“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
(Philippians 4:8)
By the grace of God, we have made it to the last month of 2020 despite all that has happened this year. With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas and the New Year before us, we should focus on ending this year in the will of God. Throughout 2020, mainly during this pandemic, I have encouraged our participation in at least ten areas. Retrospectively, how are you doing? Evaluate how you are doing in the following Self Wellness Check:
- Hearing And Sharing The Sunday Podcast Messages (every week)
- The Lord’s Supper (every 1st Sunday at 8 am and/or 1:30 pm)
- Grocery Giveaway Ministry (doing the work and/or financially supporting the work)
- Praying Three Times A Day (1st prayer between 12-6 am)
- Prayer Partners (pray together at least once a week)
- Prayer Meetings (every Wednesday at 12 pm and/or 6:30 pm)
- Bible Study (every Wednesday at 7 pm)
- Sunday School (every Sunday)
- Daily Bread (3 Old Testament chapters and 1 New Testament chapter daily)
- Tithes and Offerings (obediently, lovingly and faithfully)
After evaluating yourself honestly, how well are you doing? If you are doing all of the above consistently, then you have an Excellent Grade. If you are doing most of the above consistently, then you have a Satisfactory Grade. If you are doing anything less, then you need to improve. Thank God for His grace and mercy which allows us to improve, so let’s begin now and end this year right by improving in the areas where we are inadequate.
In addition to the above Self Wellness Check, Holiday Chats With The Pastor have already begun with success. These chats through various ministries are scheduled for the next two weeks. If a Servant Leader is not able to contact you, please visit our website (sjmbc.org) for information regarding this. Also, if you are a member of St. John but not part of a ministry, you can join in with any ministry during their scheduled time.
In conclusion, I am so grateful to those of us who have financially supported St. John, especially in the last nine months. As I would say from the pulpit if we were congregating, we do not want to insult God by shopping with money designated for Tithes and Offerings. We currently contribute by mailing or dropping off our Tithes and Offerings to our St. John South Campus (662 South 52nd Street—Richmond, CA 94804) or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org). If you are a member of St. John who is financially able but not supporting our church financially, allow God to bless you with more by giving today your Tithes and Offerings.
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor