Sunday Recap On A Tuesday...

On Tuesday's I hope to post some thoughts from the lesson that was previously taught at Merge the Sunday before...

Lesson: A Thankful Church
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Some Thoughts:
---Big Thought For This Morning:
A thankful CHURCH
is filled with thankful PEOPLE
who have thankful HEARTS


5 things I am THANKFUL for @ Merge:

1.  Misty's willingness to work hard in a full time job so I can serve Merge full time.  When we left to plant Merge both of us changed employers (since we were working for the same church).  A major question we asked was rather or not I would become a bi-vocational pastor or devote all of my efforts at Merge.  Misty was a big proponent for me being able to only have one job.  So much to the point where she directs a Day School and carries a lot of responsibility so my energies can be focused on serving at Merge.  For that I am grateful.


2.  For what God is doing and the relationships being built in the body at Merge.  God is doing some incredible things as fellow Merger's are on great adventures, receiving healing, and most importantly drawing closer to God.  This is an exciting time for us as we see how big our God is.


3.  For the continued influence we are developing at M.J. Miller Elementary School.  We are being allowed to make a great difference in our community through our acts of service.  People are experiencing the love of God through an avenue few churches pursue.  For the continued difference I am grateful.


4.  That God have been faithful to meet the needs of the church.  It is an interesting endeavor anytime a group of people try to create something from nothing.  A church is no exception.  Over the past nearly two years there have been many moments praying for God's provision financially.  Every time He has been faithful and abundant. We believe all of our resources (especially as a church) is a stewardship provided by God.  For this reason we work hard at saving, giving and spending at Merge.  I think that as we do this well in the early stages, as God grows us we will have even greater opportunities to serve Him with our finances.


5.  Thankful for Jesus.  His life and death brings us forgiveness of sin and life abundantly.  His willingness to be obedient to the Father by laying His life down as a ransom for many is the greatest love story imaginable.  God loves us, so much to send us Jesus.  For Jesus, I am thankful.


Heart and Soul,
BAG
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