We had such a good time at the Steip's home, and we are grateful they opened their home to us. Melissa makes the best Chicken Enchiladas EVER and needs to share that recipe.
Besides good food and good company, we had entertainment! Heidi is the Emcee to end all emcees and kept us all entertained during a very tight battle of charades. The red team narrowly beat the green, but a good time was had by all.
Heidi's epic battle of the Not So Newly Wed game had us all in stitches, and came down to a tie breaker. Apparently 18 years of marriage is hard to beat, because the winners of the night's stay at The Belamar Hotel went to our fabulous mentor mom Kelby and her husband Chris. In a very close second came Helen Nimah and her husband Steve. They won a gift certificate for a yummy dinner and a night at the movies.
Here are the pictures from our last MOPS meeting and the Christmas party!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Children's Ministry
Children's Ministry is a special program designed for your children. We look forward to providing a safe environment for your child to learn about God and His world and to make new friends.
Children's Ministry includes: (depending on the age group) music, crafts/artwork, facilitated play at learning centers, recreation, a small snack, storybook time and bible learning.
Check In Time: The Children’s Ministry Classrooms open at 9:20am. Please sign your child in at his/her room and provide any information needed for that day. Your child will be given a nametag. (Please keep your children in their assigned classroom unless approved by the CM Coordinator).
Check Out Time: Our CM Teachers appreciate your consideration when picking up your children. Please pick them up immediately after the MOPS Meeting no later than 11:30am.
Labeling: Please label your child’s blankets, bottles, cups, etc. Please do not bring toys from home.
Snacks: CM provides a small snack during each meeting. You can bring a snack for you child provided that he/she can eat it by himself/herself. Please bring a snack if your child has a special diet. Indicate this on the sign-in sheet and inform the teacher. Please avoid bringing peanut products.
Guidelines for Parent/Child Separation: Our goal is to create an atmosphere where your child feels happy and secure. Sometimes it is hard to leave Mom, so to help your child with this time, here are a few suggestions: Please use the Check-In windows at each classroom and refrain from entering the room. (this may cause other children to miss their mommy). Make your “good-byes” short. Long good-byes can be hard for your child. If you think your child will have tears, take him/her to one of the teachers for extra attention while you leave. Please don’t leave without saying “good-bye”. Disappearing can create panic. We will not allow your child to cry longer than 15 minutes. We will get you if necessary.
Questions or Concerns: Contact the CM Director if you have any questions or concerns about the CM program.
Infants: Your baby may stay in the MOPS meeting with you until he/she is 4 months old. Exceptions will be granted by the MOPS Coordinator.
Mom Rotation: We will continue our “partner” approach of volunteering alongside the Children’s Ministry Staff. This approach will eliminate the MOPS waiting list, keep our costs down and help you get to know your child’s friends in CM. Each MOPS mom is required to serve in a Children’s Ministry classroom twice a year.
Illness: We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a healthy environment. Please do not bring your child if he/she has:
a Cold or symptoms of a Cold (green/yellow or profuse runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat)
A fever (or has had one in the past 24 hrs)
Flu symptoms (stomachache, headache, diarrhea, or vomiting currently or in the past 24 hrs).
Our teachers may refuse a child if he/she appears ill.
Please inform the teacher if a child has a clear runny nose or cough due to a chronic condition (allergies, asthma, etc) or has been on antibiotics for two or more days. These children may be admitted to class.
If you would like to volunteer to serve the children in CM, please contact Team Lisa at cm@kingsharbor.org
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Children's Ministry includes: (depending on the age group) music, crafts/artwork, facilitated play at learning centers, recreation, a small snack, storybook time and bible learning.
Check In Time: The Children’s Ministry Classrooms open at 9:20am. Please sign your child in at his/her room and provide any information needed for that day. Your child will be given a nametag. (Please keep your children in their assigned classroom unless approved by the CM Coordinator).
Check Out Time: Our CM Teachers appreciate your consideration when picking up your children. Please pick them up immediately after the MOPS Meeting no later than 11:30am.
Labeling: Please label your child’s blankets, bottles, cups, etc. Please do not bring toys from home.
Snacks: CM provides a small snack during each meeting. You can bring a snack for you child provided that he/she can eat it by himself/herself. Please bring a snack if your child has a special diet. Indicate this on the sign-in sheet and inform the teacher. Please avoid bringing peanut products.
Guidelines for Parent/Child Separation: Our goal is to create an atmosphere where your child feels happy and secure. Sometimes it is hard to leave Mom, so to help your child with this time, here are a few suggestions: Please use the Check-In windows at each classroom and refrain from entering the room. (this may cause other children to miss their mommy). Make your “good-byes” short. Long good-byes can be hard for your child. If you think your child will have tears, take him/her to one of the teachers for extra attention while you leave. Please don’t leave without saying “good-bye”. Disappearing can create panic. We will not allow your child to cry longer than 15 minutes. We will get you if necessary.
Questions or Concerns: Contact the CM Director if you have any questions or concerns about the CM program.
Infants: Your baby may stay in the MOPS meeting with you until he/she is 4 months old. Exceptions will be granted by the MOPS Coordinator.
Mom Rotation: We will continue our “partner” approach of volunteering alongside the Children’s Ministry Staff. This approach will eliminate the MOPS waiting list, keep our costs down and help you get to know your child’s friends in CM. Each MOPS mom is required to serve in a Children’s Ministry classroom twice a year.
Illness: We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a healthy environment. Please do not bring your child if he/she has:
a Cold or symptoms of a Cold (green/yellow or profuse runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat)
A fever (or has had one in the past 24 hrs)
Flu symptoms (stomachache, headache, diarrhea, or vomiting currently or in the past 24 hrs).
Our teachers may refuse a child if he/she appears ill.
Please inform the teacher if a child has a clear runny nose or cough due to a chronic condition (allergies, asthma, etc) or has been on antibiotics for two or more days. These children may be admitted to class.
If you would like to volunteer to serve the children in CM, please contact Team Lisa at cm@kingsharbor.org
2011-2012 MOPS Schedule
2010-2011 MOPS Meeting Dates
Fall SESSION
September 22
October 6
October 20
November 3
November 17
December 1
January 5
January 19th
Spring Session
February 9
February 23
March 8
March 22
April 19
May 3
May 17
May 31
Meeting Miscellaneous
Typical Meeting Schedule
9:25am - Children’s Ministry Classrooms Open
9:30-10:10am - Breakfast, Announcements, Ice Breakers
10:15-11:00am - Speaker
11:00am - 11:25 - Discussion Group Time
11:30am Children are picked up from Children's Ministry
(schedule may vary)
Breakfast/Clean Up: Two Discussion Group Tables at a time will be asked to take turns providing breakfast throughout the year. One session before your turn, you will sign up to bring a food item to share. Please bring enough food to serve 15 people. Your group will be feeding the rest of the women that day. You will also stay 10 minutes late to retrieve your dish and clean up.
Missed Meetings: It is likely that everyone will miss a meeting or two throughout the year. Since supplies are purchased in advance, we cannot refund for missed meetings.
Cost: Your registration fee of $50 per session includes Children's Ministry, MOPS program crafts, printed materials, decorations, paper goods, supplemental refreshments and more.
In addtion, part of the fee goes to MOPS International and registers you for the “MOPS to Mom Connection” which includes the Mom Sense Magazine, Life on Planet Mom Book, Weekly Mom Emails, and MOPS Membership for 2011-2012. Please make your checks payable to King’s Harbor Church.
Suggestions: Do you have a great idea for MOPS or have a suggestion to make? Drop a note to your Discussion Group Leader, or talk to one of the Steering Team Members.
Prayer Requests: We would like to pray for you! If you need prayer (confidential or not), let your Discussion Group Leader know or drop a note in the prayer box located on each Discussion Table; Questions, contact carol@khcmops.org
Resources: The KHC MOPS newsletter provides upcoming events and other important information. Please see the King's Harbor Church website for more information about the church: www.kingsharbor.org. If you want more information about MOPS International, please go online to www.mops.org. And of course, this site http://khcmops.blogspot.com/ is updated often with all kinds of Mom related information!
Discussion Groups: Topics brought up during discussion group time can be quite personal in nature. Please remember to keep the confidentiality of other moms. Every mom should feel safe sharing and not have to worry about it being repeated outside our discussion groups. Remember, "What happens at MOPS, stays as MOPS!"
We have a no "husband bashing" policy. We consider the marriage relationship sacred and we need to work to build up each other and encourage strong family bonds. If there are issues that you need to talk to someone about regarding your marriage, we ask that you contact a member of the Steering Team or a Mentor Mom.
"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:16-21
MOPS Statement of Faith
MOPS Statement of Faith
Purpose Statement
MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.
MOPS International Faith Position Statement
MOPS International is a christian non-profit organization that believes in working with local Christian churches/parachurches to maximize ministry opportunities to God's Kingdom. MOPS programs are chartered in churches of many different denominations and Christian traditions, but all share the common desire to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring glory to God in everything.
Churches/parachurches and individual MOPS ministry leaders must embrace and agree to the basic, orthodox truths of the Christian faith and the essential issues of salvation. We believe the Bible is the foundation for these truths. It is God's Word, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is authoritative on all matters on which it speaks. MOPS International is committed to telling the truth of the saving work of Jesus Christ, of God's grace to mankind, of the reality of the Trinity and the role of the Church in God's plan for the world. These foundational Christian beliefs are reflected in many of the historic church creeds.
By agreeing with this statement a church is affirming that they too believe in and teach the foundational truths of the Christian gospel. Because these beliefs are foundational to the ministry of MOPS International, MOPS International reserves the right to have final authority on the granting of Charters.
We Believe:
† There is one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
(John 14: 16-17, Matthew 28:19). We believe Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and is true God and true man (Matthew 1:18 & 23).
† The bible is the foundation for these truths. It is God's Word, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is authoritative on all matters on which it speaks (II Peter 1:20-21,
II Timothy 3:16-17).
† Jesus came into this world to redeem us by offering himself as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins; he died for us; and he demonstrated his victory over sin and death by rising physically from the dead and ascending to heaven (Romans 5:8-9, Romans 6:23,
I Corinthians 15:1-4).
† The result of this saving work of Christ is that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16).
† We further believe that the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption will begin with the visible personal return of Christ to judge the world and separate believers and unbelievers forever, and will culminate in a new creation (Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16-17, Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:15, Romans 6:23).
† We believe that God chooses to work through the believers in his church and that we are called to evangelism and discipling of believers within the fellowship of the church
(Matthew 28:19-20, I Peter 2:9).
taken from www.mops.org
About Us
You are invited to a place designed specifically for you, a mother of preschoolers. Here you’ll experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. Where is this place? Most likely there’s one near you. It’s called MOPS.
MOPS meets every other Thursday morning in the Fall & Spring from 9:30am-11:30am.
23915 Garnier St.
Torrance, CA 90505
Torrance, CA 90505
Prayer Resources
After hearing how powerful prayer can be in our family’s lives we wanted to pass on a few resources you might want to have to implement more focused prayer in your home.
The Mom’s In Touch Booklet that Debi was talking about this morning can be found at http://www.momsintouch.org/
If you don’t want to spend any money but still want help praying specifically for each person in your family here are some calendars you can put up in your kitchen (or bathroom =)
Praying for your husband
Praying for your children
The link to hear our MOPS speakers again (or for the 1st time if you were in children’s ministry) is at http://www.kingsharbor.org/
The website for this weekend’s community outreach church services is www.cominghomesouthbay.com
May He draw you closer to Himself & those you pray with…
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
This Thursday
Hello ladies!
Our speaker this week will be Cathy Pluimer. She will be speaking about, " Contentment: Do I have it? Where do I get it?"
The Purple table will be serving in Children’s Ministry The Blue Table and Yellow Table will be bringing food.
The Pregnancy Help Center needs our help! If you have any of the following items that you can donate, please bring them to MOPS on Thursday and put them next to the big white sound stage.
· 1 bassinets
· 5 pack n plays/playpens
· 5 strollers (2 doubles for twins)
· 2 bouncy seats
· 3 swings
· 2 car seats
· 4 baby bjorn or other baby carriers
· 1 highchair
· 1 walker/jumper
· Diapers – sizes 3, 4, 5
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Pregnancy Center and the women they help. God Bless!
Our speaker this week will be Cathy Pluimer. She will be speaking about, " Contentment: Do I have it? Where do I get it?"
The Purple table will be serving in Children’s Ministry The Blue Table and Yellow Table will be bringing food.
The Pregnancy Help Center needs our help! If you have any of the following items that you can donate, please bring them to MOPS on Thursday and put them next to the big white sound stage.
· 1 bassinets
· 5 pack n plays/playpens
· 5 strollers (2 doubles for twins)
· 2 bouncy seats
· 3 swings
· 2 car seats
· 4 baby bjorn or other baby carriers
· 1 highchair
· 1 walker/jumper
· Diapers – sizes 3, 4, 5
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Pregnancy Center and the women they help. God Bless!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Family Night Out!!!
Join us this Thursday at Chicken Dijon for our first Family Night Out Fun(d)raiser!
Click to Download and Print
Chicken Dijon is generously donating 20% of your check to our MOPS group when you give them this flyer when you pay at their Torrance Blvd. Location.
Not only is this deal good for Dine-in and take-out, but it will work for DELIVERY and Catering Orders.
I love delicious and healthy food that can be delivered right to your door, don't you?
Want to treat your office or your children's teachers to a yummy lunch? Thursday is the day to do it.
Have you tried their Greek Fries?
Oh. My. Word.
There just aren't words for how decadent and wonderful they are. Trust me when I say that you must try them immediately without delay.
Their house salad is a pile of wonderful goodness as well. I order mine with white meat only and extra rice.
Bring your kids, bring your neighbors, bring your neighbor's kids! (With permission of course.)
If you click on the flyer, you can download the PDF version and print it out and give it to your friends, neighbors and relatives.Don't forget to bring one for yourself. :)
Plus if you come between 4:30 and 6:30 there will be a balloon artist and face painter. Who doesn't love a good balloon animal or sword to round out your day?
Click to Download and Print
Chicken Dijon is generously donating 20% of your check to our MOPS group when you give them this flyer when you pay at their Torrance Blvd. Location.
Not only is this deal good for Dine-in and take-out, but it will work for DELIVERY and Catering Orders.
I love delicious and healthy food that can be delivered right to your door, don't you?
Want to treat your office or your children's teachers to a yummy lunch? Thursday is the day to do it.
Have you tried their Greek Fries?
Oh. My. Word.
There just aren't words for how decadent and wonderful they are. Trust me when I say that you must try them immediately without delay.
Their house salad is a pile of wonderful goodness as well. I order mine with white meat only and extra rice.
Bring your kids, bring your neighbors, bring your neighbor's kids! (With permission of course.)
If you click on the flyer, you can download the PDF version and print it out and give it to your friends, neighbors and relatives.Don't forget to bring one for yourself. :)
Plus if you come between 4:30 and 6:30 there will be a balloon artist and face painter. Who doesn't love a good balloon animal or sword to round out your day?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
This Thursday at MOPS!
Our speaker will be the fabulous Women's Pastor of King's Harbor Church, Suzie Lind.
The Green Table will be in Children's Ministy, and the Pink Table and the Mentor Moms will be bringing food.
If you have not yet paid your dues, please make sure you stop by the welcome center and pay Laura. You can make your checks payable to King's Harbor Church.
The Green Table will be in Children's Ministy, and the Pink Table and the Mentor Moms will be bringing food.
If you have not yet paid your dues, please make sure you stop by the welcome center and pay Laura. You can make your checks payable to King's Harbor Church.
At Our last meeting these were some of the sites to be seen:
He takes listening VERY seriously.
See you Thursday!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Registration is Now Closed
Registration for our Fall Semester is now closed. If you missed the deadline, you can try to contact Laura, our Finance and Registration Coordinator. Her email address is in the side bar.
Registration for our Spring Semester should be opening in January.
Registration for our Spring Semester should be opening in January.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Registration is Closing Soon!
Our new MOPS session is just a couple of weeks away! You don't want to be left out!
Click here to register yourself for MOPS and each of your children for the Moppettes program. Please make sure you register each of your children... spots in children's ministry go fast!
Our first day of MOPS will be Thursday, September 22nd. Can't wait to see you all then! MOPS registration will close on September 15th, so hurry and register now!
Click here to register yourself for MOPS and each of your children for the Moppettes program. Please make sure you register each of your children... spots in children's ministry go fast!
Our first day of MOPS will be Thursday, September 22nd. Can't wait to see you all then! MOPS registration will close on September 15th, so hurry and register now!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Fall Registration is Now Here!
Your MOPS steering team has been praying for you and your Moppettes this summer. We have planned an incredible year of speakers and activities for you in the coming MOPS year, including Spa Day! (Who didn't love Spa Day?)
Click here to register yourself for MOPS and each of your children for the Moppettes program. Please make sure you register each of your children... spots in children's ministry go fast!
This year we have a new option. You have the option of paying $50 for each semester or the full $100 up front. This means you will guarantee your child's spot in Children's ministry next semester, and you won't have to re-register yourself or your child(ren) for the Spring Semester.
Our first day of MOPS will be Thursday, September 22nd. Can't wait to see you all then!
Click here to register yourself for MOPS and each of your children for the Moppettes program. Please make sure you register each of your children... spots in children's ministry go fast!
This year we have a new option. You have the option of paying $50 for each semester or the full $100 up front. This means you will guarantee your child's spot in Children's ministry next semester, and you won't have to re-register yourself or your child(ren) for the Spring Semester.
Our first day of MOPS will be Thursday, September 22nd. Can't wait to see you all then!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MOPS March 10
Today's speaker is US! We are having a MOPS version of Government 101... Our topic is Planning Family Time and we will be sharing ideas for practical family activities.
Make sure you stop by the welcome center to pick up flyers for info on Shirley Buzzoni’s Childbirth Refresher Course and Nancy Sanchez’s home schooling meeting.
Next MOPS is Thursday, March 24th. Our speaker will be Marie Constable. I am excited, I love her and I love to listen to her speak! She is wise and you will learn something valuable from her.
At the 3/24 meeting, The Black Table will be serving in Children's Ministry and we will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast from the Lavender and Purple tables.
Make sure you stop by the welcome center to pick up flyers for info on Shirley Buzzoni’s Childbirth Refresher Course and Nancy Sanchez’s home schooling meeting.
Click on the flyer to see a larger version!
Next MOPS is Thursday, March 24th. Our speaker will be Marie Constable. I am excited, I love her and I love to listen to her speak! She is wise and you will learn something valuable from her.
At the 3/24 meeting, The Black Table will be serving in Children's Ministry and we will be treated to a scrumptious breakfast from the Lavender and Purple tables.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
MOPS February 24th
Today's speakers are Barry and Joanie Nugent, married 28 years, have three grown kids, and one Grandchild, who lights up their lives! They live in El Segundo, and attend Kings Harbor Church. Barry is a firefighter, and Joanie is a homemaker and part time li-brarian, and both are actively involved at King’s Harbor , mentoring men and women, and encouraging marriages. They will be speaking about intimacy in marriage.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 6:31
You can click on this flyer to see a larger version
Next Meeting: March 10th
Children's Ministry: Brown Table
Breakfast & Clean-up: Red and Orange Tables
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Ephesians 6:31
You can click on this flyer to see a larger version
Next Meeting: March 10th
Children's Ministry: Brown Table
Breakfast & Clean-up: Red and Orange Tables
Friday, February 11, 2011
Park Day!
Join us from 10:30-1:00PM, Friday, February 18th at either:
El Retiro Park
126 Vista del Parque
Torrance, CA 90510
or
Peck Park
560 N Western Ave
San Pedro, CA 90732
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Zedekiah Benjamin
Congratulations Sarah & Adam Melendez on the birth of their baby boy Zedekiah Benjamin born January 24th at 6:31 a.m. weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces and 21 inches.
Zedekiah Benjamin Melendez
Proud Parents Adam & Sarah Melendez
Big Siblings Mary, Lydia, Evie, & Aaron
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Spring 2011 Registration
Spring Registration is here! Please register using this link. See you at MOPS!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A Simple New Year's Resolution
Found on biblestudyguide.org
This is the first Sunday of the new year, and the time of year people make New Year's resolutions.
Personally, I'm not one to make many New Year's resolutions, perhaps be-cause I quickly forget them and seldom keep them. But this year I'm thinking about making one.
Short and Simple To make a New Year's resolution I'll remember, it has to be short and simple. It has to be something meaningful that motivates me, while instantly remind-ing me of things I need to do to become a better Christian.
If you're like me, we need a resolution that's more like a concept, rather than resolving to change specific behaviors.
A Broad Motivational Concept Love is a broad motivational concept that involves every aspect of life.
Jesus tells us that the great commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mk. 12:30-31).
Paul tells us, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfill-ment of the law" (Rom. 13:10). "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:4-8).
If we love God more, we'll become a better Christian. As a better Christian, we'll improve in every relationship -- we'll become better people, in every way.
Every Christian Can Love God More Have you thought about the fact that you can love God more today than yes-terday?
In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he revealed that they could love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more" (Phil. 1:9). Their love was abounding, but it could abound more and more and more. . . .
There is never a time we can't love God more. Therefore, there is never a time we can't become a better Christian.
Love God More: Increase in Knowledge and Discernment In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he reveals how we love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9).
Our love for God grows when we increase in true knowledge. "True knowledge" in this verse is epignosis, which results in spiritual maturity as we grow through God's word.
Peter tells us to "long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). Grow-ing in the word of God, he says "in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increas-ing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:5-8).
To love God more, we must grow through His word. The more we grow through God's word, the more we love God as we're "rooted and grounded in love" (Eph. 3:17).
Love God More: Obedience with a Positive Attitude "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jn. 5:3).
If we love God more this year, we'll make fewer mistakes while also becoming a better Christian. And, we'll have a bet-ter attitude toward obeying God.
A Simple New Year's Resolution: Love God More Have you thought about loving God more?
What can you do to improve your knowledge of God's word, and love Him more?
What would change, if you loved God more?
Is there anyone who doesn't need to love God more this year?
Whether you're thinking about making a New Year's resolution or setting a goal, think about loving God more through better knowledge of His word. You'll become a better Christian, if you do.
This is the first Sunday of the new year, and the time of year people make New Year's resolutions.
Personally, I'm not one to make many New Year's resolutions, perhaps be-cause I quickly forget them and seldom keep them. But this year I'm thinking about making one.
Short and Simple To make a New Year's resolution I'll remember, it has to be short and simple. It has to be something meaningful that motivates me, while instantly remind-ing me of things I need to do to become a better Christian.
If you're like me, we need a resolution that's more like a concept, rather than resolving to change specific behaviors.
A Broad Motivational Concept Love is a broad motivational concept that involves every aspect of life.
Jesus tells us that the great commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mk. 12:30-31).
Paul tells us, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfill-ment of the law" (Rom. 13:10). "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:4-8).
If we love God more, we'll become a better Christian. As a better Christian, we'll improve in every relationship -- we'll become better people, in every way.
Every Christian Can Love God More Have you thought about the fact that you can love God more today than yes-terday?
In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he revealed that they could love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more" (Phil. 1:9). Their love was abounding, but it could abound more and more and more. . . .
There is never a time we can't love God more. Therefore, there is never a time we can't become a better Christian.
Love God More: Increase in Knowledge and Discernment In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he reveals how we love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9).
Our love for God grows when we increase in true knowledge. "True knowledge" in this verse is epignosis, which results in spiritual maturity as we grow through God's word.
Peter tells us to "long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). Grow-ing in the word of God, he says "in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increas-ing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:5-8).
To love God more, we must grow through His word. The more we grow through God's word, the more we love God as we're "rooted and grounded in love" (Eph. 3:17).
Love God More: Obedience with a Positive Attitude "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jn. 5:3).
If we love God more this year, we'll make fewer mistakes while also becoming a better Christian. And, we'll have a bet-ter attitude toward obeying God.
A Simple New Year's Resolution: Love God More Have you thought about loving God more?
What can you do to improve your knowledge of God's word, and love Him more?
What would change, if you loved God more?
Is there anyone who doesn't need to love God more this year?
Whether you're thinking about making a New Year's resolution or setting a goal, think about loving God more through better knowledge of His word. You'll become a better Christian, if you do.
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