Every Sunday morning, God draws a varying assortment of souls through the church doors. My personal burden is the knowledge that this is a one shot deal for the majority of them. A handful will attend a Bible study or our Wednesday night service. But the majority of them will face the trials of the week with only this 30 minute message from God.
My grandmother used to say, "7 days without God's Word makes for 1 weak Christian".
Life dumps a back breaking assortment of stressors and difficulties into their lives that threaten not only their peace of mind but often even the very fabric of their family unity.
This knowledge weighs heavy on me, knowing this may be their only exposure to the healing comfort and strength found only in God's Word.
The world always provides a well stocked buffet of distractions and unhealthy vices.
My vision is that of a old fashioned water pump out in a dusty yard. God has assigned me the task of standing behind the pump and when everyone is present with their buckets in hand, I lift the pump handle. As the handle is lifted, God's living water flows in abundance, generously filling the buckets.
"I, the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things" Psalm 81:10
"Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"
Psalm 34:8
Live churches have parking problems;
Dead churches have empty spaces!
Live churches may have some noisy children;
Dead churches are quiet as a cemetery.
Live churches keep changing their ways of doing things;
Dead churches see no need for change!
Live churches grow so fast you can't keep up with people's names;
In dead churches everybody always knows everybody's name.
Live churches strongly support world missions;
Dead churches keep the money at home!
Live churches are full of regular, cheerful givers;
Dead churches are full of grudging tippers!
Live churches move ahead on prayer and faith;
Dead churches work only on sight!
Live churches plant churches;
Dead churches fear spending the money, time, and talent!
Live churches outgrow their Sunday School facilities;
Dead churches have room to spare!
Live churches welcome all classes of people;
Dead churches stick to their own kind!
Live churches' members read their Bibles and bring them to church;
Dead churches' members seldom do!
Live churches' members enthusiastically support the ministries;
Dead churches have no ministries--only functions!
Live churches' members look for someone they can help;
Dead churches' members look for something to complain about!
Live churches' members reach out to share their faith in Christ;
Dead churches' members don't have enough to share!
