We are cold here in NC! 17 this morning - no power at the house - couldn't get the garage door open so my wife had to drive me in to work. My son's school did not have power until after the kids got there and they had a plan to move the children to another school. It has been an interesting morning. While all these non routine things are happening, I am thinking, Lord - what's with the changes this morning - are You testing me to make sure I can think on my feet? Lucky for me - we had the coffee made already!
Yesterday at church my wife and I attended our small group leadership meeting. Our church is revamping the small group system and our group has had some lengthy discussions concerning the direction, the future, the expansion and the meaning of small groups. I think about the blessings that this group has brought to my family over the last few months that we have been meeting. This is our first time even being a part of a small group/bible study - and so far it has been pretty darn awesome. Our children are getting to know each other and have made friendships - the parents have made friendships that I think will last a lifetime because God is at the center of this group. So what does a small group do - what is the reason for one? As I posted before - being a disciple is more than just showing up on Sunday and then doing your thing the rest of the week - back on Sunday routine. A small group gets together and learns the word of Jesus together - they play together - they work out problems together - they study together - they cry and share joy together. Its about a team that is doing life together all under the guidance of being more like Jesus. We are accountable to each other and we are there for each other. As a church grows - a pastor cannot continue to be that personal, come to the rescue for everyone kind of leader. This is where the small group comes in - and this group leans on each other - helps each other and thus becomes the church. Its the churches support system as it grows. The church teaches you Gods word - connects you with a small group family - trains us to be leaders and then sends us out - to start new small groups. A great church can be known for its preacher - for its music but a GREAT church is known for its people - and how the people love each other. That is what will set apart one church from another. Jesus had his 12 disciples - our first small group. They lived together - played together - worshipped and learned together. They spent 3 years together learning from Jesus - and then they were sent out to spread the good news. We have an excellant model to look at with our first small group. I know many of you have never taken this leap of faith to join a small group/serve in a ministry at church/to attend bible school before or after services at church. We send out children to childrens church or whatever your church calls it - but we forget about ourselves. Maybe thinking we don't need it - or the worship service is enough. Afraid maybe to step forward because of the commitment. Friends - its life changing - being a Christian is not about Sunday mornings and the rest of the week is yours - its about the entire week - fitting God in every day - finding God in everything you do - asking God to show you things and to answer your questions. Every day is a blessing - real friendships can be made in this life - lasting friendships because of Jesus. He did not make us to do life alone - He did not make us to bless just US on Sunday mornings. Accepting Jesus is life transforming -
James 4: 6-10 gives us an the inside look~
-6You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
7-10So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
As I have been walking with Jesus the last 2 years of my life. I know I have been on my knees in real heartbreak - real pain and the lowest of the low. Its then that God picks us up - shakes the dirt off of us and breathes His light into our bodies. We are made new - forgiven and loved - accepted as we are into the family - God's family. A place in heaven for eternity. Jesus can do this for you. Just get on your knees and ask Him - rise a new person. God has been waiting on you... What are you waiting on? Waiting to figure it all out yourself? The wait might be too late.........
lrbatema@gmail.com
Randy~
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