Missing Church

Not quite a couple of weeks since I had surgery. I missed last week at church. It seems like it has been forever since I was last there. I don't know how people make it without going, or who rarely go. I miss the fellowship of the saints, the stirring that comes when we collectively gather, and all the things that go with church life.

I had my wife in place to preach tomorrow's service. I am thinking about preaching, if I am able to attend. She is ready, but more than willing for me to take it, if able.

God bless you. I hope each of you have a great day in the house of the Lord!

Sweet

Today's service was sweet! The presence of the Lord was strong. The praise and worship was great, and I enjoyed preaching and ministering to people. I love those times when you get in the flow of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we have had larger crowds, and greater stirrings. But I have no complaints. God is good!

I'll have surgery in the morning. It has consumed my thoughts lately. It was good to get in the presence of God today and get refreshed!

Rescued from the pit

Many of us watched, at least some portion, of the miners being rescued from the pit. They had been held as unwilling captives in the mine for over two months. What seemed at first as an impossible situation became a beautiful story of rescue.

There is another rescue operation that is going on. God cares enough to come down into your pit, pull you out, restore you, and make you whole!! And we get to be a part of the process!

How's your serving?

My wife and I just returned from a 3 day trip to the mountains. We took our grandson with us, and had a great time. While there, I was reminded of a valuable truth that applies in pretty much every area of life. It deals with serving, or being served.

On Thursday, we had lunch in a well known franchise establishment. It wasn't high end, but it is a place we enjoy eating. The food is pretty good, and priced modestly. We had no complaints regarding the food. But the service was terrible. My tea glass sat empty for about 15 minutes. The waitress brought my soup out, and my wife's soup out, but never brought out my grandson's salad, until about 30 minutes (after I finally asked for it). My wife never got a refill of her diet coke. And when I asked for a "to go" box, it never came. Guess who didn't get a tip? The poor service negated the good food.

The next day we went into another place for lunch. The food was great, and so was the service. The waiter did not wait for our glasses to get empty, he brought refills. He brought more bread. He was on top of the game, before we asked for something. Not only was the food great, but so was the service.

The two days got me to thinking about how people come to our church. They may enjoy the music and singing, the preaching. But how are we coming across in the serving department? Do we help them find the restrooms? Are we friendly? I believe it is our responsibility to serve well, both in the world, and in the church. People need Jesus. Let's make sure it is an enjoyable experience!

This Day I will Pray

It should be a regular part of our day, shouldn't it? This thing called prayer. As a Christian, we know that prayer is important. It's just that sometimes we forget. We get so busy. We get caught up in other things. And if we're not careful, we don't pray.

The old hymn says "Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bare, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." I want to carry everything to the ONE who can take my cares, my burdens, and my life in His hands, and make my life complete.

I am praying today. Praying for you, and for myself. I hope you'll pray as well!