Ray’s Blog - March 2007

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” Acts 3:19. When we repent, God not only promises to wipe out our sins, but to bring spiritual refreshment. Repentance may at first seem painful because it is hard to give up certain sins. But God will give you a better way. As Hosea promised, “Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth” (Hosea 6:3). Are you ready to be refreshed?

Our small group just completed a Bible study Fresh Encounter, God’s Pattern for Revival and Spiritual Awakening by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. It was awesome and God’s hand was all over it. Our Pastor began a series from the pulpit on revival around the same time so instead of it being a small group experience, it ended up being a church wide happening. God is good all the time, and all time God is good. The study definitely has changed the lives of the guys in our group by having them examine themselves according to God’s Word as they begin the process of establishing a right relationship with God. Moreover, God has increased the size of the group as well. You may recall that I mentioned the Paul, Barnabas, Timothy effect of building into each other lives. That seems to be the direction our group is headed now. Praise God.

I recently read a book written by New York Times Best-Selling Author Max Lucado. It’s called Facing Your Giants. In it, he draws parallels between David and Goliath and our lives today. There are many memorable quotes however, the ones that struck me most are “Focus on Giants You Stumble; Focus on God, Your Giants Tumble” “If you’re ready to face your giants, let this story inspire you. The same God who helped David will help you”.

Last weekend, a friend invited me to a meeting for a men’s group he was birthing. There were about 10 guys there including the Pastor. The group is Bible based and they started with a PK video featuring Howard Hendricks and his speech on mentoring. The group had a good mix of young and mature. They will gradually move into the 7 promises but chose to start with mentoring. I will be in prayer for them and I ask that you do the same.

(continued on next column)

God is doing a mighty work in our area with many new and exciting events coming soon. Here are just a few:
• Promise Keepers Men’s Weekend July 27-28 at Amway Arena in Orlando. Trip includes bus, hotel within walking distance of arena, Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, plus PK Ticket. Leave Friday morning and return Saturday Midnight. (Cost $195.00) *Separate bus may be leaving Thursday evening for Friday morning Golf Outing. *Looking for partner churches or businesses for bus stops. For additional details, call Pastor Dennis at 561-635-5560.
• Iron Sharpens Iron Conference & Brotherhood Connection September 21-22 location TBA: A Friday BBQ for local men’s leaders and pastors of men who have a heart to reach men for Christ. The Saturday conference features workshops that are led by men’s ministry professionals and designed to help the local church equip and empower their men for service in their communities and churches. Featured speakers include Chuck Stecker (former Army Lieutenant who served 3 years on Joint Staff in the Pentagon; served 3 years with Promise Keepers and is author and ministry leader of ‘A Chosen Generation’) and Bob Reccord (former President of North American Mission Board; PK 2006 Speaker; author and ministry leader of Total Life Impact.) A special worship time will be led by Riviera Beach’s own gospel singers Recover In Motion (who have performed with Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy and many others.) Cost $60 which includes lunch. For more information go to: www.ironsharpensiron.net.
• Men’s Outreach Breakfast at the Kravis Center Spring/Fall 2007: Weekday morning breakfast designed to reach men with the gospel of Jesus, in a non threatening environment, before they go off to the workplace at the Kravis Center in downtown West Palm Beach. For more information, go to : www.gatheringpb.com
• Voice of the Martyrs: Jim Howard, local area rep will be speaking to our Men’s group on Monday Night, March 12th at 7:00 p.m., at Northwood Baptist Church in Room 114. We are located at 3600 Village Boulevard in West Palm Beach, just off 45th Street. Please join us.

I hope to get a chance to see Amazing Grace this weekend. I will share my reflections in the April Blog. Amen.