Enduring Word Bible- A New Commandment

Enduring Word Bible-#54
A New Commandment
John 13:31-35

This section of Scripture follows Jesus
 washing the disciples feet,
 the sharing of the supper of remembrance,
and the announcement of the betrayal.
Then Jesus tried to pull together
 the future plan for his disciples.
A new Commandment is the challenge.
"A New commandment I give to you
 that you love one another;
 just s I have loved you, 
you also are to love one another. 
By this all people will know
 that you are my disciples,
 if you have love for one another."

This is certainly a lot to think
 about and process for one day.
Now is the task to consider-
What does this mean?
Love one another.

Supplies:
Printable- Katie Heimreich
Visual Faith Ministry
as-i-have-loved-you-project-by-katie-helmreich
Scrapbook paper
Colored pencils

Worship into the Week- the Cost

Worship into the Week-

The Cost of Discipleship

Luke 14: 25-35

Great crowds gathered and followed Jesus.

This section of Scripture probably

 didn't get into the

 "Greatest Sermons of Jesus" section

 in the weekly news.

I think I would have had 

to think about these words.

Mull them over,

wonder if there was a different way.

What does half-way look like?

Even now, I feel that often, 

my response is remiss in follow through.

I get distracted, 

and always have a boatload of excuses.

Following is easy when the road is smooth.

Challenging when fingers are pointing,

 or whispers get louder.

When we know we are not pleasing people.

But, this is pretty plainly laid out.

It is an all or nothing commitment.

Lord, help me to not swerve

 in the road spots, 

or as the world draws or calls.

I am meant for life of MORE.

 Help me to understand 

that I am a disciple for Life-

 making other disciples for LIFE.

Amen.

Supplies:

Visual Church Year Project
childrens-bulletin-luke-14-27 

Watercolors

 Colored Pencils

Magazine cutouts

Junk mail

Washi tape

 Fine-point Sharpie pen

9/11 Light

9/11 Reflections at Dusk

How the Light still shines 

on the red, white and blue.

That when deep darkness reigned to wipe out hope-

 there was the terror of the unknown.

But the preserving trait in all of the days

 that followed were the unity and solidarity.

The deep, deep thankfulness to live where I do,

and not take these amazing gifts

 of freedom for granted.

Such sadness covered this day-

eighteen years ago.

And seeped into the days that followed.

But, we step back and trust in this God of HOPE,

even on the dark days.

For this gracious gift, 

I see how ordinary days are really never-

just ordinary.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 

in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit 

you may abound in hope.

The Work behind the Scene

We have a hard time seeing sunsets 

with the way our house is positioned on the lot.

And all the trees.

But a few nights ago,

 I saw an odd glow in the back yard.

Sunset time-

but that is my clue to go look out

 on the other side of the house.

We don't really have a window

 with a great sunset view.

But, once in awhile, 

I catch the signal 

to go running out the front door.

I couldn't help but think about that

 is the way God works in my life too.

He is always working in the background,

 in places I can't even see.

And once in awhile I catch a glimpse.

How good is the Master-

 as He brings to completion 

the good work begun in Me.

Philippians 1:6

And I am sure of this, that he who 

began a good work in you 

will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Worship into the Week-Be Humble

Worship into the Week

 Luke 14: 7-11

The Parable of the Wedding Feast
That humble part?
We can identify it pretty easily 
when it isn't working for another person.
A bit more challenging to see
 the markers for ourselves.
There is such a human tendency
 for "top dog" behaviors.
Jesus saw the need for reminding his followers
 about the character trait.
And he could speak to the issue.
He traveled by lowly methods, without fanfare,
 and kept 
his eyes looking toward Jerusalem.
How easily it would have been to begin
 to love the adulation of the crowds.
Dear Lord,
When my efforts go unnoticed, 
and without acclaim,
help me to rest in the transformation 
of the work of the Holy Spirit
 to make me humble- like Jesus.
May I live in peace knowing that in God's time,
God deals out the equality measures.
Help me to only compare myself to Jesus.
Amen.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Resource
childrens-bulletin-luke-1020 
Watercolors
Magazine cutout
Junk mail
Washi tape
Colored pencils
Fine-point Sharpie pen

#Bestrong

A prayer for all families

 in transition for the new school year.

 New routines.

 New teachers.

 New students.

 New classrooms.

Old habits.

Old joys

Old blessings.

Old memories.

It really is a mixed pot.

Just don't try to do it all on your own strength.

Got to do some leaning,

 and a whole lot of praying.

"Be strong and of good courage,

be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed,

for the Lord Thy God is with

thee whithersoever thou goest."

Joshua 1:9

Sometimes it is good to pray 

this the way I learned it growing up.

Living Fierce

Just returned from time in Michigan celebrating

 the birth of the first granddaughter- Hadley Grace.

That makes 6 fierce older warriors 

with super powers 

and two littles with heart-melting abilities.
May you all be fierce in loving others,
seeking those in the margins,
looking for how to serve.
And leading your lives following Jesus.
Our prayer for all of you.

Loved my time all around.

Gigi is tired and gonna rest a bit.

But, more of the story to come!

Blessed beyond measure.

Thank you, Lord.

#dengrandloves