This last weekend our topic was “Drawing Closer to God.” When we draw closer to God, we have to understand humility is not optional. Humility is an interesting picture for us…one good way for us to experience humility is to come before the Lord with empty hands. We come not holding on to anything but Christ. Our hands should be empty of sin and what we think are our greatest accomplishments. Humility is recognizing we are in relationship with Christ only because He has forgiven us, and that whatever great things we think we could bring…really aren’t THAT great. It also means that we are not going to let any of our current pursuits like sports, fitness, career, relationships or anything else get between us and God. Those things are not bad…unless they keep our hands so full we are unable to grasp the hands of Christ.
James at this point in his letter isn’t asking what could be…he is asking what will be? Today is the day for all of us to ask, “What will be?”
This coming weekend we are wrapping up our series “Straight Talk” with a message called “Remember These Things.” Check out Chapter 5 of James and jot a couple notes for yourself before Sunday comes. Also, this week we will display before and after services a number of ministry opportunities in our community, which you can ask questions if interested.
Sunday is a time for us to celebrate the goodness of God, catch up with friends, pray with one another and enjoy the challenge of God’s Word. We are praying it will be a powerful God-honoring experience for all of us.
Lastly, we are looking forward to the start of our 3 service format (8:30, 9:45, 11:30) kicking off January 5! If you are not already serving, we need you to join a team and help make this a success. We have many teams you could serve on with various levels of time commitments. Please let us know where you will serve so we can get ready for Jan 5. See the Sunday insert for opportunities to consider.
We love you and look forward to seeing you soon.
Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog
P.S. Who could you ask to come to church with you in the new year? Many people say ‘yes’ if asked by a friend.
