Whew!! Mission Possible 2019 has come and gone and although we are a bit tired, we are celebrating another successful year of serving our God through serving our community. This year we had 15 jobs with many consisting of multiple projects in them. It was a busy year, but one of the best in Mission Possible history in Port Huron. As I sit and think about it, I believe there was a different spiritual awareness and focus among the group this year. The Holy Spirit was obviously at work as all the devos tied into one another in a powerful way. It’s hard to believe in 5 years we have worked on over 70 homes in our community. That’s right, we have interacted with over 70 homeowners and touched them with the light of Jesus. So how do you follow up something like that? You get together in the park and eat pancakes and worship God who makes all things possible. That’s right, a great time of fellowshipping, enjoying pancakes cooked in the open air, followed by worshipping our God through songs of praise, prayer, encouragement and the partaking of the LORDS supper. The weatherman is predicting a beautiful day, as being outdoors serves as a reminder there are many souls to be saved. Thank you, Lord, for giving us this special moment to rest, rejuvenate and to focus on how great is our God!
Blessings. Lamar We had a great time at Mission Possible. I’m tired. The End.
Blessings, Lamar Churches throughout the country are discovering one startling fact - the spiritual landscape has changed. For the first time in the history of the country, no longer are people interested in God. In fact, many question whether God even exists; if there are really places called heaven and hell; and the vast majority have no idea what sin is. This condition creates a major issue for churches, because what once worked for evangelism, now is virtually ineffective. The challenge now becomes a major question. Do we change our approach and become what we must, in order to reach the lost, or do we continue to do business as usual, and let fate takes its ultimate course? For those who plan to sit and attempt to wait out the storm, they may be in for a rude awakening. Unfortunately, many who adopt this course of action, find themselves permanently locking their doors and selling their buildings, all-the-while struggling to accept their reality. However, there is another group who has been nicknamed the “Scrappy Church.” They have been given this name because they refuse to give up, and are committed to struggle, fight to survive, and do whatever is necessary to remain viable and effective in their community. They are scrappy in their attitude. One of the common traits of scrappy churches is they all have a greater sense of purpose and see their work as the work of the Holy Spirit - with them merely as caretakers of their community. They don’t bail out when the tide turns, as they witness more leaving than coming. They remain hopeful and steadfast that another soul could enter the building seeking salvation at any time, so they work, watch, and wait as they seek direction from God. Our plight is not much different than the two aforementioned groups. We have a choice whether we choose to be like the first group who throws in the towel and gives up, or we can choose to be a “Scrappy Church” whose will and desire in serving God has no quit in them. I am convinced we are a “Scrappy” group, and our refusal to give up and “pack it in” will be rewarded by our Lord. There are still many souls to be saved, so let us do all we can, to continue to reach the lost, and be Jesus to those looking for the cross.
Blessings. Lamar It was the night Jesus was arrested. Prior to this moment Jesus told Peter in a personal conversation that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed. As Peter wrestled in anguish as he watched what was taking place with Jesus, he was accused of being “one of them,” which he vehemently denied. Matthew records it in Matthew 26:73-74 that the crowd recognized Peter, because his speech gave him away. It is obvious they were referring to his accent which was noticeably different than those from the area. King James wrote it in a little different way, he said they told Peter that his speech “betrays” him.
Often when I think about the power of words, especially as I attempt to express myself to others, does my speech mark me as one belonging to Jesus, or does it betray me? Recently, I read an interesting statement. I don’t agree with it by any means, and I’m only repeating it here because I believe it truly represents the thinking of those in the world. It said, ”Anything worth saying, is said better with cuss words.” That is the mindset expected of those in darkness, because they are unaware of the words of Jesus in Matthew 12:36-37, when he said “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give an account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Words not only have power, but they also define our hearts. James provides this stinging reminder in James 1:26, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. The reason James said this is found in chapter 3:8-10, “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” Lastly, Proverbs 10:11 reminds us, “the mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. As we enter the homes of our neighbors in a couple of weeks during Mission Possible, let us be mindful of our words, and let them bring life to our homeowners and glorify our heavenly father. Blessings. Lamar |
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