Sunday, May 13, 2007 - Mother's Day

Well, today was Mother's Day, and it was a good day here at The Journey. We had many moms with us, and we handed out flowers to our deacon's wives, Amber, Brenda, and Diane; our deacon, Kathy; our associate pastor's wife, Elizabeth; and our nursery director, Kim Becker.

It was also a good day, as I was able to lead one lady into a relationship with God for the first time - it was good. You see, the message Rod and I spoke on today was from the In the Zone called series "Walking the Check" which is based on walking out of a restaurant without paying for a meal and how we need to bring the tithe to church. It was also a tough message (see last week) in that we really wanted to lead people in this idea of understanding what God asks of us, and when it comes to finances, it is always difficult.

But there was one woman in particular who was struggling, and she was ready to leave church because she couldn't see how she could bring the tithe and yet at the same time, she didn't want to block the blessings of God. What I realized, after speaking with her, that it was something that was putting her in bondage, not freeing her. And then I realized that she wasn't free in Christ yet - the view of God was still one of rules and regulations, so a message on giving only acted like another handcuff on her spiritually.

After we talked, I talked to her about freedom that comes from knowing Christ, and I was able to lead her in inviting Jesus Christ into her life - it was good. I would ask that you pray for her, as she begins her new life of faith in Jesus Christ.

It was a good day - a little lower in attendance specifically in the 2nd service as we had many people missing. But it was still a good day as we had 148...

God, thank You for Your truth. May You be the One that leads and guides this church, and may I be faithful in leading people into deeper walks - living "in the zone"...