Reflections From Sunday Evening

Just back from NEXT worship service. Topped off a good day at Platte Woods UMC. It is so good to gather together and sing, pray, worship and share in the ministry of the Word of God.

Over the past couple of weeks three ideas have continued to find their way into my mind.

1. All that I am and all that I have is a gracious, generous gift from God.
2. I am a steward and not an owner.
3. I pray to be a good (faithful) steward of God's resources that He entrusts to my care.

When these ideas become our ideas we will find our lives changed by the grace of God.

I pray the work of the Holy Spirit that is producing such generosity in your soul continue to grow and find expression through continual acts of gratitude.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The weather during the past few months has been rough on the trees in our yard. As a matter of fact we have lost four trees since moving here a little over six years ago. So ... last week we planted two new trees. Got an elm for the front and a maple in the back.

These new trees should have a really great future! They were planted and nutrients placed with them to help them develop a healthy root system. They are braced on either side so they will have the best opportunity to grow straight. These trees will beautify the landscape and in addition trees play an important part in a healthy ecosystem. I'm looking forward to a long period of growth and health.

We have just launched a new worship service at church. There are some similarities. Oh, the new service is certainly not replacing anything. Our church is vibrant and healthy. The new service - NEXT - is an addition to our worship landscape. We are off to a great start and trust the spiritual nutrients are in place to ensure a healthy fellowship. NEXT has the advantage of being part of a healthy environment that will enable it to grow strong, straight and healthy! New people who will come to Christ make our church even greater. The new disciples being made will certainly enhance the "ecosystem" of Platte Woods Church.

All the services this weekend were a joy. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Reflections From Sunday Evening

I'm looking forward to attending our new worship service -NEXT- in about an hour. Today Curtis preached. I got to welcome and encourage everyone to pray for the new service and consider coming to support the mission. Among other things I sat with Cindy during one service. Later I greeted the 18 people in 'Equip" class. I saw the number of children in CIA with the teen helpers. I got to look in on a Sunday school class I didn't know we had! There is a great deal of ministry going on here. I hope you are filled with joy about being part of such a vibrant church. (I still think everyone should have joined the kids in their dance today).
It's a beautiful day. Rejoice. It's been a good day (with more to come!) I hope you've had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections from Sunday Evening

Thoughts lead to acts that become a series of actions that shape our life.
This month we are looking at generosity. The hope is that we will make the discovery that the pathway to joy comes through generosity.
As we learn and think generously our thoughts turn to action. A series of generous acts shapes us in our discipleship. It's pretty amazing.
Today we experienced generous worship - fellowship- blessing - service -grace - and a host of Attributes. Good things are in store.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Is there a person or group of people that would bring about resentment should God extend extravagant, generous grace? That was our question as we thought about the "older brother's" response to the Father's treatment of the younger son in the parable. (Luke 15:11-32.)
It actually made the older brother angry to think the Father (God) would forgive and restore the irresponsible younger son.
So he refused to enter the celebration.
Refusal will eventually turn to resentment.
Resentment will turn to rejection.
The next thing you know someone chooses to forfeit a relationship with Christ and the promise of the kingdom.
It's a pretty heavy idea. But we need to think about how we react in the face of such astounding love and grace that God extends. Frankly I do not want anything to stand between Jesus Christ and me. -- Certainly not stubborn refusal to let God be God and love and forgive whoever He chooses!
Actually it is a tremendously liberating thing to step back and let God do God stuff and commit to being a follower of Christ.
It was good to be in church today practicing Christian discipleship. Good worship and good fellowship.
Enjoy the weather - it is about as nice as a day could be.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve