November 22, 2024, 6:00 PM
Greetings and Happy Friday to you. I hope and pray you are having a good weekend.
I am worn out. It's been a busy couple of weeks with our Missions Day on November 10th and ICOM being here in Lexington from November 14-16.
Last Sunday, November 17, it was great to have our guests Denford Chizanga (preaching) and several students from Central Christian College of the Bible (helping with worship).
I am happy to get back in the pulpit this coming Sunday, November 24. I will wrap up our month-long focus on Missions with a message called "Entrusted." I hope and pray you will be there.
There is something powerful about PRESENCE. It means a lot just to be there.
I've learned a few things in nearly 30 years of ministry. One of them is this: people won't always remember what you SAID at key moments in their lives. They will, however, remember you BEING THERE!
We must be there for one another -- in GOOD times and BAD times.
I think it's easier to be there for folks when things are going bad for them and mourn with them. It's much harder to be there in the good times and celebrate with them. We easily get jealous and ask "Why can't good things happen like this for me?"
Let us remember that Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
The ultimate presence for anyone to be in is that of the Lord.
I love what Psalms 17:15 says: "As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness."
David is saying that his reward was simply to SEE the Lord and be in His PRESENCE. May that be our goal as well!
THANKSGIVING will be coming up next week. With that in mind, please note that we will not have our Meal & Bible study next Wednesday (November 27) due to Thanksgiving being the next day.
I thank God for each one of you at First Christian Church. It is a joy serving you and the Lord!
May God bless you!
In Him,
Greg H.
