The Good Old Days

We have heard with our ears, O God,

our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days,

in the times of old.

Psalm 44:1 

The missions conference has been great so far. It's only Monday night, but God has certainly spoken to my heart already. Dr. Bob Gray has "rung the bell" every time so far.

I am amazed when I listen to men of his caliber: men that have been in the ministry for more than forty or fifty years. Their power and ability is not in their humor. It's not in their forceful speaking. Somewhere along the line, they picked up the power of God. It is so evident in their preaching. I am not one to be swayed simply by someone's ability as an orator. In my day I have heard one too many men hold a crowd in the palm of their hand while simultaneously hiding some deep sin in their lives that eventually disqualified them from the ministry.

However, one cannot deny that the true servants of God have something that the average Christian does not have: the evident presence of the Holy Spirit of God. My heart's desire and prayer to God is that I might someday be used as an instrument of the Blessed Holy Spirit, so that I might be able to encourage someone else as they have encouraged me.

When I hear the amazing accounts of the things that God did in their ministries, it makes me want to see God do the same in my life. Surely, the power of God is not limited by human strength. And if it is not, then couldn't I see Almighty God do powerful things in my life? Why do all the stories that I tell have to be about what the Lord did in another preacher's life?

Daniel 11:32b "...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."

My desire for Single Focus is that we would see some exploits done by the members of our group.

God is able. Are we willing? 

The Joys of Soup

I want to take a moment and extol the virtues of soup. I am not a "favorites" kind of guy. Many have been my disappointments when it comes to having a "favorite" kind of food. As soon as I would say something was my favorite, someone would serve the dish in a way that destroy any desire that I had for it.

However, there is one area of dining that has remained hitherto unblemished - the department of soup. I so enjoy a steaming cup of Clam Chowder. Chili has its own special place in my heart. Potato soup is manna from on high. Minestrone is delectable. I love my wife's Tortilla soup.

Perhaps with the cold weather approaching, my mind has turned to the great kettle of life. I can't help it, I am hungry now for some. Think I'll go and partake of some Chicken Noodle. 

I Am Wiped Out!

I am simply wiped off of the map. I can't believe I actually stayed up all night. But hey! It was worth it, wasn't it? I truly enjoyed myself and I believe everyone else did, too.

The preaching was definitely the highlight of the evening. Lucas, Bill, Brandon, and Scott certainly rang the bell. I don't ever recall hearing the bell ringing at that time of night, but, of course, I am usually not up at that time either.

Emily is without doubt a deviant individual. Her name will be cursed by singles for generations to come as a result of her antics with the cream-filled donuts. Actually, make that "mayonnaise-filled" donuts. Way to go, Hammer. Just kidding, you did a great job!

I'm not exactly ready for the next all-nighter yet, but it was fun while it lasted. Next year's ought to be even better!

Pastor Jon