Thank You for the Encouragement

Just for a quick moment, I wanted to express my gratitude to those of you who have encouraged me and held me accountable in my efforts to lose weight. The Lord continually has to remind me about my motive for losing this weight, and I have to continually adjust my thoughts to His thoughts. My thoughts drift toward being in shape, being able to fit into normal clothing, being able to play city league basketball without an oxygen tank on the side line (really, it’s not that bad, but close). But the Holy Spirit reels my thoughts back in and reminds me that I began this journey for His glory, not mine. Certainly I will benefit from this, but my benefit should take a far second place to glorifying the Lord and proclaiming how He gave me the power to accomplish this. All glory to Him forever and ever.

Many Thanks.

I wanted to say thanks for all the kind words yesterday after each service. Preaching is a privilege, and I am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. The Lord is in control of the increase, and I pray that it is plentiful.

Last night as I lay in my bed drifting off to sleep, I was thinking about some words that were offered to me by Joycelyn Rhodes after yesterday’s second service. She told me to be on my guard because I would be most vulnerable in the coming days to spiritual attack. She is most correct. Anytime we are on a spiritual high, we become targets for snipers. The peak of the mountain is the most vulnerable place because it simultaneously is the most unprotected place on the mountain and the furtherest fall from the mountain. So not only can we get sniped easily, but the fall will be the most damaging it could be.

As you are walking with the Lord this week, ask Him to be your shield. Ask Him to be your protection. No matter if you are at the mountain’s summit, or in the valley below, Christ is your shield. He is a strong tower, in which we take refuge. And the security He provides cannot be penetrated or thwarted. Be aware of your surroundings this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to inform you of the spiritual needs which surround you. And have the courage to do what is needed.

Much Love and Many Thanks