Dear Family and Friends of The Neighborhood Church,

It was so cute—that moment last Sunday when the 3rd graders were presented with a Bible from their home church family. They seemed so proud to be standing there in front of people who love and support them and are cheering them on! One little girl even had a tear in her eye, and it was trickling down her cheek. Kind of choked me up, watching children teaching us about treasuring the promises of our Creator, and the hope that is ours in Christ, simply by holding their new Bibles so carefully and close to their bodies. Could you see them beaming up there?

I had signed the inside of each and inscribed a message reflecting on one of my favorite verses regarding the written Word of God: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” (from Psalm 119) In other words, the writer recognizes the value of a word from God which lights up the dark places in our lives…the unknown…that which is yet unseen, or yet to be discovered. And what better news is there for children who are growing up in a world where the going gets rough sometimes (as it always has and always will, by the way), and with this treasure of a life that God has blessed them. The ‘good news” of a Savior who loves them, and stands ready to illumine every dark place and corner that may threaten on their path that lies ahead—it doesn’t get any better than that, does it?

This insight is not simply given to little children, though. God’s Word can do the same for us, if we will spend time with it, read it, take it in, consider what it says and promises and hopes. So, how important might it be for us to have our noses stuck in the written Word as often as we can? To learn it, recite it, remember it?

Perhaps you’ll consider committing to the 3 Biblical overview studies I will be teaching entitled “Bible Basics 101”—they begin this Sunday, the 24th, and are only from 11:15am-Noon. This could be a good jump start for developing a habit of reading a piece of Scripture at the outset or ending of each day. Or maybe you’ll consider the discipline of reading the entire Bible in a year—we’ll provide the daily texts that will get you there if you ask us.

Whatever it may be, think again about those kiddos…what a gift they are in our midst. Even, unintentionally, teaching us big folks something about the Word of God which can light our paths moving forward, and illumine the dark places along the way.

Take it in however you can—you will not be disappointed.

Pastor Rick
Intentional Interim Minister