Message
God’s Will/My Will: Holy/Human Weave: Stories – Others/Ours
John 15:1-17, Psalm 139
Crestview Faith Family,
Thank You to Larry Kelderman for stepping in on such short notice this past Sunday and bringing us a message from God’s Word. Over the past 7 years, Larry and I have had many significant conversations about faith and family over auto repair engagements. Shared in prayer about family challenges, desires of the heart, and the discerning of God’s will in our lives. Over that time, I’ve learned about Larry’s heart for God, love for Jesus and God’s Word. When I called Larry on Friday, in a last minute pinch, knowing I needed another couple days for flu recovery, Larry was eager to step in and serve. I’m thankful for Larry!
This week is Thanksgiving. A time set aside for special and pointed thanksgiving. Today, I have a much sung melody of my past going through my head and heart, give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his Son. And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks.
I’m thankful for many things today. Close to the surface of my thanks is feeling better after several days of not feeling well. Even though our Thanksgiving plans have changed unexpectedly this year, Deone and I are turning our hearts toward God – giving thanks for the abundant gift of God and his love for us. I would love to hear what it is you are thankful for – let’s encourage one another this Thanksgiving with a heart of gratitude one to another. Allow God to bring people to your mind who you can encourage and then send out a text of encouragement. You never know God’s timing when it comes to an encouragement of gratitude. It can be contagious. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I give thanks to God for you!
This holiday season, the invitation of God is to draw near to our Savior. To receive Him and embody Him.
Sunday begins our Advent Season. We will begin our Advent journey by entering into John 15:1-17, Jesus teaching about the Vine and the Branches. Of course, it’s much more than a teaching. What Jesus speaks about is an invitation into an incarnational relationship with the Living God. This holiday season, the invitation of God is to draw near to our Savior. To receive Him and embody Him.
As we have focused in on the integration of God’s will and our will, I’ve been interested in moving us toward our own stories. Moving us from theology and Biblical truth toward an integration and engagement of God’s will in everyday life. Larry has helped us turn the corner here in sharing his story of relationship and stating clearly, “God is at work in our lives and our story is important. And God wants to partner with us, working in us to bring about his will in our life.”
See you Sunday, as we come together with the purpose to draw near to God together, giving thanks to our great God,
Pastor Mark