February 21
Sunday Candlelight, Reading, & Worship
[All seven candles lit before reading]
God created the universe—from galaxies to spiders. He created the breeze that calms us and the storm that excites us. All of it is to show us what He is like, to display His glory and character.
BUT people have let themselves be blinded to the truth. Some take all of God’s creation for granted and say it just got there somehow—no need for God. Others worship the things that were created and don’t see God behind it.
God created the universe—from galaxies to spiders. He created the breeze that calms us and the storm that excites us. All of it is to show us what He is like, to display His glory and character.
BUT people have let themselves be blinded to the truth. Some take all of God’s creation for granted and say it just got there somehow—no need for God. Others worship the things that were created and don’t see God behind it.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. |
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 |
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work that he had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all his work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:1–3
[Snuff out one candle. Do not light it again until Easter]
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. Romans 1:25 |
Amazing Grace John Newton, 1779 Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. When we've been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we've first begun. |
February 24
Study & Activity: Promise
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Have you ever had someone promise you something, and then not do what they promised? Sometimes, people break their promises. The God who is, not the god that people sometimes create in their own minds, but the God who reveals himself to us in Scripture–He never breaks His promises. The Bible is made up of two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God makes promises to His people. These promises are called covenants. As we learn about and celebrate the story and season of Easter, we see these promises (covenants) fulfilled. It is exciting to see God’s promises being fulfilled! In the New Testament we read about how God’s promises have been and will continue to be fulfilled. He never breaks His promises!
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction,
so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Let us find hope in the promises of Christ, this Easter Season!
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Activity:
Use this song to help your children memorize the books of the Bible. Play it daily and sing along. When you think they have the books memorized, give them a little ‘test’ by having them sing the song to you without playing the music in the background. |
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Standing on the Promises
Russell K. Carter, pub.1886
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
February 27
Feasting: Pretzels
The tradition of the pretzel dates back to the sixth century at an Italian monastery. It is told that a monk was preparing an unleavened bread for Lent and twisted the scraps of dough to resemble arms in prayer. Long ago, people would cross their arms over their chests, and touch their shoulders during prayer. He named his creation Pretiola, a word meaning “little reward” and gave it as a treat to the children who memorized and recited their prayers.
Ingredients: 1 package yeast 3⁄4 Cup warm water 1 Tablespoon sugar 2 Cups flour 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 egg Coarse salt Recipe makes 5 pretzels |
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Place yeast, sugar and warm water in a bowl. Allow yeast to do it’s thing for about 5 minutes. Get salt ready and crack an egg into a small bowl. Mix the egg and have a brush ready. Meanwhile, pour the flour and salt into a bowl. After the yeast has been activated, add it to the flour and mix. Knead until dough ball forms, folding the dough over and pressing in while kneading. Pour some olive oil over a cookie sheet and spread it around with your hands, then rub your hands together to coat them with the oil and pick up the dough. Separate the dough into five balls. Roll the balls out to form approximately 2 feet long ropes, then twist them into a pretzel shape. Place the dough onto the cookie sheet. Brush the dough with the egg and sprinkle the salt over the top. Bake approximately 15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden. Enjoy! |