February 2022
Don't Wander in Disobedience

“ The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey." (Joshua 5:6)

February is often considered a good month to teach on love because of Valentines Day. The Bible reminds us to love with our actions, not just with our words. It’s easier to tell someone you love them than to show your love in action. Behavior is very telling. To make matters even more difficult, the New Testament requires us to love even our enemies. But let’s start with God. The greatest command is to “love God with all of your heart and all your soul and all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) Plus, Jesus said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) It’s easy to think we love God, but do we live an obedient life before him?
 
During the bizarre Chiefs/Bills NFL game, the commentator noted that the next day, January 24, would mark 40 years since my Cincinnati Bengals lost in their first Super Bowl game. The 49ers defeated the Bengals by the score of 26–21 in 1982. Wow 40 years! I feel a bit older knowing that. Where did 40 years go? Ironically, there’s a slight chance the Bengals could play them again this year in the Super Bowl for the 3rd time. (Right, don’t count on it. Ha) But 40 years is the length of time that the Israelites wandered in the desert in their disobedience. That’s a long time. The trip could have been completed within one year of normal travel, but God wouldn’t allow them to enter the promised land with attitudes of disobedience. God allowed two of the older generations to die off as a sort of cleansing for his people. God does not tolerate disobedience even wandering around. Even Moses wasn’t allowed to enter the promised land as an example for everyone to think about. All Moses did was hit the rock in anger, showing off, instead of speaking to the rock as commanded, for water to gush out. Joshua needed to lead them into the land flowing with milk and honey.

Unfortunately, some people spend their whole lives disobeying God. Yes, “it is by grace we are saved through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8) But if we have been born again through true faith in Christ, then we desire to obey God. We devote our hearts to a lifestyle of loving actions. I cringe when I think about all the ways that I’ve missed God’s will in the last 40 years, wandering around even at times. Let’s obey God in 2022! After all, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17) We need both the obedience and the faith. Forty years is a long time to spend figuring that out.
 
In Christ’s Love
Pastor Mo
Children & Youth Ministries
This Month at
Kids Sunday School
Each Sunday Following Worship & Fellowship Time (approximately 10:00am)

Wednesday Nights at 6:30pm
February 2 & 16

Themes: Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day,
Sin, Judging Others, Being Wise
Board Games, Winter Games
Mission Project for Our Assisted Living Residents

All kids Kindergarten - 6th grade are invited!
Family Meal and Games start at 5:45 pm for those interested
Community Breakfast
Saturday, February 5
7:30-10:30am
If you can lend a hand,
contact Joyce Cavanaugh or
the church office.

Wednesdays at 6:30pm starting Feb. 9
The Chosen: Season 2
Books available for a suggested donation of $13
Contact the office if you would
like a copy
I
Homemade Donuts Drive Thru
Homemade Donuts Drive Thru
3rd Saturday of every month
Next date: Sat., February 19
starting at 7am while supplies last
Ayersville dozen for $4
Scrapbook Day
Saturday, February 26
9 am - 4 pm

Bring your current scrapbook project and come work and share with fellow scrapbookers.
Sunday, February 27, 5pm
Bring a dish and come and enjoy great food, fellowship and fun!
Noodle Crew
Join the noodle crew making homemade noodles. Next dates: Tues., March 1 & Wed. March 2
1pm
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 2, 7pm
Come worship as we begin
the season of Lent
Click here or on the picture for February's Church Events Calendar.
Continue to
Worship God
through Giving
Offering plates are in the back
at each worship service or

Send donations to:
27728 Ayersville Rd.,
Defiance, Ohio 43512

or a donation drop box is available
under the carport at the church
Give online through Tithe.ly
Lenten Offering
With grateful thanks as we reflect on the sacrifice He made for us, let us remember Christ's church with a special Lenten offering. Marked envelopes will be available at the church, beginning March 2. You may also give online through our website or mail in donations. Lenten offering donations will be received through Easter Sunday, April 17.
Missions
Shoebox Collection Week is
November 14-21, 2022
It's Time to Start Collecting!
We will once again be collecting for Operation Christmas Child this year with different gift suggestions for each month. For February watch for deals on hats, scarves and gloves! You may bring them to the church and place them in the collection box in the hallway. Let's spread the love of God to kids around the world!
February's Scripture Reading Plan
Happy Birthday!
Cameron Hall February 1
Emily Kent February 3
Leanne Dunn February 5
Kyersten Stevens February 12
Delaney Fedderke February 14
Lois Kile February 26
Brynley Edmonds February 27
Happy Anniversary!
Brian & Linda Hall February 15

God's blessing to you on your special day! If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary this month, we rejoice with you too! Please let us know so we may add it to our calendar.