Did you commit?—Strolling thru the OT

It’s Day 14.

Two weeks ago many at Central took a “Walk thru the Bible” to gain a straighter timeline and a greater appreciation of God’s good purpose throughout history.

Many also made private commitments to stay in the Word daily for the next 30 days. If you’re using the workbook to guide your reading, you’ve been walking through the Pentateuch and reviewing the 77 hand signs each day to imprint the big picture into your head. Stay with it! It is time well-invested.

Are you ready? “Creation—fall—flood—nations--...”

Is this a new song?

Is this a new song?

I’ve heard it before. I’ve even sung it before, as recently as last week. So is it new?

When the valley seems so dark and deep
And the burdens hard to bear
When the storm clouds gather in the east
And it seems that no one cares

Remember you are not alone
Look closely and you’ll see
The Savior watching over you
And He’s watching over me

(more here...)

A lot can happen in a week. We collect new frustrations. New joys. New prayers. New predicaments with others. New encounters with God. So when we hear a familiar song, but we’re not the same person that we were the last time we heard it, is it new?

In one sense, yes.

Each time we gather together, we have new blessings to celebrate from living off of God’s faithfulness for the past 7 days. We have a fresh coat of blood covering our sins from yesterday. When we sing of “storm clouds” that gathered and how our Savior was “watching over me”, we remind ourselves of the new ways that He did do just that, not once upon a time, but a few hours ago. Even now. Fresh memories; fresh mercies.

And next week? He'll do it again. So we'll do it again: Sing an old song like a new song. Again and again.
~ Lisa

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
~ Psalm 40:3

My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
~ Lamentations 3:20-23

Pray for China

It's 8/8/08.

The number 8 is significant in Chinese history. As the world focuses its attention on the Olympics beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, may believers worldwide also focus attention on the competitions going on behind the scenes. For souls. It's significant.

This resource, "China Games and Beyond" (PDF) provides devotions and prayers for the church in China, for Chinese athletes, and for their coaches, during both the Olympic games and the Paraolympic games. Also check out "Serving China.com" for other web resources.

Let the games begin...