2 sermons in one week is hard...

     Malachi 1 is coming together but I realize that this might be the most powerful sermons of the year not because of my ability but because of God's content in this book.  God speaks 3/4 of the book directly.  God uses very strong language to His people.  God doesn't give any "outs" or "loopholes" to jump through to escape the challenge.  This Sunday we will look at His love, His name, and His altar.  His love is so evident but we end up doubted it at times.  The power of His name does so many things but we abuse it and discard it.  His altar representing all forms of worship of Him is polluted with us giving "some" of ourselves to Him rather than the best and the first of us.  


     The first real snow fall has hit northern Michigan.  It is cold enough for it to stick and it might be around for awhile.  Cars in the ditches this morning as we learn again what to do with the white stuff around.  Oh how we need to be reminded and sometimes we only get the message by getting stuck one more time and needing help to get out.  There is probably a sermon illustration in there.


     Last night, our youngest drove home from college (a 3 hour trip) to not only join the youth group that he was so much a part of, but to come back and speak and play his guitar.  He is headed, by the Lord's leading, into this area of ministry and I can see that it is more than just a passing thought.  He has such a heart for others and makes it a point to stop and interact with those around him.  He has grown up so much in just a few short months of being away from home.


     The video sermon is a new venture for me.  I have done video announcements in church but not a full out message.  This is great that it will give Stephanie and I a way to reflect back on the whole year and share that with the congregation.  Maybe we will post it here when completed.


     One last thing, something I learned this week with my internet browsing:


How to minister to those who are depressed:
1.  Be prepared for it.
2.  Don't assume it is caused by some personal sin.
3.  Examine the depth, length, and width of the symptoms.
4.  Don't rush to medications and don't rule out medications.
5.  Be holistic to causes and cures.
6.  Give hope through Biblical passages and promises.
7.  Involve family and friends to encourage routine, rest, relaxation, recreation and re-prioritizing.
8.  Help them keep up their spiritual disciplines.


Adam
A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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