Typically when I think of the month of May, I think of a very busy month; Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, Memorial Day weekend, and the introduction of summer. However, with all I have mentioned May is a wonderful time to take advantage of the changing weather, get out and connect with people. I think I just might begin to refer to May as the start of “Connecting Emphasis Months.” This will be a deliberate time of getting to know those around you, churched and un-churched.
As you have probably heard me quote many times, Genesis chapter 12 states that we are “blessed to be a blessing.” It is not an accident, or coincidence, that you are here at this place and time in history. You are very important. The Lord has brought you here and He has a purpose for you being here now. Isn’t that something to think about? You are very special.
As a follower of Jesus Christ you are light in the world. Look at these words of Jesus, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Mt.5:14-16) Did you noticed that Jesus didn’t say, “Make your light shine,” ? Jesus said, “Let your light shine.” That’s right “Let” it shine. As we make ourselves available to the Lord, His glory, grace and love overflow to others.
We are conduits of the Holy Spirit. We shine so brightly that others can’t help but see there is something different about us. Look at these words wonderful words found in Galatians 2:20,“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Isn’t that something? No wonder we shine, it’s because, “Christ lives in us.”
I would like for you to take the “Connecting Emphasis Months Challenge” by determining to connect with others. This doesn’t have to be hard or difficult, so don’t make it hard or difficult. Have fun, be creative and make yourself available. The first objective here is to offer yourself as a blessing with no strings attached. Some ideas might be: sending cards of encouragement or thanks, meeting someone for coffee and spending time with them, inviting people over for a meal, or to play games. You might invite others to go to a movie, ball game, concert, or a special event. If you’re going fishing, invite someone to come along. Let me say this again, “don’t make it hard or difficult.”
There are lots of opportunities we can share with others while having a good time connecting and we want to help. If you know of something ahead of time, let the office know and we will try to list it on our web page. So, if you’re going to, let’s say, a Wing Nuts game, you can let others know where you will be meeting and what time and others are invited. If the “bikers” are going for a ride, others will be able to participate by checking the church site. Going to play golf or disc golf give a “head’s up” on the web site. Going to be involved in a “servant kindness” project, or a “run” to raise money for a good cause let others know.
Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you with fun ideas. Make yourself available to the Lord as an instrument of connecting with others. You can do it, it’s a God thing.
God bless,
Pastor Kit
