The Power of Water

Read It:  Matthew 14:26-27 (NRSV)

26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 

Learn It:

Water is a very powerful image in the Bible.  In the Old Testament it is often associated with chaos in one's life.  Water was also very dangerous because of storms and creatures in the sea that could cause fisherman to never return to the shore again.  Of course I don't think that times have changed too much.  If you have ever seen the show, "Deadliest Catch" or some of the others like it on the Discovery Channel then you will know that even today seas and oceans can be very dangerous and difficult places to traverse.  The disciples are justified, in my opinion, in thinking they saw a ghost because nothing should be out in a storm like that...especially something walking on the water.  Water gives us life as well.  Without water to drink we cannot live.  Also water is what gives us new life with Jesus when we are baptized.  Water is a powerful element in our lives.

Share It:

Talk with your family about the different ways you use water on a daily basis.  What are the different ways that we use water?  What are ways that water is beneficial for us?  In what ways does water still show itself as dangerous?  What are some ways that we can use water to be a blessing in our lives and for our faith?  Share these thoughts and others that may come up during you talk together.

Live It:

Spend this next week paying attention to all the ways that you use water.  Think about how water is used to bring about life.  What might be something you can do with water this week to continue to bring about life in this world?  When you come up with it try it.

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Please post comments with your experience with the share it or live it part of this weeks post.  Let others know if you and your family found this useful.

Soul Relief

Read It: 1 Peter 5:7-8 (NRSV)

 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 

Learn It:

Lost and Found is a band (a duo) that sings a song called "Lions" (a.k.a. "The Slinky Song") and they use the second half of verse 8 above as the text for the song.  (It was also taught to our  kids a month or so ago during our kid's song time).  It's a great song and I encourage you to check it out...here is a YouTube video of the song.     There is another video here that has a great explanation of this verse and the song.  Michael says this, "The one that is in each of us in this place, is greater than the one in this world."  I think that speaks a lot to who we are as Christians.  We have this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit residing in us and it truly is greater than anything that is in this world.  So with that confidence we can cast all our anxiety on God because we know that in the end God will carry us through.

Share It:

Really take a few minutes and watch the first video (it's less than three minutes) with the whole family and listen to the words of the song.  It is a fun...and funny song but what parts of the song stuck out to you?  Were there any parts that were words of encouragement or phrases that stuck with you as you listened to this song?  After you listen to this song (at least once!) read the verse above and see if you have any anxiety or if you just have joy.  How or why do you think your cares and anxieties went away?  Spend some time talking about these ideas.

Live It:

I encourage you to bookmark this video or go out and buy Lost and Found's CD with this song and listen to it each day this week...at the start of your day.  I want you to see if this song can get you going on a good start.  I think there is something powerful about beginning the day with a wonderful word from God each day whether it's through scripture, song, prayer or whatever might be your method.  Use this song this week as a way to cast all your cares and anxieties on God.

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Please post comments with your experience with the share it or live it part of this weeks post.  Let others know if you and your family found this useful.