Mar 12th, 2010 by Greg England
Tomorrow, after an 11:30 funeral service, the Wife and I are headed over to the beach to spend the evening with friends (maybe a movie, certainly a nice dinner together). I will be speaking at Long Beach on Sunday morning, and to be honest (which is rare for me), it feels really strange. It’s been almost three years since I preached at Long Beach and over two years since I preached anywhere.
One of my dreams of ending my preaching years was to do so in a way I would be welcomed back. That was not the case in Florida, but certainly has been the case here.
I will give credit where credit is due, though. My friend, John Roberts, sent me his notes on his study through Luke’s gospel and I’m using some of what he wrote for a part of my sermon. If I ever taught through Luke again, I’d steal a LOT of what he did! It’s very good.
Janice asked if I were going to just use one of Dave’s sermons from Chorus Church. Tempting as it is (I love his preaching and his style), there are some things I’ve been wrestling with that I want to share … hopefully to encourage others.
Long Beach has changed quite a bit in the three years since we left, as well it should have. It’s different to go back. For one thing, I don’t have a clue what they might need to hear, so they are going to hear what’s going on in my life as I try to – again – hear the call of Jesus to “follow me.” There will be more than a few people there I don’t know. There will be some who will be glad to see us and hear me again. There are others who, if they know we are coming, will probably not show up that day. Church is a strange mix, isn’t it?
Just to spend some social time with friends will be the best part. We miss those friendships these days.
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Greg England
I hope you and Janice have a great weekend being with friends and being refreshed by spending time with those whose ties of friendship are strong and true.
This is from my daily devotional-Jesus Calling
Stay Calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what. Remember that I go before you as well as with you into the day. Nothing takes Me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents. Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles. Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities. Ps 23: 1-4; 2 Cor 4:16-17
[Janice, you have no idea just how much that spoke to my spirit today. Thank you, my friend!]
Friendships are so hard to replace. but sometimes I realize it is me not making the effort. Glad you can go home…
[It is nice to be able to "go home" in the preaching world.]
My anti-spam word was “enjoy.” Enjoy yourselves Bro and give my love to a church that holds a special place in my heart!
[It is / was a special place, for sure.]
Well I am one of those that will be happy to see you and honestly whether your sermon is pertinent to me or not doesn’t matter. We will just be happy to see you and your lovely wife. And for those that won’t come if they know you are going to be there…..well we won’t miss em.
[Thanks, Glenda.]
My anti-word spam is enjoy, as well.
Can we all come hear you in Long Beach Sunday? I know it’s a long drive, but if we leave really soon, we MIGHT make it!
I’m glad you’ll get to be with old friends, too! Those are the best kind. (I don’t mean OLD old, just long time old.
)
I’m really EXCITED today in getting to meet some “sorta old” friends in person for the first time about 4 p.m. this afternoon. Can’t wait to share with y’all!!!
Guess who Tom & I are meeting with!
CHEERS!!
Dee
[Enough is enough, Dee. Now you're taking MY blog and leaving us guessing! I should be able to do something about that, but I can't. -:)]
Wait a minute, Greg – You didn’t GUESS!?!
I DID put something over on my blog, and Cecil asked if Greg was coming to Mississippi. Alas, not. Unless it’s a total surprise to me & Tom, which would be nice.
Hint: It’s two people, not just one. So, you have to guess both.
Double Hint: Look at my blog roll to get some ideas.
I know one of Janice’s former Brethren students who would love to see you both. Are you guys going to be anywhere near the Lakewood Mall in the early afternoon on Sunday?
[Probably not ... we'll be eating lunch (somewhere) with friends and then heading back home.]
Tell Janice Matthew Rutledge says “hello.” Maybe next time we can get the three of you together for lunch.
safe trip,
and hope ya have a good visit too!
I’ve always wanted to leave places I’ve preached in such a way, I could always come back. I know that may always not be possible, but it’s my goal. Sounds like you’ve done that well at Long Beach. I’m sure they’ve missed you.
Blessings, my friend.
RATS!!!!! WHY couldn’t we already be on furlough so that we could be there tomorrow??!!!!!!! I wasn’t around much when you and your family were there, but everyone else in my family enjoyed you, so I’m sure I would have benefited had I been present. You have received so much from God and have been so much more aware of His gifts of late that I believe when your mouth opens and seeks to honor God, His heart will share through you. I pray you are at peace as you speak and visit (especially if one of “those” who didn’t prefer you doesn’t get the message that you’re in town and accidentally shows up!!!)
[Thanks, Mary. Your family is very special to us and your calling to the mission field has always been impressive and encouraging to us.]
P.S. Have you read, “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan who lives in Simi Valley??? I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
[Read it about a year ago. Excellent book from a man who truly has the heart of a shepherd / pastor.]
P.S. again . . . I just took time to read others’ comments here and noticed the reference to “Jesus Calling” the devotional book. I was just given that a couple of weeks ago by someone who came through New Hope on a team. I have found it immensely targeted to lies I have believed about myself or others in this grand scheme of life. It is written from the perspective of God talking TO YOU in a quiet time. THe author comments that for years she journaled HER thoughts, but rarely took time to journal the things God was saying to her. I know you will find it thought-provoking and challenging.
Greg, you don’t know how sorry I was to not be with you all on Sunday, Laura told me the whole clan was there. I hear that Lily is starting to get tall.
The men’s retreat was really great and I think for once we actually accomplished what we set out to do, which is start to build some relationships within the body. Having said that there was one face that I really missed seeing at the gathering. (That would be yours. I had to say that so you wouldn’t have to ask at the comments section below) I think you would have been blessed by being with us. Thanks for stepping in and letting us have that time away to just get to know each other. We’ll see each other soon.
I would have come to hear you preach.
I hope it went very well, Greg. I know the bittersweet feeling of returning to an old pulpit and speaking again. My thoughts are prayers are with you — as they always are.