January 23, 2025
Dear Radiant,
This was one of my sweet (now high school) daughter’s early masterpieces.
Definitely fridge worthy — just look at the expert use of color, contour, and the obvious influence of continental impressionism.
But also, because it is hers. It is my Evelyn’s beautiful work.
What a joy and delight that I have a daughter. And that she creates!
My friend Jack Hawkins, wrote a book titled, Your Picture is on His Refrigerator. Jack reminds us that God has a heart like the proudest parent. God delights in us. God enjoys us. We are on God’s mind.
What a tender reminder.
I wonder, does this resemble your image of God? This is important.
A.W. Tozer boldly claims that “The most important thing about you is what comes to your mind when you think about God.”
Tozer argues our image of God shapes our lives in profound ways (that we may or may not be aware of).
I’ve been wondering about this concept when it comes to prayer. If our gut belief of God is that He is aloof and uninterested (sadly, like some earthly fathers), prayer will be nearly psychologically impossible, if not pure drudgery.
But if we believe God delights in our prayers, hears them (perhaps puts them on his fridge) and responds with love and wisdom then prayer will be a sweet invitation.
This Sunday, we are continuing to pursue the rivers of living water Jesus says will flow from within us as we believe in him. Here’s the task for us: thinking “rightly” about God and God’s character. We want to tear down the unnecessary cognitive dams to his presence in our lives.
Friends, this really is joyful work.
See you this Sunday!
RADIANT EVENTS CALENDAR
Ongoing: Home Church!
1/25 – Membership Class and Pizza following worship
1/25 – Radiant Youth 5:47PM at ELC
1/28 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
2/8 – Super Second Sunday – Football game following worship.
2/12 – Financial Peace University Course begins
2/19 – Hope After Divorce Bible Study for women begins
THIS SUNDAY LUNCH & MEMBERSHIP CLASS
We are going to gather following worship this Sunday, 1/25 for our first ever church membership class. We’ll grab some pizzas and you bring some questions and curiosity. Excited for this — we’ll gather at MJC for this one. Btw – here are some resources on membership on our linktree — take a look.
CHRISTIAN STATEMENT ON REFUGEES
Friends, this continue to be fraught times for many in our nation, particular for immigrants and refugees. Often it is difficult to know how exactly to respond or engage in love particularly because of the highly partisan and politicized nature of the current discourse.
As a church, we have partnered extensively with World Relief and their work with refugees locally. I deeply value their biblical posture in this current climate and their thoughtful advocacy. I was drawn to sign this statement of support towards refugees and encourage those interested to read this statement, reflect and respond as God leads you.
HOME CHURCH RESTART 
Our Home Churches are kicking back up this up. If you are interested in joining a Home Church feel free to reach out to one of the leads listed above.
RADCOV KIDS SCHEDULE
There are some opportunities to serve in children’s ministry in 2026. Please contact Crystal Nicholson if God is leading you to explore serving in this area: (408) 802-7061
COMMUNITY NOTES:
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY IS COMING TO RADIANT….
Financial Peace University is a nine-week class that’s helped nearly 10 million people learn step by step how to pay off debt, invest wisely for their future, give with outrageous generosity. This nine week course will begin on Thursday, Feb. 12th and meet from 6:30-8:30pm at ELC. Sign up here. Questions? Contact Rob Shank (209) 610-5459.
HOPE AFTER DIVORCE BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN
If you have been through a divorce, going through divorce, or are simply wondering how God views divorce you are welcome to join this group. We will be using Kay Arthur’s Bible Study guide: “Finding Hope After Divorce.” This group is for women only and will go for seven weeks. If interested or have questions contact Kristy Asire, [email protected], (209)261-4229. Dinner will be provided!
SAMANTHA AND SERGIO BABY SHOWER
This is co-ed on February 28th @ ELC 2-4PM
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and opportunities.
PRAYER
Join us for preservice every Sunday at 9am at MJC near the children’s ministry rooms.
GIVING
Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Radiant’s ministry!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Here’s the link to online giving.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
[email protected]
209-497-3710
www.radcov.org
