FreshBread

Today’s Reading is Numbers 27, Psalm 70-71, Isaiah 17-18, 1 Peter 5

Today’s Key verse – 1 Peter 5:1-3
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns. As a fellow elder, this is my appeal to you: 2Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example.

This morning I would like to ask you to pray for two groups of people here at FreshStart. As you read this morning Elders have two basic responsibilities. First, the oversight of the church. We give that part of Eldership to our Vision Team. Would you stop and pray for the Vision Team at FreshStart? Wednesday morning they will be meeting to take the next planning steps to get started in the building of our new building. We will be sharing the details more with you on Sunday mornings as they come. The second job of an Elder is to Shepherd the flock! This part of Eldership has been given to our Life Group Leaders. This Wednesday night we will be starting a brand new time called Leaders Edge. We are really excited about this time together. You are invited to join us even if you are not a Life Group Leader, but give your’s a call or an E-mail this morning and encourage them not to be left out of this time!

Thanks for joining me in prayer this morning for these two very important groups of people!

Scott

Today’s Reading is Matthew 2

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 2:21-23

21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

I believe yesterday’s question brings up a timing issue. If you notice in Matthew 2 Jesus is a child and the wiseman find him in a house. This could have been anytime after Jesus and his family returned to Nazareth. It was most likely from there that Joseph picked up and moved to Egypt.

I thank those of you who took the time to write your thoughts on this. I really enjoy that as you challenge me and I can learn from your insights. Many of you suggested that Matthew and Luke were writing from different perspectives! I agree but also think there is a timing issue that separates those perspectives.

Have a safe New Year’s Eve! I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday Morning….This could be your best year ever if you embrace one element that most Christ Followers ignore…What is it?…come and find out this Sunday at 9:00 or 11:00! See you in the Morning!
Scott

Today’s Reading is Luke 2:39-40

39When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom beyond his years, and God placed his special favor upon him.

Do these verses cause you to have any questions? I thought Mary and Joseph and Jesus headed to Egypt….we read about that in Matthew 2. How do you fit these verses together….I’d love to hear your take on that….I will give you my thoughts tomorrow. Send me yours at Scott@freshstartcc.com. Have a Great day! Talk to you in the morning!

Scott