Something Wonderful Happened Yesterday

Yesterday was a great day of Sunday School, worship, and fellowship at Neal’s Chapel Church.  Bro. Bobby White, the current pastor, was preaching from the book of Romans in the New Testament about salvation and believing in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  During the actual message, a young girl from the back came up front, and made her way to the altar with her grandparents next to her side.  Ultimately she made the important decision to accept God’s forgiveness, His plan of salvation in her heart and life, and the decision to follow Christ.  Then, the rest of the congregation made their way up front, held hands, and prayed.  A few were crying with tears of joy.  The pastor went on to announce that him and the elders would set a date of baptism.  God worked miraculously in that young child’s life and brought her to the point of salvation.

The salvation of God is available to everyone…no matter how young/old they are, where they live, their quality of education, and what they have done in their life.  All a person must do is what the Apostle Paul wrote, That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10) It is very simple and understandable.  It is the greatest personal decision anyone will ever make in their life.  Yes, something wonderful happened yesterday and I praise God for it.

The New Year

Right now, we are in the final moments and hours of 2010.  At the stroke of midnight, it will end and the new year of 2011 will begin.  So many things have taken place.  What will the new year bring?  None of us knows.  The ultimate truth I know is God is in control no matter what happens and he makes all things new.  He already sent Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, into the world “to seek and to save that which was lost” and redeem mankind from the bondage of sin.  Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, taking all of the sin, judgement, and punishment we originally deserve.  Three days later, in victory, he rose from the dead and later ascended back to God Almighty.  He sits at the right hand side of the Father and offers salvation to those who will accept it.  One day, he will return for those who have trusted in him alone.  God’s love is totally unconditional and his grace is amazing. 

In this coming new year, there are some things I hope to continually do/accomplish in my life.  Some of them are…
**reading the Bible daily (maybe read through a book in the Old and/or New Testament)
**pray every morning or evening
**worship/Sunday School at the local church I am a member of
**work hard
**community involvement 

Also, I am reading the “Confession of Faith” that basically is a guide to everything about the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the main purposes, along with who God is.  Tomorrow morning, I will also begin reading a yearly devotional titled, “Our Daily Bread” and hope to later on read “In Step With God: Understanding His Ways And Plans For Your Life” by Charles Stanley.  I pray that God will move, work, and grow in my heart and life and that I will obey him every step of the way in 2011. 

So I ask…where is your hope found in the new year?  Is it found in things of this world?  Are you making any resolutions or have you made the greatest decision ever…to accept Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Savior–his gift of salvation–and letting him guide and direct you? 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;  the old has gone, the new has come!” 
**2nd Corinthians 5:17  
“The obeject of a New Year is not that we should have a new year.  It is that we should have a new soul.” 
**G.K. Chesterton 

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Christmas…This Time of the Year

We have already entered into the month of December and the upcoming holiday known as Christmas.  The actual day celebrated traditionally is only 22 days away, as of this writing.  People have already started and currently are doing their Christmas shopping, along with hopefully figuring out who to get and what to purchase for that individual.  The local radio stations are playing Christmas music.  Also…the decorations, lights, and tree are up in various homes and businesses.  Not to forget that there are other traditions associated with Christmas, including movies, television programs, food, plays and time spent with the family.  All of these traditions are wonderful, yet beyond it there is something even greater in the real meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is truly about the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is the acknowledgement of what God has done, what He is doing, and what He will do (past, present, and future).  The prophets in the Old Testament foretold the coming of the Messiah into the world and everything He would accomplish.  One of those promises is found in Isiah 9:6-7 where it states “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this”  The Messiah entered the world as that baby.  He was born in a manger in a town known as Bethlehem.  Later on, he would grow up and become an adult, while at the same time he was God in the flesh.  Jesus did the entire work of ministering, healing, comforting, teaching, and everything related to the Kingdom of God.  Yet, he would be arrested and placed on trial…along with facing death on the cross, becoming that ultimate sacrifice, and taking all of the sin and punishment we originally deserve.  It didn’t stop there.  After being placed in a borrowed tomb, Christ victoriously rose again three days later.  Now, he sits at the right hand side of the Father, is in control, and will one day return for all those who have accepted him to be their Lord and Savior.  The Son was born.  He has many titles.  His reign will be everlasting.

How will you celebrate Christmas this year?  What will you do?  Will you make that important decision to receive the promise of salvation or will you reject it?  The promises of Christmas are found in the Bible…the Word of God.  Christmas is and should be the most wonderful time of the year.

“For the spirit of Christmas fulfills the greatest hunger of mankind”  –Loring A. Schuler

Thanksgiving

Psalm 100…“Shout to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness;  come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his;  we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;  give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Tomorrow officially is Thanksgiving Day.  It is a day where most families get together with one another.  They eat a large meal consisting of turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and various deserts (including pumpkin pie), and other types of food.  Then, everyone usually goes into the living room.  Some enjoy watching the annual NFL game on TV.  Other individuals like discussing everything happening in their current life, while even some tell stories about the past.  There might also be some games or entertainment.  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is broadcast on television every year.  After several hours of visiting, some relatives and family members leave to return back to their community.  Many things happen before, during, and after Thanksgiving.  Yet, it is more than just a holiday on the fourth Thursday in November.  Thanksgiving is and should be everyday.  I always strive to come with thankfulness in my heart, knowing that the God of this universe is in control of my life.  His salvation is real, his Holy Spirit leads and guides me, he provides for my needs, and ultimately he has prepared that destination of heaven only for those who believe in him.  I am indeed thankful for several things in my life–my family, the nation of America I live in, my job, the new opportunities, and the God I worship (along with his salvation).  Also, I am thankful for God sending his only begotten Son–Jesus Christ–into the world to become that ultimate sacrifice.  It was through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection that I am set free.

So as I celebrate Thanksgiving Day tomorrow with family and relatives, I will hopefully consider all of the blessings of what the Lord God Almighty has done, is doing, and will do in my life.

As the chorus in the song goes…
“There’s a roof up above me, I’ve a good place to sleep.  There’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet.  You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family.  Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.”

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Nursing Home Singing

One of the ministries of Neal’s Chapel Church is the NHC Singing.  It always takes place on the 3rd Monday of the month, beginning at 6:30 P.M.  It is a time where local people from the congregation reach out to individuals actually living in the nursing home.  Some of them probably cannot go outside the community or anywhere else.  Various songs, including “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Victory In Jesus,” “I’ll Be Satisfied,” and “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus,” are usually sung, with someone leading the actual singing.  There are several represented from the congregation.  Those residents at the health care facility are such a positive inspiration and blessing to us all.  They influence us just as much as we influence them.  Some of them testify about the salvation in their lives and what God has done.  The next singing will take place December 20th.  If you have never gone to the NHC Singing, I would highly encourage you to do so.   

Also…the Thanksgiving Celebration at Neal’s Chapel is this upcoming Friday, beginning at 6 P.M.  There will be a moment and opportunity to where the people from the congregation, those who are visiting, and myself can mention what we are thankful for in this life.  Then, the regular meal will be served.  It will be a great time of fellowship and unity. 

Finally…next Sunday…Bobby White will be preaching and bringing the message of God during the regular worship service.

Next to Final Sunday

Yesterday was the next to final Sunday of pastor Freddie Norris’s tenure at Neal’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Like always, everything in the regular worship–from the chorus of praise to the children’s time to the message–was great.  Freddie has pastored at Neal’s Chapel a long time.  He already made his resignation officially known before the people about three weeks ago.  Sunday November 7th will be his final one in leading the worship and bringing the message from the Word of God.  After that, he will return to the main Cumberland Presbyterian location where most of his family attends.  Also, he has recently felt the calling of God upon his life to work in the missions area more than in the pastoral field.  Not to forget…he also is a city council member, teaches at the Glasgow Christian Academy, and is involved with the ministerial association and the Kiwanis organization.  Freddie has done so much for the community and has remained true in just about every commitment possible.  He will be missed at Neal’s Chapel.  May God continue to richly bless Freddie Norris’s life. 

Right now, I will still be the ministry assistant.  Hopefully, the next pastor will be someone who is dedicated to the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ, like Bro. Freddie.  What is the future direction of Neal’s Chapel?  I do not know.  Yet, I realize that in his timing, God will make the way possible.  He will ultimately provide the best answers. 

“For with God, nothing will be impossible.”  -Luke 1:37  (NKJV)

Gospel of John reading

Recently, I finished reading the entire gospel of John in the New Testament–from the beginning chapter of how the Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh all the way to chapter 21 about Jesus and the miraculous catch, along with the reinstatement of Peter.  In between, many events and things happened that are recorded.  Jesus performed miracles, including healing at the pool, feeding five thousand, walking on water, healing a blind man, and raising Lazarus back to life from the dead.  Also, Christ predicted his own death, washed the disciples feet, and knew when Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed.  Various “I am” statements were made.  Plus, Jesus comforted the disciples and showed them the way to the Father.  He promised the futuristic coming of the Holy Spirit and then prayed for everyone. 

Ultimately, all of this work he did for the Kingdom of God would lead to being arrested, placed on trial, the crucifixion, and death on the cross.  After Jesus was buried, he victoriously resurrected and conquered the powers of death, hell, and the grave.  Not to forget…he appeared to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and several others. 

It took, perhaps, several weeks to read the Gospel of John.  I would read a specific number of verses in that chapter underneath a heading in the New International Version (for example…”Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet is John 13:1-17).  Also, after reading the passage, I would meditate on it for several minutes…as well as read the study note(s) based on what the chapter and verse(s) directly said. 

If you have never read a book from the Old Testament or New Testament, I would highly encourage and recommend you to begin doing so.  Start with a particular book.  Read the first chapter, finish it, and then start on the next one–whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening.  Continue onward until you have totally finished that book.  Most of all, pray that God would lead and guide you in the Bible reading, and that he would reveal new things to you.  I will hopefully read another book from the Word of God in the future.

Revival at Neal’s Chapel

The 2010 revival at Neal’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church began this evening…actually yesterday (as of this writing) and will last until Sunday Morning the 26th of this month.  There will be pastors from various churches bringing the message from the Word of God, along with singers, a quartet, and soloist–not to forget worship.  J.D. Martin from Lick Branch preached yesterday.  The Neal’s Chapel and Lick Branch singers joined together in praises to God.  Tim McGuire from Owensboro C.P. will be preaching on the second night and it will be my turn come Friday evening.  Tim was this years director for the Cumberland Presbyterian Camp.  Saturday night will be Randal Gray from Seven Springs, along with the Liberty District choir.  Rounding it all out Sunday morning is Dennis Harris from the main Cumberland Presbyterian Church inside the city limits.  The Sunday Service will begin at 10:30 A.M. with a pot luck meal following the worship.

I hope and pray for God’s will to be done in the revival this week and his name to be honored.  Ultimately, revival should begin in the hearts and lives of the people and congregation–witnessing to others for Christ, living a positive example, reading the Bible, and prayer.  If we do all of this, great and mighty things will happen.  Lives will be transformed.  Decisions will be made to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  The church will experience growth.  There will be a time of renewal.  I have already enjoyed the first night of it and continually look forward to the entire week.  Hopefully, you are too.

Vacation Bible School

We’ve had an excellent week of Vacation Bible School at Neal’s Chapel.  Several children, along with the adults, have indeed participated.  Instead of having a theme and curriculum to go by, we have studied and looked at various parables of Jesus Christ in the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke—”The Sower and the Seed,” “The Mustard Seed,” “The Good Samaritan,” and “The Prodigal Son.”  Parables are worldly stories that contain heavenly truths about God, his kingdom, his unconditional love toward us, and most important–salvation.  At every opening, a skit has taken place involving two characters named Buster and Ben who act out a situation.  Also, the pastor (dressed in a white scrub outfit) comes out, portraying “the talking Bible.”  He has explained to us the Word of God, that it is over 2,000 years old and the positive impact it has had all over the world in reaching countless numbers of people, in hopes that they will accept Jesus into their hearts and lives as Savior and Lord.  Every night, we’ve had a meal.  Then all of the students have gone to various things, whether it be music, crafts, recreation, or Bible study at that specific time.  Plus, the kids have made tie die t-shirts and have enjoyed cornhole. 

Tonight is the final night of Vacation Bible School.  Instead of a fifth lesson in the classes, there will be a regular type of program upstairs in the main sanctuary–along with food downstairs in the basement.  Then, to wrap it all up, there will be a hayride.  My hope and prayer is that everything has been said and done for Christ and his purpose only.  Also, hopefully someone who does not know Jesus Christ will accept him into their hearts and lives forevermore and other lives will be recommitted.  I am looking forward to this evening.

Cumberland Presbyterian Camp

I must say getting the opportunity to go to the Cumberland Presbyterian Camp held at Lions Camp Crescendo was just excellent.  For one entire week (from Sunday evening until Friday afternoon) I felt the power of the Holy Spirit moving, drawing, and working.  There were all kinds of activities for the children, including recreation and crafts–along with praise/worship, cabin devotionals, and some type of entertaining activity.  I was leading and teaching the Bible study group in the junior camp.  On each day, there were at least two Bible sessions happening (one in the morning and the second one after lunch).  Moments of reflection, praying, and lights out took place.  Also, I enjoyed getting in the pool and doing a little bit of swimming with the children.  It seemed like I was learning more from them.  They were filled with energy and constantly moving around inside the cabin, yet were eager to listen to me speak from the Bible about God’s unconditional love toward everyone, how Jesus Christ died for our sins, and the promise of eternal life. 

During Thursday evening praise and worship, at the end of the message, several young individuals moved up front and made that first-time commitment to accept Jesus Christ in their hearts and lives.  Other lives were rededicated.  Again, the Holy Spirit moved in that camp.  There are pictures I took from the digital camera that show more things, including some of the individuals/staff I met at camp, my Bible studies group, the praise/worship, and the Lions Camp Crescendo facilities.  I am now looking forward to hopefully doing this again next year.