A Pastor's Christmas Prayer

Wherever you may be during this holiday season, I pray that you are overwhelmed by the Father's love for you. That as you bust into presents you are reminded of the greatest gift of all, the Father sending the Son to be the great redeemer. I pray that as you look at the blessings of this past year, you are quickly prompted to give thanks for that which you do not deserve, that which He has blessed you with. I pray that your mind is filled with deep thoughts of the Father and how His love for you flows to all those around you, whether family, friends, co-workers, the neighbors, your barista. May you express that love and appreciation to them, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. May we not waste this Christmas season, on trinkets and toys, but may we suck the marrow out of it by rejoicing in all that is good, and shouting with the angels, "Glory to God in the Highest!!!"

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season:

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE

Brandon

Where does Ministry Happen? Part 6-The Ends of the Earth

As regenerate believers we not only want to passionately pursue ministry here at home and where we are daily, but also we want to spread the supremacy of God among the nations. We need to be active in our involvement and participation in spreading the Gospel to those men and women that have not been afforded the opportunity we have been blessed with here in America. As we go we not only spread the supremacy of God to men and women who have never heard or seen the Gospel, but we get to see what God is doing all over the world and how much bigger this is then me and my life. I think the one thing that I walk away with from my overseas trips is how big God is, how it may not look the same as it does in the U.S. and that is good, if not better.

The reality is that God is going to spread His Gospel, He does not "need" us to do it, but He has asked us to walk in obedience, knowing that as we follow He will erupt more and more of Himself in our lives.

So we want to prayerfully consider where the Lord is asking and prompting us go, so that we may see the Gospel at work in our lives and those we minister to in hopes that it produces something back at home that ignites our hearts to love, cherish, and spread the Gospel more.

What is your role? Are you a provider, a goer, a prayer, the only part you don't have is to sit and do nothing.

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE

Brandon

Where Does Ministry Happen? Part 5-Local

Most people think the only of missions as going overseas, or going on an extended stay to some remote African village. But missions opportunities exist in our own backyard. As a church we believe that we are to be a light to the city, to shine forth His glory and push back the darkness here in Lubbock. This can be a number of things, whether it is mentoring at a school, or serving lunch to the less fortunate, or a neighborhood block party. The reality is that mission opportunities exist all around us, and this doesn't mean you even have to do it through a "Christian" organization, rather be a Christian wherever the Lord allows you to minister and through your life and your words look for opportunities to spread the love of Christ to a city that needs Him, not more religion.

May we as a church body be in our city, may we love it, pray for it, and serve it, so that that the glory of God shines through the darkness and the religious guise that has bound this place. Look for opportunities, keep your eyes and ears attentive and then when the Lord shows you, be quick to move.

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE

Brandon