Greetings Saints,
Just an update. TMI-ATL just celebrated eight weeks of ministry. While much has been accomplished to lay the foundational structure of the church, much remains to be done. The services have been up-lifting, spirit-filled with a lively, family oriented fellowship among the members and visitors. The first new sound system was used for the first time this past Sunday, whew! The staff is beginning to search the area for a semi-permanent place of worship. I recently met with Mayor Moore of Union City to get a greater sense of the area and the needs of the community where the ministry may make an impact. Remember, services are being held in Fairburn, Georgia but the current ministry area will cover the cities of Fairburn, Union City, Tyrone, Peachtree and Fayetteville, though not limited to those areas. This general geographical area includes a wide range of persons from different socio-economic backgrounds. Several former UVA students have come to visit who now live in the Atlanta area. The next challenge is to begin to get the word out that TMI-ATL is here. While word-of-mouth info has begun to spread, there has been no real concerted effort to get the word out until the ministry foundation was fairly solid. Now that there has been great progress in building the foundation, speading information about TMI will go fourth in a very intentional way. Needless to say, many are making huge sacrifices to fulfill this move of God. I ask you to pray that God will provide not only for the needs of the ministry as a whole, but for all the individuals working so hard to be faithful to our Lord's calling here. As you might imagine, the needs are many and great, but it's been so amazing to watch how God has been moving. I think we all are learning and experiencing new dimensions of God's ways and greatness. Perhaps that's been the most exciting thing of all. There is something about launching out into the deep where you get a glimpse of depths that faith can take you. As time goes on I'll bring more updates. If we touch and agree, at least when it comes to doing our Lord's Will and advancing His Kingdom, then He will answer our prayers and He will receive all glory. May God bless each of you richly.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings and blessings,
If the question were asked "do you love the Lord?" many, if not most of you would answer with a resounding yes! How about, have you ever been upset with God? Have you questioned His love for you? Has He, who promised to never leave you, seemed out of your reach? If you've ever felt that way it brings a whole other set of emotions. You feel you shouldn't be disappointed with God yet you are. You may feel guilty for questioning His love for you, but you do question. Often we will rehearse any past or recent sin and conclude that this is why God seems to not be speaking to us. However, you know that He forgives sin and you know that Jesus died to redeem us but you still think surely this is the reason God seems so distant. What an emotional roller coaster. Have you come to the conclusion that since God is not talking to you, you just won't talk to Him? Bad move. Remember Jacob who had stolen his older brother's birth right and then later deceived his father and stole his brother's blessing from their father? He ran for his life believing that his brother was going to kill him. When his brother caught up with him, Jacob sent gifts hoping to soften Esau's heart. The night before they were to meet Jacob wrestled with a man all night and refused to let go of this divine Being unless he blessed him. Though this divine One touched Jacob's hip, knocking it out of socket, Jacob still held on. The man declared that Jacob would no longer be called by his name Jacob (deceiver), but now he would be called Israel for he wrestled with God and prevailed. Of course the Lord could have taken Jacob out at any time in the natural but Jacob prevailed in showing the Lord how desperate he was for him. Though he done much that was wrong, he refused to let go of the Lord. Who else is going to heal you and bless you? Who else has you future in their hands? If God seems silent and out of reach perhaps its just a test. Will you all the more reach out for Him and NOT let go? God really does love you and no, He is not angry with you. He only wants what is for your best. Seek Him and He will be found. Find Him and never let go and our very good God will bless you.
Blessings to you all.
If the question were asked "do you love the Lord?" many, if not most of you would answer with a resounding yes! How about, have you ever been upset with God? Have you questioned His love for you? Has He, who promised to never leave you, seemed out of your reach? If you've ever felt that way it brings a whole other set of emotions. You feel you shouldn't be disappointed with God yet you are. You may feel guilty for questioning His love for you, but you do question. Often we will rehearse any past or recent sin and conclude that this is why God seems to not be speaking to us. However, you know that He forgives sin and you know that Jesus died to redeem us but you still think surely this is the reason God seems so distant. What an emotional roller coaster. Have you come to the conclusion that since God is not talking to you, you just won't talk to Him? Bad move. Remember Jacob who had stolen his older brother's birth right and then later deceived his father and stole his brother's blessing from their father? He ran for his life believing that his brother was going to kill him. When his brother caught up with him, Jacob sent gifts hoping to soften Esau's heart. The night before they were to meet Jacob wrestled with a man all night and refused to let go of this divine Being unless he blessed him. Though this divine One touched Jacob's hip, knocking it out of socket, Jacob still held on. The man declared that Jacob would no longer be called by his name Jacob (deceiver), but now he would be called Israel for he wrestled with God and prevailed. Of course the Lord could have taken Jacob out at any time in the natural but Jacob prevailed in showing the Lord how desperate he was for him. Though he done much that was wrong, he refused to let go of the Lord. Who else is going to heal you and bless you? Who else has you future in their hands? If God seems silent and out of reach perhaps its just a test. Will you all the more reach out for Him and NOT let go? God really does love you and no, He is not angry with you. He only wants what is for your best. Seek Him and He will be found. Find Him and never let go and our very good God will bless you.
Blessings to you all.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings & Blessings to All,
Do you ever wonder if you could really make an impact on others' lives? Could you impact a few? What about dozens or hundreds, thousands? How about a billion people? So often when we think of ourselves, we don't see the potential that God has placed in us to impact the lives of others. We may feel we don't have the right connections or enough education. We may feel that where and how we were raised has proven more of a handicap than anything else. We often neglect to remember that we were created in the image of the creator of the universe(s) seen and unseen. How great is our God and how able He is to do great things through us, even if we don't see ourselves as having much to offer. A couple of weeks ago I met a man named George Verwer. An unassuming man in what I would guess to be his late sixties or early seventies. The occasion of our meeting was an anniversary celebration for an organization called Operation Mobilization. During the celebration I learned some interesting things about George. In 1957, while a college student in Chicago, he got this crazy idea to go to Mexico to hand out gospel tracks and share the gospel. He managed to convince two friends to go with him. Driving an old beat-up vehicle, they managed to get there after about a two week trip. They didn't know what to expect, where they would stay or how they would eat. They just wanted to share the gospel of Jesus. Crazy right? I'd say so, except in spite of all they had to endure, they wanted to continue to share the gospel there and elsewhere, and managed to convince even more friends to go with them. As I sat during the program celebrating 50 years of missions work, I was in awe to discover that George and his crazy idea had thus far resulted in over ONE BILLION people around the world receiving the good news of our Lord Jesus. Currently, there are over 5,500 missionaries from OM on every continent in the world. Many are risking their lives, and a few have died or been arrested for sharing God's Word. Some are in particular danger in places like Iran or parts of India. OM also has four former cruise ships that stop in many ports around the world. Millions, yes, millions have come on-board these boats, and by the time they exit, their lives are not the same. They have learned about Jesus and His incredible love and saving grace. Because of George and his impulsive, crazy idea to go to Mexico in 1957, 50 years later over one sixth of the world's population has heard the Gospel. By the way, you know that of the 5,500 on the mission fields, and even the staff in the U.S. and U.K. headquarters, none get paid! They raise their own support. So, what have you done for the Lord lately? Still think you have nothing to offer? Neither did George, but look how God has used him. We met before the program began. He was introduced to me as the founder, though at that moment I had no idea that OM was as huge as it is. As George and I talked, he never told me what he had done. He did not try to impress me with his accomplishments. He was just George, a slender built man with a huge heart and crazy in love with God. Can you make a difference? Of course. Even if you are in the business of underestimating yourself, never underestimate the God in you. Remember, God often chooses the low, the weak, the common, the ignoble to do great things. Just surrender who and what you are to God and let the work that He does through you speak for you.
God bless you all.
Do you ever wonder if you could really make an impact on others' lives? Could you impact a few? What about dozens or hundreds, thousands? How about a billion people? So often when we think of ourselves, we don't see the potential that God has placed in us to impact the lives of others. We may feel we don't have the right connections or enough education. We may feel that where and how we were raised has proven more of a handicap than anything else. We often neglect to remember that we were created in the image of the creator of the universe(s) seen and unseen. How great is our God and how able He is to do great things through us, even if we don't see ourselves as having much to offer. A couple of weeks ago I met a man named George Verwer. An unassuming man in what I would guess to be his late sixties or early seventies. The occasion of our meeting was an anniversary celebration for an organization called Operation Mobilization. During the celebration I learned some interesting things about George. In 1957, while a college student in Chicago, he got this crazy idea to go to Mexico to hand out gospel tracks and share the gospel. He managed to convince two friends to go with him. Driving an old beat-up vehicle, they managed to get there after about a two week trip. They didn't know what to expect, where they would stay or how they would eat. They just wanted to share the gospel of Jesus. Crazy right? I'd say so, except in spite of all they had to endure, they wanted to continue to share the gospel there and elsewhere, and managed to convince even more friends to go with them. As I sat during the program celebrating 50 years of missions work, I was in awe to discover that George and his crazy idea had thus far resulted in over ONE BILLION people around the world receiving the good news of our Lord Jesus. Currently, there are over 5,500 missionaries from OM on every continent in the world. Many are risking their lives, and a few have died or been arrested for sharing God's Word. Some are in particular danger in places like Iran or parts of India. OM also has four former cruise ships that stop in many ports around the world. Millions, yes, millions have come on-board these boats, and by the time they exit, their lives are not the same. They have learned about Jesus and His incredible love and saving grace. Because of George and his impulsive, crazy idea to go to Mexico in 1957, 50 years later over one sixth of the world's population has heard the Gospel. By the way, you know that of the 5,500 on the mission fields, and even the staff in the U.S. and U.K. headquarters, none get paid! They raise their own support. So, what have you done for the Lord lately? Still think you have nothing to offer? Neither did George, but look how God has used him. We met before the program began. He was introduced to me as the founder, though at that moment I had no idea that OM was as huge as it is. As George and I talked, he never told me what he had done. He did not try to impress me with his accomplishments. He was just George, a slender built man with a huge heart and crazy in love with God. Can you make a difference? Of course. Even if you are in the business of underestimating yourself, never underestimate the God in you. Remember, God often chooses the low, the weak, the common, the ignoble to do great things. Just surrender who and what you are to God and let the work that He does through you speak for you.
God bless you all.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Blessings All,
I was thinking about the economic troubles our nation is going through and the fear of a global economic meltdown. At the same time we are fighting two wars while dealing with a host of natural disasters. And of course there is the on-going tragedy of violence in our streets and a younger generation where many are just confused about life and their own identity. Increasing numbers of our youth are engaging in very adult behaviors. Most of those behaviors are not healthy for adults either. Are these cultural maladies mere reflections of a national spiritual illness? I, for one, would answer yes. However, it also indicates that there is a serious spiritual virus that has weakened the witness of the church. I'm certain that we all can think of a multitude of problems facing the church. If the church therefore, is weak, its not surprising that the culture, our nation is growing weak. At first glance it may seem that all will get only worse. Certainly that is a possibility. IS there a Balm in Gilead? Is there a healing salve? Of course, His name Jesus. The question however, is will He be the Lord of the church again and will the church regain its voice to declare Him Lord of All? If He is not Lord of the church then who will show Him to the world? Who will lead the world to His healing salve? "....how can they hear without a preacher?" All the presidential candidates have been talking about change. Real change will come when revival comes to the church. When a people, desperately in love with our Lord, cry out to Him, things will change. "....If my people who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from Heaven and I WILL heal their land." Pray for revival in our nation.
I am writing this blog while in Virginia at TMFBC. The ministry here is going great. Thank God for a team of hard working, committed lovers of God who believe the best is yet to come. Pray for TMFBC, TMI-ATL and the people of God every where. Next week I'll tell you about a wonderful group of international missionaries I've been so blessed to meet. Their story and impact is amazing. Over one billion people, yes BILLION have received the Gospel because of this group.
Until next time, may our Lord's Love, Peace, Provision and Protection abide with you all.
I was thinking about the economic troubles our nation is going through and the fear of a global economic meltdown. At the same time we are fighting two wars while dealing with a host of natural disasters. And of course there is the on-going tragedy of violence in our streets and a younger generation where many are just confused about life and their own identity. Increasing numbers of our youth are engaging in very adult behaviors. Most of those behaviors are not healthy for adults either. Are these cultural maladies mere reflections of a national spiritual illness? I, for one, would answer yes. However, it also indicates that there is a serious spiritual virus that has weakened the witness of the church. I'm certain that we all can think of a multitude of problems facing the church. If the church therefore, is weak, its not surprising that the culture, our nation is growing weak. At first glance it may seem that all will get only worse. Certainly that is a possibility. IS there a Balm in Gilead? Is there a healing salve? Of course, His name Jesus. The question however, is will He be the Lord of the church again and will the church regain its voice to declare Him Lord of All? If He is not Lord of the church then who will show Him to the world? Who will lead the world to His healing salve? "....how can they hear without a preacher?" All the presidential candidates have been talking about change. Real change will come when revival comes to the church. When a people, desperately in love with our Lord, cry out to Him, things will change. "....If my people who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from Heaven and I WILL heal their land." Pray for revival in our nation.
I am writing this blog while in Virginia at TMFBC. The ministry here is going great. Thank God for a team of hard working, committed lovers of God who believe the best is yet to come. Pray for TMFBC, TMI-ATL and the people of God every where. Next week I'll tell you about a wonderful group of international missionaries I've been so blessed to meet. Their story and impact is amazing. Over one billion people, yes BILLION have received the Gospel because of this group.
Until next time, may our Lord's Love, Peace, Provision and Protection abide with you all.
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