Another day in “kempville”

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Good morning everyone! I missed writing to you yesterday, but Tuesdays are an extremely busy day at the FMCOG – it is “meeting day.” We start at 6:30 a.m. and go until 5:00 p.m. So that leaves little time for anything else.

Sonja and I did have a wonderful experience last night. We had seven wonderful people over that are going through Firm Foundations. We enjoyed a wonderful “pot luck” meal and then heard the wonderful stories of how they came to know Jesus Christ as their savior and how they came to FMCOG. Hearing people’s stories is always one of my joys as a pastor.

Our guests – soon to be new members were:

 Gary/Sue Halsey – they moved here from Washington D.C. They were looking for a church home and Sue met one of our members at a “nail salon” and began talking to Sue about how great her church was, i.e. FMCOG. As a result, Sue and Gary decided to attend our church and they’ve been coming ever since. Sue doesn’t remember who the lady was that shared about our church – but God does. God bless you whoever you are!
 Rich/Janice Nichols – this was another great couple looking for a church and Janice reconnected with some old friends (Peter/Charisanne Ippolito) on Facebook and they encouraged them to come to FMCOG and they did and have been here ever since. You go Peter and Chrisanne!
 Rick/Melissa Wood – this couple moved here from the D.C. area also. They lived in the same area that the Halseys did. They moved to our neighborhood and we began meeting them and encouraging them to come to FMCOG and they did – so PTL – Sonja and I had a small part in this great story called “FMCOG.”
 Last, but not least, was Sarah Alford. Sarah moved to our area from Charlotte and prayerfully asked God to lead her to the right church. Thankfully that church was FMCOG and she has been here every since.
 And Sarah’s story illustrates at great point – at the end of the day – any good that is achieved in our church (or lives) is the result of God’s touch – to Him be all the glory.
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As far as today – it will be another busy day for the FMCOG family. This evening our campus will be full of worshippers who are growing, learning and giving of themselves. I encourage you to join us.

As for myself, this morning I will be writing the devotional for next week, meeting with Pastor Jonathan for several hours as we make plans for our worship service for the next several weeks. I will also be meeting with Hal Douglas to discuss the website and also our upcoming Friend Day (he is such a help in promotion).

So there you have – another day in “kempville.”

Wishing you God’s speed and favor,

david l. kemp
08:19 a.m.

Prayer of the day…

 Father God, today I am reminded of Barnabas who was committed to helping others “win.” Help us today to do the same. Give us a servant’s heart that allows us to keep the focus off ourselves – our advantage, our problems, our feelings and our priorities. There is probably an “Apostle Paul” that could make a huge difference in the world around us. All they need is someone to encourage them, direct them and seek their best interest. Show that person(s) to us today; for the sake of your Kingdom and for the benefit of all of us.

 I do lift up our families and church to you today. Please overshadow us with your love and mercy. Minister to those that are sick and troubled. Give strength to those that labor, wisdom to those that lead and provision for the task and responsibilities of the day. Keep your hand of protection upon us – especially our prodigals! And bring us all back home safe this evening.

 For this we will praise You and honor You with all our hearts. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

Affirmation of the day…

NOTE: These affirmations have to do with our health.

1. Through Jesus Christ and by His stripes…I am walking in health and strength. (Proverbs 3:7-8)

 This is one area that we must constantly fight to keep our words and our actions in sync. To be men and women of character, we can’t just say this, but we must apply the work of Jesus Christ into my life through proper diet, exercise, rest, and emotional and spiritual care.
 Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

Quotes of the Day:

 “It is one of the paradoxes of success that the things and ways which got you there are seldom those things that keep you there.” _Charles Handy
 “Our ultimate value is based on the love of God and not how we are feeling at a certain point in time.” _David James Randolph, The Power that Heals
 “Most of the time we take life for granted. We think life is a given. It’s just here, that’s all. It’s not so much that we have it to live but that we have to live it. And one day seems very much like the day that’s gone before it. Life is a given. But then there are times when something happens, and the awful vulnerability of life is exposed. We see that every moment of our life is suspended over an abyss – an abyss of nothingness. We see then that it is only by a gift that each day comes to us, and in those moments we know that life is not a given. Life is a gift.” _David James Randolph, The Power that Heals
 “God is surely proven not by thinking but by thanking.” _David James Randolph, The Power that Heals