Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Father's Day

Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day, and it was, so far, one of my favorites. Yes, we had a good day at church. Our theme was "Duct Tape Dynasty... Building a Legacy that Sticks!" Our Family Life Pastor, John Carter, preached a great message and we honored all the men of the church. But that's not what made it my favorite.

On Saturday, our daughter Melanie finally convinced us to get an outdoor fire pit. We had turned her down so many times before, but for some reason gave in. On Sunday, Esther and I went out for a little bit and came home to find Melanie putting it together in the garage. Of course, as a dad, I had to jump in and help. Being reminded of Pastor John's message to read the instructions, we followed them step by step.

After assembling, we got some wood and made a fire. At first, because it was so hot outside, we were not really interested in sitting around it, but eventually we all gave in. With Brittany just returning from her trip to California, all four daughters and Esther were present. We roasted some marshmallows and got out a couple guitars and sang choruses and dreamed of future plans - personally and for Centerpointe Church. I listened as my girls talked about serving the Lord and desiring to make a difference for His Kingdom.

I somehow felt older as I watched the love of the ministry passed on to the next generation of Edwards. At the same time I felt younger dreaming with them about the future.

On thing for sure - I felt honored to be their dad.

Eventually, we prayed together.

Nothing profound, just very meaningful.

I am reminded of what Dr. Bob Rhoden said, "It doesn't always have to be monumental to be meaningful."

Thanks Esther and girls for making my day.


Friday, June 07, 2013

Promises Promises

Isaiah 61 and Joel 2 are two great passages where discouragement is confronted by the promises of God. As you are reading, underline each promise or write them down.

Here are just a few:
The Promise of Provision
The Promise of Deliverance
The Promise of Freedom
The Promise of Gladness
The Promise of The Holy Spirit
The Promise of Salvation
The Promise of Healing
The Promise of Comfort
The Promise of Restoration

Remember:
You have too much history with God’s provision to let this moment discourage you!!

My Prayer:
Lord, remind me of your great provision. I trust in you and will live knowing my future is in your hand.

Prayer for Centerpointe Church:
Lord, help us to have such a positive view of the future that it shows up in everything we say and do.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Today's Thought: Remember, Repent, Return

Read: Joel 2:12-17; Revelation 2:1-7

These are some of the “not so fun” passages in scripture. They call for action and change. As you read them, listen to the voice of the writers. Feel what they are feeling. Can you sense the urgency in their voice? They are sounding an alarm.

Call To Remember
Ask: What was my life like when I first received Christ? How did I act and feel? What was my prayer life like? 

Call to Repent
Ask: What does God mean when He said, “Rend your heart and not your garment?”

Call to Return 
Ask: What areas of my life do I need to change? What are the consequences of continuing in sin?

My Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize the areas of my life that are not pleasing to you and give me the courage and power to change. In Jesus name, I receive your forgiveness. 

Worship:
Take a couple of minutes and listen to Micah Stampley sing “Holiness”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vNPcmLzlvI

Tuesday, June 04, 2013

The Pursuit of Revival

Psalms 85 is one of my favorite Psalms. It is written from the perspective of someone who has seen God’s provision and protection in the past and pleads for God to restore the nation once again. His prayer is simple: revival. Here is a sermon outline for you:
  1. The Psalmist remembers what God did for Israel in the past, including salvation and provision. 
  2. The Psalmist requests that God revives them once again so that they might rejoice in Him.
  3. The Psalmist rejoices in God's faithfulness and future intervention.  
  4. The Psalmist accepts the people's responsibility to live righteous in order for God to grant peace.
From the Hymn, “Search Me, Oh God” by J. Edwin Orr written in 1936 at a revival meeting in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand:

O Holy Ghost,
Revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival,
Start the work in me.
Thy Word declares
Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now,
O Lord, I humbly plead.