The clouds continue to gather for an economic storm of epic proportions. Every day it seems a little more of the iceberg rises above the surface and we all catch a glimpse of the enormity of the challenge before us. I gathered our ministry staff together yesterday for an emergency meeting. I needed to let them all know about the next round of budget cuts. In our church every indicator is good except that of our finances. We continue to grow and my guess is we will grow even more during this time of uncertainty. I explained where we were right now and where we will likely be 6 months from now. We have never experienced anything like this in the nearly 20 years I have been at the church. I sat with most of the ministry leaders after the meeting and explained the cuts that were coming for next year. We talked about how it might be a good thing. We would be like a family that gathers around for soup on the floor with candle light. We are going to find new ways to do things and we will find new things out about ourselves and about God. The whole group responded the way I hoped they would. There was a sense of adventure and challenge. Some of the staff even said that this was going to be the best year ever because this is the kind of year God really does spectacular things. I think they are right. I believe that is true for our church and it is true for you. I have heard it said that God cannot give anything to hands that are full. Our hands need to be empty before God can really do what He wants to do. This year we may get to see what He does with rows of empty cupboards. But for now we have soup and candlelight and friends who are anxious to see the God of the universe work like never before.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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2 comments:
Joe, I couldn't agree more regarding the exciting part. Back to basics. Fire up Survivorman,get a good copy of Living off the Land, and watch what happens. We will make it through this. It may not be the way we'd hope, but we will. There is a charm in simple that I think God really likes. Maybe it's because we really have no false idols to hide behind, as individuals or as a church.
Draw me Lord and I will run after you.... You are the potter we are the clay. Refine,stretch,grow us that we will be mature,transformed into the likeness of your Son and committed not waivering or compromising.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full into his wonderful face and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."
This is the excitement for we will not be lukewarm but on fire. Set a watchman on the tower. Prepare God's house and his people for the coming of his Son Jesus Christ. Fill this temple with your presence for you are Holy. Amen and Amen!
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