Interns

This year we have G2 interns. A group of young men and young women have dedicated their summer to reading, writing, and working here at the church. They have been assigned to read over 100 pages of theological study each week and summarize what they have learned each week in a personal paper. They have worked to serve the church in building clean-up, organization, G2 retreat preparation--they even did some yard work last week.

I wanted to take a blog post to say how grateful I am for their willingness to press into studying God's Word this summer. Its amazing that highschoolers, heading into another serious school year, would dedicate their summer to learning the way that these interns have.


Interns, congratulations, you have done an excellent job. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know each of you better.

Sunday Morning

It's Sunday morning. And in one hour we will be singing together with the entire church and then listening to God's Word. The Church gathering is one of those events we can grow quickly familiar with--even bored with--unless we believe what God has promised to do when his people gather together.
First, he has promised to be among us. Whenever we gather as a church, God himself, in the Holy Spirit, is present, receiving our songs, ministering to us through the spiritual gifts he has given to his people, and transforming us through his Word. Every Sunday is a gathering before the Holy and All Powerful God for his purposes for us to be realized.
Second, he has promised to give us the privilege of serving one another. All of us have many responsibilities with work and school and families. But on Sunday we have the responsibility of building each up in our faith, encouraging one another to follow after God with all of our hearts, and reminding each other of the glory of our Savior. If we show up on Sunday with only the hope that the songs will be familiar or the music will conform to our preferences or even that the sermon will be entertaining or funny, we'll miss the purpose God has for US in serving OTHERS as we gather together. God has someone for me to encourage in their faith today.

Lord, give me eyes to see what you are doing in my heart and what you are calling me to do for your people today. Build my faith and anticipation to encounter you. I present my life, in all of my dreams and desires, with full submission before your Word today. Speak to me from your Word and transform my life so that I will love you more fully and passionately. Use me for your glory as a result of this Sunday. Amen.

John 1

I was reading in the gospel of John this morning and was amazed by the glory of Jesus Christ. Creator. Fully God. The Word--the proclamation of God's truth and grace. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Eternal One made into flesh and dwelling among us.
Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty. I pray with Moses that the Lord would show us his glory, glory that shines in the face of his Son.