FOCUS'09 - Reviving God's People

God's abundant grace and power have been manifested in the people of First Baptist Church Harlingen.  

During our week of meetings, God changed many lives.  Many rededicated their lives to the Lord, several prayed to accept Christ in their lives and be saved from their sin and its consequences, others were freed from the bondage of doubt concerning their relationship with the Father, and many filled the aisles and alter area bowing before the Lord.  It was an overwhelming experience each and every service.

Bro. Jon Randalls was such a blessing as he proclaimed the word of the Lord to us with passion and purpose.  Jon was quick in his speech, bold in his tone, and caring in his agenda.  He was the chosen vessel of the Lord for the season of revival meetings the Lord had planned for longer than a year.

Bro. David Whittington stood before us and the Lord at the same time, and as he worshipped the Lord with all his heart, he led us into the very presence of God so we too could worship God passionately.  We appreciate how clearly his heart was turned toward God and how he was concerned about our engagement in praise and worship of the God who deserves the best in our hearts.

However, what we experienced during the week of FOCUS'09 was not the result of these men coming, nor was it the result of our efforts done this week.  God moved as a clear result of His desire to do so (PERIOD) - so He receives all the praise and glory and honor.  He was freed to move (or worded according to the Scripture, the Holy Spirit was not quenched) in our hearts, as a result of earnest prayer, brokenness in our attitudes, and the crucifixion of pride.  We allowed God to do what he wanted to do (although I believe he has not even shown us all he wants to do, for not all of us have given Him the freedom He needs in our hearts).  We gave Him the opportunity to change us and those around us, and He fulfilled His promises to us.

The revival, renewal, and refreshing we long for began many weeks, months, and years ago as the people of God fell to their knees to pray and seek God together.  The results we have seen this week are the result of God's choice, and the prayers of God's people,  a partnership that leads to blessing, healing, and an abundant power that changes lives.

So, don't stop praying just because the meetings stopped.  Don't stop spending extra time with God, just because the meetings stopped.  Don't stop passionately seeking and following God just because the meetings stopped.  Don't stop now - too much is at stake, too much is needed.

Don't stop the revival in your heart - the four quarters ended on Wednesday - but overtime is up to you.

Amazed, Awed, and Anticipating,

Bro. Wade

The Future

This morning I drove to church through a thick fog.  The first Sunday of the new year, reflecting on the Sermon, and I could not see 50 yards in front of me.  It was not a fun drive (only about 8 minutes), I had to stay focused, I had to be ready for whatever was in the road in front of me.  

As I neared my destination, the thought of the spiritual comparison came clearly to my mind.  I realized that as we start a new year there are many things in front of us, some familiar landmarks that will not change, and some things that will dart across our path without warning.  I may not be able to see what is going to happen tomorrow, or next month, but I have not been called to deal with those days right now; just the day that I am in.  The days will pass like the yellow stripes in the middle of the road this morning; quickly and with only a few in view.  

For us to stay on the path of righteousness as we move into the future, we must remain focused - every day.  We have an enemy who seeks to destroy us, who wants to harm us, so he distracts us in every way possible.  But, our God loves us and seeks ways to keep us focused on Him and His chosen path for our lives.  We are not told to seek the path, for we are to walk by faith and not by sight.  We are not told to seek the removal of the fog, for the uncertainty of life creates the deep need for faith.  We are not told to seek the removal of the obstacles, for they teach us the value of our relationship with the Father.  We are simply told to seek His face, and in the fog, He is always right beside us holding our hands, guiding us through the future.

The road behind me was not important as I drove through the fog, likewise, my past may be relevant, but it is not near as important as how I will handle the next day.  

Let us release the past to the Lord, praise Him for what He has carried us through, and let us take Him by the hand to lead us through the thick fog of the future.  We will arrive safe, in spite of the obstacles that come our way, as long as we hold the hand of the one who can see clearly through the fog.

Walking by faith,

Bro. Wade

Life Changes in 2009

The end of the year can bring a sense of regret and possibly failure as we look back at the events of 2008.  Often there are things left undone from our lists formed 12 months earlier, and if we allow their completion or lack thereof to dictate how we evaluate the year, or ourselves for that matter, we can experience guilt.  Guilt arises when we have made the plans for life change and have selected the goals ourselves.  When this is the case, we then operate in our own strength, which always leads to failure.  

Please be freed from the guilt that burdens us when we judge ourselves according to human expectations (which most resolutions are), and know that God evaluates you by His expectations, not your own.  When God calls you to do something, He has committed to provide all you will need to see it through to completion.  

Do not allow any unmet goals to make you feel less victorious than you are in Christ.  Do not allow your expectations to suppress God's potential in your life.  Do not allow your discouragement to keep you from following God passionately in every thing He calls you to do.

Remember Life Change is only possible through the power of God in your life.  He alone can change us, He alone who saved us.

Move beyond '08, and know that we who are in Christ have been forgiven completely of every sin.

forgiven and freed,

Bro. Wade