Day 4 Branson

Wow what a day. As you can tell this place is really family oriented. Each show has had Gospel Music included and has been very very family friendly. Today we went to see a Japenese Fiddler, It was so upscale inside. It is the first time I ever saw a men's room with a pool table in it. In the back of the auditorium there was a crying room. A glass encased quiet area where moms could take crying children and still be able to enjoy the show thru the large picture window. We even took in a short water works show on the river front. We have been checking out churches here. We will most probably attend James River Church on Sunday morning. There are several to chose from. I am studying in Isaiah while I am away and am working on another sermon series. Be prepared for Sunday. I spoke to Brother Travis and He WILL be there Sunday am and pm. Sorry for the mix up on Weds nite and thanks to Gary, John and Helen for sharing scripture thoughts on Weds. More later.

Day three - We sail on the Titanic

What a day, from the Titanic to the Hard Luck Diner to the Show SIX.
Photo's attached. Good Gospel singing.

Day 2 Tenn to Mo

Hey guys the trip is going well. Here are a few photo's. Check out the photo spread also check out the video of the guy throwing hot dinner rolls. They were great especially covered in sorghum molasses. Long drive and mountain terrain. Busy place. We took a trip down memory lane with supper at Dick Clarks American Bandstand. More later....
Glad to hear my brother has completed his obligations and is home for a visit. Yeah, I remember the hat request.

On the Road Again...

My family and I are back on the road for our annual vacation. We are currently in Jackson Tenn. Home of the Legendary Casey Jones. We will be having supper in Casey Jones Village tonight. Nice trip so far.

Updates to be posted as opportunity allows. The photo album is up and you can view it. Day two will be Jackson Tn to Branson Mo.

Saturday Night Concert with Total Praise and Ivan Parker

What an awesome concert. $10.00 ticket cost per person 5 hours of singing, comedy and fellowship. Every year Total Praise has this concert at Pendleton High School. Ivan Parker has been a regular attendee. A very personable and caring individual. During this years concert I made many videos and took many pictures. My wife had her annual photo made with Ivan. During the 2nd half of the show while I was reviewing photos I erased the whole card. I lost all the good video and photos of the singers but most importantly I erased the photo of Ivan and JoBeth. Boy did she get mad. I left my seat to find Paul Wooten, He graduated school with me and is a former member of Total Praise. I asked him to get word to Ivan that I needed to get another picture made because I erased my wifes camera. Paul told me not to worry that Ivan would come back to the table area after the performance. He did and I told him my story. He laughed and said his son had done the same with his camea at an event not to long ago. Thanks Ivan for the photo. Great Concert. Thanks Paulette for getting there early and grabbing good seats. Sorry our friends Gary and Gina could not make it. What an Awesome concert.

Bible in a Year

This Weeks Scripture:

UPDATE: Part of Blog message removed...
Due to interest in a newer read the bible through a year plan I have removed this one. Once it is completed for upload I will add the new one.

This is for my Cousin Sherry Alewine....

I found these two while scanning a bunch of old family Slides....
I'm holding the others for later :)

Glad I got to see Jessica and her kids while I was visiting last weekend.
Praying for her (Jessica's) husband who is in the military serving in Qatar. Lord, protect him! I enjoyed the great visit with Sherry, Anthony, Jessica and the kids.

Jacob, Amanda, Megan and the crew from Crossroads Baptist Got back Saturday afternoon from a week at Mission Lab. Working in the New Orleans area and ministering to the people of New Orleans by Witnessing both Spiritually and Physically.

Once the photos are ready for scanning I will post them. Jacob kept telling me what an experience it was and how he wants to go back next year and take a group from Lakeview.

Thanks to Pastor Ben at Cross Roads Baptist in Hartwell Ga. for sharing the opportunity for this awesome mission experience. It's inspiring to see the excitement on the faces of people who just got back from serving others in a hot and humid environment like New Orleans is this time of year.

SOAP Sunday afternoon Bible Study Program

Starting in September persons interested in Reading through the Bible in a year will meet at 5 pm on Sunday afternoons to learn how to Study and journal their reading and prayers associated with their daily reading plan. SOAP principle will be taught by Pastor Tommy. All persons interested are encouraged to be prepared by getting a journal.
I have ordered one from Pastor Wayne Cordiero Church in Oahu Hawaii, It contains instructions in journaling and has a copy of the read thru the bible plan as well. Once it comes in if anyone is interested I can order them one or you can go to Walmart. They have a wide selection of journals to chose from at around $5 to $10 each. If you are interested see the Pastor for further details. He will also have the 1 year study plan in print form for your convenience.

As we read God's words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It's also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the 'gems' that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.

S
for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible bookmark or on your reading plan. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.
O
for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A
for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P
for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

Hostage series...

Sunday Message: Hostage - Worry

Are you being held Hostage by Worry.
Many persons are held captive by this well known hostage taker.

Here is the Outline for Sunday's service.

* WORRY IS THE SIN OF DISTRUSTING THE PROMISES AND POWER OF GOD.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matthew 6:25

There are three things you can do to stop the stranglehold of WORRY

1) I WILL DO WHAT GOD ASKS ME TO DO.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

* Think on the right things.

* Do what is wise.

2) I WILL GIVE GOD WHAT I CANNOT DO.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

3) NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I WILL TRUST GOD.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself... Matthew 6:33-34

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I will do what God asks me to do. I will give God what I cannot do. No matter what happens, I will trust God.

New Sunday Morning Sermon Series: HOSTAGE

This morning we start a new series of Messages.

Many are held hostage by something!

What is you captor?

Maybe it’s fear, pride, lust, or even jealousy.


The good news is that our ransom has been paid in full.

Through the freedom that is in Christ you can be released form that which holds you HOSTAGE.

This Morning we will seek out the Hostage Taker Named Bitterness.


Here is a sample of todays message:

Scripture:
Heb 12:14-15 KJV
Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
(15) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

BITTER PEOPLE

1) Justify their bitterness.
2) Become overly critical.
3) Secretly celebrate misfortunes.
4) Write-off entire groups of people.
5) Struggle to see bitterness in the mirror.


Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:31-32

…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Eph 4:32

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt 6:14-15

PERSONAL PRAYER
“God, I admit that I’ve allowed a root of bitterness to grow against _______________. Please forgive me of this sin. By your power, give me a heart of compassion and forgiveness toward this person. I pray you would restore my wounded relationship(s). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share Jesus without Fear....

I attended a class on Monday and Tuesday nights that taught a very simple way to share Christ with others. If you have not heard of it and are looking for it you can find it at Lifeway. For our churches in the Saluda Baptist Association the video training series is available to use free of charge. The text book is available at lifeway. The Sharing Bible can be ordered from the form in the back of the text book. They are actually cheaper that way. $2.00 ea when you buy a case or $13.00 ea individually at Lifeway. Idea: Buy a case and as you lead someone to Jesus, give them the testament you used. More LAter....

Pastor T.

Reunion Video and Photo's

In the Video I listed the Cheer Leader incorrectly.
The Cheerleader was played by Michelle Sosby Porter.
Photo: Michelle, Ryan and Jeff Porter.

Sorry Cuz for the Error. I've only known her since birth, oh and I set them up.
Who can remember such things. :)

Maxwell Family Singers Video

Family Reunion 2008 Eagles Landing McDonough Ga

WOW, what a time we had at our family reunion slash 4th of July celebration.
Take a glance at the photo show.

More 4th of July Singing

"I Saw the Light"

Grove Burdette sings for the crew at Labor of the Fields 4th of July meeting at Broadway Lake. Who ever thought that either Grover or I, two of the "I ate ah Tata Pie" Fraternity brothers of Savannah Valley Bible College, would ever sing on Broadway.
Thanks to all who showed up to worship on this day.

Fourth of July at Broadway Lake Ministry

Pastor Terry Allen speaks at the 4th of July meeting. Preaching from John Chapter 8.
Grover Burdette sings several songs. Good turnout for the evening. Baptism scheduled for tonight is being rescheduled for later in the month.

Maxwell Family Reunion photo from the mid 70's Doraville Ga. Remember the song "Doraville". That's about when this was made.

When I look at this photo I think about those who are in it that are not here today.
Looking at Fourth of July celebrations I think about the ones who gave there futures and dreams that we could celebrate.

Happy Birthday USA and thanks to the Vets who keep it FREE.
SEMPER FI!