REVISED UPDATE FROM PASTOR EDDIE - Friday, July 12, 2013
Published: Fri, 07/12/13
Grace House Update from Pastor Eddie
Think About It...
"We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior."
― John R.W. Stott
"There have been prophets and students who handle the Bible like a child's box of bricks; they explain to us the design and structure and purpose; but as time goes on things do not work out in their way at all. They have mistaken the scaffolding for the structure, while all the time God is working out His purpose with a great and undeterred patience."
― Oswald Chambers
"Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
― Apostle Paul
The Joy of Worshiping Together
I so look forward to each Sunday morning to gather together with each of you as our Grace House family. This is an important part of all our lives. Over and over the writings of our New Covenant instruct us to connect together to worship and continue in the Apostles doctrine. So here are 10 tips to help make sure Sundays even more special for us all:
1. Pray during the week for the Sunday gathering. 2. Worship at home and come with worship in your heart and choose to worship Him with all your heart. 3. Prepare to give your offering ahead of time. 4. Get everything ready on Saturday night in order to avoid the last minute panic on Sunday morning. 5. Get into bed early enough on Saturday night that you are not tempted to sleep in.
6. Do your best to arrive on time.
7. Make being together with God and His people on Sunday a priority and be consistent.
8. Come with a heart to give and receive.
9. Remember the basics that its all about loving God and loving people. 10. Look for opportunities to speak to, minister to, and connect with others while you are there.
I am sure there are many more items you could add to this little list, but the bottom line is to remember we are stronger together and need each other. We have a mission to carry the Gospel to the whole world, so let's do it!
Testimonies
We are grateful to Father God for all He is doing in our midst. Last Sunday we were blessed to hear the testimonies of two people who were healed during our communion service as well as a testimony of someone who received direction a few weeks ago through a word of knowledge about a $107 check and how God was going to take care of it. During the ministry time three people experienced an encounter with the Holy Spirit which resulted in them speaking in tongues. God is so good. One of them shared with me just last night that they had a terrific week of just basking in God's presence and enjoying the operation of this new found gift. Praise the Lord!
I am also glad to report to you that a team of our Grace House people were asked to minister prophetically at a church in Phil Campbell a week ago on a Sunday night. The Lord used this group to minister accurate prophetic words and also there was a healing of young girls eye. The mother contacted her pastor who shared how excited they were concerning this miraculous touch from God.
And this past Wednesday night was wonderful as we just had an extended time of soaking in God's presence and releasing prophetic words of encouragement to people. God is so good.
Happy Anniversary Andrew!
Two years ago (this coming Sunday), Andrew was ordained to be our Worship Pastor. Yes, I am a proud father but also a grateful pastor. Happy 2nd Anniversary, Andrew. Thank you for your faithfulness. We celebrate with you and have enjoyed watching your growth and development. It seems you are stepping into new places almost week by week and we are blessed by the gifts that flow through you. We also are very appreciative of the musicians and singers that minister with you. May Father continue to bless you all greatly, I love you, Son, and am very proud of the way you are living out the calling on your life. And....the best is yet to come!
PRAY for Rooted Preteens
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE IN PRAYER FOR OUR PRETEENS AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR UPCOMING SUMMER CAMP THIS COMING WEEKEND. I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A BLAST. PRAY FOR ALLISON AS SHE MINISTERS TO OUR PRETEENS.
Details
We are excited about Summer camp at Springfield.
SUMMER RAMP 2
Sarah Ricketts will be carrying a group of youth from Grace House to the RAMP conference which is this coming weekend (19th). Please contact Sarah at rickettsinthailand@gmail.com if you are interesting in going. This will be an incredible weekend of worship and the Word.
A Big "Thank You" to All Who Minister to Children
I just want to express my appreciation to all of you who faithfully work with the nursery, little ones, and children of Grace House. You are investing in the tomorrow of the Church and making a difference in the today of a child. What you are doing cannot be overstated. It is vital and important. Thank you Franie and Anna Laura and all those who work with you in providing loving ministry to our children. Great is your reward!
Our Next Grace House Mission Trip
Please be praying for the development of our next mission trip. About nine years ago the Lord really touched me deeply concerning the island nations. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to see the Lord do some amazing things in the Caribbean. We had an awesome time in Trinidad last year and this past April we saw God do a mighty work in Carriacou and Petite Martinque. It looks as if our next trip will be to Barbados with the possibility of island jumping to revisit Trinidad and Carriacou.
We will keep you posted on the details as they emerge. We will let you know the requirements for participating as well as costs and dates soon. There is no doubt that developing a missions heart is one of the greatest things a congregation can do.
Connect With A Life Group...
We are so grateful for the togetherness that our life groups are enjoying.
Lots of fun, good fellowship, relationship building, and spiritual growth taking place through our life groups.. If you have questions about being in a group or leading a group, just get with Hillard and Charlotte Matthews who lead our Life Groups ministry.
You are now able to view all the options on our new Life Groups website at LIFEGROUPS.INFO Please check it out!
Have A Laugh....
This one is for you pet lovers:
A dog thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me ... They must be Gods!
A cat thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me ... I must be a God!
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