05/11/2008

For what is your life?

In his fourth chapter verse 14 James asks us " for what is your life"? In the context that James( the brother of Jesus) asks this is- WHOSE will is being done? So often our lives are I,I,I with a few Me.me.me for good measure.

We act as if we actually were in control yet we well know that our very lives exist only at God`s mercy. We really have no true knowledge of what will happen tomorrow much less months and years from now. We are so fragile and our lives can vanish like a puff of smoke. This is not a concern if we can constantly acknowledge this aspect of God`s creation and follow the adage 'THY will be done" for if we seek and follow God`s wishes then it truly doesn`t matter what happens for we are protected and our decisions guided towards wisdom.

The end of the Beginning

The first phase of Higher Grounds is coming to a close. Our beloved leader Gary Stembal has been called to use his talents elsewhere and God has led many others from the Higher Grounds flock to follow Christ`s leadings in other directions. Next week will be our last week of worship for now.

Higher Grounds has been an interesting experience. Formed to reach many who would not be attracted to "regular" church worship it has indeed drawn many who liked our casual friendly atmosphere. Also attracted where many who still enjoy regular church but needed fed in a different format to supplement the Word of Christ that they were receiving elsewhere.

As James said we do not know the future. That is God`s Provence. Perhaps Higher Grounds will reformat and come back under new tutelage( still of Christs teachings). Again, this is up to God. We are under edict to follow Christ where ever He leads.

I wish to thank each and every person who has made Higher Grounds a place for me personally to grow in understanding of Jesus Christ. I hope to take lessons learned onward to His glory.

Thank Y`all so much for allowing me to share this humble BLOG.

05/04/2008

The Church of the Crossroads

This week Jamie and I attended the Church of the Crossroads on South Broad Street here in Grove City. We were very blessed.

Several seniors graduating from my Alma Mater Grove City College were recognized and each gave a little talk. It was wonderful to hear such grounded Christian students!! Since the college is so close I think we forget how many truly amazing people leave there and go on to many Christian callings.

Pastor Don Hulsey spoke.His text was Matthew chapter 5 which is, of course, the Sermon on the Mount. He covered verses 7 thru 11. These verses contribute to what I call the 'blesseds"
Blessed are the
Merciful
Pure of Heart
Workers for Peace
Persecuted.

The entire list is called the Beatitudes and in some ways are really tough standards. Anyone who can live to these standards indeed has earned blessing.

Our Lord Jesus led Pastor Hulsey to describe a flow to these beatitudes that I have not heard before. Each is a base for the next. The poor( those that have nothing to give) cause them to mourn and become meek. They will then hunger and thirst for righteousness and will be shown mercy. This will make them pure in heart and they will become peacemakers. For this they will be persecuted. An interesting perspective and Christ inspired for sure. As Don says-"tough stuff" but he sums it up saying
get it
live it
hand it down.
A fine message.

Tonite we meet at our monthly gathering. Much will be determined as to the future of Higher Grounds.

Y`all have a great week and enjoy God`s Blessings!!