Monday Musings ... on Tuesday

Sunday was a very good day. Our new Associate Pastor began his ministry with us and he was put right to work as a drummer in worship and helping with the Baptism service in the afternoon. We had good spirit in our worship. There was 1 at the altar. Our annual outdoor Baptism service went very well in the afternoon. We had decent attendance, especially considering that we were just over a week away from school starting.

The message was the final (at least I think it was the final one) in the series "Why This Waste?" from Matthew 26:6-13. The key question this week was "What breaks you?". That answer to that question is important because you must be broken in order to pour out everything for Christ. When are broken there is nothing to be held back, we pour it all out for Christ. There is the breaking that takes place from our own wrong choices, from the poor choices of others that impact us and there is the breaking that comes from God. Psalm 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise." Brokenness makes pouring much more likely. Too often we want to just sprinkle ourselves out for Christ. A little here, a little there and we want to control where we go and how we are used by Christ. Brokenness makes refunds impossible. You have seen the signs in stores "You break it you bought it", it is similar with Christ. If you allow yourself to be broken for Christ you have bought in completely. If you give all of yourself, if you are really poured out, there is no chance for a refund and nothing can be held in reserve. What are you holding back in your service for Christ? This type of broken living is impossible to ignore. In verse 13 of Matthew 26 Jesus said, "...wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told..." John 12:3 tells about this incident "...And the house was filled with the fragrance...". Everyone who was near were aware of what she had done for Christ. Pouring yourself out for Christ in brokenness will have an eternal impact.

Are you being poured out for Christ? If not, why not? Will you allow yourself to be broken so you can be used for Christ?

Our Baptism service was so good. Three were baptized, they shared their story and followed Christ in baptism. We had a lot of people in attendance. The weather was perfect. The picnic after the baptisms was great, people hang around for a couple of hours talking and eating. Kids were swimming and there was even a fishing pole that made an appearance. It was a very good day.