October Newsletter

Pastor’s Ponderings

“Habits”

Is it really possible to get “A New You in Eight Weeks?” I started that series a few weeks ago, and so far we have attempted to implement three weekly habits. First, pray three times a day, on your knees if possible. Scripture records believers praying in the morning, at noon, in the evening, a great while before the sun rises, and even at midnight. Whatever times you choose, just do it! We next looked at eating one meal a day with someone else. The Bible records much about both food and fellowship. In Genesis 2 God commanded Adam to eat from the trees in the garden. Two verses later He said it wasn’t good that man was alone. We combined these two thoughts and asked everyone to have at least one meal a day with someone else. The last Sunday of September we introduced the habit of “Bible First.” We are tempted to begin the day with everything but God. Our phones demand our attention. ESPN Sports Center has highlights from the recent game. Morning news shows remind us of important events. Yet the best use of our time is to dive into God’s Word and prepare for the coming day. I am basing this series on a book I purchased recently entitled “The Common Rule.” Written by a Christian lawyer, the book chronicles his life of intense work that began pulling him from God. He realized that his Christian life was in great danger if he didn’t take the necessary steps to stay close to the Lord. After devising eight small habits (and I am altering the habits slightly) and implementing them into his busy life, he noticed a remarkable change. He emailed his journey to many of his friends who in turn passed them along to others. It made such a difference in the lives of so many that he wrote the book. In the first few weeks of this series I have had many tell me that the habits are already making a difference! Strive to make your fellowship with God and others a priority. ******************** I am ready for Fall! Last month was the warmest and driest September on record for DFW. No need to fear, for September, 2018, was the wettest on record with over 12 inches of rain. As I looked at the official rain chart I saw some interesting statistics. The two wettest years on record were 2015 and 2018. The two driest were 1921 and 1910. The greatest difference from one year to the next was 21.32 inches in 2014 and 62.61 inches in 2015 (over 41 inches). These numbers remind me of our spiritual lives. Sometimes the “showers of blessing” (Ezek 34:26) fall unhindered but other times we are in a “dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1). If all is well right now, continue to ask for God’s blessings and share those blessings with others. If you are in a dark place and life seems to be fighting you, remember that we all have seasons of ups and downs. We may have 21 inches of rain one year, but God is preparing us for 62 inches next year. Eventually we will all arrive where “the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). ******************** October is Revival Month! I hope you will be present at EVERY Sunday evening service as we hear great messages from God’s chosen servants! ******************** This year we will participate on Cleburne’s Fall Festival, “Autumn on the Square.” We will have a photo booth. Help us be a blessing to the community. ******************** I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have: 1) Courage 2) Wisdom 3) Strength 4) Victory 5) Vision  


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