Sunday Mind Dump - January 5, 2014

Solid day. 

Although the weather was pretty miserable outside, lots of people braved the elements to be in service on this Lord’s Day.

Attendance was way up from last week, even though it’s still a little shy or normal attendance.

Also blown away by people’s generosity today.

Still have lot’s of sick folk.  We encourage them to say home if they or their children are sick.

Kicked of the new series – A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ – based on the book of 2 Timothy.

We covered only the first five verses – it’s the way the scheme of thought flows in the text – but, boy was it ever powerful.  We covered the importance of encouragement (encouraging others), what it means to have sincere faith, the benefit of multi-generational faithfulness in the family, and spiritual adoption (mentoring).

We also had a very strong section when I spoke directly to the fathers – and why they are commanded by God Himself to be actively involved in the spiritual formation of their own children.

Everyone seemed to be really interested in these ideas.  Many were leaning forward their seat.  At times is was very quiet… so quiet that it unnerved me a little bit.

I think the quieter it gets the more people are contemplating and listening to the spiritual impressions being made upon them.

With the first five verses of the introduction behind us, the door to the entire book is wide open and next Sunday we are off and running. 

The book of 2 Timothy contains some of the most  potent and riveting passages in the New Testament.  

I would encourage you to read ahead each week to familiarize yourself with the content.  That way the Sunday morning message can build upon your own study.  You’ll grow so much more that way.

We have a great church.  There are so many good things happening right now.

Sure not everything is perfect, and many things need to be improved.  But we have a solid church, and a happy congregation. 

Funny thing is, I used to stress out (a lot) about the things that are less than perfect.  I also used to stress when people expressed an urgency to “fix things.”

Now, I’m over that.  I figure it’s God’s church, it’s His mess, and He always comes through.

I am now able to rest in that.

2013 was a great year for me personally, and for PCC.  I believe 2014 will be even better.  I’m putting more into God’s Hands and letting myself off the hook for everything else.

There’s nothing more rewarding than to see God do His thing in His timing.

Other Stuff….

The temperatures are going to be very cold over the next couple of days – lower than what we typically experience in NW Florida.  

I think it’s going to kill my garden.  

Winter greens (collards, turnips, kale, etc) can handle freezing weather, even a little ice.  But they cannot handle 16 degrees.  

I guess I’ll go over and pick most everything, cook it, and put it in the freezer for future use.  Otherwise, I’ll lose most of it to the elements.

I’ve had good success with turnip roots this year.  Just lucky I guess.   We have really enjoyed them.

Cindy, I have another bunch with your name on them if you would like them.

Fishing…

On the upside, I might be able to scoop some mullet with a dipping net this week.

:-)