Family Church Beach Trip Devotion-Day 5

"Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." (Mark 6:31)

We all can get physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually tired. There is no better  place to find rest for our complete being (our body, souls, and spirits) than when we find a quiet place to get alone with Jesus Christ.

As we approach our last day at the beach,  maybe your mind is beginning to think upon the stress, troubles, and worries of life that may be awaiting you back home in West Monroe, Louisiana. Paul said in Philippians 4:6, "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds  anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

As you find a quiet place today to "rest in Him", cast all your cares and worries on Christ through prayer. As you trust in him, may you experience the only true peace that can give true rest for your soul.

Family Church Beach Trip Devotion-Day 4

"Oh my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways." Proverbs 23:26

As parents, one of the greatest victories we can experience in life is to win our children's heart over. When we "have the heart" of our child through meaningful relationship, we have access to speak into the deepest most important parts of their lives. Have you ever tried to have spiritual conversations with a child or teenager without first having won their heart over? It's not easy!

Making "heart connections" with your child or teen takes time. It takes intentionality and purposefulness in every day life. Be watchful of the opportunities to spend time doing things with them that they enjoy doing.

"As the scriptures say, 'A man leaves his father and mother and is joined together  to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Eph. 5:31

God desires for their to also be unity and oneness in the marriage relationship. The enemy will do everything he can to hinder the unity in a marriage. You have the opportunity tonight to make a "heart connection" with your spouse. It takes time, effort, hard work, and lots of prayer to maintain a sense of unity in your marriage. But, when that is maintained and built upon, there is such power and satisfaction in that relationship!

So, as you go about your day watch for opportunities, or better yet; make opportunities to connect with your children and teens. Go boogie boarding or shopping. Maybe build a sand castle with your little one, go to Waterville, or play some volleyball with your teenage son. Tonight, make an effort to tell your spouse the things you love about them. Pray and ask God to bring true unity to your marriage!

Family Church Beach Trip Devotion-Day 3

In Luke 10:30-37, we read of a Jewish man that was attacked by robbers and left for dead. First, a priest noticed the man and his condition, but failed to do anything about it. If anybody should have cared for  and had compassion on a man in need shouldn't it have been a priest? Next, a Levite actually noticed the Jewish man and walked over to take a closer look, but still decided to not get involved. Last, the most unlikely of all people noticed the Jewish man and actually took action--a Samaritan. This man not only took care of the injured Jew, but went "the extra mile" bandaging his wounds, putting him up for as long as his money would last, and offered to cover any expenses that went over what he had. What is amazing about this scenario is Jews and Samaritans didn't associate with each other--they weren't "apart of each others circle."

Sadly, sometimes as believers we never take the time to notice others who aren't apart of our "circle". Sometimes thier "needs" or "injuries" cause us to want to look the other way and not take the time to get involved. I encourage you today, take some time to look at someone who isn't apart of your "circle." What are some things you could do to show you care? Maybe you could take time to listen,  invite them over for coffee and dessert, or just take some time to get to know them a little bit better.

Family Church Beach Trip Devotion-Day 2 (May 29th)

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (Psalm 19:1)

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God made they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Romans 1:20)

In our fast-paced society, we rarely take the time to stop and take in God’s creation that is all around us. When we take the time to “take in” the beauty of the heavens, we are witnessing the glory of God. When we stop to “look a little longer” at the awesome colors of the sky at the beginning of dawn or after a long day at dusk, we are witnessing the very craftsmanship of our Creator God.  When we stop to view nature and God’s creation, we are actually viewing God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and his divine nature.  Take some time today to watch the clouds, look at the sky, watch the sunset, listen to the power of the waves of the ocean, listen to the sea-gulls or the laughter of a child, and let the cool breeze of the winds refresh you! Don’t get so busy today that you miss “seeing God” in all of His marvelous creation!

Family Church Beach Trip Devotion-DAY 1

“The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8

Most nights before I go to bed, I thank God that he watches over my family even when I am not. I can rest in peace at night knowing my Heavenly Father is watching over each one of my family members even as my eyes are closed. Although I sleep, he does not!

I can’t watch over every one of my family members, loved ones, and friends every second of the day, but I am thankful that HE does.  When I am physically away from those I love, I’m thankful that because God is omnipresent, HE is there even when I am not.

We can experience such perfect peace trusting in God’s sovereignty. That he sees all, knows all, watches over all, and knows what’s best for us. We can travel in peace and enjoy our time together this week knowing that we have prayed and trusted God with the protection of our lives and families.

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the opportunity to have an incredible week with our family and friends. We ask you to protect us from any accidents or harm as we travel. We pray for you to protect us from sickness, harm, and from the evil one’s schemes. We trust that you foresee what we cannot; and, that you allow what you know is best for us. We pray for your hand to be on this entire week!

In Jesus name!

Family Church Beach Trip....

Many families from Family Church will be heading down to Orange Beach this Memorial Day for a week of fun, fellowship, and memories. We have many different options for families to choose from each day that they can participate in. Stay tuned for daily devotions that will be posted here each day for families to read.

Beck

I Hope You Dance

“I Hope You Dance” Beck Payne Sunday May 20, 2012 1. There is something sacred and unique about human life. • Genesis 1:26-27 2. There is something special and unique about your life. • Psalm 139:13-18 Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ADVICE TO THE YOUTH Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 There are… Benefits during the “youthful years” of life. (Asked to dance) Cautions we must heed to during the “youthful years” of life (Keep you from dancing) Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 Many people in general, but young people in particular live under the false assumptions that… They will have plenty of time… later They live with a disillusioned view of life. They will always have good health and plenty of energy They fail to realize the domino effect of sin They fail to grasp the brevity of life and their own mortality Scripture: Ecc. 12:4 Opportunities during the “youthful years” of life to… (dancing) Live life God’s way—a life of faith Live life with no regrets Learn and grow Live a life of impact Live a life of purpose—to embrace life I hope you dance!  Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 Scripture: John 10:10