A few months ago our shepherds, along with their wives, and our deacons, along with their wives got together to discuss how we can better serve the needs of our church family. We had a great time of fellowship, prayer and conversation. As we discussed what seemed to be the most relevant issues to address, the one that continually came to the top of the list was our concern over folks who are no longer here. The reason why this weighed so heavy on our hearts is because we’ve been listening to the concerns of each and every one of you. Typically when the preacher comes to visit, he comes to offer prayer on behalf of the family in time of crisis or to give encouragement to draw closer to God. When some people see the preacher standing at their front door, they incur guilt feelings for not being more committed. You all know me well enough to know I don’t wish to guilt anyone to serve the Lord, but I do become concerned when I witness less commitment on the part of folks who’ve been taught to know differently. And, so…here’s my plea. If you truly are concerned about certain folks no longer attending our services, I pray you pick up the phone and give them a call. Let them know things aren’t the same when they’re not here. I know its summer and I know folks travel more this time of year, but everyone needs to know they’re loved and missed when not here. If you’d rather send a card, do so. Listen to the words of Paul in Romans 15: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with ONE mind and ONE voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The only way we can be unified in mind and voice is to spend time together. Encourage each other, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching of our Lord’s return! 

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin

“Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.” Jeremiah 18:3­4 Face it…we all have days that we believe we can anticipate everyone’s next move; when we fearlessly face whatever comes next. Then there are days when nothing seems to go right, when the day seems completely disjointed and irregular. Where’s God when life seems so disconnected? The Prophet Jeremiah reveals a truth for us we often overlook. As I read through this passage in Jeremiah, I noted that the vessel the potter “made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter”. In His hand–not mine. He was forming and shaping. He was designing and working into me the design as He saw fit, the depth and width of His choosing. As He worked, the vessel was marred. So He started from scratch! He started over again and made “another vessel”. This concept is very difficult for us to understand. Just like a computer, sometimes God ‘reboots’ our lives. We need to be reminded that God’s transforming grace does not end at the moment we take Jesus on in baptism. God is constantly molding (us) His vessel for His plan and purpose. As HIS vessel, it really doesn’t matter whether we’re used to hold water, display flowers or even sit empty gathering dust on the shelf. God is using us. We may not know how; we may wonder if we have been forgotten because the spot in which He has placed us seems a wasted space, without activity. Remind yourself that these kind of thoughts focus on ourselves rather than our Lord. Whenever you feel disjointed or disconnected remind yourself that God’s plan and purpose for your life doesn’t need your understanding in order to find fulfillment! All He needs is our willingness to accept HIS direction for our lives. 

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you! Kevin