Something a little different this week. The last 5 months of Cornerstone has been most difficult to say the least. Moving to Friday nights has challenged us greatly in almost every way. We are so appreciative to many of our congregants who have successfully navigated the change. We are also extremely grateful to our audio/video team who selflessly come early every Friday to come and set up. They provide a valuable service in broadcasting our service to the many who are unable to attend our services in person. Our online audience is slowly growing, and we are subscribed in over 700 homes globally. Our online giving is also growing slowly and is becoming a valuable source of support for this ministry.
As Pastors, Cheryl and I have absolutely no agenda but endeavor to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit each Friday night and provide a place for the freedom of the Holy Spirit; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV)
“17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Friday nights also provide an opportunity for believers from other congregations to come and visit and find refreshing from the Holy Spirit. That’s why the extended worship is so important.
I want to include a note that was placed in our offering plate last Friday night. It was a great source of encouragement to Cheryl and I and wanted to pass it on to you. In a day of constant negativity and cynicism, encouragement is a welcome refreshment. It’s like giving someone a cold drink on a very hot day.
Why is being an encourager important? Encouragement reinforces the right things; Encouragement solidifies and reinforces that "doing the right thing" - especially in difficult situations - is what matters most. Encouragement lets people know they're on the right track, and helps them to maintain positive, ethical and productive work habits. Hebrews 10:24-25 says…
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
The Note:
“Dear Pastors Paul & Cheryl
I just came by to tell you that you are doing it right. God has His hand on this ministry. He has called you to Friday nights for a season. Then He will call you to Sundays again. You (Cornerstone) are a “house of refuge” where people can come and be healed and find a friendly place where people genuinely come to worship and find God in such a different way from the norm. You are truly blessed. The hand of God is truly on this place. It’s awesome to find a church who truly cares for a nation. You are truly unique. It was awesome to receive a word from the Lord through Pastor Paul. I believe that was an “on time” word and it was from God.
Love in Jesus”
I trust this encouraged you as much as it has Cheryl and I. I want to close from a portion of scripture from Ephesians 1:15-19 KJV. This is how we feel about you.
I5 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”