Nov. 9, 2014

God surprises us in many ways. As we go through the “Enriched” series we see that contrary to expectations of the times, God uses children to bless and enrich us. God gathers people from all races and countries around his Banquet Table to feast. God uses the unlikely such as the prostitute Rahab in God’s history of Salvation. And today’s text God uses a foreigner, a hated Samaritan to bring compassion, aid and abundant generosity to one who is wounded and left for dead. God surprises us in many ways. Back in our younger years, most adults would never have imagined being where we are and doing what we are doing now. Life has a way of working out in God’s time. The bumps and bruises make us stronger. The dead ends turn to streets of opportunity we would have never encountered if we rushed on our own. The people God puts along the road of life change us forever. God surprises us in many ways. As we return of our Estimates of Giving next weekend, I anticipate that God will surprise us with outpourings of generosity that will literally be life changing. Life changing for the giver in trusting the Lord. Life changing in the mission that ensues as Eastminster reaches out. God surprises us in many ways. I look forward to the journey ahead and to the Ice Cream “Sundae on Saturday” after worship on November 15 and the Celebration Brunch after worship on November 16. Please plan to stay for good food, fellowship and maybe a surprise or two! God surprises us in many ways. As I face the excitement of the surprises of life, I hold on to Proverbs 3:5-12: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. 13Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. As we look at the story of the Good Samaritan today, know that our Bible on the Communion Table is turned to Proverbs 3… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This is great wisdom for the journey ahead! Blessings, Tim