Wow!!! It's been like 8 months since I've blogged... it's good I don't do this for a living or I'd be broke! ;) My family has been on quite the journey over the past 9 months and we are so thankful for where we have landed. In February I transitioned away from a North Point strategic partner church in Ventura County to a 113 year old "church plant in the making" in the San Gabriel Valley. This transition came with many challenges including transitioning away from an amazing church planting team, 2.5 month commute of 90 miles one way, moving away from great friends, moving our kids to a different school, being forced into short-selling our home (and trashing our credit!) and living in an extremely small apartment. It has not been the easiest year. On top of all that, this summer Shanna had a miscarriage in her 7th week of pregnancy. (Heaven will be that much sweeter because when we get there we'll get to meet our third child!)
BUT I sit here tonight with huge appreciation for God never leaving us or forsaking us this year. He has blessed us beyond what we deserve with new friends, an amazing staff team focused on transforming our community, a loving church family, an amazing house that we moved into this past week and the opportunity to live closer to our family.
This morning I had the privilege of preaching my first sermon at Christ First Baptist Covina. I am the worship leader at our modern service so I was out of my element without my guitar and more than a little nervous. The passage was Phil 2:3-8 and the topic was serving with humility. Humility is an interesting concept. Not something you'd think you should pursue. It's not very humble to stand before people and inform them that you are humble. BUT the bible does speak to our responsibility to pursue humility in the way we live.
James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
We are given a specific description of how to pursue humility here:
Phil 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
In what ways can you consider others better than yourselves?
1 comment:
James, WOW! I am glad you posted. What a busy time for you - I am so verry sorry to hear that you lost your baby, and then had to face so much difficulty in transitioning. I pray that God gives you strength, and shows you joy in the morning. It IS good to hear what God is doing in your lives, and I am excited for how he will use you in Covina. I know many will be blessed by your ministry and example, as I was in Ventura.
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