Dr. Bob Logan’s Update 5/03/23
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question most often asked of children, but it’s also a good question for adults to reflect on from time to time. What track am I on so far? Am I headed in a direction I want to go?
Churches also do well to ask ourselves periodically what we want to be when we grow up. That’s true even if we’re already 45 years old! Because we are always growing and changing, we want to be intentional about ensuring we’re doing that in the best possible ways: flourishing and embodying the spirit of Jesus.
Experiencing God: The State of the Church
This coming Sunday’s sermon is the equivalent of the State of the Union. As we continue our series on Experiencing God, we are going to look at how we are living into the church’s DNA. If you are part of this church in any way, this matters to you. It concerns you, and you have a voice in it. You want to be updated about where things have been, where they are now, and where they are going. I’m going to share some of the key priorities we’re going to be focused on as we are going forward, as well as ways you might be involved. Join us this Sunday (or listen online afterwards if you’re unable to attend in person). It’s exciting to partner with God as we discern and respond to his leading.
How are you experiencing God?
One of the most important things you’ll see going forward is our renewed emphasis on how each one of us is experiencing God. That may look different on each one of us, but whenever and however we experience God, his presence brings us joy.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11 (ESV)
Joy in the presence of God can be envisioned as God pouring his love into us, and the overflow of all of that love spilling forth to those around us through acts of service. When we have experienced God, our joy is contagious and uncontained. He has given us more than we can absorb for ourselves.
The presence of God—and his joy—is not dependent on our circumstances. We can experience the joy of the Lord even when things are challenging and difficult. Those times can be an opportunity for God to shower us with his love in the midst of all circumstances—and it’s also a chance for us to see God build something new.
We get to be a part of that renewal. And at Community Church Rancho, we can look forward to living and loving like Jesus as we move together toward his mission. As Jesus told his disciples:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:9-12)
Share your joy:
Please respond by sharing with us how you’ve been experiencing God. Even just small changes you’re making in your everyday life as you live in God’s love can make a huge difference. Email us at greatmoments@findcommunity.com.
