The Pros and Cons of Facebook

I don't spend a lot of time on FB. Maybe ten minutes a month, if that. Some people may spend hours a day on there and those folks really need to get a life. Here are some pros and cons regarding FB as I see it. First the positives.

1)FB is a great way of catching up with old friends.
2)Occasionally I am inspired and blessed by what I read on FB.
3)FB is a great way of checking in with family and staying up with their lives.

The negatives:
1) Lots of idle chatter and gossip. [Guilty...I've done it, please forgive me Lord! Help me to make better use of my time and my words.]2) Some use it for complaining and whining. [Guilty...I hate it when I do it and when I have to hear it from others.]3) Some people like to share their dirty laundry with every one in the world...and they actually think people want to hear it. [Not guilty here... Annette and Gabe wash mine. I tried once and I broke the washer. So they won't let me do it anymore].
4) Some use FB to impress others with their knowledge or their spirituality. [Probably guilty here too...even though my knowledge is not to impressive anymore. The older I get, the less I know and it seems like the greater my awareness is of "what a wretched man that I am." Sorry, folks, just being transparent!]

In summary, I really do believe most people use it in moderation as a form of entertainment. But like in anything, it can be abused and misused. My prayer is that I "walk in the Spirit" and use whatever I do to to bring Him glory...AND SPEND MORE TIME WITH MY FACE BURIED IN "THE BOOK."

Blessings,
-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

Hello everyone! I kept up the blog called "Tribute to our Sweet Amy" a little longer than usual. I wanted to give people time to see it and read it. I hope you will remember Jeff and Amy's dad, mom, brother, and little Tammy in your prayers.

Yesterday, was a wonderful day at the house of God. The morning service was powerfully awesome. I enjoyed so much sharing about what we dream about at KP. If you didn't get a chance to be in the service itself, I think the message is up under "sermons" on our site here. The message really explains who we are and what we are about. I hope you will even share it with others. I know its pretty passionate, but I like to think we are passionate about the work of Christ.

Last night, we conducted our annual business session. Every year, I always leave impressed with how KP maturely and professionally does the business of the church. I so appreciate everyone who comes and participates with the love and gentleness of Christ. Big thanks to Hillary and the youth staff and Christy for ministering to our youth and children during the business session. Congrats to Greg Garnica, Jon Dayton, and Mark Hughes: the newly elected KP Council members. Also, congrats to Tonya Garnica and Peggy Schuler, the newly elected Christian Education board members.

Everyone, keep Peggy Schuler in your prayers as well as our missionary, Arlene Miller. Also, our State Bishop's wife, Kathy Isaacs is undergoing treatments today at Mt Zion Cancer Treatment Center in Illinois. Please call out these precious sisters in prayer today in faith.

Have a wonderful week!

-Pastor

Tribute to our "Sweet Amy"

Today will be a hard day for KP. We say so long for a while to our "sweet" Amy Brumfield. Who doesn't think of Amy without that warm, kind smile and the sweet spirit that we have come to know as Amy.

Amy grew up at Kings Point beginning as a teenager. She was one of our KP girls. Her, Michelle, and April(and others too many to name) hung out together, played together, worshipped together, ministered together, and no doubt made it a little trouble together. As someone shared with me last night, they were always together...until another youth group member, Jeff Brumfield, entered the picture. Amy and Jeff started dating and were married on April 29, 1995 at 6.30 pm. Amy and Jeff, though young, were in love and ready to begin a life together.

Jeff and Amy continued to stay active in the church through their twenties and into their thirties. They both sang in the choir, sang vocal solos, sang in cantatas, and special choir events. I said Sunday that of all the great soloists at KP in my thirteen years...none sang under a greater anointing than Amy. Amy was gifted with a meek spirit and a powerful voice that often would stir up a visitation of the Spirit of God that touched the entire church body. It was a beautiful sight!

Amy taught children's classes in Sunday School and completed several of our discipleship and leadership courses at KP. Amy was an excellent Sunday School teacher who was very dedicated to her class. Students loved Amy. I would often hear different ones talk about how much they liked her as a teacher. After graduating from School of Discovery a few years ago, Amy's vision was to begin a women's cell in her neighborhood in Franklin that would reach unsaved women. She discussed this with me quite often and did not give up on her vision even through her health battles.

As most of us know, Jeff and Amy never had children. It was both of their hearts desire but for some reason it never happened. Jeff told me yesterday, that a brother in the church called him recently and shared that God must have needed a sweet, beautiful woman in heaven to help hold and care for all of the motherless babies up there. That may be the case. Nonetheless, today it will be hard to let her go. Yes, we know her sweet spirit ascended Friday evening to be with the Lord. But the beautiful spirit and person that was Kings Point's "Sweet Amy" will be missed greatly.

See you soon Amy!

-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

It's Sunday night and what a fun and exciting day of worship we had! I really mean that. Before I mention this morning's special service, tonight was great! We didn't have a big crowd but the people that were there was hungry for the word. I guess thats what really stands out about the people that come Sunday night - they are hungry for God's Word. You say "I'm hungry for the Word and I don't come on Sunday night"...my answer to you is if you were, you would be there. But tonight's service was super...you had to be there to understand why.

This morning the Lord really ministered to His church. We had a lot of numb, grieving people at the beginning of the service. But the Holy Spirit gently comforted and strengthened God's people this morning. We prayed for the Brumfield family and I know the Lord heard our prayers. I appreciate everyone who volunteered to bring food and to serve the church dinner following the funeral. Sister Hazel is so faithful and does such a wonderful job. I am glad that she will be able to sit back and be with her family.

Please keep Jeff and the family in your prayers this week and the days that follow. Our prayers will be what carries them through this difficult time.

Have a great week!

-Pastor

The Sunday Countdown

Wow, I don't think I have ever been so forgetful about doing this blog. Maybe Ken was right about the song. But if there really is something to this thing about turning fifty and not being able to remember...I think its because I have way too much on mind. God help all of us old folks!

Its Friday and praise the Lord! Its been a great week but a long one. Anytime I have to go out of town and spend a night or two in a motel room for a meeting it makes for a long week. I would rather be at home.

We had some wonderful leadership meetings this wee regarding the OneOhio project. I think eventually Southern reuniting with Northern will be a great thing for the state as well as the local churches. Our new Bishop (Bishop Isaacs) is a gifted administrator along with his wife, Kathy. Also, Pat and Jan Wright, the new State Youth and C.E. Directors (even though their title will be changed soon), are very sharp and rich with ministry experience. I think you will really like both couples and sense about them a love for the work of God. Please keep them in your prayers.

Sunday will be here before you know it! I hope you plan to join us for our annual church picnic this Sunday. We will eat, play some games (family vs family) and then will conclude with our annual cornhole tournament. We usually don't go home until about 5 pm, do there will be no evening service at KP.

Come ready to worship Sunday morning! Have a great weekend!

-Pastor

Tuesday's Sunday Wrap Up?

I know, I am a few days late on Sunday's Wrap Up. I had a crazy Sunday evening and Monday. I've been going 100 miles an hour it seems like since Sunday. Its been crazy!

Sunday was a great day in the Lord! The youth day service was great. God is doing a great work in our youth ministry. About a year ago, parents of our youth begin to pray and fast for our youth ministry. God has really guided and helped us. I cannot say enough about how Corina and her team has done a great job smoothly handing it off to Hillary, Alan, and their team. The students have responded wonderfully. They have attended youth events, revivals, and youth cells. Those in the youth band have put untold hours in practicing and you saw the product Sunday. What a great little worship band they have put together - made up of all students. And of course, a special thanks to all of you parents for praying and supporting the youth ministry.

Sunday night was another great service. God is moving and doing some awesome things in our Sunday nights. People are testifying of healings in our Sunday PM services.

Please remember Peggy Schuler in your prayers. We are believing for a miraculous healing. Also remember our State Bishop's wife, Kathy Isaacs, as she battles cancer. Her and Bishop Isaacs will be heading over to Mount Zion, Illinois, tomorrow for treatments. God is faithful to His Word!

-Pastor

Nepali Indian Encounter Recap

This is a recap of the encounter that was held for the Nepali Indian pastors and their wives in Chattanooga last weekend. The recap was written by Pastor John who oversees the churches throughout the U.S. of the Nepali Indians.

The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes (Mark 12:11 NIV)

We have no words to describe what we experienced last week end. About eighty Nepali pastors and leaders from across the US were there for 2 days. It was an amazing deliverance and empowerment ministry. The vision impartation was powerful. Many were also filled with the power of God. Krissna from TX is so excited that she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many testified to the inner healing and deliverance they received. Their faces were beaming with joy. On Friday night for the closing session the sanctuary became a dancing floor. People were rejoicing and dancing. (Men and women were in separate auditoriums so that they will have more freedom to express themselves). Kamal - a youth leader form Atlanta- told me , "I could never dance. Moving steps rhythmically was impossible for me. But Friday night - I think it was because of the special anointing in that place - I was dancing crazy and I was dancing pretty well. Our worship leader Suresh and others also shared the same experience." Poonam a young lady from Atlanta commented, “Uncle it was awesome. I am so blessed”. Sarita Tamag told me, “ The ladies felt kind of sorry for their husband thinking that the men missed the powerful ministry they were receiving on the ladies side. But when they came together for lunch they found out that the men were even more exited and blessed. And it was kind of funny. ”.

I get emails and phone calls from pastors and leaders saying how richly the Lord blessed them and how thankful they are to the Lord and the people the Lord used to minister. We had 350 Nepali believers in the sanctuary for the celebration session on Saturday. It was a historic event. The vision came forth powerfully with clarity. I was crying out, “Lord help me to save these souls heading towards eternal hell.” When I looked around I could see all most everyone in the auditorium with both hands lifted up toward heaven with tears running down their cheeks crying out the same prayer. It was a powerful move of the Spirit. I got the affirmation in my spirit that the sincere cry of the people are well received in the heaven and the answer is on the way. Yes all the 65,000 are going hear and many are going to believe and many many Churches are going to be established to meet the needs of this people group. This people group is going to be the most blessed people group to come to the US as refugees.

Pastors Terry and Kaye Harris, Rick and Beverly Zachary , other pastors and all the ministry team members were such an anointed group of people whom the Lord used powerfully to minister to the needs of the people. Their Christ likeness -humility, servant hood, passion, hospitality, compassion and love – were all well noticed and is being talked about in the Nepali community. One Pastor from TX told me,” I had tears in my eyes when I saw the team members from the Crossing Church cleaning the mess we left behind as we rushed to the session from the dining hall.” What a powerful witnessing!

We are so grateful. We thank them all from the bottom of hearts for everything! We thank all the people who provided help in many ways. We know many people across the nation prayed – many set apart time to fast and pray- for the conference. May God richly bless them and reward them for everything they did.
We left Chattanooga with the conviction that this is just the beginning of what the Lord is about to do. We are all together in this. Please continue to pray for this ministry Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, be glory honor and praise !

With blessings,
John and Leela Daniel
Empowerment Ministries

Please connect with us on the web: www.nepaliempowermentministries.com

A Robbery in our Church!

If we don't tithe, we rob God. Yet every Sunday when the offering plate is passed, we witness one of the most serious robberies in our cities. Our newspapers don't carry the story and no one files a complaint at the police station. Yet we rob God, because "the tithe is the Lord's (Lev. 27:30). We give God what is His when we tithe.

Tithing is an Act of Love. We measure our love to Christ by the obedience of giving our tithe, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (John 14:21). But our love goes beyond Christ. It extends to our church and our pastor. Paul asks for those in Corinth to prove their love to Him. "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also (the grace of giving). I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love" (II Cor. 8:7,8).

Tithing Recognizes God's Ownership of Our Lives. The tithe is described in the Bible as the firstfruits, meaning, a tither gives to God the firstfruits to be harvested. The book of Proverbs commands "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (3:9). If we put God first in our lives, He will honor us (Matt. 6:33). We can tell others that we belong to God, but our deceitful heart can lead us astray (Jer. 17:9). However, we demonstrate our dedication when we tithe. We give Him the firstfruits because He is first in our lives.

Tithing is Good Business. When you tithe for the right reasons, you have gone into business with God. When you invest one-tenth of your income with God, He promises "to open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal. 3:10). God will not be any man's debtor, He will keep His promise.

Tithing Will Keep Us From the Lust of Money. Those who don't tithe are not only disobedient, but they demonstrate a greater love of money than of God. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Tim. 6:10). But those who will weekly deposit their tithe in God's bank reveal their faith in God to take care of all their needs.

Tithing Helps the Church Carry Out the Great Commission. The church is commanded to go into all the world and preach to every person, baptizing the converts and teaching the commands of Christ. This requires money to print tracts, purchase radio and TV time, erect buildings, provide salaries for God's servants and carry out the countless other expenses associated with the ministry. A tithing church can pay its bills and expand its outreach. A tithing church will not have to beg for money and plan gimmicks to raise its budget. A church of tithers will have willing workers, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21), because a church of tithers will have the hearts of its people to carry out the Great Commission.

Have a great Thursday!

-Pastor

Are You Calling God A Liar?

Okay, some KP thoughts today. This week is our youth revival beginning Thursday evening. Our youth have put together a worship band made up of some talented kids. God has really blessed our church with some young people who love the Lord and are seeking His face. Hillary, Alan, and the rest of the youth staff are doing a wonderful job. Parents and the church in general need to get behind them and pray for them. Sunday night many of the people committed to pray and fast this week for the revival. Pray that God pour out His Spirit in these four special services this week including Sunday's special youth day service. Pray that young people be radically changed.

Have you ever wondered why some Christians do not tithe and give in offerings? I think the most used excuse that people give is that they cannot afford to tithe. When I hear this, my response is always "If you believe the scriptures, how can you not afford to tithe?" Read what God says about it...

Malachi 3:10-12 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. "Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes," says the Lord of hosts. NASU

Did you read it? How can you not hold God at His word? That's what he tells us to do when he says "test me (or prove me)." He says He will open up the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then he says He will rebuke the devourer from destroying or taking from your income. The fruits of your ground and your vine is your income. Now again, does God lie? When you don't take him at His word and tithe you are saying that God is a liar. You are saying I don't believe you will do those things so I am not going to give my tithe and offerings to you. Wow..did you realize that's what you are doing?

I can tell you by experience that God is not a liar. He will do what He says if you bring your tithe and offerings to His storehouse. This year, Annette and I more than ever as put God to the test. I have tried to give recklessly this year. Its been fun to watch God bless us as we have obeyed Him.

Come on Christian, there is no excuse for you not to tithe. Take God at His Word and watch Him stimulate your personal economy.

-Pastor

"Oh, If I Could Only Go Back..."

This is great word for someone today. It maybe you. Read it and receive.

Job 29:2 "Oh That I Were in Months Past..."
Numbers of Christians can view the past with pleasure, but regard the present with dissatisfaction; they look back upon the days which they have passed in communing with the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever known, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom and dreariness. Once they lived near to Jesus, but now they feel that they have wandered from Him, and they say, "O that I were as in months past!" They complain that they have lost their evidences, or that they have not present peace of mind, or that they have no enjoyment in the means of grace, or that conscience is not so tender, or that they have not so much zeal for God's glory. The causes of this mournful state of things are manifold. It may arise through a comparative neglect of prayer, for a neglected closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline. Or it may be the result of idolatry. The heart has been occupied with something else, more than with God; the affections have been set on the things of earth, instead of the things of heaven. A jealous God will not be content with a divided heart; He must be loved first and best. He will withdraw the sunshine of His presence from a cold, wandering heart. Or the cause may be found in self-confidence and self-righteousness. Pride is busy in the heart, and self is exalted instead of lying low at the foot of the cross. Christian, if you are not now as you "were in months past," do not rest satisfied with wishing for a return of former happiness, but go at once to seek your Master, and tell Him your sad state. Ask His grace and strength to help you to walk more closely with Him; humble yourself before Him, and He will lift you up, and give you yet again to enjoy the light of His countenance. Do not sit down to sigh and lament; while the beloved Physician lives there is hope, nay there is a certainty of recovery for the worst cases.


Have a great day!

-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

Two awesome services today! This morning was great baptizing the children. And what a great offering for VBS, $1600. Super job Hillary and Natalie. You girls are the best! Debbie, Lori, Corina, and everyone did a great job leading this year's VBS. Of course, Joyce Dayton did a wonderful job as director. KP is blessed to have so many great leaders.

Great service tonight. God's presence was thick as many lives were touched by the power of Christ. Then, the youth came in and even got better.

You know I really can't explain what happens in services like tonight. I just feel sorry for people who don't come. It was awesome!

Have a wonderful week!

-Pastor

VBS and the Nepal Indian Encounter

Another wonderful VBS tonight! What a great group of kids. We are so blessed to be be able to minister God's Word to them. Again, thanks to all of our great volunteers who have made personal sacrifices to minister this week at VBS. YOu are the greatest!

The offering contest is really heating up at VBS. The last two nights the boys have dominated. As the pastor and an objective bystander, I would like to see the girls when big tomorrow night - just to even things up going into the BIG DAY, SUNDAY. So I'm calling all you folks out who appreciate and love youth ministry and the girls. Come on, lets even it up tomorrow night! Bring your offerings and lets get behind Hillary and the girls.

Well, I'm off to the Nepal Indian encounter tomorrow through Saturday. Please pray for this encounter. These are Indian pastors who are refugees from Nepal India. They represent many congregations from Atlanta, Tennessee, Ohio, Chicago, New York, Utah, Arizona, and no doubt other states. These pastors are coming hungry for a move of God in their lives and in their congregations. KP may have an opportunity to minister to some of the Ohio congregations in our own upcoming fall encounters. Pray that God pour out His Spirit on this great people group. Please, please pray and fast with us over the next few days. Thanks so much!

Blessings!

Pastor

Farewell to Southern Ohio Tonight and VBS

All right, Tuesay morning is here. Some personal stuff today. Tonight, we COG ministers have a farewell gathering for Southern Ohio's State team: Al and Gail Bristow, State Overseers, and Chris and Charlotte Music, State Youth Directors. I will miss them both. The Bristows are wonderful people who have led our state with impeccable intergrity. Bishop Bristow is very relational. He is a pastor's pastor. He has been there for me when I needed him and always went the extra mile to help. I will miss he and Gail greatly.

I haven't had the opportunity to get know Chris and Charlotte as well. But I have grown to appreciate their ministry. I know that they are very committed to kingdom work. They have done a wonderful job leading our youth ministries in SO as well as in so many other areas. Chris too, is a man of great integrity. Charlotte is as funny as they come and always full of joy. we will miss them as well.

Next week, we will go to Columbus and begin the process of putting a new organizational structure for the COG in the state of Ohio. I am looking forward to seeing what God will do through this new vision for Ohio. I am anxious to be a part of it.

VBS was wonderful last night. I know I saw as many as ten Junior High kids receive Christ as Lord and Savior. I know there were many others in the lower grades as well. What a great job Debbie Jett does leading our Children's Ministries. And God is always so faithful to give us so many people to help who sacrifice a whole week to give their time and energies for the glory of God. Many of these folks work a full day at their jobs and then come directly to the church and work VBS...and it is work! A special thanks as well to Joyce Dayton who is directing this year's VBS. Great job folks!

Well, everyone have a wonderful day!

-Pastor

Sunday Wrap Up

I have been gone for awhile. I wasn't able to post last week at the Assembly and since I got home Friday evening I really haven't had time. Tts a very busy season right now for me - lots of traveling. Hope to be getting back into a routine the middle of August.

Sunday services were great! We probably had out lowest crowd of the summer yesterday but thats okay...the Spirit of God showed up. The illustrated sermon series, I believe went very well. Much time and effort goes into those, but its worth it. I guess I will get back to plain old vanilla preaching next week. Of course, there are some who prefer that every week. But I like a little change from time to time and I am sure there are others that do too.

The VBS kick off went well last night. The Children's Ministry staff does a great job putting together VBS. We had a great crowd and lots of children. Worship, food, games, and lots of fun and fellowship highlighted the evening. Thanks to everyone who helped!

As you know, this week is VBS week. If you aren't working, please support it with your prayers and try to bring a child. It will be a life-impacting week for every child that attends!

Have a wonderfulf week!

- Pastor