I am spending the end of the week with our Bassett High School marching band at Grand National (BOA) competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are very proud of the band and appreciate the prayers and support so many give.
Thank you to all those who have served or continue to serve our nation in the military securing our freedom as today is Veteran's Day.
I will be back for church Sunday morning to share week 2 of our 10th birthday celebration at The Community Fellowship as we talk about how firm our faith must be in God. Bring some one with you this week.
In light of the election I continue to be convinced of my place and the calling of our church. We are to keep on making a difference no matter what happens. There are needs and people who count on us to do what we are supposed to do. It takes all the church and more throughout our community, and other communities, to shape the lives of those who cannot do that for themselves.
The rest of this post is taken from something I shared in February 2014 and rings true still. May you and I do our part…
The reason why we have chosen to meet needs is because we believe God loves people. It really is that simple. By our acts of kindness and by meeting needs we win the right to share God's love with the people we encounter. Life is much sweeter when we begin to live outside of ourselves practicing the art of selflessness.
Proverbs 31:8 NLT
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
If you are like me, you want to use your life to make a difference in this world. We dreamed of doing big things when we were kids. Things like becoming president, being a super hero, leading military victories and so much more when our minds were open to and excited about life. Why cannot we keep dreaming and keep pushing as adults?
We can keep on dreaming and we must. There are people around us with needs that you and I can meet on a regular basis. It may be a simple as shoveling snow off a neighbor's driveway or preparing a meal for someone recovering from surgery. We make a difference when we give some of what we have to serve and meet their needs.
Whoever shows up most in someone's life wins the battle for influence…Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it. --- Matthew Barnett
Get some perspective on life by serving others. Far too many people are so consumed with themselves and their situations that they are not able to see the pain of the people around them. You've heard something like this before: I used to complain about my feet hurting until I met a man with no legs. Perspective changes everything.
Matthew 5:16 NASB
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I cannot believe that I get to do what I do. The church I am blessed to lead is incredible, and we believe that our future is brighter than ever. God is positioning us to be able to meet more needs than ever before. We continue the back2school outreach in August, there are plans to complete our new campus and plans for a men's homeless shelter. The winter warming center opens this weekend (November 12, 2016 at Salvation Army in Martinsville). In the days ahead the church and our serving will move to a new campus will allow us to have far greater impact than ever before.
What really is incredible is that every day I get the honor of inviting people to be part of this work. By sharing our vision, the vision that God has given us, there are people, churches and organizations that share this vision with us. I cannot wait to see what God does next. Maybe God is calling you to be part of The Community Fellowship. But I believe whole-heartedly that God is calling you to "speak up for those who cannot or will not speak for themselves. Make a difference in the lives of the people who come your way.
Titus 3:14 NLT
Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
People I am praying for:
Pray foe Johnny Higgins, Sr who will have medical tests next week. Pray for Tammy Gray's grandma who continues to have health issues. Remember Jason Blevins and the many others battling cancer. Pray for those veterans who have served our country and are struggling in one way or another.
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