Dear Friends and Family,
October is here. 10/17/16 marks the seven year anniversary of Pastor Paul's promotion to heaven. Thank you for your continued prayers for our new blended family. With each passing year since Paul has gone, there are more friends and loved ones who have departed this earth for their heavenly home.
"Be careful, sweetie,” my dad’s strong voice cautioned me to avoid the object in the road. He’d just removed the training wheels on my Schwinn; so even though I was seated securely on the banana seat, both hands on the handlebars, the front tire still wobbled a little. I focused intently on the path ahead, “Yes, Father,” I said. I veered to the left just a little and swerved to avoid the obstacle.
“Father is one of the most familiar and commonly used name of God."
However, some cannot relate to God as a caring, tender and involved dad, like mine, because they've been disappointed by their own negative personal paternal experiences. So what's the big deal about 'spiritual fatherlessness'? A lot.
Are you tired of plodding through life? Like a plane on ‘automatic pilot,’ our prayers can be repetitive, predictable and even humdrum as we go through the motions. Do you ever wonder if God really hears your prayers? The remedy could be as simple as admitting un-confessed sin. Think about how it felt when you first found out how much God loved you! It’s good to be reminded of His presence protecting us even when we were not seeking Him. 3 John 1:9 says, "We love because he first loved us."
One of the best things about the Lead Like Jesus Encounter is the unique experience it brings for growth in leaders. It works because leaders take time out for positive self-care as they uncover brand new ways to further practice God's presence. Through solid Bible teaching, group interaction and vulnerable activities, participants are encouraged to become engaged and to explore fresh ways to grasp a deeper understanding of the passion of God.
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