I can't believe our series on "What in the World is Going On?" is almost over - just 3 more weeks! It has caused me to look ahead to what's next at The Grove. We'll begin a 2 week series called "I Love MY Church!" as we celebrate our 2 year anniversary.
Preliminary plans are to hold an outdoor worship service on July 5th to begin our celebration.
During the following week we hope to visit all of the Life-Growth Groups and video members responses to why they love The Grove.
On Saturday, July 11th at 6pm we will feature an outdoor concert (band TBD), ice cream social, carnival games, and bonfire for the whole family.
Then we will conclude our celebration the following morning and view many of the video taped testimonies as well as a few other surprises.
Invitations are being printed, but accept this note as a SAVE THE DATE request!
Start thinking about how you would answer the question, "why I love The Grove" and let us know if you'd like to be included in this celebration. Meanwhile watch for ways to help out to make this 2 year anniversary memorable to all.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Puddle Water or Living Water?
A couple of months ago, a dear pastor friend of mine passed away (prematurely at 56). I've remained in contact with the family somewhat, more so through our facebook connection. I have been so impressed with his daughters over the years. Looking at some of their photos have given me a look into their day to day lives and quite honestly I'm ashamed of myself! Why?
Because everything I see and sense from them is their daily pursuit of God, His will for their lives, and the quest to win others to Him. Am I as diligent? What about those that attend The Grove?
That's what I hope to spark in all who attend The Grove and especially in the young adults at The Edge. In my morning devotions this morning I ran across a quote from Matthew Henry. He is a theologian and has written many a book and Bible commentary. This is what grabbed my attention.
"Nothing will supply the needs, and satisfy the desires of a soul, but water out of this rock Jesus Christ, this fountain opened. The pleasures of sense are puddle-water; spiritual delights are rock water, so pure, so clear, and so refreshing -- rivers of pleasure." Matthew Henry
In essence - if you are seeking pleasure, happiness, fun, from things in this world you have been drinking puddle water. It is pleasant for the moment but it is contaminated, will dry up quickly and harden and crack your heart. Facebook, vices, sex, naps, another entertainment experience, etc, will not fulfill the longings of the heart that God has placed there for only Him to fill.
But if you drink exclusively of the "Living Water" you will find nourishment and be refreshed and satisfied.
So why not take a moment and identify where you may be trying to satisfy a spiritual hole in your life with stuff that doesn't satisfy and ask God to heal your heart and to seek after Him every day.
Because everything I see and sense from them is their daily pursuit of God, His will for their lives, and the quest to win others to Him. Am I as diligent? What about those that attend The Grove?
That's what I hope to spark in all who attend The Grove and especially in the young adults at The Edge. In my morning devotions this morning I ran across a quote from Matthew Henry. He is a theologian and has written many a book and Bible commentary. This is what grabbed my attention.
"Nothing will supply the needs, and satisfy the desires of a soul, but water out of this rock Jesus Christ, this fountain opened. The pleasures of sense are puddle-water; spiritual delights are rock water, so pure, so clear, and so refreshing -- rivers of pleasure." Matthew Henry
In essence - if you are seeking pleasure, happiness, fun, from things in this world you have been drinking puddle water. It is pleasant for the moment but it is contaminated, will dry up quickly and harden and crack your heart. Facebook, vices, sex, naps, another entertainment experience, etc, will not fulfill the longings of the heart that God has placed there for only Him to fill.
But if you drink exclusively of the "Living Water" you will find nourishment and be refreshed and satisfied.
So why not take a moment and identify where you may be trying to satisfy a spiritual hole in your life with stuff that doesn't satisfy and ask God to heal your heart and to seek after Him every day.
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