FOTFD - April 6, 2008
April 6, 2008
In my job, I put a lot of presentations and videos together where I get to see people’s pictures. It is a very interesting process to look at a sampling of a person’s life in pictures, whether it is for a graduation event, where you see pictures that cover 18 years, or even at a funeral, with pictures that cover a lifetime. For me, each time I put something together, I always feel that I get to know something about that person, who they are.
This week, I put together a video to show at the Jr./Sr. Banquet that takes place this evening. In making that video, I have been looking at pictures from the lives of 16 very special young people, who are finishing the childhood stage of their life and are about to leave the nest and strike out on their own (or at least beginning to do that.)
It really got me thinking about what our pictures say about our lives. For these teenagers, I feel I know them better after looking at 30-50 pictures of their life. I see the things they really care about and enjoy, their family, their activities, and their friends. You can really tell a great deal about them from their sample of life pictures.
So this morning, I’ve got a challenge for you, and I would love to hear what you discover, if you do this. This weekend, go get some of your photo albums and look through them. What do these pictures tell you about yourself? What are the most important things in your life according to your pictures? (Remember, we usually take pictures of the events we want to remember. So I think that means they are important to us.) Are you pleased with what you see or does it make you question what your priorities have been? If you like, let me know what you find.
This week, I’m sharing a song that is one of my favorites from the group DC Talk, called In the Light. It describes the need to be in Jesus, despite our failures. (Plus, I like the video that shows them performing at a concert from a couch. Gotta like that.) Watch below.
I wanna be in the light
as you are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars
in the Heavens
Oh, Lord be my light
and be my Salvation
’cause all I want is to be in the light
- In the Light – DC Talk
You may find the FOTFD online here.
Now join me as we “Focus on the First Day.”
God bless,
Mike
Communion
This scripture reminds me that communion is more that just a ceremony to remember. When we share the supper, we connect to Jesus. It associates us with Jesus, making us holy. So when you think about Jesus on Sunday, remember him and thank him to standing by us and with us as we eat.
Sermons
“Growth: Looking for a Plan” (Bob Chisholm)
Mark 4
“Worship: Looking Up” (Bob Chisholm)
Mark 4
The Parables of Jesus and the Psalms of David are both windows on the soul. Through the window of the Parables we see the heart of God graciously reaching down to humanity. Through the window of the Psalms we see the heart of humanity struggling to reach up to God. Both are filled with powerful images, honest emotion and clear instruction. If you want to look through God’s window, then join us on Sunday mornings as we think through the parables and on Sunday evenings as we reflect on the Psalms.
Prayer Time
What does it mean to pray continually, without ceasing? I think God just wants us to always be thinking of him, staying in constant communication; checking in with him regularly through the day. Prayer Time offers a special time each week to do that together as a church. Share this tie with someone close to you this week.
Sunday Night
“A Life of Praise” (John Scott Davis)
Psalm 105:1-2
We are encouraged to be a family of believers that choose to come together each week in worship. Come this Sunday with a desire to not just come to church, but come to truly be the church.