Because May 1 is Labor Day, a day to honor workers and laborers of our nation, I do want also to honor  the “spiritual workers” of our church – those who, ignited by God’s love and empowered by His Spirit, have volunteered to do the work of the ministry. Church work is not a one-man show…thank God! I can’t do it alone! But it’s a work of many as everybody does its part. So let me say to our workers, THANK YOU SO MUCH for obeying the Lord!

Here’s an important reminder for all of us. Col.1:28-29 – “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”

Three things: 1) Our goal is to present everyone perfect (mature) in Christ. Don’t deviate from that. 2) It is hard work. Christians who want to serve but avoids hardship and only think of comfort does not understand true service. Serving, most of the time demands a lot of our time and sacrifices that sometimes our own family becomes our first critic! They simply don’t understand. I’m not talking about neglecting your family due to your busyness in the ministry (I’m for a balance ministry), but what I mean is that there are seasons in the ministry that would require more of our time and effort. (For ex. Our summer activities – it’s seasonal – Kids Camp, Pastors’ Conference, Youth Camp).

It’s an exhausting assignment.  There’s something about giving yourself in a spiritual ministry to somebody else that’s draining of spiritual and physical strength. And this brings us to the 3^rd point: God gives power for the willing and available! God gives power to those who are willing to sacrifice their time, talents and gifts for the sake of others.

Here’s the key to service: We’re not to do it in our own strength for His power is available. Paul surrendered his availability to God’s ability. All the energy that we can muster cannot equal what God can do through us. We are effective only when we function in God’s strength.

Are you running on empty? His source of power is inexhaustible. My physical and emotional reserves run low very easily. But it’s the Lord Himself who is committed to this responsibility, and it’s not my energy or my internal reservoirs of strength that count. It’s His presence, His authority, His power that overcome my resistance to ministry opportunities, my fear, my weariness,  my depression, my boredom, my weakness. Christ is our hope of glory, our power and strength and energy.

The work of salvation is “all of Christ and none of me” but in order to live out my purpose it must be “all of Christ and all of me.” This is another mystery that God would choose to use you and me, in spite of our weaknesses, in order to help people become mature in Christ.

Be available and Jesus will fill you; be willing and He will use you…It’s not easy but it’s fulfilling…it’s not our strength but His…and I guarantee you…you will grow up and mature as you help others grow up and mature! This is how we demonstrate if Jesus is indeed Lord of our lives!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

TREASURE QUEST KIDS CAMP 2012 this May 3-5.  If your kid is from Grade 1 to Grade 6 and is  attending regularly in Sunday School, then you can let him/her join.

• Registration Fee: P700
• If you desire to sponsor a child for the Kids’ Camp, please approach the Sunday School table at the back.
• Venue: Calinawagan Beach House near  Zamboangita– Dauin border.
• TODAY is the last day of payment for registration.

YOUTH CAMP 2012 is fast approaching! Inviting all high school and college students!

• This will be on May 20-26 (six days)
• Theme:  First Love  (Mark 12:30Mark 12:30
  English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
  30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  
  
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• Venue: Calinawagan Beach House
• Registration Fee: P1800 (includes camp t-shirt)
• Last day to register is May 13.

Church, especially parents, support the youth through prayer and in their fundraising activities.

Start praying for our THAI MISSIONS 2012  slated May 31-June 11. Pray for a fruitful time of ministry and outreach, and encouragement to our missionaries.

THAI MISSIONS 2012 Tshirt is now avaible at P250 each!  Order yours now after the service at the Missions table.  Proceeds will go to our Missions Fund.

For those who ordered the previous CCD T-shirts, it is already available at the back table after the service.  Thank you for your patience.

FYI: The CCD office will be closed this Tuesday, May 1st. There will also be no Prayer Meeting on that day.  Prayer Meeting resumes May 8.