Storms. Lots of Storms.
The country is facing the aftermath of vicious winter storms. Many of these affected areas have unimaginable amounts of snowfall and frigid temperatures. I have family and friends that are stuck and a few are still without power. It was only a year ago when Thomson and the surrounding areas in the South were hit with a debilitating ice storm. Storms can cause panic, concern, and unexpected delays.
Ironically, I was in the pathway of such a storm with twenty-six youth and parents from our church this past weekend. We had a fun-filled weekend of skiing, fellowship, and Bible study, but the approaching storm was a constant thought in our minds. This weekend I was both in awe of the beauty of God’s creation on the snowy peaks, but also reminded of the strength and power of storms.
In our devotional times on the ski retreat, we shared daily experiences from mountain and how we experienced God. We discussed three experiences Jesus had on a mountaintops with others in the Gospel of Matthew. First, Satan tempts Jesus on a high mountain, however, Jesus resists Satan by standing firm to God’s Word (Matthew 4:8-11). Later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to another high mountain. They experience the transfiguration and hear the Father proclaim, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Finally, the very last words from Jesus in Matthew occur on a mountain. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Our group of skiers made it back safe and sound from the mountains right before a storm hit, but there are many others in our nation that are struggling through the aftermath of winter storms. We need to pray for them. No matter if we are having a mountaintop experience or living in a current storm of life, we should look to Jesus. Jesus stands firm to God’s Word. Jesus is the Father’s beloved Son whom we should listen. Jesus has all authority and commissions us to go and make disciples. Jesus is with us always. And Jesus calms storms.
Ironically, I was in the pathway of such a storm with twenty-six youth and parents from our church this past weekend. We had a fun-filled weekend of skiing, fellowship, and Bible study, but the approaching storm was a constant thought in our minds. This weekend I was both in awe of the beauty of God’s creation on the snowy peaks, but also reminded of the strength and power of storms.
In our devotional times on the ski retreat, we shared daily experiences from mountain and how we experienced God. We discussed three experiences Jesus had on a mountaintops with others in the Gospel of Matthew. First, Satan tempts Jesus on a high mountain, however, Jesus resists Satan by standing firm to God’s Word (Matthew 4:8-11). Later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to another high mountain. They experience the transfiguration and hear the Father proclaim, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). Finally, the very last words from Jesus in Matthew occur on a mountain. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Our group of skiers made it back safe and sound from the mountains right before a storm hit, but there are many others in our nation that are struggling through the aftermath of winter storms. We need to pray for them. No matter if we are having a mountaintop experience or living in a current storm of life, we should look to Jesus. Jesus stands firm to God’s Word. Jesus is the Father’s beloved Son whom we should listen. Jesus has all authority and commissions us to go and make disciples. Jesus is with us always. And Jesus calms storms.
Happening Soon
We just want to bring your attention to three special events happening next week:
- Tuesday (2/24): Wild Game Supper Interest Meeting at 7:00 PM in the Committee Room. You don't have to commit to being in charge of anything if you come to this meeting; this is just an opportunity for you to share your ideas with us how we can make our next Wild Game Supper even more effective than the last. Tentative Schedule - late February, early March 2016
- Wednesday (2/25): North American Missions Study during our PM services. Join us in the Fellowship Hall as Karen Pace, representative from the Georgia WMU shares with us what's going on in the area of missions here in the USA. All adult groups, Royal Ambassadors, and Girls in Action will meet for the study.
- Saturday (2/28): Upward Awards Night at 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This is not just for the kids who played Upward this year - it is for their families, friends, supporters, everyone! Not only will there be a fun program, some great entertainment, and another chance to cheer for these great kids, but it is also a wonderful chance for the members of First Baptist Church to welcome and meet the many visitors we've had in our building through this great program.
