God will provide

I have a friend who is a missionary in East St. Louis who has been quoted in saying, "If it is God's will - it is His bill; and if He sends it - we will spend it."

This statement is really about following God's leading - while knowing that God will provide for His call on our lives.

There are great days ahead for Harvest Ridge Church. Many of the things in store for us will cost a great deal of money. In light of my friends statement (which I regularly use) I thought of a statement that people say: "Money doesn't grow on trees." The irony of it all is that money does grow on trees (paper). And God is the one who made those trees.

Yet, another illustration that everything belongs to God. Remember that we are stewards of what belongs to Him... God has simply entrusted us with resources: time, talent, and treasure. And we all know the words of Scripture that teach us that our treasure is where our heart is...

So, the point of this blog is to encourage you to follow the dreams and visions God has provided for you! Remember that not only does money grow on trees, but God made the trees! Remember that no road block, no circumstance - nothing... can keep you from doing great exploits for God - because He is our source of strength, our provision, our God!

ibelong

ibelong is the title of this Sunday's (upcoming) sermon. I am so excited that Harvest Ridge Church (HRC) truly has a place for everyone! No matter your age, experience, geography, marital status, economic situation, ethnicity, background, or any other identifier - there is a place for you at Harvest Ridge Church.
I am grateful to the Lord for providing HRC as a place where people can belong. Our church has membership - but it is not all about "membership." HRC is about PEOPLE. We are PEOPLE who love God, and serve other people.
I am also grateful that we continue to learn that none of us are any "better" than anyone else. Isn't it amazing that people are so human? and we are all people...
As I just typed that statement I assure you that HRC is one of those "safe places" where people are genuine - and where we can belong.
We all need a place to love and care for others... and we all need a place to be loved and cared for by others... and that place for me is HRC!
So... thanks for letting me belong with you... and thanks for belonging with me!

in awe

Have you ever been in awe as to what God does in your life? This past month has proven to be one month that has brought me to me knees in prayer. There have been some things heavy on my heart regarding Harvest Ridge Church, and some people in my life. As I committed to pray about such things I have been re-energized in my walk with the Lord! I have not been separated from Him at all... but, in these past 2 weeks I have had some intense "intimate" time with Jesus.

Through this intimate time I have cried out to God regarding the desires of my heart (that He has given me). And I must say, God seems to be providing some pretty awesome things. I look forward to being able to share some things at the right time with all of you! But, let me attest to the fact that when we invest our time with the Lord He has a way of being with us in evident ways! God's provision is awesome!

So, let me encourage you to spend time with God. Listen to His Voice. Claim His promises. And WALK IN FAITH!