Loving the Grove
Stepping out by Sharing God's Word
Luke 10:1-22

I have been here in Cottage Grove coming onto 6 years. Six wonderful, challenging, growthful (is that a word) years. Those years I would not give up for the world. In that span of time, Cottage Grove has become my home and I feel a part of this city. Joining together with a few of the other ministers here in the Grove, we have been praying this city on a weekly basis. We pray that the those who do not know Jesus would come to a knowledge of him. We have also been praying that those within His church would step out in faith and share Jesus with those who need to hear about Him.

That thought, coupled with other ideas has brought me to where we are today with the Love Cottage Grove idea. We are all in this together and together we can truly get something done. Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1-22, with a purpose, to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven in Matthew 28, again He leaves those standing there as witnesses with a job, spread the news of Jesus and prepare people for His return.

This week: Find someone to love, without regard to what you can get out of it. Then, see what follows.

Your Challenge Today

Actually, your challenge today is more of a "thank you," than a challenge. You see, we raised more than $1,600 for the Bible College students during the offering time on Sunday. That is a little more than $500 to help each student pay for books, tuition, etc. That is a job well done, way to step up to the plate!

I was also greatly impressed with the outdoor service this weekend and the many ways that we have stepped it up this summer. I truly expected a HOT unbearable service, but what a pleasant day it ended up being and even a little mist (rain) toward the end.

This Sunday not only marked the last of our outdoor services for the summer it was also a conclusion to the BBQ's and kids boot Camp Experience. The children were awesome once again and we were truly blessed this summer with great food, great fun and some awesome entertainment for the little ones.

Sometimes when things are going well, we have a tendancy to get comfortable with things. Though this summer was wonderful, I fully expect a much stronger Fall. As hunting season approaches (code for Fall) what are ways we can step up to the plate and reach out to those who don't know Jesus? How do we provide safe and comfortable places to hear that message? Are you ready to introduce others to your Savior?

Wheewwww. Summer is almost over. . . but don't breath to deeply, Fall is coming!

Weekly Challenge
Sowing and Reaping

This week we took a unique look at the passage in Galatians 6 about sowing and reaping. Often times we speak about the negative things that we sow and reap. Yet we forget that if we want positive things in life to happen we have to sow positively. I shared this week the many positive things going on in our church. From new visitors to baptisms, to the hope of the future, we have many great opportunities to sow and reap within our church body.

This week thank God for the people within your life that God has used to touch and challenge you. If you can, write someone who has touched you a little note of encouragement and thanksgiving for the way that God has used them in your life. Also, consider praying for God to send you someone that you can sow into.

Weekly Challenge
The Cost of the Message

How far would you go for the message of Jesus? That is a difficult question to ask yet one worth considering, and considering a lot. When it boils down to it, most of us are deeply spoiled and we have a difficult time stepping out of our comfort zone for anything. Consider this: Most of us sit in the same place every Sunday morning; if we don't like the music we have difficulty worshipping; we get stuck in consistent routine, we like our days to run smoothly and we hope each day runs like yesterday did. We struggle to leave our comfort zone, seldom do speak to strangers or stop to help someone in need.

I hope you do not think that I am getting on anybody in particular. Truthfully, I am stung by my very own words, realizing how selfish I am. It is painful to think that I cannot please everyone and yet God reminds me that it is His approval I am looking for, so, step out of my comfort zone is something I must do. Something I hope God is encouraging you to do, to take a big step out of your comfort zone.

I think we all understand the danger of stepping out of our comfort places. Now, consider the rewards; you could be giving hope to a family in crisis, you may be the tool God uses to end the cycle of sin in someone's life. You may be the one to seed plant in someone's soul that will sprout down the road or you could be the one bring that seed to sprout. You may be the only kind word someone hears today, the only encouragement some receives. Your one act of kindness could mean the world to someone.

Foy Vance, a singer/song writer from London has a song on his most recent album called, "An Indiscriminate Act of Kindness." In the song a story is told of a man who provides a down-and-out woman with a warm place to stay and hope for tomorrow. As she questions his kindness, the man responds, "No one that knows love could leave you out there on such a night." You and I know Love, we know the very creator of Love because of that we have no choice but to step out and show others that kind of Love that we have already received. By the way, did I mention that it's worth it?