Teamwork

I love watching our Life Groups in action on Sunday mornings....and through the week as they minister and reach out. This is teamwork in action.

I am reminded of one of Vince Lombardi's wise quotes: " Football is an individual commitment to a group effort--that's what makes a team, a company or a society work." This applies to us, as a church, too!

I am thankful for all those who have committed themselves to God's Kingdom work.

What's He Saying?

God is an awesome communicator. Will we listen?

May we learn how to effectively listen---and to act on what he's saying

vision!

I see a day when there is someone passionately pursuing every people group in the Lawton-Ft. Sill region. I see a day when every person from every people group has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in his/her context, respond to it and serve through the local body of believers known as First Baptist Church of Lawton-Ft. Sill.

Facing the Future without Fear

What is going to happen in the future? Should I be afraid? Should I dread what lies ahead?

I believe with all my heart that the greatest days are ahead! Perfect? No. Easy? Not necessarily. Worth it? You better believe it!

When a fear or discouragement creeps in, I am reminded of God's presence and His love and His ability to meet every need and circumstance.

I ran across the following thoughts from Joyce Moritz that sum up what I am trying to say:

I need not fear, I need not dread
The days that lie ahead.
I need not worry nor feel despair
My Savior is already there.

Have a great day...

Dennis

Making Disciples

Disciple making is not about a program or an event but about relationships....sharing in the life of Christ. (The Radical Experiment)

Wisdom from a Legendary Hero

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden died last night. Here are a couple of Woodenisms that come to mind:

*Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.

*Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

My we, as God's servants, be open to change and may we always do our best for the Master!

Passionate, Profitable, and Productive

Succeeding in ministry---what does that mean? Many say that if we focus on people and amaze them with experiences that exceed their expectations, they will respond with repeat attendance, participation and loyalty. I agree to an extent, and yet I recognize that I must be careful with business-like terminology. But...what is really the measure of success?

We must focus on people. Do we really love people and strive to meet their needs? Or are people merely a way to achieve goals? Are we passionately obsessed with making people happy every day or are people a burden we bear because we want fulfillment? If we had all the money and attenders that we need and then some, would we still be energized every day by the mission to help people solve their problems, meet their needs and perhaps share Christ?

It's not about us...it's all about Him...and it's about sharing HIM with THEM. We are in the people business. We must never lose our passion to share the life-changing message of the Master...so that others are not only hearing about, but actually experiencing the transformational love of Jesus Christ.