We made a lot of changes in the past few weeks that we hope will re-engage enthusiasm in our hearts. Moving the worship band, changing the Sunday morning schedule and having a time of prayer and commitment during the services seems to have stirred our hearts a little. This weekend, I will introduce another change that I think will encourage you in your walk with God. I won’t tell you what it is, but when you attend this Sunday, anticipate a day of celebration, inspiration, preparation and hopefully transformation.
THE GOAL OF OUR SERVICES
Did you know that the last words in the previous paragraph describe my goal for you each week? Because life can beat us up, these four ingredients are essential in each of our lives. CELEBRATION reminds us of the great hope we have as believers in Jesus Christ. INSPIRATION gives us energy to face life’s challenges. PREPARATION allows us to know in our minds how to live a life of truth in a world of lies. Through CELEBRATION, we applaud God’s victory. Through INSPIRATION, we surrender to God and embrace one another. We are then energized to live out our faith through the week. And through PREPARATION, our minds are equipped with truths for living.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL
The ultimate goal of our gathering together is TRANSFORMATION. My prayer is that what we do each week results in transformed lives. Because if we are transformed, we are a part of all God is doing to transform the world around us. One of my greatest fears is that we could somehow gather each week, enjoy the music and the message, but never really change on the inside. That is why I use the word TRANSFORM not change, because TRANSFORMATION is a change of heart that results in a change of behavior.
CHANGES THAT REACH THE HEART
I am excited about the external changes we made since the first of the year. I am also excited about some of changes that are coming in the future. But as I shared two weeks ago, these changes produce little if any benefit, if they do not move beyond the garments and reach the heart. Joel challenged the Israelites to “rend their hearts and not their garments.” Together, let’s allow God to change us from the inside out.
So, show up early this week. Join us in a celebration that inspires our hearts, informs our minds and transforms our lives.
To Read more of Jim's Blog's, visit http://www.heartofthecanyons.com/
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