A Day of reading and watching Snow 1\10\2011

When I woke this morning it was a winter wonderland! Really all that can be done on a day like this is sleep and read! Well that is exactly what I did! My mother was scheduled for surgery this morning, but as stated the snow was falling and nothing moves in the South when it snows! So reading and writing was on the docket until the bank was empty and needed some money. Wow what an adventure that was to head out to the bank. I thank the good Lord above for watching out for me on the road. While driving I saw a four car pile up and immediately starting praying for those involved and thanking Jesus I was not involved! The lady at the bank said I was the only brave soul she had seen since the white stuff started falling! At home in the warmth, I started reading Scriptures, news and blogs. This World certainly needs Jesus! I was reminded by Jesus; Matthew 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I must be about doing the my part in fulfilling this Commission. The evening was full of prayer and concern for the morning trip to dialysis. Icy roads are predicted and the Lord will watch over me!

Prayer is that my Trust in the Lord will grow daily and my heart will be soft towards the Lost around me!

Song of the Day;

 

MAN OF GALILEE

by: Juanita Mullins, Johnson County, KY

 

1.In a manger long ago I know it was really so,
A child was born to save us from our sins.
John saw him on the shore, the Lamb forevermore.
It was the Christ, the Man of Galilee.

CHORUS:

Oh, I love that Man of Galilee
Who has done so very much for me.
He forgave me all my sins, put the love of God within.
Oh, I love that Man of Galilee.

2. Nicodemus came by night to learn the way of right.
He asked the Son of God what he must do.
These words were said to him, “Ye must be born again
By the Spirit of the Man of Galilee.”

CHORUS:

3. Like the apostle Paul of old, who liked to lost his soul
Fighting against the people who were right.
Like wise men from above, He heard these words of love,
“I am the Christ, the Man of Galilee.”

Day of worship and prayer 1\9\2011

Sunday morning often brings joy to my heart because I know I will soon be with my brothers and sisters in Christ! Today was no exception. Sermon was pressing on my heart most of night made for Fire in the Word! The Zeal of the Holy Spirit most certainly came as we exalted the Name of Jesus! Always the Spirit of God comes when people sing and cry to the Second Person of the Trinity! Message was from the life of Jesus when He was 12 years of age. Luke 2:46 “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Nap-time was also wonderful today. The evening was a time of pondering what the Lord said today through His Word and some time for family!

Prayer is that I may always find conviction and zeal for the Truth of God!

 

Song within my heart today;

 

What Child is This

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

[CHORUS]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

[CHORUS]

Contrition turns to Joy! 1\8\2011

A day to remember and celebrate the wonderful fellowship I have with fellow preachers. Often speaking and searching God’s Word brings contrition or brokenness. Last night was no different. As the day started my heart-felt very heavy as if my energy was long spent. I often went to God this day for His guidance and Will. My mind kept focusing on this Scripture; Psalm 51:6 “Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Also – Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Surely the Lord did not lie? I felt as though He was far off as I was humbled by the fellowship last night. Well I know that when God seems far off, it is me that moves further away! God did not despise me for soon the Joy returned and my heart was Lifted by the Spirit of God! Preparing for the message for Sunday was easy after the time of contrition passed! The evening was filled with prayer and praise for the Joy of His Salvation!

Prayer was that I would notice how close God wants to be to me and to see clearly why I often step back.

Song of the day;

Open our eyes, Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears, Lord
And help us to listen
Open our eyes, Lord
We want to see Jesus

He paid a debt He did not owe
I owed a debt I could not pay
I needed someone to wash my sins away
And now I sing a brand new song:
“Amazing grace” (amazing grace)
Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay

Open my eyes, Lord
I want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that I love Him
Open my ears, Lord
And help me to listen
Open our eyes, Lord
We want to see Jesus

Hospital and Fellowship 1\7\2011

It seems somewhat powerful to me that a person can be stuck in a hospital room after surgery and still want fellowship with other believers. I had a fast start to the day without even drinking all my coffee and having private devotions with the Lord, the time had come for me to visit parishioner for lunch and then pray with a preacher friend in the hospital. I guess my coffee will just have to wait and the devotions with the Lord were on the table for a few hours. Well once returning to the home, the Lord started speaking to me about complacency and lack of Passion in my life towards Him. John 14:11 “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” I find it easy to give God lip service and my heart be far from Him! I know this is complacency in action in my life and I must crucify ever inkling to give God lip service! My Love for Jesus must grow deeper and deeper. This is why the second half of my day was so important. Going to a friends house for fellowship and sharpening one another in the Faith of Jesus Christ. Three Preachers, two preachers wives, three preachers kids and pizza really knows how to fire a brother up for the Lord! Well almost! I came away from our fellowship happy and joyful to meet with them, but somewhat broken inside. Contrition has set in and God is trying to speak something into my life so I must find go for now!

 

Prayer. Speak to the core of my being Father, that I may hear from you and feed upon your Holiness!

 

Song;

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

Early Morning Prayer\afternoon Praise 1\6\2011

What a day this has been for the Ministry! Started out this morning at the hospital at 5:45am seeking a brother in Christ to pray with before his surgery. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way! His comfort and Peace came upon my brother. The Lord gave me opportunity to not only pray for my friend but to also minister to the family as well! Awesome to see the Lord work! This morning also brought an answer to prayer. I prayed the other night that God may use me to Bless someone else, well that happened! I received an email this afternoon from the family and they stated they we Blessed and felt the Presence of the Lord during that prayer meeting! Thank you Lord for using me for your Great Purpose! Getting ready for dinner was also a blessing knowing that God provides abundantly for me and my parents! Having a hair cut in my home was also a Blessing because a lady from Camden Church did the cutting and we talked much about the Lord Jesus! Bible Study was awesome because Jesus was Magnified! It is so sweet to hear the Holy Spirit speak so plainly. I think this Scripture summed up my day very well; James 5:13 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Prayer today is that I would be so in Love with Jesus that others may see Him and fall in love with Him as well.

Song of the day-all day;

Take me in you Lifeboat

Come brothers, sisters, don’t fall asleep

Pray night and day, or you’ll sink in the deep

Fathers and mothers are crying so loud

Saying, Lord, won’t you take us in your lifeboat

 

Take me in your lifeboat, take me in your lifeboat

It will stand the raging storm

Take me in your lifeboat, take me in your lifeboat

It will bear my spirit home

The clouds are so heavy, the winds are so loud

The thunder is falling, bursting in the clouds

They pray to their shipmates for what they have done

They took the dying sinners in the lifeboat

Breakfast of Joy\afternoon more Joy! 1\5\2011

Awaking this morning singing and praising the Lord for a restful nights sleep, I soon turned my thoughts toward the upcoming breakfast with my brothers in Christ. With the weekly prayer breakfast looming, I prayed the Lord would give me knowledge and wisdom. I wanted to add to our meeting and not just take from it. Divine Healing came to the forefront of our discussion and O want a Joy it was to break out the Word of God. When I left breakfast and drove home I felt as though my heart was filled with Glee! I then thought of this Scripture; Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” After breaking bread with my parents we proceeded to new Bible Study at Camden Church. Studying the Lord’s Supper and other significant doctrines, the group decided to study the Church! It’s Mission, Purpose, Discipline and Founder. What Joy!! Even more Joy filled my heart this evening when 5 more people showed interest in coming! Wow the Lord Jesus is Speaking through His Spirit and through His people, the Church!! I cannot begin to express my hearts welling Joy! Jesus told me; John 7:37 ¶ “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” This evening was also filled with expectation for tomorrow. A Pastor friend has asked that I come and pray with him in the morning before he has surgery! O how I Love the Brethren!

My prayer today and this evening is that the Holy Spirit might use me to bring Blessings to others so the preceding Scripture may come to pass!

Song in m heart tonight;

Amy Grant

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid,
And think I’ve lost my way.
Still, you’re there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.
You’re the light unto my path.

A Day of Grumpiness and light! 1\4\2011

For some strange reason my sleeping pattern was wildly interrupted last night. It may have been the result of staying up til 3:30 am and awaking at 7:30 am. So much to do I felt I needed to get some writing and reading under my belt! So the morning was grouchy and so I drank my coffee and tried to clear my thoughts and have my devotions when the phone rang. My mother needed some restless leg medicine, at this point so did I, so I proceeded to take some to her location. I felt so grumpy I was getting on my own nerves! When I arrived back home and spoke to my sister about the Bible Study starting tomorrow I felt the grumpiness fade away in the light! This passage of Scripture punctured my grumpy heart; John 3:19 “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” Nothing like the Word of Jesus to get me back on track! Glorious nap time came and I was caught up in Heavenly bliss! Til, you guest it, I woke up grumpy and aggravated. I felt like the whole day was grouchy and frustrated! Then I started to realize, “Bible Study is tonight and I need get moving on.” Dinner with parents was great and I thought, “this is very important” and it is! Wow what a beautiful Bible Study tonight as we discussed the Crucifixion of Christ from the Old and New Testaments! I feel so lifted up by Lifting up Christ!

Prayer for tonight is that I may rest good tonight and wake up refreshed to do what the Lord has Called me to do without being grumpy.

Song today;

---

Isaac Watts

As I survey the Wonderful Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

on which the Prince of Glory died;

my richest gain I count but loss,

and pour contempt on all my pride.

 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

save in the death of Christ, my God;

all the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to his blood.

 

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown.

 

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

that were an offering far too small;

love so amazing, so divine,

demands my soul, my life, my all.

A day of mixed emotions! 1\3\2011

What a weird day this was! I was not sure if I was coming or going. I think the morning coffee was not strong enough! By the afternoon things seemed to be looking up, then I got a call. A parishioner needed to talk and was wanting to meet for lunch. So we met and had a good talk and discussion about Church. I guess the mixed emotions came in when he started talking about another couple from Church who seems to have some false teachings. He speaks with them frequently and he was concerned about their understanding about the Lord’s Supper and Apostles Creed. We concluded the new Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons will be very beneficial. Nap time seemed to pass to quickly for some reason. It may be that I was sleep deprived and needed to catch up. Fellowship with my beloved parents was so sweet today. I also found myself frustrated about my Scripture studies for bigpreacher.wordpress.com. I guess I need to read adjust my time. Those negative emotions were washed away with my sister arriving safely in Texas! Thank the Lord!

Prayer for today was for Wisdom and discernment to counsel new couple at Camden Church who were mentioned earlier and the Holy Spirit would give inspiration as we start new Bible Study this week.

Song on my heart today;

Bill Monroe

I found a Hiding Place

High on that lonesome road to heaven’s blessed abode
For many years I was burdened with care
So often lightening flashed and raging billows dashed
My sorrow then was so heavy to bear

But since my Jesus came I praise his holy name
He sheds the light of his wonderful grace
And every night and day to him I steal away
I found a blessed hiding place

I found a hiding place a blessed hiding place
I said a hiding a blessed hiding place
There’s glory in my soul my hallelujah rolls
But since my Jesus came I’m under his control

He keeps me night and day He answers when I pray
And from the raging storm to Him I steal away
I hear those temptors knock I feel no temply shock
Oh in the solid rock I found a hinding place

Just like a wandering Jew that had no place to choose
Each day I had to keep travelin’ on
But now I’ve found the way that leads to endless days
No more in darkness I wander alone
When Satan would alarm I climb in God’s strong arm
And hide away in his loving embrace
For in the solid rock the blessed solid rock
I found a blessed hidin’ place

A day of Worship and reflection! 1\2\2011

As I started out this morning I felt the Spirit of God leading me to bring my people into remembrance of Simeon and Anna in Luke chapter 2:21-38. My thoughts were central on these two characters at the Consecration of Christ by His mother Mary and Earthly father Joseph. This story absolutely inspires my heart and I was glad to be led by the Holy Spirit to preach. As the morning continued to expire and the time for me to leave for Church was drawing near, my thoughts changed. Not from the leading of the Lord but to my departing sister! She was with us for a few days. What a Joyful and restful time I had with her. She and I prayed about her trip back to Texas and a few hugs followed! Then off to Church I went. Both Churches were full of believers wanting to worship and hear the Word Expounded. I rejoice that the Camden Church has requested a Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons! Enon was a little empty without my parents smiling faces, but the service was good and the Spirit of the Lord was working and moving! I was also very tired after the services and took some time to catch some ZZZZ’s. I love Sunday naps! Sunday evening was good with some good fellowship on the phone with my brother in Christ!

Prayer for the day was to seek the Heart of the Almighty and get to the point where my desires are His desires. God being my Helper!

The song that went over and over in my heart was;

MAN OF GALILEE

by: Juanita Mullins, Johnson County, KY

---

1.In a manger long ago I know it was really so,
A child was born to save us from our sins.
John saw him on the shore, the Lamb forevermore.
It was the Christ, the Man of Galilee.

CHORUS:

Oh, I love that Man of Galilee
Who has done so very much for me.
He forgave me all my sins, put the love of God within.
Oh, I love that Man of Galilee.

2. Nicodemus came by night to learn the way of right.
He asked the Son of God what he must do.
These words were said to him, “Ye must be born again
By the Spirit of the Man of Galilee.”

CHORUS:

3. Like the apostle Paul of old, who liked to lost his soul
Fighting against the people who were right.
Like wise men from above, He heard these words of love,
“I am the Christ, the Man of Galilee.”

New Year brings sorrow and Joy! 011\2011

Well Happy New Year! This has been a very slow day which is good considering the departure of my sister. It brought sorrow to my heart knowing she would not be going to Worship service’s in the morning, but joy has replaced sorrow because she love Jesus and me! There is a sweet fellowship between us and today brought out some emotion that caused tears to swell in my eyes! Today also was full of fellowship with the Lord! He is so Good to me and I Praise Him for His Patience and Grace in my life. Looking toward the New Year knowing that God the Father is already there brings Happiness and Hope for a Bright 2011. Mom and dad are doing well today and that was a plus. Kinda sad that mom has to do dialysis in the morning which mean they also will miss Worship services.

Prayer today was to continue to Pursue the Will of God and to know His Direction for the Ministry for which He has Called me!

Song of the day;

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.