Weekly Update from the Senior Pastor
May 31 , 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
What’s the next step God has in your life?
Don’t know?
I don’t know what it is for you either, because it is for you.
God’s next step in your life is personally-designed: the next right thing for you from God.
But I do know this. God has in mind a next right thing for you.
There is a next growth step He wants you to take. He is waiting for you to open wide your heart, to lay your agenda and habits and lifestyle on the line and say: Lord, what is it? To be like young Samuel and say: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
That next God-step toward maturity may really be surprising.
How about this “next step” leading in the ministry of Jesus:
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Jesus tends to be so different than us. Generally we’re tempted by the devil because we’ve ignored the Spirit. So we end up where we shouldn’t be—physically or mentally. Jesus stayed attune to the Spirit. So the Spirit leads Him out in the wilderness to kick some demonic butt (so to speak).
Here’s the challenge. Stop right now. Be still for ten seconds, so the real you is talking to the real God. Ask: “Lord, what is the next step you want me to take in my walk with you. I’m willing to follow.” Then, stay tuned.
Updates:
Rajendra’s Ordination: This Sunday we will all stand before God and prayerfully share in the ordination of Rajendra. It will be a high day as we fully recognize and release Rajendra to his calling as our Executive Pastor and a teaching pastor. Come ready to pray your blessing into his gifts and calling.
Building Permit Process: On June 14 we submit our building footprint plans to the Frederick County Commissioners. This formally starts our permitting process. Here is what you need to pray for. This process can take anywhere from 12-18 months. Then construction can start. Pray for less, not more, in terms of the time-frame, pray for favor with these county leaders and for their wisdom to help and not hinder us, as we build a Light on a Hill for the glory of Christ. Pray that eventually our beautiful, new combination of brick, mortar, steel, glass, dry-wall and paint is filled with the living presence of the Holy Spirit, equipping hundreds and thousands [us] to follow Jesus out, wherever He leads.
June 4 All-Congregational Meeting: this Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. come discuss our next ministry year, our operating and construction budgets; and the proposal to sell three lots to help finance our construction. The location is confirmed – Damascus United Methodist Church. The church is just a short distance south of the traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Woodfield Road.
Children’s Ministry Summer Check-in: Parents, this Sunday, June 3, is when we start our CM Summer Programming. Please check your children in as soon as you arrive at church. Then, a great team in neon-colored vests (the CM Fun-Patrol) will escort your children to their classrooms at dismissal time shortly after Praise.
My Heart—Christ’s Home: This week Rajendra talks about the Family Room and next week I tackle the Bedroom!
Pray for me! Pray over Rajendra on Sunday. Right now, stop, open up and pray for clarity on your next right step.
Love ya, Richard
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