Summer Is Here
Even with all the unexpected rain this year it's finally starting to feel like summer. I love summer, it's my favorite season. From my perspective the heat is much more tolerable than the cold. Not to mention all the fun to be had in the water, and outdoors. Like many others, our schedule is already full of events and summertime activities, and we are enjoying sleeping in a little later now that we don't have to worry about getting the kids to school on time. There is always something on the grill at our house this time of year because the smell of meats on a charcoal grill should be made into a cologne. There are a lot of really good things to do during the summer, and just as many ways to be distracted from what we are called to.
As much as I love and recognize that all of those things I listed above are good gifts from God. I feel a tug on my heart to make sure that my summer time priorities are in place. The truth is that if any of my activities or scheduled events are stealing from our true purpose then they stop being a blessing. So what is our purpose? JESUS. Above all else my desire is that this summer would be marked as a summer that we grew further into love with Him. That this year would be the Summer we steward the mantle and call that he has fastened us to with greater zeal and enthusiasm. That knowing him and being made like him would be the priority and goal of everything we do this season. So yes I am looking forward to the lake and vacation time with my family and friends. I’m looking forward to eating too many ballpark franks off of the grill. These are great things, but I must at all cost stay focused on the true prize.
So let's remind ourselves as a body what we are called to…..
We are a people marked by the presence of our God. Through Word, Worship and LifeGroups we tangibly experience him, the one true living God. His name is Jesus and he loves engaging His people.
We are a people called to intercessory prayer that changes nations. The Lord has established a unified prayer movement in First Church through the Upper Room house of prayer and I am humbled by that.
We are called to go out of the Church house, to reach and love Appalachia for Jesus. He has planted us to plant others and it starts with effectively evangelising the communities we are in.
We are called to contend and believe in God for Awakening in Appalachia. Jesus has led us to be a Kaleo Congregation and that has connected us to other Revival ministries all over the world and that is exciting.
So with all the fun summer brings, it's crucial that we stay focused and plugged into the call. I'm asking that as a body we encourage, bless, hold one another accountable as we walk this call out.
Love,
Pastor John
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