Olympian Micheal Phelps is incredible!  He has been dubbed the “human dolphin” because of his extreme speed and agility in the water.  Mark Spitz’s unprecedented record in the 1972 Olympics was thought of as the greatest accomplishment ever.  7 Gold Medals.  Yesterday, Phelps tied the record and is going for his 8th gold.  He is pumped!

Every Olympian has dreams of getting at least one gold medal.  Phelps could have been satisfied with one or two.  But to him, the more the better.  One is not enough.  It is said that after his 4th or 5th medal.  He stuffed it inside his jacket after the ceremony and hurried off to the next race.  He had more to win. 

In our Christian walk, this is the way it should be.  We are working for a crown, a prize in Heaven.  We are working to build God’s kingdom and we cannot be satisfied with one victory or one soul won.  We must always be looking for more.  Always looking for the next race, the next prize for God’s glorious kingdom.  Many of us revel in the moments of victory.  But our gold medals are not distrubuted in this life.  Our medals are stored up for us when we get to Heaven.  When we gain a victory for the Lord, we must stuff it in our coat pocket and go off to the next race.  One is never enough, let’s run full speed until we cross the finish line.

Here are some more pictures from our Kid’s Crusade.  Pictures: Courtesy of Phil Baugh

Recently, I began practicing an old habit.  When I first began pastoring, I kept a journal of my journey. My spiritual journey and my pastoral journey.  It is always interested looking back to see what God was doing in my life.  On the same token, I find solace in seeing the times when my spiritual life was dry and somehow, God revived me.

This week I began to journal once again.  It is a difficult habit to form, after all there is alot to do; why add another thing in the fire.  But it is healthy to remember the things God is doing and speaking into your life.  Journaling helps you focus on what you are dealing with, struggling with or even the things you are thankful for. 

In forming the journaling habit, try to write at least 3 times a week.  Keep it in a private place.  Read back over all entries at least once a month to see what God is up to.  Many ask, “what should I journal about?”

1.) Significant happenings in your day.
2.) Scriptures that speak to you and what they are saying to you.
3.) Impressions you feel God is giving you.
4.) Things you are thankful for.
5.) Interesting things that you faced for the day.
6.) Honest feelings about your struggles.
7.) Praise when you receive your victories.

I challenge you to get you a notebook or diary and begin journaling today.  You will be surprised how it blesses you.

We had a blast last night at our annual kid’s crusade.  The attendance (76 children) was nearly double from last year.  Becky Grantham and her family did a great job captivating the kids.  Thanks to Pastor Brent Williams from Magnolia Church for loaning them to us.  The greatest part of the whole night was the altar call.  21 kids gave their heart to Christ.  That is what it is all about!

Let me say a special thanks to all of our volunteers who pulled off a great night.  We had prepared for 50 but had 76 kids.  Our workers somehow kept the kids contained during all the games and made sure everyone was fed.  Thanks you guys!

Tonight is our annual kid’s back to school bash.  We will have a crusade service and then a time for games and food in the gym.

This is always an exciting time as we see kids coming from our area to hear about Jesus.  Pray with me that our kids would have an encounter with God when they hear the life-changing message of the Gospel.

I hate to be mushy today but something triggered in my heart.  I guess it would be what the owl in Bambi called “twitterpated”.  Sonya came by the church today to pick something up and I said something that made her get a huge grin on her face and then it happened.  I got twitterpated all over again.  Something about that smile made me remember when we first fell in love.  She has beautiful infectious smile and it still captivates me today.  After nearly 17 years in marriage I am in love with her more than ever.

I knew this would get mushy.  Hey if it bothers you, I’m sorry, it’s my blog, I can be mushy if I want:)

Yesterday, I got the new Hillsongs Worship CD, This Is Our God.  I am a huge fan of Hillsongs and this is one of their greatest cd’s yet.

There is a song written by Mike Guglielmucci that describes the greatest of all surrenders.  The bridge in the song Healer says, “Nothing is impossible for You, You hold my world in your hands.”  Did you catch that?  You hold my world in Your hands.  Our personal world is in God’s hands and He can turn it the way He wills.

Maybe you think nothing of that phrase but consider, this song was written by a guy with terminal cancer who led this song on the cd while strapped to an oxygen tank.  He is exclaiming, “You are able to heal, nonetheless, my world is in Your hands.” 

My friend,we do not demand God to do anything.  He is the creator of the universe and holds our world in His hands.  However, God dwells in the place of sweet surrender.  That place is where we can say from the depths of our heart, “Lord, my world is in Your hand.  Whether, healing or not, good times or bad, I will surrender all of my life to you.  Do what you please in my life!”

It is in that place of surrender that God can do the most because He knows that He has all of you.

One of the Classic Christian Authors  that can instantly stir the passions of my soul is Andrew Murray.  He spoke often of our relationship with God and our lives of prayer.  Read these words and let your prayer life be stirred:

Andrew Murray

“The first and chief need of our Christian life is, Fellowship with God. The Divine life within us comes from God, and is entirely dependent upon Him. As I need every moment afresh the air to breathe, as the s sun every moment afresh sends down its light, so it is only in direct living communication with God that my soul can be strong.

The manna of one day was corrupt when the next day came. I must every day have fresh grace from heaven, and I obtain it only in direct waiting upon God Himself. Begin each day by tarrying before God, and letting Him touch you. Take time to meet God.

To this end, let your first act in your devotion be a setting yourself still before God. In prayer, or worship, everything depends upon God taking the chief place. I must bow quietly before Him in humble faith and adoration, speaking thus within my heart: “God is. God is near. God is love, longing to communicate Himself to me. God the Almighty One, Who worketh all in all, is even now waiting to work in me, and make Himself known.” Take time, till you know God is very near.

When you have given God His place of honor, glory, and power, take your place of deepest lowliness, and seek to be filled with the Spirit of humility. As a creature it is your blessedness to be nothing, that God may be all in you. As a sinner you are not worthy to look up to God; bow in self abasement. As a saint, let God’s love overwhelm you, and bow you still lower down. Sink down before Him in humility, meekness, patience, and surrender to His goodness and mercy. He will exalt you.”