Since the days of the Great Depression and the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt presidents have reflected on how well they have done in their first 100 days in office. Some historians claim that this tradition goes back as far as Teddy Roosevelt. Whatever the case, most presidents since Roosevelt have carefully planned their first 100 days in office, knowing that thousands of Americans have always been more than happy to assist them in the evaluation.I have no desire to be the President of anything, but I do agree that the first few months of a new leaders tenure are extremely important. Most will be listening very carefully and first impressions are always difficult to erase.
In light of that, I want to call upon all of us to work diligently for a great first 100 days together. Transitions are rarely easy, but with our eyes fixed on God, we will find pure joy in any and every situation.
To that end, I make the following commitments:
1. I commit to listen to the hearts of people.
2. I commit to 100 days of focused prayer.
3. I commit to work diligently alongside you to expand God's Kingdom.
4. I commit to blog every day for 100 days so that you will know what God is doing in my life.
The church at Corinth was in a leadership transition. Paul started the Church and left it in the hands of several leaders. At some point Apollos became the pastor, but some folks didn't want to let go of the past. They were still clinging to the days when Paul was their pastor. Paul warned them, What, after all, is Appollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe -- as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. Leadership is important, but inconsequential when standing next to the Sovereign God who wields all power and all glory and all majesty, and who alone is worthy of our complete devotion.
With that in mind ... let us commit ourselves to planting and sowing and watering. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the only One worthy of our adoration and the only One able to make anything grow. Let us commit ourselves to 100 days of prayer ... 100 days of getting to know each other ... and 100 days of loving God. After all ... it is all for the honor of HIS name!
Pastor Ellis
Enjoyed today's message and your post. I'll reply more later, but this...the frames on this page are messed up a bit. You can't read your welcome message without highlighting it. :-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following the blog.
Ditto on the sermon...and the sidebar. White font on cream colored background does not an easy read make.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding thread! "Only servants, through whom you came to believe -- as the Lord has assigned to each his task" This is good!
ReplyDeleteFan of God - a.k.a FOG.
Great new beginning. I like the idea of the blog to keep us posted on the prayer focus. Hope that the covenant that we read in church today will be posted so I can print it.
ReplyDeletePreach the Word
Wonderful message this morning. I love that you teach from God's word and bless its reading. I love FBCR and that God has brought to you our family of believers. I pray you and your family feel welcome and loved. We are so glad God led you to us. May God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your family in this first 100 days. I like the technology twist - and the Anne Lamott and Elizabeth Barrett Browning references. Looking forward to getting to know you all.
ReplyDeleteWow what a wonderful day. Not sure that I ever thought I would be so grateful for an Aggie Engineer who could apply such a concise thought process to seeking Gods direction. Deacons meeting today was amazing. I am praying for you and your family as you make this transition. I know that it will not be easy but please know that this is a congregation that is ready to truly love a pastor and his family. It has been a long time since we have been invited to do that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Lord's Day!
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for Lord's leadership in leading you and your beautiful family to our church. Our prayers continue to be with each of you in your adjustments. Hook'em Horns! :)
We Love each of you!!
I enjoy the sentiment applied here. Paul, a man who wrote like 80% of the NT, was always careful to place glory where glory belonged. I love that you're doing the same. Are we not all under grace? Like Paul later states, "If anyone boasts, let him boast in the Lord"
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing your thoughts and working with you to reach our community for Christ.