Our theme for the last few weeks has been Changed for Good. There are lots of ways that we change over time. Our bodies change. Our families change. Our circumstances are always changing.
Some changes are welcome — a better job, an improved relationship, an unexpected blessing. Sometimes there are changes that wish did not happen. We have to admit, too, that when hardships and heartaches come, we don’t always change in ways that are good. We can become bitter, hold grudges, or lash out at people we are called to love.
The Bible says that even though change is always happening, there is a way that we can be changed for the good. We can become better people — more loving and joyful and patient. We can allow God’s Spirit to come in and sanctify us (cleanse us from all of our wrong habits, thinking, and ways of hurting others) in order for us to be fitting vessels for God to use.
Yesterday I preached on the fruit of the Spirit of faithfulness. The word means steadfast and confident. This is the kind of faith that endures in the storm. It doesn’t give up when the going gets tough.
Joshua was a Biblical character who struggled with confidence. He felt like he was failing as a leader. Joshua seemed to have a kind of scarcity mentality that drove this life. He didn’t think he was good enough or had enough resources to do all that God called him to do.
So God kept giving Joshua pep talks. Four times in Joshua 1, God basically tells him, “You’ve got this!”
Listen to how God encouraged Joshua:
“Be strong and courageous” (v. 6, NIV).
“Be strong and very courageous” (v. 7, NIV).
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (v. 9, NIV).
While Joshua was growing in confidence through God’s words to him, he was also strengthened by the people’s response to his leadership. The people answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go…only be strong and courageous!” (v. 16,18, NIV)
Why did God keep encouraging Joshua with those pep talks? God knew that fear could keep him from leading the people in the way God wanted them to grow.
Oftentimes the biggest obstacles to our success and fruitfulness aren’t the obstacles themselves. The greatest threat is the fear that holds us back from being and doing all that God wants for us.
I don’t know about you, but I can relate to Joshua. Sometimes fear keeps me from being what God wants me to be. By God’s grace, however, I believe that God can make me into a confident and fruitful leader as Jesus leads my life.
If you want more confidence — if you need courage today — ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God is faithful to give it!
Changes on the Horizon
Yesterday we announced the sad news that Pam Neal will be leaving our staff. For the last year she has served in the role of Minister for Congregational Care, serving among our senior adults, hospitality ministry, and pastoral care. Pam had served for 11 years before that role as our Church Administrator.
Now Pam has accepted a job as the Chaplain Coordinator for the Knoxville Police Department. For many years, Pam has done this job with excellence but in a volunteer capacity. We celebrate that the Knoxville Police Department has been able to secure funding for this role and made such a fine choice in Pam.
This Sunday we will honor Pam in both services and also host a reception for her after the 11:00 a.m. service in Trentham Hall. I hope you will be present to express your gratefulness and affirmation of Pam as she takes this next step in her spiritual and vocational journey. She has demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit of faithfulness in her time with FBC.
We will be working to ensure that the vital ministries that Pam helped to facilitate will continue among our senior adults, hospitality ministry, and pastoral care. Pam also provided leadership for our deacon body and Nominating Committee, so we as a staff are committed to helping as much as we can to support the various leaders of our church.
There is much in store ahead for First Baptist. We are on schedule to complete our children’s ministry renovation in April. We’re also working on plans for bathroom and hallway renovations adjacent to our sanctuary. Holy Week is around the corner with a special series of events: a virtual tour of the Holy Land, a seder (traditional Passover) meal, and Eggstravaganza at World’s Fair Park.
Please pray for your church with all of these changes ahead. Thank you for your support and love. Together we are moving forward by faith.
God is So Good
As we continue to move through our 100th anniversary celebration on Main Street, I have had a little chorus in mind for many weeks:
God is so good
God is so good
God is so good
He’s so good to me!
He cares for me
He cares for me
He cares for me
He’s so good to me!
I love Him so,
I love Him so,
I love Him so,
He’s so good to me!
I praise His Name,
I praise His Name,
I praise His Name,
He’s so good to me!
We could easily insert the word us instead of me. God has been so good to First Baptist for 180 years, including 100 years on Main Street. God has been so loving, so kind, and so faithful to us — all of the qualities that God passes on to us through the fruit of God’s Spirit.
So let’s give God our best this year. Let’s live with confidence. Let’s be generous and loving toward one another and our neighbors.
Have a wonderful week.
With love,
Pastor Brent McDougal