What you need to know about her

Michelle and I celebrated 34 years of marriage this past Saturday, September 17th. We did some reminiscing together, but then I’ve been doing some on my own.

Here are FIVE things you need to know about Michelle.

1-She has been “ALL IN” at Community ever since we got married. By “ALL IN” I mean her heart, soul, energy, finances…and of course that big smile.

2-She never asked me to leave here, even when things were difficult. Doing ministry in the same place for more than 3 decades is very rewarding…but it has come with its painful moments as well. Michelle never once asked me to find another church when things were difficult.

3-She often feels like she doesn’t do enough. When you see her, please let her know that she does enough by bringing her true self to this church family week after week for 34 years.

4-She cares deeply. She is just one person, and often the pain she sees others going through is immense. The problem is simple. She sees a lot of pain but she is unable able to respond to it all on her own. That makes it tough.

5-She loves me. This is no small thing. I am eternally grateful for her!!!

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22 ESV)

Are you ready for what’s next?

We just had a very stressful week here in the San Jacinto Valley…no thanks to the Fairview Fire. With the rain this weekend and cooler temperatures, things seem under control.

But, what’s next? Are you ready?

I don’t mean that another crisis is around the corner, I just want you to think about what you learned this week…and figure out how to use that for good the next time your faith is tested or life throws you a curve ball.

Are you ready for what’s next?

9/11, as well as a local fire, remind us things happen beyond our control. Our response IS something we can control. So, watch for God to work and align yourself with Him and His purpose for your life

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

You’re full of it…I hope!

Are you full of it? Full of what you ask??? The message about Christ…of course!!

Reading through Colossians 3 a few times this week, I kept going back to verse 16. I just LOVE that first line. Then I began to wonder…

HOW can I let the message of Christ fill my life more and more?

WHO can help me fill my life with the message of Christ?

The answer to both questions is answered with one word: LifeGroups. Yep, it’s one word.

After following Jesus nearly my whole life I’m convinced of this more than ever…we NEED OTHERS to help us fill our lives with the message of Christ. His wisdom, hope, love and grace are learned in real-time in real-life with REAL PEOPLE!

Get in a group!!

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NLT)

WRECKED by DEBT?

You may or may not be struggling with debt, but in America I’m pretty sure you struggle at times with the reasons we get into debt.

This week we begin our new series “WRECKED.” Without giving too much away, I will be looking at the core issues that lead us into the danger zone of debt, where so many people get WRECKED.

The Bible actually talks a lot about these issues. So, get ready to dig in and take a personal look at the WHYS of debt.

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6 NLT)

Are you ok?

I’ve been getting texts, phone calls, emails and messages asking the same question over and over. ARE YOU OK?

People around the Country know our fire is bad.

Here, in the Valley, we get to watch the progress. We see the wind shift, the smoke grow again. And we pray.

Wow. I’m struck by the efforts of the arial assault from fire planes and helicopters. I know the boots on the ground teams are working tirelessly in extreme heat. So thanks and prayers to all who are on our front lines.

Undoubtedly, needs will come to light in the next few days.

We will let you all know of ways we can help as a church.

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:18 NLT)