About Me

Hey there...My name is John Alice and I am happily married to my wife of 11 years Erin. We have five children; Tawna, Austin, Hailey, Isabel, & E-beth. I also happen to be the Pastor of Old Fort Church in the Northern Midwestern part of Ohio. God has done so many things in my life from being a church planter in a YMCA to fostering up to 14 different children in our house. There have been many struggles along the way with infertility, Isabel's Aperts Syndrome, and the challenges of raising five children. However, God has always met me in times of struggle and walked with me through these real life issues.

Monday, October 6, 2008

How is our commitment?

I was reminded in my devotional this morning that our commitment to Jesus means being committed to others. I wonder how many of us have a deep commitment to some folk outside of our immediate family. Some of us are in a small group and some are not. These small groups at first glance look like a huge commitment to something else on our calendar...but it is much bigger than that. Our participation is a commitment to others and to deeper relationships. Now we can be in a group and not have any deep commitments. So, this means taking the chance and the risk of going deeper in our commitment with a few folk in our groups. Building and nurturing relationships of love and accountability.

This is why our participation in these groups is so important. Just by being there we are making a statement that we are committed to the people of God and to several individuals. We are saying that this group of people matter's more than all the other busy things on our schedules. Setting aside time for small group means setting aside time to nurture relationships. In the long run we grow closer to God and closer to others and together become changed for the better in Jesus Christ. Where are your significant relationships? Where is your commitment to a small group? Maybe it is time to take that first step and get in a group. Maybe it is time to take that second step and reach across the Isle to someone in your group and go deeper with them in commitment. God has brought these people into your life for a reason and a purpose. To change you and for you to change them. Awesome!
In Community with you,
Your Dreaming Pastor

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