Last Sunday at our Family Meeting, we mentioned the need for 2nd service members to transition to 1st service because there are still plenty of seats. Our folks responded, and many made a move. It was the 1st Sunday since we transitioned to 2 services that our attendance was balanced. It made for a full-house in both services. It was amazing. The energy in the room was palpable, and the singing was awesome. Perry had a great worship list, and the congregational singing was amazing. It was a slice of Heaven.  

Hard work with Heaven’s hope:

Speaking of Heaven…preaching through John 17:20-26 was like that. That text is simply astounding to me. To read what Jesus prayed for 2000 years ago for us is so cool. But to actually study it is simply…stunning. To think that Jesus wants us to have unified relationships like He and the Father have is just crazy. And to read verse 22 about Jesus giving us the glory that God gave Him is almost too much. These verses show Jesus’ desire for us and His power to help us. So, we cannot say that “we can’t” or “this is impossible.” Further, these verses are incredibly hopeful. To think that we can experience these relationships here and now is faith-building.  

But it’s obvious from God’s instructions throughout the pages of His word that tell us that this type of unity is not automatic. In my discussions with many Christians through the years, this is the misnomer. Rightfully so, Christians get frustrated and disillusioned by conflict. And many will say, “this isn’t how it’s supposed to be” or “this isn’t right.” But few Christians are willing to apply what God has taught us in His word to deal with conflict. The reason why God gave us instructions on how to be peacemakers…is because there is going to be conflict. Conflict is going to happen. Therefore, if we want unity, like John 17, we need to be willing to work hard for it in the power of Christ. The pathway to unity is through Spirit-empowered peacemaking.  

Gratefulness for CLF:

And this is where I’m incredibly grateful for CLF. We’re not a perfect place, but we are a peaceful place. By God’s grace, our church loves the gospel of Christ. Generally, we see ourselves at the foot of the cross. And generally, through the years, we have tried to maintain a posture of humility by confessing our sins to each other and willingly receiving correction from others. I, for one, have had to work on this in my own heart through the years. I realize that I’m a proud man, but I’m trying to posture my heart correctly at the foot of the cross and before our people. I don’t do it perfectly, and I’ve had many mishaps. But I’m thankful for a church that’s loved me, corrected me, been patient with me, and has forgiven me when necessary.  

While John 17:20-26 seems so far-fetched to many, we have experienced some of this at CLF through the years in God’s kindness. Believe me; this is God’s kindness. He has helped us deal with complex issues. He’s given us wisdom on dealing with conflict. Like I’ve said, it hasn’t been perfect, but God has been kind. CLF is a joy to serve and a peaceful place to worship.

As I stated on Sunday, however, let’s keep posturing ourselves appropriately at the foot of the cross and realize our desperate need for His grace.  

This coming Sunday:

This coming Sunday, we will start a new series called “Life in the Church” as we walk through 1 Timothy. As you can imagine, this book is one of my favorites. When I was a young pastor, my mentor challenged me to read through 1-2 Timothy every day for quite a while. I did it and was overwhelmed with God’s heart and plan for His church. I can’t wait to start this journey. We’ll look at 1 Timothy 1:1-11 this Sunday.    

From the Cheap Seats:

• I was pulling for the Bengals…and Matthew Stafford & Andrew Whitworth. So, I kind of got what I was hoping for. A really good game in which the Bengals had a chance to win. And Matthew Stafford, who spent 12 years with the Lions, & Whitworth, who spent 13 years with the Bengals, got their long-awaited rings. Two older guys who spent time in NFL “Siberias” raised the Lombardi. 
• Liverpool and Man City are playing at unbelievable levels. And congrats to Chelsea fans for being crowned World Club Cup winners this past weekend.  
• I’m not sure who is to blame in this MLB dispute. MLB came out with a proposal. The players didn’t like it. They’ll counter. But this thing is dragging on. The word is that if they don’t settle something by February 28th, Opening Day will be pushed back. I realize that sports is a HUGE business, and I hate it when business gets in the way of sports. It’s why I like watching amateur baseball. I just love the game and playing it with joy. It’s why I coach.  
• Speaking of coaching…Pitchers & Catchers report today (Monday) for my team. I’m excited about my young/inexperienced group. They love to compete. They love baseball. And they like their coach! It should be fun.  

Have a great week!

In Christ, 

Dave York