DEVOTIONAL

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
 for joining me in prayer.

This past week we began many of our discipleship opportunities we participate with all that God is doing in and around and through us.

Children's Church started off with a wonderful success and we are so excited for this opportunity for kids in pre-school through 2nd grade to grow in their faith during this time. Sunday School also began with enthusiasm as we have enough teachers (thank you all for your commitment to disciple our kids in this way) and also excitement as we begin a new year with a new curriculum that we are very stoked about. Confirmation began with more youth than expected and I count is such a privliage to walk with these kids on this journey of confirming our faith together. We had double the amount of kids in our youth group as last year...wooohoooo, (so thanks for all of you have been willing to help disciple these youth alongside the Thorness'). We were able to bless NAMI this past Saturday as they serve those in our community and state with mental illness and bring awareness to this systemic issue in and around the place where we live. Thanks for all of you who walked with us and then stayed afterward to help clean up. I do not think I can convey how appreciative they are for us. Again, thank you for embodying Jesus through action for the sake of others. We also began our community bible reading this week. I am praying for all of us that we will be enriched and transformed as we allow the Word of God to dwell deeply and richly in our hearts and mind as we read through the NT together. Don't forget to sign up if you have not yet...there is a link below to watch the daily videos or to sign up for additional materials to help get the most out of your reading.

There is so much more to be in prayer for. For each other, for the list of events coming up, for our city and nation and world. So thank you again for your faithfulness. Prayer is the most powerful and effective activity we can be involved with, whether its thanking, praising, petitioning, interceding, contemplating, lamenting, rejoicing, or simply listening.

Colossians 3:12-17

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.