you know I think we have what it means to be a success in God's eyes a little confused...I think we equate it to one of those models on the front of a glamor magazine...just the right weight, no blemishes anywhere, a smile whiter than snow...according to a lot of people if you are having struggles than you just aren't living right...and God is somehow displeased with you...well, I wonder what the Apostle Paul would have thought about that...the guy who wrote most of the New Testament...to my recollection he spent a lot of his time either ship wrecked, being stoned or in prison...what a failure...I don't think so...what I like about Paul is that no matter what was happening to him he was saying rejoice...rejoice in the Lord always...and again I say rejoice...you know lately i really struggle answering when people ask me...hey Phil, is your church growing?...to tell you the truth, right now, no we aren't...numerically...now if you would ask me if the church is growing closer to Jesus...I would love to tell you...Yes, you bet it is...I see a hunger for righteousness, now more than ever...Paul prayed that those he loved would know the will of the Father in all wisdom and understanding and that they would walk worthy of their calling, with the strength to carry on (my version)...so in the world's eyes we are struggling...but in my heart I believe God is working among us in a mighty way...let me use some more words from Paul...
be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
thanks for reading and if you would pray that God works in and through Central Community Church
I love that scripture from Colossians. I want to be deeply rooted in Christ. I think we need that first before we can expect to make an impact on our community for Him. So, enjoy your season of deepening those roots and you'll see because of it you will reap a harvest! I believe God has big plans for your church, He is simply preparing you for it now!
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