Benefits for Believers

Benefits for Believers

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of His benefits.
He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the pit, He crowns your with faithful love and compassion.

He satisfies you with goodness, your youth is renewed like the eagle.

This is a Psalm of David that is a song of praise. In this Psalm David does not request anything. He simply praises his God.

I wonder how long you could talk to the Lord without asking for anythings? <- try it out

In verses 1-5, David mentions three things to remember that lead to a life that remembers to praise God.

1. Forgiveness Psalm 103:3

  • Perfect creation corrupted by sin
  • Hospital visitation

2. Redemption Psalm 103:4

  • Boaz the kinsman redeemer in the book of Ruth
  • President James Buchanan would purchase slaves in Washington D.C. and let them go in Pennsylvania.

3. Satisfaction Psalm 103:5

It Is Well
Bethel Music

Verse 1
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard

Chorus
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well

And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me

Verse 2
Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can’t see

And this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea

Chorus
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
It is well

Bridge x3
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name (repeat last line during 3rd run)

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well it is well with my soul x3

Chorus x2 (softly slowly)
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well with me.

4 Steps to Greatness

4 Steps to Greatness

Mark 10:35-45 accounts the request of James and John to seat at Jesus left hand in glory. Jesus used this request to teach them a lesson about true greatness. Verses 42-45 contain 4 steps to greatness:

  1. To be great, don’t live like a superstar. v.42
  2. To be great, live like a servant. v.43
  3. To be the greatest, live like a servant for everyone. v.44
  4. To be great, live like Jesus. Spend your life focused on others. v.45

 

Identity – Confident

Identity – Confident

Ephesians 3:1-13

#1 CAPTIVE OF CHRIST Ephesians 3:1,13

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.                                                   Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

#2 THE MARVELOUS MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL Ephesians 3:2-6

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)

#3 GOD’S SELFLESS SERVANT Ephesians 3:7-11

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.                                                       2 Timothy 4:6 (NIV)

#4 CONFIDENT CONNECTION TO GOD Ephesians 3:12-13

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)

IDentity Citizen

IDentity Citizen

Ephesians 2:1-10

#1 REMEMBER YOUR LIFE BEFORE CHRIST  Ephesians 2:11-12

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10 (NIV)

#2 ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST Ephesians 2:13-18

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 (NIV)

#3 YOUR NEW IDENTITY Ephesians 2:19-22

  • Citizens of the Kingdom of God
  • Members of God’s Family
  • Stones in God’s Temple

#4 YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

  • Personally
  • Corporately
Sanctuary Prayer

Sanctuary Prayer

SanctuaryPrayer

We are committed to prayer at First Baptist Dalhart. Part of that commitment is our invitation for people to come and pray in our Sanctuary during the week. Below is a Prayer Guide for you to use as you pray. Consider using it as you prayer in the Sanctuary of your church.

First, you will notice our beautiful stained glass that displays the Cross.

Begin your prayer time by thanking your Heavenly Father for your salvation that was made possible of the sacrificial death of Jesus and His resurrection. He is the reason we have peace, hope and eternal life.

And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NLT)

You will notice the American Flag.

Let the flag remind you to pray for our country. The United States of America has strained far from the strong biblical foundation it was founded on. Pray that our country would return to God and that revival fires would once again sweep across our nation.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessand holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

You will notice the Christian Flag.

Let the Christian flag remind you to pray for the Bride of Christ, the Church. Pray for churches in our community, the state of Texas, the United States of America and the World. Pray that the Church would be about the Kingdom and Glory of God.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Pray for First Baptist Dalhart. As we strive to worship our great God, grow closer to Jesus Christ, serve God by serving others, and share the Good News about Jesus with others through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You will notice musical instruments.

Pray that First Baptist Church will be a place of authentic worship where God is honored and lifted high. Pray that the focus will be on God, not on individual desires or preferences. Pray for our Music Ministry to be led by the Holy Spirit as they lead us into the presence of God.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT)

You will notice that you are surrounded by pews.

Pray for the people who will sit in there pews for worship. Pray that they will be transformed by their time in God’s sanctuary. Pray that God would fill the empty seats with worshippers and that they would feel welcomed and become part of the family of God known at First Baptist Church Dalhart.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)

You will notice the pulpit area.

Pray for your Pastor and church staff. Pray that they would be filled with the Spirit of God as they lead. Pray that God would protect them from temptation and discouragement. As the Word of God is preached, taught, sang, and applied that if would transform our church into a place where God is honored and lifted up.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV)

And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV)

Then finally, you will notice the altar.

This is the place of commitment. Pray that the altar will be filled with people committing their lives to Christ. Pray that it would be a place where people lay down their burdens and place their faith in Jesus to meet their needs according to His riches in Glory.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

Alive Post 3

Alive Post 3

alive1

Acts 1:1-8

Before Jesus ascended back to Heaven He spent time with His disciples. This was very insightful for the disciples and it is very meaningful for us today.

#1 Jesus is Alive and He gives us clear INSTRUCTIONS. Acts 1:1-2

#2 Jesus is Alive and gives us EVIDENCE of His Resurrection. Acts 1:3

#3 Jesus is Alive and gives us the gift of HIS SPIRIT. Acts 1:4

#4 Jesus is Alive and gives us the gift of CLARITY. Acts 1:7

#5 Jesus is Alive and He gives us a clear MISSION. Acts 1:8

Our Big News

Our Big News

December 15, 2013 was my first Sunday at First Baptist Church Dalhart, Texas as their new Pastor. This moment was the result of God’s leading and the culmination of years of prayer.

5 Things God taught Me during my Ministry Move

  1. There is no substitution for prayer.
  2. God want us to know His will and He will clearly direct our paths.
  3. God prepares and equips us for service.
  4. Ministry friends are a great source of counsel and encouragement.
  5. God’s glory should be the focus, not selfish ambition.

We are excited about this new season of ministry and look forward to making Dalhart, Texas our new home.

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

Top Ten Ideas about Hospital Visitation

During 15 years of full time ministry I have had the opportunity to minister to many church members and friends while they were admitted to the hospital. Below are some ideas about making hospital visits:

10. Don’t miss the opportunity to minister to your friends and family when they are in the hospital. Those in the hospital and their families appreciate your visit.

09.  Always check in at the information desk. Check the room number and get directions to the room.

08.  Once you get to the room, check with a nurse to make sure a visit is o.k.

07.  Use hand sanitizer and check the door for any instructions about those that enter. You may need to wear a mask and gloves. You always wanted to look like a doctor!

06.  If the door is shut. Knock before entering and go in slowly.

05.  When you enter introduce yourself unless everyone already knows you.

04.  Ask questions without going into too much detail. You may find out more than you want to know. Never give medical advice unless you are a doctor.

03.  Keep the visit brief. Let how well you know the person determine how long you stay. If you are visiting a family member you will stay hours. If you are visiting someone you just met you will stay 5 minutes max.

02.  Always have prayer for person you are visiting. Pray for the doctors and nurses that attend to your friend. Shorter heart-felt prayers are better than longer KJV prayers.

01.  Thank Jesus for the opportunity to represent Him to your friend in their time of need.