Life Verse:

"...I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." -- JESUS in John 10:10

Monday, November 22, 2004

Alive at the Touch!

We are not the same people.
We should not be the same people.
If we have met GOD, we cannot be the same people!

There should be a stirring within our spirit. A spark comes to life. Indeed we are feeling alive – real life. This only comes from GOD. We experience joy, and peace, and hope, and beauty as we have never experienced it before. We are being drawn closer to GOD.

GOD heals us. HE heals our relationships. HE heals our church. HE heals our nation. GOD’s touch brings hope, and love, and life.

I hope that you are experiencing the presence of GOD today!


We are embarking on a 40-Day Prayer and Fast for GOD's Church at Crestview. I hope we all get a better vision of GOD through this time. Oh, if we could only see HIM more clearly how everything else would fit into place.

Agape,
Pastor Larry

Friday, November 19, 2004

Thoughts on the Last Few Weeks...

The past couple of weeks has almost been one continuous blur... I hate it when that happens. Time seems to run together... sometimes it is difficult to remember which day it actually is... days become a series of tasks and events that must be accomplished.

And then one is able to stop and reflect and see GOD's hand at work through the whole situation! HE is indeed an awesome GOD. HE has never (and will never) leave me!

Pre-marriage counselling sessions were completed.
Weddings were performed.
Grieving families were comforted.
Funerals were performed.
Diane's surgery went well.

...and during all of this sermons were preached, classes were taught, the Bible was studied, and people were visited!

Thank you FATHER for a faithful few weeks in spite of the storms of life!

I guess my biggest heart concern over the last few weeks (in reality probably longer than that) has been the apathy of so many Christians. Far too many seem concerned only with their own feelings rather than GOD's will. Far too many give up within prayer-shot of GOD's answer. It hurts me greatly to see so many Christians seemingly not care whether they participate in the advancement of GOD's Kingdom or not -- to just give up on GOD.

I believe that I (and we) are in a season of testing right now. We must wait on GOD; seek HIS face and will; and discharge our roles/responsibilities in FAITH! Please pray for me and for us as we do just that! Pray for boldness, courage, faith, strength, and wisdom!!!

Agape.

Monday, November 01, 2004

"YOU're My All In All" ... ?

8Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col. 2:8-10)

"YOU're My All In All" is a great song and a wonderful truth, but I can't help but wonder sometimes if we're living this statement. Sometimes as I look out over the congregation and see a small number of people I wonder where the devotion and dedication has gone. How can we sing songs, read Scripture, and hear preaching/teaching like this and not respond to GOD's tugging? If Sunday after Sunday you see no increase in attendance or degree of service and yet there remains no response to the invitation, what does that say?

LORD, I know that I do not want to just "go through the motions" of being a Christian -- I want to live YOUR ministry!

Agape.