"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you
will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
"I will feed them with good pasture." Ezekiel 34:14a
will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
"I will feed them with good pasture." Ezekiel 34:14a
Feed us with good pasture...what does that even mean? My guess is it is subjective for each person. Does that mean that God will feed us each according to our own tastes? I wonder. I mean, God did create us all uniquely in the Almighty's image - and if God does care for each of us, then it makes sense that some of us will be fed on cake while others on sushi.
The life of the church is often a smorgasbord of different good pastures. This is what is remarkable about Christ's holy bride, as an institution, in comparison to other organizations and institutions. We have one aim, to make disciples of Jesus Christ, but we all do it in varying ways.
We are all gifted with passions and strengths for one thing or another, and sometimes that becomes interesting to navigate. As a Pastor, you want to support each one of those passions, but that can be overwhelming. No one pastor can lead everything a church body wants to do no matter how how we try.
But I love the reminder the Apostle Paul gives us in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "God will bless you abundantly... .so we will abound in every good work."
When I look around at the people in my congregation, I see how God has blessed me, yes, little ole me to support and equip the saints who are passionate about each one of these projects. While, we can't do everything, I know I can unleash the saints to use their gifts to do the work of the people. Sometimes that requires getting out of the way, but always leading people in the same direction - toward Jesus.
I've been with Country Club UMC for 5 months now, and as I look out at my "virtual congregation," I see the capacity they have to partner with God to feed those who Ezekiel calls "the lost sheep"with good pasture. I like how our church has discerned our particular mission: make NEW disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I love how the focus is on those not here yet and I'm excited to discern with my leaders how we will carry that out.
The Spirit is up to something good and I think is about to do something big here... and it will be in abundance for all.
But I love the reminder the Apostle Paul gives us in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "God will bless you abundantly... .so we will abound in every good work."
When I look around at the people in my congregation, I see how God has blessed me, yes, little ole me to support and equip the saints who are passionate about each one of these projects. While, we can't do everything, I know I can unleash the saints to use their gifts to do the work of the people. Sometimes that requires getting out of the way, but always leading people in the same direction - toward Jesus.
I've been with Country Club UMC for 5 months now, and as I look out at my "virtual congregation," I see the capacity they have to partner with God to feed those who Ezekiel calls "the lost sheep"with good pasture. I like how our church has discerned our particular mission: make NEW disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. I love how the focus is on those not here yet and I'm excited to discern with my leaders how we will carry that out.
The Spirit is up to something good and I think is about to do something big here... and it will be in abundance for all.
...and if cake is involved then even better!
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