I just had an ultimately weird revelation that rocked my world. For some of you – this revelation is going to sound _______ (I’m going to let you fill in the blank with an adjective I supply: stupid, terrifying, like you should have already known this in that you are a preacher, unusual, a little out there, weird, possibly arrogant, etc.). Here’s the revelation: I speak for God.

When I started to write this article, the first words I wrote were, “On behalf of God, I’d like to thank you for your overwhelming generosity and growing faith as, from what those who deal with the finance end of the ministry, roughly 80% of our body has participated in giving over and above their regular tithes and offerings toward the second campus.” Mind you, I ALWAYS take the importance of preaching very, very seriously. I know what is on the line every week – I know there are people who need Jesus as Lord – I know there are hurting marriages – I know there are people who are striving to thrive spiritually – I know there are people just trying to make it – I know there are people who have lost friends or family – I know the word of the Lord and how important it is to handle it with reverence – it’s God’s living and active word. All those things I know, but when I penned those words – it reframed some of what I do in a new way. I am to be one of the spokesmen for God. As if the first list wasn’t enough pressure. :) I do believe God would have me to speak words of thankful encouragement to you.

Here are some upcoming events for you to get on your calendars:

December 5 - 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium - Central Christian College of the Bible Chorale will be here to present "Festival of the King"

December 7 - 4:30 p.m. in room 104/106 - "Pizza With the Pastors" - Come learn more about Forum and Who we believe. Childcare provided.

December 7 - 6 p.m. in the auditorium - "Signs of Christmas" - Presented by the Preschool and Children's Choirs and the Bridge Band.

December 14 - 6 p.m. in the auditorium - "Born a Savior, Born a King" - Presented by the Adult Choir

Teachers Meeting for training on new curriculum for K - 5th grade - December 7 at 5 p.m., December 9 at 7 p.m., and December 14 at 5 p.m.

Sincerely, as we do celebrate Thanksgiving this week – I do believe that Thanksgiving is a two way street – I know I am thankful to God – but I also believe God is appreciative of us aligning with His will. I had a friend in town this week who serves at one of the fastest growing churches in the United States and he came as a favor to act as a fly on the wall and help me/us in terms of us staying on mission and being purposeful. Overall – he gave Forum glowing reviews on the Sunday morning experience with some insight here and there. He asked me a ton of questions over the three days we spent together about our body and the dynamics. He asked me a couple of bottom line questions: 1. Are you enjoying what you are doing? 2. Do you see yourself here long term? (Not level one questions) As I paused and reflected for a moment I told him, “I love what I’m doing and love being here at Forum. I have full assurance that God led us here – no doubt in my mind – and I’ll be here as long as the Lord desires me to be here.” I think God continues to make us into that beautiful, radiant bride He calls His church. When I look out over our crowd on Sunday morning, I see radiating brilliance. I’m so thankful.

See you Sunday. -- Scott