In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a powerful parable about the importance of being good stewards of His resources - including our time, talent, and treasure. He lets us know that, when we care for others, especially the most needy, we are actually caring for Him!
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” — Matthew 25:40
Cornerstone Church, you have done so much to serve the "least of these" in these months where love and light seem so far away for so many.
I wanted to let you know how very proud of you I am in that, once again, you have shown yourself generous beyond our own ability in our little church. This is NOT about blowing our own horn, but about living on mission to hear the archangel call, the trumpet sound, and see the coming of our King Jesus!
Through your generosity, we have collected more than $2000 to send to our ministry partners in Costa Rica. This is above and beyond what WE (you and your faith family) have sent to them monthly – which we have TRIPLED each month since March. This has allowed them to not only feed hundreds of kids each weekend at the Feeding Center, but purchase much needed groceries to be delivered to the impoverished community where people quite literally have no food.
Some other highlights in this time the Holy Spirit has accomplished through you since the shut-down in March:
You collected 200+ shoeboxed for Operation Christmas Child.
You are sending resources with a small team this weekend to our ministry partners in Mexico.
You have provided support to an orpanage in Kenya and those enslaved in Pakistan
You have blessed the school (our gathering place until last March) with ways to bless the staff
You filled 100 bags full of goodies for our local police precinct
(I am sure I am missing other outreach items.)
Again, I am SO VERY PROUD to be called the pastor of this faithful flock. God is using 'His remnant' to keep His Light shining for Gospel Glory until His Kingdom comes to earth in full. Let's keep seeking our Savior that we might shine ever more brightly until His coming Day!
MUCH love!
–doug
[I have included below the pictures something I wrote regarding finding our identity in the right place. As our brother Jesse says, "We have a perspective problem."]
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light... — 1 Peter 2:9
Are You Having an Identity Crisis?
If you were to continue this sentence, what would it say, “I am a ____, a ____, a _____...”
Where would you start your list? In what order would you place the descriptors? What priorities would be reflected? It matters!
Devoted husband
Loving father
Faithful pastor
Good provider
Helpful neighbor
Proud American
These are all important and worthwhile. And how I pray that they would define and describe me more and more. But, if my identity is wrapped up in them, then when they are not functioning, am I not able to see myself as flourishing. What is the solution?
We need to see our identity completely entangled in the One who made us as His image bearers. Jesus is not one more identity descriptor. He is the One from which all the others find their meaning and fulfillment.
Dear brothers and sisters, renew your mind continually this week with who you are in Christ, who He is to you, and who you are to Him. Allow this to filter how you see every other part of your identity. And watch Him make your Light glow warmer and brighter in every area of your life until His coming day.
Thanks for listening.
MUCH love!
—doug