Happy Thanksgiving!
Today we pause as a nation to say thanks for our blessings. This holiday began as Americas thanked God for bringing them through very difficult times. Today I'm not so sure to whom or what many Americans are thankful. It's likely that many are not really thankful to anyone at all. Today for some is just a day to be off work, perhaps share a good meal, spend time talking with family and friends or perhaps to watch the many college and NFL games on TV. But for many others there is an acute awareness that life itself is a gift given by God alone. It is God who made us, keeps us, redeemed us and is preparing us for eternal life in His Kingdom. Survival is not possible without our God and King. We recognize that everyday we must give thanks. Today we pause, a day set aside but let us always give thanks. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians in chapter 5 and verses19 and 20: "....speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ..." So as you cook, eat and fellowship do pause to give our LORD thanks for His bountiful blessings always. And when today draws to a close get ready to thank Him again tomorrow and everyday for His goodness, grace, provision, mercy, forgiveness and relentless love towards us. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Standing, standing, standing on the Promises of God. I remember as a youngster singing that song so many times in church. The melody even now flows through my mind from time to time. I used to watch as the eyes of some of the senior members of the congregation would well-up with tears while singing. I didn't understand why some were so moved. As time and life have unfolded I've begun to understand their tears. Those saints had experience with God. They knew times when all they had was a promise. Over the years I too have had seasons when there was not much else to hold on to but God's promise. But then, isn't that all we really need? What else is there? When God makes a promise His name is on the line. His Word is so mighty that there is no power in all of creation, seen and unseen, that can overcome it. When God said "let there be......" there was the undeniable promise that there would be...... because He said so. The promises God has spoken over you for each season of your life are unstoppable. The most effective weapon against His promise is lack of faith. Lack of faith does not overtake the promise but only renders us unable to receive it. The promise remains but we may miss it when we don't trust Him. So what do you do in the face of uncertainty, fear, doubt and the nay-sayers? Stand! Stand on what the Lord our God has for you, even if you're not sure what it might be. What you can know for sure is that He loves you, cares for you, wants only the best for you, and has a wonderful plan for your life. You know He will never leave you and that He remains your source of peace, healing, provision and protection. So why not "trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him first and He will direct your paths." Just stand on the promises of God!
I solicit your prayers for our dear friend and brother in the Lord you have heard me mention many times before. Pastor Mohan Rao from India. We received word that this wonderful man of God and his beloved wife lost their only child, a daughter, due to an unfortunate accident. She was finishing school and preparing to attend college next year. Rev. Steve Stevens and I had the chance meet her while in India a few years ago when she was about 10 years old. She has such a wonderfully sweet spirit. While we know she is with the Lord and in His care, I am certain that Pastor Rao and his wife are simply heart-broken. Their faith remains strong but surely they are in pain. Please remember them in your prayers. Until next time may our King richly bless you.
I solicit your prayers for our dear friend and brother in the Lord you have heard me mention many times before. Pastor Mohan Rao from India. We received word that this wonderful man of God and his beloved wife lost their only child, a daughter, due to an unfortunate accident. She was finishing school and preparing to attend college next year. Rev. Steve Stevens and I had the chance meet her while in India a few years ago when she was about 10 years old. She has such a wonderfully sweet spirit. While we know she is with the Lord and in His care, I am certain that Pastor Rao and his wife are simply heart-broken. Their faith remains strong but surely they are in pain. Please remember them in your prayers. Until next time may our King richly bless you.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Saints
Just this past Sunday, November 9, Rev. Gardenia and I were so blessed to take part in the 145 church anniversary of First Baptist Church (TMFBC) in Charlottesville Va. What a long and powerful history of a determined people, inspired and empowered by God to Transform central Virginia. Congratulations TMFBC. We also had the joy of sharing in the birthday celebration of Annie Merritt, 94 , who we call the mother of the church. She still drives herself and others to where they need to go. She visits the sick, serves in the church soup kitchen feeding the hungry, prepares communion and rarely misses church or Bible Study on Fridays at noon. She got much yet to do and while we applaud her longevity we even more so celebrate her love and commitment to God, her family, her church.
During these awful economic times, many are losing jobs, homes, cars, giving up their dreams of a college education and much more. Leading economic forecasters tells us to expect things to only worsen. Is God trying to tell us something? Could it be that He is allowing or even causing this downturn because He loves us? Strange huh? Well, there is no way for us to know for sure. What we believers do know is that no matter what the circumstance God desires only His best for us. Sometimes His best comes in ways we don't like or even understand. Remember, His ways and thoughts are not like ours. His understanding is far, far greater than ours. What is the answer to all that's happening in the world? Its a name. A name that the U.S.A. seems to have exchanged for political correctness and social relativism. Jesus. Pray that in the midst of all this uncertainty there is a fresh, unstoppable wave of revival that flows over the land. Could that really happen? It could if it starts with you! If you pray and seek His face while others begin to do the same then God promises to hear our prayer and heal the land. Join with me in praying for our nation each Wednesday evening during dinner time while fasting that meal. You may pray and fast for other things like the congregation of TMI-ATL fasts for the ministry, but please pray for our nation that we will hear and turn back to our Lord. God's peace, power and provision be yours.
I'll share with you again next week.
Just this past Sunday, November 9, Rev. Gardenia and I were so blessed to take part in the 145 church anniversary of First Baptist Church (TMFBC) in Charlottesville Va. What a long and powerful history of a determined people, inspired and empowered by God to Transform central Virginia. Congratulations TMFBC. We also had the joy of sharing in the birthday celebration of Annie Merritt, 94 , who we call the mother of the church. She still drives herself and others to where they need to go. She visits the sick, serves in the church soup kitchen feeding the hungry, prepares communion and rarely misses church or Bible Study on Fridays at noon. She got much yet to do and while we applaud her longevity we even more so celebrate her love and commitment to God, her family, her church.
During these awful economic times, many are losing jobs, homes, cars, giving up their dreams of a college education and much more. Leading economic forecasters tells us to expect things to only worsen. Is God trying to tell us something? Could it be that He is allowing or even causing this downturn because He loves us? Strange huh? Well, there is no way for us to know for sure. What we believers do know is that no matter what the circumstance God desires only His best for us. Sometimes His best comes in ways we don't like or even understand. Remember, His ways and thoughts are not like ours. His understanding is far, far greater than ours. What is the answer to all that's happening in the world? Its a name. A name that the U.S.A. seems to have exchanged for political correctness and social relativism. Jesus. Pray that in the midst of all this uncertainty there is a fresh, unstoppable wave of revival that flows over the land. Could that really happen? It could if it starts with you! If you pray and seek His face while others begin to do the same then God promises to hear our prayer and heal the land. Join with me in praying for our nation each Wednesday evening during dinner time while fasting that meal. You may pray and fast for other things like the congregation of TMI-ATL fasts for the ministry, but please pray for our nation that we will hear and turn back to our Lord. God's peace, power and provision be yours.
I'll share with you again next week.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
God is Good!
Congratulations to First Baptist Church, Charlottesville (Main St.) for 145 years of advancing the Kingdom of God and the agenda of our king in Central Virginia. It is amazing how God could move on the hearts of a people, held in legal bondage as slaves, to not allow their spirits to be held in bondage. Rather, in spite of their physical condition, they held onto their faith in a God who sets the captives free. Through some of the most difficult years in race relations in Virginia they stood as strong towers who refused to give up their dignity, integrity and their faith. That same strength is evident to this day. From the vibrancy and diligence of the senior saints, to the very youngest who refuse to sell-out to contemporary pop-culture, First Baptist remains strong. Its hard to imagine what Central Virginia would be like if it were not for the impact and witness of First Baptist over these many years. In 145 years, the church has seen good days and bad. Its had its ups and downs, challenges and victories, and remains a stronghold of faith and belief in the power of our God. God has been faithful to First Baptist, and First Baptist has been faithful to God. The future looks bright, though often seemingly uncertain. What is certain is that God who began a good work there will see it to completion until the day of our Lord's return. There are currently persons all across America and beyond who have been a part of, or impacted by the ministry of First Baptist. There remains countless unknown names and yet to be seen faces that will find salvation in Christ and whose lives will be transformed by the ministry of First Baptist. Join with me in congratulating this great church for 145 years of service to the Kingdom of our LORD.
Congratulations to First Baptist Church, Charlottesville (Main St.) for 145 years of advancing the Kingdom of God and the agenda of our king in Central Virginia. It is amazing how God could move on the hearts of a people, held in legal bondage as slaves, to not allow their spirits to be held in bondage. Rather, in spite of their physical condition, they held onto their faith in a God who sets the captives free. Through some of the most difficult years in race relations in Virginia they stood as strong towers who refused to give up their dignity, integrity and their faith. That same strength is evident to this day. From the vibrancy and diligence of the senior saints, to the very youngest who refuse to sell-out to contemporary pop-culture, First Baptist remains strong. Its hard to imagine what Central Virginia would be like if it were not for the impact and witness of First Baptist over these many years. In 145 years, the church has seen good days and bad. Its had its ups and downs, challenges and victories, and remains a stronghold of faith and belief in the power of our God. God has been faithful to First Baptist, and First Baptist has been faithful to God. The future looks bright, though often seemingly uncertain. What is certain is that God who began a good work there will see it to completion until the day of our Lord's return. There are currently persons all across America and beyond who have been a part of, or impacted by the ministry of First Baptist. There remains countless unknown names and yet to be seen faces that will find salvation in Christ and whose lives will be transformed by the ministry of First Baptist. Join with me in congratulating this great church for 145 years of service to the Kingdom of our LORD.
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