Luke 2:21-40

We concluded our look at Advent and the people within the story with a look at Simeon and Anna. Here are the discussion points that we talked about:

God confirmed His plan for Jesus’ life through the words of others. Are you willing to use your words to share Jesus with those around you?

Again Mary is confronted with the reality of the Lord’s favor also including heartbreak. Are you willing to take the bad with the good as it relates to God’s plan and favor on your life?

Jesus grew, was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Beyond these, what is your prayer for the coming year?

Thoughts?

What a difference a year makes

Today marks one year since we stood in a courtroom in Dontesk, Ukraine and were told that we were able to adopt "Mykola Gagarin." It marks one year since Cole Michael was officially ours. What a nerve-wracking day that was. What a joyous occasion. What a pivotal time in our lives.

One year later we can't imagine life without Cole. He came home officially on January 12th, but he became ours on December 28th. What a difference a year makes...

Luke 1:26-38

Tonight we talked about the classic Christmas text of Angel Gabriel bringing news to Mary of the coming of Jesus. Give the podcast a listen. Here are the talk points that we discussed tonight based on that text...

Jesus means “Savior.” Immanuel means “God with us.” What does it mean to you to know that the Savior comes “to us” rather than saving us “out of” the world?

Just as we saw the Apostle Paul trust God in the worst of circumstances, here we see Mary display complete trust and faith in God. Are you prepared to walk with God through whatever He has for you?

What gift does God have for you to open this season?

Discussion was great at church tonight. What else might you add to the topic? Share your thoughts here. Merry Christmas!!

Speaking of daughters

Congratulations to Ryan and Andrea who just found out they're having a girl! Speaking of daughters, I have to relate a story that my wife, Lori, shared with me from this morning.

Emma stood in the hallway playing with her hair, which has been growing longer and longer b/c she wants to be like Rapunzel. Emma said, "Mommy, when my hair gets long like Rapunzel's, I'm gonna cut it off and send it to a kid in Africa that has no hair."

Lori successfully kept herself from laughing at the sincerity of our daughter. She wants to help others. She's knows about Locks of Love and donating hair to kids (a great cause!!). B/c of our work through Journey with Blood:Water Mission (another great cause!!) she also knows about kids in Africa who don't have medicine and clean water and food . Somehow the details mixed . Somehow there is an African kid out there whose greatest need in life is a long blond wig. Precious!!!

Acts 28

Acts 28. Tonight we finished our walk through the book of Acts. We saw the development of the early church. We saw the conversion of Paul. We saw hardships and persecution. In this chapter Paul finally gets to Rome like he's been hoping for. He is able to fulfill the mission of Acts 1:8 in Rome. Listen to the podcast if you'd like. Here are the discussion points that we used in worship this evening:

The islanders of Malta misinterpreted God at work. Are we looking for God at work in the happenings around us? How can we better filter events with the eyes of God?

The unity and support of the Christian community both on the road and in Rome is a great example to us. Are we seeking to bring unity to the church?

Paul remains faithful to God’s mission regardless of circumstance. He continues to use all situations to share the message of Jesus with others. Are we doing this?

What have we learned from our walk through the book of Acts over the last 7 months? What has been an encouragement or turning point in your spiritual life?

Other thoughts? Insights? Etc.

In the new year we will visit Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and others.

Acts 27

Acts 27. Give this chapter a read through. Just when you think that nothing more could happen to Paul, here he ends up in a storm at sea that threatens to shipwreck he and the crew. Here are the points that we talked about after the teaching time:

Paul spoke wisdom and experience to the crew. Foolishness prevailed. Do you blame God, or ask God why things are happening after having failed to listen to wisdom? Do you seek out wisdom from the right places?

Are you able to give thanks in all circumstance? Do you remember in all circumstances that you are God’s and that is who you serve?

Are we a voice of encouragement and a vessel of God’s message to the people around us?

God could have calmed the storm but didn’t. Still, God kept His promise. Often our experiences are the result of our choices or the choices of the people around us.

Please chime in and continue the conversation here.