The Making of a Comeback
God is still rousing spirits!
The beginning of a comeback.. the belief that there's more. One of you said it clearly after the Gathering: "You can't have a comeback without having a dream."
As we all dream together about the city that is to come, let me share with you that I met a new resident in that city yesterday! God seems to be writing an incredible story in this person's life, and it was a joy hear her confess Jesus as Lord and Savior yesterday!
God is still rousing spirits!
It was also fun to hear about God raising up a new generation of worship leaders, celebrating with families as their kids moved up in their class, and seeing a ton of families come enjoy the back to school bash! So many of you play a huge role in bringing our church family together! Thank you!
See you next weekend for Ezra 3: Renewed Sacrifice.
As we "comeback" together for the fall, there's new resources to grab!
Half of worshipping together as a church family is coming prepared to do that! Put these songs in your ears from the fall playlist!
Also, make sure you pick up a copy of "The Outsider" when you're at the building. There's all kinds of contact info, save the dates, and information for what's coming up!
Last, but certainly not least, make sure you grab one of the study booklets to go along with our series through Ezra! They're really helpful as you anticipate hearing from the Lord in his Word and as you meet together in groups!
Leader Nominations
Coming back into the fall means prayerfully considering who God is calling to lead on both our Pastor/Elder and Deacon teams. If you have someone who is living out biblical leadership and you believe they should be considered, please nominate them at loveshelbyville.com/nomination.
Consumerism and Colossians 3:23
2 things hit my social feeds this week that got me thinking about consumerism in the church..
The first was simply this quote:
"The longer I Pastor the more I am convinced that one of the great mistakes of modern Christianity is that we keep arguing about traditional church versus contemporary church.
The deeper divide is discipleship versus consumerism."
That resonated with me. This article by Chuck Lawless entitled "10 ways to recognize consumerism in your church" got me thinking even more. It was challenging and clarifying all at the same time.
What's the solution? I believe it's Colossians 3:23 that calls us to do whatever we're doing with our whole heart, as unto the Lord. If we focus on giving our best, we'll quickly become less concerned with what we're getting. At the same time, becoming accountable to giving our best is a part of maturing in our walk with the Lord!
A prayer for back to school
As many Shelby County schools prepare to start this week, I've decided I'm praying Philippians 2:12-16 for teachers and students this year:
Philippians 2:12–16 (CSB)
12Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without grumbling and arguing,
15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,
16by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.
