My initial intention in writing this was to ask you to pray God would encourage His church. But then I realized many of you are the ones that need the encouragement. You (or at least someone you know) has experienced job loss or salary cuts. Many of you are now dealing with illnesses and relational strains and the stress of life. Many of you are dealing with uncertainty and fear.

God is very clear on what we should do when we are facing troubles.

    Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.

James 5:13

Why pray?

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philip. 4:6-7

What we all need is the peace of God. Pray…let God know every fear, every frustration, every concern, every bill and then invite His Holy Spirit to minister to you. His name is Counselor and Comforter. Ask Him to give you the counsel you need in the decisions you need to make. Ask him to give you His peace that passes all understanding. Ask Him to comfort you…and then just be still and quiet before the Lord. Focus on who He is.

Also in tough times I find I need more scripture than just a few minutes in the morning. The harder the times the more interaction I need with God in the Word of God.

A section I often find myself in is the book of Joshua, especially the first few chapters when he dealing with so much anxiety and fear.

I also like the book of Esther and how you see God deliver the entire Jewish people through the faith of one young lady.

Church, I believe in journaling. Last night I completed my most recent journal and I picked one up that began in March of last year. If you don’t know this yet, 2008 was the hardest year of my life. Last night I was able to look back at different verses that ministered to me and different prayers that were answered. One observation I had was how my prayers changed over 2008. Journaling allows you time to slow down and process life and see how the Lord is speaking to you. I HIGHLY encourage you to journal.

What does t look like? For me I always begin with my daily reading of scripture. I ask the Lord to speak to me through the scriptures. As I read, I write down a verse or different verses that stand out to me. I then write underneath them why they stood out or why I feel they spoke to me. If I am reading a book on Christian growth I may write down quotes or different thoughts I may have based on the reading. I always end with some written prayer based on the morning’s reading and what is heavy on my heart. It is not the only praying I do, but it is usually specific to what I read that morning. You can do it however you need to. Don’t concern yourself with trying to fill up a page or write something brilliant. Just let it be a reflection of your time with your Lord and what is on your heart.

I love you. But I am just a man. God loves you and He is Supreme. He can be trusted in the darkest of times. He is Sovereign and He is not worried.

Finally, pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember the needs of others. For those of you who have abundance, you have a responsibility to help those in need. I encourage you as Paul told Timothy “to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Tim. 6:19

Church I love you deeply. I pray for you often. Pray for yourselves and each other and I promise you…God is faithful. You may be tempted to give up…but “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”1 Cor. 10:13

Remember there is strength in numbers. Meet with your small group, contact your accountability partner when you need someone to pray for you, and be determined to be here on Sundays and worship and seek the Lord together. It is always so good to be together…I love it!

You are a blessing to me!

I believe in reading. I am not sure where I picked up the love of reading but I am glad I did. It may stem from growing up across the street from the Berkley County Library in Mocks Corner, SC. We did not have A/C in our house growing up so I would spend a lot of days in the library keeping cool.

This week I want to share some books I have enjoyed recently and found useful in my walk with Christ.

“Holy Ambition” by Chip Ingram.
“Forgotten God” by Francis Chan
“Downpour” by James MacDonald
“Kingdom Authority” by Adrian Rogers
“Crazy Love” by Francis Chan

It probably goes without saying, but reading from various teachers should never replace our time with the Bible. I always practice reading the Bible first. After my time in with the Bible, I take time for additional reading.

I would love to hear of any books you have found helpful as you follow Jesus.

Just hit the comment button below.

One of the greatest enemies to our freedom and growth in the Lord will be discouragement. Sometimes it seems as soon as we announce our plans to grow past our hurts, habits or hang ups we are met with discouragement. What can we do?

This past month I finished a book by Chip Ingram entitled “Holy Ambition”. The last chapter deals with this topic. The following is adapted from his writings.

When Nehemiah was working on the completion of the walls around Jerusalem, the entire nation was met with discouragement. Read Nehemiah 4:13-20.

He encouraged them to…

BE PROACTIVE. Do something even when you don’t feel like it. Keep at it. If you sense you are starting to slip into discouragement list two things you can do today to keep you on tract with what your goal is and do them. Maybe it is just one thing…do something.

REMEMBER WHO IS ON YOUR TEAM. Remember the Lord is on your side. He is there to empower you when you feel weak. If you are discouraged right now look back at how many times the Lord has answered your prayers in the past.

FIGHT!FIGHT!FIGHT!
When you feel like fighting for victory…fight! When you don’t feel like fighting…fight anyway. There are more people than you counting on you. Your friends, family, neighbors and kids need to see you victorious in the Lord. They need to see the light of Christ in you. Be determined to pass freedom in Christ down to the next generation. Be determined to be an example of victory over sin for your neighbors. Fight for the freedom of others by allowing them to see victory is possible! FIGHT!

NEVER FIGHT ALONE.
Call on others you trust to pray for you, to stand by you and to encourage you. You need others to help you stand when you feel you can no longer stand on your own.

I believe in Jesus who is in you. He is leading you “from victory to victory”. His power, wisdom and presence is in you in the person of the Holy Spirit.And as Francis Chan said so well, “God loves to take people in the worst of situations and transform them by His Spirit”!

I am praying for all of you to know and experience the freedom and joy of Jesus!

Be encouraged!

Good Morning!

This past week I read a devotion which was edited from the writings and sermons of A.W. Tozer. Please take a moment to read. I believe it is of eternal consequence.

Unwilling to Yield

Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead. Romans 6:13

I know there are people who hear me preach regularly who will never consider changing their way of living. They will go “underground” before they will do that!
Our situation is not an isolated case. There are millions of men and women with an understanding of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who are still not willing to receive and commit themselves to Him whom the very angels and stars and rivers receive. They hesitate and they delay because they know God is asking the abdication of their own selfish little kingdom and interests.
This is the tragedy of mankind, my brethren! We have rejected Him from our lives because we must have our own way. But until Jesus Christ is sincerely received, there can be no knowledge of salvation, nor any understanding of the things of God.
The little, selfish, sinful man rejects the Son of God. While he is still enumerating the thing he deserves, the Son of God stands outside.
My brethren, I repeat: This is the great tragedy of mankind!

As we prepare to worship tomorrow spend some time asking yourself this question: Is Jesus just an acknowledgement in my life or is He Sovereign Lord of my life, will and dreams? He can only be one or the other.

It is my prayer you come to know the freedom of letting go of all things to the care and control of Jesus Christ…both Lord and King.

Unbelievable!!!

My personal dream is to be a part of a church where God is invited to move and then allowed to move. I am living that dream.

For six weeks we have been praying for this campaign. Last Saturday people came to the church between the hours of 7pm to 9pm and prayed. This past Sunday 9 people accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Non members signed up to be in small groups. (As I type this I can hear Michelle Mask helping someone start a group over the phone).We are right now guess-timating between 600-700 adults in groups. We will not have a final count until the rosters come in.Many, many people took the first step in finding freedom.

Why did all of this happen? I believe this happened because God’s people prayed.

What do we do now? Continue praying! Continue inviting God to move in His church. The temptation is going to be to coast now that the campaign has begun. RESIST that temptation! Pray harder! Invite more people to hear the message there is HOPE in Jesus Christ.

We are going to continue having the church open for prayer on Saturday nights between 7-8pm. Please come join us. You can stay as little or as long as you like.

Church I am so pleased with the way you have responded by getting in groups and inviting your neighbors and friends to find HOPE in Jesus Christ. I want to encourage you to continue reading through the Proverbs during this campaign. There is no substitute for the Word of God.

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the most destructive sins I have seen in my 20-plus years in ministry is the sin of adultery. I have seen more misery, hatred, sobbing, abandonment issues, cruelty, and the deepest, longest lasting wounds than any other sin.

Sadly, many of you know exactly what I am talking about. You either have been betrayed or you are the betrayer. To those of you who are trying to right your wrong by seeking God’s forgiveness and those of your family and friends…keep going…don’t give up. Keep pursuing Christ’s character and the reconciliation of those offended. To those of you who have been betrayed…your wound is deep and probably still wide open. I am sorry. I hate that for you! (Oh how I HATE it!) Keep seeking the Lord’s healing. Keep forgiving…even if it is 70 times 70. God will bind the brokenhearted!

To all who are married, I want to make a challenge. This week read Proverbs chapters 5, 6 and 7. They correspond with Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Read them slowly and ask the Lord to speak to you.

To those of you are involved in adultery or are contemplating it…stop! You are on the road to destruction and death.

“Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”

Proverbs 5:5 (NIV)

“²¹For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. ²²The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. ²³He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.”

Proverbs 5:21-23 (NIV)

Whatever may be feeding this temptation…a relationship, hobby, TV show, routine…change it. Examine your paths because the Lord all ready is. If you are in danger of this sin…do whatever is necessary to run from it. If you need to talk to someone call the church office and ask to speak to a pastor. I would be proud of anyone who did this!

In times of economic stress, our marriages are most vulnerable. I challenge you to shut the door on adultery. I challenge you if you are married to tell your spouse that you love him/her and you are fighting for your marriage no matter how good it may be. Then fight for it. Be in the Word, be in prayer, and most of all be on guard for your marriage and family.

Be prepared.

I am praying for you!

Scott

Last night at 863, I told the congregation I feel as if I am sitting on a stool in complete amazement at what God is doing in His church. He is redefining what Church can be if we surrender our lives to Him.

 We are just 9 days away from the start of Life’s Healing Choices! What needs to happen right now? PRAYER. We do not want to see a successful campaign. We want to see a movement of God…a revival in the hearts of His children…people finding hope in Jesus Christ…lives surrendering to the Lordship Of Jesus. Let’s pray that God stuns us with His work.

 Speaking of prayer…I would like you to join me on Saturday the 19^th between 7pm and 9pm in our Auditorium to pray over the series and over the auditorium. If you are able to make it, I will have a card with several items to be prayed over. It may take you 10 minutes or an hour…that depends on you.

 Also if you missed my big head on the screen last Sunday, I covered 4 ways for you to be involved in the series.

1. Pray daily.
2. Join a small group.
3. Read the book Life’s Healing Choices by John Baker
4. Invite an un-churched individual or family to join your small group.

 Thank you for the ways in which you have stepped out of your nest. You are setting an example for others to follow.

Over the past few weeks, I keep sensing the same message from the Lord…let me lead you. Let me fill you. Stop your planning, stop your strategizing, and let me lead you. “But what about ____________ (you fill in the blank)?”

 By our very nature we (humans) are fixers and planners…husbands are especially known for this. But how often are we still before the Lord? Too many times the question is “how do I fix it” or “how do I stop it” or “how do I get it,” but very rarely is the question “Holy Spirit what do you want me to do?”

 I believe too many times we ask God the wrong questions. Or even worse we don’t ask Him anything. Instead of being filled with His Spirit where he leads us and guides us, we are filled with ourselves and completely miss Christianity as Jesus intended it. Jesus never intended us to be stronger morally, work harder at being righteous or try to be more religious.

 His words are “follow me”, “Come… learn from me”, and “remain in me”. What do I see here…death to self. Life in Christ. Christ’s life in us. That is Christianity.

 My goal…to be completely filled and surrendered to the Holy Spirit. My prayer for you…to be completely filled and surrendered to the Holy Spirit.

 Wouldn’t you love to end every day knowing you said and did exactly what God wanted and planned? Wouldn’t it be great to end every day knowing God used you some way, somehow for an eternal purpose? YES! It starts with prayer.

 This Sunday we start a new series on prayer called “Prayer”. I know what you are thinking…what a creative title. We are going to learn how to pray from Jesus. Go ahead and be in prayer for this.

 Also pray and ask God what He wants you to do about “Life’s Healing Choices.” Many of you have left the nest and are leading groups. THANK YOU!!! We now have just over 60 groups (almost double what we had). We believe we can get to 90. Ask God to send out workers into the field. Ask God if you are that worker.

 This past Sunday two more adults and three teens came to faith in Christ! Hallelujah! Every week God, Yahweh, The Father, The Lord Almighty, The Righteous One is doing this! This should be normal…if we follow him and are filled daily with His Spirit it will be normal. Please be in prayer for these new believers. Pray for growth and a new group just for them.

 I so love you guys tremendously. I am moved by your faithfulness and your level of surrender to our Lord and Savior. Let’s keep growing in surrender. Pray for a completely surrendered church.

 Scott

I see us standing on the edge of seeing God do something that many of us have never seen Him do in our life time. We have the possibility of seeing hundreds find freedom in Jesus Christ in a very short period of time.

 We have the possibility of seeing hundreds rediscover HOPE in the person of Jesus Christ.

 We have the possibility of seeing hundreds come back to Christ.

 We have the possibility of seeing revival!

 And let me be clear…I want our church to live with such abandon…in such surrender to God and HIS will…devoted to the word and drenched in prayer that we see the Hand of God move in our church and in our Community.

 What needs to happen? PRAYER! Prayer always precedes the work of God. Please pray along with us in with the Life’s Healing Choices Prayer Guide.

 The second thing that needs to happen is stepping out in faith. How?

1)Pass out the invitations that will be provided this Sunday to your neighbors and friends.

2)Place a yard sign in your front yard (they will be provided this Sunday).

3) Step out of your current small group for 8 weeks and host a group.(If you can hit the play button, you can host a group).  As Brad said this past week “This is too important to be territorial.”

 God is moving…Let’s move with Him!

 A.W. Tozer once said “ God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible…” Be that person. Be that man or woman that steps up and steps out in faith. Be found faithful!

 

Expecting Greater Things Than These!

Scott