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 September 2002

Dear Saints:

I was running by Lindenwood Park today and noticed a Mom and two children getting out of their car and heading toward the jungle gym and the swings. The little girl, about 5 years old, ran by me with a look of determination on her face that said the open swing had her name on it. Behind her a boy who looked about three just quit running, dropped to his knees and let out a cry of anguish that was worthy of the greatest tragic hero on any stage. At first I thought he might have hurt himself, so I quickened my stride toward him to see if I could help. That’s when I heard his mother say, "Ricky it’s ok, you have beaten your sister before. It’s not important she got to the playground first." As she spoke those words to her son I could feel them penetrating my heart. Why do we as Christians compete with each other? Are we not in the same family? Do we not have the same Father? Why then do we compete as church against church? So many Christians are like that little boy ready to compete for God and man’s approval. Isn’t it ironic that if the world doesn’t foist competitions on us, we create them ourselves?

Cities are known for their sport teams. And every city wants a team that comes in first place. We compete in the work place for promotions, for the boss’s approval. Rivalry is part of our lives. I visit a young man in downtown Clayton every week. And every time I visit him I compete for a parking place. As I approach the court house I begin to eye possible rivals, I begin to look at the car they are driving, I estimate the horse power, then if I can I’ll try to look into the eyes of the driver to see just how badly they want the open parking spot. Don’t we even compete for the cashier at the grocery store that has the shortest checkout line? Then we’re disappointed when the person checking out up ahead has problems with his debit card or finding his checkbook. With all this competing in our every day lives its a wonder we all don’t wear numbers on our shirts each morning as we leave our house.

And such was the little boy who was bent over crying because his sister got to the playground first. I noticed that his mother picked him up, wiped away the tears and carried him the rest of the way. Ultimately that’s exactly what I want. I don’t care that I don’t have a large congregation, or that none of the St. Louis Rams come to our church. Unlike many churches we don’t have a building program going on right now. All these things mean nothing to me. While they are not bad to have, I won’t compete for them or with them. I just want Him. I want to feel his arms around me, telling me it’s all right and that I don’t have to be first or the best for him to love me. The important thing is that I feel his gentle touch wiping away the tears from my eyes. Here’s to feeling that indescribable presence of God in our lives.

We have enclosed calendar of upcoming activities at Zion. This month we will be advertising again on smooth FM 106.5. Please keep the radio ad in your prayers – that people will somehow hear something that causes them to turn their hearts toward God. If you have prayer needs for any reason please call so that we may stand with you and believe God for great things.

10:30 a.m. donuts - milk - coffee

 

(r.s.v.p. required. Get phone number & address at church

home bible study & fellowship

At Pastor Rick & Maria’s - 6719 Oleatha

Every other Friday evening - Beginning September 27 at 7 p.m.

(Call us at 314/ 283-7680 fordirections)