In his book, The Essentials of Prayer, E. M. Bounds writes, “It is an intense and profound business that deals with God and His plans and purposes, and it takes wholehearted men to do it.”  What a joy it is to see God rewarding the desire of our church family to seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  We began 2010 at West Bradenton with a commitment to Go Farther in Prayer for the first 40 days of this New Year.

We are experiencing God’s favor in amazing ways thus far in 2010!  We have seen decisions made every weekend and at a time when we anticipated our giving to decline God has stirred the hearts of His people to increase their commitment in this area.  I am so grateful to the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst!  Church family let us continue to remain faithful and seek Him.  God honors obedience!

As Adoniram Judson said, “Let me beg you, not to rest contented with the commonplace religion that is now so prevalent.”

Go Farther!

I am still overwhelmed by God’s activity this weekend…  here are a few that God continues to impress upon my heart…

• I’m so encouraged to hear how God is changing lives through our 40 Days of Prayer emphasis!
• I know we talk about prayer being the foundation… but how faithful God is!  We have had decisions every weekend since we began our 40 Days of Prayer!  Let’s go farther!  There is no greater responsibility!
• Tonight our home is filled with several students!  I love hearing them laugh.
• Blessed are the poor in spirit… Lord, help me to continually declare spiritual bankruptcy before you!  Thank YOU for YOUR mercy!  Romans 7:15-25
• Blessed are those who mourn… God do whatever it takes so that we might continually dwell in spiritual brokenness.  I rejoice because YOU are the ONE who comforts! 1 John 1:9
• Praying for many of our Seniors who are struggling with health issues.
• Continuing to pray for Haiti and the recovery and relief efforts.  Let us not forget in the coming weeks, but let us rather be even more diligent to pray, give, and GO in Jesus’ Name to help the people of Haiti. (learn how…)
• God continues to draw people from EVERY generation to West Bradenton.  I LOVE that!
• Our Cambodia Team leaves in 2 1/2 weeks!  PRAY! (learn how)