Sunrise
April 4, 2007
It is still somewhat quiet outside, just the sound of the train whistle in the distance, early morning commuters on the road, delivery trucks bring fresh bread and produce to the market and the early risers showing up for the first cup of the day. It is still dark outside with just a faint glow slowly appearing in the eastern sky.
I was awakened early this morning with thoughts racing through my mind as I contemplate the possibilities for the future at Windsor Assembly. It was a hopeless task to try and settle into sleep again so we prepared for the day and headed for Starbucks. It is my connecting place in the neighborhood where I meet the people that someday I am convinced will be followers of Christ. It is a place of endless conversations and good coffee.
The following thoughts come to mind as the sun emerges in the east.
1. The sun always comes up. It reminds me of the faithfulness of God. He shows up bring light and life to dark situations. Windsor Assembly has experienced corporately and individually, some dark and difficult times. They have been painful; piercing deeply into the very fabric of what should be trustworthy relationships. Things happened that should have never happened, words were spoken that brought hurt. BUT - it is a new day! God continues to bring healing and hope. God is in control. The best is yet to come. And “This is the day the lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it.”
2. The sun illuminates and reveals. Darkness is dangerous, light brings safety. Openness, vulnerability, integrity are important values to me. I have no secrets, special private relationships, hidden agendas, or sinister motives. What you see is what you get! God is pleased when His family is healthy in their relationships.
3. The sun promotes new life and openness. The early spring flowers have emerged from their wintry tomb, stretching their stocks and then flowery heads toward the sun that gives warmth and light. The tulips tightly closed flower gently opens as the sun’s influence greets them each morning. Two thought occur to me.
First, how many unchurched people are just waiting for the warmth and life-giving rays of the Son so that they might burst forth from the tomb of unbelief? The church is the reflection of the Son. We have the great joy of sharing light with those who walk in darkness. It is my vision to see a healthy church produce healthy children! Grow the biblical way, through adding to the kingdom of God through new births.
Second, an environment of openness and acceptance will stimulate healthy growth and maturity of believers. A healthy church allows people to blossom to be all that God intended them to be.
Today is a new day! Let us seize the God moments and make a difference today!
Gripped by His Passion
Pastor Paul
April 4, 2007
It is still somewhat quiet outside, just the sound of the train whistle in the distance, early morning commuters on the road, delivery trucks bring fresh bread and produce to the market and the early risers showing up for the first cup of the day. It is still dark outside with just a faint glow slowly appearing in the eastern sky.
I was awakened early this morning with thoughts racing through my mind as I contemplate the possibilities for the future at Windsor Assembly. It was a hopeless task to try and settle into sleep again so we prepared for the day and headed for Starbucks. It is my connecting place in the neighborhood where I meet the people that someday I am convinced will be followers of Christ. It is a place of endless conversations and good coffee.
The following thoughts come to mind as the sun emerges in the east.
1. The sun always comes up. It reminds me of the faithfulness of God. He shows up bring light and life to dark situations. Windsor Assembly has experienced corporately and individually, some dark and difficult times. They have been painful; piercing deeply into the very fabric of what should be trustworthy relationships. Things happened that should have never happened, words were spoken that brought hurt. BUT - it is a new day! God continues to bring healing and hope. God is in control. The best is yet to come. And “This is the day the lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it.”
2. The sun illuminates and reveals. Darkness is dangerous, light brings safety. Openness, vulnerability, integrity are important values to me. I have no secrets, special private relationships, hidden agendas, or sinister motives. What you see is what you get! God is pleased when His family is healthy in their relationships.
3. The sun promotes new life and openness. The early spring flowers have emerged from their wintry tomb, stretching their stocks and then flowery heads toward the sun that gives warmth and light. The tulips tightly closed flower gently opens as the sun’s influence greets them each morning. Two thought occur to me.
First, how many unchurched people are just waiting for the warmth and life-giving rays of the Son so that they might burst forth from the tomb of unbelief? The church is the reflection of the Son. We have the great joy of sharing light with those who walk in darkness. It is my vision to see a healthy church produce healthy children! Grow the biblical way, through adding to the kingdom of God through new births.
Second, an environment of openness and acceptance will stimulate healthy growth and maturity of believers. A healthy church allows people to blossom to be all that God intended them to be.
Today is a new day! Let us seize the God moments and make a difference today!
Gripped by His Passion
Pastor Paul
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