Yesterday was a very difficult day but it had some great results. I am in the last 2 weeks of a series on “Changing Your World through Prayer” and the past couple of Sundays have been a real struggle for me. There are some great reports coming from a few of the people in my congregation of how they are really praying and praying more specifically. They are telling of new insights into prayer and a renewed focus on prayer. I wrote a daily devotional to go along with the message series and some people have been faithful in following the devotional. The struggle has been a real emotional battle for me, and my wife. It is not unexpected when we really get serious about changing the world to face some opposition, but the past couple of weeks have been very difficult. I have been doing this pastor thing for quite a while and I have experienced worse times, but this has definitely been a struggle. Don’t feel sorry for me, and I am not trying to passively/aggressively seek sympathy. I am just reporting what is going on behind the scenes and I hope it might encourage some others that they are not alone. With all of that being said, how about some musings from yesterday?

-It was great yesterday to see someone really surrender and allow God to start releasing them from things that have held them captive. After all, you were not meant to be a captive, you were created to be a conqueror.

-We only had 1 small technical glitch yesterday that I am aware of, that is a real win for us.

-My congregation continues to express their appreciation in some wonderful and encouraging ways. I am blessed.

-I love the care and concern that my congregation shows to those who are ill and how they are really seeking to reach out those who are absent for any reason. Letting them know they were missed and are loved.

-I love what I am learning, in fresh new ways, about the power and value of prayer.

-Attendance was very low again. There is an annual 2 weekend event in our area that evidently has contributed to these past 2 Sundays being so low. No matter the cause I am always concerned with a big change in attendance.

-I didn’t sense that the congregation was as engaged during the sermon as they have been during the rest of this series. Or maybe it was just my personal wrestling that made it seem this way.

-Our small group met last night for the first time in 3 weeks. It was so good to be with this group and share life together.

-I am looking forward to getting to do some pastoral visits this week.

-A few more things have come together for my wife and I’s plans to go see our kids in Kenya. I am not allowing myself to get too excited until the tickets are purchased. But I can feel the excitement beginning to build.

Here’s hoping you are reflecting on God’s grace and presence this morning.

Dennis