Dear Blog Readers,
There are times when something is just not right! I am writing to let you know about my friend, Linda, from Texas who is the daughter of one of my former church members in Georgia. She is in a fight for her family.
I know it is hard for you to believe, but she actually lost custody of her son Will because he made a profession of faith in Christ and she was/is seeking to raise him in a Christian home. Her ex-husband sued for sole custoday and WON! Unbelievable!
Please pray for Will, Linda and the court system in Dallas, Texas. I am including her website and blog. Feel free to write notes of encouragment and let her know that the body of Christ is standing with her and her family.
www.fightingforwill.com and http://fightingforwill.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Faithfulness of God
I am currently in Montgomery, Alabama attending the Alabama Baptist State Evangelism Conference. Basically this conference is designed to get pastors/staff of churches fired up about evangelism. Tonight, I heard two of the best sermons I have ever heard. Herb Reavis and Ergun Caner preached "the paint off the walls" and stirred my heart for winning the lost of Sylacauga. These messages come on the heals of my asking you to pray for our church and those attending the services last Sunday.
I am very excited to tell you that we DID have several decisions on Sunday! And YES! We had one come to the Lord for salvation. I will be following up on his decision when I get home from Montgomery. One of the most exciting things about this is an email that I received from someone who had prayed for someone to come to Christ on Sunday. Below is an exerpt from that email:
God allowed me to participate in this past Sunday and I wanted to share with you how. I met at ************* house for the God Can prayer meeting on Monday. We were going through the outline of suggested prayer topics when I felt the Spirit’s urging me to pray for someone to come to Christ this coming Sunday.
At the time I thought this was a little presumptuous on my part. Who am I to ask God to move when He has things under control, but then I thought, well it would always be in His will to ask for someone to come to Christ. So we prayed and Brother ********** prayed in agreement with me with “Yes Father” and “Yes Lord Jesus”.
So when ***** came down, it was in answer to this prayer and no telling how many others. This is just the one I got to be in on. Now that was neat. To be a part of what God had planned, just by offering up a prayer.
You see -- GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER! Will you join me in prayer? HE IS A FAITHFUL GOD!
I am very excited to tell you that we DID have several decisions on Sunday! And YES! We had one come to the Lord for salvation. I will be following up on his decision when I get home from Montgomery. One of the most exciting things about this is an email that I received from someone who had prayed for someone to come to Christ on Sunday. Below is an exerpt from that email:
God allowed me to participate in this past Sunday and I wanted to share with you how. I met at ************* house for the God Can prayer meeting on Monday. We were going through the outline of suggested prayer topics when I felt the Spirit’s urging me to pray for someone to come to Christ this coming Sunday.
At the time I thought this was a little presumptuous on my part. Who am I to ask God to move when He has things under control, but then I thought, well it would always be in His will to ask for someone to come to Christ. So we prayed and Brother ********** prayed in agreement with me with “Yes Father” and “Yes Lord Jesus”.
So when ***** came down, it was in answer to this prayer and no telling how many others. This is just the one I got to be in on. Now that was neat. To be a part of what God had planned, just by offering up a prayer.
You see -- GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER! Will you join me in prayer? HE IS A FAITHFUL GOD!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Will you join me in prayer for services on Sunday?
I am preaching a very evangelistic sermon on Sunday called "30 Seconds after You Die." Please join me in prayer for those who will be there. I believe there must be someone who desparately needs this message.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are Almighty God. You rule and reign in our lives. I join with these who are reading this blog to ask you to do great and mighty things in our midst on Sunday. Lord, I ask that you break down any barriers that Satan or anyone else has tried to put up in the lives of those who will be here. We pray that you will shower us with Your love and conviction -- in that order.
I pray that you will draw people to the services on Sunday. Please draw those who have questions -- those who need Jesus. Please work in such a way that you will be GLORIFIED!
Lord, please honor the prayers of those who prayed so diligently on Monday evening for the God Can Prayer Groups. God please WORK A MIRACLE!
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen
Thanks for praying -- please don't stop -- continue in an attitude of prayer -- pray without ceasing!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are Almighty God. You rule and reign in our lives. I join with these who are reading this blog to ask you to do great and mighty things in our midst on Sunday. Lord, I ask that you break down any barriers that Satan or anyone else has tried to put up in the lives of those who will be here. We pray that you will shower us with Your love and conviction -- in that order.
I pray that you will draw people to the services on Sunday. Please draw those who have questions -- those who need Jesus. Please work in such a way that you will be GLORIFIED!
Lord, please honor the prayers of those who prayed so diligently on Monday evening for the God Can Prayer Groups. God please WORK A MIRACLE!
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen
Thanks for praying -- please don't stop -- continue in an attitude of prayer -- pray without ceasing!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
An Unexpected Phone Call
On Tuesdays at 9 a.m. our staff meets for planning and prayer. It is a high priority meeting and I "strongly encourage" all staff to attend. In other words -- it's mandatory!
On Tuesday, this week, we were in our staff meeting and suddenly -- my cell phone rang. When I looked at Caller ID I noticed that it was my granddaughter Mattie. When I saw who was calling I immediately turned to the staff and said, "Excuse me, this is my granddaughter, I need to take this."
Later, I was thinking about that phone call and that it was such a high priority to me that I was willing to stop our meeting just to talk to her. How wonderful it is that she wanted to talk to me!
In reality this is the kind of relationship we, as Christians, have with God. He wants us to "interupt" Him. He always takes my call! He is never too busy and I AM A PRIORITY TO HIM! Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me and I will show you great and might things...."
Call on Him right now. Take a few minutes as you read this BLOG and go to God in prayer. Talk to Him about the most intimate parts of your life. Share anything with Him -- HE DOES NOT SCREEN HIS CALLS!
On Tuesday, this week, we were in our staff meeting and suddenly -- my cell phone rang. When I looked at Caller ID I noticed that it was my granddaughter Mattie. When I saw who was calling I immediately turned to the staff and said, "Excuse me, this is my granddaughter, I need to take this."
Later, I was thinking about that phone call and that it was such a high priority to me that I was willing to stop our meeting just to talk to her. How wonderful it is that she wanted to talk to me!
In reality this is the kind of relationship we, as Christians, have with God. He wants us to "interupt" Him. He always takes my call! He is never too busy and I AM A PRIORITY TO HIM! Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me and I will show you great and might things...."
Call on Him right now. Take a few minutes as you read this BLOG and go to God in prayer. Talk to Him about the most intimate parts of your life. Share anything with Him -- HE DOES NOT SCREEN HIS CALLS!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Psalm 51 -- With Grace
Recently I was studying the Psalms. I love the Psalms. I came across Psalm 51. This great Psalm was written by King David as a Psalm of confession and repentance after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
It occured to me as I read this powerful Psalm that God has already done what David asked by sending His mercy and grace to us on the cross. What you are about to read is the result of that prayer/study time. Psalm 51 for us is filled with the grace of God! It is my prayer that you will rejoice as you realize what God has done for you!
It occured to me as I read this powerful Psalm that God has already done what David asked by sending His mercy and grace to us on the cross. What you are about to read is the result of that prayer/study time. Psalm 51 for us is filled with the grace of God! It is my prayer that you will rejoice as you realize what God has done for you!
Psalm 51 with Grace
You have had mercy on me, O god,
According to your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of your tender mercies.
You have blotted out my transgressions,
You have washed me thoroughly from my iniquity.
You have cleansed me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only , have I sinned
And done this evil in Your sight –
You are just when You speak,
You are blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me. (In Adam)
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will fill me with your Spirit and make me to know wisdom.
I have been made clean by the blood of Jesus
I have been washed whiter than snow by your grace
You have given me ears of grace to hear joy and gladness,
Out of my brokenness I will rejoice.
You have hidden Your face from my sins.
You have blotted our all of my iniquities.
You have created a clean heart in me.
You have given me YOUR steadfast Spirit.
You will never throw me away.
You will never take your Spirit from me
You have given me JOY as the fruit of the Spirit.
You hold me up by your overflowing Spirit.
I will teach sinners Your ways and they will be converted.
You have delivered me from the guilt of bloodshead – Oh God of my salvation.
My tongue will sing about Your righteousness.
My mouth will praise You!
You do not want my filthy, bloody, works – You know I would offer them to you.
You do not want burned offerings.
You want my sacrifice to be a broken spirit and a broken heart.
You will not turn these away.
Bless us by building the church on righteousness and truth
Out of You blessings will flow the obedience that you want from us!
You have had mercy on me, O god,
According to your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of your tender mercies.
You have blotted out my transgressions,
You have washed me thoroughly from my iniquity.
You have cleansed me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only , have I sinned
And done this evil in Your sight –
You are just when You speak,
You are blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me. (In Adam)
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will fill me with your Spirit and make me to know wisdom.
I have been made clean by the blood of Jesus
I have been washed whiter than snow by your grace
You have given me ears of grace to hear joy and gladness,
Out of my brokenness I will rejoice.
You have hidden Your face from my sins.
You have blotted our all of my iniquities.
You have created a clean heart in me.
You have given me YOUR steadfast Spirit.
You will never throw me away.
You will never take your Spirit from me
You have given me JOY as the fruit of the Spirit.
You hold me up by your overflowing Spirit.
I will teach sinners Your ways and they will be converted.
You have delivered me from the guilt of bloodshead – Oh God of my salvation.
My tongue will sing about Your righteousness.
My mouth will praise You!
You do not want my filthy, bloody, works – You know I would offer them to you.
You do not want burned offerings.
You want my sacrifice to be a broken spirit and a broken heart.
You will not turn these away.
Bless us by building the church on righteousness and truth
Out of You blessings will flow the obedience that you want from us!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Love of God
This morning I got up out of bed...quietly found the rose and card I bought for Debbie to give to her for Valentine's Day. When she woke up I said, "Good morning -- Happy Valentine's Day." She said, "Thanks, but Valentine's Day is tomorrow." We both had a great laugh and of course I will never live this one down. I am sure she will use this story in many of her teachings over the next few month.
I am sure glad that she loves me -- no matter what! There is a term for that kind of love: Unconditional! Debbie loves me unconditionally!
The good news is that God loves me the same way only more! God's love for me is not determined by what I do or say! God's love for me is strong...and there are no conditions. I love Romans 5:6 where it says that Christ died for the ungodly. If His love had been based on my goodness -- well let's just say I would be in alot of trouble!!
Romans 8 clearly states that nothing can separate us from the Love of God! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
I am sure glad that she loves me -- no matter what! There is a term for that kind of love: Unconditional! Debbie loves me unconditionally!
The good news is that God loves me the same way only more! God's love for me is not determined by what I do or say! God's love for me is strong...and there are no conditions. I love Romans 5:6 where it says that Christ died for the ungodly. If His love had been based on my goodness -- well let's just say I would be in alot of trouble!!
Romans 8 clearly states that nothing can separate us from the Love of God! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
$1,200 and Sycamore Roots
Well, the verdict is in....the plumber ran the snake and a camera down my drain in Georgia and discovered that the Syacamore tree at the end of my driveway has reached out to my pipes and clogged them! It is going to cost $1,200 minimum to correct the problem.
As I said the other day, I really want to thank God for those clogged pipes. I will be honest -- it's hard. The reason: I do not live in the house anymore and it takes money from the proceeds. I do not know why this happened, but I know this. God will provide! GOD CAN!
These are the kinds of situations that really put our faith to the test as we walk through this earthly life. What we are going through with all of this is nothing compared to some things people are going through, but it is really trying to be 2 hours away and try to handle these situations from long distance. I am praying that God will sell the house very soon! Please join me in that prayer. I know the house is sold -- I just do not have the money yet!
As I said the other day, I really want to thank God for those clogged pipes. I will be honest -- it's hard. The reason: I do not live in the house anymore and it takes money from the proceeds. I do not know why this happened, but I know this. God will provide! GOD CAN!
These are the kinds of situations that really put our faith to the test as we walk through this earthly life. What we are going through with all of this is nothing compared to some things people are going through, but it is really trying to be 2 hours away and try to handle these situations from long distance. I am praying that God will sell the house very soon! Please join me in that prayer. I know the house is sold -- I just do not have the money yet!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Let's Go Fishing!
This morning in our 8:30 a.m and 11:00 a.m services I preached from Luke 5:1-11. I called the message "Casting the Net." Jesus told Simon (so0n to be Peter) exactly where to put the net down. They had worked all night and had not caught anything. They were fishing the same way they had always been fishing and they had not caught anything. Jesus said put the net out in deep water. The problem with fishing in the deep waters -- it's not where Simon and the gang would normally fish. However, when Jesus came on the scene and told them when and where to fish -- they were successful. They were so successful that they nets broke and the boat started to sink. Now that is some good fishing!
At the end of the passage of scripture Jesus says, "don't be afraid." Then He informs Simon that he will now be fishing for men. Obviously this story is really about fishing for men. (people)
Our church must learn from what Jesus taught to Simon and his partners. We simply cannot keep doing what we have always been doing and expect to get different results. We must launch out into the deep water and go places we have never been before. We, the church, msut take the gospel TO THE PEOPLE wherever God leads us. This will cause some fear -- Jesus said, "do not be afraid." He may lead us to some unusual places and give us some unusual ideas for fishing for people! However we must be obedient and follow His leadership so that we can see great results!
Let's go fishing!!
At the end of the passage of scripture Jesus says, "don't be afraid." Then He informs Simon that he will now be fishing for men. Obviously this story is really about fishing for men. (people)
Our church must learn from what Jesus taught to Simon and his partners. We simply cannot keep doing what we have always been doing and expect to get different results. We must launch out into the deep water and go places we have never been before. We, the church, msut take the gospel TO THE PEOPLE wherever God leads us. This will cause some fear -- Jesus said, "do not be afraid." He may lead us to some unusual places and give us some unusual ideas for fishing for people! However we must be obedient and follow His leadership so that we can see great results!
Let's go fishing!!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Clogged Drains
We have been in Georgia at our old house since Thursday evening. There have been some improvements that we have needed to make in order to make the house more appealing for sale.
I cleaned and painted my son's former room and bathroom. That does not sound like much of a chore but honestly, the room was in pretty bad shape. It had not been painted in over 10 years, the carpet needed shampooing and the bathroom also needed some work. All of it was "cosmetic" and was not really difficult -- just time consuming. It took forever to get all of the holes filled and the trim painted, etc. I worked until 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning -- went upstairs and slept on the floor until 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. I got up and went back to work because the carpet cleaning service was to be there at 10 a.m. I completed the work and went upstairs for a break.
Amy came by and brought the grandkids -- we told her that we could keep them on Saturday afternoon. Soon, I heard Amy and Debbie say - TIM WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM -- WATER IS ALL OVER THE BASEMENT! Now keep in mind that the carpet guy had just completed the work and the carpet he had shampooed was now flooded (about 1 inch) with nasty water! After $125 to a plumber and no success -- we don't know what is wrong. This could cost anywhere from$250 to $3000.
I must admit that I went through a time of discouragement! I mean...the carpet guy had just pulled out of the driveway! Why? I don't know. I don't have to know. All I need to know is that God is going to take care of us. I know that somehow He will provide!
I know one thing...I love it here in Sylacauga. As I loaded the car and drove away -- I thought (as I saw my former home in the rear view mirror) I can't wait to get to Anniston Drive in Sylacauga -- MY HOME!
I am determined to thank God for those clogged drains -- I am just not sure why!!!! I am certain there will be a sermon in all of this somewhere so I am just praying and waiting!
I cleaned and painted my son's former room and bathroom. That does not sound like much of a chore but honestly, the room was in pretty bad shape. It had not been painted in over 10 years, the carpet needed shampooing and the bathroom also needed some work. All of it was "cosmetic" and was not really difficult -- just time consuming. It took forever to get all of the holes filled and the trim painted, etc. I worked until 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning -- went upstairs and slept on the floor until 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. I got up and went back to work because the carpet cleaning service was to be there at 10 a.m. I completed the work and went upstairs for a break.
Amy came by and brought the grandkids -- we told her that we could keep them on Saturday afternoon. Soon, I heard Amy and Debbie say - TIM WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM -- WATER IS ALL OVER THE BASEMENT! Now keep in mind that the carpet guy had just completed the work and the carpet he had shampooed was now flooded (about 1 inch) with nasty water! After $125 to a plumber and no success -- we don't know what is wrong. This could cost anywhere from$250 to $3000.
I must admit that I went through a time of discouragement! I mean...the carpet guy had just pulled out of the driveway! Why? I don't know. I don't have to know. All I need to know is that God is going to take care of us. I know that somehow He will provide!
I know one thing...I love it here in Sylacauga. As I loaded the car and drove away -- I thought (as I saw my former home in the rear view mirror) I can't wait to get to Anniston Drive in Sylacauga -- MY HOME!
I am determined to thank God for those clogged drains -- I am just not sure why!!!! I am certain there will be a sermon in all of this somewhere so I am just praying and waiting!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Let there be LIFE!
A church that keeps the MAIN THING THE MAIN THING will be a church ALIVE! There will be life! When Jesus is the center and life of the church then John 10:10 will be become a reality! Life will be abundant!
There will be life in the members. Obviously, when Jesus becomes your life -- then there will be life in the church. The life of Christ brings many things to the believer.
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Longsuffering
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
There will be life in the ministries. So many times in churches there seems to be NO life in the ministry of the church. Tradition, resistance to change or a variety of other things has choked the life right out. However when Jesus is the MAIN THING the ministry will be filled with life...HIS LIFE! He will bring the passion, faithfulness, truth, and resources to the ministies to the church. When I think of ministries that are really making a difference in the world -- they are life filled ministries that are walking by faith and not by sight.
In our church -- First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama -- LET THERE BE LIFE -- LET THERE BE JESUS
Monday, February 4, 2008
Worth it....
Sometimes as a pastor you wonder if what you are doing is really making a difference.
When I was a Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee a young man came into my youth group. I was privileged to be his youth pastor for about 1 year. I love him. I am proud of him. Check out his blog -- http://www.kevinmaples.blogspot.com/.
It's worth it all.........
When I was a Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee a young man came into my youth group. I was privileged to be his youth pastor for about 1 year. I love him. I am proud of him. Check out his blog -- http://www.kevinmaples.blogspot.com/.
It's worth it all.........
A Church that Loves!
In my trial sermon message I shared that the church that "KEEPS THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING" is a church that will be known as a church that loves!
- There will be a love for God! A church that keeps the main thing main thing is a church that is in love with God. The natural outflow of that love for God is a church that truly worships! The worship services will be powerful and verticle. By verticle I mean that they will be directed in an upward direction to the "Heavenly Father."
- There will be a love for God's Word! I don't believe that you can love the Father without loving HIS Word! A church that keeps the main thing the main thing is a church that cherishes the truth of the Word of God. There will be a strong emphasis on teaching, discipleship and spiritual growth and maturity!
- There will be a love for each other. There is an old chorus that I sang as a teenager in our youth group at First Baptist Church of Piedmont, Alabama. The words are so true: We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord...and they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they'll know that we are Christians by our love! TRUE! TRUE! A church that keeps the main thing the main thing will be know as a church that loves each other!
- There will be a love for the community. Acts 1:8 is very clear! We will become "witnesses." We have been empowered to share the love of God in our community. God loves Sylacauga adn He wants to express that love THROUGH us. If oru church keeps the main the main thing WE WILL LOVE THIS COMMUNITY! We will do whatever it takes to share that love -- even if it means change...even if it means moving out of our comfort zone!
The MAIN THING is Jesus! Le't keep it that way!
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