Last week Doug introduced a new series that we are calling “Gifts”. In the next few weeks we’re going to discuss spiritual gifts; and ask questions like what are they? How do they impact us now? Are they all for the church today? It should be a great time of discovery and renewal.
Although the weather was “frightful” (at least to us southerners) and traveling was a little bit treacherous because of the icy roads, we still had many who braved the cold, the ice, and the predictions of snow and sleet, and came out. It was a good crowd. And there was an unusual, calm spirit in the room. Testimonies of the recent holidays were told, prayer requests were shared, and we spent an unrushed, holy time in prayer, praying for many among us who are hurting, sick, and lonely.
We listened to a short, but profound message by John Piper on the value of memorizing scripture. To see and hear it again, go to YouTube and search “John Piper—Why Memorize Scripture?” Or just go to the Northshore blog and you’ll find it there.
We talked a little bit about the snow, and how much the scripture says about “snow”. Here are a few:
…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; –Isaiah 1:18
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. –Isaiah 55:10
His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. –Matthew 28:3
Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.– Proverbs 26:1
Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.They revive the spirit of their employer.– Proverbs 25:13
He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. –Job 37:6
To cap off the morning, Doug read from Psalm 51, which included this: Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. –Psalm 51:7