Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! As I was greeting someone as they came to church yesterday I remarked, “It’s over 20 degrees warmer, today!” Our granddaughter Jenna quickly looked up at me and said, “It’s still pretty cold grandpa.” And while Liz B. said, “It’s only 72 days until Spring” with hope spread across her face, I must tell you I love the winter months. In fact, there’s nothing better than a winter walk in the woods to remind you how good God is. While I shiver at the thought, God has provided every creature shelter in a winter wonderland. And God has provided for you, too! So, look around and give thanks! God is good! All the time!
God’s message this week came from Matt. 6:19-24 and was titled, “Where is your Treasure?” Actually, this is the last Discipleship Essential in the series, but Advent had interrupted our last lesson. Between Matthew 5-7, Jesus taught His disciples many things, including how to treat others, forgiveness, worry, and prayer to name a few. But, in Matthew 6:16-24 Jesus turns their attention to treasure and teaches them the Kingdom way.
First, Kingdom treasures will pass the longevity test. Instead of living short-term, self-centered lives fixated on accumulating stuff for self, Jesus commands us to make long-term investments in the bank of Heaven (vs. 19-20). When we turn our attention away from ourselves and invest in the lives of others, we are making deposits that won’t decay or disappear. When we pay our tithe and invest in missionary endeavors we make deposits that last!
Second, Kingdom treasures will pass the heart test (v. 21). Unlike cardiologists who determine how your heart is performing based on Echo Cardiograms, etc., Jesus looks at how you use your treasure to determine the spiritual condition of your heart (the center of your being). For Jesus, whatever you treasure and how you use it provides conclusive evidence of who you really are.
Third, Kingdom treasures will pass the eye sight test (vs. 22-23). Jesus suggests there are two ways for you to think about your treasure. If you treasure heavenly investments, your whole life will be filled with light. But, if you treasure earthly things, your life will be filled with darkness.
Finally, Kingdom treasures will pass the Lordship test (v. 24). Jesus sums up His teaching on treasure by asking, ‘Who are you going to serve?’ If you’re not careful, you’ll be deceived into thinking “He who dies with the most toys wins.” I find it interesting the ‘Money’ Jesus refers to in verse 24, actually comes from the Aramaic word Mammon (the Syrian god of riches and wealth). Jesus sees how we view treasure as a question of Lordship. Who calls the shots when it comes to your treasure? Your Heavenly Father or an idol you’ve built to enrich yourself?
Four tests a disciple can use to determine how Kingdom focused they are when it come to their treasure. Eternal heavenly or temporal earthly? Heart health? Light or darkness? Who is Lord? Regardless of how you fared today, it’s never too late to make a change. Let’s all make 2018 the year we yielded everything to Jesus, including our treasure! Amen!
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
COLLECTING FOR CRISIS CARE KITS UNTIL MID-MARCH!
Please collect these items for the much needed kits that are used in disasters.
CRISIS CARE KITS
Each Crisis Care Kit includes the following new items in a 2-gallon Zip-loc bag:
- 1 medium size bottle of shampoo (12-18 oz) [Please tape the flip-tops closed]
- 2 bars of soap (bath-size or larger)
- 1 medium toothpaste (4.0-6.4 oz)
- 3 toothbrushes (in original packaging)
- 1 box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 sturdy hair comb
- 2 hand towels
- 4 pocket-size packages of facial tissue
- 1 Beanie Baby-size stuffed toy
Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/QUANTITIES REQUESTED. Items in the CCK MUST MATCH INVENTORY.
Deviating from this list can cause an entire shipment to be rejected in customs. The cost of the items for typical CCK is about $20.
COLLECTING FOR THE HOMELESS ALSO!
We will begin collecting items to help the homeless during the cold weather and distribute these love offerings in February. A list will soon be coming!
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
There is a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop. Many hurting and broken people are walking right past us without a church to pray for them! If you are interested, let Pastor Dan know by calling/texting (616) 204-1153 or email him at hathdan@me.com.
INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting soon. If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.
SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician. You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM. Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you for collecting General Mills box tops! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for the Native American Christian Academy. Questions and box tops should go to Fran S. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS:
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter, just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Until Mid-March Crisis Care Kit Collection
Until Feb. 14 Homeless Items collection
January 10 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat church
January 18 3rd Thursday Lunch @ Hibachi Grill off Alpine
January 20 Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church
January 28 Mission Sunday @ church @ 5 PM
February 11 Potluck after AM service
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