Several of you have asked about my Wednesday Series, “Dare to Pray.” Most just want to know which prayers make this list of the eight greatest prayers in Scripture. I have to admit, my list is a bit unusual. It’s not the typical list you might find others detailing. Here’s my list so far. I’m adding a new prayer each week. In addition, I’ll try as time allows to provide a written summary or link to the narrative from my Wednesday night discussion on here. That way, if you miss a Wednesday, you can still catch up with the discussion. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - The Prayer of Jabez (2 Chronicles 4:9-10) 

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - The Prayer of the Israelites (Exodus 2:23-25) 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - Jesus’ Prayer for Peter and the Disciples (Luke 22:31-32)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 -

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 -

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - 

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 

 

Don't forget to turn your clock forward one hour before you go to sleep Saturday night. This weekend we lose an hour with Daylight Saving Time. I wouldn't want for you to miss Sunday School at the Sterling Street Campus or the Worship Service at the North Campus just because you forgot to change your clock forward. Every year there's always a few who show up just in time for the Worship Service at Sterling thinking they're right on time for Sunday School. Last year we had a family arrive near the conclusion of the Worship Service at North thinking they'd arrived a few minutes early for church. Remember - move your clocks forward one hour when you go to sleep on Saturday evening. I'll look forward to seeing you in Church on Sunday.

Here’s a little secret I’d like to share with you. How much do you know about the Explorers? The Explorers is our weekday childcare ministry. Did you know that Explorers has 85 enrolled children? Did you know we have a waiting list in some age levels? Did you know that Explorers is financially strong and operates without any direct dollars subsidy from Memorial Baptist Church? Did you know that our facility and program continue to receive the highest level of recognition from our licensing agency? We routinely have perfect scores on our inspections. Even the inspectors comment on what a delight this organization is in Baytown. 

You might also be aware that a nearby local center is preparing to close its doors by the end of the school year. This closure will leave a number of parents without a local option on this side of town. The Leadership Development Committee has recently approved a team of individuals to complete an assessment regarding the expansion of our current program. This expansion would recommend a move to a five-day full-time program in addition to our current two and four-day programs offered. This is an exciting potential opportunity for our center to expand. 

Be on the lookout for additional information forth coming from this group in the very near future. You might remember that we looked at this option a couple of years ago, but didn’t have a peace about the timing. While time is of the essence in this decision, much of the legwork was completed previously. This team will work to update information, research our new context, and make appropriate recommendations.

Being still is tough. Then add being quiet on top of it and you have an even greater task at hand. It is Tuesday evening and I’m writing at the office. The quiet, still, and uninterrupted silence (except for the muffled traffic on Sterling Street) is deafening, but enjoyable – peaceful. You can hear yourself think as if your thoughts were audible. Is this what God means when He instructs us to be still? The cessation of activity in the silence of a nearly unoccupied space is right. I am still and quiet. 

God wants for us to be still long enough to remember He’s God. This still and silent place is an intentional moment to contemplate our marvelous God. In the uninterrupted places, we’re prone to wonder about His greatness. Our hearts are moved towards joy as we rehearse the things we know of Him or perhaps discover of Him in those moments. Take a break in your preoccupation to become occupied with God. The stillness is indispensible, indescribable, and invaluable. It is fuel for the soul and water to quench the workman’s thirst. 

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Guess what? Wednesday night meals at the Sterling Campus are returning for a limited time only. Beginning this Wednesday (March 3, 2010) and running through April 21, dinner will be served from 5p to 6p in the Fellowship Hall. This service is courtesy of our Relay for Life Team as a fundraiser. The menu for March 3 is a variety of Crockpot of Soups, Crackers, Dessert, Tea or Coffee. Come out and support our Relay for Life Team this Wednesday evening. There is no advance signup and the price is by donation. See you there!

How much has God done for you? Really… take a moment to think through that question. Ponder your observations and take some notes. These are things worth telling and sharing with others. People need to hear that God is working, moving, and active in the lives of His followers. 

I had this thought while I was reading through the passage that describes Jesus’ encounter with the demoniac. You’ll remember the story as it’s told in Luke 8. This was the man possessed by a legion of demons. Jesus casts the demons out giving them permission to possess the swine on the hillside. The swine rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drown. The spectators ran into the city to tell what had happened. The residents went to observe this occurrence for themselves. The people witnessed the former demoniac now cured. Out of fear, the people ask Jesus to leave their region. As he’s leaving, this “whole” man begs Jesus to let him go with them. Jesus told him otherwise and said, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” And that is exactly what the man did, he returned to his village telling everyone that would listen what Jesus had done for him. 

Your story may not be as dramatic as the demoniacs, but you have a story. It’s a story that needs to be told. What has God done for you? How has He recently moved and worked in your life? What are the lessons you can share with others? Tell someone what God has done for you.

I could really use your help around 4p on Sunday afternoon. If you attend the Sterling Campus, I would love for you to participate in The 4th @ 4 this month. Every fourth Sunday at 4p, we visit guests, prospects, members, and absentees. There's no special training necessary. Just bring and be yourself. Once you arrive, we'll help assign you with a team, hand out visitation assignments, pray, and then go. It's easy, simple, and means so much to the people you will visit on Sunday afternoon. I could use about 24 to 27 people on Sunday afternoon for 4th at 4. Meet with me in Adult 7 (West Wing opposite the interior Chapel entrance). You're assistance will be greatly appreciated. See you there! 

"The Skinny on the Bible" is a great clip! There's a lot of truth in each of these short skits. You'll have to laugh and maybe weep a bit. Some of these monologues are too true. 

We had a great night with the Watoto Children's Choir. Here's a crowd shot where folks were attempting some of the movement demonstrated by the children. There are some that did a great job. There are others of us that still need practice!  All in all, it was a great night.  I was blessed as I am sure you were also. You'll be glad to know that our love offering was just a little over $4,100.00.  Way to go! 

The kids are in town! I saw them today as the disembarked the bus to have lunch at the Sterling Street Campus. I'm really excited to see this choir at Memorial. You'll be amazed at their sound, rhythm, and spirit. The energy and excitement permeates a congregation from the platform. I know you will not want to miss this opportunity. It all begin Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30p in the Worship Center at the Sterling Street Campus. You will probably want to arrive early to get a good seat. Remember, all other Wednesday evening activities have been cancelled this week due to the Watoto Children's Choir performance.  I'll see you at the concert. In case you haven't seen a clip of the choir in action, I've included one in this post.  Enjoy! 

“Things I Want You to Know” is the title of the message this weekend. There are certain principles and precepts that are dear. These are the messages we attempt to communicate over and over again. I originally had the thought this message would be for my children. What are some of the most important life lessons I’d want my kids to know about? As I look throughout Scripture, there are some timeless lessons that I want to pass on to my children. These are lessons I’ve learned from God’s word and lessons I’ve learned along life’s journey with Christ. These are the things I want you to know. These are the lessons that I believe are important enough to share. I hope you’ll join me Sunday as I share, “Things I Want You to Know.” I’ll look for you at North (9:30a) or Sterling Street (10:45a) this Sunday.

We had a great crowd at Prayer Meeting last night regardless of the weather!  I'm looking forward to this series "Eight of Greatest Prayers in the Bible." Last night we talked about Jabez's prayer. Over the past 15 years, it has certainly encountered a lot of publicity. His prayer changed a man's life and his circumstance. The legacy which Jabez left is of answered prayer by a man of prayer. Each week we will study a significant prayer recorded in Scripture and look at ways we might apply the revealed prayer principles in own prayer life. 

Next week, we'll pause for the Watoto Children's Choir. All other Wednesday activities have been paused for this amazing choir performance on Wednesday, February 17. We'll return to our regular schedule on Wednesday, February 24. 

Remember, there some things which can only be accomplished through prayer. Read through Mark 9 and the disciple's failed attempt at casting out an unclean spirit from a boy. After Jesus healed this boy, the disciples asked Him why they were unable to do so. Jesus' reply, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer." There are many things you can do on your own, but there are some things which can only be accomplished by prayer. 

Join us on Wednesday nights. Become a person of prayer or even better yet become a person of answered prayer. 

This Sunday is Valentine's Day. Don't get caught off guard. When I think about Valentine's Day, I think about love. Probably most of us do. I really liked this clip, "Love is..."  I think it makes a great point in not only theoretical love, but practical love. Watch it, it's good. 

Well, the Memorial Team is official. We have additional people joining the team weekly. Have you considered being a part of Memorial's Relay for Life Team?  Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 21. After the morning service at Sterling, we'll gather for an hour meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a sack lunch and soft drink (or water). This will be a working lunch. There are a number of great ideas we'll need to decide upon regarding theme and fundraisers. Kay McDaniel has graciously volunteered to work with the group. She's going to provide great leadership for our Relay Team. If you'd like to know more, call the office at 281.427.1725 x208 or email me brad@memorialbaytown.com.   It's going to be a great Relay for Life this year. Oh, and by the way, start praying now for good weather. I think we forgot to do that last year! :)

Memorial Cares Projects

Memorial Cares is a month away. On Sunday, March 7, our congregation will worship as normal. The difference will be what takes place after the service. When we walk out of worship, many will move out into the community to serve others on Sunday afternoon. Memorial Cares is a wonderful opportunity for every member and attender at Memorial to make a difference in someone's life. Begin now praying about how you will be a part of Memorial Cares.

Cedar Bayou Rehabilitation and Healthcare Services Assignment: Volunteers to provide a worship service with music, speaking, and prayer. Post service, volunteers will interact with guests and residents.

City of Baytown Parks Department Assignment: Volunteers to clean-up predetermined park or municipal owned property in an effort to beautify and maintain appearance of property. Project could include but not limited to trash pickup, weeding, pruning, and planting.

City of Baytown Police Department Assignment: Volunteers in coordination with law enforcement to target specific gang and graffiti cleanup throughout the city. Project could include painting, pressure washing, and miscellaneous cleaning.

City of Baytown Health Department Assignment: Volunteers to pick up trash among roadways located within the municipality of Baytown. Project will include bagging and disposing of roadside trash.

Family Ministry Assignment: Volunteers to help cleanup and provide simple repairs for a predetermined family. Project will include small jobs both inside and outside of the home.

Bay Area Homeless Services Assignment: Volunteers to provide a Sunday meal for the residents of the Bay Area Homeless Shelter. In additions, volunteers will coordinate a bath towel and wash cloth drive for residents.

Caring Opportunities Assignment: Volunteers to provide in home visits for individuals who are homebound whether in a private home or center.

I thought that title would catch your attention! I'm excited to announce that in a few weeks we'll offer a special six-week workshop called, "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr. Kevin Leman. This class is a video driven model led by a facilitator couple. The workshop will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings at the Sterling Campus for six weeks. This will allow parents to attend a very practical class while their children are cared for in our nursery, preschool, and children's areas on Sunday morning. We have extended a very special and personal invitation to all of our parents of children involved with our Explorers Preschool, Kids Beach Club, and Upward Basketball.  

Every parent struggles with raising kids. It's not an easy task and often seems overwhelming. This class is for parents of preschool and elementary-age children. Here's a short clip that introduces Dr. Kevin Leman and his study, "Have a New Kid by Friday."

We're having a quick meeting immediately following the Sterling Service (approximately 11:50a) this Sunday (February 7, 2010) for Relay for Life. If you're interested in helping out or serving on our team, I'd love to have you there. This will be a brief 10-15 minute meeting. We'll meet in the front of the Worship Center on the organ side. There is a Team Captain Meeting for Relay next week and we have a couple of decision to make regarding our team prior to the Team Captain Meeting. If you'd like more information about our Relay Team, you can email me directly brad@memorialbaytown.com.  

Here’s a video clip from the Cardboard Testimony at the Sterling Campus. The Hutchison family provided the footage. I watched each sign again while editing and uploading the video. It is moving to witness the many stories of grace share here. You can’t help but walk away from an experience like Sunday without realizing that God is good. Take a moment to watch for yourself what God has done in the lives of people that call Memorial Baptist Church home.

Today was powerful. Both campuses participated in Cardboard Testimonies. If you didn’t get to church, you really missed out. If you were there, you know what I’m talking about. God’s consuming presence was very obvious today. The music, videos, and testimonies were all an incredible statement of God’s grace. God was honored and glorified today in a very significant way. We had great participation as well as a number of decisions. Thank you Lord for an incredible worship experience! 

I want to thank everyone who willingly participated in the Cardboard Testimonies. It was incredibly moving to read each statement and to be reminded again of God’s grace. As a pastor, my heart was stirred as I reflected upon each person’s testimony and the revelation of God’s incredible favor in their particular circumstance. Thank you Joseph for putting the day together!

The truth – God changes lives. This short clip portrays individual stories of grace. What is your story? How has God changed your life? Grace is truly amazing. Watch the various testimonies. Do you identify with one or more? As you watch, this becomes a preview of Sunday and the Cardboard Testimonies at Memorial. I’m looking forward to celebrating God on Sunday – His marvelous, sufficient, and amazing Grace. What is your testimony?

I want to share with you a reply that was posted to my blog this week. It was in response to an old post (April 6, 2009) that doesn’t currently show up on the 45-day blog list. Apparently, the individual replying to my original post discovered it via a Google search for Gladys Pusey. I linked the original post here so that you can read it. What I found most intriguing and encouraging was April’s reply. Read it for yourself: 

“Oh my gosh... I cannot believe I found this memorial. I have always wondered if/when Gladys passed away and found this through a Google search. I met Gladys in March 2009 at Harbor Hospice where I was visiting my grandmother. I arrived in Texas from California after being notified that my grandmother was actively dying. Needless to say, I was devastated. I completely broke down in the hallway of the hospice, and Gladys stopped to comfort me. She offered many kind words about the transition my grandmother was making, and told me she thought perhaps God had allowed her to live a little longer so that she could speak those comforting words to me. Gladys asked if I would mind sitting with her awhile, and I did. She shared with me how she had lost her son but had never lost her faith in God. She shared her mother's strong commitment to Christ, and I told her how my grandmother had the same commitment. She reminded me that the best thing I could do to honor my grandmother was to witness to others about Christ, and at the end of our conversation, she told me that she would see me in heaven. My grandmother passed away later that evening, but I have NEVER forgotten Gladys. Her kind words, her warm spirit - she truly impacted me in a way that was so selfless. I know God sent her to speak those words to me at just the right time, and I do hope to see her in heaven. May God bless those of you who truly knew and loved her.” 

I paused after reading April’s remarks. You never really know how your actions will impact another. I think Gladys was just being Gladys that day. And yet, she made a profound impact on April’s life. Don’t ever doubt your effectiveness or whether God is using you at some particular point in life. Here’s some good advice. Just be yourself, extend God’s grace to others, and let God do the rest.

People struggle with the practice of greatness. The pursuit of greatness and the hope of its achievement are elusive in sense. It’s considered a destination idea rather than a practice by most. I see greatness as a lifestyle practice rather than some sort of position on a pedestal following some great personal success. Here’s my case in point. Let’s take Abraham and his wife. In Genesis 17:15-16, “God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." God describes two blessings for Sarah. The first is that she would be blessed with a son. Secondly, she would be blessed as the mother of nations and that kings of peoples (plural) would come from her. Sarah’s blessing (and greatness) was her opportunity to invest in people who would be greater than her. The practice of greatness would in turn lead to a lineage of even greater achievements by people she would influence through her son. 

People often get caught up in personal achievement and success for self. When in reality, true greatness isn’t about personal achievement, but personal investment into the lives of others. Greatness is measured by our investment into another and not personal achievement. People soon forget champions and medalists, but rarely do they forget the ones who invested into them. 

I’m going to talk about practicing greatness this Sunday at the Sterling Campus (10:45a) and how it is achieved. I hope you’ll join me.