Pastor's Weekly Musing
Hey everyone!
Well, we're back. After a glorious vacation, Portia and I are back and ready to go. By all accounts, it sounds like all went well in our absence, as per usual. Our killer team and great speaker lineup kept the flock fed and cared for, and gave us the chance to enjoy some time off, our favorite beach (Manhattan Beach), and even squeeze in a Disneyland trip with the whole fam. Such a great time.
We also just met and prayed with Pastors Nate and Adrianne as they prepare to head into their 8-week sabbatical, which starts today! Much deserved and needed. They are under a strict "no-work" policy, but they still love a kind text or email, so feel free to encourage them as friends during this season. But no ministry talk!
I'm reminded of Hebrews 4, which talks of the people of God in Exodus being led into a "rest" that was created by God specifically for them, but that many of them missed it, choosing not to obey God's direction. Verses 9-11 tell us, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."
"Make every effort to enter rest" sounds counter-intuitive, right? I mean, don't I just kinda chill out and I'm good? Well yeah, but there's so much more. You're entering the rest that says:
- You are no longer under the demands of the Law, - under the guilt of sin, - under the illusion of self-sufficiency, - under the weight of shame, - under the pressure to perform, - under the fear of exposure, - under the stress of not being enough.
You're free. Unquestionably, incomprehensibly, undeniably, unequivocally free in Christ. Remind yourself of that today. I will too. Then let's get together on Sunday morning and talk more about how good God is.
Sound like a plan?
Well, we're back. After a glorious vacation, Portia and I are back and ready to go. By all accounts, it sounds like all went well in our absence, as per usual. Our killer team and great speaker lineup kept the flock fed and cared for, and gave us the chance to enjoy some time off, our favorite beach (Manhattan Beach), and even squeeze in a Disneyland trip with the whole fam. Such a great time.
We also just met and prayed with Pastors Nate and Adrianne as they prepare to head into their 8-week sabbatical, which starts today! Much deserved and needed. They are under a strict "no-work" policy, but they still love a kind text or email, so feel free to encourage them as friends during this season. But no ministry talk!
I'm reminded of Hebrews 4, which talks of the people of God in Exodus being led into a "rest" that was created by God specifically for them, but that many of them missed it, choosing not to obey God's direction. Verses 9-11 tell us, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."
"Make every effort to enter rest" sounds counter-intuitive, right? I mean, don't I just kinda chill out and I'm good? Well yeah, but there's so much more. You're entering the rest that says:
- You are no longer under the demands of the Law, - under the guilt of sin, - under the illusion of self-sufficiency, - under the weight of shame, - under the pressure to perform, - under the fear of exposure, - under the stress of not being enough.
You're free. Unquestionably, incomprehensibly, undeniably, unequivocally free in Christ. Remind yourself of that today. I will too. Then let's get together on Sunday morning and talk more about how good God is.
Sound like a plan?
_______________________________________________________________
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:
Saturday, July 8: Men's Ministry BBQ Saturday at 5:00 PM
Join David Bombara and the Men's Ministry for their Second Annual Men's BBQ. It will be a time of fun, fellowship, and food! Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Location will be off-campus so sign up HERE to receive all of the details!
Sunday, July 9: Sound Ministry Training from 1 PM - 5 PM
We are expanding the Sound Ministry Team! This training is for anyone interested in serving in the sound ministry at Meadows. Our sound ministry is an integral part of the worship team and helps to create a powerful and Spirit-filled Sunday service experience every week. If this is a ministry that you are interested in serving in, please register for the training session HERE. No experience is required.
Sunday, July 30: BAPTISMS!
Want to get baptized? It's coming! Click HERE to sign up!
Saturday, July 8: Men's Ministry BBQ Saturday at 5:00 PM
Join David Bombara and the Men's Ministry for their Second Annual Men's BBQ. It will be a time of fun, fellowship, and food! Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Location will be off-campus so sign up HERE to receive all of the details!
Sunday, July 9: Sound Ministry Training from 1 PM - 5 PM
We are expanding the Sound Ministry Team! This training is for anyone interested in serving in the sound ministry at Meadows. Our sound ministry is an integral part of the worship team and helps to create a powerful and Spirit-filled Sunday service experience every week. If this is a ministry that you are interested in serving in, please register for the training session HERE. No experience is required.
Sunday, July 30: BAPTISMS!
Want to get baptized? It's coming! Click HERE to sign up!
_______________________________________________________________
ALSO...The new Lectio Divina journals are here! Go to the Info Center this Sunday to purchase the July-December journals for only $15! What a deal!
_______________________________________________________________
We'll start a new series this Sunday: PHILIPPIANS: Confident in Christ.
A favorite book of mine, Philippians highlights themes of joy, contentment, and perseverance in the face of challenges, while emphasizing the believers' citizenship in heaven and their faith in Christ as the source of strength. Paul encourages them -- and us! -- that we can walk in confidence because of who Christ is and what He has done. What a Savior!
Join us this Sunday for Part 1 - Chains.
Looking forward to seeing you on the walkway!
Pastor Ron
A favorite book of mine, Philippians highlights themes of joy, contentment, and perseverance in the face of challenges, while emphasizing the believers' citizenship in heaven and their faith in Christ as the source of strength. Paul encourages them -- and us! -- that we can walk in confidence because of who Christ is and what He has done. What a Savior!
Join us this Sunday for Part 1 - Chains.
Looking forward to seeing you on the walkway!
Pastor Ron
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