January 2009

“Impact your World!”

Is it time again to welcome in the New Year? It seems like only yesterday that we started dreaming and wondering what the New Year 2008 would bring. Who could have imagined all the wonderful and terrifying events that have changed the face of our nation and our world. If only we would have known, just think of what we could have enjoyed more or prevented from happening. If only we could have somehow stopped the earthquakes that killed thousands. If only we could have made more advances for peace in the wars and civil wars that rage across our world. If only we could have prevented the illnesses from taking lives. If only we could have stopped the financial crisis. There are many events that we wish we could have changed but could not. God has not given us a means of seeing the future and changing it, but he has given us the means to change the present. We have great choices as we begin this year, to make major impacts on our families, our community and the world for Jesus name. When we walk one step at a time, God shows us in His word how to make that impact. You don't need a degree in prophecy to make it happen.
Paul writes in Colossians 3:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ- the Message- have run of your house.

We don't know what this year will bring, but we know that God will walk by our side each step of the way. Let's impact our world. As we begin this year, I invite you to join us on Sundays as I preach from the 2nd chapter of Acts. This passage shares the focus of the early church. We will focus on our lives of faith in the church.
*January 4th - A Focus on Praise - "What are you all excited about?"
*January 11th - A Focus on the Word "What 's For Dinner?"
*January 18th - A Focus on Fellowship "The Great Connection?"
*January 25th - A Focus on Joy - Annual Meeting Sunday - Potluck Lunch Served

--Pastor Craig