January 2. 2004
Welcome,

On a personal note, being with my family in Oregon last week was a wonderful blessing. My knee surgery on Tuesday seems to have been successful. I hope to leave my limp behind in the next couple of days. I’m excited for the opportunity to get to know the Rohnert Park church family and community. Kelly and I drove around that community on New Year’s day and considered the new challenges waiting for us there. So many homes where God wants to reign.

Because of a presentation I heard from Dwight Nelson over the holidays, I’ve been thinking a lot about faith. This is a good topic to consider at the beginning of the new year. It is so easy for me to absorb my thoughts with what I can do. (take that to mean a list of my limitations)

Faith leads me to hang on to what God has promised to do. Faith motivates me to follow His lead. Faith mandates I obey His commands. Faith allows me to be consumed with courage because of what He can do.

I am convicted that our two congregations are both facing situations demanding way more than their personal resources. It has been easy to stress over what more we could or should do. It seems that my leadership needs to help us focus on what God can do for us and through us. This actually excites me.

Imagine having hosts of angels at our disposal. Imagine the power of the Holy Spirit working to convict and change neighbor’s hearts. Imagine walking only where God commands us to go. Imagine 2004 with Jesus.

Under His Wings,
Pastor Steve