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Today Bob, Joel and I had a meeting to discuss some issues of ministry. We were concerned about the crowd at our 11:03 service. Is it getting too crowded and what should we do if it is? We also spent time wondering about the parking situation. Are there enough spaces and what can we do to help make parking more available? We kicked around some ideas and are exploring many paths and as the meeting came to an end there was a good feeling of what had been accomplished. We almost went our seperate ways, when it occured to us that we needed to stop and pray for the ministries of our church. In fact we were in the hallway when we stopped and had a few mintues of prayer. Strange how we can think we can do it on our own strength and wisdom. It is strange because the Bible teaches over and over again that it take God to really build a house of God. So, as I write this I am asking you the readers to pray for our church and it various leaders. Pray that God will indeed be our leader and guide and pray that His Spirit will be free to work aind move in our midst.
Today I am reflecting on the many caring people we have in this church. I have learned today of a Sunday School class that is taking meals to a family that is going through some health problems. Not only that but I got an email from two people who were concerned about me and offered to be listening ears. Today I am blessed to know so many caring people. What a joy to know that our church has some many who care. I guess one of the greatest joys of my profession is knowing how wonderful God’s people can be. However, I also know that there are those times our Church does not help those in need get in touch with those who want to help. We are working on that but we can certainly use your prayers. How tragic that there are so many who care and so many who feel like no one care. I am asking God to help me set in motion those programs and activities that touch people at there point of need. But today as I go about my daily routines I am just going to let the warmth of caring individuals touch my soul.
This week we had a staff retreat. I asked Joel to bring the devotions. He read some statistics from a book he owns. According to the author the United States is the third largest non-Christian nation in the world. We are only behind China and India. The force of that statement hit me hard. I pastor a church where most are Christian. I am starting to think that my world is very sheltered from the world that is all around me. Perhaps that is why I have not seen more enter the kingdom of God. I only associate with other Christians. I am praying about this matter. I need to be a light for God in this world. I am asking God to help me get out of my comfortable surroundings and see the real world that is out there. I say this as one who enjoys the security of the familiar and yet feel God calling me to move out there into the messy world of reality. I really do have much to learn about being a minister of Jesus Christ in the third largest non-Christian nation in the world.
I am pleased to be able to communicate through this method. Bob, our talented techno person set this up so that I could be in conversation with more people. Today I am finding myself behind. I have been gone to a workshop on church leadership. It was very good. It has started me to thinking about what and where is our mission field in O’Fallon. But being gone has caused me to be behind. While I was away I thought about how wonderful it is to see God moving in our midst. Last Sunday our services just seemed to be extra Spirit filled. The music and the people all seemed to just have that extra sparkle that can only come from God.
I am getting ready to rush to a nursing home and visit a member who was recently admitted. As I drive there I am going to let my mind reflect on all the great blessings God has sent my way. I know that I don’t always do that but today I am going to be intentional about it. Before I take off I want to remind you that there is a prayer request category on this blog site. Please use it and if you do not want it publish please email it to me. Otherwise all prayer requests will be published on this blog for others to read.
Welcome to the site and I look forward to hearing from you.
Ron
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