Eelpout and Stinkabees

My father-in-law is in town this week so a one day ice fishing trip was in the plans. It was one of those trips with alot of firsts. It was the first time I stayed for 24 hours in a fish house. (maybe the last) It was a first for my son who caught his first walleye through the ice. (hopefully not the last) It was the first time that a group I have been with caught an eelpout and tullibee.

It turns out the eelpout has it's own International Festival on Leech Lake in Walker MN. (Feb 17-21) An eelpout is a ugly slimy fish that looks like something they eat down south. I am sure they taste just like a walleye. And it turns out that a tullibee is part of the cisco family with the 4lb 3oz record taken from Big Sandy lake in McGregor MN. I have nick named them stinkabees because-well they just plain stink, Mc-Gregorites must be so proud.

Anyhow it got me thinking about God and his wonderful creation the church. I think sometimes we forget how wonderful the body of Christ is and what a privilege it is to participate in the Lord's purposes and causes to build his kingdom. You can read all about the body, each one's participation, vital role played and the importance of that in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Anyhow, I know some of you wouldn't want to be known as an eelpout or a stinkabee but believe it or not each one has a vital part to play. Here are a few things I thought about.

1. How creative God is.
2. How purposeful God is.
3. Eelpout is quit a cleaner.
4. Stinkabees are vital to the food chain.
5. Everyone in the body is meant to be celebrated for God's good work and purpose in their lives.
6. Everyone's part is vital.
7. We really need each other.(Sometimes hard to believe and not always appreciated)

One of the tullibees as it was being caught, spun around and wrapped up 5 lines and caused over an hours worth of untangling work. Believe it or not it lived to tell the tale and so did those who cleaned up and impossible mess. In this case nothing could steal a blessing.

This week I had the privilege to begin our Church Vision process for the coming year with our Elders. I once again feel so privileged to be your pastor. I am amazed that God has entrusted to this church a vital ministry to our county that extends beyond the borders of our country. You are an amazing congregation and I encourage you to run hard for and after Jesus. Let's be sure to do our part for partnering in building God's Kingdom with the gifts and resources with which we have been given.

Fincancial Peace University- WOW over 300 people pre-registered for this fantastic course taught by David Ramsey. I know this will change your world for the good. How great will it be for you to really experience God's Freedom Financially. It was a great start and I am praying for each of you. If you haven't signed up but want to--don't hesitiate it's not too late but you need to get started this week.

Prioritize worshipping together this weekend. We will be having Baptisms in the Current services this week and that is always a special time of celebration for our Church. We will also be highlighting our Congo partnership project. This year we hope to raise money to build a housing unit that will house some of the widows and orphans of Elikya. What a privilege for us to serve our brothers and sisters in this way.

See You this Weekend

God BLess

Pastor Randy