Warning – These are random thoughts prone to improper grammar, spelling, etc., but they are straight from the heart……..
This week has already been awesome. God did such a work in my heart last week and allowed me to be set free from the bondage of unforgiveness in a major area of my life. To be able to move past my past and release any and all bitterness from past hurt allowed me to preach on forgiveness with experiential knowledge, not just head knowledge. Just to give you an update, my friend emailed me on Monday and thanked me for forgiving him. Will we automatically begin drinking coffee together and hanging out at each others homes? Probably not in the week or two, but God has begun the healing process and I truly believe He will, over time, “make up to [us] for the years that the locust has eaten.” Joel 2:25
I am praying for wisdom for our Sunday night activities. I would love to get insight from you as to what would best meet the needs of our people and the community. I pray we never do anything simply because we have always done it a certain way. However, I also desire for whatever program/ strategy we choose to be as effective as possible. With that being said, I ask you to pray and offer me any insight you might have concerning this decision. Are Sunday nights more effective with life classes or would they be more effective with a more traditional type service? I hope you will approach this with discernment. It may be easy to say, “if I sit in a service I will not have to do anything to prepare, I do not have to be equipped to participate, I can simply sit and soak”. Nevertheless, at the same time, if a service will be more effective, have the ability to impact a greater number of people, be more unifying, this is may be the direction we need to move. Whatever the Lord leads us to do will be the best plan. Let me know your thoughts and bath them in prayer. I greatly value your insight!
Jesus said, “ask and you will receive.” Last week I asked you to pray and ask the Lord to call someone to the ministry of nursery/ preschool coordinator. God heard your prayers, moved on a heart, and the call was answered. Please pray for Renae Matthews as she begins this incredibly important ministry. Renae said when she heard of the need she immediately felt as if this is where God would have her to be used for His glory. Thank God for obedient servants with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, and Renae, thank God for you and your passion for these children!
Please pray for our services this coming Sunday as we look at our final message “A better way to love” in the Fireproof series. I pray this series has been as much of a blessing to you as it has been to me. Continue to pray that God will do a work in marriages all around our area.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Reflexion
Warning – These are random thoughts prone to improper grammar, spelling, etc., but they are straight from the heart……..
Questions I am asking myself at this point in my journey with Jesus:
1. What difference am I really having on the lives of other people and is this difference toward good and Godliness?
2. What is there in my life that is keeping me from being all God desires me to be – God’s best, nothing more, nothing less?
3. How can I make a greater impact on those who will come after me in both my life and my ministry?
4. Will I trust the vision God has shown me and for our church and do I have the courage to press on with it even in the midst of an economic downturn?
· I am grateful to God for Kevin Bragg and his family. Kevin works in Marietta and has been leading Wednesday night worship at FBC Woodstock for several months now. He and his wife Rita are precious people and I hope our church family will welcome and encourage them as they begin their journey here. God bless you guys!
· God bless you church as you continue to be faithful in giving in these challenging financial times. I know from personal experience that the markets can take a bite out of our retirement, income, etc. and that some people are in dire straights as they job hunt. But, Jesus is still on the throne. God desires to do some great things through our struggles. The question is, will we see the opportunity to grow as a result of the challenges or will we fail the test? Thanks for your continued faithfulness. You are a faithful people!
· I hope everyone is getting their garages, basements, tool sheds, attic’s, etc. cleaned out in preparation for Saturday’s Financial Peace University Yard sale here at the church. Man, this is going to be awesome. Just think…a little bit of heaven…coming to church and having a yard sale both at the same time…Go God!
· Church, I ask you to pray that God burn in the hearts of one or two individuals a desire to head up our preschool/ nursery ministry. This is a ministry and not a baby-sitting service. I am grateful to God that we have so many faithful people who week by week give of their time and energy to serve in the nursery. However, in addition to these workers we need some folk to coordinate, organize, train and equip others to make a difference in this ministry as well. I truly believe we have missed opportunities that somehow just pass us by. Man, let us take advantage of every avenue God gives us to make a difference. Maybe that someone is you “for such a time as this”!!!
· When I was a kid, I always get excited when company came to spend the night. That meant we got to turn on the air conditioner (which was a real treat) and I got to sleep on the floor between the dining room and the breakfast room. Company always got my Mom and Dad’s king-sized bed in the front and Mom and Dad would take mine. I was oh so grateful to give it up because I would feel that cool air all night long. Please Remember, with our parking, every week we need to give up the comfort of a “king-sized parking spot” up close (excluding our seniors, handicapped, etc.) even if it means you have park a little farther away than you would like or have to walk a few extra steps. We want to save the best places for company, and hey, company’s coming…
Questions I am asking myself at this point in my journey with Jesus:
1. What difference am I really having on the lives of other people and is this difference toward good and Godliness?
2. What is there in my life that is keeping me from being all God desires me to be – God’s best, nothing more, nothing less?
3. How can I make a greater impact on those who will come after me in both my life and my ministry?
4. Will I trust the vision God has shown me and for our church and do I have the courage to press on with it even in the midst of an economic downturn?
· I am grateful to God for Kevin Bragg and his family. Kevin works in Marietta and has been leading Wednesday night worship at FBC Woodstock for several months now. He and his wife Rita are precious people and I hope our church family will welcome and encourage them as they begin their journey here. God bless you guys!
· God bless you church as you continue to be faithful in giving in these challenging financial times. I know from personal experience that the markets can take a bite out of our retirement, income, etc. and that some people are in dire straights as they job hunt. But, Jesus is still on the throne. God desires to do some great things through our struggles. The question is, will we see the opportunity to grow as a result of the challenges or will we fail the test? Thanks for your continued faithfulness. You are a faithful people!
· I hope everyone is getting their garages, basements, tool sheds, attic’s, etc. cleaned out in preparation for Saturday’s Financial Peace University Yard sale here at the church. Man, this is going to be awesome. Just think…a little bit of heaven…coming to church and having a yard sale both at the same time…Go God!
· Church, I ask you to pray that God burn in the hearts of one or two individuals a desire to head up our preschool/ nursery ministry. This is a ministry and not a baby-sitting service. I am grateful to God that we have so many faithful people who week by week give of their time and energy to serve in the nursery. However, in addition to these workers we need some folk to coordinate, organize, train and equip others to make a difference in this ministry as well. I truly believe we have missed opportunities that somehow just pass us by. Man, let us take advantage of every avenue God gives us to make a difference. Maybe that someone is you “for such a time as this”!!!
· When I was a kid, I always get excited when company came to spend the night. That meant we got to turn on the air conditioner (which was a real treat) and I got to sleep on the floor between the dining room and the breakfast room. Company always got my Mom and Dad’s king-sized bed in the front and Mom and Dad would take mine. I was oh so grateful to give it up because I would feel that cool air all night long. Please Remember, with our parking, every week we need to give up the comfort of a “king-sized parking spot” up close (excluding our seniors, handicapped, etc.) even if it means you have park a little farther away than you would like or have to walk a few extra steps. We want to save the best places for company, and hey, company’s coming…
Thursday, October 9, 2008
AFA ends boycott: McDonald's agrees to changes
October 9, 2008
Dear Friend,
Great news! Because of AFA supporters like you, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.
In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”
We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.
Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association
Dear Friend,
Great news! Because of AFA supporters like you, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.
In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”
We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.
Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sunday Reflexion
Warning – These are random thoughts prone to improper grammar, spelling, etc., but they are straight from the heart……..
Church you greatly, greatly blessed me and totally surprised me with Pastor Appreciation last Sunday. The food was wonderful, the fellowship was awesome, and the gift was an incredible blessing. I deeply love you and count being your Pastor one of the greatest joys of my life. Last Sunday afternoon I posted on my Facebook that I was blessed to pastor the greatest church in America. I took some ribbing from one of my church start buddies (not to mention any names – Daniel), but I told him that the facts speak for themselves. I want you to know, I stand by those facts. You are the greatest church in America…
Holly Springs Fall Festival – I am so grateful for Bekki Cox, and Kasey Baxter for heading this outreach event up. There were also several volunteers who helped in the booth on Saturday. You guys flat make things happen and touched lives through your willingness to serve. I am grateful to God that the staff does not have to be intricately involved in every ministry of FBCHS, but rather you guys have begun to take ownership of ministry and you are making an impact that otherwise would not be made.
Pancakes at the McCoy’s. After our Life Classes on Sunday night, several of our folks headed over to the McCoy’s (thanks Terry and Sheri), and cooked pancakes, bacon, Jambalaya, (wait – jambalaya and pancakes), hey whatever blows your horn. Great fellowship and hanging out with folks. The Lord even opened the door for us to build some relationships with some unchurched people in our FPU class. I love bridge-building.
This Sunday Kevin Bragg, his wife Rita, and their three boys will be coming to get to know us a little better. Kevin will be our Interim Worship leader for now, but we will see what things God has in store for us as the days go by. Pray for Kevin and his family as they make the transition here. Great days are ahead. I also want to say how absolutely blessed we have been to have Steve Perry filling in during this time. Steve, you have been incredible. God is sovereign and always know what His kids need. God Bless you.
See you Sunday and check out my blog for updates – pastorphilyoung.blogspot.com
Nowhere I’d rather be,
Pastor Phil
Church you greatly, greatly blessed me and totally surprised me with Pastor Appreciation last Sunday. The food was wonderful, the fellowship was awesome, and the gift was an incredible blessing. I deeply love you and count being your Pastor one of the greatest joys of my life. Last Sunday afternoon I posted on my Facebook that I was blessed to pastor the greatest church in America. I took some ribbing from one of my church start buddies (not to mention any names – Daniel), but I told him that the facts speak for themselves. I want you to know, I stand by those facts. You are the greatest church in America…
Holly Springs Fall Festival – I am so grateful for Bekki Cox, and Kasey Baxter for heading this outreach event up. There were also several volunteers who helped in the booth on Saturday. You guys flat make things happen and touched lives through your willingness to serve. I am grateful to God that the staff does not have to be intricately involved in every ministry of FBCHS, but rather you guys have begun to take ownership of ministry and you are making an impact that otherwise would not be made.
Pancakes at the McCoy’s. After our Life Classes on Sunday night, several of our folks headed over to the McCoy’s (thanks Terry and Sheri), and cooked pancakes, bacon, Jambalaya, (wait – jambalaya and pancakes), hey whatever blows your horn. Great fellowship and hanging out with folks. The Lord even opened the door for us to build some relationships with some unchurched people in our FPU class. I love bridge-building.
This Sunday Kevin Bragg, his wife Rita, and their three boys will be coming to get to know us a little better. Kevin will be our Interim Worship leader for now, but we will see what things God has in store for us as the days go by. Pray for Kevin and his family as they make the transition here. Great days are ahead. I also want to say how absolutely blessed we have been to have Steve Perry filling in during this time. Steve, you have been incredible. God is sovereign and always know what His kids need. God Bless you.
See you Sunday and check out my blog for updates – pastorphilyoung.blogspot.com
Nowhere I’d rather be,
Pastor Phil
Dangers of the "Prosperity Gospel"
In this months Time Magazine, David Van Biema wrote an article entitled, "Maybe We Should Blame God for the Subprime Mess". The following is just the first paragraph.
Has the so-called Prosperity gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants — and hence, victims — of the current financial crisis? That's what a scholar of the fast-growing brand of Pentecostal Christianity believes. While researching a book on black televangelism, says Jonathan Walton, a religion professor at the University of California at Riverside, he realized that Prosperity's central promise — that God will "make a way" for poor people to enjoy the better things in life — had developed an additional, dangerous expression during the subprime-lending boom. Walton says that this encouraged congregants who got dicey mortgages to believe "God caused the bank to ignore my credit score and blessed me with my first house." The results, he says, "were disastrous, because they pretty much turned parishioners into prey for greedy brokers."
Although Biema's research primarily began with black televangelists, fleece preachers of all races have played great roles in this theological undercurrent. I believe that unless we find our foundational truth in the Word of God, we will constantly be "blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit."
You can check out the entire article at http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1847053,00.html.
I am grateful to John Lightsey for sharing this article with me...
Has the so-called Prosperity gospel turned its followers into some of the most willing participants — and hence, victims — of the current financial crisis? That's what a scholar of the fast-growing brand of Pentecostal Christianity believes. While researching a book on black televangelism, says Jonathan Walton, a religion professor at the University of California at Riverside, he realized that Prosperity's central promise — that God will "make a way" for poor people to enjoy the better things in life — had developed an additional, dangerous expression during the subprime-lending boom. Walton says that this encouraged congregants who got dicey mortgages to believe "God caused the bank to ignore my credit score and blessed me with my first house." The results, he says, "were disastrous, because they pretty much turned parishioners into prey for greedy brokers."
Although Biema's research primarily began with black televangelists, fleece preachers of all races have played great roles in this theological undercurrent. I believe that unless we find our foundational truth in the Word of God, we will constantly be "blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit."
You can check out the entire article at http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1847053,00.html.
I am grateful to John Lightsey for sharing this article with me...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Awsome Day
Man it was a great day hanging out with God's kids. FBCHS, you flat surprised me with Pastor appreciation. I have never felt so blessed and so loved in my entire life. You are incredible.
Pray for Keith and Rita Bragg and their boys. Looks like God is going to make them part of the fixtures around this place and we are excited. I believe God is getting ready to take us to the next level in our journey with Him...whatever that journey may be. What are you trusting God for in your personal journey? Go God!!!
Pray for Keith and Rita Bragg and their boys. Looks like God is going to make them part of the fixtures around this place and we are excited. I believe God is getting ready to take us to the next level in our journey with Him...whatever that journey may be. What are you trusting God for in your personal journey? Go God!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
