Monday, Monday

As I have previously stated, Mondays are not always the best day for me. It seems that the enemy will always jump on me with doubts, and problems that need to be fixed, or discouragement. But I am reminded again of my defense, "Rejoice in the Lord, always! Again I will say, rejoice!"
Satan is a liar and a loser.
Yesterday was an awesome day in the Lord's house. A young man prayed for Christ to wash his sins away and be made new. A lady decided to place her membership in FBC and join the work here. The Gospel was declared, praises were sung and uttered. What a blessing it was to be in the presence of our great God and King.

Often times we focus on the problems, we give all of our energy to negatives. We dwell on negative comments that folks make, we dwell on why something will not work and what is not getting done, we dwell on our own personal problems. I believe that God is most glorified when we focus upon HIM. Instead of giving so much time and resources to problems, why not give time and energy to potentials? Why can't we see obstacles as opportunities? Instead of complaining, why not praise? Instead of griping, pitch in and seek to make things better? Do something positive.
Jesus Christ our Lord calls us to action -- "Go therefore . . ." As someone stated once, one command you will never hear in the Lord's army, "At ease." Instead we need to hear again, "Press on." "Do good." "Love God and your neighbor." "Go and do likewise." "Be salt and light." "Praise God." "Pray without ceasing." "Rejoice." "Make disciples." "Study to show thyself approved, a workman."
With all of these admonitions, I know that I need to hear them and heed them. You probably do to. May we resolve to seek the Lord, His direction, His will and resolve to be obedient to do what He calls us to do. May we stay on the HIGHway!

The First Reality

It has been years ago, but I had the opportunity to go through Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God" study-course. It seems that that study has had a tremendous impact upon my life. All the time I draw from the lessons that God taught me from His word, as I studied the Scripture, memorized it, and meditated on its impact on my life.
Of the seven realities that Blackaby pointed out, the first reality has meant the most to me -- God is always at work.
When you think about that truth, it is awesome. It will truly change your life and your view of all of life. God is sovereign. He is all-knowing. He is infinite in all of His attributes. That is ultimately impossible for a finite mind, like ours, to fully grasp; but it is amazing as you look over your life, God is always at work.
Nothing is "by chance" or coincidence. God is at work, all the time, all around us.
There is so much that is happening right now, this very moment in our lives - mine and Rach's specifically - yet we know that God is in control, over all, directing everything. We know that God is love, and that His love reaches us, and that we are His children by the power of His amazing grace and the finished work of Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord. We know that nothing can separate us from His love, and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. God is always at work, and He doesn't make mistakes. God is perfect; He never fails; God is awesome.

Back to Squire

Again, this past Friday night we had Southern Gospel Music royalty at our church -- Squire Parsons. Squire is probably most famous for the song he wrote and recorded, "Sweet Beulah Land" back in the late 70's. It is a song you here often, especially at funerals, as it speaks of the Christian's home that awaits. In fact, many of Squire's wonderful songs speak of heaven and how to get there. I am so proud of Squire Parsons and the ministry that God has given to him and his faithfulness to carry it out, with excellence. Our church is not a mega-church by any stretch of the imagination, we didn't have a wall-bursting crowd Friday night, but the concert was the same as if he had been at Thomas Road or somewhere. Of course the love offering received may have been greater at a larger church, but I trust that God will bless Squire and the ministry he has. One got the distinct impression that it wasn't about a show anyway, it was about gathering with saints to worship Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. What we were privileged to be a part of was a worship service, no matter the place or the number present.
I was so glad that he brought with him a song-book. I got a copy and already what a thrill to my soul to read the words -- I wished that I could read music so I could sing the songs I do not already know. But reading and thinking on the words is a blessing in itself. Sometimes I make up my own tune (this is done privately to spare all others!).

Oh What A Moment

That is the title of one of my favorite songs by Southern Gospel singer/songwriter Squire Parsons. Speaking of Squire Parsons, we had the distinct privilege of having Squire Parsons sing at our church last night. This much anticipated event did not disappoint, for the Lord was in this place. I will be writing more about this later -- but WOW!

The Supremacy of God

"O LORD, our Lord how excellent is Your name in all the earth!" - Psalm 8

Yesterday and today I have been working on a message for tonight's prayer meeting and Bible study. As should be the case whenever God's people get together, God should be the focus and center.
The psalmist David writes in this psalm about how when he considers God's handiwork - the stars and moon -- that he asks God, "what is man that Thou art mindful of him?"
My prayer is that tonight we will be reminded - again - that it is all about God and not about us. May our focus be on the heavenly and not the earthly.
This past Sunday morning I preached about the resurrection of the just and the unjust, and about how our bodies will one day be resurrected -- to enjoy forever the delights of heaven, or to endure forever the torments of hell. I said we do not normally think too much about the resurrection of our bodies, or for that matter we don't think too much about eternity. We are so wedded to this world, to the things of this earth, to the dramas of this earthly, temporary life.
Why can't we be so dedicated to loving God and doing what He would have us do -- love Him, expressed by obedience to Him in carrying out the Great Commission, joyfully rescuing people from hell -- as to ALWAYS being dedicated to the things on this earth?
Rejoice . . . we are only here for a short while; eternity is FOREVER.
1st of all, are we ready for eternity?
2nd, how does change the way we live here now?

May our great God and King be exalted -- both now and forever!