On Sunday Hunter and I attended Generations Christian Church in Tarpon Springs, Florida. People were full of energy and the message very inspiring. The pastor was beginning a four part series in the Psalms that was titled "Ancient Blog". As people today "pour" out their feelings and reflections on life in blogs on the internet the writers of the psalms "poured" out their thoughts to God; hence the title.
The first message, "Greater Than the Cloud of My Confusion" was based on Psalm 71 and reminded us that God is there during the wilderness times in our lives. In the Psalm we see a progression of life from birth to old age:
"From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb."(6)
"Since my youth, O God, you have taught me and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." (17)
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God til I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." (18)
The pastor challenged us to take a look back and see God's faithfulness, which will sustain us and give us hope as we go through our deserts. As I have been doing that today stategic church "bodies" came to mind and I'd like to share my thoughts.
From birth :Stanley Union Church gave me a wealth of Bible stories and taught me to memorize scripture. It was at the foot of their cross that I accepted Christ as my Savior.
From my youth:Grace Evangelical Free Church "introduced" me to life-long friends and opportunities to serve the Lord, as well as sound Bible teaching that enriched my walk with the Lord. During this period of my life I was also priviledged to spend three years in China worshiping with thousands Christians at The International Fellowship in Beijing. There I had a glimpse of future heavenly praise with all races worshiping in one voice.
From my old age:Manna Church allowed me to experience the joy of seeing God use my children in His service. Now Sunday by Sunday I take notes and learn from a variety of churches and walk away awed by God's grace to a world of sinners saved!
My prayer is that as I continue to grow older God will give me the priviledge of "declaring God's power to the next generation"-my grandchildren!
Take a few moments today to reflect on God's goodness to you and the churches that have influenced your walk with Him.
1 comment:
Small world, that is the church Joe did some consulting at when in school and we know the pastor from CMF. Yes, it is good to remember the influencers in our lives.
Post a Comment