Pastors Pen

Dear <<Name>>
I, like many privileged American people, own a laptop for which I am very grateful. However, when it comes to the more intricate operations of programing and providing links and such, I don’t know how to do it. I am a self-taught computer person. I am a long way from fully possessing the full potential and resources of my PC. I do continue to learn and gain insight as I explore, make mistakes, explore and make mistakes. I learn how to use the computer in a way that helps me work toward its maximum potential. My insight on this is, it’s one thing to have something . . . it's another thing to fully possess what you have.

What I realize, from ministry and life, is that often we fail to reach the full potential of what God has already given us. Sometimes we abandon relationships before we try and test the full promise of what it really means for two to become one. Or we leave churches before we ask God to show us our real purpose in the congregation. And we fail to fully offer our gifts of service because we refuse to serve outside of our comfort zones. Or we refuse to give what God has blessed us with in the first place.

I wonder, is there anything more wasteful than coveting what you don't have while what you do have lies unappreciated and under-developed or not even used at all? I know, as your pastor, I see many opportunities before us, but those opportunities need people to accomplish them. I know church is changing because people are changing but the need for spiritual insight and growth still exists. If we focus on what we don’t have and are not doing then I believe we miss the mark of what God has for us to do right now. I am hopeful, I am eager, I am willing to do whatever it takes for the love and power of God to flow. What about you? Are you hopeful, eager and willing? If you are not then let me encourage you to start praying for the power of God to fill you.

Philippians 2:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. I am encouraged by these words that remind us to serve others by using our gifts!

Let us pray, God help me help us to be conscious of the wonder, the depth and the promise of all that you have given us daily. Show us how to better love you as we use what you have already given. Amen.

In Christ
Rev Terri

Reflection