“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1: 3-4)
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If you come to the Draper Church for very long, you’ll hear us talk about how important we think Small Groups are. I believe that they are one of God’s biggest and best ideas (and I think you’re really going to love them!). The word “church” shows up in the Bible no less than 79 times. In some cases, we read of large group meetings at the temple and at other times we hear of smaller groups gathering in homes.
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God gives us all grace. He gives us grace in forgiving our sins when they do not deserve to be forgiven and He gives us grace in blessing us with many good things that we do not deserve. Personally, I feel like He has given me so much and I have a ton to be thankful for: my wife, my son, my house, my job, our church, a good education, food to eat everyday, etc, etc… You and I have been given so many good things, all by God’s grace.
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Early one morning, I was in my office reading, and my young son got out of bed and walked in. He informed me he needed to use the bathroom. I told him do it! I sat there reading for a few more minutes, and then I realized I never heard the toilet flush. So, I went upstairs to check on him, and he was quietly sitting on the toilet, waiting for me to help him “finish up” his business. I told him, “Son, you need to tell me these things, so I can help you.” He looked at me, deadly serious, and said, “Dad, no one knows the future but God.” I laughed and said, “You’re right.”
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Recently, I spent some time working through and teaching on the amazing verses found in John 13:1-20.
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”
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“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him“ — but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.’” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV)
Christmas is so close, and I can assure you, there are a few excited boys at the Young home (yes, I am one of them)! Christmas is indeed a magical time. (more…)
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John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
My son, Wesley, has recently fallen in love with the movie Toy Story. We got him the replica Woody doll that now goes with him (and us) wherever we go. Woody has a place at the dinner table, in the car, and even has his own blanket and pillow! Wesley introduces Woody to everyone who crosses his path. As a family, we just got home from Disneyland, and Wesley got the chance to meet Woody in person! Just a few nights ago (it was the sweetest thing to see) as he was fast asleep, Wesley cracked the biggest smile as he was remembering the day they met. Wesley’s love for Woody overflows into every aspect of his life.
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“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17
A few weeks ago my youngest daughter’s life changed forever and my family experienced something very exciting! On September 4, at 12:52 p.m., she was warm, safe and comfortable in the womb, completely content with the only way of life she had ever known. At 12:53 p.m., she was cold, uncomfortable and feeling very unsafe. It was bright and loud and all of her senses were peaked. Every single thing she was experiencing was brand new. She didn’t welcome this change; in fact, she was so upset about it that all of the nurses and doctors were commenting on how loud her screaming was!
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The summer between my freshman and sophomore year in college, I bought a small, 16 foot sailboat that only held about four people. My favorite place to sail was on Lake Michigan; the lake was so huge you couldn’t see any side other than the one you left from. It felt like you were alone at sea with unlimited routes to take.
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“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:16-17 NIV)
I was recently on vacation with my family in Iowa (see picture of butter cow above), and was reminded about how thankful I am for your faithfulness and generosity in your giving to The Rock Church! God is using your gifts and sacrifices to make a real difference in the lives of many people and in the ministry of our church.
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