As all churches do on occasion, we are currently struggling financially.
There are a number of potential causes - the construction downturn has cause layoffs and/or lack of hours - gas costs have risen enough to impact our commuters - other non-fixed costs (like food) have risen - frankly, it's been hard to nail down exactly what's happening.
But perhaps we're forgetting the spiritual component. God speaks to us in a number of ways, and one is blessing, or lack thereof.
Perhaps this is a time for reevaluation of church and personal priorities. Perhaps there is sin in the congregation that needs to be repented of. Perhaps He is getting our attention to move us in different directions.
Will you pray with me as we seek the Lord about this?
Blessings!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My apologies for lack of May blogs - have been alternately very busy or on vacation - here are a few thoughts:
Last Wednesday (May 14th) Nathan and I birded Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle Counties in western Minnesota. We enjoyed an excellent day together, tallying 132 species, many of which are unusual in central MN.
At one stop we saw/heard three rare species (which is a bit like drawing to an inside straight or winning the lottery). We had seen one of those species in the same location (Big Stone Refuge) the year before, and had taken flak from other Minnesota birders after reporting it. They didn’t believe we had seen it, because they had never done so, or because it was statistically unusual. Last year’s experience initially caused us to hesitate reporting it again – but we finally screwed up our courage and did so.
Sharing the bird(s) would allow others an opportunity to view them as well – even if some doubted.
I wonder if we sometimes hesitate to share our God experiences for the same reason.
God usually works behind the scenes, sovereignly massaging circumstances and guiding people in “normal” ways. Once in a while, however, He breaks through in our lives, startling us, touching us directly, miraculously, unusually. We want to share these experiences with others (believers or unbelievers), but then fear they might verbally abuse or look down on us.
Sometimes we even hesitate to share our greatest God experience of all – the miracle of salvation – with those who need it most, fearing their disdain.
Yet, if we don’t share, others may not experience what (and Who) we have. Others’ faith may not grow. Others may not come to salvation. Isn’t it worth the risk?
Last Wednesday (May 14th) Nathan and I birded Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle Counties in western Minnesota. We enjoyed an excellent day together, tallying 132 species, many of which are unusual in central MN.
At one stop we saw/heard three rare species (which is a bit like drawing to an inside straight or winning the lottery). We had seen one of those species in the same location (Big Stone Refuge) the year before, and had taken flak from other Minnesota birders after reporting it. They didn’t believe we had seen it, because they had never done so, or because it was statistically unusual. Last year’s experience initially caused us to hesitate reporting it again – but we finally screwed up our courage and did so.
Sharing the bird(s) would allow others an opportunity to view them as well – even if some doubted.
I wonder if we sometimes hesitate to share our God experiences for the same reason.
God usually works behind the scenes, sovereignly massaging circumstances and guiding people in “normal” ways. Once in a while, however, He breaks through in our lives, startling us, touching us directly, miraculously, unusually. We want to share these experiences with others (believers or unbelievers), but then fear they might verbally abuse or look down on us.
Sometimes we even hesitate to share our greatest God experience of all – the miracle of salvation – with those who need it most, fearing their disdain.
Yet, if we don’t share, others may not experience what (and Who) we have. Others’ faith may not grow. Others may not come to salvation. Isn’t it worth the risk?
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