NewsLetter May 2017
OUR MISSION: “TO LEAD PEOPLE TO B E FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST” OUR VISION: “TO BE A CHURCH OF ORDINARY PEOPLE USED BY GOD IN EXTRAORDINARY WAYS”
CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH STAFF Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org
Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org
Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org
Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org
Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org
Jodi Beckendorf, Graphic Design jbeckendorf@fbc-brenham.org
Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org
Stephanie Sheffield, Custodian Manager ssheffield@fbc-brenham.org
Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org
Nancy Jahns, School Administrator njahns@fbcsbrenham.org
Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org
Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Dir. mdo@fbc-brenham.org
Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Brenham’s First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834
LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs 2
I N THI S I SSUE:
Church Announcements ..................................................page Church-wide Calendar .....................................................page From Special Announcements .......................................page Sweet Hour of Prayer ........................................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries & Graduate Sunday ............................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page Encore Ministry ..................................................................page A Letter from Reba .. ..........................................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School .........................................................................page Special Announcements ..................................................page From Troy’s Heart ..............................................................page Special Announcements .................................................page
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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY - Can you smile? Can you shake a hand or hug a neck? Sure you can! That means you can make a difference in someone’s life each Sunday by serving in our First Impressions Ministry. Email Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call 979-836-2807 if you want to make a difference with a smile!
SIGN UP ONLINE:
KIDS KLUB - SUMMER CAMP & VBS REGISTRATION Sign ups available online at fbc-brenham.org. We have fewer beds available this year for camp. So, first come, first serve. Please don’t hesitate.
SAVE THE DATE - MAY 31, 2017 Church Picnic on 33 acres @ 5:00pm
Welcome New Church Members Ronnie and Debbie Fathauer Bradley Erickson Sarah Butler
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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR
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Piecemakers Sewing/Quilting Ministry 9:00am Student Center Joy Class 2:00pm Sycamore House Graduate Sunday Both Services – Breakfast 9:45 Gym Deacons Meeting 2:00pm Room 111 Church Council Meeting 6:00pm Room 112 Independence Baptist Assoc. Music Festival 6:00pm Calvary Baptist Church Hope SS Class Meeting 4:00pm Sycamore House FBCS Pre-K Memory Verse Program 10:45am Sanctuary Parent Child Dedication Both Services FUGE Camp Parent Meeting 6:00pm Student Center Encore Luncheon 11:00am Pahl House Connecting @ FBC 4:00pm Room 112 FBCS-Kindergarten Graduation 6:00pm Sanctuary Finance Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 111 Kindergarten Graduation Reception 6:30pm Gym FBCS-6th Grade Breakfast 6:00am Gym FBCS-6th Grade Graduation 6:00pm Sanctuary Relocation Committee Meeting 6:30pm Room 112 Children /Youth Meal Fundraiser 4:00-6:00pm Bush’s Chicken Church Office Closed – Memorial Day Church-wide Picnic on 33 Acres 5:00pm
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Lord’s Supper Both Services Church-wide Business Meeting 4:00pm Gym Senior Adult VBS 9:00am – 12:30pm Gym Fun Time at the Morrisons (4th/5th Grades) 7:00pm VBS 8:30am Gym Parent Night @ FBC VBS 6:00pm FUGE Camp begins
JUNE-
For more information on any of the above events please visit the church website: www.fbc-brenham.org
www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch
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SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 “Because those led by the spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 We in the “Sweet Hour of Prayer” group have a special anointing and along with it a huge responsibility. God has laid it upon us to corporately pray for our church, our government, our law enforcement agencies, our soldiers, and individuals within our church and outside in the world and many other entities. “The work of the Holy Spirit is revealed everyday in those of us who are God’s children.” Romans 8:16 - “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” The work of the Spirit in our lives is manifold. Praises to God for this awesome gift He has given us. We lift up our praises and thanksgiving to Him. Remember, we cannot pray effectively without the enablement of the Holy Spirit. “For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the [a]knowledge of Him. “ Ephesians 1:17 If we can’t say Jesus is Lord, how can we worship in spirit, how can we pray in the spirit, without the power of the Holy Spirit? There must be an importation of the Holy Spirit into our spirit enabling us to worship, in spirit, God, who is Spirit. If Jesus isn’t your Savior, make a decision to receive Him in your life now, and come pray with us and let us pray for you. Our Gracious Heavenly Father, We lift up each one as they read this. For those without Jesus as their Savior I pray for the Father to open their minds and hearts to the glory, peace, joy, and love that can become part of their lives with Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. And for those who have already entered this wonderful realm as children of God and heirs to all God has for them through His grace, mercy, and compasion, we ask “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,” and for healing or your body, restoring of your souls, restoraton of lost fellowships, and the showering of God’s grace when this life seems to close in on us and we find no place to go. Remember, He will never leave you or forsake you. All you need to do is look up. Thank You, Father.
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MUSIC MINISTRY
I’m so thankful for everyone on the Music Ministry team that came together and worked so diligently to present such a powerful and meaningful time of worship during our recent Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday worship gatherings! What a powerful expression of gratitude and praise! Your dedication and passion made an impact on all who attended and, I know, was honoring to our Conquering King, Jesus.
May is ALWAYS a busy month and this year is no different. We must be intentional and vigilant not to allow a full calendar to choke out our fire for God and lose sight of His eternal purposes for us! We would be wise to heed the instruction of the Apostle Paul and, “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you…” We must tend to the fire. Feed it. Rekindle it. Fan it to flame! We do this by staying in God’s Word, being mindful of the Holy Spirit’s prodding, and by not forsaking our gathering together. Bonnie and I would appreciate your prayers as we are out leading worship at the revival services of FBC Somerville April 30-May 4 (come join us and Pastor Ross as he shares the Word each evening!) & FBC Edna on May 7-May 10. I would also like to invite any of you who might be interested in singing in our choir presentation on God & Country Sunday on July 2nd to come and join us for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings in the sanctuary at 6:30pm. Blessings, Charles Covin
Independence Baptist Association
Music
Festival
Sunday, Evening May 7th - 6pm Calvary Baptist Church Join us for a great time of worship, featuring music from choirs and soloists throughout the association, as well as a meaningful time of congregational singing. Food & fellowship afterward! 7
ADULT MINISTRIES PIECE MAKERS
Piece Maker members are happy to have a new AccuQuilt GO Cutter to make cutting fabric quicker and more accurate. The GO cutter is easy to use and will make putting together kits for baby quilts and lap quilts so much faster. Piece Maker meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from 9 am to 2 pm in the Student Center. All are welcome to join us as we stitch for local needs and foreign missions.
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ADULT MINISTRIES CONTINUED
First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team. Each Sunday, We have greeters in the parking lots guiding people to a worship service or Sunday Bible Study. With bright yellow vests and friendly smiles, they will also be there to give you a helping hand with anything you need. Presently we need more people on the Parking Lot Greeting Team and our Welcome Guest Greeter Team, if you would like to help us make a lasting impression by serving on our First Impressions Team. Contact Troy at: tsikes@fbc-brenham.org or call the church office at 979-836-2807 if you are willing to serve as an Usher, Welcome Center Greeter or Parking Lot Greeter.
HOME TEAM GROUPS UPDATES! Widows & Single Ladies – “The Mission of Jesus.” Triumph of God’s Kingdom in a world of chaos. Pahl House 1st & 3rd Monday’s 6:00pm Bishop – “Psalms” 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Yeakley/The More Excellent Way – “Knowing God’s Secrets” by John Hunter Meets at 800 Loesch St. Monday at 6:30pm Schroeder – “Kingdom Marriage” by Dr. Tony Evans 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – Prayer and fellowship 9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjects
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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE
Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying “I John” Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House
Sweet Hour of Prayer Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage
Ladies Bible Studies Studying the DVD series “Redeemed” by Angela Thomas. Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House (Childcare available) (Ending May 24)
Ladies Bible Study Pastor’s Bible Study Fellowship Class “Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer Time” Studying the book of “John” Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112 (Ending May 24)
Ephesians: Faithful Followers at Full-Tilt! Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 111
Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, in the Sycamore House (Ending May 4)
(Ending May 24)
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Jeff Buck Rosie Harris Carol Holmes Wallace Atkinson Roxie Cowan Lefty Yarnold Nancy Low Gregg Appel Shirley Giese Elaine Hobgood David Bufkin Michael Little Leann Bennett David May Robert Taylor Sally Rost Edward Draus Marlene Fairlie
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Louise Draus Tracy Gonzales Danny Dahlquist Allyne Machat Deborah Boerninghaus Diana Boerninghaus Patsy Hermann
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THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING!
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A LETTER FROM REBA As I sit down to write this morning I am reflecting on a fun weekend with our oldest daughter and her family. We don’t get to spend a lot of time with them so it was a really special treat. We sat outside and soaked up the beautiful weather on Saturday as well as the love between us all. I’m sure you have heard that mothers love all of their children the same. I sometimes question that theory, as I feel like I love my children equally, but always differently. I guess what I am trying to say is love their differences as well as their similarities. My girls both work with children, but have totally different types of jobs. I am so pleased that they both chose a career of caring for and loving children. They are both great mothers as well. I hope they learned some of those skills from me. All I ever wanted to do as a child was to grow up and be a wife and a mother. God blessed me with both of those things. The night Doc proposed he asked me if I was willing to be a stay at home mom, because that is what he wanted for his children, and I was happy to say yes. I never say I have been a perfect mother, because I know that is an impossible task. I know I have tried my hardest with God’s help to be the best I can be. Now I have taken on the job of grandmother which I love. They range in age from infant to twenty-five, so we have quite a spread in their ages. They too have different skills and abilities as our children do. It is so interesting to see them grow into adults and see what they take from their childhood with them. I pray that they take the important things with them, most of all a love for God and for their family. I must add that God truly blessed me with a Christian mother who instilled in me so many things I treasure today. I pray you will be blessed on this Mother’s Day with a family that honors you and lifts you up in their prayers. Blessings, Reb Pair
SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH
Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29 12
STUDENT MINISTRY April is always a great month! What’s not to love about the beautiful weather, flowers blooming everywhere and a few of my favorite events? April is the start of graduation party season! I really enjoy getting to celebrate with the seniors and their family and friends and of course getting to eat yummy food. This group of seniors were in 8th grade when I started as Student Pastor at FBC Brenham. It has been a joy to watch them grow and to serve and minister to them. I hope you all will be there on May 7, 2017 when we will honor our graduating seniors in both s ervices Sunday morning. Congratulations to the Class of 2017! I will always remember you as that bunch of Junior High students that welcomed me here. April is also a great month because it is my birthday month. We won’t talk about how old I am, but let’s just say I am one of the oldest youth pastors around. I have always heard that being around younger people makes you feel young, but I just know that I enjoy being a kid every day of the year. It is still fun and rewarding even after 17 years of ministry. Here’s to another 17 fun-filled years of eating pizza, trying to sleep on a bus or van, no one letting you sleep on the top bunk above them, hurting yourself from trying to run with the guys, being told how old you are, and … But my favorite thing about April is my wedding anniversary. This year Bobbye and I celebrated 20 years together. God sure did know what He was doing when He gave me my helpmate. A lot has changed since April 1997. Bobbye and I surrendered to ministry together, had four kids who are now teenagers, lived in 7 different towns, served in 6 different churches, and a whole lot of MY hair is gone. But I want to thank Bobbye for her love for the Lord and for me. No matter what was going on she has aways been by my side serving and helping me all the way. I love you and you are so gifted in so many ways, but I got the best gift in you. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has for us in the next 20 years! 13
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV) Good Morning, Most of you know that I have recently returned from a much-appreciated sabbatical. For those regular readers of the newsletter, you know that God used the time to reveal some areas that needed work in my personal life. However, most of you have not heard about the next stop made during this period of rest. As I mentioned in last month’s article, my first stop was in a remote part of Colorado called Yampa. From there I traveled to a more familiar destination – Crested Butte. Crested Butte is at the same elevation as Yampa. So, in a sense, I came down from one mountaintop to climb up another, and in typical mountaintop fashion, God had another lesson for me. The home in Crested Butte was breathtaking in its construction and amenities. With every opened door, I kept thinking, “I get to stay here?” I think it might be a small similarity to when Jesus tours us through the home that He has prepared for us – “Is this for me?” Yet, for as wonderful as the house was, the scenery in which it sat was beyond words. I have photos, but they pale in comparison to the pictures etched within my memory. Each day I had determined to venture outside to experience what can only be discovered by exploration. On one such day, I looked up from my Bible at the small rise above me. I thought, “I think I can easily make it to the top of that rise.” So, I told God that I was going to venture to the top after lunch, and meet with Him there in prayer. My intentions were to recreate a “Moses-moment,” in which God would reward me with wisdom and revelation from His own mouth. What I experienced was different, but similar. First, let me tell you that the rise turned out to be several hundred feet above the house, and when I got to the top, I was still not even at the top yet. So, I trekked further up. I never did make it to “the top,” but I was above the aspens, which allowed me a beautiful view of Mount Crested Butte, the city below and the surrounding range. I have no words to describe the experience. However, once there, I sat down (mostly out of exhaustion), and began my prayertime with God. Actually, I had been praying the whole way up. It was something like, “Oh Lord, please give me the strength - and air - to make this climb.”
Children’s Ministry Continued on Page 19.
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES Hi Everyone! This month we are “Going to the Castle” and hearing stories from the King. I cannot wait to share both this theme and these stories with our little ones. This month’s theme is inspired by Chris Tomlin’s new book, “Good Good Father” and I encourage you if you have a chance, to check out the book. As we travel through our stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Hagar, Gideon, and Daniel, our preschoolers will learn that …. God is always with me. God hears me and gives me what I need. God teaches me the way to go. God protects me. It is going to be a fantastic month that is sure to help our preschoolers know that God is with them all the time and God’s got it. Blessings, Stacey
Sunday Mornings in May Basic Truth: God loves me. Key Question: Who’s got it? Bottom Line: God’s got it. Memory Verse: “He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God.” Deuteronomy 10:17 ATTENTION PARENTS: PARENT/CHILD DEDICATION
I’m so sorry but it is too late to participate in this dedication. However, our next dedication will be November 12th. Please mark your calendars.
MACY HOLSTER 5-11-12
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAM KECK 5-16-11
BRYCE YELDERMAN 5-31-14
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FBC SCHOOL & EEC This month for missions, we will be raising funds for Go Drill! Students will be learning about the Placke family and how they are serving others in Tanzania. Chad Marrs will be sharing about his experience there. Although our school year is coming to a close, it doesn’t mean we are slowing down! We are already planning our next school year. In addition to all the regular school planning, we will be celebrating 40 years of service during the 2017-2018 school year. We are praying about ways to celebrate. If you have an idea or would like to help plan, please contact me. Please be in prayer for the families and staff members God is calling to FBCS for next year. We are ready to welcome them with open arms! Serving Him, Nancy Jahns P.S. Our students raised $450 dollars for the Annie Armstrong Mission Offering last month!
UPCOMING MAY EVENTS May
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PTO - 5:30 in Rm 112 Mrs. LouLou for elementary Mrs. LouLou for preschool Elementary Field Day at Jackson St. Park 11:30 dismissal for Maifest; EEC open 12 PK Memory Verse Program10:45 in Sanctuary 22 Kindergarten Graduation - 6:00 in Sanctuary
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS NEEDED We continue to be in need of scholarship donations for the 2017-2018 school year. Please consider a gift to this fund. It helps families to send their child to FBCS. The scholarships are for need-based students, and they are selected through a committee.
THANK YOU Thank you to our FBCS staff. Our team works hard to love and serve the children God brings through these doors! Whether it is a regular work day or and special event such as Texas Celebration or UIL, these ladies are up to the challenge and give 100%.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH THANK YOUS: Thank you so much for having us back again. We love your staff and your people. It’s always wonderful working with BFB Church, Troy and Mary Kay. Until next time. Blessings, The Ministry of Jeff & Debby Dear FBC Family, Thank you, for your expression of sympathy. It will always be remembered. Thank you so very much for the lovely plant in honor of my mom and for the prayer warriors who helped me during her last days on earth. She is now with her Jesus and dancing the streets of gold with my Dad. It is sorrow and joy that I am experiencing knowing she is gone from here but awaiting the day that we will see each other again. Many Thanks, Daphne Baker Dear Church Family, My thanks and appreciation to all of you during my hip surgery and rehab for two months, maybe arriving a little late, but I am so grateful for all of your visits calls, cards, and most of all your healing prayers. God is still in the healing business. My progress may be a little slow according to my time table, yet am so Blessed, He sees and knows all of our problems and takes care of our needs. With a grateful heart. Sincerely, Loretta Davis Thank you so much for the beautiful plant you sent in memory of Ruth Fritz. It is absolutely beautiful and I know we will enjoy it for years to come! We are so thankful for your love and prayers in this time. We love y’all! The James Fritz Family Thank you for you compassionate thoughts. Craig Campbell
OUR SYMPATHIES TO: -Schwartz family in the loss of Tanner Schwartz. -James Fritz and family in the loss of his mother, Ruth. -Daphne Baker and family in the loss of her mother. -Jay and Suzanne Faske in the loss of their son, Nathaniel Faske.
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FROM TROY’S HEART
Each Wednesday evening at 6:30pm, I am teaching a group of people the wonderful truths of the book of Ephesians. A couple of verses that jumped off of the page at me were Ephesians 1:7-8 “In Him we have redemption though His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.” Without going into a whole Bible Study, I want to focus on just one word, LAVISHED. What do you think about when you see that word? For me, the word lavished means having so much more than enough. I equate lavish with luxury. Look back at the verses and let me ask a few questions: 1. Is God rich or poor in grace? 2. What does God do with His grace? 3. Why do we need the “riches of His grace”? God is rich in grace! Because He has more than enough grace, He lavished it on us for the forgiveness of our sin. Why did we need so much grace? Because sin has caused us to go into such a spiritual debt that we are spiritually bankrupt! They only way to be redeemed is for us to believe in the Banker of gracious forgiveness, Jesus Christ. He holds the wealth and riches of unmerited, unearned and unconditional love(grace). Are you struggling spiritually? Do you feel like you are in spiritual poverty? If so, that is a great place to be! “Why?,” you ask. Because that is the point at which God is ready to make a huge deposit in our lives from His account of gracious love. To have it lavished on us, all we have to do is believe by faith in Jesus. If you have never done that, please call me at 979-836-2807. I love you, Troy
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SPECIAL EVENTS GRAND TOTAL COLLECTED: $26,413
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONTINUED
After catching my breath, my first, and only, prayer was, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Nothing. That is all that I heard. It was so silent and still up on that mountain. As I strained with my ears to hear His peaceful and commanding voice, I could hear the faint sound of the cars on the highway in the distance. I would hear the occasional call of a bird flying overhead. I would repeat my mantra and listen to still hear nothing. I cried out again, “God I need to hear from You. I need to know that You are really here and not just in my mind and emotions.” As I sat there in silence, the beauty of His creation overwhelmed me. I thought of how one day even these massive mountains would fall before His presence. I thought of how He cared for the birds that were flying about. I thought about the storehouses of snow of whose whereabouts only He knows. I then laid back in the snow and soaked in the crystal blue hue of the sky above me and thought about the greater expanse beyond. As I lay in this winter wonderland, I remembered an audio byte that I had heard on the radio years before from Tony Evans. He said that we often come before God asking for a new work, and sometimes the only task He has for us is to sit and bask in His glory (loose quote). I was sitting in a beautiful setting, experiencing God’s great works, and not realizing that to be in His presence is enough. So often, we come to God with our hands open. We beg for provision, and blessings. Sometimes we come and ask for jobs to do for Him or new mission assignments. Yet, the most important thing about being in His presence is being in His presence. That should be enough. He doesn’t have to speak to make the experience complete. I found this out on that mountaintop, and I hope you will learn this for yourself, maybe on your back porch, driving down the road or in your prayer closet. Wherever you are, I challenge you – come before Him. Sit and be still. Listen, but more importantly, bask. His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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