Pastor Michael Wright

Connor and Jacklyn

2010-07-06T22:52:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4E1dwKBtxI

His grace is enough,

Michael

That's what I call a care package

2010-06-28T11:08:00.001-05:00

Passing the time

2010-06-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

His grace is enough,

Michael

I thought this was funny...all the old peope are on blackberries,
iPhones, laptops, and iPads. The youth are coloring, playing cards,
talking and laughing.

Connor's awesome friends

2010-06-28T06:06:00.001-05:00

We are at Dell Children's and Connor's friends got up at 4:00 am to be
here with her...

Connor's awesome friends

2010-06-28T06:05:00.001-05:00

2010-06-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

Test

His grace is enough,

Michael

Between Medina and Vanderpool

2010-02-12T10:47:00.001-06:00

His grace is enough,

Michael

Day 1 of the Sisters

2010-02-11T22:04:00.004-06:00

We left Liberty Hill about 4:00 with plans to get to Kerrville. It started raining again just as we were leaving, and then it started sleeting. The temperature dropped to 35 degrees and the rain just kept coming. We decided to stop in Fredericksburg and it warm up.

Tomorrow we will head on to Leakey and the Sisters...it was a great start!

The picture is of Tim, Rick, and me at the hotel in Fredericksburg...Steve took the picture.

Riding the Sisters

2010-02-10T22:36:00.004-06:00

Today is really D-minus-1 for this big trip...A great friend is having his 50th birthday next Tuesday, so a couple of us younger guys (sorry Rick...had to do it) are taking him out to the Texas Hill Country to "Ride the Sisters". Now before you go off the deep end, allow me to explain...

The "Three Sisters" are three farm-to-market roads known to motorcycle riders around the world as the best roads to ride in Texas. They have all the twisties and scenery a biker could want. The funny thing is, I grew up south of that area and had no idea about the popularity of those roads until I started riding several years ago.

For Rick's birthday, I got the four of us rooms at the D'Rose Inn in Leakey, which is something of a biker hangout in the Hill Country. The plan was to head out tomorrow afternoon (Thursday), ride the back roads from Liberty Hill to Kerrville, down to Medina, and then over to Leakey. That would put us in the right spot to have an all day ride Friday, a morning ride Saturday, and be able to head back in plenty of time for the Valentine's Dinner at church Saturday evening.

Only one small little detail...snow. Can you believe it? The one weekend I am able to work this out and it decides to snow in South Texas!

We still have plans to leave tomorrow if the weather cooperates. I don't mind the cold, but the rain just makes it miserable. We have all made numerous trips to every motorcycle shop in the area and too many trips to count to Academy to prepare for the cold weather. We will see what tomorrow brings...If nothing else, we are prepared in case you-know-where freezes over if Farouk what's-his-name wins the Governor's race.

A huge appreciation out to my good friend Rex Fortner...Rex has been gracious enough to let me ride his '09 Ultra Classic so Steve can ride my Nomad. No doubt about it...I came out better on that deal.

That's about it for now...check back tomorrow and the following days for news and pics from the road.

Wednesday devotional

2009-09-30T20:30:00.002-05:00

Wednesday Devotional

Preparing for Revival: Why we fast Kings and commoners, priests and prophets, and cities and nations fasted in the Bible. Revivals and renewals are recorded as occurring during or directly after a fast. Paul fasted three days prior to his conversion experience and Cornelius was fasting when an angel appeared to him prior to his conversion. Jesus expected us to fast. He said that his followers would fast when the Bridegroom would no longer be with them and Matthew 6:16 records Him as saying, “When you fast…”

Why do we fast?

First, fasting is a matter of the heart. Joel 2:12 says “return to me with all your heart, with fasting.” This means fasting is an expression of wholeheartedness. It is us telling God we have fully come to him and we are fully committed to him. It is telling making it about God and not about the physical. Fasting is us showing God we have put the Kingdom ahead of our desires, and that his glory supersedes our purpose.

Second, fasting brings focus. Jeremiah 29:13 says “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Fasting helps us temper our desires and get rid of distractions. At the same time, we can be spiritually empowered. Fasting is to help bring spiritual clarity. It removes distractions so we can focus our intentions on prayer and seeking God’s will. Think about it…if you fast you become hungry! The hunger pangs are a reminder for you to turn towards God and give over to him whatever issue you are presenting or seeking. Fasting overshadows all the other distractions in our life and allows us to focus on one thing: seeking his will!

Finally, fasting brings humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” By denying the worldly part of eating, we are firmly stating our full faith and trust is in God. As I have said before, we are accustomed to having enough. We cannot imagine being without, and we pridefully take full credit for the blessings in our life. Fasting reminds us that God is almighty, powerful, and the Wonderful Maker. It helps us realize how much he has blessed us.

Be prepared for renewal!

Today’s prayer:

Father God,

You are my provider. You are sufficient for all my needs. It is because of you that I live; you give me life! To know your wonderful riches is beyond my wildest imagination!

Lord of my life – I want to do your will, but so many times I fall short. Please show me how to live my life according to your will and not my own. I ask for wisdom, and I believe you will answer my prayer.

Lord, I want to know your glory! Allow me to worship you with prayer and fasting. I come before you – broken and needy – to know you and to seek your face. Thank you for loving me!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

Step 5 to fasting: Prepare through knowing why we fast. Read this passage from Isaiah and pray over the reasons listed here:

“Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Isaiah 58:6-8, NIV

His grace is enough!

Pastor Michael

Tuesday devotional

2009-09-30T07:50:00.002-05:00

This is the devotional we sent out yesterday...it got a little crazy and I did not get it posted. I will post today's devotional later this afternoon...

Preparing for Revival: Spiritual Preparation for Fasting

Preparing for revival is not just about getting dressed and showing up on time. Revival is about change, and we want to change from the inside out. If we truly want to change from the inside out, we must prepare from the inside out.

We are not accustomed to doing without. We live in times of plenty, and there are very few people who experience true hunger. This is the day and age of fast food and credit cards, and that means for most people there is usually a meal just around the next corner. There are those who sometimes do experience hunger and I certainly do not want to ignore their plight. Even this points to our need to rely on God. For the most part, hunger is transient at its worst.

Satan uses our prosperity against us. He has used the very blessings God has given us to distract us from the gaping holes we have in our lives. We have been conditioned to not ever lack for anything, and because of this we forget the hunger we are to have for God. We continue to pour junk into the gaps in our lives, only to realize there is only one thing that can truly fill us.

Fasting – allowing ourselves to feel physical hunger – helps us ignore life’s distractions so we can concentrate on God and his plans. Fasting allows us to let go of the gap-fillers and hold fast to the cross. Fasting brings focus.

In order to honor God through fasting, we must be prepared.

The first step to spiritual preparation is to spend time – devoted, one-on-one time – in prayer with God. Every fast in the Bible was accompanied by prayer. Fasting should never be done as a stand-alone method of worship. Instead, it should be done with a heart properly prepared through prayer.

The second step is to examine your heart and detect any unconfessed sin. Scripture records that God always requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers. King David said:

Come and hear, all of you who reverence the Lord, and I will tell you what he did for me: For I cried to him for help, with praises ready on my tongue. He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it!

Blessed be God who didn't turn away when I was praying, and didn't refuse me his kindness and love. (Psalm 66:16-20)

In your prayers, confess not only obvious sins, but less obvious ones as well. Remember there are two kinds of sin: the sins of commission (things we do against God’s will), and sin of omission (things we fail to do to that are God’s will). Our sin is usually part and parcel with worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, and unwillingness to share your faith in Christ with others. Sin can also be failing to spend sufficient time in God's Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with your spouse, your children, your pastor, or other members of your church. Confess these things and commit to turning away from them and towards God.

Be prepared for renewal!

Today’s prayer:

Father God,

Your grace and beauty are beyond my comprehension! I cannot fathom the depth of your love, and I cannot begin to measure how much you love me. I desperately want to please you and honor you.

Lord, I need your forgiveness. I want to experience change in my life and I know sin can block revival. There are so many ways in which I fall short of your glory. I confess these things before you now, and I seek your help in turning away from them. Thank you for dying for me, and thank you for forgiving me.

Lord Jesus, I am ready for change. Help me prepare to receive your direction in my life. I ask for your inspiration as I seek you through fasting and prayer. Thank you for blessing me.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

Step 3 to fasting: Pray

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

Step 4 to fasting: Confess and seek forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Tomorrow: Why we fast.

His grace is enough!

Pastor Michael

Monday Devotional: Preparing for Revival

2009-09-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

We all share a deep desire to be more intimate and more devoted to God. Like I mentioned yesterday, I believe we all love God, but we sometimes are not experiencing being in love with him. It often seems like there is something that gets in the way of that kind of heart-felt, devotional love. We all have the desire to give our hearts to Him, but this desire is often shared with desires for a lot of other stuff. As John Piper puts it, our decreased hunger for God is not because He is unsavory, but because we keep ourselves stuffed with other things. In other words, we are so full of food, entertainment, work, play, kids, school, friends, and life that we have no appetite left for God.

There is nothing wrong with all those things. It is not the big things that rob us of our hunger for God. It is the constant nibbling at the table of the world that leaves us so full that we have no appetite left for him! I run into this problem every Thanksgiving. I get excited about the family and the fellowship, but I really like the meal. All day long, I nibble and snack and when the main meal comes, I don’t really enjoy it.

In our lives, we are nibbling on work, family, computers, investing, TV, internet, gaming, sports, school, shopping, exercising, talking on the phone, home repair, and even our Christian walk. While all these are fine, taken together they can leave us so full that we have nothing left for God. Wouldn’t it be great to be so full of God we didn’t have room for the rest? Oh, to experience such fullness!

What a great reason to fast!

As we enter the final days before Revival, begin your preparation by being before God. Pray that God will remove barriers to your personal revival. Make a list of the changes you need in your life and pray over these tonight before you go to bed and again tomorrow when you wake up. Begin preparing for your fast on Friday by studying God’s word on fasting. I have included several Scriptures for you to read and a couple of points on getting ready for a fast. Tomorrow I will send out more devotional material aimed at helping each of us prepare for fasting and revival.

Today’s prayer:

Father God,

You are overwhelming and mighty. I cannot fathom the fullness of you. I know I have many things wrong in my life, and I need your forgiveness for so many things. Thank you for loving me enough to die for me, and thank you for your forgiveness.

Lord, I want to be empty before you. I want to experience a hunger for you like I have never experienced before. Jesus, I ask you to help me remove the distractions from my life so I can fully focus on your plan and your will for me.

Lord, I ask you to prepare my heart for you. I ask that you provide clear direction for me. Father, I want to honor you with fasting this Friday. Reveal your will to me in this. Help me seek your and experience your revelation and direction. I want to know you more, and I ask that you bless me as I prepare to be changed by you.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

Step 1 to fasting: Believe fasting and prayer work.

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

Step 2 to fasting: Identify your inspiration and write your specific reason down on a piece of paper. Pray over it and meditate on it. Allow God to convict you.

"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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

“There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.” Ezra 8:21

Tomorrow: Spiritual preparation for fasting.

His grace is enough!

Pastor Michael

Are You Excited?

2009-01-08T22:38:00.001-06:00

This is awesome! This is the 3D rendering of our planned new building. I can't wait to see the work God will do in getting us ready. We must place our faith in Him and get excited by the prospect of doing God's work.

We serve an awesome God!

In Him,

Michael

Michael S. Wright <><
512.913.7405 Wireless and Text
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A GREAT STORY! Grapevine Faith vs Gainsville State Football, By Rick Reilly, ESPN The Magazine

2008-12-31T12:51:00.002-06:00

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas. It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down.

For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through. Did you hear that? The other team's fans?

They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, "Go Tornadoes!" Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.

It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on - by name.

"I never in my life thought I'd hear people cheering for us to hit their kids," recalls Gainesville's QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. "I wouldn't expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!"

And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he'd just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.

But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of five-handcuffs ready in their back pockets – and marched them to the team bus. That's because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.

This all started when Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year. Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery-many of whose families had disowned them – wearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.

So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans-for one night only – cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking the Faithful to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send:" Hogan wrote. "You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."

Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan's office and asked, "Coach, why are we doing this?"And Hogan said, "Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."

Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!"

I thought maybe they were confused," said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). "

They started yelling 'DEE-fense!' when their team had the ball. I said, 'What? Why they cheerin' for us?'"

It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. "We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games," says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. "You can see it in their eyes. They're lookin' at us like we're criminals. But these people, they were yellin' for us! By our names!"

Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game's last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.

After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that's when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. "We had no idea what the kid was going to say," remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this:

"Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."

And it was a good thing everybody's heads were bowed because they might've seen Hogan wiping away tears.

As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride home - a burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.

The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, "You'll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know."

And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they'd never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.

Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it's nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.

Hope.

Thanks to Clyde Davis for forwarding this to me...its a great time to have a little perspective!

2008-12-11T17:26:00.004-06:00

This was sent to me by Venesa Montague. Her mother sent it to her the first Christmas after Venesa lost her daughter Mandi. It is a beautiful reminder...

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars reflecting on
The snow;
The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sound of music cannot compare with the
Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away
We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you dear,
And be glad I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love.
After all Love is a gift
More precious than pure gold,
It was always most important
In the stories that Jesus told.

Please love each other
As The Father said to do,
For I cannot count the blessings
Or love He has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas
And wipe away that tear,
Remember I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! If you are like me, you have put on your “fat pants” in great expectations of overeating and are making plans to see family and friends. Perhaps your day will be one of quiet relaxation. Whatever your plans, I want you to think about this: While it is okay to be thankful for what we have, we should be more thankful for Who we have!

I had the opportunity to see the sunrise this morning and I was reminded once again of our Risen Savior. We have so much to be thankful for in Him and I want to encourage you today to concentrate on the good things. The sermon this week will be from Colossians 1 and Paul tells us that we are to be thankful for the faith, love and hope we have in Christ Jesus. We are to hold to the Truth we have in Him and nothing else. Paul tells us to be joyful always, pray continuously and give thanks in all circumstances. Together, we have so much…we have God in our lives, Jesus for our salvation, each other to help us through the tough times and a plan to make real change happen. God is Good!

I am specifically thankful for each of you and God’s providence for bringing us together. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. That reminds me…if you are traveling, don’t use that as an excuse to miss church. Find a church where ever you are and worship with them. What a blessing to you and to them!

A couple of things I missed in This Week at Fellowship. First, we are trying something a little different this Sunday. We are moving Steve Adam’s Sunday School class into the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Class will meet every Sunday at 9:45 am and will be encouraged to grow and grow. This class will be an alternative for adult Bible study. Also, December 14 is our Adult Choir Christmas Cantata in both services.

See you Sunday – remember…it is Southern Gospel Sunday…wear the pearl snaps! Sunday night is our Campfire Worship service with hot dogs and ‘Smores. Bring a chair and a friend!

I love you all…may God Bless You!

Pastor Michael

Fellowship Work Day

2008-11-15T11:29:00.000-06:00

The Fellowship tent is just about up! The tent sales guy said it would take 10-12 men at least 6 hours to get it up. He doesn't know the men (and a couple of ladies) at Fellowship! Not only did the tent go up, but the grounds got mowed, mirrors hung, kitchen repairs completed, roof repairs made at the Brann's, and a lot of other stuff done in under 3 hours!

God is good!

Michael S. Wright <><
512.913.7405 Wireless and Text
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This week at Fellowship

2008-10-30T10:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning!

Here are a few of the things to look forward to this week at Fellowship:

Thursday

6:00 pm – Celebrate Recovery Training begins (Little house on Loop 332, sandwiches served)

Sunday

New breakfast hours: 8:00 – 8:25 and 9:15 – 9:45
8:30 and 11:00 – Worship services. The sermon for this week: Worship, Part 5: Why We Go To Church
12:30pm – Stewardship meeting
4:30 pm – Phone Prayer chain meeting
6:00 pm – Fellowship 59: Giving Your Testimony
6:30 pm – Quarterly Business Meeting
o Treasurer
o Budget and Finance
o Long Range Committee (Don’t miss this…first look at the New Building proposal!!!)
o Nominating Committee recommendations
o Stewardship Committee recommendations

Monday

7:45a – 10p – Pray @ church for the election
6:00pm – Good News Evangelism and Visitation training…
Domino’s Dough Raising Fund Raiser night – Pick up a coupon in the foyer and use it to order a Domino’s pizza.

Tuesday

6:30am – 8:45 – Pastoral Pancakes
7:45a – 5:30p – Pray @ church for the election
VOTE!!!

Wednesday

5:15 pm – Fellowship Meal
6:30 pm – Wise Guys, Youth Two68, Prayer meeting and Bible Study
7:30 pm – Choir rehearsal

May God bless you! Remember – you are serving on His mission field. In everything you do, glorify Him above all things. Focus your efforts on pleasing God and living a life that allows the love of Jesus to shine through!

Let me challenge you in something; Make this the week in which you Dot your I’s…Invest and Invite!

Invest some time in someone around you. Show them God’s love by doing something for them or just by expressing appreciation in them.

Invite them to church and encourage them to attend.

In Christ,

Pastor Michael

Take the time...

2008-09-19T10:23:00.003-05:00

I received this in an email from one of my Master's program advisors...take just a minute...

Already your kids are climbing on school buses and trees are showing signs of change. Living rooms on Sunday afternoons will soon be mini football stadiums, complete with yelling and screaming for favorite teams. Fall decorations are on the shelves and holidays are fast approaching. Time seems to have just one speed, which is full throttle.

There really aren’t enough hours in the day.

In Psalm 90, Moses talks about how quickly time flies. These are words of wisdom. In verse twelve, he prays for the ability to measure his days. He calls upon God to teach him how to use each moment to the fullest and to the glory of God. Then two verses later, Moses cries out to God in the morning.

Let me challenge you to take time each morning to spend with God. Ask Him to order your moments and satisfy your soul. It will not give you more time in the day, but it will help you manage the time you have.

I praying for you...

From my Gamma

2008-09-06T12:57:00.001-05:00

Michael S. Wright <><
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Oh man!

2008-09-06T11:18:00.001-05:00

You ought to see the food Wayne and his crew have put together...come on!
Michael S. Wright <><

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Cofield Band

2008-09-06T11:11:00.001-05:00

Justin and the boys are doing their sound check and they sound GREAT!
Michael S. Wright <><

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Team Wright

2008-09-06T07:30:00.001-05:00

Michael S. Wright <><

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Getting close

2008-09-06T07:19:00.001-05:00

It is an hour before race time and the parking lot is filling up!
Michael S. Wright <><
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5k

2008-09-06T06:39:00.002-05:00

Wow! The 5K is coming together. Run Tex is setting up scaffolding and there is a beehive of activity. What a day!

Michael S. Wright <><
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What a morning!

2008-09-06T06:01:00.002-05:00

If this morning is any indication, God has BIG things planned for today! It is close to a perfect morning, with stars shining and people smiling...even at this early hour.

I got here at 5:30 and wasn't the first one here...Rick Cox was already here and had generators going and the building opened up. Ken and Joi Uyeda brought their RV up and stayed the night to ward off any pranksters and they were already up and around. Tim even showed up a few minutes later! This place is already buzzing with activity and it feels like heaven is just warming up.

Lord God, we come to you this morning to thank you for perfect days. Father, we bow before you...you are the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, and our Strength. We are here expecting You. We are here expecting to be revived. We are here to encounter You. Most of all, we are here to honor You and glorify your Son, to be obedient to the calling you have placed on our hearts.

Father, even in our efforts to honor and glorify You, we fall short. Forgive us for our shortcomings, and help us to turn away from them and towards You.

Abba Father, we pray for those people who will be here today. Lord, may we see the needs. Expose the hurts to us that we might minister to them as You did. Father, allow them to witness You through us. Be our words, be our actions, be our deeds.

May glory be to You and You alone...

Amen!

Friday devotional

2008-09-05T07:06:00.002-05:00

Good morning,

I hope you had a chance to be outside this morning. As I write this, the sun is beginning to show through the trees from the east. It was such a pleasure to be outside and experience the morning coolness...it was refreshing!

I was reminded of God's promise to Israel made through the prophet Jeremiah. God promised to restore Israel and to rebuild her cities. God promised to rescue the nation from captivity and to restore the health of the nation. God tells us He will destroy our enemy and there will songs of thanksgiving!

God promises to add to our numbers and that His will cannot be stopped!

Friends and family, we stand on those promises! We claim what He has told us will happen will truly happen! Read Jeremiah 30 and thank God for His providence. Claim the promises He has made for you to be restored, for your enemies to be conquered, and for you to be released from those things that bind you. Stand firm!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Pastor Michael

Are you ready?

2008-09-04T16:35:00.000-05:00

Throughout the Bible, God brought revival and renewal when the people were willing to change. We have been talking about revival for months and have been preparing for it through prayer, discipleship and evangelism. We see the beginnings of revival occurring around us and in our church. We just have to look at the changed lives and people giving their lives to Jesus to see God is at work in Liberty Hill!

This weekend, we are taking revival to the community and we are desperately seeking God to bring renewal…not just to Fellowship Baptist (revival has been here for some time), but to our homes, our community and our nation. If we really expect revival and change to occur, we must follow Biblical principles to effect change.

First, there must be a vision for renewal and revival. Fellowship Baptist has been praying and seeking revival for years. The spirit and desire for change and renewal has been here for some time and God has been preparing us for His good works.

Second, we must confess. Confess your shortcomings to God. Name them. Allow yourself to grieve those things that separate you from Him. Turn from those things and recognize that God can overcome all things.

Third, we must be willing to change. Even this morning, I see people changing their lives to move closer to God. I see new activities to reach people. I watched in wonder last night as our Youth swarmed neighborhoods and passed out fliers and talk to people about revival. What an awesome sight to watch these kids walk up to perfect strangers and begin talking to them about church! We are willing to change and change has begun to occur!

Fourth, we have to earnestly pray with conviction and lift our voices with expectation! In our Sunday morning messages, we have discussed prayer and preparation for several months. You have been encouraged to devote time to being alone with God. I pray you have been praying for God’s revelation to come upon you. I trust you are being faithful in setting aside time to be still and know he is God. Now is the time! Pray for change, pray for revival!

Fifth, the people fasted. We see the connection throughout the Bible. Whenever a person or a group of people had a deep spiritual need, needed protection, or were crying out to God for revival, they prayed and fasted. Last Sunday, I called for the church to enter a daylight fast for Friday, September 5. I challenged you to spiritually prepare to fast through prayer and seeking God’s will for your fast. I challenged you to make a list of needs and people to pray for during your fast. Are you ready?

Here are the rules to fasting: there are no rules. Fasting is a matter of the heart and is a relationship between you and God. I have challenged you to abstain from solid foods from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm on Friday. As you experience hunger, rejoice that God is your sole provider! As you experience discomfort, find a quiet place to pray your list of needs and people.

Hopefully you have been preparing all week and have been reducing your diet already. If not, no big deal. Remember – we rely on God to see us through.

Eat a salad tonight…nothing heavy. When you wake up in the morning, pray with God to help you through the day. Concentrate on the purpose of your fast. Pray the list of names and needs. Prepare for your day just as you always do. (Read Matthew 6:16-18).

Every time you think about fasting (and you will…it might even occupy most of your thoughts) lift a silent prayer to God and smile because of His strength and His providence. Thank Him for allowing you to worship Him in this way.

As the day goes on, you will several experiences. First, there will be several times when you are tempted to “break the fast” early. Hold strong! Remember who it is that tempts us and rebuke him! You will find that as lunchtime comes and goes, you will experience hunger but it will subside. Drink TONS AND GALLONS of water! Have a soda or a sports drink. Smile to everyone. Share a kind word with everyone you meet.

When you can, slip away for alone time with God. Listen to His moving. Feel His providence. Think your prayer to Him. Name names, identify needs, confess sins. As you near the end of your fast, pray in victory! Claim that God has heard your petitions and His Spirit is already moving in the people and needs you brought to Him.

When your fast ends, enjoy a salad…nothing big, nothing heavy. Rejoice in the pleasure food brings and recognize it as a gift from God.

Remember, fasting is between you and God. Follow Jesus’ example and do your fasting in secret, except for prayer partners who are supporting you through your fast:

Matthew 6:16-18 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Fall onto God’s promises during your fast:

Isaiah 58:6-10 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
       to loose the chains of injustice
       and untie the cords of the yoke,
       to set the oppressed free
       and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
       and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
       when you see the naked, to clothe him,
       and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
       and your healing will quickly appear;
       then your righteousness ^[a] will go before you,
       and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
       you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
       "If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
       with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
       and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
       then your light will rise in the darkness,
       and your night will become like the noonday.

Finally, believe God is faithful and prayer and fasting are sweet worship to Him. Believe God hears our prayers and answers them.

James 1:2-6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Love that feeling...

2008-08-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

September is not quite here, but the mornings are starting to have that Fall fresh feeling. There is just something about the way the Fall mornings feel that make them special. It is as if God is promising great things for the day...

Yesterday was just such a morning. It was the first day of school but the chaos typical of a first day wasn't as noticeable. We had a plan...Cristina took Hannah to her first day at Liberty Hill Intermediate and I took Connor and Kenna to the Junior High. This was Kenna's first day in Junior High, so she was a little on edge. I caused the first crisis...it turns out we were supposed to be at school at 7:50, not leave the house at 7:50. Yikes! Kenna got in the truck and instantly focused on the clock: 7:48. The tears started. Connor, ever the realist, told her not to worry, "Daddy can drive fast." I really did not have anything to say...we were late, it was my fault, and we couldn't change it. Kenna accepted that line of thinking and the crisis was resolved.

I dropped the girls off and then parked my truck. Today was to be a special day. Brenda Emmert had it on her heart that parents should gather at the flag pole at 8:15 and pray for the kids, the teachers, and for God to be glorified at the schools. By 8:05 there were only two of us there. As the minutes ticked by more parents showed up and at 8:15 there were 10 of us gathered around the pole, holding hands and praying for our children.

What I did not know was what was happening at the other 5 campuses. There were only a couple at the High School, but there were reported to be 20+ people at each of the other campuses! While Fellowship parents prayed, Principles, Assistant Principles and other parents joined in and voices were raised on all Liberty Hill campuses! One of the principles later commented that this was the smoothest opening school day he had ever experienced and he knew exactly why. He said this was no coincidence. I believe he is correct.

In the coming weeks, we will lay the groundwork to make this a regular event...start blocking 8:15 am on Mondays off your calendar. You have an appointment.

I walked out of the house this morning and experienced the same feeling. Coolness, comfort...a feeling of being refreshed.

This is the the day the Lord hath made. God did promise great things for yesterday. He made the same promise for today and tomorrow. Claim that promise! Let nothing distract you from that promise.

Blessings,

Pastor Michael

Kenna

2008-08-21T15:06:00.004-05:00

Kenna made cheerleader this year and has been very excited about it. She had a hard time during tryouts but stuck it out. The 7th and 8th grade girls had cheer camp this week and Kenna came home exhausted every day. While at camp, the girls were to elect a Captain from the 8th grade girls and a Co-Captain from the 7th grade girls. To be considered for Co-Captain, Kenna had to make up a cheer and write a short essay on why she would make a good Co-Captain.

This is her essay:

I think I would be a good co captain because…

I am very responsible and organized. In addition, I have had lots of experience in cheer and know my stuff. It doesn’t take me long to memorize a cheer or dance. Also, I can’t stand making bad grades so that won’t be a problem. This year I’m strait on cheer because of how much time it takes up. So I am very confident I will be at every practice, fundraiser, and, game. I am also very energetic and out there, so it’s easy to throw out ideas for cheers and chants. I also don’t like when people feel left out or are embarrassed so if they are I would help them.

My dad is the pastor of Fellowship Baptist church and I am very involved with the youth program. Church is a big part of my life. My favorite verse is Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. So don’t worry about tomorrow just live today.

Kenna made Co-Captain...

It's been a few days...

2008-08-19T21:16:00.002-05:00

I have not posted since Saturday a week ago after Hannah and I rode to Marble Falls. It has been a busy week and a half since then...

Sunday the 10th was an awesome day, as always. It is just such a blessing to see God working in people's lives. Sunday night we said goodbye to Cailin Vague, our summer youth intern. Cailin is a huge blessing and we will miss her as she goes off to Abilene Christian this fall.

Then Monday night rolled around...this was the night the two Fellowship softball teams faced off in league play. The Blue team one 13-12 and it was a great game. We will have the chance to avenge the loss on September 22 when we play each other again.

This Sunday was awesome. We had 106 in the 8:30 service and 346 in the 11:00 service. Three families joined and we had 3 come forward for baptism! God is Good!

I was blessed Sunday night at the ordination service. This was a very spiritual, emotional and moving service. I still cannot believe God can use even me and I am thankful for the wonderful people He has put in my life. I am the most blessed person I know...a great family and the opportunity to share ministry with some of the best, most loving Christian people around. It is easy to be a pastor for people with such a heart for the Lord!

I was humbled to have my two pastors preach at the service. Brother Dan has meant so much to me as God worked to form my call. He has been an incredible mentor and counselor through all of this, and he remains a good friend. His words were heart-felt and inspirational. Brother Jerry just blessed me. He spoke with such great conviction and stirred many people that night. I pray God will allow me to be half the pastor as these two men. I am so very thankful God allowed them to shepherd me!

It continues to be a whirlwind and it is just picking up steam. We started talking today about adding a fourth service and we are officially pursuing off-campus solutions for Sunday School. Our growth is a gift and we are diligently seeking wisdom to accommodate more people seeking a church family. Just think, we are in the historically lowest attendance time of the year, and nearly every Sunday breaks a record! I can't wait to see what God will do as the revival continues.

Prepare for it!

Have a blessed day...bless someone else!

Pastor Michael

My little biker chic

2008-08-10T21:51:00.003-05:00

What a week we had! It has been a very busy week for all of us...Cristina and the girls went to Rock the Desert with the Fellowship Youth. I looked at the pictures and it was obviously a great trip. I plan on going next year...

Hannah and I stayed behind. I had to work and Hannah had a sleepover party she had been looking forward to. Hannah and I spent quality time together yesterday but were at a loss as to what to do last night. I wanted to go on a motorcycle ride but Hannah has not ever wanted to do that. Debby Cox came to the rescue...she talked to Hannah and explained it all to her in a way I could never do, and before long Hannah was ready to go. To sweeten the pot, Rick offered to let us ride the Gold Wing and Hannah agreed to give it a shot. We rode to Marble Falls and ate at the Bluebonnet Cafe. Hannah had a smile from ear to ear. She was hooked. We rode back in the dark and when we got home Hannah asked if we could ride my bike to church. I told her we could, but she couldn't wear church clothes on the bike. When we were ready to leave this morning, Hannah met me at the door wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes, and the motorcycle jacket, under which was a very biker chic-looking black tank top.

I asked her if that was what she was wearing to church. She whipped out a bag she had already packed with a dress, nice shoes and a hair brush..."I will change at the church...now can we ride the bike?" I almost shed a tear...now all my girls are biker chicks!

Sermon Notes for Sunday, August 10, 2008

2008-08-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

Preparing for Revival Part 2
Close Encounters
Exodus 33
Fellowship Baptist Church
August 10, 2008

We are praying and preparing for revival. A revival is our renewal with God and we want to encounter. In other words, we should not be content to merely know Him…we are here to experience and encounter God. How exactly do we “encounter God”?

We prepare

We live

We experience

O-fer

2008-08-05T23:13:00.003-05:00

Yep.. So far, Fellowship Baptist Church Softball teams are 0-3. That sounds worse than it really is...there are three teams and we have all played once. The Men's Blue Team lost in the opener last night and the White Team followed with another loss. There is one factor that probably didn't change the outcome but would have definitely changed the score. I could not find the right softballs and we all ended up playing with a softer ball. Softballs have a real science behind them and the teams we played had much higher compression balls which travel faster and farther. Again, we probably would have lost but it would have been much closer.

The Co-ed team was the shining star. They had a 3-1 lead going into the bottom of the 7th and the other team tied it with two outs. In rec league softball, teams go to a "one pitch" format for extra innings. This means each batter gets just one pitch...if its a ball, they walk. If it is a strike, they are out. If they hit it, they hit it. It makes for a very fast extra inning tie-breaker. Unfortunately, it takes most of the skill out of the game and tonight the Fellowship team came up one run short. I will be the first to say they looked great. They have some quality people and they will have a great season.

The good news is this: I guarantee there will be a Fellowship win next Monday night at 9:00. How can I be so bold, you say? After all, the men's teams pretty much got shellacked, right? Here's the deal: The Fellowship White Team and the Fellowship Blue Team face each other this coming week. As far as we know, this will be the first ever contest between Fellowship teams in league play. Let the loving and Christian-like trash talking begin! Come out and support the teams next Monday night at 9:00 p.m. at McMaster Fields in Georgetown.

Have a blessed day...start by blessing someone else!

Pastor Michael

Preparing

2008-08-01T07:52:00.002-05:00

I am reading a book on discipleship. It is a compilation of other writings by tried and true men of faith who have dedicated their lives to discipleship. One of the authors quoted a Barna statistic that I can not get out of my head: In any given year, only 5% of professing Christians - including pastors and clergy - will lead someone to Christ. That is a little alarming when we put it into the context of Matthew 9:37...

So consider this: If one person leads someone to Christ once each month and that person leads someone to Christ once each month, in just one year that person has been responsible for 2048 people knowing Jesus! That is 2048 names written in the book of life from just one individual in just one year.

It is on my heart to teach everyone I know to share their faith. Don't get confused...this is about discipleship and not evangelism. By teaching people to do what we have been commanded to do, their faith, knowledge and understanding of God and His precepts will deepen. I believe it is our job to disciple the nations. When we are actively engaged in discipleship, evangelism will just happen. Evangelism is a fruit of proper discipleship.

Look at Acts 3:1-10 and Acts 4:13-14 for a minute...In Acts 3, Peter heals the beggar and we see what happens when someone is "healed" and accepts Christ: The beggar "... jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."

The beggar followed Peter and John into the temple courts holding onto them and dancing and jumping...this is discipleship in action! Because the beggar was healed (saved) he could not contain his excitement and joy! He stayed with the men and his actions then became a testimony to those who knew him. The very fruits of our obedience to God is a testimony to His saving grace. If we diligently lead people to Christ and disciple them, none of us will be able to contain our excitement or our joy at the work God does in our lives.

The message this week will be from Matthew 9 and we will discuss the plentiful harvest and the few workers. As we prepare to join God in revival, we must examine our place in Kingdom work. It is such a privilege to know we do not toil in vain, but God's work is done through us. Each of us should be ready to share our faith and "...always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Find someone to disciple you and then find someone to disciple...think about it: 2,048 names in the book of life in just one year because you were faithful...could you stand still?

Have a blessed day,

Pastor Michael

What a day!

2008-07-31T22:15:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those days where I go from meeting to meeting to meeting. I certainly don't mind and there have been some blessed things happen today...

I spent time with Pastor Marcial and I am so encouraged by him. They had 50 kids at their VBS this week and his own daughter made her confession of faith! His church is slowly gaining momentum and we need to be diligently praying for them.

I also met with our Liberty Pregnancy Resource Center (LPRC) group which consists of Wes and Jan Griffin and Lisa Davillez from the Austin PRC. Lisa related that the Leander PRC has seen over 100 clients and out of those 40 young women have accepted Jesus into their lives! What an amazing ministry...I am so excited that God is preparing Liberty Hill for a PRC. This will be a community-sponsored center and the first meeting will be September 23rd at the VFW hall. Make plans to be there.

To top it all off, my good friends Barry Smith and wife Mickie came over from Crestview Baptist Church tonight. Barry has a heart (and an awesome talent) for Christian Theater and Drama. I have been in many of his productions and he is top notch all the way. Barry has agreed to direct a play for this year's Home for the Holidays Women's Event. In the coming weeks, we will be asking for volunteers of all sorts...actors, singers, set builders, sound and stage hands, lighting people and others. All of this will come from our own church body (including the actors...) and it will be a wonderful experience. I know we have the talent and expertise to do this in world-class fashion. Liberty Hill won't know what hit them!

The Home for the Holidays is on two nights this year - Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21. We will also do a Sunday night play performance for anyone and everyone, so get ready to invite! The play is Christmas Shoes, which is a heart wrenching story about a young boy and his dying mother. Bring on the Kleenex!

There is so much going on and I can sense God's presence in everything we are doing! Even after a long day like today, I feel strong and encouraged that we are doing as God would have us do.

Here is a thought and a question for you: In John 2, Jesus clears the temple with a whip. The Jews wanted to know under what authority Jesus did this:

Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"

Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."

If Jesus is all-powerful, why would it take Him three days to rebuild the temple? After all, couldn't He just think it into existence? Of course He could! Jesus was not speaking about the actual temple...He referring to Himself as the "temple". And the three days was how long He would be entombed so as to remove all doubt that He was indeed dead. His resurrection after three days proved that He supernaturally overcame death.

That is the awesome and mighty power of our God. Nothing can stop Him, nothing can slow Him down. He overcame death so that we would not have to experience it!

I had an awesome day!

Blessings,

Pastor Michael

Ready for another 30?

2008-07-27T23:39:00.003-05:00

Wow! I can’t believe it has been a year. I look back over the last 12 months and am just amazed at the work God has done. I am unbelievingly blessed and it has been the best year of my life. We have found friends and co-laborers here and we just stand in awe of how God is using all of us to further His kingdom. I am eternally grateful to be a part of what is happening at Fellowship…

What amazes me most of all is that God uses me. As I said last night, it is so important that we remember God qualifies us to do His work. Our preparation is to be faithful in our obedience.

I had the chance to visit with my first pastor today. Jerry Scott was the man who introduced me to Jesus when I was a teenager and he was my pastor through High School and beyond. I am honored that he will be conducting part of my ordination ceremony later in August. This past July, Brother Jerry celebrated his 30th year as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Uvalde. I asked him what his secret was and he said it had very little to do with him. Brother Jerry believes the reason he has been there for 30 years is because of the loving people within the church. He described the body at First Baptist Uvalde as a loving, caring, and forgiving group that accepted him for his gifts and his faults. I can truly say that God has blessed me with just such a family. I thank you for allowing my family and me to come alongside you and join you in the ministry that was well underway before we got here. I thank you for loving us unconditionally and I am grateful for how you have welcomed us into your homes and your lives. I look forward to celebrating our 30th year together…

What a week!

2008-07-24T17:23:00.005-05:00

I am glad the weekend is almost here...there is a lot going on and I am ready for it!

Before I go one step further, a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the Fellowship Baptist Powderpuff Football Team. In a very loving and Christian manner, they put a whooping on Crestview with a final score of 20-6. The girls and their coaches put in a lot of hard work and it paid off.

If you missed the game, you not only missed a stellar performance, but you also missed a very special guest speaker. Stephen McGee, the Texas A&M starting quarterback was on hand and gave a testimony during halftime. Stephen talked about courage on and off the field. He spoke about having the courage and share our faith.

The Youth will be having an event at Darwin Wigger's place on Lake Buchanan. I have been trying to think of a catchy name for it and I am almost there. See if you can finish it off for me:

Youth At Buchanan At Darwin's All Boys And Dames Overeating

I know its a stretch, but I just can't get that last word! Anyway, the Youth will be heading to Darwin's for a lake day and fellowship. So far, there are about 8 boats going to pull kids around on tubes. The fishing is also good and I know the food will be great.

As always, I am excited about Sunday. The message this week is from Acts 12 and deals with a prayerful church. Take a look through Acts 12:1-11 for a little study time and begin prayerfully preparing for His word.

Wayne has had a bunch or requests for the Praise Team to play Sunday morning, so that is what he has decided to do. Get ready to lift your voice in worship...while you are at it, invite someone to church this weekend.

Speaking of the Praise Team, Fellowship 59 moves to 6:00 p.m. this Sunday. We made this move at the request of a lot of parents...moving it up just 30 minutes will help when school rolls around and kiddos are needing to get home and get that last minute homework or project finished. So show up a little early and enjoy coffee and fellowship with us.

Do you remember the ministry sign up sheets we gave out a couple of weeks ago? We have put it all together and distributed it out to the Ministry Team leaders. If you signed up, you will be getting a call from someone to serve in the coming weeks. We have a lot of work to do and everyone's help is needed. If you don't get a call in the next week or two, please send me an e-mail and I will check on it for you.

The rain today has been wonderful. There is something about the smell of a summer shower that relaxes and rests you. The rain is part of God's awesome promise to us, that it is not sent without the promise of causing the Earth to bud and flourish. So it is with God's word. We are to be in His word, studying and learning. Just like the rain, God's promise is that His word does not return empty, but it causes us to grow.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

What an awesome promise! We serve a mighty and powerful God, one who causes it to rain and the one who sent His only Son.

Praise Him!

Pastor Michael

What a weekend!

2008-07-20T23:00:00.003-05:00

It has been a great weekend. Saturday was relatively normal which is always a welcome change. We had an invitation from Scott and Vanessa Montague to join them and a few folks for bar be que. We are never ones to turn down food, especially when someone else is preparing it. We were pleasantly surprised at how many people showed up. The Henrys, The Pages, Ms. Pat, the Adams, The Gatlins, and Scott's parents were there. The girls took their swimming suits and had a great time with the other kiddos in the pool.

Scott and Vanessa have apparently done this before because he put out a spread you couldn't even imagine. The brisket was too tender to use a knife - it just fell apart - and the boudin was the best I've had in years. People also brought a wide variety of homemade deserts and I am not willing to risk offending anyone, so I tried them all. I will have to take my hat off to Steve and Stacy's homemade peach ice cream...words escape me.

I thoroughly enjoyed just hanging out with everyone and talking about nothing that really mattered. This is a great group of people and it was a great pleasure to spend the evening with them. Now I just have to work off the added pounds...

It was another awesome Sunday! Our morning worship services were great as God showed up again. We witnessed more changed lives with two baptisms. Then, two more families joined. God is faithful and we must keep expecting Him to be there. Words fail me when I try to express to other people the work and wonder God is revealing to us at Fellowship. Words just can't describe how inspired we are and how revealing God has been. There is such a feeling of oneness and togetherness at Fellowship.

We find proof in the little things...for instance, we had somewhere around 30 people show up to softball practice this afternoon...30 people! It was so obvious that it had very little to do with softball, but people were enjoying the time together...the Fellowship is what mattered.

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but Fellowship 59 is such a blessing. I wish you could see what I see from the platform: People with their heads back, eyes closed and hands in the air worshiping God. There is such a sense of worship and joy in the room! It is unabated, pure, heart-felt worship.

GIGATT!

ATTGIG!

Blessings,

Pastor Michael

Friday thoughts

2008-07-18T22:42:00.004-05:00

Today is an EMS day and it has been a busy one. Rex Fortner came in to ride with me and spent almost 9 hours running calls. Rex got to experience downtown Austin through the windshield of an EMS Command vehicle at high speed and low drag. I learned things about Rex today. For instance, Rex likes guacamole on his Hut's hamburger, and he tends to get quieter and taller the faster we go. Between calls, we visited about everything from Harley's to church finance and lots in between. It was great to have Rex along for the day...he has such a heart for the Lord and loves Fellowship and the people there.

My district runs through the middle of Austin, bordered on the south side by Ben White and on the north side by Research. The demographics of this area include everything from a large homeless population to Tarrytown, Hyde Park and UT. In other words, I see a large cross section of people and conditions. This I know: everyone is looking for something. Everyone seems to be missing a chunk out of the middle and they try to fill it with all sorts of worldly things. Satisfaction seems to be elusive to most. To be fair, I usually see people when they are having a really bad day...otherwise they wouldn't have called. However, I am still certain that people are searching for that specific something.

I don't know if I am just more aware of it or if it is actually happening, but it seems that people are becoming more and more restless. Perhaps they are being stirred and made uncomfortable in their attempts at fulfillment. I hope we are seeing the beginnings of an awakening. Perhaps people are beginning to realize the decadence of the last decade hasn't led to anywhere. Perhaps people are ready to replace their new age thoughts with the thoughts of Eternity. Whatever the case, we must be ready with the Word...1 Peter 3:15 says this: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Are you prepared to give an answer for your hope?

Blessings,

Michael

P.S. If you are interested in riding along, all you have to do is call...

Tuesday

2008-07-16T15:41:00.003-05:00

I know its Wednesday already, but it was late when I got home...

We said goodbye to a dear friend today. Vida Nelson died Saturday and we celebrated her life in Burnet and buried her in Liberty Hill. It was an honor for me to share the pulpit with Rev. Max Copeland. Pastor Copeland has been a pastor in Burnet for 50 years and it was inspiring to watch and learn from him. He has a mastery of the word and a deep, abiding love for those he pastored.

I have been a part of the Nelson family for about 10 years. I met Bill, the oldest son, when I first joined Crestview and started playing softball. I count Bill and his dad Alfred as close friends. Alfred loved Vida with all his heart and will need friends to come alongside him.

Fellowship hosted the meal after the service, and the people that brought food and those that staffed the kitchen did an amazing job. It was a true ministry experience...the Nelsons have a very large family and quite a few commented on how much they appreciated all that had been done. As the meal came to a close and as family and friends were leaving, many of them picked up brochures and asked for information on our services. What an awesome testimony! Because you took the time to prepare a dish or serve in the kitchen, we have the opportunity to minister to an entire family. What a testimony it will be when we are able to see God change lives because of something as simple as a meal...there is no "small" ministry!

Since yesterday was Tuesday, we had visitation and it was great as usual. We spent over two hours with one family who had many questions about the church and everything we have going on. It was wonderful to be able to share about all of the many lives God has changed, the people who have joined, and the activities we are blessed to have.

Sometimes I forget about all of the things God has done and a conversation like we had with this family last night reminds me. It does us good to look back to where we have come from and examine the road we have traveled. It is only then we truly appreciate how God has perfectly put His plan in place. When we think about all we have gone through and all the plans and discussions and changed courses and different ideas and on and on...it is sometimes overwhelming! But then to consider how God has so masterfully engineered and crafted His plan, we realize His will is being done. Without Him, we would be wandering aimlessly trying to do it on our own and not getting anything done. But I believe we are seeing the evidence of a praying, believing body seeking to do God's plan according to His will and He is blessing us...what an awesome God!

Blessings,

Michael

What a day!

2008-07-14T18:10:00.005-05:00

It is not very often that we celebrate a Monday, but today is worthy of celebration...

Several months ago, we came together as a church body and shared a night of vision casting. God revealed that we are to be a church that reaches and has an impact on families. Everyone there felt God's urging to be a community-based church intent on revival happening in our homes, our families and our schools. We also recognized that there was much work to be done. God has already started these works and we are just now catching up. Today was a day just to sit in awe of what He is doing and it has been inspiring to watch as He puts the pieces in place according to His will...

The day started with a meeting to begin organizing a Pregnancy Resource Center for Liberty Hill. God absolutely had the right people in the room to begin and we have an initial plan to organize the opening of the Liberty Pregnancy Resource Center. We will hold our first community-wide organizational meeting on September 23 at a place to be announced. We will begin assembling teams and organizing work groups. The plan is to open the LPRC in January 2009. Click here to see what a Pregnancy Resource Center offers and pray about your involvement.

The day ended with a meeting in which we put a loose framework in place to begin a Celebrate Recovery program through Fellowship Baptist Church. We will be sending several people to a leader's course at Saddleback Church in California in August. When the leaders return, we will begin training team leaders and sponsors and we look for the first meeting to be the first week in November.

I am so excited to be a part of the work God is doing. I am continuously amazed at His providence. First, I see the people He has assembled in our community and at Fellowship and I know there is a plan. Then, I see how He causes things to happen - good things - that allow us to carry out His plan. We have an awesome and mighty God!

On a side note, I realized about 30 minutes ago that we are childless tonight...Connor is at soccer camp, Kenna is at the Jr. High camp, and Hannah is spending the night with the Ogden's...therefore, Cristina and I are going to have a date at someplace that doesn't serve chicken nuggets...

May God bless you!

Pastor Michael

Sunday

2008-07-13T22:55:00.003-05:00

It has been another blessed day. From the moment I woke up until now (it is 11:15 pm), it has been a whirlwind of activity.

The services were God-led this morning as I pray they are every morning. It was clear God was revealing truths to people and the people who came forward were seeking His guidance. But the blessings did not stop there. We had a Deacon's meeting that was great. We will be preparing a list of eligible men and their families for the church to consider calling as Deacons. Our growth necessitates adding Deacons as the work will only increase.

We had a business meeting to start Fellowship 59. We voted to contract with Bailey Elliott to complete our upstairs finish out. The hope is that we form a long-term relationship with them and they move from one project to another.

We also approved buying a house that sits on adjoining property. This purchase will give us a new driveway onto the loop and will increase our exposure across from two schools. It also gives us a great opportunity for a singles ministry location and more Sunday School space which we desperately need.

Fellowship 59 was awesome. Pastor Tim was back from preaching in Lometa this morning and he brought an excellent message on unity in the church. Tim is a blessing to me and to this church. I am thankful to have him.

To top it all off, I am one week shy of the halfway point in my current Seminary class. I got a paper turned in with an hour to spare tonight, although I have actually had it completed since Thursday. I have been waiting on feedback and a grade from my last paper before I turned it in...I finally got that today. God is good!

I have said it before and I will say it again - I wish every day was Sunday. In reality, it can be and to an extent, it should be. We should prepare every day for God's direction and guidance. Sunday should only be the beginning and not just a day all by itself. If we approached every day with the same spiritual mindset as we do on Sunday, how much more powerful would we be for God? Can you imagine the Kingdom work we could accomplish if we actually denied our purpose in the work week and replaced it with God's purpose? Challenge yourself! Pray that today when you go to work or school or wherever you go that God reveal to you the person He has placed in your path. There is someone in your life you are supposed to witness to...I just know it! Live every moment like someone is watching you...they are. They want to know what makes you different. They want to know the reason for the hope you have...they want to know and you are there to tell them.

Glory!

Pastor Michael

End of another week

2008-07-12T21:39:00.002-05:00

I love Saturdays. There are the obvious reasons we all like Saturdays..end of the work week, chance for a little rest, get some work done around the house, hopefully spend quality time with the family. All of these are true for me, but it also means Sunday is almost here. I look forward to Sundays all week! I get excited and look forward to what God will do and I just can't wait ti see everyone again. Last Sunday seems so far away...

We took Connor and her cousin Blair to the Aggieland Soccer Camp in College Station. We just got back in a few minutes ago. This is a huge camp with thousands of kids. This is Connor's second year and she really looks forward to it. They stay in the Callaway House which is an off-campus dorm. I believe it used to be a hotel. It is nice for a dorm and the girls love it. They stay with several other suite mates from their select soccer team. Conner will be back this Wednesday and we already miss her...

Cristina's foot and toe just keep getting better, although I almost wish they wouldn't. People are bringing by food you just wouldn't believe! Thursday, Jennifer Ferrell brought chicken tacos by (see a previous post), and yesterday we had two deliveries. Kim Butler brought meatloaf, au gratin potatoes and huge bowl of nanner puddin' that was gone by 10:00. Sabrina Mabry brought a crock pot roast with carrots and taters that absolutely melted in your mouth...no need for chewing. All I need is another notch in my belt and I'm good to go!

Thank you so much to everyone for the food, the prayers and the support. We love all of you!

See you in church...

Pastor Michael

Sermon Notes for Sunday, July 13, 2008

2008-07-11T22:56:00.004-05:00

Praying to Prepare
1 Peter 5:6-11
Fellowship Baptist Church
July 13, 2008

Tell me about your day. Do you plan it out the day before or do you just wing it? Tell me about your faith walk. Do you plan it out or are you just winging it? The Apostle Peter shows us that when we prepare through prayer, we will be:

Humble

Alert

Steadfast

***Go to http://www.fellowshiplh.org/ to listen to sermons and Bible studies.

Big Bend 2007

2008-07-11T08:57:00.001-05:00

Thursday thoughts...

2008-07-10T23:14:00.005-05:00

Cristina is doing great...she has had very little pain or discomfort and is up and around. In spite of the doctors orders, Cristina has decided the crutches just aren't necessary.

The girls spent the day with Tricia Ogden and that was a blessing - I had to drag the girls away. Great friends are a blessing and we have been blessed over and over.

Clyde and Janette brought a beautiful mandevilla vine...it will look great along the back porch. Jennifer Ferrell brought dinner over and oh my! It was shredded chicken tacos complete with guacamole, tortillas and all the trimmings. And to top it all off was a container full of warm chocolate chip cookies! I did my best to "get rid of" the cookies before Cristina woke up because the doctor warned against solid food right away. Of course, I always have her best interest at heart and am willing to sacrifice for her. However, the smell brought Cristina out of her sleepy haze and I had some 'splainin to do.

One of the most significant blessings of my life has been our experience at Fellowship. It has been almost a year since we came in view of a call. We struggled and prayed and stressed and prayed and prayed some more. We tried to look at it from all angles, but there was one thing that not many people know. In all of our discussions it was obvious that no matter what happened, we were going to join Fellowship. We felt at home when we started just filling in on Sunday mornings. We knew God had called us to serve there and we were willing to serve as pastor or as members...we just wanted to be a part of it.

Cristina would be the first to tell you that in the grand scheme of things, this surgery was not a big deal. But the outpouring that began way back on Memorial Day continues to enforce on us that God placed us here as a part of this family and we are blessed!

More importantly, we feel God has placed us here as co-laborers with each of you. Together, we have the express intent of discipling one another and leading people into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.

This verse describes it to a "T".

In Christ Alone,

Michael

We are home

2008-07-10T12:39:00.002-05:00

We got home about 11:00. Cristina is snoozing and the pain pills seem to be working, so it's all good.

The doctor said the pin will be in about 4 weeks, so this should be a little challenging. The most worrisome thing is the dogs. They both like to lie on Cristina's feet, and Molly likes to walk all over you. I am sure there will be some moments, but that is part of it.

We are confident in the doctor and his abilities, but we have full faith in our Great Physician!

Blessings,

Michael

Part 5

2008-07-10T09:46:00.001-05:00

We are just waiting on the crutches and then we will be headed home...

Cristina's toe Part 4

2008-07-10T09:40:00.001-05:00

Cristina is a little groggy and a little cold. Otherwise, she is very comfortable and resting comfortably.

The yellow dot is the end of the pin they stuck through her toe to hold the bones together. Makes me cringe just to think about it.

More to follow...

Cristina's toe

2008-07-10T08:32:00.001-05:00

The doctor just came in. Cristina is out of surgery and everything went just fine. I will be able to see her in about 30 minutes and then we can go home in another hour...

Cristina's toe Part 3

2008-07-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

They just took Cristina back. They gave her some "happy medicine" and a smile spread across her face. She was very relaxed, and I know she is comforted by all the people who are praying for her.

More to follow...

Cristina's toe Part 2

2008-07-10T07:36:00.000-05:00

Thought it was funny that everyone that comes in writes on her foot...

Cristina's surgery Part 1

2008-07-10T07:19:00.001-05:00

It is about 7:15 and everything is on schedule. Tricia had Cristina here on time and everything is moving right along. The IV has been started and we are waiting for the doctors to get here.

This attractive purple gown is pretty cool. As always, the room is very cold. They are actually pumping warm air into this special gown. What will they think of next?

It looks like its about that time...more to follow.

Michael

Wednesday

2008-07-09T22:48:00.003-05:00

Since today is Wednesday, I am at EMS. It has been a relatively average day, if any day at EMS can be average. I spent a lot of time in the office working on a rather mundane policy revision and then helping a couple of other Commanders with a significant personnel investigation.

I ran one vehicle rescue that went well...they usually do. All in all, it has been a good day.

Cristina goes in for her toe surgery in the morning. I know she is a little nervous...she has never had anything like this before. Tricia Ogden is taking her to the surgical center in the morning. In order to be there on time, Tricia and Kayla are spending the night. This will help Cristina keep her mind off of the surgery.

I did spend some time on the phone with Ryan Fontenot today. Ryan is an evangelist who specializes in youth and family. We are talking with him about coming to Liberty Hill for our revival. Please pray about this important decision.

Something I learned as a landscaper years ago deals with trees and roots. Whenever you plant a tree, you are supposed to use ties and stakes to keep the tree from blowing over. However, if you tie it so tight it doesn't move, the tree doesn't set good roots. However, the more it is allowed to move and bend without blowing over, the stronger and deeper the tap root sets.

We must challenge ourselves. Trust God by giving Him more time everyday. Spend more time in His word than you ever have. Take a step towards witnessing to someone you know. Be bold, loose your ties, get stronger...

Blessings,

Michael

Another day...

2008-07-08T22:55:00.004-05:00

This is another day in the books and it was a good. First, we have added a new member to the office staff. Susan Robinson will join us on Monday as our newest Admin Assistant. Kay Fleet is cutting back her hours and Susan will be picking those hours up.

We are inching closer and closer to our September Revival. Pray, pray pray! The time for preparing is NOW!

The Long Range Planning Committee is very close to formally identifying the General Contractor for the upstairs finish out. The completed project will add approximately 17 classrooms and space for 400 additional Bible Study spaces. That is great news! We hope to be in by next April or May.

We took a large step today when we signed a lease on a bill board. We needed something on Highway 29 to let people know we are here, and the billboard at Highway 29 and RR 1869 became available. We couldn't have picked a better location so we moved on it. We have to have the art work in by Monday and the bill board should be up by July 25th. We'll see...

Tim and I spent most of the day re-working and re-designing the new web site. We want to make sure it is working perfectly by the time the bill board is up. We are working on the information flow to make it as smooth and easy to use as possible. We are also designing Bible Study class pages so people can communicate and discuss lessons through a secure web site. This should be functional by August 1.

Finally, we signed a contract with Olan Mills photography yesterday to produce our church directory. They will take pictures of anyone and everyone who signs up. Everyone who gets their picture taken will get a free 8x10 photograph and a free church directory. There is absolutely no cost whatsoever to you or the church for the photography, the 8x10 or the directory. They are even setting up a secure online directory that will be available to church members. Olan Mills does this free of charge because they hope many of us will want to by picture packages (besides the free 8x10) from them and this is how they make their money. We have done this before and were very pleased with the results. We used the pictures as Christmas gifts one year and will do that again this year.

As I read back over this, we got a lot done and its only Tuesday. God is Good!

Blessings,

Michael

Fellowship 59 - Spring Cookout

2008-07-08T14:47:00.001-05:00

I love Tuesdays

2008-07-08T13:58:00.004-05:00

My favorite day of the week is Sunday...duh! I'm a Pastor! But my second favorite day around here is Tuesday. This is the day we do home visitation. A very dedicated group comes together on Tuesday evenings and we develop a list of people and families we should go see. Some of the names come from guest cards filled out on Sundays while other names come to us from people who know someone who could use a visit. Regardless, this is a very exciting adventure.

In today's society, we miss the sense of neighborhood and community. It is unusual for anyone to knock on our doors unless they are the UPS man or selling magazines. We no longer leave the doors open and our kids aren't out playing in the neighborhood. Instead, we have begun to close ourselves off to the rest of the world when we are at home. In spite of this, we are continuously amazed at how people open their homes to us when we show up unannounced! I believe God sets up these visits and prepares the people we see. I can't begin to tell you the number of times people have broken down in tears when they first saw us on the doorstep. It is amazing at how many times we have been told of a specific need or crisis that had just occurred and how they were so grateful we were there. That is a God thing!

If you are looking for something to do, come by the church around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings...you will be blessed!

Here's the deal...we are called on to love one another. This means we are willing to sacrifice for each other. At the extreme, this might be something drastic, but what about the small sacrifices? In John 15:12-13, Jesus tells us to love each other as He loved us. Verse 13 says "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This isn't just about dying for each other, but the words actually mean "to set aside." Are you willing to set aside some time for your friends? What about people out there who need a short visit? Can you do as Jesus told us, and set aside your life - just for a little while - for them?

In Christ,

Pastor Michael

That was a little too easy

2008-07-07T22:04:00.000-05:00

I just created this blog and I really didn't intend to. Tim and I were talking about adding blogs to the Fellowship web site earlier today so I have been cruising around the web looking. I looked at Hollis Baker's blog (which I really enjoy) and looked up his host...easy as pie, here I am blogging.

The intent of the blog is like any other blog...to provide a running commentary of what is going on at church, at home and in my personal life. What I really hope to do is share what God reveals on a daily basis. So, let's get started...

Yesterday was another glorious Sunday. God blessed us with awesome music from my good friend Ken Matney. Ken wrote, composed and recorded a song for his parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Ken asked the Fellowship Praise Team to play on the recording. (I think the big deal was getting Rick Cox to work his magic in the sound booth which makes all of us sound good.) Ken posted the song and the Power Point show on You Tube...click here to see and hear it. It was a great song for our July 4th Sunday celebration and we were blessed to have Ken share it yesterday.

We saw more people join the Fellowship revival and my friend Mike Ogden answered God's call on his life. Mike will be entering the ministry and we celebrated this decision with him.

Today was Monday all day long. Mondays are typically a little hectic around the office, but it is a blessed sign of growth and God's activities. Our growth has presented some unique challenges. For instance, we have some gifted teachers feeling the pull to teach Bible Study classes but every last square foot of space is already in use! The Youth are meeting in the Sanctuary, the portables are all in use, the Men's class is meeting in the kitchen, and we have at least 4 classes that need to split. What an awesome blessing! We are working with a contractor to get the upstairs built out and this will give us an additional 15 classrooms with space for 400 more. You know what is most exciting? I believe God will fill those rooms and we will continue to struggle for space...I can't wait!

We also had an organizational meeting for Fellowship Fest and a Fall Revival which are set for the first week in September. Watch the web site for info.

Yesterday I preached on the need to be silent in our prayer. We need to hear God. I believe He is literally waiting on us and he has the answer for every question, every need, and every request. We just need to listen, trust and obey. That doesn't mean His answers will always be what we want them to be, but He has the answers.

When you pray, spend a little time just being still and knowing He is God. Be attentive to Him. Be comfortable in your silence with Him. He wants you to have peace, he wants you to have rest. He wants you to have the life He has promised.

Study the 23rd Psalm. Read it through. Meditate on the words. Visualize the green pastures and the still waters. Thank God for His many blessings.

In Christ,

Pastor Michael