Refreshed?

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope your summer has been a great one so far.  Have you made some neat memories along the way?  Gone on vacation somewhere?  Well, I hope and pray that your summer has been refreshing.  That is what we traditionally think of summer.  It is time off from school and a time to go somewhere to break the monotony of work.  Of course quite often vacations are so full of hectic schedules (to see, do, and eat everything) that, along with the preparation and then unpacking and catching up, that we are exhausted when they are over.  Sometimes in a good way and sometimes we are glad they are over.  The important thing that I want to suggest is that you make sure that you are refreshed this summer so that when the school year and church year begin in September you are willing to make the sacrifices and hard work necessary to make them a fruitful time of life.  We should see results for our hard work and dedication.  Results such as more people coming to church, bible study, and SS.  We should be able to count the times we fed the hungry, provided clothing and other items for those in need.  All this along with the various ways and times we worshiped our Creator God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Giver of Immortal Gladness, our Saviour, Redeemer, King, the Lover of our souls.  The Lord is worthy of our praise and more so than what we do give to the Only True God. 

I know we have a lot of excuses what with all of the activities that we are involved in.  I get it.  Busy schedules.  Only day off.  Boring church.  Dull preacher.  Nothing nice to wear.  Don't get along with so and so.  Pews are uncomfortable.  Takes too long.  Confusion.  Frustrations.  Too many noisy children.  Not enough children.  Excuses, excuses, excuses.  One day we will have to answer for all of it.  Oh, and I will go to church but don't even think of asking me to do more than that.  I am too old, young, embarrassed, poor, uneducated, inexperienced, busy, etc, etc. to do more.  Yep, one day we will have to answer for all of that and then our excuses won't work.  Mmmm, this is really a rant, isn't it?  No apologies.  I love you too much for that.  My point is for us to get some rest, do things that refresh our spirits, minds, and bodies if at all possible.  Lets get ready for the church year that is fast approaching so that we can be good ambassadors for Christ because this world sure needs us to be at our best.  All year long we offer a free online bible study through RightNow Media, a bi-weekly afternoon bible study, adult SS, Saturday night contemporary service at 6pm and 2 Sunday morning traditional services at 8:15 and 10:45.  We are already gearing up for different ministries for the coming year so if you want to be involved just pray and ask.  Get refreshed, have fun.  See you soon.

God loves you and so do I,

Pastor Bruce

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