Reflections

Well I’ve never been drunk…but Monday’s for a preacher has got to be the closest thing to a hangover that I ever want to experience!  Even with that…there might be enough coherent thoughts to pull together some cool things to be thankful for!

  • I’m still excited about some of the neat things God did this past year! Click 2009 In Review  to watch highlights of last year.
  • In 2009 we received a record number of gifts to the ministry of FBCT!  A total of $6,976,166.00 with a per capita giving of $95.83.  That’s crazy!
  • Yesterday people joined the church…even after a tough message of having a lifestyle of giving…and yes I did find a few friends that still loved me!
  • We now have 83 people/families that indicated they would start tithing…pray for them, that is a huge step of faith.
  • We also had 321 people/families that will continue to tithe, 87 that will increase their giving and 71 people/families who will increase their giving above the tithe!  How cool is that?!
  • Sunday night was a sweet time of worship and study of God’s Word.   We will still have Sunday night church from time to time and it will really be a blessing!
  • Upward had another banner day this past Saturday.  Kudos to the leaders who are making that happen…God is touching 100’s of lives through that ministry! Pray for the next few weeks as kids hear the plan of salvation during their team devotions.
  • We had great attendance yesterday 1787 in worship and 1540 in our small groups!
  • Team Impact is coming!  I wish I could explain to you about what God is going to do!  Just wait…it will be incredible!  Pray hard everyday and get ready to serve!
  • I wish you could have heard some of the testimonies from senior adults that have tithed for years…you really can’t out give God!
  • This Wednesday night is going to be awesome!  We will study about temptation and how we beat it!  I hope you will be there and bring a friend!
    • Church, Commitment, Faithfulness, Thankfulness Shortlink

    Just Enough

    Just enough!  After months and months of prayer and hard work, we have received “just enough” commitment to continue on the path of improvement so that we can reach more people for Christ.

    Sunday, we celebrated some great milestones:

    • The total pledges and offerings that have been given – and committed – over the next three years amount to $4,346,182. (as of 5/18/09)  That’s the largest pledge in the history of the First Family!
    • The great news is that we already received $973,023 dollars of our total pledge! (as of 5/18/09)  This will help us to avoid paying interest payments on borrowed money until a later date!
    • The bank waived closing costs, appraisal fees, and some other anticipated expenses.  That is rather unusual for this type of transaction!

    We have just enough to continue down this road.  However, we don’t have enough to just coast for the next three years.  Several things need to happen:

    • More people need to join this exciting adventure!  550 families and individuals committed to this endeavor.  Many of you should still join us on this journey!
    • As the economy re-ignites, we need for those who can to surpass their giving estimates to do so.
    • Most importantly, we must continue to reach those around us as we fulfill the Great Commission.

    These are exciting days, and we have many more exciting days ahead of us as we anticipate what God will do.  As a part of the First Family, commit yourself to prayer and faithfulness so that He will have a Family that He can work through.

    Commitment, Faithfulness, Thankfulness Shortlink

    Lemonading Life

    The typical experience of this life is really just a bunch of lemons! While driving down the road this week, I realized that God really does take those lemons of life and turn them into sweet lemonade. Sometimes I get so frustrated dealing with the “lemons” that I miss the fact that God has blessed me in unbelievable ways. It is overwhelming to “count my blessings and name them one by one!” Here they are: I hope they encourage you!

    · A wife…indescribable;

    · 3 daughters…how much fun they are;

    · Many great churches that I have been a part of;

    · A great heritage in my family;

    · Hunting and beach opportunities that have been poured into my lap;

    · A great team to work with at FBCT;

    · People who trust your struggling leadership;

    · Vision from God that I can’t keep up with;

    · Flying airplanes…now that’s a blast;

    · A pastor of a great church that 1000’s could lead better than I;

    · A passion to work and provide for my girls;

    · Abilities that only God can get the credit for;

    · A great home that only God could provide;

    · Good health, but if I die, I go straight to Heaven;

    · Great friends who really do care;

    · Opportunities to impact lives that blow me away;

    · Fishing;

    · All the “toys” that I can’t keep running;

    · And did I mention an incredible wife?

    Have you made your own list lately? Why does God bless someone like me? I don’t know but it sure is fun and I thank Him for it! I think I’ll go get some lemonade!

    Buddy

    family, Thankfulness Shortlink