EXPERIENCING THE HOLY SPIRIT!

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HOME AGAIN

It is always fun to leave for vacation, but I love the joy of coming back home. 

We had a wonderful adventure exploring the Texas coast.  Some of the trip highlights for me were attending Summit Church in Corpus Christi and the dolphin tour we booked through The Dolphin Connection.

Mindy and I and the children were able to relax, play, and enjoy one another.  It was the deep breath before jumping back into the start of a new school year.

As the start of school approaches and church life begins to pick up in pace, I want to take a second to remind you of some important events that are quickly approaching.

• August 5-7 – Youth trip to Rock the Desert
• August 8-11 – Children’s School of Worship
• August 18 – Lifegroups resume
• August 18 – Youth promotion Wednesday (Welcome 6^th graders to the Youth Group!)
• August 22 – Grand Opening of Children’s Ministry Entrance!
• August 15 and August 22 – Discipleship Training: The Fundamentals of Preaching
• August 23 – School Starts (Sweetwater)

Podcast

Click here to listen to Loran Rule’s message “Victory in the Valley of Elah.”

Parents

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kid’s Church lesson.
• RAMP – Youth Ministry Website

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Your Love Never Fails” by Jesus Culture
2. “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman
3. “Savior King” by Hillsong
4. “How He Loves” by John Mark McMillan

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, August 1, we dive into a new sermon series “Experiencing the Spirit.”  Through this series we will explore the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit in our life and how we can walk in daily relationship with Him.

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Valley of the Shadow of Death

As  you undoubtedly are aware, we at EFC are in the middle of the sermon series “Mountains and Valleys.” Last week, Pastor Eric preached on “Living Dangerously in the Valley of Dry Bones.”

Yesterday, Jim Cargile very carefully walked us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death cleverly demonstrating that the walk is, in fact, the point of it all. If you missed it, check out the podcast when the podcast link below becomes active.

It’s an exciting time around EFC! The new children’s wing and youth room are taking shape. If you haven’t seen the progress, pop in some time and see what’s going on.

Podcast

Click here to listen to Jim’s message “The Valley of the Shadow of Death.”

On the Radar

The Children’s School of Worship is fast approaching. It will be August 8-11. You can register your children next week. Check with Pastor Lolo for additional details.

Rock the Desert is also just around the corner. If you or your youth are interested, you can contact the other Pastor Loran for more information. You must register by July 28. The cost is $30 which includes your ticket, food and transportation. If you just want the ticket, it’s $20.

Growing Together is ongoing and you can continue to help by volunteering to help with construction, painting, and, of course, contributing financially.

Links

I can’t guest post on MMR without shamelessly plugging my own blog, Beauty of the Bible (an exploration of the beauty of the Word of God). Come look around and, if you’re interested, subscribe.

Jim mentioned his late-night fascination with Blue Letter Bible during his sermon. Check it out. It’ll definitely be worth your time. iPhone users can download the Blue Letter Bible App for free. I did Sunday night. Speaking of Bible apps, there are plenty of great Bible and Bible study apps for iPhone, Blackberry, and many other smartphones. Here are a few of my favorites (and they’re all free):

• Olive Tree Bible Reader
• Logos Bible App
• KJV Bible Audiobook
• ESV Bible App

Interested in other online Bible resources? The Resources page on my own blog has several to keep you occupied.

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, July 25, we will continue our exploration of valleys in the Bible with the other Pastor Loran.

I want to thank Pastor Eric for once again allowing me to fill in and write this Monday Morning Review. I always appreciate the opportunity to do so.



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THE STORY OF THE 18TH CAMEL

Image provided by http://dryicons.com

The story is told of a Middle Eastern traveler making his way on a long journey across the desert.

As he plodded on his camel steadily through the dry heat, he came upon an oasis.  Approaching the desert spring, the traveler was surprised to find three brothers weeping profusely.

Through conversation with the mourning brothers, the traveler discovered their father had recently passed away.  The source of the tears was the brother’s inability to satisfy their fathers’ last wish.

The father had given strict instructions that the inheritance of his estate be divided in such a way that the oldest received one half, the second received one third, and the youngest received one ninth of the father’s estate.

The brothers had successfully divided the rest of their father’s property, but were unable to do so with the camels.  The father had left them 17 camels, and, try as they may, the brothers could not distribute the camels according to father’s wishes.

The traveler considered the dilemma and then offered the brothers a solution.  He insisted they receive his camel as a gift.  After much conversation and many attempts at refusal, the brothers relented to the travelers’ demands and received the kindness of his gift.

With 18 camels, the brothers were able to properly divide the inheritance and satisfy their father’s wishes.  The older brother received one half of the herd and took his 9 camels.  The second brother received one third of the herd and took his 6 camels.  The youngest brother received one ninth of the herd and took his 2 camels.

Surprisingly, 9 camels plus 6 camels plus 2 camels equals 17 camels.  With the inheritance properly distributed, the traveler was able to take his camel and continue on his journey.

What solution do you have to offer to the desperate situations around you?  What comfort or resolution can your wisdom and generosity bring to those God brings into your path?  Are you riding on the 18^th camel?

(Special thanks to my dear friend Loren Bryant for introducing me to “The Story of the 18th Camel.”)

Podcast

Click here to listen to yesterday’s message “Living Dangerously in the Valley of Dry Bones.”

Links

Find the full text of the John Godfrey Saxe’s poem “The Blind Men and the Elephant” by clicking here.

For the full text of the rest of the stories shared during yesterday’s message, including “The Red Wagon and the Mama Brahma” and “The Hitchhiker in the Ford Courier,” you’ll have to invite Pastor Eric out for a cup of coffee.

On the Radar

The Children’s School of Worship is scheduled for August 8-11.  Check with Pastor Lolo for additional details!

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. 1.    “We Cry Out” by Jesus Culture
2. 2.    “Forever and a Day” by Anthony Skinner
3. 3.    “Your Favorite One” by Misty Edwards
4. 4.    “In Christ Alone” Rita Springer version

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, July 18, we continue our exploration of Valleys in the Bible with a journey into Psalm 23 and the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

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BLITZ WEEK: DAY 1

Day One of Blitz week in our Growing Together Building Project was an absolutely smashing success! 

Thank you to everyone who gave of their time, energy, and resources to invest in the ministry of Emmanuel Fellowship.  I am amazed by the progress we were able to make on our Children’s Ministry entrance, and sheet rock is flying up on the ceiling and walls of the youth room.

As I stood bent over a scraper today, chipping away tile inch by inch, I considered the lives of the children who would be impacted right where I was scraping.  The work we accomplished today was for an eternal purpose, and your investment in today’s work will have eternal significance.

Let’s do it again tomorrow!

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When Christianity Doesn’t Seem to Work

If you have ever found yourself wondering if the promises of Christianity can really work for you, then take a few minutes and consider Pastor Eric’s message from July 4, 2010.

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