Thought for the Week

Ann Roda PASTOR FOR FAMILIES A few years ago, I was invited to conduct a Week of Prayer (WOP) for an Adventist junior college in Royse, Norway. The college conducts two WOP events each year, in early autumn and in mid-winter. The college always invites the guest speakers in autumn for the simple reason that the winter months can be overwhelming for individuals unaccustomed to the harsh Scandinavian winter. I was unavailable in autumn but agreed to accept a date in

February, the worse of all the winter months.

I was given details on what the weather would be like and instructions on what to pack. Needless to say, upon my arrival, I was immediately introduced to a new classification for coldness. Scandinavian cold is like nothing I have ever experienced and may never want to experience again. It was brutally cold. The constant wind blustering through the fjord and descending on the college campus penetrated straight into my bones. I truly wondered if I would survive my 10-day stay.

The group of students who welcomed me excitedly accompanied me to my room. I could see that a lot of thought went into preparing the room. A portable heater was already on, and the warmth felt glorious. On the bed were two thick comforters and flannel sheets. A thick wool blanket was folded nearby, and puffy down-filled slippers were at the foot of the bed. They knew that I would be affected by jet lag, so they provided a sleep mask, water, a white noise machine, chamomile tea and even a bottle of melatonin.

They knew that when their cafeteria would be open for breakfast at 7:30 a.m., my internal clock would be set at 1:30 a.m. And when lunch was being served, my body would just be waking up. So a small refrigerator was full of food and drink so I could eat whenever I was hungry.

The bathroom was stocked with every personal item possible in case I had forgotten something. On a study table, they laid out pen and paper, a travel adapter plug, Wi-Fi connection instructions and a mobile phone to use just in case I did not have an international plan. They also had a couple of hand-knitted sweaters, scarves, hat and mittens for me to wear in case I got too cold.

I was so moved by their thoughtfulness and consideration to my every possible need. Even before I arrived they had thought of me. I did not need to ask for anything because it was already in the room.

They even provided things I did not know I would need. 

“God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, AMP). God supplies not just our need but our every need. That means everything single thing we need — big or small — and sometimes even before we realize what we need.

Are you willing to completely trust that God knows what we need and will provide it?

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Family Resources Feb. 7, 2015

12350 Hall Shop Road, Fulton, Md. 20759 • 410-541-6394 info@lookingforachurch.org • www.lookingforachurch.org

Kingdom Kids Bible Lesson Today's lesson is from Mark 1:21-28, "Jesus Demonstrates His Authority." Children will learn that Jesus has power and authority.

God’s Daily Word Each day this week, read about the peace the Jesus brings into your life.

Sunday: 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Romans 1:16 Monday: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Exodus 15:6

Tuesday: Ephesians 6:10-13

Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:7-8

Thursday: Job 12:13-15

Friday: Ephesians 3:20-21

Weekly Challenge for Adults Where could you really use God’s power in your life right now? Commit to spending time with God in prayer about this. Read Romans 8:38-39, and reflect on what God might be trying to tell you through His Word.

For the Family Matthew 28:18 tells us that Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth. As a family, discuss what authority means and how people gain and use authority. Discuss who has authority in your work, school, community, government. Make a list of how Jesus can have authority in your home and in each person’s life.

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