Monday, March 5, 2012

Weekend Speaker:  Ben Sigman

Theme:  Not Afraid - A High Impact Church

Read: Romans 12:2; Isaiah 6:6-10; Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through God who strengthens me.

Think: This weekend Pastor Ben let us in on the big news of our expansion in some areas at the Redmond campus woven into the miracle of Jesus making wine at the wedding. It is no surprise to me that we are at the point of bursting as I have seen amazing growth happen for Timberlake over the past couple years and especially this last year. Wow, this is exciting to be a part of and I am honored to call this my spiritual home. When people feel comfortable to tell others about their church; that it is welcoming, non-judgmental and biblically sound is the true test of our committed faith. As Ben told us , just as Jesus made sure there was enough wine at the ceremony, it is up to us at Timberlake to assure that we never run out of the resources needed to stay a strong and vital church presence in our community. Many of us come thirsty and hungry for a sense of belonging and an opportunity to grow in our faith and Timberlake has filled our cups to overflowing.

What really convicted me was the call for service that was embedded in the message. To be a High Impact Church we are asked to 1) Prepare for our guests 2) Be available 3) Realize that no one is overqualified or under qualified to serve 4) Know that obedience honors God and inspires people and 5) See that everyone enjoys the final product, but only the involved see the transformed process. We are asked to serve our God through serving our church and Pastor Ben laid it out for us. I know that when my wife and I first came to Timberlake, we soon became greeters and that was scary at first but turned out to be a wonderful experience for us in building relationships. We also served and continue to serve in the kids programs and see the fruits of the spirit grow in us and the children. What an awesome opportunity! As the Nike slogan goes “Just Do It”. I think of the chapter in Isaiah where God instructs his favored prophet to become his servant and Isaiah answers with the words “Here am I. Send me!” I would hope that all of us can adopt that attitude of serving. I always remember how Ben has told us to learn to say yes to God before we even know the question.

One of the books that has transformed my commitment is a book by David Platt called Radical. In this book we are reminded of our great commission to go out and make disciples, to serve beyond our comfort zone and never hold back from God. It is sometimes easier to give of our financial resources and in some way remain disconnected from being transformed. Serving others as Jesus taught us is also showing up to greet, being an usher, parking cars and helping our children know God through teaching. Please consider helping out in some way at Timberlake as we all go forward as a thriving church that people will talk about. I am excited to be a part of this church where I feel accepted as who I am but also asked to stretch myself and take that next right step.

Do: Figure out through prayer and reflection where you can serve and make the commitment to be a part of the journey we are all on at Timberlake. Know that God is always there with us, holding our hands and lifting us up when needed. Tell a friend about our church and invite them to check it out. Let’s fill the place to the rafters all for the glory of Him.

Pray: God, take all of me and do what you think will be the best use of my gifts. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you through others and to help our church thrive and be a source of strength in our community.In Jesus' name, Amen!

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.