Finding the Right Size of Hammer

There has been a lot of hammering going on this week…and I mean the best kind of hammering.

On Monday morning of last week as our World Changers were loading the bus to head to Birmingham, one of the dads was sharing with me that his daughter was excited to be going on a trip where she could use a hammer.  When he got out his hammer for her to take on the trip, he realized that his hammer was probably too heavy for his daughter.  So he went and bought a smaller hammer that was just the right size for her.  Her excitement increased to be going on a mission trip where she could use her own hammer.

Birmingham wasn’t the only place where there was a lot of hammering going on.  This past Saturday, a great group showed up to work on our Habitat House.  The home, at

1008 W. LaRua Street

, is being constructed for our very own Jeannie Shields.  The next Habitat Work Day is August 20.

On Tuesday night, the Alabama Re-Build Team met again to complete the construction on the walls for the partnership home we are building in Sipsey, Alabama. The walls and trusses are being constructed in a warehouse in Pensacola and will be transported to Alabama for final assembly.  Did you know that we can build a “Katrina style” house for approximately $12,000?  We currently have about $32,000 in our Alabama Re-Build Fund.   The more we give, the more homes we can help re-build after the devastation of the spring tornadoes.

The ministry of the hammer is one of many ways we participate in the building of God’s kingdom.  In reality, hammers are a lot like the roles and responsibilities we fill in life.  They are not “one size fits all.”  We are each called to employ our unique gifts and talents in service to the Lord. Isn’t it great to be a part of a congregation where everyone needs to find the right size of hammer?

This week Amanda and I will be beginning a few days of vacation.  I am grateful that our church provides vacation time for me to re-charge my batteries. Pray for our travels to be safe, and for me to “disconnect” from my daily responsibilities for a few days in order to “re-engage” with renewed energy.

On Sunday July 24, Chris Ziglar will be preaching on “A Good Purpose” from Genesis 11:1-9.  Chris and Stacey, our resident missionaries who are preparing to depart for Brazil, have been adopted as a part of our church family during their year here.

On Sunday, July 31, Dr. Ross Lankford will be preaching on “Our Good Shepherd” from Psalm 23.

I look forward to returning to the pulpit on August 7 as we kick off our August series on “Awesome Wonder.”

Thank you for your faithfulness during the summer months…in worship and Bible study…in giving…and in the ministry of the hammer.