• There was something special in our communion today. I don't even know if I can put my finger on it, but God was there in a way that was so powerful. Just think, communion is our way of remembering that HE RESCUED ME!
• Steven and Ben and the whole worship band did a great job today. It was also good seeing Jeff Vercelli back home and playing with the band.
• I read from Matthew 4 today where Jesus tells Peter and Andrew (and James and John) to drop their nets and "come follow me." I'm still amazed that it says they dropped their nets "at once" and followed -- THAT is faith. I'd like to think I have the kind of faith that would drop it all and follow, but I'm not sure I do most of the time.
• If you get the chance, pick up Erwin McManus book, "The Barbarian Way." This book really challenges each of us to not settle for safe and domesticated faith, but to truly follow after Christ.
• Pastor Jon's story today about working in his dad's almond orchard was really powerful. He said it was incredibly inefficient for him to be raking up a few almonds and plucking a few out of dirt clods and the branches. All that work for just a few nuts, but God works the same way. It's inefficient, but He's willing to take all the time and effort, and love and grace, just to rescue us where we are stuck and hidden.
• I had someone tell me after church today that they invited someone to come to church who is stuck deep in sin and in a lifestyle that wouldn't be very acceptable. They told this person that they should come because they could get to know God and that everyone at NLCC would love them and welcome them regardless. I love it that NLCC people just know that if they invite someone they are going to get loved on - period.
•I don't think I mentioned it before, but a couple of weeks ago we had the CSU Stanislaus Women's soccer team come for a service. Some of them attend regularly and they invited the whole team to come with them. Thanks Briana for bringing the team with you!
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