Announcements
THANK YOU: The Good Shepherd Class would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Pastor Ray Shutt for his assistance in preparing and officiating the funeral service for Nicky Wardenfelt, a long-time dedicated member of our class. After a touching service, the Gospel was presented, and several hands were raised during the invitation.
SUPER SIXTIES TRIP: to the Amish Markets, followed by lunch at Cracker Barrel, on Thursday, February 26. If you would like to go, please sign up at the Welcome Desk or see Pastor Howell with any questions.
SUPER SIXTIES CONNECTION: Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Great Room. The theme will be "Spring is Coming." Please sign up at the Welcome Desk.
LIVING CROSS: If you are interested in signing up for this year’s production entitled “The Last Miracle,” there is a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Desk, or you can register online through the Church Website. Please see Pastor Jung if you have any questions.
From My Heart
We are having a cake fellowship this evening after the church service. The Royal Blue Sunday School Class is hosting it for us tonight. This is an excellent time to make some friends and meet some new folks. Like Pastor Brian, one of my favorites is German chocolate cake, but I am always open to trying something different. I normally eat a couple of slices anyway, so hopefully we will have a huge variety again this year. I sure hope you will plan to stick around this evening and indulge in the selections. You can start a diet tomorrow!
There was a story in the U.K. Daily Mail last week about folks who are taking another look at the philosophy behind raising children. The people who observe child-rearing are seeing that the last couple of generations of young people who were raised without discipline are giving the issue a second look! They are doing case studies over in Great Britain on families who have used the philosophy of “no conflict” with a child and are finding out these kids see themselves as the decision-maker in their lives. No one has ever told these children “NO,” and the result is a generation of young people who have no self-discipline, no drive, and no respect for authority.
Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I preached from that verse many years ago, and while studying for the message, I learned the Hebrew phrase, “…in THE way,” literally means, “in his OWN way.” And that makes sense, because every child is different and must be dealt with in his own way.
Some children are teachable, and some are not! So, it would naturally take a slightly different approach with one child and another with the other child. I always thought my parents were a great deal “easier” on my little brother than they were on me! Remember the old Smother’s Brothers line, where Tommy would always say, “Well, Mom always liked you best!” That is not the case, but what is the case is that parents just naturally understand which of their children needs more discipline, more supervision, or more instruction.
One thing is sure, today’s philosophy of never disciplining, never telling them no, and never laying down rules and standards for them to live by, is definitely not working! Someone said, “You cannot take anything with you when you die and go to Heaven.” For sure, you cannot take your money, your house, your car, or your wealth - but there is one thing you can take with you: your children! As the High Priest in your home, Dads, it is your responsibility to make sure your children understand the Gospel and have accepted the Lord as their Savior.
Have a great day and keep looking for the Lord Jesus soon!
Pastor Norris