I have always enjoyed being around and playing with babies. Nothing brightens a day like the smile of a child. The only thing better than that is when they finally stand on those chubby legs and wobble around in their maiden attempt to walk. We often refer to them as baby steps. I always joke that Lauren never walked. She stood up and began running; running in to the coffee table, running into the stove...you get the idea.Yesterday I enjoyed the opportunity to share my heart about what God was doing in me this past summer as well as what he has in store for us. If you weren't able to be in service with us, I would consider it mandatory to listen to that message so you can know why we will be taking the intentional steps presented in future weeks and months. If you were here yesterday, don't hesitate to listen to the message again. It's just impossible to retain everything we hear verbally. Regardless of our church heritage or your personal age I believe the baby steps we take in upcoming weeks & months will prove to be a significant turning point for Central. Why would we consider them baby steps? Because they are the elementary steps that must be taken for a church to grow, be healthy, and fulfill it's purpose.
As I shared yesterday, our first steps are prayer. Prayer is the only thing God promised to respond to and answer. Unfortunately it's the thing we do the least; except for when we want something from God. The type of prayer I'm talking about is when we pray because of our love for God. Not for what he can give us but just to get close to him and express our hearts to him. So the opportunity to pray is available. Starting this Wednesday night (and every Wednesday night) we are having a Prayer & Praise service in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Even though we won't have kids ministry available on Wednesday nights until the beginning of October (3-weeks) parents can take turns alternating to attend the prayer time while one parent stays home.
If you haven't already, I also want you to pick up a copy of the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala for $10 in the lobby. This book will powerfully stretch your mind and build up your faith to what God can and is willing to do when his people pray.
Will you join me in taking some baby steps toward God?
1 comments:
I picked up a copy of Pastor Cymbala's book and began reading it Sunday evening. I'm two thirds of the way through the book. What an example of what Central can do in Green Bay if we all just pray and praise God for all circumstances. He wants nothing more than for us to trust Him in all situations. And to call out to Him instead of looking for answers in the worldly plane. Thanks Pastor Mark for your willingness to lead us in the religious darkness that overshadows Green Bay. It's amazing how simplistic God's requests are. We just need to be obedient. Cheri Sasman-Perry
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