Febuary 12, 2012

Historically, as the church became more prosperous and politically powerful, it actually became weaker spiritually. An early church leader was once told "no longer can the church say I have no silver and gold" (Acts 3:6, referring to Peter and John's encounter with a man lame from birth), but the leader said "but no longer can the church say "rise up and walk"!

Financial prosperity often brings a loss of spiritual power because of apathy and complacency. The high standard of living in America should be seen as a blessing from Almighty God. The Bible says "to whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48). We should be thinking about all we can accomplish for the kingdom this year with our time and money. Apathy says "it won't make any difference". Complacency says "this isn't my responsibility". We must see this is our one opportunity to make a difference in our church, our family our nation and our world.

The anti-Christian bias in our culture should be seen as a failure to reach our culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every bit of bad news of our culture's depravity is a call to prayer and action. The Lord is at work here but we need to be focused on the things He is doing in the lives of the children, teens, and adults that He has already sent us.

There is plenty to do in response to what the Lord has already put before us. We just need to see it and respond in faith. I am thankful to serve a people through whom the Lord Jesus is working.

Serving Him, Bro Lynn

January 29, 2012

Each year I have tried to make a statement about the state of the church. It's both a forward looking statement about what we hope to accomplish and a celebration of what we have done.

Harmony Baptist Church is the body of Christ and that means we represent Him here on earth. The church is God's spiritual family. The church is made up of many different people but our common tie is we have all experienced forgiveness and the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Our challenge for 2012 is to continue to follow the Great Commandment found in Matt. 22:37-39, " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... and your neighbor as yourself."

Our focus for 2012 will continue to be loving the Lord Jesus, loving and caring for His people and reaching people for His Kingdom. The great need is first not to grow weary in well doing, (2 Thess. 3:13) and second, to be more intentional in building relationships.

I'll share more in the days to come. Thank you for all your hard work and faithfulness.

Love, Brother Lynn

January 22, 2012

Today is the 39th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision by the Supreme Court that legalized abortion in the USA. Since that day over 50 million children have been intentionally aborted in our country. This is a foundational issue affecting all our citizens. It tells us where we are in our understanding of the One true living God and the moral standards that come from His word.

A nation's view of God is reflected in our understanding of His character. When we fail to worship, reverence, fear and obey Him, it shows up in our morals, our laws and in our churches. Our nation is in the mess of moral confusion we are in today because God's people have "taken themselves out of the game" by their silence, by their passivity and because we were pursuing our own desires. Harmony Baptist Church is seeking to change that by being proactive in raising up people to be active, not passive, as we seek to make a difference in our community, nation, and world.

Here are some of our priorities:

Options Clinic/Grace House (CPC), Weatherford

Traffic 911 (human trafficking rescue) Ft Worth/Dallas

Center of Hope, Weatherford

Mission Dignity(widows of ministers/ and ministers underfunded, retired )

Family Life, the Muckleroy family, (national ministry to strengthen the family)

Disaster relief (Texas Baptist Men)

Total monthly support for these programs is $1,650.00. This doesn't include any missions giving. Total missions giving for 2011 was 29 percent of the budget. The $1,650.00 figure is specific to Harmony's recognition that we need to value life at every stage from the womb to the tomb. I praise the Lord Jesus for a church like that!

The truth is that we must do more in 2012. That means more than money, it means being people of faith. It means praying and paying attention to God and then acting. Thanks for all you do. Keep it up!

Blessed to be serving Jesus at Harmony,

Brother Lynn

January 15, 2012

If I could encourage you to do one thing in the new year that would bring great blessings into your life, itcould be summed up in the word "commitment". Commitment is a pledge to do something in the future. Marriage is a commitment to be true to each other for a lifetime. After we make that pledge we then live it out over a lifetime. Part of that commitment is for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health "till death do us part".

The Christian life is far more than "fire insurance", just as marriage is far more than the ceremony. So this year, commit to be faithful in Sunday School and worship. God honors commitment. The best decision we made early in our married life was to be in church and Sunday School every week. It was something we discussed and were both convicted was the right decision. Then we had to follow through. That was the commitment part. That was a turning point in our lives. It wasn't always easy or automatic or painless but the Lord Jesus has blessed in ways beyond human explanation.

So let's all begin a new chapter in our lives this week as we seek to commit our lives fresh and anew to the Lord Jesus.

Serving Him, Bro Lynn

January 8,2012

A young mother who had a daughter under the age of 4 was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only a short time to live. Faced with the choice of enduring painful treatments which would extend her life but also prolong her suffering, she chose to endure the treatments. She chose the hard path not because she was afraid to die but because "that might be the one moment my daughter would need me". Oh that we could look at our commitment to Jesus Christ that way.

It doesn't take much to deter us from reading our Bible or having a meaningful quiet time. It doesn't take much to keep us from being faithful to attend Sunday School and church. Perseverance is a word rarely used anymore. It means to persist in spite of opposition or discouragement. Is God any less sovereign when we have problems, discouragements and unforeseen circumstances? I believe He uses adversity to test our commitment to Him and He will give us the grace we need to overcome our present set of circumstances.

Just remember I live in the same world you live in, a fallen world, a world full of problems and plans that don't work out. A world that is constantly changing and in which, if you just hesitate for a moment, you get left behind with little hope of catching up. The truth, the good news, is that our Heavenly Father has intervened in history and sent the Lord Jesus to be with us, to save us from our sins and to give us new life in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). He continues to work through the church, the body of Christ. He is calling for "all hands on deck" in 2012.

Franklin Graham has said "this may be the most significant year in our nation's history". Let's commit at the beginning of the year to be present and accounted for. To be where we are needed. To begin new habits of faithfulness. If you don't have a job, pray about getting one, then follow through and offer to help in some area. There is a place of service for every part of the Body. Have you ever thought that others are depending on you? Just like the mother who wanted to live so she could "be there the one moment her daughter needed her", someone is looking to you for encouragement and hope. Let's step up our commitment in 2012.

Serving Him, Bro Lynn

January 1, 2012

The media has supposedly reported that people say 2011 was a bad year (I'm sure because of the economy), but they have hope that 2012 will be better. Every year has its ups and downs, its losses and gains. What we need, though, is a Heavenly perspective. We need to see things from God's perspective, remembering that God is always at work. Our job is to cooperate with what He is doing and not mess it up.

From a pastor's perspective, it has been a wonderful year of growth and ministry. We can look back on 2011 with satisfaction that the Lord Jesus has been very, very good to Harmony in so many different ways. I could never thank you enough for all your hard work and commitment. Willetta and I feel so blessed to be serving a congregation like Harmony.

In the days to come I will be sharing in more detail some of the things that the Lord has laid on my heart for 2012. There will always be problems. We will always need to grow in faith in the Lord Jesus. There will be God-sized challenges. We cant afford to back down or cool off in our relationship with Christ or our church. Paul said in Phil. 3:14,"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." How can we do any less?

Serving Him, Bro Lynn

December 25, 2011

2011 has been a year of working together to be and do things beyond what any one person could do. From our revival in January to our Christmas drama in December and everything in between, it has been a year of hard work and cooperation. The result has been ministry to others, individual and corporate spiritual growth, people using their spiritual gifts and a sense that God is at work in our church. New members have joined, our giving to missions has dramatically increased and we have been blessed financially in a time when giving is down in many churches.

Let me pause here and say for all of us, "to God be the glory, great things He has done." When a church is focused on Jesus Christ and on His commands, such as the Great Commission (Matt.28:19-20), and the Great Commandment (Matt.22:37-38) and ministry to people in Jesus name (Matt. 25), then we get to see what only God can do.

We will always need to remember that Harmony is all about promoting the cause of Jesus Christ. Our main purpose is to glorify the Lord Jesus in all we do. If that is to continue, we will need to take many steps of faith next year to build on what the Lord has done in 2011. You don't win battles by being defensive- you must go on the offensive. Several committees are working on plans that will require faith to complete. That is faith in our leadership and faith in the Lord Jesus that "He is able to do exceedingly above anything we can ask or think, according to the power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen" (Eph. 4:20, 21).

Merry Christmas! Bro Lynn

December 11, 2011

This morning you will hear Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor Emeritus at SWBTS. I first heard Dr. Crawford speak here in Weatherford at the annual meeting of our Association last November. Afterward, Willetta and I attended a breakout session led by Dr. Crawford on missions in Vancouver.

As most of you know, I traveled to Vancouver in October where Dr. Crawford led two groups of pastors and laymen, introducing us to the work ofchurch planting in that city. The main reason I invited him to come here today is to help our church clarify how we can join with others in reaching that great city.

On a personal note, it was a special blessing to get to know Dr. Crawford on that trip. There are many thingsI observed on that trip, but one that standsabove the others. That can be summarized in one word: advocate. An advocate is someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause. Dan Crawford has gotten behind the cause of making disciples of all nations and specifically in the city of Vancouver and surrounding area.

When we get behind something that is dear to the heart of God, missions and evangelism,that is called obedience and the Lord Jesus blesses obedience. As you listen to Dr Crawford this morning my prayer is that you are listening for God to speak to each of us as to how we can step up our commitment to the Great Commission.

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

December 04, 2011

December is a busy month, with preparations for Christmas. Its easy to forget that some of our church family are in a care facility, or hospitalized, or have a family member undergoing treatment for cancer or other major health problems.

This week, Ive been reminded how quickly life can change. I had an encounter with a homeless man named Chris. As we talked about his life, it wasnt hard to see that given a different set of circumstances, I might be in his place. Life for him now is a constant struggle. Finding a place to sleep and a shelter requires a TB test; finding a job requires a phone, and bus fare, and on and on.

So make a conscious effort to pay attention to the people the Lord has put in your path this month. We have daily opportunities to encourage our own family, our church family or to reach out to those God brings into our day.

I couldnt change Chriss circumstances. That day I didnt have any cash in my pocket. I could buy his lunch and sit down and eat with him, and afterward pray for his immediate needs. Lets not miss one opportunity to help someone in need as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

November 27, 2011

I notice the president was criticized for not thanking God in his Thanksgiving message to the nation. Others in the media noticed the same thing. When our own family gathers for Thanksgiving, I mention that we are thankful to Someone and for all the blessings we enjoy. After all, Thanksgiving presupposes Someone to thank.

My point is not to criticize the president - most people already know where he is coming from. My point is that I will thank the Lord Jesus Christ, that I will be grateful for my own family, and for Harmony, the best church anywhere, the best church in a blessed nation. Does that mean there is nothing wrong, or that there are no problems, or that Harmony is all that it can be? Absolutely not, but clearly I recognize the blessings of God for all the above.

Be thankful for what you have and dont take credit for the good He brings into our lives. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. (Ps 118.1)

With thanksgiving in my heart, Bro. Lynn

November 20, 2011

As we think about things we are grateful for this Thanksgiving season I would hope that my time as pastor at Harmony is simply summarized as "making Jesus known". In fact I think that my ministry could be summarized by saying, "Brother Lynn simply moved God's people to get in on what God was already doing."

So now what is God "already doing"? The answer is "more than space allows." Jesus taught His disciples to pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10). One way that God is working, and I am especially thankful for, is in the lives of our men. Men are visible and active in the life of our church. Men are serving. Men are providing leadership in critical areas. Men are ministering to other men. Men are leading us in worship.

It is not to neglect that women are working, leading, and ministering in critical areas. In fact, women have often borne the load of work at Harmony. For the past several years the men of Harmony have steadily moved forward in participation. All I am sayingis that God has raised up men at Harmony and I for one am thankful. Our men are not the stereotype "soft male" or passive man, but real men that love Jesus. It is not that we have "arrived"- in fact we are a "work in progress", but at least we are progressing. All I want to do is point out that God is working in the lives of our men. To God be the glory for great things He has done!

With thanksgiving in my heart, Bro. Lynn

P.S. God has always been working in the lives of our women!

November 13, 2011

As we conclude 2011, I would like to put down a few observations

The year has passed quickly and now we have only 49 days left in the year. The Lord Jesus has continued to bless Harmony by sending new people to plant their lives in His church. Every person He sends represents a life in which He is working. Our part is to recognize His activity and get to know our newest members.

Wednesday night is a window into the heartbeat of our church. I say that because people have time to connect with each other. Children and teens come to us, many who have no other spiritual light in their lives. I love the interaction between adults and children, between teens and other adults. Our fellowship hall is full to the point of overflowing with life. Jesus said He came that we might have life in abundance (John 10:10)and I see that life at Harmony.

If we are to continue to grow, people must step up and help. The Word of God tells us that "God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose." (I Cor. 12:18) Our job is to cooperate with His arranging us in a place of service. There is no "retirement plan" in the Bible. Some of our seniors continue to serve even in their 90's. Every member needs a place of service. Talk to Willetta or I if you do not have a place of service at Harmony.

November 6, 2011

There are foundational principles in life that govern our attitude, our actions, and God's activity in our lives. Simply put, these are responses to His mercy and grace as we continue to understand all that we have in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus wants to be more active in our daily lives than we are willing to respond to. We are easily distracted and often controlled by our own selfish desires or the demands of others. Only as we learn to love Him enough to listen to His voice will we really begin to see and experience His evident activity in our lives. His activity must be filtered through His Word; in fact we won't know how to respond apart from it. His activity will always require faith, for it is impossible to please God apart from faith (Heb 11:6).

My point here is not to be exhaustive but to encourageyou to believe that God wants to do more in your life "than you could ask, think, or imagine" (Eph 3:20-21) for His glory.

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

October 30, 2011

Debriefing originated in the military. It was used to receive information from a pilot or soldier after a mission. I would like debrief some things from my trip to Vancouver.

First, I want to thank those who prayed for me because it wasa very productive trip. Four words summarize what I sawthe Lord using in Vancouver: Prayer, Faith, Relationships and Discipleship.I was encouraged that we are doing some things they are doing, like using "big events" to reach our community. Our church is already apraying church. I want to share in more detail tonight some specific steps that we must take if we are to see the Lord do all He wants to do here at Harmony.

Even though I was in Canada, I was always thinking about our church. The Lord Jesus is working in our church. We see the evidence in many varied ways. Every person who joins is expressing faith that the Lord is present in our church. Ourworship attendance has improved.We have faithful, willingworkers who expresstheir faith in Christ by their availability.Harmony has been blessed with gifted people who understand how todo ministry. Harmony is making a difference in our community. Lives are being changed. To God be the glory for all this and more!

The question is, what else does God want to do? How can we get in on all that the Lord Jesus wants to do?These are questions we must seek to answer. Please join me in seeking the next steps of faith we need to take.

Serving Him - Brother Lynn

October 23, 2011

It has been an incredible 5 days in Vancouver. Many testimonies point to the activity of our Heavenly Father.

When God's people are willing, God is able (He is always able). The same God who is working there is working here. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

October 16, 2011

Willetta and I want to thank everyone for the cards and personalexpressions of appreciation we received for pastor appreciation day. Taking the time to put your thoughts down on paper is a valuable gift of encouragement. It helps us know what we are doing that is beneficial to each of you. We feel very blessed to be called by the Lord to serve the people of Harmony.

On another matter, Tuesday I leave for Vancouver, BC for a trip along with several other pastors to see opportunities for Harmony to be involved in church planting in that city. I first heard of Baptist work in Vancouver at last years Parker Baptist Association meeting. Because of the large population of people from other countries, to reach Vancouver is to reach the world. The city is known as the "Gateway to the Pacific Rim". There are over 300,000 university students in metro Vancouver, and over three million people live in metro Vancouver, the majority of which speak a mother tongue other than English. Only 2% attend evangelical churches regularly and 41% have no religious affiliation.

Audie Thompson will lead the Wednesday adult bible study for me. I return to Weatherford on Saturday and will be back in the pulpit Sunday morning October 23. That evening Brian Webster, a friend of Tyson and Rebecca, who served in China with them, will be preaching. Please keep me in your prayers as I look for ways to involve Harmony in what the Lord Jesus is doing in Vancouver.

Blessings, Bro. Lynn

October 9, 2011

One important thing every Christian ought to be thinking is: how does the Lord Jesus want me to see life? Every day we process lots of information. We decide what we are going to do that day, but do we ever think about how God wants us to think? How does the Lord want us to think about the day He has given us?

Philippians 2 tells us we need to have the "mind of Christ" by not being selfish, "in humility considering others before you consider your own needs and wants and thinking about what is best for others not just what is best for you".

Every day we make choices. Every day we all have the same 24 hours. Every day our Heavenly Father is at work (John 5:17) and every day we choose to live our lives in a certain way. What is your purpose for living? If we live for the Lord Jesus, we live for something that counts for eternity.

Read Philippians 2 and then begin to apply the instruction Paul gives regarding the proper "mind set for every believer". It's the only way to experience the power and presence of the Living God in your life.

Serving Him, Bro Lynn

October 2, 2011

As we age, we enter different "seasons" of our life like spring, summer and fall. We see life differently in each of these "seasons". One thing the Lord has impressed on me is reflected in Psalm 103:15-17. "As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place is no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments."

Life is brief. James calls it a "mist" (James 4:14). Since this is true, it follows that we need to "redeem the time" (Ephesians 5:16) and make the most of every opportunity.

Second, for believers our time no longer belongs to us, for Jesus Christ has paid "a price" for us and we now belong to Him. Our time is really His time, "for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Third, we have "God working in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). God has a purpose and a plan for every life and we only discover that purpose as we read and obey His word. We don't need to come up with our own plan, but we do need to learn to follow His plan.We find that plan in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through theteaching, preaching and reading of the word of God. Ephesians 4:11,12 says "He gave......the shepherds and teachers (pastors) to equip God's people for the work of building up the body of Christ".

The more we see life from the perspective of Jesus Christ and His word the better we will feel about ourselves, and more importantly, the more we'll see things that only God can do.

Serving a risen Savior, Bro Lynn

September 25, 2011

Last Sunday's service concluded with an opportunity for people to come to the front of the church for special prayer. We will continue to provide opportunities for people to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Every invitation is an opportunity to respond to God. In every service there are people who need to get their lives right with God. In every service there are people who need encouragement. Every time we gather together we have a room full of people with problems. All of us have loved ones who aren't in church who seem to give no thought to their relationship with Jesus Christ. Every Sunday there are people presentwho don't know how theyre going to make it to the end of the month financially.

The Bible tells us to "bear one another's burdens" and when we do, we fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). It has always bothered me that we put on our"Sunday face" like everything is OK (myself included) when we have a burden we are carrying for someone or a personal concern that needs to be prayed for. I know some of these concerns are dealt with in Sunday School or between friends, but many don't come to Sunday School.

An invitation is an opportunity to respond to God. Sharing with another person and having them pray for you is Biblical. Matthew 18:19 speaks about "agreement" in prayer and the next verse says "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them". Obviously the passage is about asking God to do things according toHis will, and second, the verse is sayingthe presence of Christ is manifested in prayer.

I believe the Lord Jesus wants to manifest His presence and minister to people in every service. I simply want our invitation time to be a reflection of the fact that we serve arisen Savior who is willing and able to meet our needs.

To God be the glory! Brother Lynn

September 18, 2011

There are many tragic, hopeless looking situations in life. Jesus said "in this world you will have Tribulation John 16:33, not might have but will have tribulation. That's the truth, the bad news. The good news is the second half of the verse "but take heart, I have overcome the world". So no matter what your current circumstances remember that "God is always working" and through faith in Jesus Christ we can enter in to His victory and through Him overcome this world also. God created the world, created man in His image and put him in a beautiful garden where he had everything he needed. Man was free to choose to be satisfied with his relationship with God or to seek satisfaction in something other than God. Man's choice to rebel against God's goodness brought the fall and now we live in a world that is often tragic and hopeless. We still live with the consequences of their tragic decision. I see the destruction caused by sin every day in the news and in the lives of people I know and in my own life. How can we have hope in a hopeless world? 1 John 4:10 says "In this is love not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the Propitiation for our sins.' In that one word "propitiation" we have our hope. Propitiation means to remove us from the wrath of God we deserved. You may think that you don't deserve the wrath of God because compared to others you are better. The problem is that God's standard is perfection Mat. 5:48 and He doesn't compare us to others just His Son. So how do we have hope in a troubled world? How do we keep our head up? The answer is the cross of Jesus Christ. Our hope is in the finished work of Christ on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead. Now we have "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" 1 Peter1:4. Lets keep our eyes on Jesus with the awareness He is always at work and He is our hope. Bro Lynn

September 11, 2011

Thanks for allowing us to get away and spend time with our family in Florida. Also, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the two men who brought messages last Sunday, Scott Sowers and Tyson Shapley, and Lewis Carter for teaching our Sunday School class. Harmony is blessed to have these men in our congregation.

I also want to thank all those who organized, planned and participated in the Awana Kick-Off party on Wednesday. Awana is a key ministry at HBC. It puts us in touch with many young families that we would not otherwise have opportunity to know. If we are going to reach all of our community, we must reach young adults and their children.

On another point, I want to briefly mention that I have made plans to travel to Vancouver, Canada October 18-21st with a group of pastors to consider how Harmony could help plant churches in that city. Last year several from Harmony attended a joint meeting of the Parker Baptist Association andNorthside Baptist Church where we heard about the work in Vancouver. Vancouver is known as the "Gateway to the Pacific Rim" and to reach Vancouver is to reach into the Pacific Rim countries and beyond. I will share more details in the future, but you can begin praying now about Harmony's involvement in this important city.

Our first week back we have hit the ground running and God has been at work in many other areas at Harmony. Willetta and I are so grateful to serve a church that loves Jesus Christ and because of His love in turn loves people. Keep up the good work. If you aren't helping in some way, if you don't have a place of service let me take this opportunity to say your help is needed.

Blessings, Bro Lynn

September 4, 2011

As you read this we are in Florida visiting my son's family. It always seems strange not to be at Harmony on Sunday. I am excited that you will be hearing from Scott Sowers this morning and Tyson Shapley tonight. I wish I could be there to hear them. Harmony is blessed to have Godly men who I am confident will have a Word from the Lord specifically for our congregation. My prayer is that you will hear them with that expectation. We will be back in our place on Wednesday. Our Wednesday adult Bible study will not meet so we can all join in the fun and fellowship of the AWANA kick-off.

Blessings, Bro. Lynn

August 28, 2011

When I was a young boy, one of my favorite TV programs was called The Big Picture. It was about the USArmy's preparation to defend the USA from any enemy. It was designed to help the American people see the "Big Picture" of how America had planned to defend itself with theentire compliment of each branch of the military services. The Big Picture was that America was a powerful nation prepared to protect its people. It was a morale builder designed to instill confidence in the American people that we need not live in fear of our enemies which at that time were Russia, China and North Korea

There is a "Big Picture" today, but it doesn't exist in the form of a military propaganda film. We face an enemy today more dangerous than any enemy of the past or present. The Bible refers to an enemy asthe world, the flesh and the devil.

The good news is that God has the Picture, a battle plan for all of history and we have a part to play in that battle. Now here is where I really want you to pay attention. We will fail if we fail to work together to move forward in unity. When we are divided, its time to stop and think about whether we are all following the samebattle plan and that we are in touch with our Commander in Chief.

For me it is a great relief to know that Jesus Christ has the Big Picture and I can keep my eyes on Him and keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing is winning people to faith in Christ and helping them mature and find a place of service.

- Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

August 23, 2011

Learning to know the Lord Jesus and understanding just how He works in our life is an exciting adventure! The Bible tells us that the way we relate to Godis by faith, "the righteous shall liveby faith (Rom 1:17). We are saved from our sins by faith, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith" and that God even supplies the faith "it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8, 9).

So here is the problem as I see it: we are the ones in charge, and not God. We are basically the ones calling the shots otherwise we would be seeing more unexplainable things that only He could do. Don't get me wrong, I do see His activity, but its not what I do see that bothers me, so muchas what I don't see, and that is "living by faith." Obviously I'm including myself when I say this.

Christianity began as a radical relationship with a risen Savior who had just defeated sin, death and hell. People's lives were dramatically changed by faith in Jesus Christ, hence words like "new creation" (2 Cor 5:17) or "born again" (John 3:3). Faith isn't something we have to "muster up", because the Bible says "faith comes byhearing and hearing by the word of Christ".

We need to ask ourselveshow our relationship with Christ is transforming our day. Are we trusting Him for daily decisions? Do we then act on what He tells us to do?Until we are willing to yield to Jesus Christ we will continue to see only what we can do. Our lives will simply be explainable as good people doing good things. There is nothing supernatural about that.

New Testament Christianity was marked by "living by faith" and God is still calling us to "live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself up for us" (Eph 5:2).

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

August 14, 2011

One of my favorite verses is James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. The rain that came Friday was a gift from God and we praise and thank Him for it. Sometimes God withholds His blessings to remind us all that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father".

Speaking of good gifts, I want to encourage you to come back tonight to hear Gene Muckleroy share in the evening service about Family Life. During the past fifty years the family as an institution has been in a continuous process of disintegration. Forces are now at work to redefine the institution of marriage. Now is the time for the church to help model and equip families so that our culture can see God's plan for the home.

The Bible provides clear instructions for marriage and parenting. The problem is that we have failed to follow the Biblical model for the home. Family Life is a ministry that is making a difference by helping families build a solid foundation on Biblical values. I have benefited personally as a husband, father, grandfather and pastor from the ministry of Family Life. Please come back tonight to learn how you can help strengthen the family.

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

August 7, 2011

Next Sunday night Gene and Heather Muckleroy will be sharing about Family Life in the evening service. Many of you know the Muckleroy's children,William, Ben, and Sadie Grace from their involvement in our Awana program the last few years.

Family Life is a ministry that provides resources for the family. The Men's Fraternity Bible Study that our men did was a resource I first heard about through Family Life. Also, several years ago three couples from Harmony participated in a Weekend to Remember Conference, another Family Life Ministry.

Next Sunday night will be anopportunity to hear about ways we can strengthen our own families through the ministry of Family Life. The family structure in our nation has broken down. The only hope for the family is to return to a Biblical model of the home. Family Life is on the front lines, working to help families build a solid foundation on the Lord JesusChrist.

Please make plans to be present at the evening service and learn more about how you can strengthen your family and be a part of what God is doing through Gene and Heather Muckleroy.

Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

July 31, 2011

God is always working, but sometimes He concentrates His work into a short period of time like a Monday through Friday Youth Camp. Revival services and mission trips can also be times where we see God work in a more visible way. In the days to come, my prayer is that what began at youth camp will continue to affect our young people, their families, and our church. I dont know all the details myself yet, but it is obvious that God has done a work in the life of each person who went.

I am very thankful for Tyson and Rebecca's commitment to take a group to camp. I appreciate their servants hearts, dedication, and the leadership they demonstrate each week. God really blessed us when He sent this young family to Harmony.

Now it is our turn to pay attention to what the Lord is saying to us about His activity at camp. You will hear testimonies in both services today. Listen well because God has something to say that we need to hear and respond to.

To God be the glory! Bro. Lynn

July 24, 2011

Youth camp begins tomorrow on the campus of UNT. The theme this year is "Devoted" from Deut. 6:5, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Camp is a big deal and an opportunity for our youth and our youth leaders to experience almost 5 days of preaching, teaching, corporate worship, and having fun and fellowship in the process.Our part as a church is to pray for each person by name. Pray for strength and wisdom for Tyson and Rebecca. Pray for Scott and Marilyn as they care for Noah and Chloe. Pray for our campers that their lives would be devoted to God this week. Pray for the camp pastor, worship leader and camp leaders as they minister to our young people. Pray for our youth to draw close to God and to each other.

It would be a big mistake to presume all the above will just "happen" without our involvement.Our part is the prayer. We need to ready our own hearts to be the kind of church that can welcome back and continue the work God begins during camp. Please pray for the following campers: Ashley, Brittany, Jesse, Hunter, Sidney, Cruz, Wilson and Austin.

-Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

July 17, 2011

Sometimes people say they are looking for a "good church". I am not sure what that means according to other people, but I do know what a "good church" is according to the Word of God.

A good church has at least three key characteristics:

#1 Jesus Christ is preached. He is the Son of God, the only way to God and the blood of Jesus cleanses us of all our sins (Matthew 16:16, John 14:6, Romans 5:9)

#2 The Word of God is honored. "and we have the Word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:19-21)

#3 The people are sharing their faith in Jesus Christ. The most natural thing for a new believer to do is to tell others what Jesus has done for them. Unless each member shares their faith, we fall short of God's purpose for His church. To be a great church, we must proclaim Christ, honor and obey His Word, and individually share our faith in Jesus Christ.

-Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

July 10, 2011

The Bible says "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."(1 Cor. 10: 31). This past Sunday's Celebrate Freedom event was a BIG success. God's people worked hard and God blessed in a mighty way.

Faith is believing a thing is so, when it isn't so, in order for it to be so. The Bible says faith is visible (Matthew 9:2). God can "see" faith demonstrated by our actions. Anything we do for God requires faith, otherwise it falls into the "works" category, simply human effort to please God or gain His favor.

I'm thankful to pastor a church where people have a heart for God and for reaching out to the lost and those who are believers, but are not actively involved in church. People have to have both the heart and the willingness to work in order to do an event like Celebrate Freedom, VBS, Gospel grass, Easter Services and a Revival (not to mention all the other things done this year!) So thank you to all who helped last Sunday. I pray that God will be glorified with the results.

-Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

July 3, 2011

Yesterday I noticed a greeting card on our dining table. It was a little note of encouragement from my Mom to my daughter during her college years. Funny how something Mom did almost ten years ago still communicates her love. Although my Mom is now with the Lord Jesus, the example she set and her words of love and encouragement continue.

Each day provides a new opportunity to live out our relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember Eph 5:15,16 "Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

-Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

June 26, 2011

Another great week of VBS has come and gone for this year and we already have another big event coming up July 3rd. Before we mentally go on to our next event, we need to remember several things.

First - reflect on what you saw and experienced during VBS. Remember the new faces of children and parents and pray that we can reach the ones who aren't already actually in church.

Second - thank God for the relationships built between children and adults. Every year the Lord opens up a relationship with a child. It often is hard to see during VBS, but usually later I can see the fruit of seeds planted in VBS as a child or an adult begins to warm up in their relationship.

Third - reach out. Remember that when God starts something He always completes what He has started. Be a part of what the Lord is doing to touch a child and their family.

God has told us to pray so that He can answer and get the glory and He has told us to work to build up His Kingdom. (Luke 18:1, 1 Thess. 5:17, Matt. 28:19,20)

- Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

June 19, 2011

This week I was talking with a father of three children (not an HBC member) and he expressed the need to learn from a father who had already raised his children. He said, "It makes more sense to learn from someone who has already been there, than trying to figure it out as I go."

Too many of us are trying to figure it out as we go through life. It is far better to have a model, someone who can guide you past all the pitfalls, someone who can give practical insight. Of course the Bible is our blueprint and the Holy Spirit illuminates our way. "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

Romans 14:7 says, "For none of us lives to himself alone." We were not meant to live in isolation but in community. My point (and God's point) is that we need each other. When God created the first human He said "It is not good for the man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). Conversely, it is not good for the woman to be alone. That is why God created the family. That is why He created the church, which is God's family. Although there are different personality types, we still need each other.

Prov. 3:10 says" wisdom is found in those who take advice." It is hard to "take advice" if you are all by yourself. We need a relationship with Jesus Christ that includes relationships with His people. - Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

June 15, 2011

When the Bible speaks about wisdom, it refers to seeing life from God's point of view. James 1:5 tells us "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously toall without reproach, and it will be given him."

We all need God's point of view, so that we can follow His plan for our lives. He sees our lives from beginning to end. When we fail to read His Word, it affects our outlook on life.

We get distracted with all the details of life. Following God's plan for our life is not easy, anymore than following directions is easy. The difference is that we are following a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have written directions (the Bible), we have examples of what it looks like (Bible characters), we have the Son of God Himself and we have the Counselor He sent (the Holy Spirit). The only prerequisite is to ask in faith (James 1:6), which God freely supplies (faith comes from hearing the Word of Jesus (Romans 10:17).

Make it part of every day to ask God for wisdom and read the directions, because it makes an eternal difference.

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

June 5, 2011

About three weeks ago, a group of about ten men came to my office to pray for our worship service. I need to hear the prayers of God's people before preaching, and I know our worship team feels the same way. A worship service is a time for God to speak to His people. It is an encounter with the Living God.

People come to church with all kinds of needs,believing that in some way they will hear from the Lord. Since worship is a Christ-centered event, it is only reasonable that we talk to Him beforehand to make sure we are on His agenda. God honors preparation.

Years ago when I first came to HBCpeople gathered in my office to pray before church, but after a time this practice dwindled down. Through the years it ebbed and flowed but almost always with at least one person coming to pray. Im not writing to focus on the past, but to encourage those who have come to pray.

We are all in need of prayer! We never want to miss one opportunity for God to speak to us. I am especially blessed that our men have led out in prayer. Let's give God the glory for this spontaneous response of prayer. Anyone is welcome to gather in my office for prayer from 10:30-10:45.

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

May 29, 2011

The last two weeks messages have been on corporate worship. Worship is focusing our attention on God and as a result we see ourselves as we really are: in great need of what only He can provide, mercy and grace. Worship is understanding He is God and we are not.It is understanding He is perfect and we are not, He is supernatural and we are natural. Worship gives expression to His greatness, His goodness and His glory. Worship requires humility. "Humble yourselves therefore under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

Last Sunday as we observed the Lord's Supper, we worshiped by "remembering" Jesus death for our sins. As we are faithful to gather each Sunday, we do so with an expectation of meeting God in small group Bible study and in the worship service. If we can get our worship right it will affect every other area of our lives, our families, our relationships and our work. The reverse is also true, if we fail to recognize the value of faithfulness in corporate worship. Don't miss an opportunity to grow in ourunderstanding of worship.

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

May 22, 2011

Please take time to think about the following questions:

1. Have you spoken to someone about Jesus today?

2. Did you pray with anyone today?

3. Did you pray for anyone today?

4. Did you say no to yourself in order to help someone else today?

5. Did you claim a promise from God's word today?

Just be honest. If the answer is No, use this list as a reminder to start thinking about how God can use you every day.

Blessings, Bro Lynn

May 19, 2011

Recently a family member shared what had brought them through a very difficult time in their life. "You (meaning their family) never gave up on me, you continued to love me and pray for me."

I know it isn't easy in the face of big problems to continue to believe that God can change things for the better. We tend to look at things as they are rather than trust in a God that sometimes seems slow to act. Discouragement and apathy come naturally. Faith and hope require trust. It's much easier to simply give up on a relationship. It's often painful to continue to invest time and emotional energy in what, from a human perspective, seems a lost cause.

John 3:16 says"For God so loved...that Hegave His only Son..." Godloved uslong before we ever responded to His love. He never gave up on us and He never will. That's Good News! Thanks be untoour Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory forever and ever, amen!

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

May 8, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Being a mother is a God-given role (Gen 3:20), and crucial to the health and stability of our nation. It is a lot of hard, often unrewarding, work for a mother to invest the best years of her life in the next generation. How can we ever thank our mothers for all the long hours and sacrifices they made for us? I know some of our mothers failed to live up to their potential. We can look to the Word of God for our model for both mothers and fathers. Over and over both testaments tell us to "Honoryour father and mother" (Exodus 20:12 and Matthew 15:4).

There are two things we can do: First, if your mother is living, you can honor her by expressing your love and appreciation for her. If your mom has passed away, you can honor hermemory by the way you live. We remember our mothers because they loved us and gave themselves for us, which is the same thing we remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ "who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

May, 01, 2011

Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble" (a fact of life)but take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). If you read the whole verse you will find it starts with "I have told you these things (about His suffering, death, and resurrection) so that in me you may have peace...."

Psalm 42 is another example of how we can become downcast, disturbed and even forgotten by God. The remedy for suffering found in both the Gospel of John and Psalm 42: "Put your hope in God (Ps. 42:5 & 11) and praise Him as your Savior and God." There is much more in Psalm 42 if you will take the time to read it all for yourself.

Easter Sunday 2011 is but a memory, but the longing for God is a daily need, just "as the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." (Ps. 42:1) We will never find peace and satisfaction in anyone or anything else apart from the relationship we have in Jesus Christ. Know Him by faith. Trust Him. Worship Him. Praise Him.

Serving Him, Brother Lynn

April 24, 2011

Beginning with John 11, over half of John's Gospel focuses on the last week of Jesus life before the cross. That should tell us something big is coming.

The cross/resurrection event is the centerpiece of history. The next big event is the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.....For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1Thess. 4:14,16-18).

The Bible calls Jesus resurrection "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep"(1 Cor. 15:20).Meaning simply, His resurrection is a prototype of our own bodily resurrection. But without Jesus resurrection there would be no Easter. Jesus resurrection defeated the power death has always held over our lives. The Bible calls death the last enemy"(1 Cor. 15:26).

Worship is the only logical response to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Enjoy this day in gratitude and thanksgiving as we remember Christ's great victory over the grave.

Amen and Amen, Bro Lynn

April 17,2011

Several have commented recently on the way Harmony people pitch in and help when needed. This is characteristic of a church that loves the Lord Jesus and demonstrates that love by being available. One of my favorite verses is found in Nehemiah, "for the people had a mind to work", and through their willingness the Lord did a miracle in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Thank you for serving the Lord, for paying attention, talking to each other and helping. It is a work of God when that happens. May God get all the glory!

This week the church received some written Thank You notes, most of which were from the students at Crosstimbers. Basically, they expressed their appreciation and were pleasantly surprised that the church would make the effort to set up bounce houses, popcorn machine, cotton candy machine and snow cone machine and have people there to serve them. They said Now we know you care, and aren't judging us.' It may have been the most significant outreach ministry ever for Harmony! It wasn't planned, but someone had to be paying attention (to God's activity)and people needed to help, and they did. It wasn't planned, but it didn't just happen either - people had to have a heart for the same things God has a heart for. They adjusted their schedules and made it happen (by the grace of God).

This happens a lot at Harmony, and mostly it isn't noticed. People have a place of service and do it without a lot of affirmation or recognition because that's not why they serve. They are serving the Lord Jesus because He has saved them, because they have experienced unconditional love from Him, and serving others is an expression of His love. Thank you. There is a place of service for every member and God's plan is for every member to be a minister.

From a grateful pastor, Bro. Lynn

April 11,2011

To say this is a busy time, having finished the Gospel Grass Festival and with Easter just 3 weeks away, is an understatement! Then there is work, life, other church activities, family, and....

Busy is good as long as our focus in on why we are doing the things we do. Regardless of whether we are working, retired, or a student, we need the right motivation. As a believer, as we prepare for each day we need to be thinking about the Lord Jesus. Remember that each day is a gift from God and that the Bible says "we are bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20.)

Psalm 90:12 says "teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Begin each day in the Bible and ask God to help you understand how He wants to use you that day. As you read the Bible, think about how it relates to your life. Then, as you go through the day, be looking for ways you can be used by Him. Ask for wisdom. Ask for strength. You will have a better day when you are working for the Lord. We may not always beaware of how God usedusthat day, but we can make ourselves available.

Be available for God to use every day and you will be amazed at what He can do through you.

To God be the Glory! Bro. Lynn

April 3, 2011

Don't miss the power of the love of God as seen in the simplicity of the Gospel. Somehow I think we over- complicate sharing our faith. The power to communicate the Good News is in the message, the Word of God. We can't make the Gospel relevant, it is relevant! We simply need to proclaim it with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13, 14 says, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth...He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." The power is in the message, the Word of God, we are just the messengers. John 3:16is the Gospel condensed. If we really believed it, we would share it. - Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

March 27, 2011

If you have ever played a musical instrument, you know that daily practice is absolutely necessary before you go to the music lesson. Learning anything takes time. It is an investment that pays off later.A closer relationship with Jesus Christ comes by spending time in His Word. Someone even wrote a book titled "Practicing the Presence of Christ." For example Isaiah 55:6 says "Seek first His Kingdom", and "Come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8)

The reverse is also true, that God is seeking you. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44) "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."(Luke 19:10) Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me." (Rom 10:20) Guess where thought about God comes from? It is God calling you to come to corporate worship, Bible study, prayer, to help others, to give, to go, and to speak. The point is to recognize and respond to His invitation. -Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

March 20, 2011

I hope you are taking seriously the events happening worldwide. We always need to be reminded that nothing will ever happen internationally or nationally that catches God off guard. Read the signs of the end of the age (Matt. 24). The main point is that we be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We always need to think Biblically. We need to see the daily events of life through the lens of Scripture, otherwise we will become discouraged, apathetic and overwhelmed.

The word of God corrects our thinking/feeling. If we can get our thinking right, our feelings will eventually follow. Just remember, the Bible says this world is not our permanent home (John 14:1-3). Never, never, never forget that a Christian is considered a pilgrim in this world (1 Peter 1:1), but a citizen of Heaven (Phil. 3:20). -Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

March 13, 2011

Matthew 24 is called the Olivet Discourse and is a key sermon that Jesus preached on the Mount of Olives. Of course every sermon Jesus preached is a key sermon, but this sermon is of special interest because it concerns the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem (Matt 24-25 & Mark 13.) Jesus gives a list of things like false christs, war, international conflicts, famine, and earthquakes. He simply called all these things "the beginning of birth pains"(Matt 24:8), and He gave us these instructions (Matt 24:6) to "see to it that you are not alarmed." He went on to say in vs. 36, "no one knows about that day or hour," so we can be alert "because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him" (vs 44).

We do not have to be afraid of all the things that frighten people who don't know where theyre going when they die. We can take great comfort in knowing that history is moving toward the return of Christ. There will be earthshaking events along the way, just as Jesus said in Matt 24, and we must stay ready and be busy telling people about the God who lovedus enough to die for us, Jesus Christ. We can pray for the peoplein Japan and seek to help any way we can. Remember that "birthpains" simply means new life is on the way! -Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

March 6, 2011

I believe it was Hudson Taylor who said "expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." The word EXPECT means to anticipate or look forward to something. When you read your Bible, listen to a sermon, sing a hymn, attend Sunday School, you should expect God to speak to you. The Bible tells us that "if you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 4:29).

There is a principle at work by which we prepare our heart by our faithfulness in (1) believing God is at work, (2) expecting that He has something for us to do, and (3) willingness to act. Every day is a gift from God. He knows the number of our days. The person who experiences the most of God is the one who anticipates God's activity in his or her life.

Lets be a church looking for God to be working every day, expecting Him to show up in the daily activities of our lives. Also, let's use the next fifteen days to prepare for Jon Randles return to finish our Revival services (March 20 & 21.) If we "draw near to God He will draw near to us" (James 4:8).

- Serving Him,Bro. Lynn

02/27/2011

Our world is seeing rapid change as witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Rapid change in the United States is seen as the President decided not to enforce a law that has been in effect for fifteen years (theDefense of Marriage Act). He simply instructed the Attorney General not to enforce a law passed by the Legislature and signed into law by a previousPresident. That's what I call rapid change.

So what does that mean to us here in Weatherford? The first thing it means is that Christians had better count the cost of being fully committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Second, we have a Savior to follow, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a time for confusion, discouragement, or apathy because we have an invincible, victorious leader who has conquered sin, the devil, death, and hell.

When Jesus came to earth, He came to reclaim what was lost: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10). "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils' work" (1 John 3:8).

No matter how the world changes our purpose remains the same: to take the "life-changing" message of Jesus Christ to our world. That is the Biblical Mandate and that is the primary reason God has left us here as the Church.

-Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

02/20/2011

There are key elements that need to be present in order to see God work in our lives. One of those elements is that everyone knows that God gets all the credit. He uses people to accomplish His will. Jesus instructed us to pray "Our Father in Heaven hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:9 & 10) Always give God the glory for the good He has done.

Second, is an awareness that not a moment exists in which He is not working in the good or the bad, in sickness and health, war and peace, bad or good weather. (John 5:17) "My Father is always at His work to this very day and I too am working." We need to expect God to use us and prepare our hearts through prayer and the Word of God.

Third, is faith, faith to expect God to use us daily. Faith is active not passive. Abraham believed God and left his hometown because God called him to go to another place. (Gen 12:3) God made a promise to Abraham, but in order to receive that promise he had to act. Abraham couldn't continue to control his life, he had to learn to trust in God and follow His commands. Pure and simple, that is the Christian life. It is a relationship with the living God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

If we want to see more of what God can do, we must learn to: 1) give Him the glory; 2) Trust Him enough to expect His activity in our lives; 3) Act on what we know from His Word. Remember, it is not a formula or a plan that God is interested in, but your relationship with Him. - Serving Him, Bro. Lynn

02/13/2011

I have spent the last week reflecting on our Revival services, still processing the messages from Jon Randles. "Where do we go from here?" is still a question we should be thinking about. Jon can come back on March 20 and 21, a Sunday and Monday. It would give us three more services and a chance for him to speak at Crosstimbers Academy on Monday. Last Sunday, we heard good testimonies about how Jon's messages touched individual people's lives.

On another note, I want to recognize Matthew Nolan for his leadership and just plain old hard work on the old mission house. He put in a lot of hours making the house "livable". Many others helped including the Volunteer Christian Builders from Northside Baptist, Dee Sosebee, Kevin Bone, Danny Smith, Tyson Shapley, and Bill Terry. Zeb Smith referred us to Butler Flooring which did a wonderful job on the old wood floors. There are so many to thank, I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

A special thank you to the people of Harmony who gave to make all the remodeling possible. Thanks to all who showed up to help unload and set everything up on moving day. There is still work to be done (like exterior painting) so we still need help. We have come a long way on the house and it is good to see what the Lord has done through His people.

- Serving Him, Bro. Lynn