Heart Smart

JOSH BOOTSMA

What are the most valuable things you own? Think of something that is of great value only to you. It’s likely that these things have value because of their history, like a family Bible passed down through the generations, or a ring or bracelet once worn by an ancestor.

For me, I have a rock that was given to me by my grandparents before they passed. It’s like many other rocks you could find on a road trip across the U.S. It holds great significance to me only because my grandparents gave it to me, and under very special circumstances.

As Jesus approaches his death, the Gospel of John recounts what’s commonly called Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer,” in which he prays for his disciples, and for all believers — even the future ones. In other words, if you’re a believer, Jesus prayed to the Father for you, just a short time before he would die on the cross for you.

In John 17, we get a glimpse of how Jesus thinks about us.

Jesus says in His prayer, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.”

Those you have given me.

I know the power of that statement in a small way because of the rock my grandparents gave me. You know the power of that statement too, because of gifts you’ve received in your life.

COVENANT UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1130 East 154th St., South Holland 708-333-5955 www.covucc.org

PASTOR REV. DR. PATRICK L. DAYMOND WORSHIP SERVICES

Bible

FIRST CHURCH (PCA) 3134 Ridge Rd, Lansing 708-474-9610 www.firstchurchpca.org

ASSISTANT PASTOR DANIEL MILLER

FIRST ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH OF SOUTH HOLLAND

16248 South Park Ave., South Holland 708-333-8211 www.firstchurchsh.org

PASTOR REV. DANIEL SVENDSEN WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday 9:30

&

RECONCILIATION CHURCH

833 East 168th St., South Holland 708-331-7755 www.reconciliationchurch.org

PASTOR GLEN MCCARTHY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH

651 East 166th St., South Holland 708-331-4100 redeemer-lutheran@sbcglobal.net

WORSHIP SERVICES

ESPIRITU DE DIOS

16400 S. State St., South Holland 708-439-1220 sogfchurch.com

PASTORES Jose & Paula Lopez

SERVICIOS:

Grupo de Oracion de Hombres Jueves ........................................... 7:30 p.m. Sabado Alabanza y Predicacion.....6:00 p.m.

UNITY OF NORTHWEST INDIANA

Plum Creek Center

2138 Moeller Street Dyer, IN 46311 (219) 931-5284 www.unitynwi.org ALL WELCOME

MINISTER: REV. GERALDINE COLVIN SUNDAY SERVICE.......................10:00 AM

We aren’t valued by Jesus because we’re so worthy. We’re valued by Him because Jesus looks at you and me, as it were, with a twinkle in His eye, and says you are precious to me because you were given to me by my beloved Father.

Jesus proved our “preciousness” when he bore our sin and shame, and died on the cross to free us from the power of sin. This Lenten season, let the power of that reality wash over you.

Josh Bootsma Member, Covenant Fellowship Church cfcsh.org