As Paul Harvey said--"and that's the rest of the story. Good day!" This morning as I read through Judges 6, 7, and 8 I kept thinking of the times I have taught/preached "the story of Gideon." I would always emphasize (and still think it true) the necessity of every man standing in his place and faithfully following God, with the result being God gives the victory. However, the rest of the story reveals MUCH more!
"Then the Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us, you as well as your sons and your grandsons, for you delivered us from the power of Midian." Judges 8:22, HCSB
How quickly they forgot---how quickly we forget! It was not Gideon, it was God that delivered. They advocated making Gideon king, when they should have bowed down to the King of Kings. In fact, this was just another time they rejected God to be more like the unfaithful men around them who did have kings. Why are we so willing to reject God and His ways for the ways of man.
Gideon must have really struggled with his crises. First, he had to send 31,700 soldiers home and keep only 300. Then after victory he had to send the people home without the king they wanted. Gideon's love relationship with God was so firm that he followed God's ways even when human ways were far more attractive. What human glory do you surrender to do it God's way?
There was 40 years of peace, BUT in Judges 8: 32 - 35, we see that AS SOON AS GIDEON DIED, "as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god." (8:33). They "forgot" the deliverance God had given them--they did not show kindness to the household of Gideon. Before I am too critical of them, I must examine mmy own life. How quickly I forget. How quickly I "play the harlot." I (we) are guilty of spiritual adultery when we fail to surrender all and FOLLOW Christ daily.
That hymn at the end of the service, "I surrender ALL," (have you noticed) is generally sung quietly and mumbled through. Our hearts are literally singing--"I surrender SOME----." May we surrender ALL to Him this day and experience the JOY nad fulfillment that only comes through faithful and COMPLETE obedience/following of the LIVING Lord Jesus Christ!
Showing posts with label Spiritual Awakening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spiritual Awakening. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
TAKE TIME To Be With God!
If you have been in the pastorate for any amount of time, you have discovered one thing for sure - you can become mighty busy quickly!! As ministers called of God, our hearts are focused on the needs of the church God has called us to serve. Our churches are busy with activities and programs. Much of what the church does needs our personal attention and involvement. There are ocassions when the activities/the busy-ness make it difficult to find the necessary time to prepare powerful sermons that impact the lives of the people that will make up your congregations on Sunday. And yes - there are even times when no one seems to care that the busy-ness of the church's schedule has overwhelmed you and you don't have that time for personal preparation.
When you begin to recognize that busy-ness has overrun you, it is time to "retreat" in some fashion. Matthew 6: 33 is applicable to we who serve as pastors---SEEK FIRST HIM---all this other stuff can take second, third, or maybe even fiftieth place. Focus on your relationship with Christ Jesus.
All of us have been there! No matter how hard you try to find balance for your life, there will be times when you're going to find yourself short on time and Sunday's sermon or Wednesday's Bible lesson is not yet complete. It's certainly a nail biting and scary stress that sometimes falls upon us Saturday at about 10PM while compiling a Sunday morning message that will lift up, encourage and inspire the congregation. That stress and lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to present the message that God's people need to hear from His servant in that service. So - strive daily to find your "rest" in Him.
A couple of years back a member church in TRBA invited me to do revival in their church. I was sick a LOT that year and had been out of work for several weeks recovering from surgery, etc. There was much concern that I might not physically be able to preach a series of 5 sermons. One of the remarkable things about that recovery time was the lessons God was teaching me as I studied His Word and sought His face. Day-after-day I experience so much as I could do nothing but read, meditate, and pray.
I did go back to work, and I was PHYSICALLY drained!!!! The host pastor was concerned. God would not allow release me from preaching the revival. I remember becoming overwhelmed and stressed the Monday of revival. I came to work and was physically exhausted from the two sermons on Sunday. After a couple of hours I thought, "I cannot stay here all day and preach tonight." I packed up and told the staff I was going home to "prepare for tonight's sermon." The secretary asked, "what are you going to do?" My response - "go home and take a nap."
That night I was refreshed physically. There was no stress from the lack of study THAT day. It was like Jesus comforted me with the knowledge that I had spent countless hours in His Word and seeking His face. I could TRUST Him to provide all that I needed for that hour! From the OVERFLOW of being in His presence, His words came through me His instrument. If we make our time with Christ Jesus our priority, then He can use us in greater ways!
Let me share with you some ideas from 30+ years of ministry. NOTHING I say is "rocket science," but I hope it helps in some way:
1. Stay Focused: Focused on Christ as your Savior; Christ as LORD of all; on His Word; seeking His face in prayer for the message that He desires you to proclaim to His people. I know this generation emphasizes "multi-tasking," and I am pretty good at that! HOWEVER, I think there needs to be a QUIET place where you and the Lord can be together and where you can be IN HIS WORD uninterrupted from the distractions of the world. Find that place where you can BE STILL and KNOW God better.
2. Plan your sermon series/develop a strategy: Having your Bible, commentaries, computer accessories, etc. makes it easier as you seek God in that quiet place. Do not just think of THIS Wednesday's study or THIS Sunday's message. Think of those opportunities under the light of the greater picture of the message that God would have His people to hear. I encourage you to plan 6 weeks or more in advance. I always liked to share with my staff my tentative plans so they could pray with me, plan their part of the service with the knowledge of where I believed God was leading me, and they could "hold me accountable."
Again, from the overflow of time alone with God and seeking His face, comes the message that God's people need to hear. Even during those busy weeks where you face writer's block or the busy-ness of church programs and ministry, you'll have an easier starting point. This will also help you keep your preaching proactive instead of reactive. When your preaching is reactive, you are only cleaning up messes or "excusing" yourself in your own mind. When your preaching is proactive, you are heading off potential problems that will waste the churches time and potential for growth.
3. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is the foundational bedrock of all we are to do in His name as undershepherds in His church. Ask God to attend His Word -- to pursue and own it to the hearts and minds of His people. Pray also that He will use it to move and shape you. From the work He is doing in you, proclaim His truth to His people.
4. Develop great resources: Having access to great resources allows you to spark ideas quicker and use that as a springboard for your messages. Listen to sermons; read several translations; read on topics of church health; develop a friendship with another pastort to discuss the topic. etc. etc. Your responsibility is to "feed His sheep" and you must be IN HIM to have the nourishment needed to be that undershepherd He has called you to be!
5. Set aside special time to prepare your message: I have heard men say they wait until Saturday night to prepare their sermons (as well as SS teachers to prepare their lessons). I have discovered through the years that there are a LOT of Saturdays where I have completely readjusted my plans to accomodate a need in the life of church members; spend time with family and friends; etc. etc. If I did not set aside some "extra" time, then my sermon and Bible study prep suffered. If my time with the Lord becomes less and less, I cannot be "in Him" as necessary and my overall ministry suffers. To please Christ in our delivery of His Word, set aside some time EARLIER in the week - maybe Thursday night or EARLY in the morning would be the perfect time to set aside (with plenty of time to spare before Saturday night) where you flesh out and get the core of your message. This also enables you (generally) to get hymns that reinforce in the bulletin; illustrations and PowerPoint slides organized that reinforce the message; perhaps even email your deacons and staff for specific prayer requests as you continue to meditate and prepare for the upcoming message. Starting early will give you ample time to re-read your message and make needed changes. In fact, often times after a message is put together this way, God has a way of inspiring added thoughts that help to strengthen the message He has for you to share that day!
that you will want to include.
6. Take it all the way to the Altar: When you are delivering the message that God has given you, remember, you are His mouthpiece. You are standing in His stead. Speak with authority. Don't apologize for God's Word. Preach with boldness. Speak with love and compassion. Don't preach down to people. Don't get off track. Make your point and take it all the way to the Altar call. Invite people to "make things right with God."
One of the things I am trying to convince the pastors of TRBA is that we - the TRBA Staff - DAILY lift up our pastors in prayer! As we gather for staff meetings on Monday mornings,we pray for our pastors and our churches. Individually throughout the week, we lift them up in our personal prayers. During the weekends when we know the men who serve as our pastors will be proclaiming His truth, we lift them up in prayer - as well as our church members. We are praying FERVENTLY for renewal and revival! We recognize that the enemy is busy trying to keep us from His purpose.
Wanted to share with you today that you are in our prayers today! May God bless you as you faithfully serve Him daily!
When you begin to recognize that busy-ness has overrun you, it is time to "retreat" in some fashion. Matthew 6: 33 is applicable to we who serve as pastors---SEEK FIRST HIM---all this other stuff can take second, third, or maybe even fiftieth place. Focus on your relationship with Christ Jesus.
All of us have been there! No matter how hard you try to find balance for your life, there will be times when you're going to find yourself short on time and Sunday's sermon or Wednesday's Bible lesson is not yet complete. It's certainly a nail biting and scary stress that sometimes falls upon us Saturday at about 10PM while compiling a Sunday morning message that will lift up, encourage and inspire the congregation. That stress and lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to present the message that God's people need to hear from His servant in that service. So - strive daily to find your "rest" in Him.
A couple of years back a member church in TRBA invited me to do revival in their church. I was sick a LOT that year and had been out of work for several weeks recovering from surgery, etc. There was much concern that I might not physically be able to preach a series of 5 sermons. One of the remarkable things about that recovery time was the lessons God was teaching me as I studied His Word and sought His face. Day-after-day I experience so much as I could do nothing but read, meditate, and pray.
I did go back to work, and I was PHYSICALLY drained!!!! The host pastor was concerned. God would not allow release me from preaching the revival. I remember becoming overwhelmed and stressed the Monday of revival. I came to work and was physically exhausted from the two sermons on Sunday. After a couple of hours I thought, "I cannot stay here all day and preach tonight." I packed up and told the staff I was going home to "prepare for tonight's sermon." The secretary asked, "what are you going to do?" My response - "go home and take a nap."
That night I was refreshed physically. There was no stress from the lack of study THAT day. It was like Jesus comforted me with the knowledge that I had spent countless hours in His Word and seeking His face. I could TRUST Him to provide all that I needed for that hour! From the OVERFLOW of being in His presence, His words came through me His instrument. If we make our time with Christ Jesus our priority, then He can use us in greater ways!
Let me share with you some ideas from 30+ years of ministry. NOTHING I say is "rocket science," but I hope it helps in some way:
1. Stay Focused: Focused on Christ as your Savior; Christ as LORD of all; on His Word; seeking His face in prayer for the message that He desires you to proclaim to His people. I know this generation emphasizes "multi-tasking," and I am pretty good at that! HOWEVER, I think there needs to be a QUIET place where you and the Lord can be together and where you can be IN HIS WORD uninterrupted from the distractions of the world. Find that place where you can BE STILL and KNOW God better.
2. Plan your sermon series/develop a strategy: Having your Bible, commentaries, computer accessories, etc. makes it easier as you seek God in that quiet place. Do not just think of THIS Wednesday's study or THIS Sunday's message. Think of those opportunities under the light of the greater picture of the message that God would have His people to hear. I encourage you to plan 6 weeks or more in advance. I always liked to share with my staff my tentative plans so they could pray with me, plan their part of the service with the knowledge of where I believed God was leading me, and they could "hold me accountable."
Again, from the overflow of time alone with God and seeking His face, comes the message that God's people need to hear. Even during those busy weeks where you face writer's block or the busy-ness of church programs and ministry, you'll have an easier starting point. This will also help you keep your preaching proactive instead of reactive. When your preaching is reactive, you are only cleaning up messes or "excusing" yourself in your own mind. When your preaching is proactive, you are heading off potential problems that will waste the churches time and potential for growth.
3. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is the foundational bedrock of all we are to do in His name as undershepherds in His church. Ask God to attend His Word -- to pursue and own it to the hearts and minds of His people. Pray also that He will use it to move and shape you. From the work He is doing in you, proclaim His truth to His people.
4. Develop great resources: Having access to great resources allows you to spark ideas quicker and use that as a springboard for your messages. Listen to sermons; read several translations; read on topics of church health; develop a friendship with another pastort to discuss the topic. etc. etc. Your responsibility is to "feed His sheep" and you must be IN HIM to have the nourishment needed to be that undershepherd He has called you to be!
5. Set aside special time to prepare your message: I have heard men say they wait until Saturday night to prepare their sermons (as well as SS teachers to prepare their lessons). I have discovered through the years that there are a LOT of Saturdays where I have completely readjusted my plans to accomodate a need in the life of church members; spend time with family and friends; etc. etc. If I did not set aside some "extra" time, then my sermon and Bible study prep suffered. If my time with the Lord becomes less and less, I cannot be "in Him" as necessary and my overall ministry suffers. To please Christ in our delivery of His Word, set aside some time EARLIER in the week - maybe Thursday night or EARLY in the morning would be the perfect time to set aside (with plenty of time to spare before Saturday night) where you flesh out and get the core of your message. This also enables you (generally) to get hymns that reinforce in the bulletin; illustrations and PowerPoint slides organized that reinforce the message; perhaps even email your deacons and staff for specific prayer requests as you continue to meditate and prepare for the upcoming message. Starting early will give you ample time to re-read your message and make needed changes. In fact, often times after a message is put together this way, God has a way of inspiring added thoughts that help to strengthen the message He has for you to share that day!
that you will want to include.
6. Take it all the way to the Altar: When you are delivering the message that God has given you, remember, you are His mouthpiece. You are standing in His stead. Speak with authority. Don't apologize for God's Word. Preach with boldness. Speak with love and compassion. Don't preach down to people. Don't get off track. Make your point and take it all the way to the Altar call. Invite people to "make things right with God."
One of the things I am trying to convince the pastors of TRBA is that we - the TRBA Staff - DAILY lift up our pastors in prayer! As we gather for staff meetings on Monday mornings,we pray for our pastors and our churches. Individually throughout the week, we lift them up in our personal prayers. During the weekends when we know the men who serve as our pastors will be proclaiming His truth, we lift them up in prayer - as well as our church members. We are praying FERVENTLY for renewal and revival! We recognize that the enemy is busy trying to keep us from His purpose.
Wanted to share with you today that you are in our prayers today! May God bless you as you faithfully serve Him daily!
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Developing A Spiritual Vision For 2011 - Part Two
I want to continue today some thoughts about our need to develop a spiritual vision for our lives in 2011 - praying for God to reveal one scripture to guide our path/prepare us to deal with life's circumstances throughout 2011. In part one of this discussion, I focused on Proverbs 29: 18, "Without revelation people run wild, but one who keeps the law will be happy." (Holman translation). I closed the discussion by revealing what I referred to as "Reality One." I stated, "The reality is - without a spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild." That's where I want to begin in this discussion.
Reality # 1: Without Spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild. That's a reality. That's what the Bible tells us. Without a spiritual vision for your life, you're going to run wild. I'm telling you we've got a lot of wild-eyed Christians right now. You will run on your own. You'll run loosely, you will run freely, you will run unrestrained. You will run shamelessly. You will run naked (Young's Literal Translation puts it), and you know one of the real tragedies of running naked? Is you don't even know you're naked. That's what John wrote about in Revelation 3, of the lukewarm church, you don't even know your own condition, that you're blind, and naked, and weak, and in need because you don't have the Word of God pouring into you.
In the Message, Proverbs 29: 18 reads, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." In this case, I think we can learn from this translation as well! There seems to be a LOT of times that we are stumbling all over ourselves and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. Conversely, when we attend to that which God reveals to us/calls us to do in His Word, we are indeed blessed!
With a spiritual vision for your life, you will discover the good life God intends for you. I believe Jesus stated He came to give us "life more abundantly (John 10: 10)." That's a pretty exciting statement. If I can develop a spiritual vision for my life, I can begin to live and discover the good life that God intends for me. And that is true for all! Don't you want the good life God intends for you in your life? Then follow the counsel of God's Word and discover life to the fullest.
Many churches today (and we as an association) have established vision statements or purpose statements. If they set out to achieve their purpose as a church, then they are likely to achieve their goals. If they wander aimlessly - doing a little of this and a little of that - doing what "feels good for the moment" or just that which is popular to the masses - then they may last for a season but they will not achieve the life more abundantly that God has in store for those that devote themselves to following the precepts of God's Word.
As an association, Tar River has established it's primary purpose many years ago. It's purpose is to strengthen the local church. It is our aim to walk alongside our member churches and assist them/resource them/equip them through training and modeling so that the church, the Bride of Christ, will prosper as God directs. If we fail to live by that purpose, we may do a lot of things - even things that are good - but if not in accordance with what God would have us to do, then we will just stumble all over ourselves doing a lot of busy-ness stuff, but we will NOT experience the blessedness of operating in God's Will.
Some of you have heard my story of serving on the Mental Health Board many years ago. I had been appointed to represent the needs of those addicted to drugs and alcohol - a noble cause. I was honored. I set out to do the best job that I could. After a while, they asked me to serve as chair of the board and then politics entered the picture. My life became consumed with meeting after meeting; working lunched with directors and committee chairs from other public service agencies; lobbied state legislators for services to meet the needs of the people I represented and all the others with mental health needs. There were even times the regular meeting went LONG we would go into what the press reported as an "executive session (the press was released and our purpose was SUPPOSED to be dealing with issues of a confidential nature). Reality - the other members of the board ate supper while I rushed out a side door and drove to the church and conducted prayer meeting at the church. I would return and call the press back into the meeting and report, "there is no public action necessary for any items discussed while the board was in executive session.
I became so busy with the work of the board, my life was consumed! When I was not in a meeting, I was meeting with people to prepare for the meeting or talking with a reporter about what was determined at the meeting, etc. etc.
The church I served sent me on a spiritual retreat. There I went to my first session. The leader is well known NOW, but I had never heard of him. His name was Greg Laurie. He made this statement, "This was not what I had planned to say but someone in here needs to hear this; 'Noble causes do not replace God's call for your life.'" I thought - what a great saying and wrote it down.
I went to my second session. I do not remember the name of the individual that was leading the session but he began by saying: "I did not have this in my plans, but someone here needs to hear this statement - noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I quickly looked around the room to see what individual was in my first session and needed to hear this word - which I was beginning to realize was indeed a word from the Lord.
Now it was time for my third session. I know the presenter was a member of Billy Graham's family, but I can not recall the name. You guessed it - again I heard the words - "noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I fully realized, that word was for me and as the presenter continued to present, I wrote out my letter of resignation as Chairman of the Mental Health Board and a letter to the County Commissioners stating that I would not accept reappointment to the board. I realized I had allowed a noble cause to replace God's call on my life at that time. He had called me as pastor of Massey Hill Baptist Church, not Chairman of the Board."
Today I strive to be where God wants me to be and not allow noble causes to crowd Him out. Problem is, I still get distracted. That's why I believe we need to continually review our purpose for the cause of Christ and attempt to live in obedience to His call. If we are not careful we get super-busy with lots of good stuff - even noble stuff - yet we are operating outside of God's calling upon our lives. We need to HEAR God - that's why we really need to be in His Word. Again, I challenge you to pray and asking God to reveal a scripture to help you throughout 2011.
We will look at this more throughout our days of prayer as member churches. Until then, pray that all of us will really HEAR God and do those things that He is calling us to do as His disciples.
Reality # 1: Without Spiritual vision for your life, you will run wild. That's a reality. That's what the Bible tells us. Without a spiritual vision for your life, you're going to run wild. I'm telling you we've got a lot of wild-eyed Christians right now. You will run on your own. You'll run loosely, you will run freely, you will run unrestrained. You will run shamelessly. You will run naked (Young's Literal Translation puts it), and you know one of the real tragedies of running naked? Is you don't even know you're naked. That's what John wrote about in Revelation 3, of the lukewarm church, you don't even know your own condition, that you're blind, and naked, and weak, and in need because you don't have the Word of God pouring into you.
In the Message, Proverbs 29: 18 reads, "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." In this case, I think we can learn from this translation as well! There seems to be a LOT of times that we are stumbling all over ourselves and accomplishing nothing for the Kingdom. Conversely, when we attend to that which God reveals to us/calls us to do in His Word, we are indeed blessed!
With a spiritual vision for your life, you will discover the good life God intends for you. I believe Jesus stated He came to give us "life more abundantly (John 10: 10)." That's a pretty exciting statement. If I can develop a spiritual vision for my life, I can begin to live and discover the good life that God intends for me. And that is true for all! Don't you want the good life God intends for you in your life? Then follow the counsel of God's Word and discover life to the fullest.
Many churches today (and we as an association) have established vision statements or purpose statements. If they set out to achieve their purpose as a church, then they are likely to achieve their goals. If they wander aimlessly - doing a little of this and a little of that - doing what "feels good for the moment" or just that which is popular to the masses - then they may last for a season but they will not achieve the life more abundantly that God has in store for those that devote themselves to following the precepts of God's Word.
As an association, Tar River has established it's primary purpose many years ago. It's purpose is to strengthen the local church. It is our aim to walk alongside our member churches and assist them/resource them/equip them through training and modeling so that the church, the Bride of Christ, will prosper as God directs. If we fail to live by that purpose, we may do a lot of things - even things that are good - but if not in accordance with what God would have us to do, then we will just stumble all over ourselves doing a lot of busy-ness stuff, but we will NOT experience the blessedness of operating in God's Will.
Some of you have heard my story of serving on the Mental Health Board many years ago. I had been appointed to represent the needs of those addicted to drugs and alcohol - a noble cause. I was honored. I set out to do the best job that I could. After a while, they asked me to serve as chair of the board and then politics entered the picture. My life became consumed with meeting after meeting; working lunched with directors and committee chairs from other public service agencies; lobbied state legislators for services to meet the needs of the people I represented and all the others with mental health needs. There were even times the regular meeting went LONG we would go into what the press reported as an "executive session (the press was released and our purpose was SUPPOSED to be dealing with issues of a confidential nature). Reality - the other members of the board ate supper while I rushed out a side door and drove to the church and conducted prayer meeting at the church. I would return and call the press back into the meeting and report, "there is no public action necessary for any items discussed while the board was in executive session.
I became so busy with the work of the board, my life was consumed! When I was not in a meeting, I was meeting with people to prepare for the meeting or talking with a reporter about what was determined at the meeting, etc. etc.
The church I served sent me on a spiritual retreat. There I went to my first session. The leader is well known NOW, but I had never heard of him. His name was Greg Laurie. He made this statement, "This was not what I had planned to say but someone in here needs to hear this; 'Noble causes do not replace God's call for your life.'" I thought - what a great saying and wrote it down.
I went to my second session. I do not remember the name of the individual that was leading the session but he began by saying: "I did not have this in my plans, but someone here needs to hear this statement - noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I quickly looked around the room to see what individual was in my first session and needed to hear this word - which I was beginning to realize was indeed a word from the Lord.
Now it was time for my third session. I know the presenter was a member of Billy Graham's family, but I can not recall the name. You guessed it - again I heard the words - "noble causes do not replace God's call for your life." I fully realized, that word was for me and as the presenter continued to present, I wrote out my letter of resignation as Chairman of the Mental Health Board and a letter to the County Commissioners stating that I would not accept reappointment to the board. I realized I had allowed a noble cause to replace God's call on my life at that time. He had called me as pastor of Massey Hill Baptist Church, not Chairman of the Board."
Today I strive to be where God wants me to be and not allow noble causes to crowd Him out. Problem is, I still get distracted. That's why I believe we need to continually review our purpose for the cause of Christ and attempt to live in obedience to His call. If we are not careful we get super-busy with lots of good stuff - even noble stuff - yet we are operating outside of God's calling upon our lives. We need to HEAR God - that's why we really need to be in His Word. Again, I challenge you to pray and asking God to reveal a scripture to help you throughout 2011.
We will look at this more throughout our days of prayer as member churches. Until then, pray that all of us will really HEAR God and do those things that He is calling us to do as His disciples.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Getting READY for the New Year
(Special thanks to Neal Eller of BSCNC for connecting me with Don Whitney's post which is the basis for this post)
As an association we are entering 2011 with a corporate call for fasting and prayer. We are asking our member churches to commit to praying with the TRBA staff over the first 21 days of 2011. If you have questions concerning this and are not getting our regular updates regarding that, contact me at dougald@tarriverbaptist.com and I will try to make sure you get the updates.
On Monday night, January 24th we will have a time of corporate prayer at Rock Spring Baptist Church at 7 PM. This will be the emphasis of quarterly executive board meeting and we have moved to the church to allow for larger numbers to be in attendance. Please get the information out to your church family and encourage all - messengers and general members, to be in attendance.
To prepare for this time of sacrificial prayer, we have been encouraging members to be preparing themselves spiritually to participate in this season of prayer. Neal Eller shared questions from Don Whitney's post that I thought might be of help to us. To that end, I am sharing those questions with readers of this blog to use as we enter into the New Year.
"Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It's so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we're going and where we should be going. The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up and get our bearings. For starters, here are 10 questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God:
1.What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2.What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4.In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5.What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6.What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7.For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8.What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9.What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10.What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity?
In addition to these questions, here are 21 more to help you "Consider your ways." Think on the entire list at one sitting, or answer one question each day for a month.
11.What's the most important decision you need to make this year?
12.What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area?
13.What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?
14.What habit would you most like to establish this year?
15.Who do you most want to encourage this year?
16.What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?
17.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?
18.What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?
19.What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?
20.What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?
21.What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?
22.What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?
23.In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?
24.What's the most important trip you want to take this year?
25.What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?
26.To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?
27.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your commute this year?
28.What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?
29.If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?
30.What's the most important new item you want to buy this year?
31.In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year?"
These are great questions to ponder as we begin the New Year - as well as OFTEN throughout the year.
As we begin our season of prayer, perhaps you want to share these questions with the membership of your church family. I plan to share more of these thoughts as we pray together this coming January.
As an association we are entering 2011 with a corporate call for fasting and prayer. We are asking our member churches to commit to praying with the TRBA staff over the first 21 days of 2011. If you have questions concerning this and are not getting our regular updates regarding that, contact me at dougald@tarriverbaptist.com and I will try to make sure you get the updates.
On Monday night, January 24th we will have a time of corporate prayer at Rock Spring Baptist Church at 7 PM. This will be the emphasis of quarterly executive board meeting and we have moved to the church to allow for larger numbers to be in attendance. Please get the information out to your church family and encourage all - messengers and general members, to be in attendance.
To prepare for this time of sacrificial prayer, we have been encouraging members to be preparing themselves spiritually to participate in this season of prayer. Neal Eller shared questions from Don Whitney's post that I thought might be of help to us. To that end, I am sharing those questions with readers of this blog to use as we enter into the New Year.
"Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It's so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we're going and where we should be going. The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up and get our bearings. For starters, here are 10 questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God:
1.What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2.What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
3.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
4.In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
5.What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
6.What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
7.For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
8.What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?
9.What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
10.What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity?
In addition to these questions, here are 21 more to help you "Consider your ways." Think on the entire list at one sitting, or answer one question each day for a month.
11.What's the most important decision you need to make this year?
12.What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area?
13.What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?
14.What habit would you most like to establish this year?
15.Who do you most want to encourage this year?
16.What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?
17.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?
18.What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?
19.What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?
20.What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?
21.What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?
22.What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?
23.In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?
24.What's the most important trip you want to take this year?
25.What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?
26.To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?
27.What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your commute this year?
28.What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?
29.If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?
30.What's the most important new item you want to buy this year?
31.In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year?"
These are great questions to ponder as we begin the New Year - as well as OFTEN throughout the year.
As we begin our season of prayer, perhaps you want to share these questions with the membership of your church family. I plan to share more of these thoughts as we pray together this coming January.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Great Commission "Surgence"
I remember hearing a pastor say one time--"you can not have revival until you have vive." I know what that means. We sometimes have a series of meetings simply because its in our constituion, but there is no revival because we are dead spiritually and not seeking a movement from God.
As I was reading some things today, I thought about that. The GCRTF (Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is meeting in San Antonio. There has been a lot of TALK by many (all of us). Compared to our discussions ABOUT the Great Commission, how much time are we now spending in obedience to it? Yeah - I am sure there will be a lot of discussion. We will probably have some heated debates about proposals related to it. But will we be obedient to it?
Can there be a resurgence if there has not yet been a "surgence?" There is little evidencce of the stats about the church to render a verdict of "guilty" of obedience to the command of Christ. 94% of we evangelical Baptists never share the Gospel. Much of our "growth" in the local church is merely moving the "sheep" into a new pasture as opposed to birthing new lambs.
I shared with the messengers last night a statement that God keeps convicting me of in recent days. There is NO EXCUSE for a Baptist Church to be in decline UNLESS we want to be in decline. There are so many resources available to us. Most of us have been trained and certified in some plan of action to reach the lost, but we fail to go out and reach the lost. I think Jesus taught that obedience to His Word marks whether or not we love Him/are His followers. He taught that IF we would FOLLOW HIM, then He would make us "fishers of men."
With the stats I am seeing, the truth glares us in the face. Simply put, for the kost part, we are NOT following Jesus no matter what we say.
Please join me in praying for revival in the church and a spiritual awakening in our communities. Pray with me for the Lost of our communities. And commit with me to reach out to the lost and share the Good Nedws of Jesus Christ.
"First Friday Times of Prayer" begins Friday, February 5th at TRBA large conferencce room. Come join me as pastors (and bring your friends) to pray for our communities and out churches.
As I was reading some things today, I thought about that. The GCRTF (Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is meeting in San Antonio. There has been a lot of TALK by many (all of us). Compared to our discussions ABOUT the Great Commission, how much time are we now spending in obedience to it? Yeah - I am sure there will be a lot of discussion. We will probably have some heated debates about proposals related to it. But will we be obedient to it?
Can there be a resurgence if there has not yet been a "surgence?" There is little evidencce of the stats about the church to render a verdict of "guilty" of obedience to the command of Christ. 94% of we evangelical Baptists never share the Gospel. Much of our "growth" in the local church is merely moving the "sheep" into a new pasture as opposed to birthing new lambs.
I shared with the messengers last night a statement that God keeps convicting me of in recent days. There is NO EXCUSE for a Baptist Church to be in decline UNLESS we want to be in decline. There are so many resources available to us. Most of us have been trained and certified in some plan of action to reach the lost, but we fail to go out and reach the lost. I think Jesus taught that obedience to His Word marks whether or not we love Him/are His followers. He taught that IF we would FOLLOW HIM, then He would make us "fishers of men."
With the stats I am seeing, the truth glares us in the face. Simply put, for the kost part, we are NOT following Jesus no matter what we say.
Please join me in praying for revival in the church and a spiritual awakening in our communities. Pray with me for the Lost of our communities. And commit with me to reach out to the lost and share the Good Nedws of Jesus Christ.
"First Friday Times of Prayer" begins Friday, February 5th at TRBA large conferencce room. Come join me as pastors (and bring your friends) to pray for our communities and out churches.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Building Up The Fellowship Among Pastors
By now you have heard my views about the NEED for fellowship among those of us who serve as leaders/pastors/ministers of our member churches. I have encouraged us to fellowship together around the table, over a cup of coffee, as we partake of a meal. I truly believe this is an important part of the strengthening of the local church to become more effective in its ministry to the community. However, there are many who have yet to "fellowship" with the pastors in area chuches.
Like the church grows closer and stronger by not forsaking thee assembly, I believe the fellowship of pastors is a key element that we should not ignore. My pastor keeps addressing our congreation with a piercing question, "who is the 2 AM friend that you can call?" Truth is, we who serve in ministry often receive that call, but have no one to call. I encourage us all to become involved in fellowship with area ministers on a regular basis!
I also believe there is a real need for us to meet regularly to share information and experience training/dialogue together. I guess that would be accomplished at a "Ministers' Conference." They tell me that all throughout Baptist Life those type meetings are poorly attended. I hate that for this generation of pastors! I look back to my early years and I treasure the friendships made and support networks developed as a result of our monthly fellowship meetings and those times around the table. I enjoy the times I go off to pastors conefernces, meetings, etc. but there is a real need for us - as local pastors to build up our fellowship. Point is - we need one another! So - again, I unapologetically encourage us to get together over a cup of coffee or around a fellowship meal. And yes, I encourage us to become involved in regular Pastors/Ministers Fellowship meetings.
I hope you go ahead and place the dates on your calendar and strive to be in attendance. I honeslty believe your (and my) involvement will strengthen the churches of the Tar River Baptist Association. Please pray with me in this important matter.
In 2010 TRBA has scheduled the THIRD Tuesday of each month as our Ministers' Monthly Fellowship Meetings. We will be meeting at TRBA Center at 10 AM and conclude by 11:30 AM. We encourage you to continue fellowship after the meeting over a meal - at leasty occassionally.
It is our prayer to have meetings that share relevant information helpful to you in ministry. If you have ideas, please share with me at domtarriver@hotmail.com. Right now, we have several things planned:
Saturday, January 23rd at 9 AM - Pastors and Families Fellowship Breakfast at Ephesus. This is a different time than normal, come and join us. There is no cost, but we do ask that you register with us so we know how much to prepare. I will get more info out later, but PLEASE place this on your calendar and join us if at all possible.
Monthly Ministers' Fellowship Meetings: Beginning Tuesday, February 16th at 10 AM and continuing each THIRD Tuesday of the month. All meetings will be at TRBA Center unless otherwise noted. In the February Meeting we will share detailed information about how TRBA will be involved in "Find it Here" for the next year. Please understand, "Find it Here" is not JUST an effort to get people to church on Easter Sunday 2010, it is an intensive effort to get ALL believers sharing the Gospel and EVERY lost person in North America hearing and having an opportunity to receive that message.
Programs after February are:
March: Learning How To Lead People In A Non-Committed Culture
April: How To Become A Spiritually Healthy, Reproducing Church
May: Associational Missions Emphasis
I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings and encourage you to share ideas so that we can develop programs of interest/help to you.
God Bless!
Like the church grows closer and stronger by not forsaking thee assembly, I believe the fellowship of pastors is a key element that we should not ignore. My pastor keeps addressing our congreation with a piercing question, "who is the 2 AM friend that you can call?" Truth is, we who serve in ministry often receive that call, but have no one to call. I encourage us all to become involved in fellowship with area ministers on a regular basis!
I also believe there is a real need for us to meet regularly to share information and experience training/dialogue together. I guess that would be accomplished at a "Ministers' Conference." They tell me that all throughout Baptist Life those type meetings are poorly attended. I hate that for this generation of pastors! I look back to my early years and I treasure the friendships made and support networks developed as a result of our monthly fellowship meetings and those times around the table. I enjoy the times I go off to pastors conefernces, meetings, etc. but there is a real need for us - as local pastors to build up our fellowship. Point is - we need one another! So - again, I unapologetically encourage us to get together over a cup of coffee or around a fellowship meal. And yes, I encourage us to become involved in regular Pastors/Ministers Fellowship meetings.
I hope you go ahead and place the dates on your calendar and strive to be in attendance. I honeslty believe your (and my) involvement will strengthen the churches of the Tar River Baptist Association. Please pray with me in this important matter.
In 2010 TRBA has scheduled the THIRD Tuesday of each month as our Ministers' Monthly Fellowship Meetings. We will be meeting at TRBA Center at 10 AM and conclude by 11:30 AM. We encourage you to continue fellowship after the meeting over a meal - at leasty occassionally.
It is our prayer to have meetings that share relevant information helpful to you in ministry. If you have ideas, please share with me at domtarriver@hotmail.com. Right now, we have several things planned:
Saturday, January 23rd at 9 AM - Pastors and Families Fellowship Breakfast at Ephesus. This is a different time than normal, come and join us. There is no cost, but we do ask that you register with us so we know how much to prepare. I will get more info out later, but PLEASE place this on your calendar and join us if at all possible.
Monthly Ministers' Fellowship Meetings: Beginning Tuesday, February 16th at 10 AM and continuing each THIRD Tuesday of the month. All meetings will be at TRBA Center unless otherwise noted. In the February Meeting we will share detailed information about how TRBA will be involved in "Find it Here" for the next year. Please understand, "Find it Here" is not JUST an effort to get people to church on Easter Sunday 2010, it is an intensive effort to get ALL believers sharing the Gospel and EVERY lost person in North America hearing and having an opportunity to receive that message.
Programs after February are:
March: Learning How To Lead People In A Non-Committed Culture
April: How To Become A Spiritually Healthy, Reproducing Church
May: Associational Missions Emphasis
I look forward to seeing you at these gatherings and encourage you to share ideas so that we can develop programs of interest/help to you.
God Bless!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
CALL FOR REVIVAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
Over the past several months my heart has been burdened about the LOSTNESS of our communities and the need for revival in the church of North America - the church of TRBA. The theme for the Annie Armstrong Emphasis dealt with the URGENCY that is before us, but I wonder - how urgent is it TO US?
Over the past couple of years my life seems to be overshadowed with meeting after meeting. Few of them relate to the URGENCY before our church as much as they relate to the busy-ness of the church. Unfortunately, much time and energy is spent preserving the status guo and little time and energy is spent in actual ministry to those around us in need; in sharing His message of hope, help, and deliverance to the Lost around us; or in equipping our churches to become engaged in the work God has called us to be to our communities and around the world. Sure, I know we can all become defensive about what we are doing, but I think God is calling us to LOOK THROUGH HIS EYES AND UNDER THE LIGHT OF HIS WORD and what we are doing as HIS church.
This summer the Mission Team went to Niger, West Africa. We commented on the lost-ness of the people and expressed our burden for the people - especially the children. We commented that the culture would never be reached unless and until men stepped up to serve as missionaries in that culture. My heart aches for the people of Niger and I pray daily that God will raise up men and women of faith to proclaim His message to the people in that country.
In one of my presentations after that mission trip, I said "men need to step up to the plate there...." and it dawned on me - how different is Niger from America? DESPITE our freedom to worship, and our opportunities to share openly our faith in Christ, we - people who call ourselves Christ-followers, are not being faithful to the task. Reality - if things do not change in North America, just like the little children of West Africa, 94+% of our little ones will grow up without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well.
A couple of weeks back Chris Carroll and I went to New England to set up our missions trip for this summer. I experienced a "spiritual vacuum" among the people.
Last week at our Ministers' Fellowship we discussed the lack of discipleship among those who claim to be Christ-followers. In addition, in last week's e-zine to pastors I sent out a "call to prayer for revival and spiritual awakening," asking our pastors in particular and our churches in general to join me in praying for just that throughout TRBA, our state and nation, and around the world as well. I believe we have a generation to reach and God is holding us accountable.
In four separate conversations LAST week with separate pastors we have discussed that there is a feeling of spiritual oppression in their church fields. We also discussed this a little at the Ministers' Fellowship and stated that we need to recognize that we are in a BATTLE with THE ENEMY. And yes - we emphasized that there is in fact an ENEMY out there and his intent is to destroy our witness and distract us from our work as the Lord's church. Unfortunately, he has been pretty successful in keeping many of us from being engaged in the ministry of His church to a hurting and LOST world.
I could go on and on, but the above statements should be sufficient. There is a NEED before us! There needs to be REVIVAL in the church and a spiritual awakening among the people all around us. And - the revival and renewed commitment to LIVE DAILY for the Living LORD Jesus Christ needs to begin in those of us who have accepted the call to ministry and serve as spiritual leaders in our churches. God has convicted me to do just that.
Check my pastors' blog and/or church member's blog OFTEN for periodic updates. Beginning in April I will be placing information about this call for prayer on the associational website and invite the laity to join us in prayer. It is my hope that you - as pastors and spiritual leaders in your church have already announced this call to our churches and your church is taking steps to be engaged in this effort.
I will also be placing items on the TRBA calendar as I receive responses from you/your church. I haqve been somewhat surprised that I have not received much input from those of us who serve in spiritual leadership positions. I pray that will be changing as I continue to pray about this and lay out plans of action to the member churches and to you as spiritual leaders. To this point, this is the call to prayer:
1. Month of April - pastors, church staffs/leaders, churches cluster for times of prayer - pray for revival in the church. I encourage you to specifically mention this call for prayer from the pulpit and gather your people together to pray for revival in your church and spiritual awakening in your community.
2. April 27th. TRBA Spring Meeting - at the meeting there will be an emphasis on the call for prayer as we gather for a time of worship and celebration in our Spring Meeting. You will be getting additional information in April concerning the meeting. Be MUCH in prayer for Kevin Byers as he prepares to bring the message that God is laying on his heart to deliver to the people that will be in attendance at White Level on April 27th.
3. Thursday, May 7th -- National Day of Prayer Service at TRBA Center (10:00 AM): Again, you will receive more information later about this.
4. Looking for Host Churches/Pastors to host prayer meetings: Actually, I am looking for AT LEAST three(3) churches to host prayer meetings on Thursdays throughout May at 10 AM (or other times as well). There can be several churches hosting times of prayer at the same time. On May 14th I need a Zebulon area church---on May 21st I need a Spring Hope area church. On May 28th I need a Franklinton/Youngsville area church to host (but am praying for numerous places for pastors and laity to gather and pray). In reality, I am hoping that churches will come forward to host times of prayer morning, noon, and night - giving all of our people multiple opportunities to gather in prayer.
After the month of May, I will be inviting you to join me in monthly times of prayer back at the Association. Naturally, I am hoping that other members of your staff and laity from our congregations will also gather for seasns of prayer.
Certainly we can not all be at every place each time, but we can be (and I would add should be) able to host and/or attend several times of prayer for revival in our churches and a spiritual awakening among the people in our area that will allow them to sense the need for a daily walk with the Living Lord.
As Frankie shared in our devotional at the Ministers' Fellowship last week - the word "IF" is used often in God's Word. One place is 2 Chronicles 7: 14 - "If MY People......THEN I will...." We all know the verse. Join me in prayer and EXPECT to experience God as He works in and through His church!!!!!
If you/your church is willing to host a prayer meeting or will establish ongoing times of prayer, please get that information to me ASAP so that I can post it on our website and publicize it. The newsletter and e-zines for to about 1300 people and those 1300 people are in positions to share with others in our churches and in our communities.
Join me in praying for revival in our churches and a spiritual awakening among the people of our communities. Trust God to provide the harvest and expect to experience God in the days ahead.
Over the past couple of years my life seems to be overshadowed with meeting after meeting. Few of them relate to the URGENCY before our church as much as they relate to the busy-ness of the church. Unfortunately, much time and energy is spent preserving the status guo and little time and energy is spent in actual ministry to those around us in need; in sharing His message of hope, help, and deliverance to the Lost around us; or in equipping our churches to become engaged in the work God has called us to be to our communities and around the world. Sure, I know we can all become defensive about what we are doing, but I think God is calling us to LOOK THROUGH HIS EYES AND UNDER THE LIGHT OF HIS WORD and what we are doing as HIS church.
This summer the Mission Team went to Niger, West Africa. We commented on the lost-ness of the people and expressed our burden for the people - especially the children. We commented that the culture would never be reached unless and until men stepped up to serve as missionaries in that culture. My heart aches for the people of Niger and I pray daily that God will raise up men and women of faith to proclaim His message to the people in that country.
In one of my presentations after that mission trip, I said "men need to step up to the plate there...." and it dawned on me - how different is Niger from America? DESPITE our freedom to worship, and our opportunities to share openly our faith in Christ, we - people who call ourselves Christ-followers, are not being faithful to the task. Reality - if things do not change in North America, just like the little children of West Africa, 94+% of our little ones will grow up without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well.
A couple of weeks back Chris Carroll and I went to New England to set up our missions trip for this summer. I experienced a "spiritual vacuum" among the people.
Last week at our Ministers' Fellowship we discussed the lack of discipleship among those who claim to be Christ-followers. In addition, in last week's e-zine to pastors I sent out a "call to prayer for revival and spiritual awakening," asking our pastors in particular and our churches in general to join me in praying for just that throughout TRBA, our state and nation, and around the world as well. I believe we have a generation to reach and God is holding us accountable.
In four separate conversations LAST week with separate pastors we have discussed that there is a feeling of spiritual oppression in their church fields. We also discussed this a little at the Ministers' Fellowship and stated that we need to recognize that we are in a BATTLE with THE ENEMY. And yes - we emphasized that there is in fact an ENEMY out there and his intent is to destroy our witness and distract us from our work as the Lord's church. Unfortunately, he has been pretty successful in keeping many of us from being engaged in the ministry of His church to a hurting and LOST world.
I could go on and on, but the above statements should be sufficient. There is a NEED before us! There needs to be REVIVAL in the church and a spiritual awakening among the people all around us. And - the revival and renewed commitment to LIVE DAILY for the Living LORD Jesus Christ needs to begin in those of us who have accepted the call to ministry and serve as spiritual leaders in our churches. God has convicted me to do just that.
Check my pastors' blog and/or church member's blog OFTEN for periodic updates. Beginning in April I will be placing information about this call for prayer on the associational website and invite the laity to join us in prayer. It is my hope that you - as pastors and spiritual leaders in your church have already announced this call to our churches and your church is taking steps to be engaged in this effort.
I will also be placing items on the TRBA calendar as I receive responses from you/your church. I haqve been somewhat surprised that I have not received much input from those of us who serve in spiritual leadership positions. I pray that will be changing as I continue to pray about this and lay out plans of action to the member churches and to you as spiritual leaders. To this point, this is the call to prayer:
1. Month of April - pastors, church staffs/leaders, churches cluster for times of prayer - pray for revival in the church. I encourage you to specifically mention this call for prayer from the pulpit and gather your people together to pray for revival in your church and spiritual awakening in your community.
2. April 27th. TRBA Spring Meeting - at the meeting there will be an emphasis on the call for prayer as we gather for a time of worship and celebration in our Spring Meeting. You will be getting additional information in April concerning the meeting. Be MUCH in prayer for Kevin Byers as he prepares to bring the message that God is laying on his heart to deliver to the people that will be in attendance at White Level on April 27th.
3. Thursday, May 7th -- National Day of Prayer Service at TRBA Center (10:00 AM): Again, you will receive more information later about this.
4. Looking for Host Churches/Pastors to host prayer meetings: Actually, I am looking for AT LEAST three(3) churches to host prayer meetings on Thursdays throughout May at 10 AM (or other times as well). There can be several churches hosting times of prayer at the same time. On May 14th I need a Zebulon area church---on May 21st I need a Spring Hope area church. On May 28th I need a Franklinton/Youngsville area church to host (but am praying for numerous places for pastors and laity to gather and pray). In reality, I am hoping that churches will come forward to host times of prayer morning, noon, and night - giving all of our people multiple opportunities to gather in prayer.
After the month of May, I will be inviting you to join me in monthly times of prayer back at the Association. Naturally, I am hoping that other members of your staff and laity from our congregations will also gather for seasns of prayer.
Certainly we can not all be at every place each time, but we can be (and I would add should be) able to host and/or attend several times of prayer for revival in our churches and a spiritual awakening among the people in our area that will allow them to sense the need for a daily walk with the Living Lord.
As Frankie shared in our devotional at the Ministers' Fellowship last week - the word "IF" is used often in God's Word. One place is 2 Chronicles 7: 14 - "If MY People......THEN I will...." We all know the verse. Join me in prayer and EXPECT to experience God as He works in and through His church!!!!!
If you/your church is willing to host a prayer meeting or will establish ongoing times of prayer, please get that information to me ASAP so that I can post it on our website and publicize it. The newsletter and e-zines for to about 1300 people and those 1300 people are in positions to share with others in our churches and in our communities.
Join me in praying for revival in our churches and a spiritual awakening among the people of our communities. Trust God to provide the harvest and expect to experience God in the days ahead.
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