A little over two years ago a season of testing for us at Community Baptist began. The details are not that important now. What is significant is what I have learned and what God is doing in our midst and where God is leading us in a new year.
First, the testing has deepened our fellowship and communion with one another. We have learned to depend on one another. We have learned to listen to one another. We have learned to truly care for one another. The hurt was deep, but the salve of fellowship has been all the sweeter.
Second, we have learned to pray. God is still teaching us to pray- not just for the physical needs, but for Kingdom needs. Our prayer ministry is being transformed into an active and significant ministry that is impacting people all over the world.
Third, we have intentionally started to place our selves in Kingdom ministry. Many of our folks are involved in ministries that take them out of their comfort zones and into places that churches have ignored or been too frightened to go!
Fourth, God has shown us that He will provide. Though we could always use more money, we have been blessed to enjoy a sufficient supply. Our mission offerings this year- Easter- for North American Mission Board; Fall- for the Northwest Baptist Convention; - Christmas for the International Mission Board together have totaled $2073.00.
So, why do I believe that 2009 will be a breakout year? I was reminded last night in some reading of God's ways. When Joseph ended up in Egypt God blessed him. Then Potiphar's wife sought to seduce him and failed, lied about what happened and Joseph ended up in prison. During that time he was faithful to all God gave him to do. During those years he knew God's blessing, but he also knew God had better things for him.
Finally, God set him free from prison to a place of power and abundance. He still had struggles, he still had difficulty, but what his brothers meant for evil and what Potiphar's wife meant for his destruction was all for the purpose of glorifying God.
May we learn to see that all that has occurred- though painful and frustrating at the time- is that God may receive the glory. I believe that 2009 can be a break out year because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He was able to do through one man who was totally yielded to Him in Joseph's life, He can do with a community of beleivers here in Winston!
Join me in seeking God's direction for a breakout year in 2009!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Rush
Wow. Monday of Christmas week already. What seemed so far off in July and August seems to have caught me by surprise-again. Need to do some shopping for Cindy- why is it so hard to buy gifts for my wife? Need to catch up with some homebound folks. Why do they seem to escape my attention till Christmas? Lot's of need to's this week.
In the midst of the 'need to's' there is a hunger to slow down and savor the moments. Because of weather issues last week our daughter has been home with us for almost a week- longer than we had expected or hoped. I want to spend more time at home and less time doing. Josh is still overseas- so, very likely won't get to speak to him on Christmas day. His wife will be at my house for a while, though- and we are looking forward to that.
Thinking about January's sermons already (actually, wish I had been preparing for those some time ago...). As of now I am planning to begin a series on Exodus- it seems to me that our church is on a journey- from what we were to what God has called us to be. There are some interesting parallels along the way. We'll see what God has in store for us.
I'm sending out a letter to the men in our congregation inviting them to join me in a prayer exercise in January (you can find information at www.bmen.net). I'm anxious to see how men praying for the same things can impact our community.
I'm hoping to incorporate more visuals in our worship- not just video, but banners and specific objects to help solidify the truth of God's Word.
I'm also hoping to be more disciplined at posting- at least once every week. Well, Monday Pastor's Bible Class is set to begin. Since I'm the pastor I imagine they won't start without me, but I do enjoy this class very much, so I'm off!
In the midst of the 'need to's' there is a hunger to slow down and savor the moments. Because of weather issues last week our daughter has been home with us for almost a week- longer than we had expected or hoped. I want to spend more time at home and less time doing. Josh is still overseas- so, very likely won't get to speak to him on Christmas day. His wife will be at my house for a while, though- and we are looking forward to that.
Thinking about January's sermons already (actually, wish I had been preparing for those some time ago...). As of now I am planning to begin a series on Exodus- it seems to me that our church is on a journey- from what we were to what God has called us to be. There are some interesting parallels along the way. We'll see what God has in store for us.
I'm sending out a letter to the men in our congregation inviting them to join me in a prayer exercise in January (you can find information at www.bmen.net). I'm anxious to see how men praying for the same things can impact our community.
I'm hoping to incorporate more visuals in our worship- not just video, but banners and specific objects to help solidify the truth of God's Word.
I'm also hoping to be more disciplined at posting- at least once every week. Well, Monday Pastor's Bible Class is set to begin. Since I'm the pastor I imagine they won't start without me, but I do enjoy this class very much, so I'm off!
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