Pastor Robert Miller

     While I was spending time in the presence of the Lord several months ago, I heard Him say the word, “consolidate.”  During our prayer service, again I heard Him say, “Consolidate.”  In response I reasoned.  I began thinking of ways that I could make our services efficient and utilize our volunteers in the best possible way. Yet during my prayer time, I continued to hear the Lord say, “Consolidate.” I do not know about you but when this happens to me, I know that I have missed the point. Then Pastor Jeanne reminded me of our conversation that had taken place several weeks earlier. At that time, I told her I was considering conducting one Sunday morning service, but I needed to pray and know for sure.  Another incident happen that also confirmed this new direction.  I was speaking with a church member who mentioned the blessings of holding one service saying how good it would be to stand as one congregation.  Finally, in my heart, I knew the will of God for us.  Beginning Sunday, October 29, one service will be held at 9:30 AM.

     God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.  He does not just say to do something without a purpose.  Again after being in his presence, I began to perceive the wisdom of God and his ultimate goal for us.  There are many good reasons for this change.  First, it makes it easier on our Children’s programs.  We will have more people and can accomplish more.  That will benefit our children.  Our children love to be together and the larger the group the more they like it. Our other workers can experience some additional time off between rotations.  While these benefits make it easier on us, this is not the primary reason for the change to one service. 

     I believe God is preparing us to receive His best.  The dictionary defines consolidate as to unite into one.  In my understanding of His ways, unity is a key to blessing.  He has greater blessings in store for us.  Ps. 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.”  Then in Ps 133:3 says, “For there the Lord commands the blessing.”  For now His purpose is to bring us into greater unity.  God has good and pleasant things in store for us.  He is placing us in just the right position to receive them. I know from the dedication of Solomon’s Temple that greater unity produced the manifestation of God’s glory.  2 Chronicles 5:11-14 recounts that the priests became one without regard to their divisions; the singers and instrumentalists became one; there was one sound made.  Then the house was filled with His Glory.  God wants us to experience even greater glory.  We can look for greater glory in our services, in our families and in our daily activities.  His presence in our lives will have an even greater effect.

     I am excited about the good things that are coming.  Are you?  Come with expectation.  Be here earlier because it will be more crowded.  When the people stood as one, then God commanded the blessing!