His hope or mine ????

hope -    the other day I was reminded that the Lord's "hope" sometimes  differs greatly from mine  - and I am so grateful.

we have "hope" for many things:
                       hope it doesn't rain during the picnic
                       hope our favorite team gets to the playoff
                       hope   etc  etc  etc

but sometimes our "hope"  doesn't line up with God's "hope"

     I was talking with a friend about a family who had recently left their church.  They had become quite dissatisfied and disgruntled.  And, spurred by anger and angst, they left for the wrong reasons, and they left in the wrong manner.
   With a heavy heart, I sighed  and said what many of us say in this situation , " I hope they find what they are looking for..."  To that, my friend replied,  " I disagree with you.  I hope they realize that their struggle is with their  obedience to God.  I hope they return to Him and His ways."  My friend understood  and remembered God's greatest  hope is for all of us - true fellowship with Him. 
    We must guard against thinking and saying those types of  natural responses. For even though such responses are  heartfelt and genuine, they do not reflect God's heart, and His hope.  And that is part of the true good news message we are all called to bring each and every day

Pastor Ron

when not coming to SCBC on Sunday or Wednesday is a good/great idea

I don't mean when you are sick - have to work - away from home  etc

and

I don't mean:
        when you just don't want to,
        or you are being lazy,
        or when you often schedule things to do instead of coming to SCBC..................
        pursuing these do not honor God, nor help you in your time of corporate worship that He asks of      you -
         Jesus never missed  the opportunity for worship with other believers and seekers. EVER!


but

some times you may  need to miss the worship service at SCBC  because:

                      - you are taking someone who is un-churched to a Bible based and truth filled worship     
                       service near their home, and live far from SCBC

                      -they just might fall in love with and surrender to Jesus.

                      -imagine being used by Him - for  God's glory

                      - saying yes to Him, saying no (albeit temporary) to your ususal  worship home

one of our members did that recently   WOW


see you soon

Pastor Ron