Sunday, June 5, 2005

Today I spoke on The Joy of Appetite - Hungering and Thirsting for God from Matthew 5:6. I opened up the sermon with an obnoxious video ("I'm fasting!") and then, although my sermon was simple, I felt the point was profound - we all are hungry and thirsty - but the satisfaction of that hunger can only be filled in God. Later on in the day, I was able to use this fact to talk with a woman who stopped by for help. She said that she felt really good when she watched some preachers on TV, and I told her it was because her soul was being fed. I then of course invited her to church.

Church was good - I was pleased with it overall. We had some visitors, including Lori Johnson who is a former Methodist pastor. It was great to talk with her, and see her passion for the Lord. I pray that we are able to minister to her further. Also, we had a couple of special friends with us from out of town - Amanda Hahn and Stephanie. But it was so good to catch up with them, and to see how the Lord is working in their lives.

The music was very good this morning again, as Andy Becker :) did a great job again on the bass. I am very proud of how He is growing not just instrumentally, but also in the Lord. I pray that Andy continues to gain a better understanding of how much God desires to use him, especially as he is someone that kids and teens flock to. Andy and his wife, Kim are going to do some great things through the Lord - God has revealed that to me.

After the first service (I forgot in the 2nd service), I spoke with several people about becoming part of The Journey and committing to our community. I pray that they will take that step and allow God to use them here.

Also speaking of Andy, his wife threw a surprise graduation party for him at the church for graduating from college (4 years), and he is now a journeyman...how fitting :)

We had 103 in attendance today, and I can't wait until we are in the 120's and 130's. An issue of prayer - please pray as I strategically plan for our church's growth while at the same time planning for a deeper intimacy among our people. I am going to be recruiting and training small group leaders soon so that our church can take on a whole different paradigm and minister more effectively. I can really use your prayers in this, specifically for wisdom and for God's timing.

God is good - we looked up last year's attendance at this time - it was 37...thank You, Lord, for your kindness and love toward us.