Blogging hiatus

I have several folks who have wondered about the lack of new content recently. Well, here's how it happens...summer is upon us and the responsibilities for my time lie in various areas, which all trump the time I would normally devote to writing. It will be occasional, at best, for the next month or so. Then, things should return to a somewhat normal schedule. Thanks for your interest and don't hesitate to drop me an email or leave a prayer request...I will continue to monitor the site, though the time to facilitate discussion will be cut back. May you have a blessed day!

Crazy Love study, Chapter 1...

We started our first week doing a small-group study of Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The first chapter is entitled "stop praying"...many people saw warning signs going up when they read that, I know. It's not what you think! It's about not being in a rut...not doing the ususal, ritualistic, same old, same old. We need to be focusing on a more relational conversation, while also focusing on what and who God really is. He's not just a guy we should talk to as an equal, without a reverence and fear.

What I would like to do over the course of this study is open up a forum for you to share each week what the specific chapters meant and how they spoke to your heart personally. I am not being paid by any publishers and only put a link to purchase the book so that interested individuals can become a part of what we are part of studying. Leave your thoughts...

An observation and question...

Last night as we got ready to begin our services, I received a text with some information I would rather not get, especially when preparing to be in front of the church leading music. Immediately the passage found in Philippians 4:6 & 7 came to mind..."Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7)And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

We are told to not get over-excited for anything, but rather hand it over to the Lord to handle. The human, male part of me wanted to stop and try to fix everything. But, just as the verse 7 states, a peace came over as I prayed it into God's hands. When something comes into your life at the "inopportune" moment, what scripture gives you peace? When has Satan attacked you lately? If he hasn't, is there a reason he's leaving you alone? Satan won't hinder someone not about the Father's business, right?

Share a thought or two and let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Be Happy!!!

We've been going over several things dealing with struggles the past week or so and thought I would bring a post with more of something we should be happy with. I've been browsing through some sites of friends the past couple days and found my inspiration at Russ Hutto's site. He has some free wallpaper that hit me. The March free paper was a canvas with Romans 5:8 on it, beautifully done, I might add.

So, today I want to look at Romans 5:8-11..."But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

What hope that brings!!! First off, though we were sinners...can anyone argue that fact for themselves? I think not and would also make sure we realize we are STILL sinners, but sinners saved by grace. Yet Christ died for the whole lot of us, right? Verse 9 continues telling us that through being justified by his blood, we are saved from wrath through him. This isn't saying we are freed from any negative ever occurring in our lives, but rather from an eternal wrath. Continuing on, we are reminded that if we were reconciled while yet enemies, how much more we shall glory in him being atoned by his blood.

I am reminded of the song "Friend of God" in which the lyrics speak so plainly about how amazing it is that God would be mindful of me and is thinking of me, and wants to be my friend. Am I the only one who can't sing that song without a huge smile coming across my face???

For some strange reason, the chorus of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin came to mind when I was reading the passage in Romans. (Yes, I am definitely a child of the 80's) We don't have to live in worry and fear, be happy knowing that we have the Hope that so many are searching for!!!

What verse, passage, or maybe even song do you draw strength from? I'd like to see some of you share a bit of encouragement today!!! Jump into the conversation...

Say a Prayer...

I have spent quite a bit of time in prayer today as I review through the Twitterverse (universe of Twitter, that is). I have been praying for several requests, including a family who lost 4 members of their family this morning locally, the upcoming Compassion Bloggers trip to India, praise and worship services this coming weekend, and the many friends who are learning at Catalyst West Coast.

I am amazed at how folks are willing to share prayer concerns with "complete strangers" through Twitter. I have recently become involved in the @worldprayr group and have been helping in moderation and posting on the home site found here.

We need to be mindful that prayer that moves the heart of God can move the hand of God. I know I have heard Bro. Boyd say that many times, though I can't remember who he references with learning it from. The verse that comes to mind is found in James 5:16..."Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." If we will but take our petitions before the Lord we could see miraculous works done in Jesus' name!!!

Today, I wanted to open the gates for everyone to share a request (public or unspoken) that we could all lift before the Lord on each other's behalf.

I want to lift up a couple of requests myself...first for the Dale Welch family, as Dale's cancer has progressed and he is in his last days with us. May God comfort the family and allow us to open our arms in Christ's love to them. Also, The Howard family, as sister Howard is nearing life's end.

Finally, I would like to lift the Flood family up. The father and 3 children were killd this morning when their vehicle ran a stop sign and were hit by a semi. The mother was airlifted to OKC this morning.

I would ask that you pray for these and pray for me as I pray for you...

Please drop a request and take a moment to word a prayer for those who have posted before you...thanks!!!