Tuesday, September 27, 2011

New Reign...

Last night a huge thunderstorm blew through, the first significant rainfall we’ve gotten in months, perhaps a year? It’s been so long that when the rain began, I saw people stepping outside gawking at it. Staring at something they knew, but hadn’t seen in so long.
Oh that a new Reign might fall on us...
That the Spirit might come down on us so much, that we too might stand and look in amazement. Something we know, but haven’t seen in so long.

It's okay to let the Lord have complete control. I'm reminded of the words to the old hymn "No, Not One."

There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all your soul’s diseases, no, not one! no, not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide till the day is done.
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no, not one! no, not one!


13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.   Psalm 27:13–14



 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Liquid clouds

Strange substance falling from sky onto windshield?
Hard to identify...rarely seen...
Someone said it was called "rain."

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11 Remembered...

Today FBC Salado paused to remember the Anniversary of 9/11, and to honor the thousands of people who lost their lives. Some going through their daily routine, others through service and sacrifice.

“9/11 representatives” stood in line across the stage behind me.  Each person representing an area of lives lost. From left to right:  Firemen, Paramedics, Police, Military, Children, Businesswomen, and Businessmen.


With heads bowed we observed a moment of silence, then heard "Taps" played by a trumpeteer.  We concluded the moment with a prayer of remembrance and call to renewal.


"And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."  2 Corinthians 1:7




Wednesday, September 7, 2011

HELP BASTROP FIRE VICTIMS

One year ago Salado experienced the worst flood in our history. Now a year later, our neighbors down in Bastrop are dealing with the worst wildfire in their history. 34,000 acres, 20 neighborhoods, 785 homes. In our time of need, thousands of dollars of support came in. Now is our time to respond.

In a coordinated effort with the Austin Baptist Association, First Baptist Salado is now receiving donations to send to the Bastrop fire victims. The A.B.A is making daily runs from Austin over to Bastrop.
2 ways you can help:
1.      Purchase a $20.00 Walmart or Visa gift card.  Mail it or drop it by the church office, and
we will deliver to the A.B.A. for distribution.

2.      Give a financial gift which we will collectively forward to the A.B.A.   Make checks payable to FBC Salado and designate the gift:  BASTROP

First Baptist Church
210 S Main Street
Salado, Texas 76571
Provide for those who grieve…bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
    
(Isaiah 61:3)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Random visitor...

A curious moment this morning as I stepped out to enjoy the crisp Fall-like temperature.
There was a small branch, a twig sitting on the patio-couch next to where I sit. It lay beside me as if my momentary companion. I picked it up (said hello) then tossed it aside. “Isn’t that something?” I thought, "It must've fallen from the tree justso and landed right here perfectly..."
Then I read this…

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Talk about a prop dropped by Heaven right beside me so I could see it. I picked the branch back up and turned back towards the huge liveoak behind me. The Spirit said, “That’s me…you’re that twig. Understand?”

“Yes Lord, I understand.”

Said missionary writer Sarah Young, "Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it. But 'apart from Him you can do nothing.'"       


If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
”  (1 Peter 4:11)

How’s your in-all-things-ometer reading?  Are you depending on God "in all things?"

He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30–31)