September 2012 - Back to School

It’s hard to believe September has arrived again--back to school.  Just when the unroutine of summer is becoming the pattern of life, the routine of back-to-school hits you in the face.  While the routine may be very similar to last year, there are significant differences.  There are still the same classes: Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies, to name a few.  The content of those classes, however, has changed.  There is a building upon the lessons of the past.  There is also the new.  Natasha is joining the high school choir and this will demand more from her and from her parents as she needs to be at the school an hour and a half before classes begin.

I believe that as a church we are also entering into both the familiar and the completely new but we must recognize and embrace the step up.  We have taken the Core Values class before but now we need to embrace it at a new level that builds upon the lessons of the past and draws out a greater response in us.  Maturing means learning new things and embracing those lessons.  There are also new “optional” classes that arise which can enhance your experience and enrich your life.  I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the Engage services we will be having one Sunday evening per month.

My heart for us is that we not treat what we see or feel is familiar as being the same.  We are not simply taking one more trip around the mountain.  As it is God’s heart to bring increase, we must also be prepared to handle that increase.  Many people dream of winning a lottery worth millions of dollars but the majority of those who do win are unable to handle the increase: many are broke within three years.  Jesus said that when much is given, much is then required.  I’m not referring to a fleshly or natural demand; rather I want you to be aware of the spiritual reality that goes with increase.  You have probably experienced the influence of a tractor-trailer unit driving in the opposite direction on a highway.  It is larger than your car and the increased momentum creates a larger push in front and pull behind.  There are spiritual laws similar to our physical ones.

I’m excited for our future.  Jesus said in Matthew 13:52, “Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.”  Summer has been fun, but now its time to have a different kind of fun as we go back to school.

Journeying together with you,

Pastor Merril