Daily Devotions

Today's Bible reading: Genesis 47 & 48; Psalms 10; Luke 19

Scripture:

Genesis 48:15-16a “Then he blessed Joseph and said ‘May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the god who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys.”

Genesis 48:22 “And to you, as one who is over his brothers, I give the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”

Observation:

On his death bed, Isaac blessed Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He also appealed
to Joseph to return his body to Canaan. And he gave to Joseph the land in Canaan that he
had conquered.

Application:

Isaac could only give, in spiritual blessing and in land and position that which he had himself experienced and possessed. His relationship with God gave him an authority and ability from which he could bless his grandsons. And his hard fought victories gained him substance, property that he could pass on to his son, Joseph.

Generations grow on the shoulders of their forefathers. So I have received an heritage from my fathers and now can launch my kids and grandkids based on the walk I have with the Lord and the victories I have won in my life. So this motivates me to go deeper in my walk with God so that I can pass on a stronger spiritual heritage. And to ‘take more territory’ in service for the Lord so that I can pass on a lasting inheritance of eternal value.

Hello Sonrise!

Trust you are surviving the snow and cold. It’s really just a warm day in Calgary after all!

We are pleased to announce that Eric Park will join the Sonrise staff as Youth Pastor effective March 1. Eric will be moving with his wife Lili and two children to Cloverdale from North Vancouver. They are looking for rental accommodation; please contact our office if you have any leads. We will introduce them more fully as the time gets closer to their start date.

CLASS 101 “An Introduction to Our Church Family” will happen this Sunday, January 22 from 4—8 pm. This seminar is for those who are new around Sonrise and need to check out our history, values, beliefs and strategy. It is also the gateway to membership in the Sonrise Society. Please sign up in the lobby or by return email so that we can prepare for the light supper that is part of our time together.

COUPLES NIGHT OUT tickets are available at the church for this Valentine’s event on February 6th with Phil Calloway. Check out the details on their website at www.couplesnightout.ca.

VANCOUVER MISSIONSFEST comes to Canada Place on January 25–27 with a wide variety of speakers, displays and events. Please plan some time to visit the Convention Centre and take in the church wide challenge to engage in participating with others to fulfill the Great Commission. Brochures in the lobby.

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY had a great start last Sunday and there is still time to enroll in this course if you would like to. It costs $100 for materials per family and will be held each Sunday night from 5—7pm for the next 12 weeks. Each week consists of 1 hour watching the video presentation by Dave Ramsey and then another 45 minutes in small group discussion. This course is focused on behavioral change around the practices of managing your finances. Show up this week at 5pm to join in.

Blessings,

Pastor Stan