Can you imagine how far we have come? We started this series several weeks ago and it's almost over! Wow that was fast. Look at what you have accomplished: you have read an entire book from cover to cover, you have met with your small group each week to share what you've learned, you have engaged in prayer and Bible study, and you have worshiped with your family of faith each Sunday. For some, it may not seem like very much, but for others it's quite an accomplishment. Congratulations!
Treasures of the Transformed Life offered us an opportunity to be changed from the inside out. We have now developed new habits of reading daily, praying for others and giving to God through our Church. Prayer, Presence, Gifts and Service have in fact become a part of us. It has made us better, stronger and more faithful to the things of God. Transformation is about shifting from old patterns of behavior to new, more productive behaviors that bring us closer and closer to God. As we grow in our desire to become like Jesus Christ and to live it out through sacrificial service, the kingdom is blessed through our faithfulness and commitment.
So, where do we go from here? We most certainly cannot allow what we have experienced over this Lenten season to be in vain. True transformation means that what we have learned must now be demonstrated through our lifestyles. I suggest several things: 1. We must keep reading. We must commit ourselves to reading inspirational books on a regular basis. Use the same time you used over these past few weeks to read the book of your choice. If you don't have one in mind, we can make some suggestions. 2. We must also remain committed to meeting with small groups of fellow believers for the purpose of reflecting upon the word of God and sharing your faith journey. It will bless you and others. 3. We should maintain a life of prayer. Never wait until there is a crisis to pray. Pray regularly! And 4. Always be willing to sacrifice for what you believe in. Giving to God through tithes and offerings is a sure way to grow yourself spiritually. Giving also helps the work of ministry to expand, and it allows for so many avenues of service to be born among us.
Prayer, Presence, Gifts and Service should become our motto, our commitment, and our personal promise. We are still on a journey. The destination is to our rightful place in God. That's my goal and I hope its your goal also. -Pastor Branch
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Well said Pastor! I pray to God that all of us (myself included) will continue on the path of transformation. So much was invested in this campaign and I pray that all of us will see the vision and join in. What a wonderful difference that can be made if we all pray, give, serve, and attend! Its quite simple, we were made to serve God and that is exactly what we should be doing...somebody should put that on a T-Shirt so we can wear it and remind ourselves of our purpose in life - to find our place in the Kingdom of God and serve in that place. Simple, yet deep! Thank you Pastor for putting your vision in action and developing a plan to show people the way Christians are supposed to conduct themselves in the Kingdom.
Amen and Amen! Somebody said if we don't change with the change we will be changed by the change. My personal realization is that transformation is a process that requires unrelenting focus and sacrifice. So let's get our eye on the prize and press toward the mark! It worth the journey...
From the mouth of a great man "This is a great time for a great change" TNH we have come so far. It is so great to look back and see what transformations have taken place in me and our church. Let us band together and encourage one another to keep going. Let this not be the end but the begining of a lifestyle. I thank all of you who read, prayed, encouraged, laughed, cried, attended, praised, worshiped, and held me accountable. Without you my journey would have not been completed. Pastor, yet again you have allowed God to work through you and you have brought us a mighty lesson. Sister Lanell, reading your post have really kept me stong during this journey, Thank you. I love you all and can't wait until we finish strong.
Pastor, thank you for reminding us that we need to continue this transformation journey. Some of us are not quite sure what to do next, and it helps to know that transformation is not a destination, it's a journey!
On the subject of reading inspirational books, I received an email from a friend who recommended the study Oprah is doing on A New Earth by Ekhert Tolle. I'm sure you are familiar with it. I looked at a clip from the video she is streaming on Mondays. The moment I saw the cover page and as I heard her talking to the author, I knew right away that this is new age thinking. What is really thought provoking to me is that this book seems to be written on the same premise as "Treasures" in that it's supposed to serve as a transformational awakening type of reading.
This said to me that it is critical for the people of God to exercise discernment when it comes to what we read and listen to. We really need to be fully persuaded in what we believe because there are so many new "thoughts" and world views that are surfacing. I recall the Bible saying that "if possible, it could fool the very elect." By the way, I saw you on Channel Two this morning. Thank you for being a man of integrity!
Yes Pastor, It is quite an accomplishment. I thank God for you and the vision that He has given you for His people. My prayers have become more inclusive since this journey. Being present at church is and will continue to be a priority. Sharing the gifts that God has given me and commiting to a life of service has taken on a whole new meaning. I have been truly blessed over these six weeks. I pray that my transformation will be a blessing to others as well.
I am so excited about the daily reading and hope that we continue to do that as a church family. I have developed a desire to read more and learn more about God.
Thanks again for this journey together.
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