Convenience or Commitment

A few days ago we studied together about Commitment.  We defined the words so we could begin our research.

Convenience is defined as being able to proceed with something with little effort. It is an easy, effortless way of life.

Commitment is defined as the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause.  It is a pledge or undertaking, (a pledge of allegiance,) or an obligation.

It is difficult to even discuss commitment in a society of comfort and selfies.

Jesus reminded the disciples that to follow Him would require commitment:

Luke 14:33, “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

Mark 10:28, Then Peter began to say unto Him, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee.”

Luke 5:28, And he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

We are all serving the Lord out of His blessings to us!  God has given us salvation, life eternal, our church, and our families and friends.  Added to all that is the material bounty of living in America.

Let’s pray for the Lord to renew our passion to serve Him and for each to make a fresh commitment that I will serve the Lord with all my heart.

Muzette and I and all the pastors and their wives want me to thank you for Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  All of the texts, comments, and cards were greatly appreciated.

Together we are committed to serve the Lord and the wonderful families of our church!

You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

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Celebration and Thank You!

What a wonderful Homecoming Sunday we had!  The weather was picture perfect, and the singing and preaching made you glad to be in church.

Our volunteers are the best.  From the parkers and greeters to the choir and nursery, all were in their place making memories for the day.

The Kitchen Crew did an outstanding job.  They had prepared 4 outside serving lines and 8 inside serving lines.  We were able to serve over 1,000 meals in just about twenty minutes.  We even had dinner tables and chairs up the driveway!

Thank you for making our 51st Homecoming one of the best yet.  Your faithful attendance is a blessing to our church and expression of love for our Lord.

We rejoice over the spiritual victories of the day and the healing for our homes.  There was a fresh compassion and care for several hurting families.  We thank the Lord for His goodness to us.

Please keep praying for our church, our city and our country.  We need revival and a new commitment to serve the Lord!

You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

 

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Sounding Out the Word of the Lord

In 1 Thessalonians Paul was writing to the   “Church of the Thessalonians”.  In 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3, he wrote, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love…”

Paul’s prayers for this church and its people were built around their love, burden, and vision for missions.  Not only did they care for the people of their community, but they were concerned for others.

In verse seven, Paul states that they were examples in Macedonia and Achaia.  The good news is in verse eight with the powerful statement that they, “…sounded out the Word of the Lord,” not only in Macedonia, but also in every place they went.  At home, at work and at school, their faith was presented for the glory of God!

This prayer of Paul is also good for us in today’s world, that we would live a work of faith, exhibit a labor of love, and express an endurance of hope.

There is a mission for me. My mission is every day, everywhere I go, to take Jesus.

Thank you for sharing and for sending.

You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

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Harvey, Hurts, and Blessed to Help!

Trinity family, you are eye-witnesses to a historic disaster.

Our church and Hearts with Hands has been working disasters since 1992.  We have never seen the effects of such widespread damage.  It is unreal!

Hurricane Harvey has established all kinds of records that show the loss of lives and devastation of the living.

The storm parked over Texas and rained and rained. One reporter stated that the rain was of “Biblical proportions.”  Some areas had already received over 50 inches of rain and it was still raining.

Last Sunday night a group of 55 went to the Hearts with Hands Warehouse and packed 32 pallets of food and supplies for Texas.  Our first and second response has arrived there and an eighteen wheeler packed with ice is on the road.

Many of you sacrificed personal comforts and time to return to the warehouse to pack another truck for Texas on Wednesday.  Thank you for your “heart to help” and thank the Lord for blessing us so that we can help!

All of our ministries and outreach efforts work together to be a blessing.  We are a team for the Lord’s work and honor, preferring one another.

May God bless you for your kind heart and giving spirit.

You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

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New Name In Heaven

Last week we discussed that this sin cursed world is not our home.  We are not home yet!

What will it be like when we arrive in heaven?  Will we know each other?  We will have a body, but will I look the same? (I’m praying for major improvements!)

Will you know me? Will I know you and know your name?  Will we have our given names in heaven?

More questions!  I start thinking about heaven and my mind goes 1,000 mph.  Maybe even warp speed, when I begin to wonder, what will it all be like?

Some answers to our questions are found in Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in    the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

We will have our old name and a new name, when we get to heaven.

Remember Matthew 17:3, on the mount of Transfiguration

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him. (Christ)

Moses and Elijah had died hundreds of years earlier, yet they were still known by their earthly names.

There will be thousands of Ralphs, hundreds of thousands of Marys, Sues, Toms and Joes.  But Jesus loves you so much that He will give you a new name, a private name, a real “love name” that will be just for you!

When He calls you, His lamb, by the new name on the white stone, you will know His voice!

Only You!  Not another Joe or Ralph, not another Barbara or Carrie, Just YOU.  There will be no confusion in Heaven!  God knows you.  Jesus knows you and He will give you a new name in heaven.

When He calls, you and Jesus will spend time together.

Oh, what a Saviour! Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus!

You are loved,

Pastor and Muzette

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