Deep-end-ence

As I drove to the church early yesterday morning, I was feeling pretty tired. We'd had family in town for the weekend, and that meant lots of 'adventures' with our kids and their cousins. Good times, but definitely enough to wear this middle-aged dad out!

In addition to our busy weekend, I had difficulty sleeping on Saturday night, so I headed into work on Sunday morning running on fumes. I began to pray, "Lord, help me; I really need You this morning." Then, I stopped myself short.

See, I realized halfway through my opening sentence that I was about to express a misguided idea that I've carried around for many years. My need of God, my dependence on Him, is not momentary, circumstantial or changing. It's only my perception of that need that shifts.

Now, I realize that God knows my heart and understands my intentions when I pray "I really need You", but those words still belie a way of thinking that I believe I need to change. I ought to be praying every morning, "Lord, help me; I really need You. I need to overcome sin today. I need to face fears. I need to reach out to others. I need to die to myself. I need to do Your will. I need to breathe, to eat, to sleep, and I can do none of those without You."

Realizing this, I'm making it a personal goal to tell God every day how much I depend on Him.

How about you? Have you recognized your need before God today? Maybe you need to do it right now; take a moment and recognize your total and desperate need for Him. You'll be glad you did!

What Is Love?

This week we celebrate Valentine's Day and I think that creates the perfect opportunity for Life Groups to do something special! Here are a couple of ideas:

1. ENCOURAGEMENT TIME - I know I've shared this one before, but it's especially appropriate here. Find an item you can pass around the room, which will designate who is being encouraged at that moment (for fun, make it something Valentine's related, like a heart-shaped pillow, box of candy, etc.) Then give the group a few minutes to share something encouraging or affirming about that person. IMPORTANT: make sure they address the individual, rather than make statements about them to the group (example: Joe, I think you have a great attitude! NOT: I feel that Joe has a great attitude)

2. CARDS OF LOVE - Have each person in your group bring a blank Valentine's Day card, preferably something appropriate for a friend, putting their own name on the envelope. While you fellowship, pass the cards and envelopes around to everyone in the group, allowing time for each person to write something kind or encouraging to the person who brought that card. BONUS OPTION: When all the cards have returned to their owners, have each person select one or two sentiments from inside that they especially liked and share them with the group!

3. PRAYER CHAIN - Just spend time hearing prayer needs and praises from each person individually and then praying for them as a group! Go around the circle and take more time than usual for this if you like - make it the centerpiece of the evening!

4. LOVE IS... Pass out 3x5 index cards to everyone in your group. Then allow time for them all to write on their cards, finishing the statement, "Love Is..." Encourage them to write Bible verses, 'One Another' statements or even Worship song lyrics. down in addition to their own thoughts, then share with the group when you are done.

These are just a few ideas of my own - mix it up, be creative and above all - love one another!