“O Lord, you examine me and know. You know when I sit down and when I get up even from far away you understand my motives. You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do. Certainly, my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it. You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me. Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it…Examine me, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns! See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me, and lead me in the reliable ancient path!” (Psalm 139: 1-6; 23-24)
This passage is such a powerful testimony of God’s love for us. That he knows when we get up in the morning, how we spend our days, what we think about, and even what motivates our actions speaks volumes of how important each of us is to him. Like the author David, it’s hard for us to wrap our minds around how much interest God takes in our lives. So often we fall into the trap of thinking that God has bigger things to worry about. With things like wars and famine going on, why bother Him with our petty problems? And while he never neglects the big things, here we clearly see that he also cares enough to note even the smallest details of our days.
Knowing everything he knows about us—our quirky personalities, our struggles, our sin, our shame—God still loves us enough to die for us. There is no better feeling in the world than to know you are completely known and completely loved. God already knows every horrible thing we’ve ever done or will do and yet still he loves us more than we will ever understand. Don’t be tempted to fight him on that. Sometimes it’s easier to believe that we aren’t good enough for God than to accept Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. But God loved us before we knew him, and had a plan to save us before we realized we needed saving. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What an awesome Heavenly Father we have. King of Kings, Lord of Lords, who knows how many hairs are on our heads right now (or not there as the case may be), the unconfessed sins in our hearts, and loves us all the same. Secure in that, how can we not give our best for him who has done so much for us? May we cast aside our idols and allow him to lead us in the path of righteousness.
Reading through the Bible, it’s easy to see how much God loves us. But head knowledge and heart knowledge don’t always agree. Do you really believe God knows you and loves you as much as Psalm 139 says? Do you live like God loves you that much?
Spend some quiet time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin in your heart that may be keeping you from a fully restored relationship with God. Ask him to help you trust his love for you so you can boldly obey where he leads you.
Events in February:
- Love Banquet (February 10th @ 6:00 PM) – On Saturday, February 10th beginning at 6:00 PM, we’ll be hosting our 2nd Annual “Love Banquet”. This event is for everyone: whole families, singles, children, young adults, and is sure to be a lot of fun. Dinner is being provided by the church as well as some volunteer members and there will be even more fun to follow. Dinner that evening will be Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad, and for dessert – Strawberry Shortcake! So come dressed up like you’re headed out for a night on the town and let us come together in love for a night of fun, fellowship, and friendly conversation. Invite a couple you know or a family who could use a night off from babysitting and we’ll take care of them.
- Lenten Devotions (beginning February 14th) – Easter will be here in exactly 2 months (April 1st!) and so that means that the season of Lent begins very soon. This year we’re doing things a little differently – rather than an everyday devotion from members of the congregation this year we will be doing 3 separate activities that will engage us in the Lenten season.
40 Day Prayer Challenge – During each day of the week (except for Sunday) there will be a specific thing for you to pray for (the Pastor, our Country, our Community, your neighbor, etc.). Each of these prayers can be done personally or in a community; whether that is with your family or maybe a couple of people together want to pray through each item in a group. May our time of unified prayer bring the Easter season closer to our hearts!- Weekly Family Themes – Each week there will be a theme that goes not only with our Lent sermon series, but also connects to the larger Biblical story. These themes might include fasting, giving, or serving. We hope that these themes might drive home the message of Easter all throughout the season and beyond.
- Holy Week Passport (for kids) – For those little ones in our lives, we’ll be doing something specially designed just for them, a passport to Holy Week. Each day of that week will include a number of different items: a short devotional, an activity, and a guided time of prayer that we hope encourages our young chldren and students during this special time of year.
- Bible Study (Every Wednesday Night) – Beginning at 7:00 p.m. we gather together to open God’s word for a time of study. We are nearing the end of our study of the book of Romans – widely regarded as one of the most influential writings of all-time. The foundational document of Paul’s theology, Romans shaped the teaching of influential leaders such as Augustine, Luther, and Wesley and continues to change millions of lives today. We’d love to have you be a part of the conversation and time of learning together!
- Community Outreach Opportunity – Since the start of 2018, we have been collecting items for CrossNet Ministries in New Holland. We are excited that they will be sharing with us in person on February 25th about their ministry and we cannot wait to surprise them during our worship service! We hope you’ll join us in our outreach this winter for those who are in desperate need of these food items. In January we collected Boxed Items (Rice, Pasta, & Cereal). Now in the month of February here’s what we’ll be collecting: Canned Foods (Carrots, Corn, & Tomatoes)
I love God.
I also love movies.
And when those two things collide – I love them both even more!
For the second year in a row, I (Pastor David) have committed myself (and a few hours of my “free time”) to watch ALL 9 of the Best Picture nominees. Some of you may have gotten a chance to see some or all of the Best Picture nominees for yourself over the past month leading up to awards night on March 4th. I know movies aren’t for everyone and that’s ok, but for those who love films and talking about them, this sort of thing is right up your alley.
For me personally, movies are a window and a mirror into our culture – a window into the thoughts and views that are infusing themselves into the everyday discussion and a mirror to evaluate where the Gospel message stands in unison or contrast. Movies (and media in general) allows us as viewers to peek into a piece of a culture different than our own, a historical moment, or even a way of life that we may not be accustomed to. At the same time, that piece of media should be nudging our minds and hearts to pier inwardly at our own struggles and joys.
You may not like all 9 films – this year I certainly did not like them all. But what we cannot and should not do is dismiss films out of hand just because they don’t fit our taste. There will always be snubs and shocks, but most of us can agree that a majority of these movies that the Academy has decided to recognize, provide people with an opportunity and a voice for discussion about the themes, characters, and overall story. And so what does the Gospel have to say about these films? That’s where we as Christians can take it to a whole new level and that excites me!
Look for this “The Gospel According To…” blog post to be published the week BEFORE the Oscar awards night on March 4th. And in the meanwhile, check out a movie or 2 on the Best Picture List to join in the conversations that are already happening or look back at last year’s blog post and leave your thoughts: The 2017 Oscars
Upcoming Events:
- Don’t forget to turn those clocks FORWARD on March 11th – Daylight Savings! We wouldn’t want you to be late for church that morning and we promise to have all the coffee you need to recuperate from that loss of an hour.
- Annual Yard Sale (March 3rd) – “We’ve got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. We’ve got whozits and whatzits galore.” Do you want thingamabobs? We might just have those too! Our annual Yard Sale takes place here at California EC Church on Saturday, March 3rd beginning at 8:00 AM and going until 1:00 PM. There will be free coffee, tons of things to buy, and so bring your family and tell your neighbors! If you can’t come early – there are deals even later! Come at 11:00 AM and fill a bag for just $1.00 (that’s a deal you just cannot beat). Lots of great housewares, clothing, boots, shoes, books, movies, holiday decorations, toys, etc… And if you can’t find your treasure on Saturday morning, stop by Sunday morning at 10:15 AM for worship. We’ll help you find Him then (along with a whole bunch of leftover items as well.)
- *NEW SERMON SERIES* – Beginning March 4th, we’ll be starting a series of messages that will take us all the way through the Lenten season ending on April 1st which is Easter Sunday entitled: “People Walking in Darkness”. Next month in our Snapshot you can read a full description of this series and what is to come! So check back on March 1st!
- Spring Clean (Date TBA) – Just like any house, our church house needs some spring cleaning! Wash windows, rake leaves, pull weeds, clean inside and outside of church and grove…just to name a few items on the list! Come lend a hand for an hour or two or stay till the work is finished! Connect with friends, have some fun, chase away winter cobwebs, and help make our church home sparkle! (If you happen to have outdoor equipment of your own [rake, garden tools, gloves, tarp, etc.] please bring them with you!)
- Egg Hunt – Be sure to stay tuned for more information (time and date) coming very soon!
- Holy Week Services here at California EC Church:
- Palm Sunday (10:15 AM) – Join us for a celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry as a kick-starter to Holy Week. A fun, exuberant time of worship while also setting the stage for a powerful week of remembering God’s redemptive plan!
- Maundy Thursday (7:00 PM) – Worship through coming to the table of God. Be sure to be a part of our special time of Communion remembering the Last Supper and its impact on our daily lives. Christ’s body was broken for you – Do this in Remembrance of Him.
- Good Friday (7:00 PM) – We gather on this somber evening as we remember Christ’s death. Many find Good Friday to be one of the best services you can attend all year and we encourage you and your family to be a part of our Good Friday service.
- Easter Sunday (10:15 AM) – The long-awaited morning of jubilation – Resurrection Sunday brings together family and friends for a morning of pure joy celebrating Christ’s resurrection, conquering of sin, and our salvation in Him! You don’t want to miss this special morning! Join us for a worship service that’ll fill your heart with praise!
Don’t forget to stay in touch here on our website as well as at our church! Feel free to comment AND SHARE with your friends on social media and we look forward to seeing you at California EC Church this month!
Don’t want to miss out on new posts? Be sure to check back for more Monthly Snapshots (always on the 1st of the month), “The Gospel According to…” reviews, and lots of other great things here on our church blog!
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