Word of the Week for September 28th

One of the most dreaded times of the year for me is fast approaching. It is budget time for the church. It is a time when all our committees sit down to calculate what financial needs each will have in 2009 for the ministries they are involved with. It can be a stressful time. Not this year however.

I am pleased to let you know we are close to $45,000 in the black for the year so far on our 2008 budget! That is a great praise. Not only has God blessed our church family numerically this year but also financially. Now the challenge lies ahead for us as to how we use the finances we have been blessed with to better minister to those around us in this community.

I ask for you to be praying for our committees as they work on next year’s budget. Specifically, we must genuinely seek God’s direction in ministry! There is also a challenge here for us to continue to be faithful in our giving to the Lord!

I hope you have a great week!

Word of the Week for September 21st

As the week has passed, we continue to hear stories coming from the Gulf Coast and Houston about people not having electricity and water. After making a trip last Monday and Tuesday to the area, I found myself being thankful for the small things in life. When I reached for a light switch, I was glad a light came on. When I was thirsty, I was glad there was a cool bottle of water in the refrigerator. When I needed fuel, I was glad I did not have to wait for hours to fill up. On a daily basis we take the small things for granted.

Then I found myself being thankful for all that God has given me and blessed me with. I began to wonder . . . do I use the resources and gifts He has given me to the maximum potential?

What an interesting week it has been for me, as I found myself with a new appreciation for all I have and a challenge to do more with the many blessings I have received! How about you? When was the last time you stopped and gave thanks for all HE has done for you?

Hope you have a great week.

Word of the Week for September 14th

Over the past several weeks we have been focusing on the call to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. We began by asking what type of branch we are as we plug into the vine of Jesus Christ. Last week we took some time to show the opportunities available for service and ways to become a fruit bearer.

This morning we will be focusing on our own personal lives. The story we have to share and the redemption we have received should be a motivation for us to go forth and be fruit bearers. The prayer of the staff is that today will be a time of motivation for each of us as we are reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for us.

Looking forward to a wonderful time of worship today!

Word of the Week for September 7th

This morning we are focusing on missions as a church family. I believe today will be a blessing for the entire church body as we are challenged to bear fruit for the kingdom of God. You will be exposed to many areas of ministry you may not even realize take place at or through First Baptist. I hope you will listen carefully not only to the people sharing but also to the Holy Spirit in reference to the area of ministry you may be led toward.

The awesome part of today’s service is the result of the ministry in which God has called us. At the beginning of worship we will be baptizing new believers with the prayer God will continue to bless our church with more new believers.

I pray you have a fruitful week!