June 3, 2010

Writing down the blessings God has given you is always good.   That list, over the last several weeks, has been unusually long.   It begins with two Sunday’s ago when Pastor Michael interviewed the Albrecht and Woodall families who so selflessly and beautifully opened their hearts to Michael Newman.  They gave him the gift of peace and purpose and love.  I can’t get away from the lifetime of sacrifice that turned into a lifetime of blessings.

This past Sunday, I was overwhelmed and thankful for the demonstration of “Faith in Action” by our congregation.   A whole ton of people did grunt work, which translated into blessing for the neighbor who can’t keep up with yard work, to the folks that live on Hatler Drive, to those who spent the day at Mother Lode Christian School and a myriad of others who worked until they were sore so that the jobs could get done and did it all in the name of Jesus.

Visits to a nursing home, the Victory Garden, a free car wash, handmade bookmarks, clothing for the Philippines, and giving blood were all done last Sunday.  It blessed me to see Sierra Bible folks warring against the enemy of selfishness and embracing the call to selflessness so as to be used in ministry to Christ.

I cannot get rid of the myriad of pictures in my brain, pictures that humble me and pull me out of my selfish living.   May we all cause this to be a lifestyle, not an event.  Might we exchange our selfishness for the smile of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick