Good Afternoon! Yesterday was different, but exciting. It was different in the sense that we led worship in an empty auditorium. It was exciting when we consider that over 1200 people connected (at least briefly) to our worship stream. It seemed like the Spirit was present as Pastor Kelly and the worship team sang out to God. We continue to pray that God speaks to people through yesterday's stream. Join us in that prayer.
Today is different too! While I realize that many still showed up at their place of work, I however, am home. I am asking God to show me what's next, for us, the people we serve and our community. I also realize that I am not alone for there are others, many others, who are home because they are teachers, students and tomorrow we will be joined by restraunt workers. What do we do during this time?
Let's begin by taking time to be with God! Shut off the noise and just be still before Him for awhile. Spend some time reading and meditating on His Word, take time to pray for your family and friends. Take time to pray for our leaders across the world. Take time to ask God to reveal Himself to you and others. Most importantly take time to listen to Him! He has much to say to you! Take the time to hear it!
This is what I heard from Him today; Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. How do we respond to this? Now, is our time to lovingly, graciously look to influence those around us! It's time to let our light shine! It would be easy to sit at home in the shadows and enjoy the peace and quiet, but I believe that God is calling us to action. This is how:
1) Take time to hear from God.
2) Ask Him to lay people on your heart.
3) Ask Him to show you how to reach out to them.
4) Call them, text them, email them and ask how they are.
5) Find out what their needs are. If they need help from
the church let us know. Our contact information is in the
bulletin and directory. My number is 989-390-4369 and
my email is rlmarshalljr1956@gmail.com. Feel free to
share this information out to those with real need.
6) In your conversations encourage them and ask to pray
with them. If they allow you to pray with them pray for
God to protect them and bless them. If they are sick
pray for healing.
7) If you, or your teenagers are home consider the
possibility of caring for one families children who may
need care as a result of school closures. Please don't
care for more than one family as that may defeat the
purpose of school closures.
8) Remember that the elderly and sick may feel especially
isolated during this time. They will appreciate a phone
call.
9) During this time parents with young children may be
overly stressed. They may need to hear an adult
voice. Be willing to be that voice of encouragement.
The greatest way to make sure that you are cared for during this time is to care for others. So be creative and take the time to reach out to others from your home. It will be good for you and appreciated by them. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! BE THE SALT THAT INFLUENCES OTHERS! Expect God to work through you as you listen to Him. Remember, its during times like this that people are more open to God and you.
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
Today is different too! While I realize that many still showed up at their place of work, I however, am home. I am asking God to show me what's next, for us, the people we serve and our community. I also realize that I am not alone for there are others, many others, who are home because they are teachers, students and tomorrow we will be joined by restraunt workers. What do we do during this time?
Let's begin by taking time to be with God! Shut off the noise and just be still before Him for awhile. Spend some time reading and meditating on His Word, take time to pray for your family and friends. Take time to pray for our leaders across the world. Take time to ask God to reveal Himself to you and others. Most importantly take time to listen to Him! He has much to say to you! Take the time to hear it!
This is what I heard from Him today; Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. How do we respond to this? Now, is our time to lovingly, graciously look to influence those around us! It's time to let our light shine! It would be easy to sit at home in the shadows and enjoy the peace and quiet, but I believe that God is calling us to action. This is how:
1) Take time to hear from God.
2) Ask Him to lay people on your heart.
3) Ask Him to show you how to reach out to them.
4) Call them, text them, email them and ask how they are.
5) Find out what their needs are. If they need help from
the church let us know. Our contact information is in the
bulletin and directory. My number is 989-390-4369 and
my email is rlmarshalljr1956@gmail.com. Feel free to
share this information out to those with real need.
6) In your conversations encourage them and ask to pray
with them. If they allow you to pray with them pray for
God to protect them and bless them. If they are sick
pray for healing.
7) If you, or your teenagers are home consider the
possibility of caring for one families children who may
need care as a result of school closures. Please don't
care for more than one family as that may defeat the
purpose of school closures.
8) Remember that the elderly and sick may feel especially
isolated during this time. They will appreciate a phone
call.
9) During this time parents with young children may be
overly stressed. They may need to hear an adult
voice. Be willing to be that voice of encouragement.
The greatest way to make sure that you are cared for during this time is to care for others. So be creative and take the time to reach out to others from your home. It will be good for you and appreciated by them. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! BE THE SALT THAT INFLUENCES OTHERS! Expect God to work through you as you listen to Him. Remember, its during times like this that people are more open to God and you.
Blessings,
Pastor Bob