Monday, March 16, 2020

A Message From Randy...

“Seven Habits of Highly Effective Members of Lamar Avenue”
1. Be thankful we have prayerful, discerning elders. Their decision to dismiss concurrently with the coronavirus crisis was not an easy one to make. As our shepherds, they are charged with protecting their flock. Sometimes that means protecting us from ourselves! It is better, in this case, to err on the side of caution. Our elders will do their best to keep us informed and encouraged as we weather this storm.
2. Don’t believe everything you hear or read on social media. “The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.” (Proverbs 14:15, The Message) Be sure you are receiving credible information from reliable sources.
3. This, too, shall pass! “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4: 17-18) Gulf War. 9-11. Swine Flu. Katrina. God saw us through all those crises. And, he will see us through this one. HE IS FAITHFUL!
4. Protect and serve the vulnerable. Some are more susceptible to this disease than others. Encourage those who need to stay in with a phone call, text, or email. Leave groceries and supplies on their porch.
5. Use common sense! Don’t expose yourself or others. Use good judgment.
6. Don’t forget to “lay by in store.” Be prepared to make up any giving. Take advantage of our online giving availability.
7. Stay committed to your daily devotionals. There are good resources accessible online. I will be recording what was supposed to be yesterday’s sermon and posting it to the website soon. We are planning to streamline a message this Sunday as other churches did yesterday.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Randy

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