Sunday, March 19, 2006

Today was a good day, but perhaps a little different a day than we have experienced in a while. To begin, we had two deaths in our extended church family that was fresh on people's minds, and I think that led to a sort of lethargic feeling at times. But what I had to preach on from Ephesians 2:1-3 was a difficult subject - before we knew Christ, we were dead in our trespasses and sins, hopeless and helpless, BUT GOD stepped in - it was sweet to praise the Lord after preaching that message, singing Amazing Grace.

Our attendance today was 120, a little down from last week, and we had many people away. It happens, right? But if you missed, know that you were missed!

A couple of notes about today:

• Bill did another great job with the music - for the first time ever, I did not step in and do anything during the music - I just preached. I love that.
• Corey did a great job on the drums.
• I love what God is doing in our midst as we struggle at times. He shows Himself faithful, and I thank God for those who lend support and strength to others in crisis and need.

Each and every week, I come with anticipation to see what God is going to do next - it is so exciting to me to see the Lord work. In just a short time, The Journey has gone from small and insignificant to a growing force of believers who, while not perfect, truly seek God with their lives and in their hearts.

One further word: there is so much going on in our church body, so much to pray about, so many lives that the Lord is pruning and purifying. Satan would desire to snuff this church out through gossip, malicious talk, rumors, envy, and any other method. Let us refuse to be people who deal in these things - they have no place in this Place, God's PLACE. If you find yourself doing one of these things, things you know you should not, stop, ask God's forgiveness, and refuse to do it again.

God is good.