Never Without Vision – Always Say Never, pt.6

Ephesians 3:14-21.

The words of Proverbs 29:18 can be rather daunting if you think long and hard about them.  “Where there is no vision, the people perish” is the way the King James translates these words.  While I love many translations I have to admit I appreciate how The Message states this verse, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves.”

A church without a vision or dream from above loses its purpose.  God’s vision for the church is essential for forward motion as we strive to drive on into the center of His will.

Uncovered Dishes – Sermon Summary

Hebrews 10:23-25.  Real Followers series part 5.

So far I have shared that real followers of Jesus Christ believe in Jesus, work at constant spiritual growth, immerse themselves in God’s word, and communicate with the Lord regularly if not frequently through prayer.

Today I focus on fellowship.  God calls the church to community.  There are great benefits in joining together for the Lord’s Kingdom work.  From today’s text, I see three things the church should do together.

Anniversary

March 1, 1999 – March 1, 2009.

How does one celebrate their 10-year anniversary of full-time ministry?  Do I try to list names of all the folks who have made this such a blessing?  Do I recall accomplishments as if I’m retiring?  Do I go back into my calling period and reflect upon all of those people God put in my path as mentors and helpers?  Do I say “Hi Mom!” and wave at the camera?

If I dare try to list the names of those God has placed in my life as special mentors and helpers, I will certainly miss some.  Some may not wish to have their names published on the Internet.  All I know is this: God’s call on my life was and remains crystal clear.  He gets all the credit and glory for everything I am and do.

Just a Thought

Today, I am preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving like most folks.  This year, a new question popped into my mind that I thought would be appropriate for everyone to consider: Am I more thankful for the blessings of God than for the God of the blessings?  Maybe instead of asking around the table what blessing each is thankful for we should ask why we are thankful for the blessing Giver. 

Think about it, and please do have a God-blessed Thanksgiving.

In Christian love, Dave

The Family – Sermon Summary

Acts 2:42-47, 10/12/8

On a recent trip back home to Ohio something very rare happened.  My Dad was having surgery and my Mother, sister, and I were all in the room with Dad before they took him to the procedure.  I have to admit, I missed the meaning of the moment at that time because I found myself slipping into “pastoral” mode.  You know; asking the family to join hands, leading a heart-felt prayer, and then leaving the room with the family for the surgical waiting lounge.

It didn’t dawn on me until later – when was the last time my family of origin was together like that and actually prayed together?  To this minute, I don’t recall the last time.  But what I found to be a very good point to remember was that we did share this moment.  The feeling of “family” is essential for all of us.

So how does this apply to the church?