Beefesians - Be Patient With Those That Are Different

Ephesians 4:2 says, "...be patient, bearing with one another in love."

God has made each of us different, and sometimes those differences can irritate another person. At those times, we need to stop and be thankful for others.

Jesus showed love, acceptance and patience with others that were different from him. You can read about one friendship Jesus had with a man who many other people didn't like at all. You can read that in Luke 19:1-10.

Even when others start to "bug you"...be patient! ...and show the love of Jesus.

Beefesians: Believe!

We are learning lessons from the book of "B"-Ephesians during this month. Ephesians 2:8 says, "By grace you have been saved through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

"Faith" is belief and complete trust in God. If you have put your faith in Him, that means that you believe in Him, and you believe that what He has done for you is really real. You trust that what He has said in the Bible is true for you too.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that it is impossible to please God if we do not have _______________. (Look it up and you'll find the answer!)

During this week, you may want to read Acts chapter 19. (Yeah, all of it.) It tells about some of Paul's adventures while in the city of Ephesus. Later on, he wrote a letter to them. It's called the Letter to the Ephesians...which we now know as the book of Ephesians.

Have a great week, and keep on believing!

Beefesians - Belong To The Herd

Howdy Pard'ner!

We had a rootin' tootin' praisin' time this morning in Kids Church! We've started a series of lessons from the book of Ephesians...and we are doing it "country western style"....so we are not just doing "Ephesians" but, "BEEFesians!"

Just like a cattle need to be brought into the corral, God wants to bring each of us into his corral too! He wants us to be a part of his Kingdom. He wants us to be a part of the group of believers called "the church."

When you belong to Jesus, you also belong to a great group of folks who love God and love others. You belong to the family of God.

Ephesians 1:5 says, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure." Jesus was so happy -- it gave him great pleasure -- when we were brought into God's family.

And that's where YOU belong! God has a place for you in His family -- the church.

Take time today and read about Peter in Acts 12:1-18. It tells about Peter being in the wrong place -- prison. He did not belong there! He belonged with the followers of Jesus -- the church! Read in Acts 12 to find out what happened!

See you soon!

Family Sunday

We just a had a wonderful Sunday as families sat together in our sanctuary this past Sunday morning. Congratulations to our Honor Star girls! ...and also to the families who dedicated their youngest ones.

I spoke about this: "Understand. Engage. Transform!"

We first understand the situation or the need. Then we engage with people. Then God does something great.

We see this same pattern over and over throughout scripture.

Read in Mark 8:21-25. You'll see how Jesus understood a man's need. Then Jesus engaged with him. Then Jesus transformed the guy's life!

Sometimes we need Jesus to touch us too....so we can see things the way that HE sees things.

See you soon! Have a great week!

The Covenant of Healing

Mr. Vic Poverud shared his testimony of healing after he broke his back many years ago. He fell off of a building that he was working on!

We know that Exodus 15:26 says, "I am the Lord who heals you."

Another great passage to read is in James 5:13-16.

We know that God's desire is to help us and bless us. Sometimes we do not see healing right away...but keep on trusting God! Pray, in faith, and know that God's promises are still true.

Isaiah 53:3-5 is a great passage to read during this "Holy Week" before Easter.

Trust God! He will help you!

Another video you may really enjoy during this Easter season may be found at www.timewithdizzy.com This is a clown friend of ours that has been here in Willmar with us a few different times. Enjoy!

God's Covenant Partner

The book of Genesis shares an incredible story about a covenant agreement that God made with Abraham. You may read this true happening in Genesis chapter 15.

This covenant was so important, and so serious, that live animals were sacrificed. Their blood sealed the covenant.

A covenant is a very serious agreement or official contract. It may be interesting to look at a contract that your parent(s) have signed. Maybe they have one that they signed to buy a house, or a car, or something else.

The Bible tells us that this special covenant that God made with Abraham really came to pass when his descendant -- Jesus -- shed his blood as a sacrifice for our sins. You can read more about that special covenant this week by looking up these verses.

Hebrews 6:13-15
Hebrews 8:6-13
Hebrews 9:15
Hebrews 13:20

The Lenten Season

Just like we have a season before Christmas called "Advent," We also have a time before Easter called "Lent." "Lent" usually is 40 days long. It's a time when we focus on what Jesus has done for us at the cross.

Many churches take forty days because Jesus went into the desert and fasted for forty days. After Jesus fasted for 40 days, Satan came and tempted him. But, Jesus STILL stayed focused on spiritual things, rather than on earthly things. You can read about this happening in Matthew 4:1-11.

Colossians 3:2 shares what we should do. (Read it!)

When we stay focused on eternal things - spiritual things - then we will not be so concerned about the temporary things of this earth. "Lent" is a good time to really take time to focus on Jesus and what he has done for us. In order to do this, maybe there are some things that you should "cut away" from your normal practices.

One more verse - Read Galatians 2:20.

Have a great week loving and knowing Jesus better!