The calendar tells us that it is still winter and depending on when you look at the forecast the weatherman says that it is still winter; however, the signs of spring seem to be around us. Some of our flowers have already burst through the ground and in just a matter of time will be blooming. Being a sports fan I notice that NASCAR is about to be completely under way with things going full throttle at Daytona. The professional golfers are in full swing making the west coast swing and commercials for the Masters in Augusta are already abounding on TV. As a baseball fan pitchers and catchers are about to report to spring training and once again the sound of baseball smacking against gloves will be heard and soon the crack of the wooden bat will resound as they get ready for a new season.
Spring is an awesome time of year not because my favorite sports are getting under way but because it signals new life as trees bud, flowers bloom and yes even the pollen covers our cars! New life is something that all of us as Christians have received through the precious gift of our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of what He did for us on the cross we have been forgiven and we don’t live in the bondage of death any longer, the old has been made new. We should live as people that have been made new and we should let that new life show to those who are around us. The dogwoods and azaleas don’t hide their blooms they proudly display them for all to see and we should let that light shine through us for all to see. Just as those blooms are only for a brief season our time on earth is but a brief season and we need to let the blooms of new life in our lives shine while we have time to do so.
God has placed our church here for a time such as this. Our church can be clear evidence of new life to the community around us but we have to be intentional about letting the world see new life in us. ray for the Advanced Strategic Planning team as we seek to understand God’s mission and God’s vision for us as a church. We will be examining more closely where we have been and who we are and we need your prayers to help us clearly see what God wants us to see about who we are. Understanding where we have been as a church is critical to knowing who we are now and what God wants to do to guide us to reach this community for Him.
New life is found in Christ and our church should clearly be a sign of new life in our community. Just as the flowers of spring remind us a new life I pray that our church would remind the people of Gilmer County that new life is possible when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. Ask God to guide you to be a clear example of new life to those around you.
In His Amazing Grace,
Dan