In 1 Thess. 2:1 Paul says, “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.” But let’s remember what happened when Paul was in Thessalonica. The Jewish leaders formed a mob, started a riot, dragged Paul’s host, Jason, down before city officials and, as result, Paul and Silas snuck out of town under the cover of night.

This week’s lesson: the parable of the sower

Jesus explained the kingdom of heaven in many ways so that we can understand. The parable of the sower talks about different ways people hear and accept the Gospel.

Talk about throwing a seed out the window while driving. Where would it land? Talk about doing this in different places, like near a farm with good soil, or on the sidewalk, etc.

Did you know that Eagles are called High Flyers? What does that mean exactly? Because Eagles fly 10,000-15,000 feet in the air they fly above the storms. Being patient and waiting are characteristics of High Flyers. Eagles see challenges and storms coming and make less noise waiting for the opportunities to glide with the current of the storm. I like The New Century version of James 1:2-3. It says, “My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.” Let’s look closer at the word “Patience”.

Martha was always in a hurry. She was excited and wanted everything to go perfectly for Jesus’ visit to her house.

Have you ever been in a hurry? Rushed out the door to get to church on time? Sometimes we are like Martha — we get in such a hurry we forget to focus on the excitement of our destination. Being in a hurry and getting flustered can overtake the feeling of excitement we should have when setting out for our destination.

In Matthew 7:12 Jesus says…
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)

A person’s sense of self-worth is often based on the reactions, positive or negative, of those around them. Your words and attitudes can literally either build up or tear down the people around you. That fact is the background of why Jesus feels so strongly about what we now call, “The Golden Rule.”

Jesus traveled a lot with his disciples. This one time when Jesus was traveling, he got thirsty like we ALL do, especially on road trips. While he stopped to get water, he preached to a young Samaritan woman.

Jesus traveled with his disciples. They traveled in a large group like a caravan. They would go to a town together and preach to that town.

Temptation is something we ALL deal with. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he recited the verses to the devil to overcome what was being presented to him. When Satan was finished tempting Jesus, Jesus was attended to by angels.

Baptism. It’s a crazy thing to think about as a kid. Getting dunked under water as a sign of your belief in Jesus. Take a moment and think about the symbolism of it: being put under water and then raised again, cleaner than before; Jesus’ death and resurrection.

I am so glad we are learning to SOAR together! The 8th quality of an eagle we need to know and want to emulate is that eagles are faithful for life. The definition of faithful is to be loyal, constant and steadfast. In other words, giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance that never falters to a person.

God’s majestic power is seen in nature all around us. One great example is the eagle soaring above the earth. It's amazing how vast its wing span is and how fast eagles soar. They are always aware of their surroundings, watching for their enemies to keep their young safe and providing food to feed their family. Women also soar through life, rushing, watching, waiting and hoping. We can grow weary from rushing and stumble if we are not careful. Just as the eagle has to stop and come down to rest, we also need to rest.

This month I am teaching a class on the Beatitudes in “Prime Time.” I was reminded of an article by Derek Rishmawy that appeared in Christianity Today in which he stated that he felt that “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” is the most misunderstood and undervalued of all the beatitudes.

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple, just as it was commanded in the Law, to present him to the Lord. They traveled far to go the temple to learn from the teachers there. Could you imagine traveling by foot to go to church? Imagine if you as family had to travel far to worship. What would you bring? Would you be excited to go?

The wise men were from a land far away! When they noticed the star, they immediately got together and traveled towards it! We’ve been talking a lot about travel these past couple of weeks. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and now three guys from the East! Crazy! But they all traveled for Jesus!

So Gabriel has frightened Mary, Joseph, and now the Shepherds! Nobody was expecting Jesus. They were living their lives as if they had forgotten. When the angel appeared, they all got scared. But then they realized how cool it was! Discuss a time when you weren't expecting something but were pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps one of the most singularly unique perspectives on Jesus’ birth would be that of the shepherds themselves. And from it, we can learn a lot about our potential in God’s eyes. Pastor Marc explains why, in this special Christmas ep from the archives. (We’ll return next year with new eps!)

Traveling can sometimes be hard, loud, crazy, fun, exciting, and sometimes an everyday thing. Imagine what it would be like to travel from one city to the next on a donkey. Talk about how long that might take and how the anticipation might fade or get stronger.

Dear Family of Quail,

We have seen the goodness of the Lord over the course of 2019. His goodness has been evident in the many mission trips and "GO" Projects that we have been able to mobilize. We have seen it in our ongoing disciple-making ministry, the wonderful praise that is fostered by the choir and the Worship Arts team, by our children being nurtured in the ways of the Lord and scores of salvation decisions and baptisms.

Mary was told about her pregnancy. She was engaged to Joseph but not yet married. She was afraid when the angel told her that she was carrying God’s child. What a surprise! What a scary, positive, awesome surprise!

Isaiah was a prophet, one who spoke and led the people of Israel. He foretold the coming of the Messiah. 400 years before Jesus was born Isaiah told the Israelites of his birth. That gave them something to anticipate. But the timing also gave them some time to forget.

As we start the Advent Season, let’s hear the words of the Gospel:
In Luke 2:7, we read…
“…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

The HIS-story of David is one we might be familiar with. God chose David to be king after Saul. David showed his trust in the almighty God by facing a giant! David gave God the glory after defeating the giant. Discuss in the car how we can rely on God in “giant” circumstances. Try to pick out some scenarios dealing with your destination (school, home, church, sports, etc.).

Samson is a HIS-story of strength! Talk about the different types of strength there is, e.g. muscles, will power, knowledge, etc. While driving, try to find things that are strong and things that are not.

Discuss freedom. What does it mean? We are free to do a lot in our country. The Israelites were NOT free. They could not travel and they could not have any job they wanted. Talk about what your kids want to be when they grow up.

In Jeremiah 18, the prophet is sent to watch a potter working a piece of clay on his wheel. It says…

“But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” Jer. 18:4

Being born is a time of joy! Discuss the time when your child(ren) was (were) born. Tell them details and explain your feelings. During the time that Moses was born Pharaoh wanted all baby boys dead. His mother, on the other hand, did not want that, so she hid him in a basket and sent him upstream. Pharaoh's daughter found him and kept him!

Eagles are said to be the most powerful and feared birds in the sky. They are considered extremely bold, courageous and powerful creatures. Fearless fliers. They are known to attack, rip the heads off and eat the most poisonous of snakes on land and in water. In fierce storms they fly in the opposite direction of the wind at their fullest strength. When most other birds would seek shelter or retreat eagles take to the storm head on. Eagles have no fear! What about you? Are you finding yourself facing a storm? Do you need to attack the poisonous snakes slithering their way through your mind, heart and spirit? I ask again, what about you?

Discuss forgiveness while driving. Did somebody cut you off? Somebody run a red light, forcing you to slam on your breaks? Somebody speed by, making you feel uncomfortable? Talk about how to forgive them, to look at it from a different angle. What if they didn’t see you, they are hurrying to the hospital, etc.?

Discuss day dreaming. What are some things you can imagine happening outside of the window? Ask what was imagined. This is what it must have felt like when Joseph was telling his dreams to his brothers - a bit unbelievable.

Sacrifice-it’s something we all struggle with. Discuss with the family some simple sacrifices. Like giving somebody the opportunity to go in front of you in traffic or waving somebody through the stop sign.

Explain a covenant. Making a promise to do something as long as the other person keeps their promise too. An agreement or contract. Driving is just like that. When we drive on the road we have an agreement with the other drivers to not bump into their cars.

Over the past few months we have begun looking at how being a Christian has many parallels to a powerful, graceful eagle. We have explored how they are master fliers, master fishermen and how they fly alone. Today, I am going to explore how they live on higher ground. They live high in trees where they can spot their prey in the lakes and rivers. They build their giant family nest up in the high branches of the tree nearest to heaven. They look down and around from their perch.

Look at the different cars on the road - big ones, small ones. Discuss how many people could fit comfortably in your car. Talk about how many could SQUEEZE into your car. Discuss how God gave Noah exact measurements for the ark so that Noah and his family, along with two of every animal, would be able to fit, just like your car is built for an exact amount of people.

Discuss reactions when you’re in a hurry and have to stop at a red light or when somebody cuts you off. We usually get frustrated, and sometimes we react in ways we shouldn’t. Talk to your child(ren) about how to react in a proper manner. Talk about how other drivers or passengers might feel that day. Maybe they look nervous, in a hurry, or happy- as they sing along with a song on the radio.

Self control: It seems like the Holy Grail sometimes, doesn't it? Almost impossible to find in those moments where our base nature tries to assert itself. Well... if you need some fresh insight into juicing up your self control chops (and who doesn't!), check out what Pastor Marc has to say.

Discuss driving and making mistakes. Talk with the family about driving rules and that they are in place to protect us and everyone else. Pick out a rule like stopping at a red light and how the traffic lights are designed to allow everybody a chance to go through the intersection. Discuss what might happen if you broke the rule.

I have heard it said that, “Discouragement is both unique to and universal among human beings.” I suppose that it is true that eventually everyone will feel discouraged at some point. One well-known pastor has said, “Do you know how often I have wanted to quit the ministry? Every Monday morning!” I am glad that I do not experience that level of discouragement, but still it is there from time to time. So, here are some tips that I have learned regarding dealing with discouragement, both in terms of its causes and its cures:

Have the family look at people that are passing by in cars, walking on the sidewalk or neighbors in your neighborhood. Ask them if they think God made those people too. Discuss with them that God made each and every one of us! And He loves us all!

The eagles are known as majestic birds. They can fly at high altitude and can dive at a high rate of speed. But have you seen a flock of eagles flying together? Chances are you will not. Eagles fly alone. Eagles do not flock or engage socially other than when they are courting. Eagles choose to fly solo. They avoid being crammed with smaller birds that draw unwanted attention and disturb their flight patterns. A loner flyer maybe, yet Eagles stay with their same mate their entire lives. One committed life-long partner.

Challenge Verse: Exodus 20:11

In the car...

Today's lesson - Genesis 1-2:2

Have the family look out their windows and pick out a couple of things they see. After they choose something ask if it’s something God created? Talk with them about the difference between what is manmade and God-made.

I’m excited to announce a new online giving tool called RebelGive. It’s a great new way to support the ministries of Quail right on our website. Your tax deductible gifts help support 39 different missionaries and agencies locally and worldwide; outreach efforts to our community; children and adult discipleship; and many other ministries here at Quail. The RebelGive logo appears on every page of our website. Giving is safe, easy to use and will not send you to another website. Just tap on the logo and answer the questions. It all happens in dialog boxes on QLBC.org. It’s that easy.

As we have been meditating on what it means to soar like an eagle, we have been learning about the traits of eagles and how they can be metaphors for our Christian walk. Last month, Robin wrote about how eagles are master fliers. This month, I am writing about how eagles are master fishermen. Eagles lock in on their prey and swoop down to catch their fish (www.bible-knowledge.com).

Décor and technological change is a fact of life both for our homes and churches. Sylvia and I recently had to finally do away with the 18 year old wall paper border in the upstairs hallway, and we are coming to grips with the fact that the sponge painted bathroom is past its ascetic prime. So too our tube TV has gone “the way of all flesh” and been replaced by a larger wall mounted flat screen (4K)!

Let’s be honest. By the time Sunday morning rolls around, we often feel like just sleeping in, or [fill in the blank with anything other than 'going to church']. But, as Pastor Marc reminds us, the Bible teaches us that we are to be in regular fellowship with fellow believers, and Sunday morning is a big part of that!

Did you know that eagles are master fliers? If you are like me, you are probably wondering, “What is a master flier?” Eagles can fly up to an altitude of 15,000 feet at 65 mph! At that altitude, they are neither flapping their wings nor struggling to maintain that pace. They are simply “gliding through the air effortlessly, rising higher and higher without ever flapping their wings.” What a beautiful picture to behold! Isaiah 40.29-31 says:

When it comes to choices, sometimes knowing what you'll do before you have to make that choice... whatever it is... can make all the difference in the world. Pastor Marc talks about how to be ready when decision time is staring you in the face.

The Women’s Commission theme for this coming year is “SOAR.” We were so excited about the implications it had not only to our ministry, but the effect it had on us personally, that we wanted to extend the concept to the Women of Quail. Isaiah 40:31 says,

Have you noticed that the busier you get and the faster you are moving, the less you seem to remember to show kindness to others? In Galatians 5, Paul points out that kindness is part of the Fruit of the Spirit, it is not a product of the flesh.

In other words, kindness is not going to happen automatically. We have to look to the Lord and practice this habit that He wants us to develop.

Walking by faith takes genuine trust. Pastor Marc offers some solid insight on this, through a very practical example. Watch, and grow your trust in the Lord!

The time has come to upgrade our imaging and projection system in our Sanctuary. As you probably realize, every decade or so significant changes come to the way images and words are projected in churches. I remember back when we used an overhead projector and someone was tasked to switch the overheads from song to song. Then we progressed to slides, then to Power Point etc.