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::truth::

Colossians 1:15-20
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

I was praying through this passage this morning, having entered prayer feeling particularly disconnected and disheveled. So many needs, so many concerns, it was hard to know where to begin. Then this passage broke over me like the dawn.  In the midst of reminders of my humanity, frailty, and finitude  the glory and supremacy of Christ has a way of clearing the clouds and reorienting me to "the big picture".  It’s all about Jesus – his supremacy, his preeminence, his glory.

There is a lot here, but just a couple of notes:

"in him all things hold together." This is true on an atomic as well as galactic level. Jesus holds planets and planaria, stars and starfish together. But also, something really amazing, he holds me together!  When I feel like my world is coming apart and I am unraveling, Jesus is the one who holds me together. And sometimes he simply holds me. So I pray, "Jesus, in the midst of times of chaos and confusion, hold me together!  Hold onto me – don’t let me go! You promised you would, and so I rest in that promise!"

"…that in everything he might be preeminent." The bottom line to all life’s pursuits is the supremacy of Christ. The fuel for all that we do is the supremacy of Christ. The end toward which all our prayers are ultimately directed is the supremacy of Christ. And if this is end to which the Lord is directing all of human and cosmic history – what confidence does this give my prayers! And so I pray, "Jesus, be preeminent in my work, get all the glory in your church, be supreme in my marriage, captivate my children with your glory, open the eyes of my lost friends to your supremacy! Lord, let nothing thwart this awesome goal in my life and in the lives of those around me!"

I would highly commend praying though this passage yourself. And when you do, remember to pray for me…

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom

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::community::

Matthew’s Hope Homeless Ministry
We are looking for volunteers to help represent Matthew’s Hope as race volunteers for next Saturday’s 5K Run in the Garden. We need volunteers to help from 6:30-9:00 a.m. or so.  You would wear a Matthew’s Hope T-shirt and pass out Gatorade and Water or help in some other way.   In return, Tri N Run is collecting new and gently used running shoes and new socks to be given to Matthew’s Hope.  They are also allowing us to distribute Matthew’s Hope literature such as invitations to the May 1 Open House and the May 23 concert/fundraiser. RSVP Please!

Men’s Group! We’re back this Wednesday to engage in “The Invisible War” – 7PM at Tom McCoy’s. Beginning next week – The Prodigal God!

Women’s Bible Study: “Lord, Change My Attitude”, by James MacDonald. Thursday at 6:45 pm at the home of Tricia Phillips. Beginning next week – The Prodigal God!

 

The Prodigal God is a six-week experience for churches and small groups. Based on Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son, this book, teaching film, and discussion guide from New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller illustrate his core message: that the gospel is neither religion nor irreligion, neither morality nor immorality, but something else entirely. Both younger brothers and elder brothers will realize that the only way home is through a prodigal God. Cost for the book: $13. I have ordered extras for those who did not sign up on Sunday – but please let me know that you need one!

Summer Camps 2010!

Click for more info!

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::prayer::

• Andria:  continue to pray for my ear.  I see the doctor on Friday and that should be the end of it!
• Sandee L.:  Pray for Maxine L. as she continues to work through problems at home.  Nichole – anxiety as she prepares to attend FSU in the Fall, and the need to keep her focus on God.  Jordan- finishing up school work for this year and keeping her focus on God.
• Wendy:  Pray for physical healing for Beverly, my neighbor, and for the Lord to open her heart.  Pray that I make the most of the opportunity to serve Beverly and Doug and speak a powerful witness with word and actions.
• Deb T.:  Pray for the sale of Bible bread and for Erica as she has a speech and a final Monday at Valencia.
• Debbie S.:  pray for 2 girls in jail, Jill and Amy, both messed up lives who need Jesus.  They really need a friend and love getting mail.  If anyone would like to write them, please contact me and I’ll get you their addresses.
• Maurice:  Pray for Israel, an alcoholic struggling to be free.  He works 7 days a week, so getting to church is a problem.  Pray he might trust God for his strength and change.
• Barbara B.:  Pray for my health.  I am unsure if it is allergies, infection, the weather change.  Eyes and sinuses are acting up.  Also, pray for my parents as they move to an apartment.  Getting older is difficult for them to accept, and for me too!
• James L.:  Pray for a girl I know who I’ve been praying for. Pray for school issues.
• Jim P.:  Pray for an open door with neighbor and for salvation for Rick.
• Nancy:  pray for the spiritual health and growth of our church.  Jobs for Janna and Jonathan.  Pray for us as we help James.
• Remember Michael & Lois Childress as they minister in Haiti:  pray that they stay healthy, safe and are effective.
• Pray for the Violini family.
• Pray for God’s perfect will for a new job opportunity Darlene M. is interviewing for with the Winter Park Police Dept.

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• Tim & Penny Iverson (Taiwan) – Praise for the baptism of Amy, but pray for her unbelieving husband, mother-in-law and young son.  Pray that she will grow stronger in the Lord and be able to share her new faith.
• Michael & Lois Childress (Haiti) – Pray for their health and safety and that they would be a blessing to those around them.