Daily Devotional - I'm Sorry

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 I'm Sorry
I've been wanting to write to you for some time now.
Seems like every time I would try, I never could find the right words to say. We pass each other every Sunday. Sometimes even during the middle of the week.
But for some reason, I just don't feel like we're as close as we once were.
I'm sure there are a number of reasons for that. We both probably share some of the blame.
But I felt like it was my time to apologize for a few things that may have driven us apart.
I'm Sorry.

For that time one of my ushers told you that seat was reserved for our "special guests."

I'm Sorry.

For those times I said our evening services would end at 9pm, but ended at 10:30pm.
(I realize how difficult that can be with children that still have to get up early for school.)
I'm Sorry.

For that time you called one of my leaders for prayer and never received a call back.
I'm Sorry.

For sometimes being way too critical on how you choose to dress for service.
I'm Sorry.
For those times it seems like I'm always asking for some kind of financial assistance.
(I realize how you and others give so faithfully. I just wish there were more like you.)
I'm Sorry.

For the times I may have appeared more interested in gaining new members, than serving and being a disciple to those members (like you) who were already coming.
For that time your friend (the one you invited to come visit on last Sunday) got screamed at by one of my parking lot leaders for going the wrong way. She really didn't know.
I'm Sorry.

For those times you had questions about some of my messages and were afraid to ask.
And I'm (Really) Sorry....

For the times you've felt I place too much emphasis on the pastor. I admit sometimes I can get a bit carried away.
I can't imagine how many other things I may have done to make you feel the way you do. I never meant to disappoint you and want you to know how important you are to me.
If there is anything the last few years have taught me, is that I desperately need to make some changes. I realize I've picked up a pretty bad rap recently. So much so I thought about giving up.
But just when I was about to throw in the towel, I read in Ephesians 5:25 that Christ loves me, and even gave Himself up for me (despite my many shortcomings).
I figured if Christ could love me, with all that I've done in the past, there still may be hope for the two of us. Although I can't promise everything is going to be perfect, I know that together, we still can do some great and awesome things. I hope you will consider forgiving me and working alongside me.
We have so much to do.
Yours always,
The Church

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Letter from the Pastor

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24)

Greetings to all of the Saints of St. Luke. I greet you in the name of the Lord.

I would like to first like to Thank You for keeping up your end of the bargain on going out. If you remember we agreed that if we cut down on the eveving services you all would come out in big numbers, and come out you did. We had a marvelous time at Greater Faith. God was well pleased.

We have come a long way with our giving, we are doing extremely well, but we can do better, and as you know nothing on this earth is free so to reach our goal we have to dig a little deeper.
God has given me a vision for our building campaign we will be starting real soon called "From Vision to Victory". We are going to start off with the Vision and keep working till we get the Victory. I can see us now marching into our new sanctuary.

I can't end this letter without giving a shout out to the Youth of St. Luke. They are truly growing and they are doing a marvelous job(and they are tithing). I would like to thank the Saints who are working with them. God Bless You!

I would also like to thank God for our new converts we are Baptizing today. I want us as a Church to hold on to all the ones that are coming into the fold of St. Luke. Let's embrace them and show them LOVE.

Last but not least I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Member Orientation Month. If you missed it you really missed a treat.

Pray for the Men of St. Luke as we start our Saturday Men's Fellowship on next Saturday. We are hoping to have all the men, young & old to be present.

So Saints let's keep up the good work, keep on praying for each other and remember "We are soldiers in the Army, We have to fight although we have to cry, We have to hold up the bloodstained banner, We have to hold it up until we die.
Your Pastor,
Rev. Robert C. Drake Sr.