What's it to you?

I just got back from an evangelism conference in Shreveport, LA. There were several speakers and one afternoon breakout session/s. I thought I had a pretty good bead on things. My thinking has changed a little. I was shown some different perspectives on worship and planning for the service. I did find that I was on the right track, and realized that with a few tweaks and a lot more prayer, what we've been experiencing in worship will only multiply. I envision a mighty move of God every time we meet. So, I prepare with that thought at the heart of it all. I don't believe God just wants us to show up; I believe He wants us to experience Him when we come together. I know that as a staff we are of "one accord" in what we want for our corporate worship. We all need to spend a lot more time praying for the pastor as he prepares the message, the worship team as we prepare to enter into the presence of God and for hearts to be open to the work of the Lord. I am asking that you join with me, pastor Mike and Blaine in prayer for the services we experience here at Bethel.

May God bless you on your Journey!

Not Just Savior, He is Sovereign

When you talk about the sovereignty of God there so much more there than we really care to know most of the time. We do realize what it all means, but just don't want to act on it. The word Sovereign means "supreme authority". That means it begins and ends with God. What he says goes, what he commands is to be followed. That may sound a little scary to some, but to me it means I am off the hook. When life comes at me 100 mph, if God is my sovereign, will be hadled by Adonai. Sometimes he may choose to use me and sometimes he may use someone else. Either God has all control or none at all. This week reflect on how much control you allow God to have, and determine to give him everything!

Any Other Name

We are doing this new study at church on the names of God. In that, we find there are many different names for God and each one has a different meaning. Elohim means "God", Adonia means "Lord", El-Elyon means "Most High God", the one thing you will come to find is that in each of these names it's still God. Each name is given in accordance with a prescribed characteristic of God. Many different characteristics, but only one God. The amazing thing is that all those characteristics describe the God we serve; he is our peace, our provider, our banner, our salvation, our Father, etc.

God is exactly what we need exactly when we need it. All we have to do is rely on him in every area of our life. The one name that I believe is all inclusive is "I AM". That is awesome that name tells all, He is Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent. There is not a need that you have that he can't fill, and if he doesn't, he knows it's not what you need or not the right time. That is all I need.

New Year, New Outlook

Dealing with my dad and his liver cancer, has helped me in my outlook on life. I have always believed that "life is fragile", but really never considered the validity of that statement. Although I have experienced death through one of my grandmothers and one of my grandfathers, as well as, one of my uncles, it has never been as close as a parent. I can say without regret that my relationship with my dad has never been what I would have wanted it to be, but I now realized it worked out for my good. I believe all things will work together for good, because God has called me into his family. So, no matter what happens in my life God will use it for his Glory and my good if I allow it. So that is what I intend to do.

I am sad at the thought of losing a parent to death. I am unsure of how my children will handle it, but I am sure of the peace that God will provide when death does come. Let me remind you that the Bible says that "it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the Judgement". It reminds me of the fact that we will have to face God one day, and probably sooner than we think. Everyday should be lived as if it were our last. If we live as if we were going to be standing in front of God tomorrow, how different would your day look?

Have great Journey