From the Pastor’s Heart…

 (June 19, 2011)

Psalm 95:1-11 – “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also. The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today if ye will hear His voice.”

As we celebrate together the rich history of what God has given us as a church, I would encourage each of us to remember three important words.

The first word is “invitation.” “O Come.” There is nothing so wonderful as being called into the presence of God. .. for salvation, or instruction, or admonition, or worship. This is an invitation that God has used this church to extend for 200 years. We are invited to come and make a joyful noise… Singing praises has been  a vital part of this church’s history, leading us to a place of communion where we are prepared to hear God’s Word. And we are also invited to come before Him with thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Through blessed days and discouraging days, God has shown Himself faithful as we have been true to Him.

Several people since we’ve started planning for the anniversary celebration have said to me that one of their family members or friends trusted in the finished work of Christ through the ministry of this body of believers.

The second word is “explanation.” We should be thankful to God because of who He is, His power and His love.

And the third word is “adoration.” We should come before Him and kneel because He is the Lord, our maker.

When we look at all God has done, it ought to cause us to bow down and worship the Lord. The Lord IS good to us, and He has been gracious and merciful to us.

It is a joy to be your pastor.