New Year’s Morning: The whole church and all your family and friends are invited to start 2016 by praying on the knoll, halfway up the fire road between Moulton Meadow Park and Top of the World, where we hold our Easter Sunrise Service. There’s a stunning view of most of Laguna on one side of the knoll and Saddleback Valley on the other. The particulars – Friday, January 1; time, 8-9 am; dress warm; bring your Bible. It’s beautiful up there, one of Laguna’s grandest peaks.
New Year’s Evening: We will bookend New Year’s Day by meeting in the evening for two hours of song, prayer and worship in the sanctuary from 6-8 pm. This will be an open meeting where you are encouraged to join in.
Good-bye 2015: This is the final prayer letter/devotional for 2015. There’s been some that have hit home, gauged by the number of responses I received, and also a few that missed the mark. One way or another I am just happy to be any sort of encouragement in helping you navigate this journey we are all on. One reason I like writing this devotional is it keeps me connected with you. That’s a high value for me, staying in touch.
And then there are the prayer needs I ask you to pray over. Someone once said, “Prayer can change history.” I believe that, so making the time to pray over the needs I list weekly has been so very important.
Thanking God for all He accomplished in our lives over this past year. It wasn’t an easy year for many but God saw us through.
Prayer Needs This Week: Just a few: 1. Stronger marriages and families 2. Stronger churches 3. Stronger desire for more of God, to know Him deeper. 4. Stronger and better health for all, especially those who have been battling illness
What I’ve Learned: As one year ends and another begins, I am hoping one or two of a dozen suggestions might enhance your life. I’ve learned most of these the hard way….
- Turn off TV and computer news; it almost always puts you in a bad mood
- When you think of someone who has hurt you, bless them; you’ll feel better
- Remember this – most of the things you worry about never happen
- Look at every trial as an opportunity to grow in life; it isn’t easy, but try
- Focus on who you are, not so much what you can accomplish
- Do your very best and then move on; don’t regret for a second your effort
- Trust God, especially when nothing makes sense
- Pray more; the promises for doing so are endless
- Try admitting you are the problem; you’ll be amazed how life improves
- For everything good and everything bad, there is an expiration date
- Don’t be so touchy; 98 percent of relational breakdown is misunderstanding
- Love is a combination of commitment/perseverance; feelings are often present, sometimes not
I have my favorite. What is yours?
An Important Word: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
We are beginning the New Year worshiping and praying high above Laguna Beach
The Church by the Sea Kids presented the 2015 Christmas Pageant a week ago Sunday.
Advent celebrated this year with four special evening services
Below: The most moving moment in our Christmas Eve services; the sanctuary filled with candle light.
May God’s love fill all your hearts with joy overflowing….Pastor Jay