Lyrics Wednesday

Lyrics

NewSong

CD:Rescue

Before The Day (Track #8)

Last night when I was sleeping
You were watching over me
While I dreamt about tomorrow
You knew my every need

Now another day is waiting
For me to make it through
And there's no way that I could face it without You

Before the day slips away
I want to stop and say
I love You I love You
Before the world rushes in again
I want to stop and say there's none above You
There's none above You
I'll just be still and know You are God
Be still and know You are God

There's something about the morning
The stillness of it all
It calms my heart to hear You
When You gently call

Here I am in Your presence
Where I long to be
Alone with You in the silence
Bring down Your love and Your mercy
Whisper softly to me

The chorus to this song is so powerful and moving. The Psalmist wrote, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 91:1-2NKJV. It is in the “secret place” that we can truly say, “Before the day slips away, I want to stop and say I love You I love You. Before the world rushes in again, I want to stop and say there's none above You. There's none above You. I'll just be still and know You are God. Be still and know You are God.” Is there a quiet place in your day when you step into a place with God to say “I love You”. My this is convicting. Stop right now, if you have not already today, and just say, “God, I love you. There is none above you. I’ll just be still and know you are God.”

Brain on a Chain - Philippians 2:5

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: NIV

Attitude is a brain thing. What did Christ brain chain look like?

Humility – “made himself nothing” (v7)

Servant – “taking the form of a servant” (v7)

Obedient – “obedient to the point of death” (v8)

These are three characteristics that all of us should seek. Oswald Chambers wrote, “If you have only come as far as asking God for things, you have never come to the point of understanding the least bit of what surrender really means.” In surrender we find humility and when we think we have found it we can know that we have lost it. Surrender is the moment-by-moment task of a servant. Today, let God speak to you. He will prompt you to some things, people, and/or opportunities. I pray that each of us will be Obedient In The Moment (OITM). Put your brain on a chain with humility, service and obedience. You can do it.

Missions Story

In the streets mission(Harvest CHurch) Sunday April 25th 2-4pm

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This was posted by a member of the faith family @ Harvest Church

(Used by permission)

Sun at 5:55pmhis was an amazing expeience for my entire family! We had NEVER been invoved in anything like this before! We went not knowing what to expect at all, with lots of mixed emotions! We pulled up and everyone was unloading trucks, trunks of cars etc! They were sitting up tables and spreading out tarps on the ground. Clothes and other items all went to the tarps and were spread out in best of order as possible. Tables were set up and food was being placed on the tables. Hotdogs were being prepared also. Think about if a bunch of strange people pulled up in your neighborhod that noone else knew and had no idea what they were doing there! I would be alittle scared I think. They started coming closer and we greeted them and said we have plenty of food, clothes etc. Grab a bag and take what you need. Its all for you to take! It was amazing the see the faces and the comments... really, are you sure? One guy kept telling me God is gonna bless yall one day, he really is! Kids were being carried around and played with while parents were "Searching" through to find things they could use or need. Children were talking with other children and trying to help them find things also. My youngest Kensley was in awe. She said WOW mom they should do stuff like this in our neighborhood. I just smiled deep inside cause she had no idea really what she was really doing(like I said this was her first time) I gave her some bags and told her to give the people bags so they would not have to carry their stuff. She came back later and said I sold 2 of my bag..lol I said SOLD?? she said I mean gave.... I was like Whewwwwww!(Kids) She later came to me with an old green John deere ball cap and said I found what I want. I said you do not get to keep that. We are hear to give this to people who needs this stuff. She said but I need it. I said you have plenty of hats at home that you never even wear, these little children do not have not even one hat! I told her to go find a little boy that needed it and give it to him. I later saw a small child run through with a bag full of food and some clothes etc... with that old green John deere ball cap on...... He was wearing it with great pride too! lol I just smiled and said now that is just amazing!! If you have never been on one of this mission trips, I know they are really to help others, but they help the ones doing it and giving way more I think. I left there with great pride that God had sent me to anwer prayers in that neighboorhood today!

HClife April 25

I enjoy the time I get to teach in Sunday School. I hope that those in my class enjoy it as much as I do. This is a great time of learning, laughter and loving. Yesterday was real rich in our lesson as I know it was in all of our HC Sunday School Classes. Make sure you are active in this aspect of your HClife.

The HC Praise Team did a great job yesterday. I want to thank Luke for stepping up and doing a great job leading this group of talented people. The song choices were inspirational and tied in great with the message. Thank you Luke and the HC Praise Team. This sermon series has been so refreshing for me. As I study and prepare for these messages God is refreshing me in His BIGNESS. Everyone has need in their life and God is the total fulfillment of that need. Walk in His ways and see what He will and can do. As I wrote in an email this morning, “I pray that I and the faith family of HC will walk in the BIGNESS of God instead of the littleness of our own thinking.”.

Yesterday’s HC In The Streets was one great experience. We had about 50 people from the HC faith family. It was great to see people unloading food, clothes, toys, etc. and excited to give them away. Just a couple of stories so you might get the feel of what we experienced. One boy said, “This is the happiest day of my life.” Another said, “I’m so happy.” Just one great experience for all. We went to give and I think we ended up receiving. I know I was blessed.

The LIFEgroups have been a great success for so many. Last night the group that meets at David and Karen’s had 36 people. I like the way David put it in our conversations this morning. Every week it is like pealing an onion. A different layer comes off every week. People are laughing and crying together. If you are not involved in one, you are missing out. You will never experience what the LIFEgroups give in any other environment.

Yesterday the HClife was off the hook good.

Lyrics - Wash By The Water

Today I am going to begin what I’m going to call “Lyrics Wednesday”. Original huh?

This weeks song is by Needtobreath, Wash by the Water.

Even when the rain falls

Even when the flood starts rising

Even when the storm comes

I am washed by the water

Daddy was a preacher

She was his wife

Just tryin to make the world a little better

You know, shine a light

People started talking

Trying to hear their own voice

Those people tried to accuse my father

Said he made the wrong choice

Though it might be painful

You know that time will always tell

Those people have long since gone

My father never failed

Even if the Earth crumbles under my feet

Even if the ones I love turn around and crucify me

I won’t never ever let you down

I won’t fall

I won’t fall

I won’t fall as long as you’re around me

The Christian life is sometimes difficult. But the main thing is that Christ is all “around me”. Tonight at HC we talked about being “AT ONE” with God. When we are “AT ONE” we can stand. If you have not heard this song, it is worth your time. Click here to check it out.

Brain On A Chain - Free

I am going to make Tuesday’s “Brain on a Chain” day in my blog. We must put our brains on a chain. We can chase some of the most crazy things in our mind. So today, I being this weekly series with a look at “How do we find our yes?” This morning God reinforced a strong passage in my devotion time. I love the devotional My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. Today, the verse that began today’s devotion was, “All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen” (2 Cor 1:20). There are times we will hear someone say, “I just believe” when speaking about something they want or need in their life. Others will say, “I have faith” while others still will stay “Just have faith”. He is what I believe about those statements. What if I say, “I have faith to believe that if I jump off this building I will not get hurt” or “I just believe that God is going to do this for me”. Does that mean they “will not get hurt” or that “God is going to”? I do not believe so. So, were do we find our “yes” as this verse says. Let’s break this verse down:

“For all the

Promises

of God

Find their Yes

In Him”

All : the whole amount, quantity, or extent of.

Promises - a : a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified b : a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act

God: the Greek is theos meaning the only and true God.

Find their yes: their surety is discovered

In Him: the Greek here is autos which is saying “in Myself”.

So, I can without a doubt put my faith, trust and belief in ALL the legally binding declarations that the only true God has given me. They will all be “Yes”.

Here is an example:

We have all said, heard and sang the line “the truth will set you free”. So, I can say that I have faith that the truth will set me free based on that statement alone. Well, I got good news for you that is not true. Let us read this in its context and see what the real promise of God is and where it finds its yes.

1 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The chain here is God’s Word. So, don’t let your brain go where the Word does not take it. The truth of this passage is:

“If you abide in my Word, you are truly my disciples” that is an action on our part to know and live the Word thus demonstrating that we are His disciples. When that happens “you will know the truth”. Consequently, your behavior changes because you abide in the Word and the truth is evident. It is then, and only then, that the truth will set you free. So the key is “ABIDING”. Today, keep your brain on a chain.

Takeaways from Sunday

Chris Kelley

I know that everyone was shocked to learn of Chris’ resignation. Chris did us an excellent job for the 18 months he was with us. He did a great job getting our Educational Ministry headed in the right direction and did much of the work planning our LIFEgroups. He led our Worship Arts Ministry with excellence and did a great job incorporating skits, drama, video and music. His willingness and vision to take the Vertical High School youth to another level was refreshing. I pray that in this new phase of Chris and Erin’s life that God richly blesses and uses them as I know He will. Erin did a great job working with Stacy in the GLOWORM ministry to our 3-5 year olds. The girls brought so much joy with their laughter and smile and I know those who taught them every week will greatly miss them.

Sunday School

This is such an important time each week in the life of a believer. I know that the teachers are working hard to prepare lessons each week. I love what one of our members said to me yesterday, “The study we are doing is just beating me up.” This is getting beat up in a good way. He said I think the whole church should have to do this study. That tells you that it is good.

LIFEgroups

This is becoming what our family looks so forward to each week. We laughed so hard last night some might have even cried. We were able to get to know each other even better. The reports continue to be encouraging from the LIFEgroups. If you are not part of a LIFEgroup yet, make sure you give it a chance. I promise you will enjoy this time with your church family. I believe it might be church at its best.

Worship

I want to thank Luke Williams, Brittany Henry and the adult praise band for doing a great job bringing us into God’s presence through praise and worship. God is worthy of our praise and is jealous for us. The sermon was probably the most boring I have ever delivered but also one that should be preached more. We must have total confidence in the Word of God. I am enjoying the WHO series. We will continue to look at “Who Is God?”. Before we move on to Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? Who Am I? and Who are We? You can go to our web site and download the outlines of these series. Click Here

This Week

I am looking forward to WOW Wednesdays. WOW stands for Wide Open Worship. We are called to worship Him wide open. We will be continuing our series through the Bible as we look at Leviticus and its teaching on Atonement. Don’t miss is. Make sure you join us at 6:30. The AWANA and youth will have things happening as well. If you would like us to add your child to the afterschool program on Wednesdays, please make sure you contact Ricky Watson.

Saturday

I want to encourage the men to join us at 5 Points Baptist for the associational men’s breakfast. We have submitted nominations for man of the year and minister of the year. Please come and support our church and nominees April 24@ 8:30am.

In The Streets

April 24 @ 11 AM be at the FLC for our next In the Streets opportunity. We will be taking food, clothes and groceries to the West End area of Tuscaloosa. This is a great opportunity for you to be Christ to the community. If you have questions, please contact David Cottingham.

It's Pretty

It's so pretty outside I don't have time to blog today. Go enjoy God's creation. (Wish I were playing golf).

Brain On A Chain

This morning I was thinking about thinking. Now, that is deep. It was like God said, You need to put your brain on a chain. I had a vision run through my mind of a dog on a chain. That dog can take off in any direction and run as fast as he desires but when he reaches the end of the chain…BAM….he is stopped in his tracks. He cannot go any further. That is what we must to with our brain. Put it on a chain. (I also heard this to the tune Pants on the Ground.) Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Imagine that, every thought put on a chain to be obedient to Christ. Keeping our brain from running after the wrong thoughts. Paul wrote the church at Philippi these words, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9,ESV). What the Bible is teaching us is to put our brain on a chain.

Spiritual Understanding Or My Life Sucks

In Colossian 1:9 Paul writes, “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” ESV

I like the way The Message puts it, “Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the way in which God works.” MSG

Life brings a variety of situations and circumstances. Sometimes we are seeking to know what to do and other times we are trying to just figure life out. The other day someone told me, “my life sucks” (They were not speaking in regard to my life but their life.) Well, I guess we all have days when we might think for a moment that “my life sucks”. Of which I think God would respond, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track” (Prov 3:5-6, MSG).

That is what Paul was praying for the Colossian. So, today, don’t try to figure it all out yourself. Listen and look for God for He will keep you on track.

Legalism (Borrowed from Ed Stetzer)

The below blog is from Ed Stetzer's Blog April 6. It's a good read and advice.

Today, The Resurgence blog provides a clear path to legalism:

How to Become a Legalist:

1. Make rules outside the Bible.
2. Push yourself to try and keep your rules.
3. Castigate yourself when you don't keep your rules.
4. Become proud when you do keep your rules.
5. Appoint yourself as judge over other people.
6. Get angry with people who break your rules or have different rules.
7. "Beat" the losers.

In interview with Howard Hendricks, Chuck Swindoll defined the legalism problem as:

...when we get into areas that are not set forth in Scripture, either in precept or even in principle. These may be such things as length of hair, tattoos and other body piercings, skirts or pants for women, makeup or no makeup. Those are not scriptural issues. Sometimes these issues are cultural, and you do have to address them when you are in that particular culture. But I think legalism begins when you do or refrain from doing what I want you to do or not do because it's on my list and it's something that I am uncomfortable with.

Then, Chuck gives his blunt advice:

The problem with legalists is that not enough people have confronted them and told them to get lost. Those are strong words, but I don't mess with legalism anymore. I'm 72 years old; what have I got to lose? Seriously, I used to kowtow to legalists, but they're dangerous. They are grace-killers. They'll drive off every new Christian you bring to church. They are enemies of the faith. Other than that, I don't have any opinion!

So, if I am trying to force my personal list of no-no's on you and make you feel guilty if you don't join me, then I'm out of line and I need to be told that.

Download that interview here.

Takeaways from Sunday

Yesterday had many takeaways…..

Preacher always forgets something and I plan to talk with him about that today…He did not give out the 2^nd week of the 28 Day Experience. Click here to get it.

Ω The morning began with our Men’s Breakfast. Schmidt Moore of Bethel Baptist Church brought our message. Schmidt is the pastor of one of the Hope Initiative churches we are partnered with in the West End of Tuscaloosa. He is a brief outline of his message.

Ω 2 Kings 2:19-25

Ω Two Cities

§ Jericho - had men in godly leadership. (in previous verses).

§ 50 sons (v.16) of the prophet were in Jericho saw the problem of bad water. Therefore, they sought the man of God, Elisha.

§ Bethel- youth with no leadership. They mocked him.

§ Men had been in Bethel but provided no leadership.

§ 42 Youth died because they mocked the man and work of God.

Ω The ministry of Jesus was an outdoors ministry. Real Worship will always result in real ministry.

Ω The world needs to see Christianity that is unified.

Ω In the heart of God there is a unity that is missing in His Church(body).

Ω Three Churches One mission

§ Antioch had disciple

§ Macedonia had dollars

§ Jerusalem had doctrine.

The WOW Wednesday’s House Band did a wonderful job of taking us before the throne of God. Don’t miss this weeks WOW Wednesday.

The sermon series of series has begun. Who Is God?

Ω Yesterday we looked at the “Does God Exist? Inner Awareness – Believers and Unbelievers” click here for my outline.

The kick off of the LifeGroups was one amazing experience and here is some of the initial feedback…..

One said…”I had to bring it to a close at 7:30…Everyone participated…lots of talk. Several seniors showed up and said they would definitely be there next week. 2 and a half hours flew by.

Another… “That was what church is all about.”

Another…”Great day @ Harvest Church capped off with life groups. Life groups I believe will be the life blood of Harvest Church from here forward.”

Another… “Great life group tonight. It was so amazing to see young and old pouring into each other. So much better than I dreamed it could be. PTL!”

Another… “It was a great day of worship. Mens b'fast. Sunday school. Worship service and great life group. We are blessed.”

Another… “Already looking forward to next Sunday night life group.... 24 total kids and all!! Amazing!!! God is good!”

Another… “Remember those times when you knew you were part of a God thing. I know I was part of one tonight at our Harvest Church LifeGroup. Amazed.”

Another… “What a great time at HC small group! Truly a God thing. People opening up and letting others in to pray for them and love on them!!”

Another… “Had a great time in small group tonight! We had 13 total!”

Well, you get the message. Don’t miss next week.

Even a Dog Finds Shadows

God continues to teach through Psalm 91. Today, I have spent time focusing on verses one and two. Trying to commit them to memory.

“He who dwell in the shelter (secret place, KJV) of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

As I was praying and seeking God, Mary Anne’s dog, Marley, walked around me and moved from laying in the sun to the shade. Even a dog knows where to find shade when the heat is on. God is calling us, to “dwell” (stay) in Him. He will be so large in our life that we can abide (stay) in His shadow. We will be so close to Him that the dust of His feet will be on us. As He moves, we move. As He stops, we stop. We stay with Him. When the heat is too hot, the dangers are ever present and you feel that you are about to be defeated, look around. Are you dwelling in the secret place? Is He your refuge for safety? Is He your fortress for protection? I am reminded of the words of Christ in the later parts of John 6. He had been doing some hard teaching and people were leaving Him. In verse 67 Jesus says, “Do you want to go away as well?”. Peter seemed to most always have good answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go, you have word of eternal life” (v68). We can only be in one place at a time, let us choose the right place.

Drinking From the Fountain of God

This is going to be long so read it when you can finish it. Please do not read it in part only.

This morning I went to Men’s Fraternity at 1^st Baptist Church. Randy Fuller was the speaker/preacher. I did not want to go and even got up and was going back to bed but I had told Randy Tuesday that I would be there so I went. Had Randy not came and talked with me when I was on the elliptical and trying my best to breath I probably would have stayed home this morning and slept to the sound of the rain and thunder. Well, I guess it goes even further than that. Had God not had me and Randy at the gym at the same time, he would not have come to talk with me on the elliptical because I or he would not have been there. So, I believe God had me and Randy at the gym on Tuesday at the same time and had Randy come and speak to me about Men’s Fraternity and I said I would be there because that was what I was suppose to say.

Before I drove out of my driveway this morning I tweeted this at about 5:20am, " Headed to Men's fraternity at First Baptist. I pray I drink from the fountain of God today and not the flesh or world. Let us drink together."

God opened the fountain and I thought I was going to drown.

Read Psalm 91 before preceding. I have included it for your convenience.

Psalm 91

He who dwells in a the shelter (secret place) of the Most High
will abide in b the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say [1] to the Lord, “My c refuge and my d fortress,
my God, in whom I e trust.”3 For he will deliver you from f the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will g cover you with his pinions,
and under his h wings you will i find refuge;
his j faithfulness is k a shield and buckler.5 l You will not fear m the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.8 You will only look with your eyes
and n see the recompense of the wicked.9 Because you have made the Lord your o dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my c refuge [2]10 p no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
q no plague come near your tent. 11 r For he will command his s angels concerning you
to t guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you u strike your foot against a stone.13 You will tread on v the lion and the w adder;
the young lion and x the serpent you will y trample underfoot.14 “Because he z holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he a knows my name.15 When he b calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and c honor him. 16 With d long life I will satisfy him
and e show him my salvation.” ESV

This was the text Randy used today. Randy, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God ripped my clothes off and beat the crap, dung or whatever word you would like to use, out of me. I was exposed and beat up in a good kind of way. I am going to share my notes then I am going to share my heart.

My Notes: (I assign each point of emphasis with an omega symbol). Some of these are from Randy and some are thoughts I had or the Holy Spirit prompted me with.)

Ω Devotion is an attitude of the heart.

Ω Ps. 91:1 – Secret Place

Ω Matthew 6:5-6 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love x to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. y Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, z go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. a And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Ω Jesus even had a secret place.

Ω God is always in the secret place.

Ω Religious activity should not be confused with intimacy with God.

Ω We serve a God who is knowable and desires to be known.

Ω “The most important thing a man will ever know is what he knows about God” A.W. Tozer

Ω No man’s spiritual life will rise above his prayer life.

Ω Nothing of eternal significance is accomplished without prayer.

Ω No church’s spiritual life will rise about its prayer life.

Ω Church Growth Strategy

o Pray until you get along with each other.

o Pray until you want everyone to know Jesus.

o We are a living body not an organization.

Ω We don’t let Jesus come into our life we are called to come into His life.

Ω The church is carnal and the world is corrupt because of prayerlessness.

Ω Prayerlessness is not a time problem it’s a love problem because every man does what he loves.

Ω God becomes powerful in our life through prayer. All things are possible with God. Unlimited potential.

Ω Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God m must believe that he exists and m that he rewards those who seek him.

Ω All the promises of God are yes in Him.

o 2 Cor 1:20 For l all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our m Amen to God for his glory.

Ω When is the last time you thought of yourself as a weapon of God? A might man of God?

Ω Man becomes privileged Ps 91:14-16 “Because he z holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he a knows my name.15 When he b calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and c honor him. 16 With d long life I will satisfy him
and e show him my salvation.” ESV

Ω “A man partnered with God can do anything God can do.” Henry Blackaby

Ω If this does not change your prayer life (going to your secret place), it was useless.

This study had me do some deep reflection into my own life. My secret place has been neglected. If God were inside my secret place waiting on me to bring Him a meal, He would have starved to death by now. My secret place is where it seems I go when I feel I have nowhere else to go or no one else to talk to. My mind can take me only so far which is not far at all. My neglect of my secret place has affected my life and yours. I say, “I’m sorry!”. God is doing a work in me that I pray takes me, my family, my friends and our church to a place that is closer to God. Often, people tell me how God spoke to them and is working in their life and it does not really impact me and you might have the same experience with what I have shared with you. But I pray you will seek God in your secret place and find Him and He find you. When that happens, we will all be closer to where we should be going.