Weekly Announcements

The Week of August 4th at a Glance

Wed. Aug. 14 - Prayer, 6-6:30 am (Sanctuary)
Pastor’s Bible Study, 12-1:00 & 7-8:00 (Rm 7)
Praise Band, 5:30 (FLC)

Sat. Aug. 17 – Hope & Happiness, 4:00 (FLC)

Pastor’s Corner

Pastor Tom’s Corner - July 2024

Last month we focused on several reasons we all listen to God and hear different things. This month I want to talk about the things that get in our way when we try to listen. I think one of our greatest barriers to listening to God is fear.
We are afraid we are not “worthy” of doing God’s work. We are all sinners and hence we are all unworthy. But I have good news, we do not need to be worthy, we just need to loved. I have evidence that we are ALL loved by God. I am convinced that if God were to cease loving us, we would cease to exist. God is selflessly committed (Jesus left His God powers in heaven) to our best interest (salvation) despite the cost (the cross and resurrection. We are loved and our sins are forgiven; therefore, we do not need to be afraid of God.
We are often afraid we can’t do what God might call us to do. But as I mentioned in the sermon on July 7th, God does not need our ability, God just wants our availability. God does not set His children up for failure. God will empower us to do anything that God give us to do.
We are often afraid of what God might call us to do. Now if God didn’t love me, I might have to agree with this. But because God is committed to my best interest, that means God will give me things to do that are in my best interest. Of course, that might mean change in our lives. I know seminary classmates who are missionaries in Vietnam and India, places that have never had a large Christian presence. (And in India they can face persecution!) But God has called and equipped these folks to serve there. They practice the presence of God even in hostile areas.
I think sometimes we are also hesitant to listen and step out in faith because we are afraid that we will get it wrong and mess our lives up. That is the wonder of grace and forgiveness. Like a GPS, if we get off track, we are forgiven and then God recalculates us back on track. No muss, no fuss, just walk with God.
We need not be afraid, we are loved. Now, let us listen to God, do what we hear, see what happens, and go tell others what we see. Invite folks to come walk with God with us, invite folks to “Come and see”.

Blessings,
Pastor Tom

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