Sunday, January 9, 2011

Blessed Sunday to you all!

Worship this morning was amazing. The singing was so spirit filled as the Praise Team and congregation worshiped as we sang today.

In the Lutheran Church, today is the day we recognize the baptism of Jesus. Pastor Joel used scriptures from Matthew and Acts upon which to base his message. Pastor reminded each of us that at 30 years old Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry. And, no matter what our age or place in life, we need to begin our public ministry today. We are to preach Christ every day and share God’s message of love, forgiveness and grace to all we meet. This message does not just have to happen in our sanctuary. It can happen over coffee at Starbucks, in line at the grocery store, on the phone with a friend or at work. We don’t need to use any special language or be bible scholars. We just need to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit and listen for the words to say.

Luke 12: 22-24 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, not about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more that clothing. “

This passage is usually used when we are in need and times are pretty hard. But let us think about this differently tonight. It is a little scary to share Christ with someone else. We are afraid of being rejected or people being offended. But when we claim the name of Jesus and pray about what to say before we share Christ with someone then this passage tells me that we are not to worry because God will take care of it. This is how the kingdom of God grows here on earth.

Do you remember Bruce’s sign-off each with each email, “Preach Christ every day, if necessary, use words?” There are times we show Christ and then there are times we speak for Christ. If we open ourselves up to His leading, God will train us through His Word, through prayer and through others. He will help us know when to speak, what to say and He will provide the people who need to hear this message.

The Great Commission calls each of us to preach Jesus Christ everyday, baptize others in His name and spread the Word that God loves us.

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer daily. Love you all so very much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.

Prayer Alert: The apartment of one of Geni and Travis’ co-workers was robbed on last evening. This young lady shares the apartment with another friend and her friend’s sister. It appears to be an act of vengeance as the thieves took food, clothes and pretty well stripped the apartment. Please pray for these three women as they attempt to recover from this act of intrusion and theft. Please pray for them to feel safe again. Thank you, mighty prayer warriors, Peace, gc

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