My elementary teacher once said to me, “Time waits on no one little man.”  I believe his point was that my “homework” was to be completed and turned in on time.

     As we begin another month, next to the last one in 2004, I am once again reminded of his remark to me.  It was and is a timeless statement.  Time waits on no one nor anything.  It did not wait on me to do the right thing and complete my assignment, and I suspect it will not wait on us to complete ours.  God has given us the precious gift of time and expects us to use it wisely for his glory.  In light of the above I will make a few “suggestions” how we, as witnesses for Christ, might use our time and also determine the times in 2005.

 

1. As the church we must come to agreement about what the “Main Thing” really is.  As the “Body of Christ,” what is the work we are called to do?  Where should we invest our time, talents, gifts, graces, and finances?  We must then ask ourselves whether or not we are using all the gifts God has given us to keep the “Main Thing the Main Thing.”  

 

2. We must then do everything possible to “Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.”  Some things are more important than other things.  The means we must establish “Critical Priorities.”  Once we establish those “Critical Priorities,” we must then “Work Together” to “Support Them.” 

 

3. “Everyone” must then be “Pushing or Pulling.”  “Blockers” are much needed on a football team, but not on a “Ministry Team.”  We may not always agree with the “Coach” or the “Team Captains,” but that should never mean we are not doing our part in encouraging the team to “Win.”

 

4. We must learn to “Trust God” instead of “Trusting Ourselves.”  We must also learn to “Trust Each Other.”  A house divided can not long stand.  We dare not allow Satan to have victory.

 

The “2004 Team Members” will continue to meet with the “2005 Team Members” in November and December.  In January of 2005 we have planned a “Day Apart” with all our 2005 Team members.  Please be praying for all of us as we seek the mind of God in setting our goals and establishing critical priorities for 2005 and beyond.  Without your love and support nothing can be accomplished.  As your pastor I am “Counting on You,” because I know “Christ is Counting on You!”

 

Love,

 

Pastor Gary