I feel horrible....... but I'm having a GREAT time.
Weird, I know, but it's true.
I'm sitting here at First Baptist Church, Houston, Texas and one of my heroes, Dr. John Bisagno is here - I'm having a blast. What a joy to listen to his wisdom, his humility, and his vision. His so annointed and I love being around men that have a passion for the local church. Pastor Greg Mott, Dr. Bisagno's successor is here. Bisagno is about ......oh, about 90 and Greg is 34. Neat transition story.
Now, here's some context - I feel lousy. Sinus stuff has really got me. Bad headache, runny nose, "mack truch hit me" kind of feeling. But I LOVE being here. The Lord just confirmed in my heart how called I am to the local church. This (the local church) is where it's at!! This is where the excitement is, it's where God is blessing the most - I LOVE being a part of what God is doing in the CHURCH.
I am sitting here with about 30 pastors of the best, most agressive, evangelistic churches from all accross the nation (California to Maryland, Illinois to Florida). These guys are super. Yet, I gotta tell all of you, even when I hear all that is happening in all these churches, I am blessed to Pastor the GREATEST church in the nation - no, in the WORLD!!! McGregor Baptist Church. Don't tell all my pastor friends I said that - but it's TRUE!!!!!!!
I hope you really believe that with me. We are SO BLESSED at McGregor.. No, we aren't perfect and we've had a tough year is some ways, but.......God is SO GOOD. We are hugely blessed - and we are so undeserving. It's all HIM, it's all His Grace, it's HIS CHURCH. And I love it!!
If you have an issue with something at McGregor - call me. If you don't - tell SOMEONE, invite someone, bring someone with you to Sunday School and church. Pray that the Holy Spirit would move mightily in their heart. I want to see every person in Lee County come to Christ. You can help, I can help, McGregor can help - GOD CAN DO IT!!!
Whew - that felt good. Getting that off my chest felt good. Now I feel better, still got sinus junk, but I feel better. Thanks for hearing me out - it's my HEART CRY.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Study Break
A couple of times every year, I try to get away - I mean really get away for an extended period of time - and just study and pray and prepare for preaching.
That's what I'm doing this week. Imagine 10 to 14 hours each day doing nothing but looking at God's Word, praying about the needs of our people and listening for God's voice as to what to preach and teach.
It is awesome!! I love it!! It is the very idea of "drawing near to the Lord" - it is such a blessing.
Here's why I share that with you. I look forward to this week perhaps more than any other time all year. More than Christmas or Easter - I look forward to these times of being alone with the Lord. It is an incredible blessing to leave the stresses of this world and focus only on the Lord. The world, the church, the ministry, the noise, my own carnality - all these things make it so hard to focus totally on the Lord. For me, perhaps just like you, I yearn to be closer to the Lord every passing day.
I want to challenge you to strive to have a time to focus ONLY on the Lord. A few minutes each day, maybe one evening each month, perhaps a couple of days each year - to super focus on being alone with God. That time is so awesome and special to me.
I just wanted to share that with you. That's really private to me - but I wanted you to know.
I'm having a GREAT week - now, more than ever I can't wait to get back and be with you.
Can't wait to be with you on Sunday!!
Pray and expect God to do BIG things - that only He can do - in YOU!!
rp
That's what I'm doing this week. Imagine 10 to 14 hours each day doing nothing but looking at God's Word, praying about the needs of our people and listening for God's voice as to what to preach and teach.
It is awesome!! I love it!! It is the very idea of "drawing near to the Lord" - it is such a blessing.
Here's why I share that with you. I look forward to this week perhaps more than any other time all year. More than Christmas or Easter - I look forward to these times of being alone with the Lord. It is an incredible blessing to leave the stresses of this world and focus only on the Lord. The world, the church, the ministry, the noise, my own carnality - all these things make it so hard to focus totally on the Lord. For me, perhaps just like you, I yearn to be closer to the Lord every passing day.
I want to challenge you to strive to have a time to focus ONLY on the Lord. A few minutes each day, maybe one evening each month, perhaps a couple of days each year - to super focus on being alone with God. That time is so awesome and special to me.
I just wanted to share that with you. That's really private to me - but I wanted you to know.
I'm having a GREAT week - now, more than ever I can't wait to get back and be with you.
Can't wait to be with you on Sunday!!
Pray and expect God to do BIG things - that only He can do - in YOU!!
rp
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
How Beautiful...
Many things going on - many things to share.
First of all, so much hurt and damage is done on some blogs, and I pray that this one will always be totally pleasing to the Lord, and uplifting in every way. (I just read one of those "other" ones - very discouraging!!)
I hope and pray that EVERY ONE OF YOU are plugging into our mid-week FOCUS service. I can't think of anything that has blessed me this much in recent years. I, too, had some "spiritual indigestion" at the idea of not having Sunday night services (I have been Baptist since 9 months before I was born!!), but was very excited about this "targeted toward discipleship" service. I have not been disappointed. Far from it... I have been blessed personally even beyond my greatest expectations. Can't wait for this tonight's FOCUS! Music will be awesome and the Bible teaching challenging even for this Bible teacher!!
Our Global Impact Celebration (GIC) is upon us. Isaiah wrote, "how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of them who bring good news." Our missionaries do just that. Can't wait for this conference. Missionaries are my heroes.
I have just returned from a meeting of the International Mission Board Trustees where we have appointed 39 new missionaries to go around the world to tell people about Jesus. They are so burdened for the lost world. That challenges me - I want to reflect that passion. Join me. Tell someone about Jesus today!!
Another joy - I get to go to Tampa Friday and Saturday and watch my grandson. Heather is going to a women's conference and Andrew has some "Middle School Ministry" stuff to do. They need a baby-sitter. LuAnne volunteered us - I'm so glad she did. What a great way to spend an evening!!
Keep it centered on Jesus!!
rp
First of all, so much hurt and damage is done on some blogs, and I pray that this one will always be totally pleasing to the Lord, and uplifting in every way. (I just read one of those "other" ones - very discouraging!!)
I hope and pray that EVERY ONE OF YOU are plugging into our mid-week FOCUS service. I can't think of anything that has blessed me this much in recent years. I, too, had some "spiritual indigestion" at the idea of not having Sunday night services (I have been Baptist since 9 months before I was born!!), but was very excited about this "targeted toward discipleship" service. I have not been disappointed. Far from it... I have been blessed personally even beyond my greatest expectations. Can't wait for this tonight's FOCUS! Music will be awesome and the Bible teaching challenging even for this Bible teacher!!
Our Global Impact Celebration (GIC) is upon us. Isaiah wrote, "how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of them who bring good news." Our missionaries do just that. Can't wait for this conference. Missionaries are my heroes.
I have just returned from a meeting of the International Mission Board Trustees where we have appointed 39 new missionaries to go around the world to tell people about Jesus. They are so burdened for the lost world. That challenges me - I want to reflect that passion. Join me. Tell someone about Jesus today!!
Another joy - I get to go to Tampa Friday and Saturday and watch my grandson. Heather is going to a women's conference and Andrew has some "Middle School Ministry" stuff to do. They need a baby-sitter. LuAnne volunteered us - I'm so glad she did. What a great way to spend an evening!!
Keep it centered on Jesus!!
rp
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Exciting New Year
Hey friends. Sorry for the long time since my last blog.
I wish I could let you hear all that I hear. Over the last few days, I have heard from so many people and how God is blessing folks with amazing life changing experiences - from the ministry here at McGregor. I LIVE for that!!
One new friend and brother, recently released from prison, was saved there, discipled by our prison ministry team, was baptized here at McGregor and is so excited about growing in his love for Jesus. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Another young lady I have met is facing some really difficult circumstances yet so hungry to learn about her new faith in Christ.
I've heard so many positive comments about our new Single Adult Pastor. Arthur Keeley is no stranger to us. He and his family have been members of our church for several years. Knowing his heart for ministry and loving personality just make his ministry here on our staff that much more exciting.
Same for our new High School Pastor, Ben Fleming. He's awesome. Many of our students have a renewed sense of excitement for the ministry to them and their friends. With Pastor Ben leading our High School students and Steven Anderson leading our Middle School ministry, our Student ministry is stronger than ever!!
2008 is off to an incredible start. Enthusiasm is building for our FOCUS mid-week service -- the place to be for all of our members who are hungry for the "focus-ed" study of the Word of God. Great worship and great Bible study- I wouldn't want to miss a single Wednesday FOCUS. Come and bring ALL your friends. Awesome service!!!!
rp
I wish I could let you hear all that I hear. Over the last few days, I have heard from so many people and how God is blessing folks with amazing life changing experiences - from the ministry here at McGregor. I LIVE for that!!
One new friend and brother, recently released from prison, was saved there, discipled by our prison ministry team, was baptized here at McGregor and is so excited about growing in his love for Jesus. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Another young lady I have met is facing some really difficult circumstances yet so hungry to learn about her new faith in Christ.
I've heard so many positive comments about our new Single Adult Pastor. Arthur Keeley is no stranger to us. He and his family have been members of our church for several years. Knowing his heart for ministry and loving personality just make his ministry here on our staff that much more exciting.
Same for our new High School Pastor, Ben Fleming. He's awesome. Many of our students have a renewed sense of excitement for the ministry to them and their friends. With Pastor Ben leading our High School students and Steven Anderson leading our Middle School ministry, our Student ministry is stronger than ever!!
2008 is off to an incredible start. Enthusiasm is building for our FOCUS mid-week service -- the place to be for all of our members who are hungry for the "focus-ed" study of the Word of God. Great worship and great Bible study- I wouldn't want to miss a single Wednesday FOCUS. Come and bring ALL your friends. Awesome service!!!!
rp
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wow - I always knew Christmas was a busy time but this year seems like it's even more so than before.
Join me in praying for our last weekend of Christmas Pageant. Many will attend, many will be hurting, many will be ignorant of the real reason for the season, many will be satisfied with "Happy Holidays," when it really isn't, and many will be in need of a "Merry Christmas" - pray for God to do what only He can do.
Some of you have heard by now of the movie "The Golden Compass" being released this Christmas season. I have read a lot about this movie. I had begun to put together some information to help you understand the concerns that I have about this movie. The more I read, the more I realized that this blog couldn't contain all of my concerns. This is a movie written by a man totally committed to eliminating the Christian worldview.
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written a lengthy blog that adequately expresses the Biblical concerns that every believer should know. Read it at http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1065
Wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS,
rp
Join me in praying for our last weekend of Christmas Pageant. Many will attend, many will be hurting, many will be ignorant of the real reason for the season, many will be satisfied with "Happy Holidays," when it really isn't, and many will be in need of a "Merry Christmas" - pray for God to do what only He can do.
Some of you have heard by now of the movie "The Golden Compass" being released this Christmas season. I have read a lot about this movie. I had begun to put together some information to help you understand the concerns that I have about this movie. The more I read, the more I realized that this blog couldn't contain all of my concerns. This is a movie written by a man totally committed to eliminating the Christian worldview.
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written a lengthy blog that adequately expresses the Biblical concerns that every believer should know. Read it at http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1065
Wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS,
rp
Saturday, November 17, 2007
He's Faithful...
I am rejoicing in another wonderful week. So many things are happening that I feel the hand of God so powerfully a part of it all.
As a church, we have struggled this year with our budget giving primarily because of the economic down-turn here in SW Florida.
Another article in the paper of record unemployment, yet still below national averages. But I hear from our business men that things are getting better and looking up. God is faithful.
I still hear about many of our people who are struggling financially – I pray regularly for the ones I know about and many that I don’t know about.
Still, so much to rejoice about. I am so happy to be able to share that God has quickly brought to us a new High School pastor. Ben Fleming is a huge answer to our prayers.
Our students don’t need a long period without great leadership and that’s exactly what Pastor Ben will bring to us. Pastor Ben led our Middle school summer camp (SPASM) and did a fantastic job. Then, in God’s perfect timing, God led Jeremy to a new and exciting ministry in NC as we began our search. The Lord ordained our circumstances and search to focus on Pastor Ben. The more we prayed and talked, the more it was very obvious that he is God’s man for us.
Many of our students have met and heard his speak at Backstage, and many of our HS adult leaders have met and talked to him. We are all very excited to welcome Ben and his wife, Maggie, to our staff. We’ll introduce him to our church family as soon as they move here to Ft. Myers. I’m so excited to have him on our staff team. Welcome Pastor Ben!!!
Christmas is almost here, Pageant is really close, Thanksgiving is already here. God is good all the time. I love being His follower.
Praise Him today – just for who He is!!
rp
As a church, we have struggled this year with our budget giving primarily because of the economic down-turn here in SW Florida.
Another article in the paper of record unemployment, yet still below national averages. But I hear from our business men that things are getting better and looking up. God is faithful.
I still hear about many of our people who are struggling financially – I pray regularly for the ones I know about and many that I don’t know about.
Still, so much to rejoice about. I am so happy to be able to share that God has quickly brought to us a new High School pastor. Ben Fleming is a huge answer to our prayers.
Our students don’t need a long period without great leadership and that’s exactly what Pastor Ben will bring to us. Pastor Ben led our Middle school summer camp (SPASM) and did a fantastic job. Then, in God’s perfect timing, God led Jeremy to a new and exciting ministry in NC as we began our search. The Lord ordained our circumstances and search to focus on Pastor Ben. The more we prayed and talked, the more it was very obvious that he is God’s man for us.
Many of our students have met and heard his speak at Backstage, and many of our HS adult leaders have met and talked to him. We are all very excited to welcome Ben and his wife, Maggie, to our staff. We’ll introduce him to our church family as soon as they move here to Ft. Myers. I’m so excited to have him on our staff team. Welcome Pastor Ben!!!
Christmas is almost here, Pageant is really close, Thanksgiving is already here. God is good all the time. I love being His follower.
Praise Him today – just for who He is!!
rp
Thursday, November 8, 2007
And Who Shall Go for Us? David & Tracy...
Ok, I still get a lump in my throat whenever I'm around missionaries. My mom and dad just instilled that in me a long time ago.
Tonight, I got a huge blessing being in Springfield, Illinois as we commissioned 82 new missionaries. All of these new Southern Baptist missionaries are very committed and sacrificing so much to go all over the world to tell people about Jesus.
The blessing was mutiplied by the fact that one of the couples being sent to the mission field is one of our families from McGregor. David and Tracy Delac were a part of this service. They are preparing to go as SBC missionaries to South Africa in the Spring. What a blessing. Unbelievable. Awesome.
To see David and Tracy with tears in their eyes as they respond to God's call on their life to share the love of Jesus was wonderful.
David and Tracy, I love you guys and I'm so proud of you, and happy for you. God will bless you richly for your obedience to follow His Will for the rest of your lives. You are my heroes!!
It reminded me that we are all called to be missionaries. Some as full-time missionaries (like David and Tracy), some as teachers, doctors, home-makers, businessmen and women, or wherever God has called you to serve. Remember, our primary calling is ALWAYS to share Christ no matter our vocation.
So, on behalf of David and Tracy, let's join them and tell someone about Jesus in Ft. Myers and they go to South Africa to do the same. They are being faithful to God's call on their life - I hope and pray each of you are too.
rp
Tonight, I got a huge blessing being in Springfield, Illinois as we commissioned 82 new missionaries. All of these new Southern Baptist missionaries are very committed and sacrificing so much to go all over the world to tell people about Jesus.
The blessing was mutiplied by the fact that one of the couples being sent to the mission field is one of our families from McGregor. David and Tracy Delac were a part of this service. They are preparing to go as SBC missionaries to South Africa in the Spring. What a blessing. Unbelievable. Awesome.
To see David and Tracy with tears in their eyes as they respond to God's call on their life to share the love of Jesus was wonderful.
David and Tracy, I love you guys and I'm so proud of you, and happy for you. God will bless you richly for your obedience to follow His Will for the rest of your lives. You are my heroes!!
It reminded me that we are all called to be missionaries. Some as full-time missionaries (like David and Tracy), some as teachers, doctors, home-makers, businessmen and women, or wherever God has called you to serve. Remember, our primary calling is ALWAYS to share Christ no matter our vocation.
So, on behalf of David and Tracy, let's join them and tell someone about Jesus in Ft. Myers and they go to South Africa to do the same. They are being faithful to God's call on their life - I hope and pray each of you are too.
rp
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