The Characters of Christmas

For the last 3 Sundays I have been preaching on the Characters of Christmas. So far the sermons have focused on the Angels, the Shepherds, and the Wise Men. The next sermons will be on Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. (On the 16th of December it will be music in both services: the adult cantata in the AM and the children's play in the PM.) I will preach on the birth of the Savior on the 23rd.

I have heard some encouraging comments on my messages. One of them is that I am preaching shorter messages and they are glad they have been getting out earlier than usually. All I can say is don't get to comfortable with that, I have a feeling things will be back to normal before long. LOL!

I have enjoyed studying for this series so far and am looking forward to the next three. I pray God has spoken to our hearts and we have responded positively to Him. (Are you smarter than a shepherd?)

Serving Him,
Pastor Mike

Thanksgiving ='s Thankful?

Thanksgiving Day is a little over 24 hours away. On Thursday millions of us as Americans, millions of us Christians, etc... will gather together to eat Turkey and dressing and all the fixings. We have been doing this for hundreds of years now. My family has been doing this together all my life; we go to one side of the family for lunch and the other side for supper. I believe this will be the first time in my life that I will not be with my extended family for Thanksgiving.

We, as Americans, call this special day Thanksgiving. It is a day that is set aside for reflection and remembering. But as we come together Thursday will we be gathering to give "thanks to God?"

God has blessed us beyond measure; Be Thankful!

Serving Him,
Pastor Mike

Pastor's Conference and Convention 07

There is a saying that I have repeated many times as I stand preaching God's Word, "God is good all the time and all the time God is good." That statement sums up my feelings about the last 30 hours or so. Between last night and today I have heard 9 sermons from some of the finest preachers in Florida and beyond. You might think that would be an awful way to spend the day, but it is a precious time with the Lord.

God has spoken to my heart through many different songs, messages and times during the last day and half. I am so thankful that God is still alive and well, that He still cares for me. I am glad He cares for you, but I am overwhelmed He cares for me. Thank you God for loving me! Thank you God for extending Your calling on my life. What a privilege it is to serve You!

God thank you that you are Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Thank you that you are the God who makes the bitter sweet (Ex. 15:22-26). God thank you for being El Shaddi, the great almighty God. God thank you for being the Great I am. I love you Lord.

Serving Him,
Pastor Mike

The Characters of Christmas

Today I interrupted my preaching through the Book of Romans to begin a six week sermon series on the Characters of Christmas. I have preached almost 50 messages in Romans and still have about eight more to go before completion, but God laid it on my heart to take a break and focus on Christmas.

One reason this is hard is because I live in Florida and it doesn't even really feel like Fall yet. It is still in the mid 70's during the day (it does feel really nice in the evenings). I'm from the Carolina's and it just doesn't feel like the time of year it is.

Anyway back to the Characters of Christmas. Today I focused on the Angels in my message. I don't think it was one of my better sermons, but I enjoyed the study time anyway. I talked about the purpose of the angels, the message of the angels and the joy of the angels. The big point is that we find joy when we fulfill our purpose by spreading His message.

"Be all you can BE!"
Serving Him,
Pastor Mike

2 years and counting

On October 28th HGBC and I celebrated the completion of 2 years of ministry together. I knew what the day was but didn't pay much attention to it. After the morning service as we were closing Tim McDaniel, the minister of music, made a comment to the church reminding them of the fellowship and reception for Melissa, Morgan and I after the PM service. I was surprised. I didn't know about it or expect it. I am, however, very grateful for what the church did. It is such a blessing to pastor people who appreciate your service and ministry to and with them. Thank you HGBC for allowing me the privilege of being your pastor. We are looking forward to many years of ministry along side you. You are a great church. My prayer for us in the coming days is that God will expand our borders (prayer of Jabez). I pray that we will see literally hundreds and thousands experience Jesus personally because of our faithfulness to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God bless you and thanks again.

Serving Him,
Pastor Mike