“Whether He is [this or that] I don’t know... One thing I do know,
I was blind, but now I can see” - John 9:25
Have you been touched by the Presence of the Almighty, yet found it hard to put the experience into words? Join the club at CSPC!
One thing you can find here..., people who have encountered the indescribable goodness of God. Sometimes it’s a subtle touch, like the person who recently told me he often senses God’s hand on His back during anxious moments. Other times it’s the reality of God’s love and abiding presence on a WHOLE family, like the one that celebrated a baptism this past Sunday (see Facebook link for the video.., watch it ‘til the end and watch for hand print of God on these folks).
I had a totally strange and wonderful experience the other day walking into Subway.., a familiar voice, clear as a bell, spouted “Mike!”. I turned around to immediately recognize the face of an acquaintance I hadn't seen since before Katrina.
“Chris?” I answered.
“Yea, I’m Chris” the fellow responded.
“I’m Mike..., Mike Hogg”, I awkwardly announced.
Well from that point on we had one of those post-Katrina reunions that only a local can related to.., “where ya been”, “thought you were gone” and the like...., We hadn't seen each other in almost five years, and even though we didn't’t know each other that well, it was good to reconnect, especially since we share hearts for ministry in New Orleans.
As the conversation winded down, I suddenly realized that the necessity to introduce myself at the outset raised a peculiar question...,
“Hey Chris, when I was comin’ into Subway, did you call my name?”
“No dude, I didn't’t even recognize you....., must have been the Lord setting up another divine encounter!”
Sounds strange I know..., I’m not even going to bother explaining how clear that voice was.., or how unexplainable it is, with my disabled memory, that I would immediately recognize this man. It’s as if The Voice contained a bit of memory-enhancer as well.
And I’m certain this story is not finished yet..., my friend Chris shared a couple exciting details of projects he is involved with that seem to line up with a few needs we have been trying to meet in both our family and church.
GOD IS GOOD! He is speaking.., He is alive..., He is touching lives, and He wants to touch yours!!
READ the whole story that the opening quote is from.., John 9!! See if your heart doesn't resonate or cry out to the God who is moving in unexplainable ways...
-Pastor Mike Hogg
LECTIONARY READINGS
Reading God’s Word together as the Body of Christ is a powerful thing!
This year Pastor Mike is using Lectionary Readings as the base for his sermons, and we as a congregation will be reading along together during the week.
January 24-31- Acts 9: 1-31 – God Can Totally Change Us
February 1-6 - Romans 1:16,17, 8:1-39 - Resisting Secret Selfishness
February 7-13 - Deut. 5:1-21, 6: 1-9 - The Basic Rules, Leadership Credibility
February 14-20 - Luke 15:11-32 - Grace Beyond Rules
February 21-27 - Hosea 4 and 14 - Ultimate Acceptance
