Yesterday we had a focus on Friends. The focus was on inviting them to worship with us, praying for them and sharing the good news that God is already reaching out to them. It was a very good day. As for my musings …

-My 9:00 church had a good morning. There were 7 visitors and a good spirit in the worship service. They also had a wonderful brunch after the service. I didn’t get to enjoy the brunch since I had to get to my 10:30 church. They had a bunch of great food including biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. That is one of my favorite breakfast foods. Some kind people from the church dropped off a good amount of the gravy and some biscuits for me later in the day. I enjoyed it in the morning. From reports I received the time of connection and fellowship during the brunch was outstanding.

-My 10:30 church had at least 20 visitors. The congregation was very engaged throughout the whole time of worship and there some who chose to accept Jesus as their Savior! There were a lot of great conversations that took place following the worship service. It was encouraging to see the regular attenders welcoming the visitors.

-My sermon went much better at both churches than it did in my practice run early in the morning. That practice run did not go well at all, but that is part of the reason that I practice it so that I can work out the wording. It is a bit unnerving when the practice run goes as poorly as it did yesterday.

-My fantasy football team lost again. Looks like no playoffs for me this year, but I will continue to enjoy the fact that the Cubs won the World Series.

-You are worth it. I just wanted you to be reminded of that fact. It is not an opinion. This fact is supported by the truth that Jesus Christ died for you. No matter how you are feeling. No matter what you are facing. No matter what your past seems to say about you. Jesus Christ loves you and sees you as having right now value and eternal value.

-“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” Romans 5:11 (New Living Translation) This was a part of my sermon yesterday.

-I may finally have settled on the theme and layout of my Christmas sermon series. Still praying and studying for the next couple of days to confirm it.

-I loved listening to some of our children on Saturday as they practiced some songs for their Christmas program. It was great to hear them singing so enthusiastically.

-My wife and I had a tearful conversation this morning about what God is speaking to us. It so great to know that God is still working on us and through us. We are carrying huge burdens for our own ministry and for the needs of many people to whom we are connected.

-I told my churches about my all-time favorite restaurant during my sermon yesterday. Don’t worry I tied it into the sermon. The restaurant is no longer open. In fact, it is no longer standing. It either collapsed on its own or it was torn down, several years ago. You are intrigued as to what restaurant I am referring to aren’t you? You never know what critical things you may learn during my sermons. 

-I love talking with other pastors. I talked with a fellow pastor this morning and it was great to hear his heart and know better how to pray for him.

-My son and his family are traveling toward their new ministry assignment in Central Africa Republic. They hope to arrive on Thursday. Much prayer is being spoken on their behalf this week. 

Here’s hoping you are following God’s leading this week in all that you do and say.

Dennis