This Christmas I gave each of my grandchildren a photo album with pictures that dated back to the birth of their parents. I also included photos of their grandparents and great-grandparents. It was fun to watch the memories unfold on Christmas morning as everything else was set aside to reminisce about, “remember the time?” Memories connect us to our past and become a platform on which we build our future. We make new ones each day. It’s important to know where you came from; it is a testimony that validates your life.
- John 8:14 (NASB95) Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.
I love the picture of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet. His destiny was in view because his past was known. With this in place Jesus could serve and lay down His life for others.
- John 13:3–5 (NIV84) 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Do you see how important memories are? What about your family? Do they know where they came from and where they are going? Are you creating memorable moments for the picture book of their lives? I have learned it is never too late to start.
I know for myself growing up, it was difficult, and I personally have trouble remembering much of my childhood. In Christ, He taught me how to live in family and build around whatever/whoever He brings into my life. The small groups, “Life Groups” have always had a great impact on my life as God allows us to build new lives and gather memories together in HIS FAMILY…THE GREATER FAMILY!
Beginning January 22nd of this New Year, we are launching a church wide small group campaign called “The Family Project.” It’s a world view of marriage and the family created by the same people who produced “The Truth Project.” On Sunday morning, I along with others will be sharing from the Scriptures “God’s Blueprint for the Family.” There will be interviews and lots of interesting conversation about the importance of family. In the spring, right after Easter, we will launch another set of small groups designed to address many of the struggles we all have within the family. “The Family Project” will set the tone for what is coming in 2017. I encourage you to be in church every Sunday and to bring a friend you deeply care about. This will be a life-changing series.
Remember if you are not able to attend, we are now “live-streaming” our Sunday morning service.
https://livestream.com/eacrossroads
All of the small groups (life groups) are listed on our church website. Sign-ups begin this Sunday in the foyer. Groups will also be listed on the back of the Communication Card.
Love,
Pastor Pat
Note: This Thursday morning, January 5th, I will be leaving for India to return on January 17th with Tim Mertzlufft, Pastor Angel Gauthier, Pastor Alberto Lanzot, Veronica White, Gabe Franklin and sweet Libby Burandt! Keep us in your prayers…
