Baggage

As we close out 2008 we are starting to gear up for 2009 and what it has in store for us. And if you are like most people you are getting ready to make a New Year's Resolution. But I believe before we can make a resolution for 2009 we need to get rid of some of the baggage we have accumulated over 2008 and the past.
Let me break down the word resolution for you.
Resolution - A thing determined upon; decision as to future action.
Resolute - fixed and firm in purpose; determined
Resolve - to break up into separate parts; analyze to change. to reach a decision, determined to solve ( a problem or situation) Firm determination.
Determined, purpose, take a firm stand, take a decisive step, be firm, iron
When making a resolution we shouldn't make it to say we made one. We should make it, and be determined to see it thru. See God wants to nothing for the best for us, and He wants to see us make decisions in our lives that will benefit us and bring glory to Him. But before we make these new decisions in our lives we need to get rid of the baggage that we have accumulated over the year or years. Some baggage that you may have could be, hate, anger, unforgiveness, worries, your marriage, money, depression, addictions (drugs, alcohol, porn, food), guilt, fears, emotional pain, tired, and bad attitude just to name a few.
You can't move forward until you put the past behind you. Hebrews 12:1 talks about putting aside the weights and sins that ensnare us. Ask for God's help,put the baggage behind you then move forward. See this baggage is just wearing you down, and the further you go without getting rid of it the heavy it is going to get. Matthew 11:28 says come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
If you want to receive the fullness of what God has to offer you for 2009, then give Him your baggage ask Him for help and rest, then move on into 2009 with God leading the way. He wants to do something amazing in your life,and all you have to do is let Him have control.
Philippians 3:13 - Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.
Get rid of your baggage and make a firm determination that is like iron to see your resolution not just through the year, but for your lifetime!!!

I love life stories

Found a great website that gives life stories of people. If you or you know someone seeking God send them here. If your looking for a spectacular website that has all the bells and whistles this one isn't it. It's just people giving their story on video.
The other day I watched as Brian "Head" Welch gave his story. Brian was one of the founders of the heavy rock band Korn. And he talks about the transformation that took place in his life. It was powerful!! So enough said, now go and check it out for yourself at iamsecond.com.

Wow!! I don't know what else to say.

Just read this story and was tremendously moved!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Send me...

Edward Frank Harris Jr was, by most accounts, a "joyful" guy with a "loving spirit" about him.

He served at Pendergrass Baptist Church in Cleveland, Georgia; he was one of those pioneers and laborers euphemistically known as youth pastors. He also served as a chaplain at Compassionate Hospice in Gainesville. His favorite verse was said to be Isaiah 6:8.

This past Sunday, after service, Frank Harris called home. Apparently, he had found two people that needed help and he decided to give them a ride. You see, Frank Harris didn't take his church hat off; he didn't rationalize excuses to drive away. He saw an opportunity to serve, and he took it. It is a little unclear as to whether he knew the couple; it is assumed they were strangers.

Later that day, his lifeless body was found in an empty field, the victim of murder, most likely at the hands of the very people he had helped. He left behind a wife and three kids.

While it is easy to think of the what-ifs, the basic point is that here was a man who never quit serving. He didn't measure his faith by work shifts. He lived it 25/8/366.

Here is proof that you don't have to search too hard for heroes. I never knew Frank Harris personally, and I'll never meet him. I mourn that fact.

In lieu of flowers a college fund for the children will be set up and donations may be sent to Compassionate Hospice 2565 Thompson Bridge Rd, Suite 112, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Online condolences can be made at littledavenport.com

Splitting Wood

Have you ever split wood? I have a few times in my life. We used to live in an old farm house and we would burn wood to heat. I remember when I first started, I was really pumped about splitting wood. You know, how manly it would be to grab the axe and go to town. Well after about two or three times, that was enough for me. I had a friend tell me one time "work smarter not harder". So, that is what I did, I drove down to the rental yard and rented a gas powered log splitter. I can't tell you how that made it so much easier. But after awhile, that also was not much fun. So then I just bought a cord of wood and called it a day.
On Thanksgiving, LifePoint had the opportunity to feed five families. Well, one of those families didn't have a stove to be able to cook the food, so a couple of families volunteered to cook it for them, then bring it over, so they could enjoy. Thanks Kim and Heather you're awesome! While at the home we found out that the family was heating their home with a wood burning stove. The only problem, they had no wood. Not that they didn't prepare, but that they had just moved in and didn't have the resources to get it. So today Nick, Brian, and I went to a friends house (Shawn) and split wood. And Shawn also gave us a truck load to give to the family. Thanks Shawn! After making two full truck load trips to their house, I looked at Brian and said "I could do this all day"!
Isn't it funny that when you do something with the right motive,the right heart, it all of a sudden is more fun to do? When I left their house I was stoked! I was thinking in my head, who else can we serve? Who else can we show the love of Jesus to? I was ready for another round, and it didn't matter to me what it was, they only thing that mattered to me was the people who we would be doing it for. Matthew 20:28 says, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. That is what I want my life to portray, the life of Jesus, a servant!
As I close out this blog the only thing I can see is the smiles that were plastered on the faces of each family member, knowing that tonight, they would have heat! Thank you Jesus for opening our eyes to see the needs of people.

New Series Starting Dec. 7th

We are kicking off a new series at LifePoint this weekend Dec. 7th @ 10:00am. You don't want to miss it! Actually you don't want your family or friends to miss it either. This new series called "It's a Boy", will look at the birth of Jesus in a whole new way. Starting from conception to the birth. So come and join us for a spectacular month.
December 7th - You're Kidding? Right?
December 14th - You're What?
December 21st - So much to do! (will be having a baby shower to help mothers from the Woman's Resource Center)
December 24th - It's a Boy Celebration!!

See ya there:)

I'm a No Lidder :o) Are You?