January has just started and already things are getting very
busy. As I sit at my desk I am
surrounded by papers such as attendance figures, job descriptions, calendars,
procedures, budgets, proposals, and minutes.
God is in all these things, but the question comes to mind, how do I
make space for God? Not papers,
programs, procedures and God. Where do I
make space just for God?
Where do you make
space for God? When are the times, where
are the places in which you let God minister to you, God’s word speak to you?
What I am finding out is that I need to create margin now,
so the events of 2018 do not overwhelm my spiritual life, so that God is
first. I invite you to do the same
thing. Here are some ideas of how that
might happen.
First, clear out the clutter in life. Today’s scripture is about Jesus cleansing
the temple in Jerusalem. He quit making
it a business and sought to restore it to being a house of prayer. Likewise, God calls us to create space, to
allow margin where worship of God is put first.
Creating space for the new and holy is first order.
Second, fill the space with the “big rocks” first. What
do you really need in life to grow spiritually? Quiet time?
A Bible Study? A place to be in
the presence of God and beauty? An
accountability partner? A service
project that uses your gifts for others.
Don’t repopulate life with “clutter.”
Do something significant for God!
There is an insert in
the announcements today that offers various opportunities for growth for
adults. Please read these over and
think of which of these would be worth creating the space to engage in for
God’s glory and for a better you. Check these
off and turn the insert in at offering time.
This is one way to ensure you don’t get caught up with the details of
life to the exclusion of what is enriching and nourishing for the soul.
As we look to go into
a new year of spiritual renewal, I would be remiss not to thank Julie
Rogers-Martin for the growth and renewal God has brought to Eastminster through
her. Julie served for four years on
staff in the area of children, youth and family ministry. During that time the programs have grown in
number and in depth and a great spirit of community has and is forming. In addition to her duties in this respect,
she is instrumental in starting ministries for young adults, spiritual
formation and involvement in mission and interfaith activities beyond or church. Julie is one of those who “get it” that
churches are not buildings or programs but relationships linked by Jesus
Christ. Thanks for what you have and are
doing to renew Eastminster and to create stronger disciples of Jesus!
A reception will be held for Julie following both services
this weekend. Take a moment to say
thanks to Julie and to wish her well on her new endeavors.
God bless as you remove the clutter and get involved in life
giving activity!
Pastor Tim
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