Good morning PCF family, I want to start by getting out an important invitation from the GST family church. They are inviting our congregation to join them in a Thanksgiving dinner Friday November 13th at 5:00pm at the church. Here is the invitation.
“This Thanksgiving, we would love to welcome you to the table at Grace Spirit and Truth Ministries’ Thanksgiving Dinner. Let’s come together to share a meal, give thanks, and enjoy the warmth of being together. Your presence would make this gathering even more special. Dine-In or Carry-Out available. We look forward to sharing this meaningful time with you! November 13th at 5:pm at the church. We need reservations so we know how many we will be serving so please call Tammy Smart at 618-401-6786 to make a reservation.
We are living in a society where many want to be the solo singer, (metaphorically speaking). Look at me, I have a podcast, I am going to let everyone know my opinion, I know the truth and you need to know my truth, and on and on. You know they just want to stand out and it doesn’t even have to be in a positive way. Some people are going to make themselves stand out even if they are disruptive, out of order, or do whatever it takes to make sure everyone knows how important they are! I used to be that way, obnoxious. But the Holy Spirit kept doing a work within me, as He is still doing today.
My wife Bonni directs the amazing PCF choir. In that choir we have people who can sing solo’s beautifully but the bulk of the singers are not soloists. They are blenders. They take direction from Bonni and she puts them in a section where they blend (harmonize) into the choir. She decides who is going to be a Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone. And she will rehearse the choir until the choir gets to know their part until it is very pleasing. Because when everyone “blends” it makes all the difference in whether its a great powerful choir, or a very mediocre choir because everyone is trying to be a soloist rather than blending in and making an amazing sound. Maybe that’s the problem today, too many people just want to stand out.
Jesus gives us very good direction on how to stand out for his kingdom, but it has nothing to do with the “Look at me, listen to me syndrome. He says if we want to truly be a light in this dark world and stand out, there are ways to accomplish that. Jesus said the two greatest ways to stand out in the Kingdom of God are to love God and to love others as we love ourself. That would make you stand out in God’s Kingdom. But His church is made up of many people who are also willing to blend into His mission and do what many will never see, or know about. There may be very little recognition at times but the people who are willing to harmonize and blend into Jesus’ mission will certainly be recognized in heaven. We are blessed at PCF because of all the wonderful volunteers that keep showing up day in and day out all in the name and for the sake of Jesus’ Kingdom! Amen.
Hope to see you all soon, pastor Kent