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sabbatical week 6


It is the beginning of the 6th and final week of my sabbatical.  It has been an incredible time with family as well as soaking up time with God.  The last week I returned from Oklahoma, and Julie and I spent several days with Ruth, her husband Sean and our future grandchild that will be born in November.  We had a great time.  I am so thankful for this opportunity.  


Now we move in to a bit of a different week.  It will end next Sunday with my first sermon back at The Community Fellowship.  It will begin with being part of a mission team that is working with us at our new campus and in the community.  I am a little sad this time is coming to an end, and I am also excited that I get to be part of what God is doing.


Yesterday was the 4th of July where our nation celebrates our independence.  I want to be clear that I believe God is more important than our country.  We must preach the Gospel over all else, yet we cannot take for granted that we live in and are blessed with a great country.  Many have fought for our freedom.  That makes America a great place to live.  It is also a great place to live to honor our great God.


Galatians 5:13  NLT

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.


I continue reading 20/20 Money by Joe Sangl and began a coaching series with Blaine Bartel.  There are a couple more books I will be reading in the coming weeks as well.


The first week day devotion will come to you one week from today, Monday, July 12th.  But as I close out this sabbatical, here are some big thoughts that are rolling through my heart and mind that will be part of what I share with our church in the coming weeks:


Jesus is enough (my brother shared this)


The key word from sin is separation. Not death. Tony Evans


Joy comes with right decisions.


“Don’t settle for a recovery when Jesus is handing out resurrections” - Blaine Bartel


BE Gospel centered 


Marriage takes and is worth effort 


Pursue purpose. Not every day mundane.


If you are having a hard time forgiving someone, you most likely have a hard time accepting forgivingness. 


Success is tied to obedience . 


LES >> live. enjoy. share. (wait for this)


Dream!  Write it down. 


“Don’t quit in the pit.  If you don’t quit, the pit will become your platform. Your lowest moment will be the place of your greatest testimony.” - Michael Todd


“You were born to be an accurate representation of who Jesus is.” - Roy Boyd Jr 


Moments. Take them. Reflecting and getting honest.


When you do things God’s way, it will turn out well. - Shane Wilson


It’s easy to trust God when all is well. Will you trust Him when times are tough?


Dependence on God eradicates pride from our Lives.  Generosity and humility thrive. Fear is eradicated and faith grows in its place. Anger is removed.  Peace grows.  Faith grows through trusting God. 


That is enough for now.  I look forward to sharing much more with you!

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