We Have A Choice

The news media is telling us that something bad is going to happen tomorrow.  The Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other.  The “Sequester” is upon us.

Frankly, I’ve stopped watching the news this week because I’m tired of hearing so many contradictory statements.  I realize that these mandatory spending cuts could cause problems; but I also know enough to discern when political posturing is taking place.  I wish we could have some leaders who work to fix the problems in our country instead of allowing them to get worse- which raises an important question:  How willing are we to “fix” what might be problems in our own lives that we can control?

God gives us some clear guidelines to obedience.  He gives us responsibility and choice; and so this Sunday, we begin two weeks of evaluation and choice from Hebrews 13.   Take a look at the passage before you come to see what big ideas present themselves.

Lord willing we’ll gather together Sunday- with or without the “Sequester”

Brent

OUR LAST WEEK IN HEBREWS

This Sunday we'll spend our fourth week together in Hebrews 12. I've enjoyed studying it and sharing it with you. As we began with just the first two verses, we learned that life is like a marathon race. It is essential to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and to also trust God as He trains us. We talked about dealing with the conflict that can arise in life and this week we'll see the results.   This week, we'll finish the chapter and learn that, as we run the marathon of life successfully we become holy people of integrity.   I realize that holiness looks differently to some people than others, but I look forward to teaching you that God tailors our robes of holiness to help us meet the demands of reality.   So please read the entire chapter of Hebrews 12 a couple of times this weekend, join us Sunday, and plan to come back Sunday night for the "Night at the Well" evening of music and worship at 6:30 PM.   Lord willing, I'll see you Sunday, February 24, 2013   Brent     

DATES, DATES, DATES

I’ve been thinking about dates a lot these days.   They’re obviously all around us and they creep up on us fast.  I thought about them so much last week that I forgot to write this blast last Thursday.  I missed the date.
Here’s a few you won’t want to miss, however.  As we share the next few months, I’d like you to remember these special Sundays in our church.

February 17th  Family Ministries Sunday with child dedications
   24th  “Night at the Well” worship night at 6:30 PM

March   17th  Upward Awards Sunday
   24th Palm Sunday: Jerry Sheveland, President of Converge Worldwide
 speaking with baptisms
   31st  Easter Sunday w/ services at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00

April    21st  Children’s Musical here in the evening
   28th Annual Church Meeting- My last Sunday as your Pastor

Of course, don’t forget Good Friday and the many other activities we’ll be having during the week.  The weeks are going quickly.  Let’s trust the Lord to do good things each day.
Don’t forget the dates!

Brent

Diapers, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Since this Sunday is the first one in February, that means that a few things will be happening that we all need to be aware of and prepare for.
First of all, the Pregnancy Help Center always appreciates donations of clothes, baby items and diapers.  They’ll have a vehicle here by the Christian Education Wing.
Second, in the same parking lot; the Rescue Mission brings their drive-in, drop-off truck here for clothes, furniture, and almost anything else you might want to donate. Lori and I appreciate the convenience these days as we downsize everything from clothes to books!
Third, during our benevolent fund offering on Sunday, we’re going to ask you to dive into your resources and help with some people who are struggling financially.  This month, the offering will be split between people here at Old North and The Converge (Baptist General Conference) Benevolent Fund to help pastors throughout our network of churches.  It was created to show love by providing assistance to pastors, missionaries, chaplains, retirees and their families in times of need.

So as we continue to study Hebrews 12:3-11 this Sunday, let’s continue to give.

Brent

Looking at Jesus

This Sunday during our morning services, we will be studying one of my favorite passages of scripture.  It is Hebrews 12:1-2 and reminds us how important it is to keep our eyes on Jesus.  There are so many directions to look in life.  There are many distractions to our faith- but simply looking at Jesus and following His example will help us prioritize the demands of our lives.   Please take some time to review Hebrews 11 before Sunday.  It taught us that faith does work, it waits for God’s timing, and it ultimately gives us victory.

As January comes to a close, please remember to pray for us as staff and elders as we have faith in the Lord to bring us an Interim Senior Pastor.   Last Sunday as Tom Gacse, Ted Miller and I shared with you the direction the Lord has led us, we ask you to join in prayer and fasting as we find the man who will lead us in this interim period.

Please continue to pray for our Upward Basketball season.  We have about 650 children involved in this Outreach Ministry that teaches spiritual lessons of life and character as well as athletic skills.  Pray for Pastor Ryan and his team of coaches and leaders and that there will be many families who see Jesus.   That’s our goal- to Introduce People to Him.



Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday!



Brent