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Some Personal Words :: Monday E-Devotion

"Oh, what a wonderful God we have!  How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge!  How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods!"   Romans 11:33 (NLT)

In the coming hours and day, we celebrate the Birthday of the nation we are blessed to live in.  I shared with The Orchard family Sunday the truth of our America coming from men and women who believed God would do what He said, that He is worthy of our worship and that He has a desire for people to follow Him.  It is high time that we, the church and all who belong, to share our pride as a nation by bowing to our God in thanks giving, sincere intercession and in simple praise.

No, not everything in America is right, but our God is here as well as willing to touch lives, heal homes and encourage us every second of every day.  We have God to thank for this nation.  We have a responsibility to see that God is part of all we do, in the church and in the state.

May God bless America.  May America bless God.

Yesterday was my 5th anniversary as pastor of The Orchard, Orchard Drive Baptist Church of Bassett, Virginia, and in Orchard family form our folks honored me with a special time last night.  Through tears, laughter, encouragement, food and fun my family and I got to see first hand how blessed we are serve with such special people.  I deserve little, if any, of the comments made last night.

You know that I often quote from Rick Warren, and I pointed these precious people last night to that great statement at the first of "The Purpose Driven Life" as a shouting point for the years of service to come.  He said, "It is not about you."  I am sure you have that by now.

He gives us wisdom: "If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking."   James 1:5 (NLT)

We focus on Him: "Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth."   Colossians 3:2 (NLT)

He set the example: "Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had."   Philippians 2:4-5 (NLT)

We need Him in us and dealing with us:  "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.   Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."   Psalms 139:23-24 (NLT)

So, I point us all in that direction this morning, this week and throughout our time together as servants of our King.  It is not about the preacher.  It is not about the church and its people or its leaders.  It is about the business of our King.  King Jesus set the stage, gave us the Script and has placed within us the opportunity to turn our community upside through living by faith.  Lets so that with gusto!

Thank you, Orchard family, for making this anniversary special for my family and me.  I love each of you dearly.  I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us as a team.

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