him we drift further and further from the awareness of His presence. Just remember, God wants nothing more than to spend time with His children, but He respects our freedom. He normally won’t force Himself on us. He wants us to choose to be with Him. So honor God by drawing near to Him. He’ll be there waiting.
