Serving Well

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit…
Philippians 2:3a

There are three things that last forever: the Word of God, the Kingdom of God, and the souls of men. It is awesome to think that in a weekend service at church we can impact eternity as we take in the Word, see people give their lives to Christ, and sow seed into God’s Kingdom work at home and around the world. This coming weekend in the life of our church we are looking to make a significant impact in eternity.

This week we have the opportunity to eternally influence the lives of thousands of teenagers at the Ascension Convention. The Ascension Convention was birthed by President Schmidt and the college and for over twenty years our church has teamed up with the college to touch the lives of tens of thousands of students. Each year testimonies come in of lives radically changed by this annual weekend event.

As your pastor, I want to thank you for each year investing your Easter weekend in the lives of countless teenagers. As a former youth pastor I know the power and influence these types of events have on students. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to decorate, monitor, usher, make CD’s, set up, tear down, etc. This convention is too big to go on without you. Each person and their giftings are necessary to make this event a success.

There is no doubt we will work hard, but without God it will be impossible. Pray with me that as we serve together God shows up in a big way in each student’s life. After this Sunday’s service there will be an Ascension Convention volunteers meeting in the sanctuary. Even if you haven’t signed up yet, come and see where you can be involved. See Pastor Jon, give him a call or send him and email and let him know you want to invest in eternity this week.

Cowboy Ten Commandments

If only Moses was a cowboy. ;-) Got this from a good friend, great pastor, with an awesome blog. http://jawboneofapastor.blogspot.com Enjoy!

Ten Commandments for Cowboys
1. Just one God
2. Honor yer Ma & Pa
3. No telling tales or gossipin’
4. Git yourself to Sunday meeting
5. Put nothin’ before God
6. No foolin’ around with another fellow’s gal
7. No killin’
8. Watch yer mout
9. Don’t take what ain’t yers
10. Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff.

Yep, that's purty much it!

If you want to read the Ten Commandments in their entirety and the events surrounding them check out Exodus 20.

President Abraham Lincoln

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

The Christian Life Church Book Club is reading the book Lincoln’s Melancholy. Our 16th president had a fascinating journey to becoming one of nations most beloved and respected presidents.

Did you know that within days of taking the office of president that?

• His predecessor, James Buchanan, openly declared that Lincoln would destroy the nation.
• Seven stated seceded from the Union.
• The U.S. House of Representatives refused Lincoln’s plea to enlarge the military.
• The Senate passed a resolution demanding the War Department reduce military spending.
• Rumors ran rampant that Lincoln would be shot at his inaugural and Washington DC would be burned to the ground.

Think you got troubles? To make matters worse the New York and Washington papers viciously attacked Lincoln calling him a “third rate country lawyer, a dictator, an ape, a buffoon.”

How was Lincoln able to succeed with so much against him? He was a leader who always chose to what was right. He was also a leader who surrounded himself with the right people to help him succeed. His decisions weren’t based on what was popular or convenient. Lincoln simply chose what was right.

How do you handle the critics, disappointments, and struggles of life? Do you look for the easy way out? Do you seek the approval of others? I encourage to always choose to do what is right. Seek God’s counsel and follow His ways. It may not be popular. It may not be easy. But it will be right and will lead to ultimate success.