"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was covered in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson form what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." - Proverbs 24: 30-34

This passage really conjures up images of a place in disrepair, of neglect and the attendant consequences. A few weeks ago, one day prior to his surgery, Greg Boyd essentially issued a challenge to us. That challenge basically entails remaining faithful in prayer, service and worship to our Lord, in spite of this, in spite of that, but maybe it's as accurate to say that because of this, because of that, we need to sharpen the swords, put on the armor and be prepared.

Although the choir has taken a 2 month hiatus, this does not mean we are vacation from doing battle on Jesus' behalf. I submit that when things are sort of quiet, it is an excellent time to strengthen ourselves, to focus on why we have enlisted as soldiers and to pray for each other, church leaders and God's will. I also submit that when things are busy during the summer months with vacations, concerts, family and picnics we need to make sure to take the time to ask the Lord to strengthen and bolster His people in preparation for the battles to come. It's so important to war against a spirit of lethargy, of disrepair here at WHC, and especially in the Music Ministry, as this is our regiment. We abhor and deplore any kind of "business as usual" attitude, (mainly unspoken) as this lethargy can result in the neglect spoken of in the Proverbs above. Remember when you first came to know Christ, how overjoyed and overwhelmed by His love you felt? Let's recall that enthusiasm in our hearts and recall the needy state we where in B.C. (before Christ.) Let it always reside in our hearts that there are souls in our congregation (and the world over) who have yet to drink from His living waters. The Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few! Let's rejoice that God has chosen US to be workers, that we have been called to be warriors in His army, and that "business as usual" needn't cause our church and ministry to fall into disrepair.