The Greatness of God

Greetings,

As we are getting ready to leave for the National Fine Arts Festival in Charlotte, NC, I am anticipating the drive through part of the Smokey Mountains.  As a matter of fact, we will be stopping for a couple of days in Gatlinburg, TN, and camping at the foot of a very majestic mountain range. 

All of this brings me to today’s thoughts, the Majesty of our God!  As you read the first portion of the Bible you find the ease with which God created this whole universe.  He sat at the edge of His throne and simply spoke all of this into existence, preparing it all for the hand-made creation which we know as mankind.  Yes, us!  Knowing the first part of the creation account allows us to know a portion of the magnitude of our God and then to think that instead of merely speaking us into existence, God came down from heaven and hand-made us from the dust He spoke into being and then He blessed us by breathing His very life into us.  That inspires awe in my little finite mind! 

I am looking forward to seeing real mountains as opposed to the hills we have here in Arkansas, but I am most looking forward to seeing the work of God and then bask in His presence as  contemplate the “fearfully and wonderfully made” body that He has made for each one of us.

Let me encourage you to spend some extra time this week in meditation – not thinking about what you need God to do for you, but what He has already done in you.  Think about how wonderful and powerful He is.

As my technical ability increases I will try to share some photos of the places we travel – and some of the “God moments” our family has along the way.

BTW – I will be giving you a report on how we are doing raising funds to purchase the “Proclaimer” machines and where they will be taking the Gospel.

Serving Him by Serving You

joe

Independence Day Weekend

Happy Independence Day!

This has been a great last few days – allow me to fill you in on our happenings.

First:

My matchless bride, Tammie, and my two youngest children agreed to go camping over the 4th in Branson, MO.  Despite getting caught in every thunderstorm that moved through the Qzark Mountains we had a wonderful time.  This has absolutely nothing to do with our church family, but thanks to our generous church board for allowing the extra time off to visit and relax.

Second

What a wonderful service we had Sunday morning the 6th!  Although we have “officially” moved from June – The Month of Faith and Miracles to July – The Month of Harvest, we still were able to see several miracles as we prayed for needs around the altars.  One was instantly healed from arthritic pain in their hands!  Other prayers we will see the answers to over time.  God is on the move among us!  I have always said, Find out where God is pouring out His Spirit and get right in the middle of it.”  I look forward to this month to see what God is up to and as we enjoy the pouring out of His Spirit.

Third

Last evening our church family enjoyed our annual, Independence Day picnic in the park.  we met at a local state park for food, fellowship and fun.  Although it was a bit warm (it was suggested that we celebrate our country’s independence in the fall) we still had a great turnout and a great time.  Thanks, Dave M., for hopping in on the grill and helping with the cooking!  Thanks to everyone who brought more food to share than we were able to consume!

I will say that the “old folks” once again have totally odminated the “youth” in our annual volleyball challenge.  The youth managed to squeek out a slim marginal victory in one game, but the rest of the day belonged to the adults.  I have noticed that victory is coming a bit harder these days.  I can’t tell if it is because they are getting better or we are getting older!  One of the darkest moments for me personally came late in the day, just before sunset, as Teresa (last name withheld – you know who you are) after aiming her serves at me personally all day, connected with a well aimed serve right into the small of my back – I still walk with a limp today!!!

Just kidding about all of that – we had a great time of fellowship and look forward to next year (when many of our teens will be gone to college and a new group of young teens join the challenge).

By The Way

If you are looking for a church family to call your own or if you know of someone who is looking for the right church – come and give us a try.  We may not be what you are looking for, but we just might be exactly what you have been wanting in a church family.  We are strive to be a Real Church where Real People can meet the Real God!  If you need a miracle in your life – come and let us pray for you.  Give God a chance to be God for and to you.

I have taken a small break during the wrting of this blog to take care of some personal errands and in the process have discovered that one of my personal prayers for myself has been answered by God.  I HAD a small lump over my left eyebrow which glowed bright white which has been there for about two years.  Tammie and I had just talked about me going to the doctor and dermatologist to have it removed as it bothered me when taking in too much sun.  As I was driving down Chenal Parkway I reached up to wipe the sweat from my brow and discovered that sometime between yesterday’s church picnic and today God has completely removed the growth – as in IT IS GONE!  There is no scar or any sign of where it has been.  I have spent the rest of my morning telling anyone who stands close enough to me all about it.  PRAISE GOD!

If He will answer the quiet prayers of this humble shepherd, what will He do for you as we join together and pray for you?  Come let us see!

Until next time,

Serving Him by Serving You

joe