Over the past few weeks, we have been sharing the challenge on Sunday mornings to practice “Contagious Christianity.” The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Thessalonica, who were known for their contagious joy and spirit from their new found faith. He encouraged them to spread what they had contracted from the Gospel and from others who had received this powerful force. One of the “germs” being spread was courage. Releasing Christ’s infectious presence in a person’s daily life takes the courage to:

Smile at life rather than dread it.
Listen to God’s, “You can do it!” rather than others’, “Watch out!”
Be enthusiastic rather than pessimistic about what the day holds.

Contagious Christians inspire, challenge, and sometimes reprove us by examples of courage. They literally “en-courage” us—put courage into our lives so we can be contagious also.

In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul identifies other contagious qualities including living in peace with everyone, being patient and kind, and refusing to retaliate. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances rounded out his list. The Holy Spirit’s work in us has the power to spread the good news to hundreds and do it faster than an outbreak of small pox or measles.

Taking important steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is needed for keeping family and friends physically healthy. Taking important steps to promote the spread of contagious joy and courage is so necessary to ensure that family, friends, and the whole world experience spiritual health. Let’s be contagious!

Praying for You,
Tim

5 When I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith.
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.
7 Therefore, brothers, we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
…
10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

When the apostle Paul sent this letter with Timothy to the young church in Thessalonica, his first questions were not if the church had grown, if the offerings were up, if they had started building, he didn’t even ask if they were behaving in a proper way. His first concern; how was their faith? Paul was anxious to find out how the spiritual health of the people was. He was so encouraged to hear their faith was growing, and assured them that he would continue to pray where their faith was lacking.

We have spent all of 2009 desiring to deepen our faith. Praying, practicing, and persevering in faith has made for a special year. Personally, I have made strides but I have also experienced stumbles. Yet God has been so faithful to encourage me to keep going and was quick to steady me when I stumbled. Katy Fellowship has learned many faith lessons throughout this year.  Faith is more than spoken words, more than our works; faith is walking daily with Jesus. When we can’t always see where the path is leading, or the hills and valleys that await, faith is believing that God is who He says He is and will do all that He has promised.

I confess to you that I believed that 2009 would be the year Katy Fellowship would finally move forward with property and begin the building process. Am I disappointed that it didn’t happen? Yes, but certainly not discouraged. I know that our prayers and perseverance are tied to His promise, and I ask you to join me in 2010 to see that promise come to pass. Our word for 2009 (FAITH) could have very well provided the preparation necessary to be realized in the tenth year of our existence. The leadership of our church is seeking God and by faith, working towards something definite to happen soon. Would you join us in pursuit of God’s plan for KCF? What a great way to celebrate our tenth year by experiencing the faithfulness of God through His provision of property! How’s your faith?

Our 2010 word for the year will be revealed on Sunday, January 10th. I have faith that this word will propel us forward and keep us focused on what matters most to God. Come find out what that is!

Praying for You,

Tim