Sunday Preview & Thought for the Week (12.13.13)

I hope you've had a great week.  It's been a great week of ministry already as we've been ministering to families at New Hope UMC through Family Promise.  Thank you to those of you that have served!  Here's a couple of things to know for this Sunday:

• We'll be continuing the series "White Elephant" as we talk about "Joy."  Hope to see you there!
• Don't forget to hang out and watch the Flag Football Super Bowl.  We'll have fires to stay warm by and roast hot dogs.  Feel free to bring some cookies or chips with your lunch.  Hot dogs, buns, condiments and drinks are provided.
• Don't forget about our Hassle-Free Christmas Service on Dec. 23 if you're working or out of town on Christmas Eve.  It's also a great opportunity to invite friends are who new to church.  It'll be very laid back, and we've got 2 locations north and south of Archer High School.  Click here to send an e-card to someone.

Thought for the Week
"...showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands."  Exodus 20:6

I was reading through the Ten Commandments the other day and this part stuck out to me.  It's not a commandment, it's a promise.  And it's an important one.  God blesses our grandchildren's grandchildren...to a thousand generations.  This happens for those that follow God's commands.  I think everyone knows that that their kids and grandkids are watching them.  We set the standard for what is acceptable in the house.  If we treat people poorly, then our kids will think that's okay.  If we're kind, our kids will be kind.  If we lose our tempers, our kids will have a short fuse.  We all know our little ones are watching.  What I think we underestimate is that we literally set the tone for generations.  Our grandchildren will teach their grandchildren things their grandparents taught them.  Some of those things will be very important.  Some of those things will be about faith, family, values, and beliefs.  Some of those things will define their way of life and families.  And those little ones will teach their grandchildren.  When we follow God's ways, we find blessing.  We'll make better decisions about relationships, our finances, our work/life balance and a million other things.  That will have an impact on family members that we will never meet.  I don't know about you, but that's motivation enough for me.  I want to be a blessing to my great-great-great-great-great grandchildren.

In Christ,

Carter