It was a great day of worship at Kings Point! This morning's service was wonderful. In the children's worship time, Dalton McBeath brought the message as two children received Christ. Reverend Tim Orr did a wonderful job preaching in the evening service. I was still on the mend today after my oral surgery Friday. After my message this morning, I had some pain and uncomfortableness this afternoon so I asked Brother Tim to preach. I appreciate his spontaneity.
I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day tomorrow. Please remember the people in Louisiana as they flee the gulf coast. I have heard the 90% of the people are evacuated. Lets keep them in our prayers!
Tomorrow Annette, Gabe and I will be making a quick trip to Indy to see mom and dad. Mom and dad are doing okay. We are planning a little family get-to-gether.
I won't be doing the Monday Funnies tomorrow due to the holiday. So I will see you Tuesday! God bless you all!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Some Saturday Insights
I survived my oral dental surgery last night. Today, Annette has exercised her "Sargent" gifting and kept me from doing anything all day except a little sermon prep for tomorrow. I really don't know how things will go in the morning. God has given me a powerful word from I Peter 3:13-17. However, I might not be as vocal as I usually am.
There are some brothers and sisters that I want to ask you to be in prayer over. Debbie Kilburn is very sick in the hospital. The doctors are not for sure what is going on but she has now been very sick for a couple of weeks. Please remember Wilma Chess's family; mainly her mom, Franky, and her brother, Jerry. They both had very difficult weeks. Also, please remember Phyllis Titus and our missionary, Arlene Miller as well. Sister Miller is doing some better but still needs our prayers. Please join us in prayer for Mark Worley as he recovers from surgery. Pray that God do a miraculous healing in his foot.
These are all very urgent needs. The enemy is at work today afflicting the body of Christ with disease and sickness. But "greater is He that is in us, then He that is in the world."
I will see you in the morning! And if not, worship God like crazy wherever you go to church! Love ya!
-Pastor
There are some brothers and sisters that I want to ask you to be in prayer over. Debbie Kilburn is very sick in the hospital. The doctors are not for sure what is going on but she has now been very sick for a couple of weeks. Please remember Wilma Chess's family; mainly her mom, Franky, and her brother, Jerry. They both had very difficult weeks. Also, please remember Phyllis Titus and our missionary, Arlene Miller as well. Sister Miller is doing some better but still needs our prayers. Please join us in prayer for Mark Worley as he recovers from surgery. Pray that God do a miraculous healing in his foot.
These are all very urgent needs. The enemy is at work today afflicting the body of Christ with disease and sickness. But "greater is He that is in us, then He that is in the world."
I will see you in the morning! And if not, worship God like crazy wherever you go to church! Love ya!
-Pastor
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday Countdown...How God Has Used the U.S. in Iraq (part 3)
Hello everyone. Below I have concluded my three-part series on how God has used our country's presence in Iraq. Too often we adopt the opinions of the media regarding what is happening outside of our own local community. The major problem with that is the media doesn't report on what God is doing because the media for the most part is blinded to such things. We as believers our children of the light and must see the world and what is happening in the world through a different lens.
I pray that you have a wonderful weekend. In just a few hours, I have to have some oral surgery done. Hopefully, my mouth will be fine come Sunday morning. Love you all!
TO BRING THE GOSPEL LIGHT TO A LAND OF DARKNESS
There is no question that the Gospel is being preached more in the Middle East today than any other time since the New Testament days. When the American soldiers went to Iraq so did the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the ministry, charity, and testimonies of soldiers, chaplains, and Christians in businesses, agencies and non-profit organizations; the gospel light is shining brighter in Iraq and in other countries throughout the Middle East.
Because of America's presence in Iraq now, other countries are sending missionary teams to Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. A few years ago, the country of Khazikistan sent 5,000 Christian youth into Islam Middle East countries to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. The Christian church in China is sending missionaries as well as countries in Africa to the Middle East. In spite of increased persecution in many of these countries, the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached and many Muslims are being converted to Christianity. Reports of entire Muslim villages and small towns are coming to Christ after seeing visions and receiving dreams of Jesus.
It has been said that if the United States military pulled out today, the foundation has been laid and the gospel message will continue to increase across the Middle East. Did President Bush and the American government realize that the kingdom of God would increase through the war in Iraq? I really don't know. Nonetheless, God has always used world leaders, governments, and nations to accomplish His will...and His will hasn't changed; "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 KJV
Thursday, August 28, 2008
How God Has Used the U.S. in Iraq (part 2)
The Rising of Babylon
Almost all bible teachers of last days events have taught that Babylon in the book of Revelation is a world economic, political, and religious system. Some others have taught that America or even more specific New York City is modern day Babylon. As far as I can remember, most of Christian eschatology has had a difficult time imagining the rebuilding of the ancient Iraqi city of Babylon that would rival the world influence as seen in the book of Revelation. Why? Because for two thousand years, ancient Babylon just sixty kilometers south of Baghdad has been all but extinct. However, thanks to Saddam Hussein, the United Nations, and the United States and the freedom and democracy that now exists...Babylon is rising up once more.
New York Times correspondent John Burns in the fall of 1990 wrote, "More than 2,500 years ago, a fabulous city rose here on a bend in the Euphrates River. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon and its hanging gardens became as fabled, and as much as a seat of imperial power, as Rome became later. under President Saddam Hussein, one of the ancient world's most legendary cities has begun to rise again."
Burns explained that Saddam had invested in millions of dollars to build replicas of Nebuchadnezzar's buildings - including palaces and throne rooms p "on the original sites." He described Saddam's efforts to rebuild the city's roads, lakes, canals, and bridges, and even to build new museums, souvenir shops, and fast food restaurants. And he reported that Saddam had offered "a 1.5 million reward to anybody who can produce a satisfactory plan for rebuilding the Hanging Gardens."
Burns's article didn't even make the Times's front page. It was buried on page 13 of the A section. But to anyone who believes Bible prophecy, the discovery of efforts to rebuild Babylon was significant. The following year Charles Dyer, senior VP at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, published The Rise of Babylon: Sign of the End Times. In it he described attending an international festival held in Babylon in 1987 and provided even more firsthand details of the efforts of the Iraqi government to make the ancient city a symbol of the country's future.
Both Burns and Dyer noted that construction in Babylon had stalled after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait because Saddam ran out of cash. But thanks to Iraq's new economic vision and the enormous potential of Iraq's petrodollars, plans for a new world class Babylon are alive again.
According to correspondent Jeffrey Gettleman, "The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is pumping millions of dollars into protecting and restoring Babylon and a handful of other ancient ruins in Iraq. UNESCO has even printed up a snazzy Brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination; to hand out to wealthy donors."
"Cultural tourism could become Iraq's second biggest industry, after oil,"
said Philippe Delanghe, a United Nations official helping with the project. Gettleman noted, "What makes the project even conceivable is that the area around Babylon is one of the safest in Iraq, a beacon of civilization, once again, in a land of chaos."
In Joel Rosenberg's book, "Epicenter," he interviews Iraqi finance minister Allawi about the restoration of Babylon project. Allawi admitted that cultural, religious, archaeological, and biblical tourism is a big opportunity for Iraq. Rosenberg states in his book that hearing Allawi speak of how the highest levels of the new Iraqi government want to rebuild the ancient city of Babylon and make it a great city of commerce sounded so natural. The Hebrew prophets and the book of Revelations told us it was going to happen. Now it really is...right before our very eyes.
Almost all bible teachers of last days events have taught that Babylon in the book of Revelation is a world economic, political, and religious system. Some others have taught that America or even more specific New York City is modern day Babylon. As far as I can remember, most of Christian eschatology has had a difficult time imagining the rebuilding of the ancient Iraqi city of Babylon that would rival the world influence as seen in the book of Revelation. Why? Because for two thousand years, ancient Babylon just sixty kilometers south of Baghdad has been all but extinct. However, thanks to Saddam Hussein, the United Nations, and the United States and the freedom and democracy that now exists...Babylon is rising up once more.
New York Times correspondent John Burns in the fall of 1990 wrote, "More than 2,500 years ago, a fabulous city rose here on a bend in the Euphrates River. Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon and its hanging gardens became as fabled, and as much as a seat of imperial power, as Rome became later. under President Saddam Hussein, one of the ancient world's most legendary cities has begun to rise again."
Burns explained that Saddam had invested in millions of dollars to build replicas of Nebuchadnezzar's buildings - including palaces and throne rooms p "on the original sites." He described Saddam's efforts to rebuild the city's roads, lakes, canals, and bridges, and even to build new museums, souvenir shops, and fast food restaurants. And he reported that Saddam had offered "a 1.5 million reward to anybody who can produce a satisfactory plan for rebuilding the Hanging Gardens."
Burns's article didn't even make the Times's front page. It was buried on page 13 of the A section. But to anyone who believes Bible prophecy, the discovery of efforts to rebuild Babylon was significant. The following year Charles Dyer, senior VP at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, published The Rise of Babylon: Sign of the End Times. In it he described attending an international festival held in Babylon in 1987 and provided even more firsthand details of the efforts of the Iraqi government to make the ancient city a symbol of the country's future.
Both Burns and Dyer noted that construction in Babylon had stalled after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait because Saddam ran out of cash. But thanks to Iraq's new economic vision and the enormous potential of Iraq's petrodollars, plans for a new world class Babylon are alive again.
According to correspondent Jeffrey Gettleman, "The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is pumping millions of dollars into protecting and restoring Babylon and a handful of other ancient ruins in Iraq. UNESCO has even printed up a snazzy Brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination; to hand out to wealthy donors."
"Cultural tourism could become Iraq's second biggest industry, after oil,"
said Philippe Delanghe, a United Nations official helping with the project. Gettleman noted, "What makes the project even conceivable is that the area around Babylon is one of the safest in Iraq, a beacon of civilization, once again, in a land of chaos."
In Joel Rosenberg's book, "Epicenter," he interviews Iraqi finance minister Allawi about the restoration of Babylon project. Allawi admitted that cultural, religious, archaeological, and biblical tourism is a big opportunity for Iraq. Rosenberg states in his book that hearing Allawi speak of how the highest levels of the new Iraqi government want to rebuild the ancient city of Babylon and make it a great city of commerce sounded so natural. The Hebrew prophets and the book of Revelations told us it was going to happen. Now it really is...right before our very eyes.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
How God Has Used the U.S. in Iraq
Over the next few days, I want to suggest to you how God has used the United States of America in Iraq. We pray every Sunday at Kings Point for our soldiers and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have always believed that God would use our presence in the Middle East to bring about His ends. Here is the first of several ways that God has and is working through the U.S. in the Middle East.
TO PROTECT ISRAEL
Few people are more qualified to talk about Iraq's past, present, and future than Iraqi General Georges Sada. Now in his sixties, Sada has served as the chief spokesman for the Iraqi prime minister and as a senior advisor to the Iraqi president, and he is one of the chief architects of the new Iraqi military. But he was once Iraqi's top fighter pilot, his country's air vice-marshal, and a top advisor to Saddam Hussein - a role he did not seek and one that almost cost him his life.
In November of 1990-only two months before the U.S. and coalition forces liberated Kuwait-Saddam ordered Sada and his colleagues to plan a massive attack against Israel using every plane in the Iraqi air force. If the U.S. dared to attack against Iraq, Saddam vowed, then he would order a retaliatory strike against Israel that would involve dropping chemical weapons on Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other Israel population centers, killing hundreds of thousands if not millions of Israelis.
Sada was horrified as a devout evangelical Christian working for a ferociously anti-Christian regime. He had refused to join the Baath Party but was promoted anyway partly because of his flying ability and leadership skills, partly because of his reputation for telling his superiors the truth, and partly because Saddam did not see him as a direct threat to him. Sure enough, Saddam Hussein asked Sada for his counsel regarding the attack on Israel. Sada said a silent prayer asking God for mercy, braced himself for the worst, and refused to support the plan. In fact, in front of at least ninety other senior military officers, he actually sought to dissuade Saddam from attacking Israel by launching into a highly technical description of Israel's air-defense systems. His presentation lasted an hour and forty-one minutes, and when it was over, the room was dead silent. Not many men disagreed with Saddam Hussein and lived to tell about it. But by the grace of God, Sada survived. So, of course, did Israel.
On December 17, 1990, Saddam did, in fact, sign the order for the massive chemical-weapons attack against the Jewish state if the U.S. attacked first. But when the Gulf War began on the night of January 16, 1991, the American and coalition forces destroyed Iraq's air force so quickly that Saddam never had the chance to implement his order. Sada's memoir: Saddam's Secrets: How an Iraqi General Defied and Survived Saddam Hussein, shares this story along with many others about how God watched over and protected Israel through America's intervention in the middle east.
God is faithful to His Word which says He will bless those nations that bless His people, the Jews. Undoubtedly, our presence in the middle east has been a deterrent to nations who want to see Israel wiped off the map. May we as a nation continue to stand by Israel.
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
"This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!"
What a wonderful time we had this morning in worship. The Spirit of God moved so freely. I hope you were there. If you were not, don't let the enemy keep you out of church. Every time you do, you miss out on an opportunity to be strengthened and empowered for what you will face this next week.
Our annual business meeting went very well. Mike Amburgy and Tim Johnson are our new council members with Gerry Chess as the alternate. Doug Taulbee is a young, outstanding leader in our church and will make a good council member in the future. I appreciate all of you men who allowed us to run your name.
Our new Christian Education Board members are Crystal Dayton, Lori Dooley, and Teresa Johnson. These three ladies have served in the past and will make wonderful contributions to our christian education ministries.
The El Salvador mission's service that followed the business meeting was such a blessing. Over 2,000 people received Christ as the mission team ministered in 24 services to over 4,000 people. What an harvest! Thank you so much to everyone that gave, sacrificed, and prayed for the mission team.
I will be going to relieve my mom tomorrow in taking care of my dad for a couple days while she comes here and attends Gabe's soccer game Monday night and hangs out here for awhile. She has only been able to watch one of his varsity games in three years. She is a crazy sports fan! She will yell, scream, shout, and totally embarrass Gabe I'm sure. But thats okay... He can use the publicity!
Love you all! Make it a great week!
-Pastor Randy
What a wonderful time we had this morning in worship. The Spirit of God moved so freely. I hope you were there. If you were not, don't let the enemy keep you out of church. Every time you do, you miss out on an opportunity to be strengthened and empowered for what you will face this next week.
Our annual business meeting went very well. Mike Amburgy and Tim Johnson are our new council members with Gerry Chess as the alternate. Doug Taulbee is a young, outstanding leader in our church and will make a good council member in the future. I appreciate all of you men who allowed us to run your name.
Our new Christian Education Board members are Crystal Dayton, Lori Dooley, and Teresa Johnson. These three ladies have served in the past and will make wonderful contributions to our christian education ministries.
The El Salvador mission's service that followed the business meeting was such a blessing. Over 2,000 people received Christ as the mission team ministered in 24 services to over 4,000 people. What an harvest! Thank you so much to everyone that gave, sacrificed, and prayed for the mission team.
I will be going to relieve my mom tomorrow in taking care of my dad for a couple days while she comes here and attends Gabe's soccer game Monday night and hangs out here for awhile. She has only been able to watch one of his varsity games in three years. She is a crazy sports fan! She will yell, scream, shout, and totally embarrass Gabe I'm sure. But thats okay... He can use the publicity!
Love you all! Make it a great week!
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Some Saturday Insights...Praying for Your Child at School
If you are a parent of a school age children, this is a very busy time of the year with the new school year underway for most. Summer has once again flew by leaving us with memories of special times we were able to spend with our children during their summer break. I want to encourage you to pray for and with your child often, especially when releasing them to go to school. God honors such prayers as He disperses angels to go with them and to minister to them. I have provided a prayer below that any parent can use to pray over their child or children at school. May God bless you and your children and may you have a wonderful school year!
Children at School[from "Prayers That Availeth Much"]
Father, in Jesus’ name, I confess Your Word this day concerning my children as they pursue their education and training at school. You are effectually at work in them, creating within them the power and desire to please You. They are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
I pray that my children will find favor, good understanding and high esteem in the sight of God and their teachers and classmates. I ask You to give my children wisdom and understanding as knowledge is presented to them in all fields of study and endeavor.
Father, thank You for giving my children an appreciation for education and helping them to understand that the Source and beginning of all knowledge is You. They have the appetite of the diligent, and they are abundantly supplied with educational resources; and their thoughts are those of the steadily diligent, which tend only to achievement. Thank You that they are growing in wisdom and knowledge. I will not cease to pray for them, asking that they be filled with the knowledge of Your will, bearing fruit in every good work.
Father, I thank You that my children have divine protection since they dwell in the secret place of the Most High. My children trust and find their refuge in You and stand rooted and grounded in Your love. They shall not be led astray by philosophies of men and teaching that is contrary to truth. You are their Shield and Buckler, protecting them from attacks or threats. Thank You for the angels whom You have assigned to them to accompany, defend and preserve them in all their ways of obedience and service. My children are established in Your love, which drives all fear out of doors.
I pray that the teachers of my children will be godly men and women of integrity. Give our teachers understanding hearts and wisdom in order that they may walk in the ways of piety and virtue, revering Your holy name. Amen.
Children at School[from "Prayers That Availeth Much"]
Father, in Jesus’ name, I confess Your Word this day concerning my children as they pursue their education and training at school. You are effectually at work in them, creating within them the power and desire to please You. They are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
I pray that my children will find favor, good understanding and high esteem in the sight of God and their teachers and classmates. I ask You to give my children wisdom and understanding as knowledge is presented to them in all fields of study and endeavor.
Father, thank You for giving my children an appreciation for education and helping them to understand that the Source and beginning of all knowledge is You. They have the appetite of the diligent, and they are abundantly supplied with educational resources; and their thoughts are those of the steadily diligent, which tend only to achievement. Thank You that they are growing in wisdom and knowledge. I will not cease to pray for them, asking that they be filled with the knowledge of Your will, bearing fruit in every good work.
Father, I thank You that my children have divine protection since they dwell in the secret place of the Most High. My children trust and find their refuge in You and stand rooted and grounded in Your love. They shall not be led astray by philosophies of men and teaching that is contrary to truth. You are their Shield and Buckler, protecting them from attacks or threats. Thank You for the angels whom You have assigned to them to accompany, defend and preserve them in all their ways of obedience and service. My children are established in Your love, which drives all fear out of doors.
I pray that the teachers of my children will be godly men and women of integrity. Give our teachers understanding hearts and wisdom in order that they may walk in the ways of piety and virtue, revering Your holy name. Amen.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday Countdown...it's All According to Plan
Hello everyone! Well, the week is almost over. For many of you that means "relief." But for some of you, your weekend's are filled with worship. ministry, family, and if you're blessed...a little rest.
Several of you are planning on going to the rescue mission in the morning. If you can go and have never beeen - you should go! You will be amazed at how good you will feel when you leave there Saturday morning. I know speaking for myself, my life can sometimes get consumed with ME. Those are the times that I try to make myself get out and focus on OTHERS, especially the hurting and needy. Try it...it works!
Do you mind if I just comment some on what is going in the world today and throw in some prophetical stuff with it. I am not a prophecy teacher, but I do discern according to scriptures and by reading the healines what is happening today. These are exciting times. I mean that. For the follower of Christ, this is not a time to be scared. I know these are unpredictable and insecure times. But we are actually seeing what God gave to prophets over 2,000 years ago fulfilled before our very eyes.
For instance, RUSSIA (Magog) and what she is doing right now is preparation for her attack on Israel very soon. Ezekiel tells us Russia, Persia (Iran and Iraq) and other countries will one day invade tiny Israel. The bible describes it like a fish "with a hook in her jaw." You might say that Satan himself is pulling her that way to attack and decimate Israel. But read your bible. Ressia and her armies are the ones that will be decimated as God himself raises up a sword to fight against them.
And then what is happening in China is startling! The bible calls China the "King of the East." It talks about how demons out of hell will lead the massive army of China and possibly other far eastern countries to war against God himself at Armegeddon right before Jesus comes back. That's how close we are to the second coming of Christ.
What about America? What role will we play in the last days? That has been a question that has been pondered for decades now by prophetic teachers. Bible scholars have wondered if America is the world's superpower how come she is not even mentioned in the bible when it comes to last days prophecy. Well, I think we are beginning to see why America is not mentioned and why our nation will not play a major role when it comes to the end times.
The answer...our economy. World powers historically always have powerful economies. Russia is rising to power again because of her robust economy. China is becoming a world power because of its economical influence all over the world. Europe, even though its economy is not as healthy as it has been, is slowly becoming a world power and according to bible prophecy will play a major role in the future as the AntiChrist rises up and leads a ten-nation union that comes out of the Old Roman Empire. But the U.S. economy continues to grow weaker and weaker as the dollar keeps falling in value and we as a nation become a slave to those that control the world's oil market.
Can things be turned around in America? Are we destined to sit on the sidelines and be a nonfactor in last days events?
The answer to the first question is "yes" our nation can turn things around. The hope for America is the church in America obeying 2 Chronicles 7:14. The result will be a revived church and a godly visitation upon this nation like we have not witnessed since the Second Great Awakening (about 150 years ago). If this happens, America as a nation will be blessed and will prosper until Jesus raptures His church. The answer to the second question is "yes we are." Why? Because that's how God planned it long ago even before we became a nation. And by the way, if I was America I would prefer to be on the sidelines. Because if you read the Bible and see how it all turns out...ABSOLUTELY NO ONE WINS IN THE END EXCEPT ISRAEL. Why? Because it's all accorinding to God's plan!
-Pastor Randy
Several of you are planning on going to the rescue mission in the morning. If you can go and have never beeen - you should go! You will be amazed at how good you will feel when you leave there Saturday morning. I know speaking for myself, my life can sometimes get consumed with ME. Those are the times that I try to make myself get out and focus on OTHERS, especially the hurting and needy. Try it...it works!
Do you mind if I just comment some on what is going in the world today and throw in some prophetical stuff with it. I am not a prophecy teacher, but I do discern according to scriptures and by reading the healines what is happening today. These are exciting times. I mean that. For the follower of Christ, this is not a time to be scared. I know these are unpredictable and insecure times. But we are actually seeing what God gave to prophets over 2,000 years ago fulfilled before our very eyes.
For instance, RUSSIA (Magog) and what she is doing right now is preparation for her attack on Israel very soon. Ezekiel tells us Russia, Persia (Iran and Iraq) and other countries will one day invade tiny Israel. The bible describes it like a fish "with a hook in her jaw." You might say that Satan himself is pulling her that way to attack and decimate Israel. But read your bible. Ressia and her armies are the ones that will be decimated as God himself raises up a sword to fight against them.
And then what is happening in China is startling! The bible calls China the "King of the East." It talks about how demons out of hell will lead the massive army of China and possibly other far eastern countries to war against God himself at Armegeddon right before Jesus comes back. That's how close we are to the second coming of Christ.
What about America? What role will we play in the last days? That has been a question that has been pondered for decades now by prophetic teachers. Bible scholars have wondered if America is the world's superpower how come she is not even mentioned in the bible when it comes to last days prophecy. Well, I think we are beginning to see why America is not mentioned and why our nation will not play a major role when it comes to the end times.
The answer...our economy. World powers historically always have powerful economies. Russia is rising to power again because of her robust economy. China is becoming a world power because of its economical influence all over the world. Europe, even though its economy is not as healthy as it has been, is slowly becoming a world power and according to bible prophecy will play a major role in the future as the AntiChrist rises up and leads a ten-nation union that comes out of the Old Roman Empire. But the U.S. economy continues to grow weaker and weaker as the dollar keeps falling in value and we as a nation become a slave to those that control the world's oil market.
Can things be turned around in America? Are we destined to sit on the sidelines and be a nonfactor in last days events?
The answer to the first question is "yes" our nation can turn things around. The hope for America is the church in America obeying 2 Chronicles 7:14. The result will be a revived church and a godly visitation upon this nation like we have not witnessed since the Second Great Awakening (about 150 years ago). If this happens, America as a nation will be blessed and will prosper until Jesus raptures His church. The answer to the second question is "yes we are." Why? Because that's how God planned it long ago even before we became a nation. And by the way, if I was America I would prefer to be on the sidelines. Because if you read the Bible and see how it all turns out...ABSOLUTELY NO ONE WINS IN THE END EXCEPT ISRAEL. Why? Because it's all accorinding to God's plan!
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Influence of a Christian Father
The greatest thing you can give other people is a heart dedicated devoted to God and leads in worship. Personal worship, family worship, whatever kind of worship.
Ronald Reagan will be remembered in many, many ways. The history books will say he was great actor, or he was an average actor. They’ll say, He was the governor of the largest state in the United States. For eight years, Ronald Reagan was the leader of the free world. They’ll talk about all the things that happened because of his administration. That eventually the Berlin wall came down, communism crumbled, that he held the line and the cold war was ended and we’re not at war with the Soviet Union any more. All of these different accomplishments. But that wasn’t his greatest accomplishment. It’s what he did with his own son. At his funeral Michael Reagan gave a testimony to his dad about how his dad led him to Jesus Christ. And how his dad first lived a life of dedication to God, to Christ. And that he knows he’s in heaven and that as his son he taught him that and he became a believer and Michael Reagan said, I intend to pass that heritage on to my kids. He said that’s more important than anything else that my dad did because it’s going to last forever. I want you to watch just part of his testimony. This is at the funeral of Ronald Reagan. This is his son.
You knew my father as Governor, as President but I knew him as Dad. I want to tell you a little bit about my dad. He gave me a lot of gifts as a child. He gave me a horse. He gave me a car. He gave me a lot of things. But a gift that he gave me that I think is wonderful for every father to give every son. The gift that he was going to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can’t think of better gift for a father to give his son. I hope to honor my father by giving my son Cameron and my daughter Ashley that very same gift he gave to me. Knowing where he is this very moment, this very day, that he is in heaven, and I can only promise my father this, Dad, when I go, I will go to heaven too. And you and I and my sister Maureen that went before us we will dance with the heavenly host of angels before the presence of God. We will do it melanoma and Alzheimer’s free. Thank you for letting me share my father Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Guys, a million years from today your career is not going to be worth squat. None of your accomplishments are really going to matter a million years from today. None of your hobbies are going to matter a million years from today. None of your golf scores or sports or any of that is going to matter a million years from today. But whether you yourself are in heaven and your family is in heaven and your friends around you are in heaven is going to matter. It is going to matter. It’s going to matter more than anything else you do in life. And that’s the greatest gift you can give to the people you love, that you choose to become a godly man and you choose to become a spiritual leader. And you choose to become a person who says, I am not ashamed to publicly say I owe my life to Jesus Christ, that I would have nothing without God and I am totally dependent upon Him. As best I know how I’m going to live for Him. It not only gives stability and security and as God says, success. It gives an eternal legacy.
Father, You say in the Word, that “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” God, there’s the man we think we ought to be and then there’s the man You’ve created us to be and we’re learning today that You’ve created us to be spiritual leaders, to have influence, to leave a wake of life and blessing, to leave a legacy. Thank You for these men who are standing right now. Thank You for the responsibility You have given them. We lay our hands on them by faith and we ask You to bless them, to encourage them, to strengthen them. To not be the men who they think they ought to be but to be the men that you’ve created them to be. A godly man – God’s man. So thank You for this wonderful day to celebrate the privilege of stewardship, of being a dad. We ask Your blessing on each and every one of them. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Ronald Reagan will be remembered in many, many ways. The history books will say he was great actor, or he was an average actor. They’ll say, He was the governor of the largest state in the United States. For eight years, Ronald Reagan was the leader of the free world. They’ll talk about all the things that happened because of his administration. That eventually the Berlin wall came down, communism crumbled, that he held the line and the cold war was ended and we’re not at war with the Soviet Union any more. All of these different accomplishments. But that wasn’t his greatest accomplishment. It’s what he did with his own son. At his funeral Michael Reagan gave a testimony to his dad about how his dad led him to Jesus Christ. And how his dad first lived a life of dedication to God, to Christ. And that he knows he’s in heaven and that as his son he taught him that and he became a believer and Michael Reagan said, I intend to pass that heritage on to my kids. He said that’s more important than anything else that my dad did because it’s going to last forever. I want you to watch just part of his testimony. This is at the funeral of Ronald Reagan. This is his son.
You knew my father as Governor, as President but I knew him as Dad. I want to tell you a little bit about my dad. He gave me a lot of gifts as a child. He gave me a horse. He gave me a car. He gave me a lot of things. But a gift that he gave me that I think is wonderful for every father to give every son. The gift that he was going to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I can’t think of better gift for a father to give his son. I hope to honor my father by giving my son Cameron and my daughter Ashley that very same gift he gave to me. Knowing where he is this very moment, this very day, that he is in heaven, and I can only promise my father this, Dad, when I go, I will go to heaven too. And you and I and my sister Maureen that went before us we will dance with the heavenly host of angels before the presence of God. We will do it melanoma and Alzheimer’s free. Thank you for letting me share my father Ronald Wilson Reagan.
Guys, a million years from today your career is not going to be worth squat. None of your accomplishments are really going to matter a million years from today. None of your hobbies are going to matter a million years from today. None of your golf scores or sports or any of that is going to matter a million years from today. But whether you yourself are in heaven and your family is in heaven and your friends around you are in heaven is going to matter. It is going to matter. It’s going to matter more than anything else you do in life. And that’s the greatest gift you can give to the people you love, that you choose to become a godly man and you choose to become a spiritual leader. And you choose to become a person who says, I am not ashamed to publicly say I owe my life to Jesus Christ, that I would have nothing without God and I am totally dependent upon Him. As best I know how I’m going to live for Him. It not only gives stability and security and as God says, success. It gives an eternal legacy.
Father, You say in the Word, that “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.” God, there’s the man we think we ought to be and then there’s the man You’ve created us to be and we’re learning today that You’ve created us to be spiritual leaders, to have influence, to leave a wake of life and blessing, to leave a legacy. Thank You for these men who are standing right now. Thank You for the responsibility You have given them. We lay our hands on them by faith and we ask You to bless them, to encourage them, to strengthen them. To not be the men who they think they ought to be but to be the men that you’ve created them to be. A godly man – God’s man. So thank You for this wonderful day to celebrate the privilege of stewardship, of being a dad. We ask Your blessing on each and every one of them. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Just Midweek Thoughts and Comments
I trust everyone is having a good week! It's great to have our El Salvador missions team back. I talked to some of them yesterday and they had a wonderful time and seen God save hundreds of souls through their ministry. Praise the Lord! Remember, this coming Sunday evening, we will be giving them an opportunity to share. Come join us!
I visited with our missionary today, Arelene Miller. She is doing some better...gaining some weight, but still fighting sickness. Please keep her in your prayers.
I want to encourage you to get in a cell group. No matter your excuse, you need to be learning God's Word and in fellowship with other believers. I know, I hear some say "I don't like small groups. I feel uncomfortable" Well, then, you couldn't have been a disciple of Christ when he walked the earth. Jesus believed in small groups when it came to making disciples. Come on, stop playing it safe. Get out of your comfort zone. Join a small group!
Joh 8:31 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;"
See you tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
I visited with our missionary today, Arelene Miller. She is doing some better...gaining some weight, but still fighting sickness. Please keep her in your prayers.
I want to encourage you to get in a cell group. No matter your excuse, you need to be learning God's Word and in fellowship with other believers. I know, I hear some say "I don't like small groups. I feel uncomfortable" Well, then, you couldn't have been a disciple of Christ when he walked the earth. Jesus believed in small groups when it came to making disciples. Come on, stop playing it safe. Get out of your comfort zone. Join a small group!
Joh 8:31 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;"
See you tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What is a True Prophet?
This was an excellent article written by Charisma magazine's Lee Grady on the true characteristics of a prophet. I think you will enjoy it.
J. LEE GRADY on TRUE PROPHETS
My heart cries out for the American church to stop muddling,
muffling, cheapening, distorting and merchandising the pure
gospel. How we need to return to the simplicity of evangelism that
cuts to the heart, produces repentance and reveals the Son of God.
For several months I’ve been asking the Lord to make me his
trumpet. In my quest He’s shown me some of the qualities that
shaped biblical prophets into His mouthpieces. I pray all of us will
adopt these same characteristics.
1. A prophet is bold. True prophets have steel backbones and
foreheads of flint. They do not cower when the majority disagrees
with them. Like the apostle Paul, they are compelled to preach
because a holy restlessness churns inside them. They are
possessed by God, and they must release the fire inside. Will you
pray for this boldness and say with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”
(Is. 6:8, NASB)—even when you know you will be opposed?
2. A prophet stays biblical. So much of what is passed off as
prophecy today resembles what you might find in a daily
horoscope. The so-called “prophetic movement” in the contemporary
church has been tainted by silly fads and charismatic witchcraft.
One prophetic e-mail list sent out a word recently saying that
dormant angels were being awakened out of the walls of our
churches. (That’s not remotely scriptural.) Another predicted that
God would begin to speak to people through the names of candy
bars and blue jeans.
So much of our prophetic verbiage sounds like warm and fuzzy
fortunetelling. This type of “imitation prophecy” can titillate and
thrill those with itching ears, but it is pablum designed for babies
who don’t want to grow up. What we need is a word we can sink
our teeth into—true meat that is the Word of God.
3. A prophet does not compromise. Nathan was willing to confront
King David’s sin, even though the prophet was on the palace
payroll. Yet today, we practice the “you scratch my back, I’ll
scratch yours” rule. We prophesy what people want to hear so we
can get an honorarium and an invitation to return. This has caused
some whole groups of prophets to collectively follow each other
into a ditch.
Beware of the herd mentality! Don’t just swallow and follow! You
cannot go along with something just because everyone else is
doing it or preaching it. Stay close to the Lord, develop keen
discernment and listen to the nagging voice of your conscience.
4. A prophet is compassionate. Some prophets today refuse to
confront because they are too nice. Others speak rashly “like the
thrusts of a sword” (see Prov. 12:18) and their words are delivered
with a bitter, vindictive spirit. Neither of these prophets will receive
his reward. We must speak the truth, and we must do it in love.
Most people think Jeremiah was angry and judgmental, but
actually he wept when he confronted Israel’s sins. It is not enough
to prophesy the Lord’s word—we should aim to speak with His
tone of voice. We must be willing to intercede for and identify with
those we confront.
5. A prophet stays pure. When Moses made the tabernacle, God
told him to make silver trumpets that were “hammered work” (Num.
10:2). If we want to speak for Him, we must be willing to endure
the smelting process. (In other words, prepare to be hammered!)
Before Isaiah could be an effective prophet to his nation, his lips
had to touch burning coals from God’s altar (see Is. 6:6-8). We
must be willing to visit the uncomfortable furnace of sanctification.
God is not so much interested in the booming voice, the rousing
delivery, the charisma or the technological savvy that we expect
today from celebrity preachers. What matters most is pure content,
and that can only flow through a pure vessel.
6. A prophet faithfully embraces the call. Jonah tried to flee as far
as possible from Nineveh, but the God of the second chance used
a strange vessel to get the prophet back on course. It involved a
visit to a fish’s stomach, where Jonah spent three days in
darkness, stewing in digestive juices. When the fish vomited him
on land, he was better prepared to speak heaven’s words.
~From "Becoming a Trumpet of the Lord" - http://fireinmybones.com
J. LEE GRADY on TRUE PROPHETS
My heart cries out for the American church to stop muddling,
muffling, cheapening, distorting and merchandising the pure
gospel. How we need to return to the simplicity of evangelism that
cuts to the heart, produces repentance and reveals the Son of God.
For several months I’ve been asking the Lord to make me his
trumpet. In my quest He’s shown me some of the qualities that
shaped biblical prophets into His mouthpieces. I pray all of us will
adopt these same characteristics.
1. A prophet is bold. True prophets have steel backbones and
foreheads of flint. They do not cower when the majority disagrees
with them. Like the apostle Paul, they are compelled to preach
because a holy restlessness churns inside them. They are
possessed by God, and they must release the fire inside. Will you
pray for this boldness and say with Isaiah, “Here am I, send me”
(Is. 6:8, NASB)—even when you know you will be opposed?
2. A prophet stays biblical. So much of what is passed off as
prophecy today resembles what you might find in a daily
horoscope. The so-called “prophetic movement” in the contemporary
church has been tainted by silly fads and charismatic witchcraft.
One prophetic e-mail list sent out a word recently saying that
dormant angels were being awakened out of the walls of our
churches. (That’s not remotely scriptural.) Another predicted that
God would begin to speak to people through the names of candy
bars and blue jeans.
So much of our prophetic verbiage sounds like warm and fuzzy
fortunetelling. This type of “imitation prophecy” can titillate and
thrill those with itching ears, but it is pablum designed for babies
who don’t want to grow up. What we need is a word we can sink
our teeth into—true meat that is the Word of God.
3. A prophet does not compromise. Nathan was willing to confront
King David’s sin, even though the prophet was on the palace
payroll. Yet today, we practice the “you scratch my back, I’ll
scratch yours” rule. We prophesy what people want to hear so we
can get an honorarium and an invitation to return. This has caused
some whole groups of prophets to collectively follow each other
into a ditch.
Beware of the herd mentality! Don’t just swallow and follow! You
cannot go along with something just because everyone else is
doing it or preaching it. Stay close to the Lord, develop keen
discernment and listen to the nagging voice of your conscience.
4. A prophet is compassionate. Some prophets today refuse to
confront because they are too nice. Others speak rashly “like the
thrusts of a sword” (see Prov. 12:18) and their words are delivered
with a bitter, vindictive spirit. Neither of these prophets will receive
his reward. We must speak the truth, and we must do it in love.
Most people think Jeremiah was angry and judgmental, but
actually he wept when he confronted Israel’s sins. It is not enough
to prophesy the Lord’s word—we should aim to speak with His
tone of voice. We must be willing to intercede for and identify with
those we confront.
5. A prophet stays pure. When Moses made the tabernacle, God
told him to make silver trumpets that were “hammered work” (Num.
10:2). If we want to speak for Him, we must be willing to endure
the smelting process. (In other words, prepare to be hammered!)
Before Isaiah could be an effective prophet to his nation, his lips
had to touch burning coals from God’s altar (see Is. 6:6-8). We
must be willing to visit the uncomfortable furnace of sanctification.
God is not so much interested in the booming voice, the rousing
delivery, the charisma or the technological savvy that we expect
today from celebrity preachers. What matters most is pure content,
and that can only flow through a pure vessel.
6. A prophet faithfully embraces the call. Jonah tried to flee as far
as possible from Nineveh, but the God of the second chance used
a strange vessel to get the prophet back on course. It involved a
visit to a fish’s stomach, where Jonah spent three days in
darkness, stewing in digestive juices. When the fish vomited him
on land, he was better prepared to speak heaven’s words.
~From "Becoming a Trumpet of the Lord" - http://fireinmybones.com
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Giver or Greedy: Which Are You?
Good morning everyone! The El Salvador mission team comes home tonight. I am sure they will be tired but excited about what they have seen and experienced. This coming Sunday evening after the business meeting (that begins at 5 pm), we will be giving them the opportunity to share testimonies, video, and reports on what God did through them in El Salvador. Please join us for this special service!
As I was watching CNBC Squak Box (a business program) this morning, they had a leading CEO on as their guest. They usually interview their guests and take questions via e-mail. He was asked what caused th economic tailspin that we as a country find ourselves in today. His answer in so many words was "greed." He went on to speak of an entire generation of people who have been raised with the idea that borrowing on credit is "a way of life...even an entitlement. If you want it, you just borrow it and pay it back later or let someone else pay it back."
Some might argue that that is not greed. However, I would argue that it is greed mixed with a whole lot of "coveting." Some would say that it is the lender's greed that is to blame as well, and that is probably true. Nonetheless, we have become a nation of greed with our dollar becoming so weak because of our "lust for things" to the point that we our losing our credibility in the eyes of the rest of the world.
Proverbs 15:27 says "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." The NLT says "greed brings grief to the whole family."
We are seeing this truth lived out today in our country. Hundreds of thousands of families are losing their homes due to foreclosures. Many of them took out large loans to buy a house thinking that their job or income would always be there. Was that greed on the part of the homeowner? Possibly not, however, as the CEO pointed out, we have raised an entire generation on the premise that "if you want it, just borrow it." What at one time was a priviledge has become a right or an entitlement. The result is Proverbs 15:27.
What is the answer? Proverbs 21:26 "Some people are always greedy for more,but the godly love to give!" [NLT] Proverbs 28:25 "Greed causes fighting;trusting the Lord leads to prosperity." [NLT] My encouragement to you today is trust the Lord and give away what God gives you. The result is you will prosper and your family will be blessed. God help us to be givers, not greedy.
-Pastor Randy
As I was watching CNBC Squak Box (a business program) this morning, they had a leading CEO on as their guest. They usually interview their guests and take questions via e-mail. He was asked what caused th economic tailspin that we as a country find ourselves in today. His answer in so many words was "greed." He went on to speak of an entire generation of people who have been raised with the idea that borrowing on credit is "a way of life...even an entitlement. If you want it, you just borrow it and pay it back later or let someone else pay it back."
Some might argue that that is not greed. However, I would argue that it is greed mixed with a whole lot of "coveting." Some would say that it is the lender's greed that is to blame as well, and that is probably true. Nonetheless, we have become a nation of greed with our dollar becoming so weak because of our "lust for things" to the point that we our losing our credibility in the eyes of the rest of the world.
Proverbs 15:27 says "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." The NLT says "greed brings grief to the whole family."
We are seeing this truth lived out today in our country. Hundreds of thousands of families are losing their homes due to foreclosures. Many of them took out large loans to buy a house thinking that their job or income would always be there. Was that greed on the part of the homeowner? Possibly not, however, as the CEO pointed out, we have raised an entire generation on the premise that "if you want it, just borrow it." What at one time was a priviledge has become a right or an entitlement. The result is Proverbs 15:27.
What is the answer? Proverbs 21:26 "Some people are always greedy for more,but the godly love to give!" [NLT] Proverbs 28:25 "Greed causes fighting;trusting the Lord leads to prosperity." [NLT] My encouragement to you today is trust the Lord and give away what God gives you. The result is you will prosper and your family will be blessed. God help us to be givers, not greedy.
-Pastor Randy
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday Morning Funnies
Pretty amazing! Go girls! Everyone have a wonderful week. Hope to meet you back here tomorrow.
-Pastor Randy
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
What a day! What a long day, but a good day! During Sunday School, I met for one final time with our School of discovery graduates: Mike Amburgy, Amy Toney, Rachel Boegeman, and Crystal Dayton. I love these people. What a great job they have done over the last year. Each of them shared their visions for their cell ministries today. Some of them have already began their cells. I love people who once they are equipped want to go to work!
Sunday morning worship was a great service. We were down in attendance today but the presence of the Holy Spirit was awesome. I appreciated everyone that joined with us in special prayer for the church. I really believe God is going to meet the need at hand.
Afterwards, we had a very productive Council meeting. Next Sunday evening, we will hold our annual church business meeting. We lose two council members: Don Allen and Tim Johnson. I really appreciate these gentlemen. They have been very faithful and have excellent cooperative spirits. We will miss them. However, I am sure God will give us two equally great men to replace them.
As soon as the council meeting was over, Gabe and I grabbed a sandwich and drove over to Tri-County. We attended a recruitment training session for parents and potential college recruits and then back to the church for our service tonight. We had a wonderful communion and prayer service tonight. Not a bad crowd considering all the people we have gone.
Well, it was a great day of worship. I hope you enjoyed it also. May God bless you all!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday morning worship was a great service. We were down in attendance today but the presence of the Holy Spirit was awesome. I appreciated everyone that joined with us in special prayer for the church. I really believe God is going to meet the need at hand.
Afterwards, we had a very productive Council meeting. Next Sunday evening, we will hold our annual church business meeting. We lose two council members: Don Allen and Tim Johnson. I really appreciate these gentlemen. They have been very faithful and have excellent cooperative spirits. We will miss them. However, I am sure God will give us two equally great men to replace them.
As soon as the council meeting was over, Gabe and I grabbed a sandwich and drove over to Tri-County. We attended a recruitment training session for parents and potential college recruits and then back to the church for our service tonight. We had a wonderful communion and prayer service tonight. Not a bad crowd considering all the people we have gone.
Well, it was a great day of worship. I hope you enjoyed it also. May God bless you all!
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Some Saturday Insights
Sorry, I didn't get to this sooner. It's been a busy day. Saturdays usually are. Most of it, in preparation for Sunday's messages, meetings, etc. I spoke with Arlene Miller today. She is doing better, even gaining a little weight. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Our El Salvador mission team is doing well. They will be back Tuesday evening. Please keep them in your prayers. We have missed them greatly!
I hope you are anxious about attending worship tomorrow. I encourage you to prepare yourself to worship God. Come ready to praise God. Prepare now in how you will worship in your stewardship. Come hungry to hear the Word of God. Be sensitive to needs around you and be ready to bless others. If you will do these things, you will experience a great day of intimate worship. May God bless you!
-Pastor Randy
Our El Salvador mission team is doing well. They will be back Tuesday evening. Please keep them in your prayers. We have missed them greatly!
I hope you are anxious about attending worship tomorrow. I encourage you to prepare yourself to worship God. Come ready to praise God. Prepare now in how you will worship in your stewardship. Come hungry to hear the Word of God. Be sensitive to needs around you and be ready to bless others. If you will do these things, you will experience a great day of intimate worship. May God bless you!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday Countdown...Normal vs not Normal
Good morning everyone! It is hard to believe that summer is already coming to an end [please do not let your kids read this..it could be harmful to their mental and physical welfare]. Soon kids will be headed back to school and life for us parents will seem somewhat normal again.
Speaking of normal, I don't know about you, but I kind of like normal...most of the time. Normal is somewhat predictable. It stands for what is routine and secure. Normal means you have been there before. You are familiar with the scenery. Normal is very comfy for most of us and even though we all get tired of normal sooner or later, it feels like our favorite pillow once we get back to it after long periods of abnormality.
For me summer is all about what is not normal. From early June until late August I feel like a duck out of water [please excuse my very normal saying]. For one thing, like many of you, I travel more in the summer than usually in any other time of the year...conferences, family reunions, vacation, and a few other things that are not normal. Then, there are other abnormalities namely kids out of school, kids without homework and school activities, kids with too much time on their hands, weddings to attend, very few funerals to attend [which is a great thing but very abnormal for me) extremely hot weather, long days with lots of daylight, low church attendance, few cell meetings, lots of outdoor activity, and did I mention kids out of school. And, of course, for all of us that live here near an Amusement Park, everytime we go to a restuarant or go out we see happy people on vacation acting very abnormal.
So here we go again, back to the land of normal...or so we might think. Because even though there are times we might long for the normal...really, is there any such thing as normal any more?
Speaking of normal, I don't know about you, but I kind of like normal...most of the time. Normal is somewhat predictable. It stands for what is routine and secure. Normal means you have been there before. You are familiar with the scenery. Normal is very comfy for most of us and even though we all get tired of normal sooner or later, it feels like our favorite pillow once we get back to it after long periods of abnormality.
For me summer is all about what is not normal. From early June until late August I feel like a duck out of water [please excuse my very normal saying]. For one thing, like many of you, I travel more in the summer than usually in any other time of the year...conferences, family reunions, vacation, and a few other things that are not normal. Then, there are other abnormalities namely kids out of school, kids without homework and school activities, kids with too much time on their hands, weddings to attend, very few funerals to attend [which is a great thing but very abnormal for me) extremely hot weather, long days with lots of daylight, low church attendance, few cell meetings, lots of outdoor activity, and did I mention kids out of school. And, of course, for all of us that live here near an Amusement Park, everytime we go to a restuarant or go out we see happy people on vacation acting very abnormal.
So here we go again, back to the land of normal...or so we might think. Because even though there are times we might long for the normal...really, is there any such thing as normal any more?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Silent Preparation Behind God's Delays
Then it is very helpful to remember that divine delay does not mean
inactivity.God is not idle when He does not answer us; He is
busier preparing the answer than we think. There have been men
of genius who could only work irregularly; for long periods they
seemed to do nothing at all. Then suddenly, and as if by inspiration,
their powers took fire and they wrought at a white heat. You may
be sure of it that the periods in between were not so idle as the
world considered them. By thought, by reading, by communion
with glad nature, half unconsciously they were preparing for their
work. And when the kindling came, and the fire burned within them,
when they were divinely swept into utterance or action, they owed
far more than we should ever guess to the silent preparation of
delay. As it is with men of genius, so with God, only in loftier and
nobler ways. His delays are not the delays of inactivity. They are
the delays of preparation. In an instant the tropical storm may
burst and break, yet for weeks—unseen—the storm has been
preparing. The sunshine of May comes, and all the world is green,
yet on God's loom of January that robe was being spun. And the
morning breaks when at last some prayer is answered, and the
desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose, yet the answer was
being fashioned in these very years when we said there was no
eye to pity and no arm to save.
It takes a million years to harden the ruby, says the poet, yet
through all the years the hardening goes on. It takes a century
for the sea to wear away one cliff, yet every night when we sleep
the breakers dash on it. So when we pray and strive and nothing
happens, till we are tempted to say "God does not know, God
does not care," who can tell but that, behind the veil, infinite love
may be toiling like the sea, to give us in the full time our heart's
desire?
"My Father worketh hitherto and I work." It is a mysterious word
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps God, like some of the busiest
men I know, is doing most when He seems to be doing nothing.
There Is Love in Delay And so in closing I would say to you: do
not lose heart at the delays of God. Speed, after all, is but a
relative term, and there is more love in God's slow method than
you think. I was staying the other week with some friends in
Ireland, when word came that our friend's place of business had
been broken into. It was a holiday and he was away in Galway,
and was not to be home again until that evening. Well, he came
home, very tired and famished, and a foolish wife would have
rushed out to meet him with the news; but his wife was not foolish,
she was Scotch and sensible, and she let him wash and eat and
rest himself a little; and then when he was ready to see things
rightly she broke the news, and I saw there was wisdom and love
in that delay.
You who are mothers here, and who look back on those sweet
years when your innocent children played about your feet, had you
never some great news to tell your children, yet you deliberately
withheld it for a time? "If we tell them tonight there will not be one
wink of sleep; if we tell them when they waken, there will not be
one bite of breakfast"; and so deliberately you held back the
blessing, and you did it just because you loved them so. If ye
then being evil, act like that, is it incredible that God should do
the same? Is it fair to distrust our Father, to say He has no pity,
to charge the heavens with being brass above us? I think it is
wiser to pray on, strive on, casting all doubts to the devil who
inspired them; believing in a love that never mocks us, and that
will give us our heart's desire in His own time.
inactivity.God is not idle when He does not answer us; He is
busier preparing the answer than we think. There have been men
of genius who could only work irregularly; for long periods they
seemed to do nothing at all. Then suddenly, and as if by inspiration,
their powers took fire and they wrought at a white heat. You may
be sure of it that the periods in between were not so idle as the
world considered them. By thought, by reading, by communion
with glad nature, half unconsciously they were preparing for their
work. And when the kindling came, and the fire burned within them,
when they were divinely swept into utterance or action, they owed
far more than we should ever guess to the silent preparation of
delay. As it is with men of genius, so with God, only in loftier and
nobler ways. His delays are not the delays of inactivity. They are
the delays of preparation. In an instant the tropical storm may
burst and break, yet for weeks—unseen—the storm has been
preparing. The sunshine of May comes, and all the world is green,
yet on God's loom of January that robe was being spun. And the
morning breaks when at last some prayer is answered, and the
desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose, yet the answer was
being fashioned in these very years when we said there was no
eye to pity and no arm to save.
It takes a million years to harden the ruby, says the poet, yet
through all the years the hardening goes on. It takes a century
for the sea to wear away one cliff, yet every night when we sleep
the breakers dash on it. So when we pray and strive and nothing
happens, till we are tempted to say "God does not know, God
does not care," who can tell but that, behind the veil, infinite love
may be toiling like the sea, to give us in the full time our heart's
desire?
"My Father worketh hitherto and I work." It is a mysterious word
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps God, like some of the busiest
men I know, is doing most when He seems to be doing nothing.
There Is Love in Delay And so in closing I would say to you: do
not lose heart at the delays of God. Speed, after all, is but a
relative term, and there is more love in God's slow method than
you think. I was staying the other week with some friends in
Ireland, when word came that our friend's place of business had
been broken into. It was a holiday and he was away in Galway,
and was not to be home again until that evening. Well, he came
home, very tired and famished, and a foolish wife would have
rushed out to meet him with the news; but his wife was not foolish,
she was Scotch and sensible, and she let him wash and eat and
rest himself a little; and then when he was ready to see things
rightly she broke the news, and I saw there was wisdom and love
in that delay.
You who are mothers here, and who look back on those sweet
years when your innocent children played about your feet, had you
never some great news to tell your children, yet you deliberately
withheld it for a time? "If we tell them tonight there will not be one
wink of sleep; if we tell them when they waken, there will not be
one bite of breakfast"; and so deliberately you held back the
blessing, and you did it just because you loved them so. If ye
then being evil, act like that, is it incredible that God should do
the same? Is it fair to distrust our Father, to say He has no pity,
to charge the heavens with being brass above us? I think it is
wiser to pray on, strive on, casting all doubts to the devil who
inspired them; believing in a love that never mocks us, and that
will give us our heart's desire in His own time.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
God's Worst Punishment He Can Give to Man
"And Cain said to the LORD, "This punishment is too hard for me to bear.
You are driving me off the land and away from your presence. I will be a homeless wanderer on the earth, and anyone who finds me will kill me." But the LORD answered, "No. If anyone kills you, seven lives will be taken in revenge." So the LORD put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who met him not to kill him. And Cain went away from the LORD's presence and lived in a land called "Wandering," which is east of Eden." -Genesis 4:13-16, GNB
Anytime we are away from the presence of the Lord we find ourselves in the land of "wandering" and our lives in danger. Cain understood the consequences of being away from the presence of the Lord. He considered himself a prey. He was afraid for his life.
"Away from the Presence of the Lord" is the worst punishment that can be put on any man. Hell with all of its pain, torment, darkness, hopelessness, and demons; would be bearable if it wasn't for the absence of the presence of God. David in grief over his adulterous relationship with Bethsheba writes, "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me" {Psalm 51:11]. David too, like Cain, understood that the absence of God's presence is the absolute worse punishment that could be put on man.
In Psalm 51:11, notice David's great concern that the Holy Spirit would be taken from him. David understood God's presence to be coupled with the reality that the Holy Spirit was nearby...with him. Jesus promised us in John 14:17, "[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
How can you make sure you are "in the presence of God?" Invite His Holy Spirit[the Spirit of Truth] to live in you! Romans 8:2 reads "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Paul is reminding us that the Spirit of Life comes to live in us through Jesus Christ. In essence, it is an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that brings about the daily presence of Almighty God in our lives.
There are many people today that choose to live away from the presence of God. Is it any wonder like Cain they too feel like a prey and live in constant fear. How sad, only if they knew and would realize that Christ came to free us from sin an death.
Let me one more time encourage you to turn your life over to Christ. Turn everything over to Him. Turn from your sins today and begin enjoying a relationship with Him...that's how we get and live in the presence of the Lord.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday Morning Funnies
The video has expired. Sorry!
There's probably a lesson to be learned here. And it's not "if you fail the first time, keep trying until you give up." MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!
-Pastor Randy
There's probably a lesson to be learned here. And it's not "if you fail the first time, keep trying until you give up." MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK!
-Pastor Randy
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday Wrap-up
We had a wonderful service this morning. I really enjoyed our time of praise and worship. Brandon and Shayna did an awesome job leading us in worship. I appreciate Adam Johnson and the kind words he had for so many people this morning. Keep Adam in your prayers. He is a fine young man who God is and will continue to use mightily.
Not having service tonight didn't provide an opportunity to rest and relax. Brandon and Shayna stayed until about 6:00 pm which was great. We really enjoyed them being in our home. Afterwards, I had a hospital visit to make and didn't get back home until about 9:45 pm. Nonetheless, it was a great day of worship, ministry, and fellowship!
Again, please keep the El Salvador mission team in your prayers this week as well as Arlene Miller.
Well, I guess I will make it brief tonight. Make it a great week and remember to "let the prisoners hear your song of praise" this week!
-Pastor Randy
Not having service tonight didn't provide an opportunity to rest and relax. Brandon and Shayna stayed until about 6:00 pm which was great. We really enjoyed them being in our home. Afterwards, I had a hospital visit to make and didn't get back home until about 9:45 pm. Nonetheless, it was a great day of worship, ministry, and fellowship!
Again, please keep the El Salvador mission team in your prayers this week as well as Arlene Miller.
Well, I guess I will make it brief tonight. Make it a great week and remember to "let the prisoners hear your song of praise" this week!
-Pastor Randy
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Saturday Insights
Well, I am finally home and in my chair...for a few minutes. I got some mowing to do and some sermon prep for tomorrow. My mom picked me from the airport in Indy at about 12:15 am this morning. I drove back here and got in around 1 pm.
One observation I want to make about this year's General Assembly. I was taken back by the influence of the internet on the General Council. Most of you may not realize that many pastors blog today and many people including other pastors read these blogs. Frequently pastors blog on blogsites just for pastors where comments and opinions are shared about their demonimation, leaders, trends, policy, etc. Admittedly, some of these border on gossip but there are many thought-provoking blogs written from men and women who share great ideas, suggestions, and possess a godly passion for their church and kingdom work.
Anyway, all of this has given a voice to the average pastor out there who may not have a large church, or may not be invited to preach at camp meetings, or who doesn't have a popular family name in the church, or have a television ministry. The internet has brought influence to people who are not in state or national leadership positions of authority in the church. It has become a rallying place for the "little guy" (the small church pastor) out there who pastors 70% of the churches in the Church of God and in most denominations and fellowsips.
Is this bad thing? In my opinion, not necessarily. Yes, there are some who use it to gossip and exercise their gift of criticism. But there are many bloggers who have a lot of good things to say and who can make a gret contribution to the church, both on the local and national level. I think it would be very wise for church leadership to embrace the bloggers and use it to labor alongside their brothers in the Lord. Walls and divisions could be torn down resulting in greater trust and unity among brothers and sisters in the Lord. And that would be a great thing!
Worship like crazy tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
One observation I want to make about this year's General Assembly. I was taken back by the influence of the internet on the General Council. Most of you may not realize that many pastors blog today and many people including other pastors read these blogs. Frequently pastors blog on blogsites just for pastors where comments and opinions are shared about their demonimation, leaders, trends, policy, etc. Admittedly, some of these border on gossip but there are many thought-provoking blogs written from men and women who share great ideas, suggestions, and possess a godly passion for their church and kingdom work.
Anyway, all of this has given a voice to the average pastor out there who may not have a large church, or may not be invited to preach at camp meetings, or who doesn't have a popular family name in the church, or have a television ministry. The internet has brought influence to people who are not in state or national leadership positions of authority in the church. It has become a rallying place for the "little guy" (the small church pastor) out there who pastors 70% of the churches in the Church of God and in most denominations and fellowsips.
Is this bad thing? In my opinion, not necessarily. Yes, there are some who use it to gossip and exercise their gift of criticism. But there are many bloggers who have a lot of good things to say and who can make a gret contribution to the church, both on the local and national level. I think it would be very wise for church leadership to embrace the bloggers and use it to labor alongside their brothers in the Lord. Walls and divisions could be torn down resulting in greater trust and unity among brothers and sisters in the Lord. And that would be a great thing!
Worship like crazy tomorrow!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, August 8, 2008
Friday Countdown
Well, its over and I am on my way home today. I will have to share with you later what was covered today in the last business session. Of course, the General Assembly met this afternoon but I had to head to the airport. The GA ratifies the business of the General Council, so I will report at our annual business meeting on the 24th what was ratified at the General Assembly.
As you know, please keep our El Salvador mission team in your prayers as the leave tomorrow. I know they are very excited! We love each of you and we can't wait to hear your reports and testimonies when you return.
Brandon Ebert will be leading us in both worship services this weekend while Brian is on vacation. Brandon is from Michigan City, Indiana. Brandon was born when Annette and I served as Assistants at the Michigan City Church of God in 1981 thru 1984. Brandon went to college at Brownsville, Florida, shortly after the great Brownsville revival. Brandon is a very talented young man who loves God. I think you will enjoy his ministry this weekend.
I will be continuing my message this Sunday on "Uncomfortable Praise" from Hebrews 13:15. Come expecting a move of God this Sunday!
It's time for our cells to get started again. If you are not in a cell, I would encourage you to join one. If you are new to the church or know someone that is new to the church, please invite them to your cell.
Can't wait to see all of you this Sunday! Can't wait to sit in my chair tomorrow!
in His Love,
-Pastor Randy
As you know, please keep our El Salvador mission team in your prayers as the leave tomorrow. I know they are very excited! We love each of you and we can't wait to hear your reports and testimonies when you return.
Brandon Ebert will be leading us in both worship services this weekend while Brian is on vacation. Brandon is from Michigan City, Indiana. Brandon was born when Annette and I served as Assistants at the Michigan City Church of God in 1981 thru 1984. Brandon went to college at Brownsville, Florida, shortly after the great Brownsville revival. Brandon is a very talented young man who loves God. I think you will enjoy his ministry this weekend.
I will be continuing my message this Sunday on "Uncomfortable Praise" from Hebrews 13:15. Come expecting a move of God this Sunday!
It's time for our cells to get started again. If you are not in a cell, I would encourage you to join one. If you are new to the church or know someone that is new to the church, please invite them to your cell.
Can't wait to see all of you this Sunday! Can't wait to sit in my chair tomorrow!
in His Love,
-Pastor Randy
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday's Updates from the General Assembly
Today was a day of infomercials and we finally got to do some business shortly before lunch and in the afternoon session. I have listed the highlights of today's business sessions below. However, keep in mind that all of these must still be passed by the General Assembly Friday.
- Agenda Item #4 PASSED - which recommended that the exhorter cerificate be redefined as a lay minister credential.
- Agenda Item #5 A REPORT on health insurance for ministers.
- Agenda Item #6 A REPORT on pastoral benefits available.
- Agenda Item #7 REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER STUDY - Pastoral preference vote.
-Agenda Item #8 PASSED - Permanent suspension and revocation of credentials for any minister found guilty of sexual abuse of a child or a second offense involving adultery, fornication, or any other sexual misconduct, or any combination of these offenses.
-Agenda Item #9 PASSED - Qualifications for Ordained Bishops will take in consideration verifiable experience prior to receiving credentials that might give exceptions in regards to age qualifications.
- Agenda #10 A REPORT on implementing the divisional structure at International offices.
- Agenda #11 A REPORT on the appointment of a study commission on the bylaws and structure of the Church of God.
- Agenda #12 PASSED - Divorce and Remarriage, that exceptions to the guidelines could be approved by the Intl. Executive Council.
- Agenda #13 FAILED - A measure that would have allowed females to serve on local Church and Pastor's Council.
- Agenda Item #4 PASSED - which recommended that the exhorter cerificate be redefined as a lay minister credential.
- Agenda Item #5 A REPORT on health insurance for ministers.
- Agenda Item #6 A REPORT on pastoral benefits available.
- Agenda Item #7 REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER STUDY - Pastoral preference vote.
-Agenda Item #8 PASSED - Permanent suspension and revocation of credentials for any minister found guilty of sexual abuse of a child or a second offense involving adultery, fornication, or any other sexual misconduct, or any combination of these offenses.
-Agenda Item #9 PASSED - Qualifications for Ordained Bishops will take in consideration verifiable experience prior to receiving credentials that might give exceptions in regards to age qualifications.
- Agenda #10 A REPORT on implementing the divisional structure at International offices.
- Agenda #11 A REPORT on the appointment of a study commission on the bylaws and structure of the Church of God.
- Agenda #12 PASSED - Divorce and Remarriage, that exceptions to the guidelines could be approved by the Intl. Executive Council.
- Agenda #13 FAILED - A measure that would have allowed females to serve on local Church and Pastor's Council.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Updates from the General Assembly in San Antonio
For you out there that are interested in knowing what is happening in the Church of God at the General Assembly, here is your new Executive Committee as nominated by the General Council this morning:
General Overseer, Raymond Culpepper
First Assistant, Tim Hill
Second Assistant, Mark Williams
Third Assistant, David Griffis
Secretary-Treasurer, Wallace Sibley
And we were able to get the Youth & C.E. Dept Directors nominated as well. They are Tom Madden, Director, and Gary Lewis, Assistant Director. Of course, it is very hot here. One of the first guys I ran into this morning was Rob Mason. He looks like he is doing well.
This afternoon the Evangelism and Home Mission Directors were nominated. They are Jimmy Smith, Director, and Larry Timmerman, Assistant Director. The World Mission's new Director is Douglass LeRoy. The Assistant Director is Victor Pagan.
Tonight, we nominated six Council of Eighteen before breaking until tomorrow.
Everyone nominated today will be submitted for election by the General Assembly (made up of all the ministers and laity of the Church of God) Friday. After the General Council elects the Council of Eighteen, we will be able to begin working on the agenda items.
Tonight, I had dinner with Woodrow Alley and his son, Tim. Tim pastors in Elwood, Indiana, and of course, Woodrow is an Evangelist. Brother Woodrow usually comes and preaches a Sunday AM & PM every February.
See everyone Wednesday!
-Pastor Randy
General Overseer, Raymond Culpepper
First Assistant, Tim Hill
Second Assistant, Mark Williams
Third Assistant, David Griffis
Secretary-Treasurer, Wallace Sibley
And we were able to get the Youth & C.E. Dept Directors nominated as well. They are Tom Madden, Director, and Gary Lewis, Assistant Director. Of course, it is very hot here. One of the first guys I ran into this morning was Rob Mason. He looks like he is doing well.
This afternoon the Evangelism and Home Mission Directors were nominated. They are Jimmy Smith, Director, and Larry Timmerman, Assistant Director. The World Mission's new Director is Douglass LeRoy. The Assistant Director is Victor Pagan.
Tonight, we nominated six Council of Eighteen before breaking until tomorrow.
Everyone nominated today will be submitted for election by the General Assembly (made up of all the ministers and laity of the Church of God) Friday. After the General Council elects the Council of Eighteen, we will be able to begin working on the agenda items.
Tonight, I had dinner with Woodrow Alley and his son, Tim. Tim pastors in Elwood, Indiana, and of course, Woodrow is an Evangelist. Brother Woodrow usually comes and preaches a Sunday AM & PM every February.
See everyone Wednesday!
-Pastor Randy
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Monday Funnies
Hope you enjoy! Make it a great week!
____________________________________
A Jewish man moves into a Catholic neighborhood. Every Friday the Catholics are driven crazy because, while they're grumpily eating fish, the Jew is outside barbecuing steaks.
So the Catholics work on the Jewish man to convert him to Catholicism. Finally, after a lot of pressure and much arguing, the Catholics succeed. They take the Jewish man to a priest who sprinkles holy water on him and says, "Born a Jew, Raised a Jew, Now a Catholic."
The Catholics are ecstatic. No more tempting smells every Friday evening. But the next Friday evening, the scent of barbecue spread through the neighborhood. The Catholics all rush to the Jew's house to remind him of his new diet.
They see him standing over the grille cooking steak. He is sprinkling water on the meat and saying, "Born a cow, Raised a cow, Now a fish!"
___________________________________
Young Son: Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?
Dad: That happens in most countries, son.
___________________________________
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."
___________________________________
A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl.
Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until one day
he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.
The lawyer said that getting a divorce could depend on the circumstances,
and asked him the following questions:
"Have you any grounds"?
"Yes, an acre and half and nice little home".
"No, I meant what is the foundation of this case"?
It's made of concrete
"I don't think you understand. Does either of you have a real grudge"?
"No, we have carport, and not need one".
I mean, what are your relations like?
"All my relations still in Poland".
"Is there any infidelity in your marriage"?
"We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player".
"Does your wife beat you up"?
"No, I always up before her".
"Why do you want this divorce"?
"She going to kill me".
"What makes you think that"?
"I got proof".
"What kind of proof"?
"She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in
bathroom. I can read, and it say: "Polish Remover"
____________________________________
A Jewish man moves into a Catholic neighborhood. Every Friday the Catholics are driven crazy because, while they're grumpily eating fish, the Jew is outside barbecuing steaks.
So the Catholics work on the Jewish man to convert him to Catholicism. Finally, after a lot of pressure and much arguing, the Catholics succeed. They take the Jewish man to a priest who sprinkles holy water on him and says, "Born a Jew, Raised a Jew, Now a Catholic."
The Catholics are ecstatic. No more tempting smells every Friday evening. But the next Friday evening, the scent of barbecue spread through the neighborhood. The Catholics all rush to the Jew's house to remind him of his new diet.
They see him standing over the grille cooking steak. He is sprinkling water on the meat and saying, "Born a cow, Raised a cow, Now a fish!"
___________________________________
Young Son: Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?
Dad: That happens in most countries, son.
___________________________________
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."
___________________________________
A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl.
Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until one day
he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.
The lawyer said that getting a divorce could depend on the circumstances,
and asked him the following questions:
"Have you any grounds"?
"Yes, an acre and half and nice little home".
"No, I meant what is the foundation of this case"?
It's made of concrete
"I don't think you understand. Does either of you have a real grudge"?
"No, we have carport, and not need one".
I mean, what are your relations like?
"All my relations still in Poland".
"Is there any infidelity in your marriage"?
"We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player".
"Does your wife beat you up"?
"No, I always up before her".
"Why do you want this divorce"?
"She going to kill me".
"What makes you think that"?
"I got proof".
"What kind of proof"?
"She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in
bathroom. I can read, and it say: "Polish Remover"
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday Wrap-up
Wow, its hard to leave my new chair for bed tonight. But I guess after I finish the blog I'll have to say good-by until Saturday. It sure is comfortable! Thank you so much everyone! I LOVE IT!
Pastor's Appreciation today was a lot of fun. I know I said yesterday I usually don't look forward to it. However, at the end of the day I always appreciate the love, kind words, prayer, and generous gifts. We really are unworthy of all this fuss, but thank you to everyone that made it happen. You're the greatest!
Please keep little Katlin in your prayers as well as the other little girl and her dad. As you heard me say Sunday, they were in a bad car accident Saturday evening. Katlin is doing fine and may leave the hospital Tuesday or Wednesday. Please also remember Arlene Miller, Carol Clark, Debbie Kilburn, Jewell Brandenburg, and the Pyeatt family of the Rochester, Indiana, Church of God.
Please pray for me and my family this week as I travel to the General Assembly in San Antonio. There are some very hot issues on the agenda. I'll be giving you updates this week from my motel room. I will report on it all at our annual business meeting on August 24th. Please remember the Church of God as you pray.
What a great time we had tonight "setting forth" the mission team for their trip to El Salvador. What an accomplishment...$22,000 raised in a little over two months. What a great giving church KP is! I am excited about what God is going to do in and through this ministry. Those that will be attending are: Chris,Carmen and Dalton, Revalee, Miranda, Gerry and Wilma, Pam, Susie, Taylor, Doug, Darlene, Lori and Kathy, and Debbie. I love and appreciate each of you. You will be in our prayers!
Well, I guess it's time to hit the sack. Good night everyone...good night chair.
Pastor's Appreciation today was a lot of fun. I know I said yesterday I usually don't look forward to it. However, at the end of the day I always appreciate the love, kind words, prayer, and generous gifts. We really are unworthy of all this fuss, but thank you to everyone that made it happen. You're the greatest!
Please keep little Katlin in your prayers as well as the other little girl and her dad. As you heard me say Sunday, they were in a bad car accident Saturday evening. Katlin is doing fine and may leave the hospital Tuesday or Wednesday. Please also remember Arlene Miller, Carol Clark, Debbie Kilburn, Jewell Brandenburg, and the Pyeatt family of the Rochester, Indiana, Church of God.
Please pray for me and my family this week as I travel to the General Assembly in San Antonio. There are some very hot issues on the agenda. I'll be giving you updates this week from my motel room. I will report on it all at our annual business meeting on August 24th. Please remember the Church of God as you pray.
What a great time we had tonight "setting forth" the mission team for their trip to El Salvador. What an accomplishment...$22,000 raised in a little over two months. What a great giving church KP is! I am excited about what God is going to do in and through this ministry. Those that will be attending are: Chris,Carmen and Dalton, Revalee, Miranda, Gerry and Wilma, Pam, Susie, Taylor, Doug, Darlene, Lori and Kathy, and Debbie. I love and appreciate each of you. You will be in our prayers!
Well, I guess it's time to hit the sack. Good night everyone...good night chair.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Some Saturday Insights
Well, I have just a few minutes here. Some days it's very difficult to get the time to write the blog. Every Saturday I give myself to fasting and prayer in preparation of the Sunday services. I also have some faithful men who meet me for prayer on Saturday morning. I am really thankful for this time. I know these guys know how much I appreciate them taking time to come to the church on their one day to get some stuff down around the house. I am a very blessed pastor.
Tomorrow is Pastor's Appreciation Day. I never look forward to this day because first of all I am the one that is blessed to have such a beautiful flock to pastor. Like every church, we have our problems. But they are very minimal compared to the wonderful things that go on in the body of the Kings Point Church of God. Annette, Gabe, and I will soon complete ten years as pastors of KP. It has been an awesome ride. It is a true joy to pastor KP. We have seen God do some wonderful things in the lives of people. We have seen miracle after miracle in changed lives. Those are indeed the greatest miracles!
We look forward to many great years to come as the Lord tarries. Sorry, I gotta go!
I love and appreciate you!
-Pastor Randy
Tomorrow is Pastor's Appreciation Day. I never look forward to this day because first of all I am the one that is blessed to have such a beautiful flock to pastor. Like every church, we have our problems. But they are very minimal compared to the wonderful things that go on in the body of the Kings Point Church of God. Annette, Gabe, and I will soon complete ten years as pastors of KP. It has been an awesome ride. It is a true joy to pastor KP. We have seen God do some wonderful things in the lives of people. We have seen miracle after miracle in changed lives. Those are indeed the greatest miracles!
We look forward to many great years to come as the Lord tarries. Sorry, I gotta go!
I love and appreciate you!
-Pastor Randy
Friday, August 1, 2008
Friday Countdown
I trust you are having a good day and you're probably ready for your week to come to an end. I have a wedding rehearsal, the wedding on Saturday followed by a reception, meetings, sermon prep., and etc. Then Sunday evening I head to Indy to see my parents befor I fly out to the General Assembly (San Antonio) Monday. Please pray for the Church of God as its ministers and lay delegates gather to do business, worship, and have fellowship. There are some hot items on the agenda and we must be led by the Holy Spirit.
The El Salvador mission team will be leaving next Saturday. They have raised around $22,000 in two months. Thats pretty impressive! Congrats to Chris and Carmen who have worked hard to put the trip together and spearheaded the fundraising. Join me Sunday night at 6 pm as we will be setting them forth by prayer and fasting.
I know it's the time of the year when people are getting their vacations in before school starts but I believe we are in for some great services this Sunday. Please come ready to worship and offer a sacrifice of praise unto the Lord. Remember, what "a sacrifice" is in the NT and OT sense? It is to offer God something living on the altar. It is to give up yourself completely to Him. A sacrifice is always something uncomfortable, incovenient, and death to the flesh. God in Hebrews 13:15 commands us to offer our "praise unto him continually which is the fruit of our lips."
Of course, Jesus could come before Sunday. Are you ready? If not, repent and receive Jesus (John 10:8-10) today. Make your salvation sure. Br ready for the coming of Christ!
See ya Sunday!
-Pastor
The El Salvador mission team will be leaving next Saturday. They have raised around $22,000 in two months. Thats pretty impressive! Congrats to Chris and Carmen who have worked hard to put the trip together and spearheaded the fundraising. Join me Sunday night at 6 pm as we will be setting them forth by prayer and fasting.
I know it's the time of the year when people are getting their vacations in before school starts but I believe we are in for some great services this Sunday. Please come ready to worship and offer a sacrifice of praise unto the Lord. Remember, what "a sacrifice" is in the NT and OT sense? It is to offer God something living on the altar. It is to give up yourself completely to Him. A sacrifice is always something uncomfortable, incovenient, and death to the flesh. God in Hebrews 13:15 commands us to offer our "praise unto him continually which is the fruit of our lips."
Of course, Jesus could come before Sunday. Are you ready? If not, repent and receive Jesus (John 10:8-10) today. Make your salvation sure. Br ready for the coming of Christ!
See ya Sunday!
-Pastor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=small}