Looking forward to new opportunities

Run the race before us

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," (Philippians 3:13)

I have a shelf full of bibles. Multiple translations, some more than one of the same translation, but from different publishers, because the foot notes are different. But I have one bible that stands our for different reasons. It is a King James Version bible with a red leather cover that is held together by duct tape. The pages on the inside are worn and tattered, and some of the pages are soaked with tears of sorrow, conviction, joy and triumph. When this bible is laid on the desk and you look at it from the side, it doesn't take long to notice that while the whole bible is worn, the New Testament is much more so. The reason is simple; I've spent a whole lot of time in the New Testament, and while I believe every word to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, the New Testament speaks to my heart, notably the Apostle Paul's writings.

The Scripture I've chosen to share with you today, is one of those that has meant so much to me over the years. Paul, directing the church to stop focusing so much on the past and look forward to the future. To quit living with the memories of tough times, heartbreak and anxiety and begin to look forward to a bright tomorrow. Yes, it is important to remember the past in the context of lessons learned, but to be so focused on our past, we will never see our future.

2015 had its own set of unique challenges for all of us, but with the passing of the calendar month, we are empowered to put our eyes to the road in front of us and move with purpose. There is no challenge too large for those who choose the intentional visionary path. Together, we will do great things in 2016, by the help of the Lord.

Comments

Come Down From That Ivory Tower

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He...

A new convert?

I just learned, that we may have converted a "roll-tide" Alabama fan! You decide.

New Church Organized

It is always a tremendous thrill to announce the establishment of a new church. This post shares a little about our latest. On January 30, 2011 I met with the people of the Capilla De La Victoria (Victory Chapel) in Cleveland, Tennessee for the purpose of organizing and establishing what had been a mission work for well over two years. Previously, this group had met under the direction of Cliff Anderson in a part of the Peerless Road Complex. Pastor Tim Coalter (now State Presiding Bishop of South Carolina) shared with the congregation a vision of that local church planting two churches in the United States. We then joined in a partnership with the Tennessee State Office to share in the cost of rent and other needs for a period of two years. Since the inception of the idea, there were several changes. Pastor Cliff Anderson felt the need of a change and Pastor Tim Coalter was appointed to serve in another ministry. At this time Omar Velazquez agreed to assume the leadership of th...

Voice of Hope

Search This Blog