Few Thoughts 1-25-2018 LOS ANGELES DISTRICT

Greetings to All!  So now we know who will play in the Super Bowl. From one coast on the Atlantic to the other coast on the Pacific, two cities will clash in Atlanta for the title. The New England Patriots against the Rams. Looks like they have one more week to prepare; and since I’m from the west coast and live here in the LA area, I am saying “ G O , R A M S ! ” Over the next few days things will be hopping around the District Center as the Board of Ministry will come to interview over 50 candidates for District Licenses. These ministerial students will be coming from all across the district to meet up with members from the board. Questions will be asked, answers will be given, stories will be shared, and testimonies will be heard. These are truly great days for the church as we prepare future pastors and leaders for the kingdom!

ENCOURAGEMENT:  Blessed is the one who does not walk in the path of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, or sits in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law both day and night. That person is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season, and whose leaf does not wither – and whatever they do prospers.  (Psalm 1:1-3)  I love this psalm. In fact, this was one of the first chapters in the Bible I ever had to memorize. Of course, I was only a child way back in my boarding school days when we needed to memorize this chapter, and when we did, back in the late 60’s, we did so in the KJV. So, today things are a little tough for me, as I do most of my reading from the NASB or NIV, yet in the back of my mind is always the KJV. What do I do? As you can tell in the written passage above, I use them all.    As I briefly wrote in my Few Thoughts last week, LIGHT is so critical in our journey through life. We need light. As I glance through this wonderful passage in the Psalms, I am reminded, once again, of the need for light, water, and nutrition to cause growth. The Lord has made it very clear of our need to keep true to His Word. He is unchanging in His holiness and calls us all to Himself. The closer I get to Him, the closer I walk with Him. Don’t you love that song, “Lord, I want to be a Christian in a my heart… Lord, I want to be more loving in a my heart… Lord, I want to be more holy in a my heart… Lord I want to be like Jesus in a my heart.”  The only way this is possible is to spend time with Him, day and night!   One of my favorite hobbies is playing around in the front and back yards, especially as it comes to plants. I enjoy planting various plants in the flower bed, pots, and around the yard. There’s nothing more fun than to see growth take place. We’ve all watched the way a baby grows and develops, crawls, then walks and runs, and journeys through life. It is expected! When we read through the Gospels it is quite clear that the Lord expects growth and fruit of our lives and ministries as well. Remember when Jesus was coming by the fig tree on Monday morning, the day after His Triumphant Entry, when there was no fruit on the tree? Do we recall the parable of the talents? And right here in Psalm 1 we are told that the tree planted in Him will be prosperous. Is there evidence of fruit in your life?   Leslie and I have had a family tradition for many, many years. Each Thanksgiving weekend when we are decorating the house for Christmas, Leslie always purchases Amaryllis bulbs for us and we have a competition to see which one will blossom first. As you can see in the photo, mine (which is the furthest on the left) is in last place. No sign yet of a bulb. Logan’s (Spencer’s husband) is winning with Leslie in second place. As we plant the bulbs in nutritious soil, and water them faithfully, growth happens.

While growing up in the jungle I always had a fascination with banana plants (trees). The plant only produces one time, and then, it is done. Sort of. The plant itself, after it produces a stock of bananas, is taken out, since it will not produce another stock again. However, what it WILL do is, the healthy banana plant will always produce children plants around its base or trunk. It is prosperous, and growth comes from ONE plant. Six or seven children will come from the plant… and those children will produce many, many more. If you do the math, you can see how quickly and fruitful these plants can become. May the Lord help us stay so connected to Him that we, too, will become fruitful and prosper for Him!

Church Ministries:

L.A. Elysian Park:  While Pastor Alejandro Castillejos is away on sabbatical, I was honored to come and worship and then preach in their Sunday morning Service this past Sunday. What a joy it is to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ! May the Lord bless the Castillejos family with rest, renewal, and blessing as they prepare in a few weeks to return their ministry.

L.A. First Spanish:   Pastors Juan and Lina Fajardo, and La Primera are inviting everyone to join them for their Holiness Campaign this weekend with special guest Dr. Jonathan Salgado. Services are on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning and night.

L.A District Kid’s Winter Camp:  Last week, I was able to make a quick trip up to be with the kids for a few hours and see them in action. Thank you, Pastor Joe Torosian and your leadership team, for providing great direction for the weekend.

Thank you for all you do. I pray for all of our churches and am asking the Lord to anoint you with His presence as you continue to shine your light for Him. I love you and I am hoping to see you soon!   Planted in Him, Greg A. Garman Los Angeles District Superintendent Church of the Nazarene