by George | Jul 14, 2021 | Community News, Newsletter
Running With Purpose
“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Many years, and many pounds ago, I ran cross country in high school.
My first coach was Mr. Johnson. He was a good coach, very knowledgeable, and fair.
One of the duties of a coach is to try and correct flaws in an athlete’s performance. I had a flaw that I wasn’t aware of. As I ran, my arms were spread out. In other words, they were not in alignment, closer to my body. This caused wasted energy that could have been used to help me move forward.
One day at practice, he gave me his stopwatch, which had a long cord. The idea was to hold on to the cord with both hands while running, thus keeping the arms closer to the body.
I remember feeling quite embarrassed and even crying. But, I never forgot that lesson, which helped me to run more efficiently and more disciplined.
Paul uses the analogy of a runner in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.
Paul says “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim. I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
He ran with a purpose. He ran a disciplined race.
What is your purpose or aim as you run the race today? What is the “why” in what you do?
Perhaps like me, your arms are not in alignment, and you are wasting energy on things that keep you from running efficiently or disciplined.
Run with purpose, run with discipline, asking God to help you move forward towards the finish line.
by George | Jul 13, 2021 | Community News, Newsletter
July Community Church Ministry Newsletter
“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38
Have you noticed all the “Help Wanted” signs all over town? It seems that most businesses are struggling to find enough help.
I hope you haven’t experienced the same thing at your church, or your job.
Community Church Ministry is staffed by a small group of volunteers.
We are having a busy July as we are doing a basic school supply giveaway with our dinners.
There have been a few times recently when we felt a little short handed, but God always supplies.
Christ encourages us to “… pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”
So, let’s agree in prayer for the Lord to provide workers!
Additionally, please pray with us about these things too:
Please help us pray about several things:
- Good weather and receptive audiences at our community events.
- Funds to pay for the hoodies which we are giving away in December.
- Churches, groups and individuals to catch the vision of reaching their neighborhood. Our desire is to expand into many other communities.
May God bless you richly!–
Blessings!Pastor George Nix
by George | Jul 12, 2021 | Community News, Newsletter
Help Wanted
“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38
Have you noticed all the “Help Wanted” signs all over town? It seems that most businesses are struggling to find enough help.
Right before He spoke these words, Jesus had looked out to the crowd and what He saw touched His heart.
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 9:36
God uses people like you and me to be His hands and feet. We do the work because we have a passion, and sometimes compassion, for the folks we minister to.
Sometimes when we are doing the work, we feel tired and overwhelmed because there are not enough people available to get everything done.
If you are a leader, you worry about burnout. I know a local business that no longer opens on Saturday because they don’t have enough workers. Management made a wise decision not to burn out the staff that they have.
If you are a team member, you might be experiencing fatigue because of the long hours and increased
work load.
My advice is twofold. First, take care of yourself as best you can. Get some rest. Remember the words of Jesus:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Second, pray every day for God to send the help needed.
“Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:38
Keep asking, seeking and knocking… He will answer in His time and in His way.
