Have you ever had sometimes when things just don’t seem quite right? I think yesterday was sometimes. As for my musings …
-Maybe it was the dreary weather. Maybe it was the end of Spring Break vacation for the schools. Maybe we were just due for one of these Sundays. Whatever the cause, the energy level in both churches was very low yesterday. I have to do better and not get so impacted by the collective energy of the groups.
-It was great to be able to introduce a new baby to the congregation. One of our young couples had their 2nd child on Thursday last week and had him in church on Sunday.
-I had a great conversation with a couple of people after one of my worship services, these people were asking about what they could do to serve the church. They were asking if a small group could reserve the sanctuary for a time of prayer (you can always use the building for prayer). The answer was an emphatic YES.
-My wife and I are getting ready to start a couple of new Bible Studies at our 9:00 church. These will be on Sunday evening. We are praying for people to participate and for some real fellowship to take place among the group and with us. I am working hard to have the people in my 9:00 church to realize that I am their pastor and that I care for and love them. I am aware that since I have pastored my 10:30 church for 2+ years and the 9:00 church for 2 months that some still aren’t sure about my commitment to them. This 2 church thing has some interesting challenges that I have never faced before. But I do love a challenge.
-The annual meeting for the District of churches in my denomination in which I serve was this past weekend. It was a very encouraging and motivating time. I was especially excited because a couple of people participated for the first time. It was great for them to see the bigger picture of what we are a part of with our district and denomination.
-My message yesterday was focusing on the “Because” and “Therefore” of God’s grace and love. Part of my prayer for my people was/is that this week whenever they face any fear, any doubt, any discouragement or any temptation that they will remember “But because of God’s great love, his tender mercy and his amazing grace” they can overcome whatever comes.
-Once again my wife and I enjoyed some wonderful fellowship with a couple from church and someone we had never met over lunch on Sunday.
-Attendance was down in both churches yesterday.
-It was the 6th birthday of one of my granddaughters over the weekend. We weren’t able to be with her, but I skyped with her a couple of days before her birthday and we send her a voice message on her birthday. I love that all of my kids, and grandkids, are serving where they are supposed to be, however sometimes the distance thing stinks. It is amazing to see the transformation of my grandkids as they grow. What a blessing.
-I am hoping that yesterday was the last Sunday for me to wear a sweater until fall. I love sweaters, but this weather has gone on long enough.
Here’s hoping that you remember your “because” as you go through this week and that you pass it on to several other people.
Dennis
pastorsview 
My spiritual energy is higher than it has ever been. But this newborn has drained my physical energy with lack of sleep, but it’s worth it. I picked up a new book called The Jesus Centered Life by Rick Lawrence. It’s a great read about how a lot of people see Jesus as nice, good, forgiving, etc, but that is not the real Jesus and there is so much more to who the real Jesus is and was. I also picked up a Jesus Centered Bible that outlines Jesus in every book and has great study sections. It’s awesome to see what is possible with life because of his grace and mercy.