Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

Would you like to become a Sowing Seeds Ministry partner? Click here for more information.

“Growth Is More than Numbers: Ten Action Words"

"Thanks so much for the e-mail welcoming me into the church. As you know I have been a returning visitor when I am home, and am now back for the summer and have been in the college bible study class. I would very much like to become a member. I really enjoy your services and have a strong respect for your ministry. I have not been a member of a church in a long time simply because I haven't found one that signifies what I think it should be. I think you all have a great thing, by the way you try to help others, and genuinely try to do so, through prayer and any other means you can. It means a lot to have a pastor that truly tries to get to know his congregation and has a relationship with all of them individually. That is one of the big reasons I have respect for you. I appreciate you taking the time to write and have interest in me becoming a part of the church. I would again just let you know that I would like to be a member as I already consider myself one, and would like to help out in church activities any way I can. Brad

This month marks five years since I arrived as pastor of Timberlake United Methodist Church, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Much has changed. People may not always agree or be happy about our church but one thing is sure. These past five years were seldom dull.

Recently we celebrated Pentecost which marks the birth of the church. Christ's disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire settled over them. They rushed out proclaiming in many languages “Jesus is Lord.” Quoting from the prophet Joel they said: "…I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike." (2:28-29)

Look for Larry's Latest book coming March 25, 2007.

"Live the Light!

Five Weeks to a Life that Shines!"

Click Here

Read our devotions daily. Click here for more.

It was an exciting time to be the church. Our own church growth has been with Pentecost-like numbers, with new buildings hundreds of new people, many new-formed small groups, lots of children and youth and many different missions, programs and ministries. This church has always been exciting but the last five years have been astonishing.

One off-beat method of charting our growth is through trash pick up. (Are you kidding?) Five years ago, we had three or four regular sized trash cans in the back lot which were picked up once a week as courtesy. Soon we added a small dumpster, then it became a big dumpster and now the big dumpster is picked up twice a week and unfortunately, the trash service is no longer free. The lesson is we've either gotten much bigger or we are one very trashy church. (You can laugh now.)

But, the best way to understand our growth is through what God teaches. Since I've been studying the Old Testament lately, I will use those books as I submit ten action words to describe a healthy church.

1. Praise - Do we understand and appreciate the almighty God we serve? "To all who mourn, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning and praise instead of despair." (Isaiah 61:3) Praise is our way of admitting and submitting to God's authority over our church and our lives.

2. Prayer - Do we pray regularly as individuals and as a church? "…he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room and prayed just as he had always done." (Daniel 6:10) Prayer is recognition of God's authority and a willingness to listen for God's guidance.

3. Open - Are we open to growth opportunities, new people & ideas? "Then the Lord told Abram, "Leave your country… I will make you a blessing to others. So Abram departed as the Lord instructed. (Genesis 12:1-4) Listening to God's voice often requires change.

4. Hospitality - Do we genuinely welcome God's people? "You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil." (Psalm 23:5) Anointing means to provide honor and protection so genuine hospitality has to be more than a smile and polite, "How are you?"

5. Obedient - Will we be obedient to God's purpose for us? "The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey." (Joshua 24:24) We all fit in God's master plan. As individuals and as the church we are called to be obedient to God's purpose for our lives.

6. Alert - Will we notice the unique growth opportunities God offers? "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact they look for them." (Proverbs 18:15) Organizations and people all around us are facing challenges and difficulties. We try to offer what they need.

7. Assertive - Will we aggressively while trusting in God pursue those opportunities? "Don't worry about a thing," David told Saul. "I'll go fight Goliath." (1 Samuel 17:32) Sometimes we must face Goliath size challenges in order to fully appreciate God's awesome power.

8. Risk-Taker - Every opportunity also has a cost. Are you willing to pay? "God will rescue us but even if he doesn't we will never serve your gods." (Daniel 3:17-18) From changing careers to giving up your lunch hour for a Bible study there is always a cost involved with growth.

9. Persistent - Will we hang in there when the going gets tough? "Look! I am going to breathe into you and make you live again! (Ezekiel 37:5) Facing and overcoming obstacles is a normal part of the growth process. God promises to breathe new life into us.

10. Thankful - Do we remember and give thanks to the One who is so critical to our success? "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise." (Psalm 100:4) What a shame after coming so far not to stop for a moment and say, "Thank you!"

I believe these ten action words faithfully describe our church and me as their pastor. The last five years have been a roller coaster ride filled with many ups and a few downs but we struggled together to serve God. Our reward has been the opportunity to witness many miracles including hundreds of lives changed within our church, community and even other parts of the world. Wow! Now onto the next five years: Hang on because the best is yet to come.

"Larry, I just wanted to take the time to thank you and Timberlake UMC for showing me and my family the love and welcome you have in our first few visits. As members of another church that went through drastic changes and forgot what God's family is, your church is a breath of fresh air. I really enjoyed playing bass this morning at the 9:45 service and want to continue to do this so I can give back what has been given me." Thanks, Jody

Do you want to join us in prayer for others? Do you need prayer? Click Here.

Last modified June 11, 2005.

Would you like to receive your own weekly devotions? Be involved in our prayer chain?

New Web Feature: Read our devotions daily... Click here