Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hope in a Box


Romans 6:23 (New King James Version) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of the most moving altar calls I have been involved in as a pastor, took place in tonight's service. Our people came forward to pray over each individual Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box that will be sent out this week.

One thing we can know for sure, is that each one has been prayed over. We prayed that God would prepare the hearts of those who receive these boxes, and that they would come to know the Lord Jesus as personal Savior.

What an awesome thing to realize that these boxes will make a way for the gospel of Christ to be presented.

A shoe box is much like a heart. It has to opened in order to be filled. God fills empty things. If the gospel of Christ can be shared through a simple shoe box, surely the gospel of Christ can be the main theme of our Christmas season. The message of Jesus is the gift and the heart's of our loved ones and friends represent the boxes that need to be filled.

Take a minute and pray for Franklin Graham and Samaritan's Purse. What a great ministry to be part of. We will be sending over 150 boxes this week.

We will be sharing, hope in a box.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Fallen Leaves

James 4:14 (The Message)
13-15And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money." You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."


The fall here in Ohio is beautiful, while at the same time, it is the call for some hard work as I try to get a handle on the leaves that are falling. I have approached this task in several different ways, and each year I seem to learn a little more about what to do, and what not to do. There have been years when I have waited till they all fall, (only problem with this method is that they get too deep to even mow over) I have tried to keep up with them as they fall. (Only problem is that you work yourself to death trying to accomplish it) I have also raked and hauled them off. One thing is for certain, they are an issue that you must deal with.

Are you ready for the spiritual application?
Leaves represent a season. We all have seasons in our lives. I am eagerly awaiting the season of hearing a soft little voice say, " I love you Papaw." I can't wait to look into the eyes of a new grand son and pray that God will bless this new life. (I am already doing that, along with many of you) We are heading into a new season. It will be the first time I have ever dated a grandma(Renee). We are looking forward to it.

When you think about the past few weeks, some of our folks had to die in order to live. They had to shed this old tent; or, they had to shed the leaves of their body, in order to step in to eternity with the Lord Jesus.

There is one thing for sure about a tree that loses it's leaves, winter will come, and spring is on it's way.

Tell somebody about Jesus today. God may have them ready to respond to the greatest gift available to man. Jesus.

A Christmas to Remember!

I must say that I am a lousy blogger having not posted since September, but the Christ of Christmas certainly is worthy.  It has been a rema...