How often do we hear someone saying, “That’s the BEST!”?  We use that little phrase for everything from coffee to cars, munchies to movies.  There is just something about experiencing “the best” that our souls long for. 

Recently I was in a gathering where someone was talking again about how the enemy of the BEST is often simply “the GOOD.”  They were challenging us not to settle for something “good” but to actually find things that are better than “good things” and pursue “the BEST.” 

As C.S. Lewis has commented in his writings, too often God’s people settle for lesser joys and pleasures in life rather than being satisfied only with “the best,” which is certainly God himself. 

I don’t pretend to know what “the best” is for you in any given decision.  All I know is that I have to continually fight the pull of “good things” in my life that want to crowd out THE best.  Good things like sleep, movies, a good book or even hanging out with friends can so easily beat out the best—that which cultivates more of the life of Christ in me.

With that in mind, can I ask you, “What is the best use of Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings in your life?”  Why am I getting so specific about Sundays and Tuesdays?  Here’s why.

Starting next Tuesday (September 26^th), you and I will have another decision to make:  What is the best use of my Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings this fall when it comes to my growth in Christ?  On both Sunday mornings and Tuesdays (morning and evening), Mosaic is offering four different small group experiences to help you grow in Christ.  Here’s what they are and when they meet:

SUNDAYS (from 10:30-11:45 a.m.)

• What Christians Believe, Part I: God & His Word (John Moody)

“Theology” can seen scary, but it doesn’t have to be - it’s simply looking at what Christians believe about God and what He has done in an organized way. And that’s really important, because it makes no sense to say that we love God and not want to know more about Him! This fall, we’ll look at how God has spoken to us, examine what the Bible tells us about God’s nature, and try to figure out (somewhat) that whole “Trinity” thing.  

• A Masterpiece in God’s Hands—Made with a Purpose to Serve in His Kingdom (Harold Coleman)

If you’d like a better understanding of how God specifically made you to be an integral part of His work in this world, this group can help.  From personality to spiritual passion, abilities to spiritual gifts, we’ll help you discover God’s calling on your life and help you find ministries where you can live that out with joy. 

TUESDAYS

• Ephesians Bible Study—Offered both from 9:30-11:30 (with child care) and from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (with a soup dinner), this women-only study will work verse-by-verse through this amazing New Testament letter that speaks to so much of daily life.
• Our Victory & Freedom in Christ—Experiencing the Transforming Power of Christ in Every Part of our Being—Body, Soul & Spirit (Led by Pastor John Repsold, 6:00-7:30 p.m.)  Using Neil T. Anderson’s book, Victory Over the Darkness, this group will help you move beyond mere knowledge about God’s transforming work into experiencing Christ’s life in every area of your being.  From what you know and feel to what you think and do on a daily basis, this spiritual journey will help you to both apply God’s truth to your particular life challenges as well as take authority in Christ over the spiritual forces arrayed against you in those challenges.   

So here’s what I challenge you to do.  Ask God what is THE best use of your Sunday morning and Tuesday nights this fall.  Then just do what He indicates.  If that includes one of the adult groups mentioned above, then put that group in your weekly calendar and head on down to The Mosaic Center either next Tuesday (September 26^th) or a week from Sunday (October 1^st) to experience “the BEST” God has for you this fall. 

And one more possible “BEST” coming next week.  On Wednesday night, September 27^th, Andrew & Katie Repsold will be offering an hour of worship from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at Mosaic.  If you like extended times of singing, contemplation and prayer, this is for you.  We plan to do this monthly so come check out one of the best ways you could use an hour of your life next Wednesday evening.

See you at The Center!

Pastor John

P.S.  Don’t forget that THIS Sunday (Sept. 24^th) we will be joining New Community and Kaleo churches across the street from Mosaic at 10:00 a.m. for a joint worship service as we celebrate what God is doing bringing all of us together on this intersection in the heart of our city.  Child care will be there and we’ll be done by 11:30 a.m.  So plan to spend the latter part of your Sunday morning connecting with a broader segment of Jesus’ church in Spokane. 

There will also be a special one-time offering that will go to Cup of Cool Water and street ministries of each church so plan to dig a little deeper in your pocket and give something over and above what you normal tithe to Mosaic.  We also encourage you to either give your regular gifts on-line this week (https://secure-q.net/Donations/Mosaic/657) or by mail or simply combine it with your next week’s giving Sunday, October 1^st.  Thank you!