Right Time, Right Place

I am sure that many of us have found ourselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. Something went down or something happened and you just happened to be there and it was neither good nor pleasant. Well, on the other side of things have you ever felt like you were at just the right place at just the right time?

I feel like all of us, all of us that call Venice home, are in just the right place at just the right time. As Amy and I were reading the Bible together this week we ran across this passage in one of our devotional books.

Esther 4:14 (NLT)
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?

The story of Esther is an amazing story and one that you might want to read this week. You will see that Esther was in just the right place at just the right time.

The right place and the right time are God’s place and God’s time. I believe that each one of us is at Venice Church at just the right time. I believe that this is God’s time and this is God’s place and He wants to do something wonderful in our neighborhood. I believe that He wants to bring more people into His family through a personal relationship with Christ. I believe that He wants them to learn to live like Christ. Here is where we come in. God has put us here to be along for the ride and to partner with Him in the work that He is doing. Right place. Right time. Let’s enjoy the ride and give God the glory as we go.

God Is Good

We had a great day at the beach on Sunday when four people were obedient to the Lord in baptism. We had a good lunch and a lot of great fellowship too!

We are quickly approaching the end of summer and I would like to encourage you in your giving to Venice Church. God has been so good to us. He always knows exactly what we need. He always provides for us. I have no doubt that God will continue to graciously provide for Venice Church.

My desire is for you to experience God’s blessings as well. God has given each one of us the honor and responsibility of supporting our church financially through our tithes and offerings. Many of us, most of us in fact, have made a commitment to pay off the debt that we incurred when we remodeled our building. We enjoy the new space each week. We must be faithful to our commitment to pay for it. Please, know and understand this. God blesses those who give to His church with joy. Be faithful and keep giving and God will surely bless you.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Baptism @ the Beach

One of my favorite Sundays of the year is fast approaching.

This Sunday is our Baptism @ the Beach.

It will be a great time. We will have one service at 10:00 AM and then we will head to the beach.

We will be set up near the Driftwood Lifeguard Tower just south of the Venice Pier at the end of Washington Blvd. We will have sandwiches and chips and drinks for everybody. There will be awnings set up that will provide plenty of shade. And…several folks will be baptized in the beautiful Pacific.

It is always a great time together as a church family. I look forward to seeing you then.

Vacation

Look for a new entry on August 15th.