Pastor’s Ponderings

“Every Member and Every Day”

“Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25). “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly” (Hebrews 13:18). As I read these verses, a thought came to me. What if we all took these passages seriously and sincerely prayed for the pastor and leaders of Calvary every day? “[Paul] never outgrew the need for prayer, and neither do we” (William MacDonald). As you read this, determine to be a part of the prayers lifted to God. You can remember this with a simple slogan: “Every Member, Every Day.” Join with your brothers and sisters in Christ and take me and your fellow believers into the throne room of God. _{********************} Thom Rainer wrote a short online article entitled, “Why I Attend Church.” Here are the final two reasons.

_{********************} We just completed a sermon series entitled “The Walk.” It was a blessing to prepare these messages and they truly touched my heart. I pray that our walk will match our talk. We learned to “Walk in Love,” Walk in Truth,” “Walk Circumspectly,” “Walk Not as the Lost,” “Walk Humbly,” “Walk by Faith,” “Walk Worthy,” “Walk in Wisdom,” “Power Walk,” and we concluded last Sunday with “Walk in Light.” I pray we were all challenged to truly live out our faith! _{********************} I am grateful and thankful for all who have joined the choir the past few weeks. We practice every Sunday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. We are already practicing Christmas music (I know, that seems way too early), and I truly appreciate the attitude of the singers. If the Lord lays this ministry on your heart (provided you can at least sing a little bit), we would love to see you in the choir loft! _{********************} August will be a great month. We open the first Sunday by baptizing in the evening service. We had around 21 teens and children saved at camp and Vacation Bible School. As we follow up on these young people (special thanks to Bro. Eddy Carrell for contacting many of these) we also pray that the parents will get involved with Calvary. Our On Track leader training will occur August 11 after the morning service. We will have lunch prepared then meet until about 3:00pm preparing for the new year of Express (children) and The Crossing (teens). Registration for this program is Wednesday, August 21, from 6:30pm-8:00pm and we begin on August 28 at 6:30pm. We have a great year ahead and look forward to what God will do through us! Thanks to all the volunteers! _{********************} September brings some exciting blessings. On Saturday, September 14, we launch a widow/widower ministry with a free luncheon. Calvary has an abundance of members whose spouses have passed into glory. Join us for this special meal as we try to be a blessing to our folks who have endured difficult life circumstances. We also begin a new series on September 8 titled “A New You in Eight Weeks.” For these sermons we will look at eight vital habits we need to establish to be more effective for the Lord. The habits are very simple, yet Satan distracts us from what is important. Establish these eight simple routines, and God will bless us individually and as a church body! _{********************} I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have: 1) Courage 2) Wisdom 3) Strength 4) Victory 5) Vision