Christmas Time - Blessings

I have not been real diligent in keeping up with my blog, but here is a new one. Last night Glenda and I took our boys to visit some of our people who could not get to church due to illness or being more of a shut-in. We took gifts from people in our church, and we also took communion to them as well. We went hoping we would bless them, but in all honesty they blessed me. As we sat in various living rooms we were able to see incredible joy on their faces. Their smiles were truly incredible. As we would visit, and pray they showed a true appreciation for the visit. To me that is what this season is about. We should be thankful for what Christ did for us, but we should also be thinking of others and truly being "Jesus with skin on." We all have different people in our spheres of influence that would love a visit, a kind word, or a prayer. I would love to challenge everyone, in the midst of the business of this season, to pay attention to those around you and show the love of Christ.

My prayer for all of you is that you experience the love of Christ today, and show that love to others. Blessings Pastor Jeff

Times of Waiting

This year, for the most part, has been a time of transition. It has seen some of the things that the Lord had spoken to my spirit come to pass. A couple of years ago He spoke to me that my time was coming to pastor. This has been a time of training and developing a more sensitive ear to the voice of the Lord.

As I have thought about this I have been reminded of Joshua. Joshua was placed by God to serve under an incredible leader to develop him, for God's perfect time. I am sure there had to have been times that Joshua wondered if it was going to happen. I could imagine he wondered why it wasn't in his timing! I can identify with that. I knew God had spoken to me, and wanted it on my time table, but it wasn't God's timetable.

I wonder how many of us find ourselves in the same place? How many of us feel like we have a word from God, and His timing is not our timing. I am a firm believer that I wasn't ready when I thought I was, and God certainly knew that. I also know, that without His help, I am not ready now either. However, I know I can do all things through Christ, and it is God who called me, and set me apart for this time. My challenge to you, is to simply trust God through your times of waiting. Know that He knows the perfect time, place and people He wants to put in your path. Simply trust Him, and He will direct your path!

Glenda and I love you very much, and we look forward to being able to serve you for years to come!

Watchmen on the Wall

Last night in Bible study we talked about the idea of Habakkuk going to his place on the wall to look for the Lord to answer him. We talked about the fact that it was after that command that the vision was promised.

The fact is we at our church, and at countless other churches, we have words of prophesy spoken of us. The reality is that the vision, the Word that has been spoken, is not slow in coming like it seems to us in our minds. The fact is if we want to see God's perfect will for our lives, and for our churches it cannot be a passive event.

We must be like Habakkuk and the other Old Testament prophets. We must take our place as watchmen on the wall. We must be willing to do our part as Christians and intercede for our churches and communities. We cannot sit idly by and assume someone else will do it. It has to be a personal drive.

Join with me as the watchmen on the wall!

Blessings!!