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The Missing
This past week I
preached the homecoming/revival services for Springhill U.M.C. in
Butler County, just outside Greenville. I had fun preaching the
gospel and visiting some old friends in Montgomery and the pastor,
Rev. Joe Lisenby. I even felt pretty good about my sermons. Still,
something was not quite right. I had an uneasy feeling down in my
gut. Something was wrong. It was not that I had eaten some bad
chicken wings or a burrito. Nothing was left in the washing machine.
The dishwasher had been run. It was not that I had forgotten to take
the trash out. The coffee maker was unplugged. What could it be?
What was bothering me?
I missed you!
I was only gone for
55 hours. yet, in that time I realized how much I have come to love
and appreciate the ministry of this great church. It was the first
time that I was uncomfortable being away from my congregation.
Normally, I have enjoyed the break of "getting away" for awhile, but
this time I was mission you. I am so glad to be back to the people
of the church. I missed the staff, the programs, and the children of
this church. I am glad to be back in Hartford.
All this got me to
thinking about others that are mission. If you were to look on our
church membership roll, you would see the names of folks I have
never seen. These folks are "missing" from our midst, and I bet they
are missing our church. I invite you to consider what is missing in
your ministry. What is missing in your life and in your calling as a
minister of the gospel? What is missing in your family? What is
missing in your job? What is missing in your worship? I just pray it
is not you.
Hebrews 13:5 reminds
us that God "will never desert you, nor forsake you." We hope you
find what is missing in your life here at this great church. Maybe
you know someone that is missing. Will you give them a call and let
them know how much you miss them? let someone know you miss them.
Let me know what you are missing in your life, ministry, calling or
worship. God will not leave or forsake you, and the people of
Hartford First United Methodist church will not either!
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