First Day

Today is my first official day as the pastor of Christ Church!
 We have been richly blessed by your
hospitality and welcome (a blessing that the newest folks at Christ Church
have likewise experienced).  Thank you!

I began today in prayer and the Scriptures and was reminded that
the pursuit of success is an idol that keeps us from the pursuit of God and God
alone.  I read in Judges about Israel’s
struggle with Baal – a fertility (success) god.  And I was praying in the psalms:
            “You
mortals, how long will you dishonor my glory;
            How long will
you worship dumb idols
            And run
after false gods?” (Psalm 4.2)
While God does give “the increase” (Psalm 67.6) and “prosper
the work of our hands” (Psalm 90.17), it is only as we trust ourselves fully to
the One who made and redeemed us.