I have been watching a video of the 50th anniversary of our church. It was held in September of 1990. A video recorder was set up and taped by Art Hunsberger as they had a potluck (of all things) and a service celebrating all the past pastors and ministries of the church. Some things never change. I saw many of our people who still attend to this day and many who have passed on. Everyone was 30 years younger. It was good to do the math and figure out the age of people at the time. There were lots of stories and fun moments to celebrate.
What a great heritage this church has had. Many will not remember the people of our past but we definitely feel the effects of their sacrifice and love for God’s church. I think of the verse found in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” We all give and serve as unto the Lord. Every life we touch, every ministry we serve in, every class we teach, it is all for the glory of God. We should be grateful for the people who served in our past and keep the story of faith alive by recalling the wonderful things the Lord has done throughout the years. I have said it several times, but I am thankful for a church who loves all families and I can say for me, who loves my children and has given them a great church experience. It reminds me of a song by Casting Crowns entitled, “Only Jesus.” Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else Make a name the world remembers But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams I got lost in the light when it was up to me To make a name the world remembers But Jesus is the only name to remember Chorus And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy I don’t care if they remember me Only Jesus And I, I’ve only got one life to live I’ll let every second point to Him Only Jesus All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done 'Cause all that really mattered Did I live the truth to the ones I love? Was my life the proof that there is only One Whose name will last forever? I purposely did not mention names because we are all about leaving a legacy of Jesus and not ourselves. All the trophies will crumble but all that really matters is the truth that we lived out. Was my life a proof that there is only One God and did I show that He was irresistible? It doesn’t stop me from thanking the Lord for specific individuals who got out of the way and let God minister through them. There is a long list of people from our past and today that have impacted many people by their selfless ministry. I want to someday be able to say along with Timothy that I have fought the good fight and have kept the faith through it all. Oh, and by the way, thank you for how you love God with all of your heart and serve Him without abandon. This Sunday we will celebrate our graduates as they get ready to start a new chapter in their lives. We are going to celebrate 8 High School graduates and around 9 College graduates. What a great group of young people. Each one will receive a gift from our church and be reminded that God loves them and cares for their direction in life. I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
Categories |