Filed under: Devotions
Almost. It is a word that speaks of failure. Most people use it as an excuse that allows them the ability to move on without feeling like a failure. I hope that you reject the term almost in your walk with Christ. I hope that nothing keeps you from being all that He has for you. I am praying that instead of almost in Christ, almost through Christ, or almost with Christ that you can boast in the Lord and say Always in Christ, Always through Christ, or Always with Christ!
I pray that we win the city of Cochran, GA for Jesus Christ. The word almost is never and will never be in my prayers. I will not accept failure and neither should you. God has called, will you answer?
Filed under: Church
Wow, what a day!!! It was truly like Dickens said, “It was the best the times, it was the worst of time.”
What worked:
We had 198 in attendance
We had 13 specifically tell me that they rededicated their lives to Christ.
What didn’t:
My sermon illustration, the first time that I tried to crank the chain saw it didn’t crank.
The axe that I borrowed from my neighbor broke into.
I didn’t think through the chain saw being operated in a sanctuary. The oil and gas smell can really mess with people’s asthma. I wish I had thought through that better.
Yesterday was definitely a live and learn experience. If you were there let me know what you thought about it?
Filed under: Devotions
We should all strive to live a life of worship that honors the Lord. The word worship comes from the words “worth ship”. What price are willing to pay to really live a complete and whole life that brings honor to Him?
I have learned that what God demands from us always comes at a high price. I want to live in such a way that God is honored by my thoughts and actions. It does cost “something”. If you are not willing to lay everything down for His sake, then you are putting something else as having more value to you than God. That is also worship, but it is idol worship. I challenge you to pay the price and surrender everything to Him today. He is worth it!
Filed under: Church
New Life had a great day yesterday! I was a little concerned with our worship leader Cameron Taylor and his wife Kailey, piano player Rhonda Joiner all being out of town or out of country.
We had a great couple come and lead worship and they did a great job. Phillip and Rebecca Brantley were such an awesome couple to meet and talk to.
We had 159 in attendance and at the conclusion of the service we took in 17 new members. At New Life we offer a class called New Life 101 that you must take in order to join the church. Last Monday was the class and it was a great time.
I spoke on “Desert Babies”. We must realize that God wants to deliver us from the wilderness or desert but we can’t cross over until we let go of the slavery. I used the story of the Children of Israel leaving Egypt bound for the promised land.
I am so tired today. In the last week (Sun-Sun), I either spoke or preached to a group of people 10 times. I overloaded my schedule and I am sure that you can tell that by my blog entry’s. I will be back to normal this week. Love ya’ll and check back later.
Filed under: Devotions
Last week I had the opportunity to go with a group of men from our church to help with a roofing job at a Church in our state. We had a wonderful time of fellowship as well as helping out another church. After working on the roof for a couple of days my body was extremely sore from all of the activity.
The interesting thing is that I exercise every morning. The difference is that this project worked out areas of my body that I do not normally use. The result of the activity was soreness. When is the last time that you were sore from the Lord working you out?
God does not always let us do the easy, comfortable, and our expected norm when working for His Kingdom. If we are to truly be used by God, we have to be willing to be shaped and formed by His hand. The result of the spiritual workout by the Lord will many times result in a season of spiritual soreness. Trust me, you will be okay from the soreness. God is just letting you know that there are more areas that need attention in your life than the ones you tend to focus on the most. The interesting thing is that you do not have to be sore. If you are not willing to take action when the opportunity presents itself, then you can continue on as if nothing has ever happened. The choice is yours. You can stay the same or you can make the bold decision and move forward.
I am praying for you to make the right decision and soreness come your way!
Filed under: Church
I felt like we had a pretty good day. It was our leadership Sunday which means an afternoon meeting at 3:30. Today was the last one at 3:30 as we will move it till after Church from now on.
We had 144 in attendance which is still down from where I think we really are. We have a couple families who are away and next week almost the entire praise team will be gone.
I spoke on Jesus – The Life. I loved this message because it is one that is so powerful and awesome. We don’t have to wait to heaven to get life. It is a NOW life! It is a victorious life. It is also a future life.
Tonight, I spoke on a very heavy message “Torn between two lovers”. I have been speaking on Hosea for the last few weeks. I will finish up next week.
I am slammed again this week. I am going to be speaking Monday Night, Tuesday Night, Wed. morning (at a Private School), Wednesday Night, and then Finally on Thursday Night. As far as I know, it will slow down after this week. Keep me in your prayers as I have the opportunity to share about Christ.
Filed under: Devotions
This tells an awesome story. I believe that if you are willing to prepare and work hard then you get separation from the normal results. I have found that most individuals are content with the status quo. I hope that I never become satisfied with where I am. I want to always be striving to reach the next milestone that God has for me. Preparation + Perspiration = Separation
Filed under: Church
I hope that everyone had a great weekend. We had a good service yesterday morning with 141 in attendance. I spoke on Jesus- The Resurrection. Last night we did Life groups and the attendance was up at almost all of the groups.
I began a revival at Grace Chapel last night. It is always very interesting getting adjusted to a new setting. I felt like things went well and the Pastor told me that we had a larger crowd on that Sunday night than they had that morning. I spoke last night on “Thru the Night”. I felt the Lord really bless some individuals in the service. I am looking forward to tonight.
Filed under: Personal
I have a pretty active day planned for today. I got up around 4:30 this morning for some studying of my message for Sunday morning. I am excited about this message. I am preaching about Jesus-The Resurrection.
We are leaving in a little bit to take the kids swimming. This will probably be the least weekend of the year that we can go. I have to talk to a few people after lunch and I hope that I will be done before the UGA game at 3:30.
I have an exciting week ahead as I start a Revival this Sunday night at a church called Grace Chapel. I am really looking forward to preaching there this week.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at church and do not forget about Life Groups tomorrow night at 5:00!!!!!!
BTW, Did I mention that I have been asked to do an article in the local newpaper?
Filed under: Personal
I don’t really feel the best in the world today. It is just one of them days. Bethany has not been feeling well so I wonder if I am catching what she has. I have a busy day, with a good bit of work to do. Sarah will be at a work function till after 7:00 and then I have phone interviews with candidates from 8:00 till after 10:00 pm in 30 minute intervals. I am pushing through it, but what I really want to do is go to bed. Oh well.
It is so easy to infect others. A cough, a touch, or just breathing on someone can pass a sickness along. You can just as easily pass along blessings as well. A smile, a kind word, or a hug can bring great comfort to someone. We all are infectious people. It is what you infect them with that makes a whole world of difference.
