It has been an extremely busy week in the life and ministry of our church. The ladies of our fellowship with busy hands and loving care provided meals at the funeral home for two families who lost loved ones. Ample provision and delicious dishes were served to the families of Josh Dixon in the passing of his grandfather, and to family of David Jordan in the passing of his bother-in-law. Thank you Hospitality Team and Ladies of Grace for your compassion and care for these dear church family members. You are truly amazing.
Yesterday, our Men’s Ministry provided assistance to single women through their Single Ladies Car Care Day. The youth of our church lent a hand by washing the cars, cleaning windows, vacuuming the interiors, and detailing all the cars that were there. Tabitha Wright brought food and provided hospitality to the ladies as they waited for their cars to be serviced. Thank you men—thank you young people--thank you Tabitha, Weldon, Jason and all the others who worked to provide this important ministry. Yesterday’s ministry was a great blessing and witness to everyone who participated.
During these ministries, I watched our people demonstrate the love of Christ for those who are grieving and for those who are in need. I was again more than amazed. I was humbled and I was inspired to watch God’s people at work.
Some things I saw:
- I saw the fellowship of God’s people at work. Showing God’s love to others results in the fellowship of God’s love in the hearts of those who do the work. While there were broken and grieving hearts in the viewing rooms at the funeral home, there was rejoicing and embracing hearts in the kitchen where the food was served. The ministry of fellowship our church provided through good food helped to transform a sad time into an occasion of joy in the Lord. I continue to be amazed by the fellowship of our Grace Church family. It’s catching!
- I saw the love of Christ. Jesus gave us two great commands that exceed all others. The first is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37). The second is similar, love your neighbor like you love yourself (Matthew 22:39). Actually, the second commandment confirms the first. Jesus made this plain when He said, “As you have did it to one of these brother of mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). We call this the “Cup of Cold Water” ministry. The love of Jesus is shown in giving away one cup at a time, or one meal at a time, or one car at a time. I saw our loving church give away the Love of Christ this week and it was awesome to see.
- I saw the goodness of God. You do not have to been inside the church to see God. You can see God when good food and favorite recipes are uncovered as people take out a spoon full on their plate saying, “That looks good.” You see God when people take a bite and say, “My, that really tastes good.” The Bible says, “God is good” (Psalm 136:1). God shows up in things that are good, in places that are good and in people who are good. Truly, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” I saw God’s goodness and God’s presence in the goodness of God’s people this week.
Grace Baptist is truly a hard working church. I am so thankful God has called me to be your pastor and to work alongside His people who go about doing good all the time.