I was asked the other day what I thought about the congregation at the Word Worship Center. They asked that my answer should be brief; my thought was even briefer. “An absolute Blessing.” was the first thought that came to my mind. I didn’t need to explain any further; they didn’t want further explanation. But I believe that I owe it to you, Word Worship Center, to give you my heart in this matter.

Robin and I consider it a tremendous honor and privilege to be pastors at Word Worship Center and wouldn’t trade our responsibilities for all the money in the world. We thank God continually for what He is doing in the Church. There have been countless times we have been so proud of your witness, your show of love and generosity, your perseverance and your determination to do what is right. We know that many of you, in spite of the severe trials that you are facing, are holding fast to your faith and testimony in Christ. Do not think that it is strange, or that something is wrong with you when you face trials day after day. These trials are given for the perfecting of your faith. People get the erroneous idea that, because their lives contain troubles, that God is punishing them, and then, the devil uses that to bring discouragement. Don’t let your hearts be troubled, you are God’s workmanship and His signature is written upon your lives. I know that some of you may be thinking, “Well, Pastor Jim may be talking about others, but not me. I have too many problems and he is probably weary of me.” Please listen and believe: If Robin and I thought for one minute that God couldn’t turn your situation around, or that there was no hope, we would also give up as Pastors. So, if you are willing to persevere with us –we are willing to persevere with you. Here’s a news flash: We all have trials, believers and nonbelievers alike, the difference for us, folks, is that we have a hope that gives us the strength to endure. Do you not see that God is perfecting your faith through hard times? He is giving us all opportunity to apply His Word to our situations and ultimately changing our character to be more like His own. This is what we should be looking at more than our situations. Think back; are you responding to trials in the same way? Maybe before, you would become really angry –hasn’t God tempered that anger? Maybe you used to spend that little bit of extra money on yourselves –but now, you share it with the less fortunate.

But the thing that is blessing me the most about you is that you continue to come to this Church to be challenged, to walk closer to the Lord. Robin and I never expected to have a very large congregation for that reason alone. Not everyone wants to be challenged. Not everyone wants to be confronted by the mandates of God. Some folks are uncomfortable by the Holy Spirit. So, the next time you falter, remind yourself that you have a Church of brothers and sisters who understand and will forgive. The next time that you feel all alone, there will be a friendly voice just a phone call away. The next time you receive a blessing there will be somebody that will share in your joy. We are heading to Heaven. We are going Home. We are going to meet God face to face –and we are blessed to be doing it with you!
You are a great Church!
Have a great week!
Pastor Jim