Work in Progress

Sunday morning retuning: Conviction and compassion were declared boldly this past Sunday from our pulpit.  Addressing the very real social issue of homosexuality is not an easy thing to do well, but God's Word speaks with clarity and kindness on this issue.  Interesting that the Pope had some things to say about this issue the next day as well.  We need to speak about it, and be careful to ever do so with compassion and conviction.

I have spent quite a few hours this spring developing a very fruitful relationship with an aging friend.  The acquaintance has needed some TLC to keep moving along productively and I have felt compelled to offer it.  A sweet intimacy has grown over time, which has given me a real tenderness toward every broken part that needs attention.  In short, my old Toro Wheel Horse and I have become very close.

I have spent time repairing several components of this machine this spring, starting with the deck that was so rusted there were large holes in it that made it dangerous to use.  I had to replace the belt that drove the blades because it broke that fall.  From there I had to repair the pulley system that drives the blades.  The gas tank leaks so I always run it until it is dry.  Most recently, the mulcher cover broke and I had to figure out a simple fix for that.  It still does a good job mowing my lawn, so I do not even want to think about investing in another machine just yet.

When I finished mowing yesterday and lifted it up on its back wheels to clean the deck, I realized that my fix for the pulley mechanism and fallen apart leaving the pulley loose above the deck.  That will need repaired before next week.  This mower is absolutely a work in progress.

As I reflected on that, it occurred to me that I am too.  The mower gave me a good picture of my fruitfulness to Christ.  Effective, yet ever needing a little attention, care, and even repair.  Jesus is like the ever patient tractor owner who still sees productivity emerging with a little help.  The verse that cmd to mind was "He who began a good work in you carry it on to completion.."  Philippians 1:6

I know what my next repair on my lawn mower will be.  I am also aware of some areas the Jesus is working on my life.  How about you? Do you know where you are broken, or cracked, or leaking?  Where you could use a little TLC for the purposes of being even more productive?  If you can not identify any, please take a minute and ask the Holy Spirit to show you.  Then ask Jesus to do His thing.

help.

Jesus, I know You are not done with me.  Please keep working on me and using me until the day I see you face to face.  In Jesus name. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

Growing…Together

Sunday morning retuning: We heard some great challenges a few Sundays ago as four of our Elders answered the question, “What is God up to at NMC?”  We stopped after each and asked the Holy Spirit to help us receive and apply those challenges.  Have you acted yet on anything He said?  If not, do it today!

A few Sunday evenings ago I stopped by a friends house for few minutes. As we chatted outside we meandered through their yard where they have several different beds filled with different flowers.  I snapped a few pictures of several different examples as I was in awe of God’s handiwork on display.

As we talked my boys discovered their mulberry and raspberry bushes and feasted their tummies as I had feasted my eyes.  You can almost taste them now can’t you?  Oh they were delicious.

  

That got me thinking about the passage we had heard from one of the Elders Sunday, John 15:5.   Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches.  If we remain in Him we will bear much fruit.  Apart from Him we can do nothing.  So I want to echo that question again to you today.  Are you abiding in the vine?  Are you vitally connected to Jesus?  Then you will be bearing fruit. 

Do not misunderstand me.  This does not mean that weeds will not grow as well and have to be dealt with in time.  This does not mean that other pests will not come in and try to devour your fruit.  It simply means you will bear fruit.  Do not make it any more complicated than that.

A few weeks ago began preparing for our fall recording.  This year it will include three of our own songs, one for each of our loving Jesus, growing together, and serving our world emphases.  I collaborated with Thomas Solich on the piano ballad “loving” song and can hardly wait to sing it to Jesus with you.  We worked on the “serving” song, and I think God is going to produce fruit through it. Julia Ciferno is writing our the “growing” song and I think it is going to be a great one that will allow us to express this collective desire.  Please be praying as we finalize and record these songs soon.

God is at work in our midst, teaching and growing us.  Let’s embrace His work in our lives individually and corporately.  See you Sunday!

Jesus, we want to grow to be more like You everyday.  Keep us in Your word so that we can be transformed daily by Your work through it in us.  In Jesus name. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy

NOTES

·      A Taste of Sunday – As you are getting ready to worship on Sunday, consider Who it is all about Jesus at the Center of It All!