Monday, February 11, 2008

God Still Answrs Prayer

A gentleman in our church recently rented an apartment to a woman who was in need. He not only rented to her, but he and his wife have reached out to her in the name of Jesus. The woman has a sister whose 1 year old baby girl was to have serious surgery. The church prayed.

Korina came through the surgery well - an answer to prayer. A couple days later she developed a fever. The church prayed. The fever left her. On Friday concern rose that the baby was gaining weight from fluid build up and had as of yet not been able to do either bodily function.

Sunday morning word came that if she did not pee or poop soon (they set a deadline of 6 pm Sunday night) a radical surgery would have to be performed to rectify this issue. The church prayed.

Last night I received a call that informed me at 5:55 pm she began to pee and poop.

And the church celebrates! God still answers prayer!

Tomorrow is an all-church all-day of fasting and prayer for our church. Join me in praying for those who need God's touch and transformation in their lives. Our new prayer chapel will be open and ready for you to come and spend sometime in the Presence of God.

And the church prayed!

One Life Can Make A Difference!

Increasingly each day we are overwhelmed and feel like our world is spinning out of control and we are powerless to change a thing -- ever feel that way?

Yesterday, Dennis came to me and told me he had something he would like to share with me. Dennis works for a collection agency and manages a particular office. The agency is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and has offices around the world.

Dennis shared that he is often frustrated by the fact that he many times is required to work on Sundays and is prohibited from attending worship. Being frustrated, this past week when his boss visited he informed his boss that he felt the company was putting money before God and that he (Dennis) felt it was wrong and was no longer gong to require the emplyees in his branch to come in on Sundays before 2:00 pm, and that way give each employee in his office the chance to worship.

Later that afternoon Dennis' boss came back to him and informed him that after thinking about it, he agreed, that Dennis was right. He told Dennis that from that moment on everyone in the company would have the opportunity on Sunday AM to attend their place of worship -- all 6,000 employees!

One person, speaking up and taking a stand, can make a difference.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

All Inclusive

Today as i was reading my email, I opened the daily one I receive from a woman in our church who sends out a Scripture verse each and every day. Today this is our verse:

Acts 2; 21
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.


Everyone - it's a pretty inclusive word! As I have sat here this am meditating on this verse, this word continues to strike me. Who is everyone? Dumb question I know, but the question stands. Does this include the person who was rude to me? The businessman who took advantage of me? The man who raped a 12 year old? The man who has snubed his nose and finger in the face of God and everyone else for 50 years?

You betcha! Because of this verse I take heart each and every morning, because I am also everyone! My wife is everyone! You are everyone.

The condition of this verse is "calls on his name". Seems easy enough, and yet we have sometimes such a hard time humbling ourselves and seeking God's help.

Today is a good day to seek him -- in fact, every day is a good day to seek him!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Community

On Sunday, February 3, I boarded a plane and traveled to Orlando, Florida, where I had the opportunity to attend Asbury Seminary Minister's Conference. In the past this conference was held on their Kentucky campus and I had the opportunity to stay with friends while attending the conference. Those who know me are aware that I am a person who enjoys being around people.

While in Orlando I stayed at a hotel 15 minutes from the campus. I had a suite all to myself! Now while that seems like a great deal, I was reminded of a very important truth -- we were meant to live in community. Though I was in one of the largest cities, and while I was surrounded by others, I longed for those who knew me.

This morning I am sitting in front of the fire, it is gently snowing, and the kids are arguing in their rooms -- what sweet music! Sharing life together is one of the greatest joys there are. Truly we are better together!

Good Question!

The other day i heard the kewlest question:

"Why is it that every funeral i attend has not been my own?"

Isn't that a great question? As long as we have breath, as long as we are breathing in and breathing out, God has a purpose for us and our lives. One of the greatest joys is not only knowing your purpose, but living it.

What is your purpose? What part of that purpose will you live out today?

May God give us the courage to become the people He has designed for us to be.