Ch.ch.ch...Changes

We have a new president elect. I have re-read the Holy Scriptures and renewed my determination to follow it's injunction to pray for our leaders.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,..." (1 Tim. 2:1-3)

God Answers Hurricane Prayers

It is raining outside this morning as the remnants of Hurricane Gustav still linger but a sigh of relief and thankfulness seems to clear the air. It seems that God was gracious to us folks in Mississippi and Louisiana. What looked like another possible Katrina type storm seemed to weaken as it approached landfall. Is it coincidence that it happened around Sunday morning prayers? I don't think so. There is no such thing as "luck".
"Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!"

God is in the Storm

You may have seen some of the path projections of Hurricane Gustav. One computer model has it pointing at our coast. When we remember Katrina, it causes a sober feeling to gaze upon the current weather map. Yet, we can confidently say that whatever happens, God is in control.

It reminds me of the great truth we find in God’s holy word.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19, KJV)

No matter what happens in this life, God is both in control and is working all things for the good of those who love Him.

Staying the Course at General Assembly

I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:23 NIV)

Have you ever picked up the paper and noticed some outlandishly unbiblical lifestyle or belief has the generic term “Presbyterian” attached to it? Well, there are “Presbyterians” and there are “Presbyterians”. As you know we are a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and our church had its General Assembly last week in Washington D.C.

During the Assembly I was reminded of the blessing to be a part of a denomination that affirms the full authority and inspiration of scripture and the Reformed faith. How thankful I am that the EPC is seeking to “gather and perfect” the saints in a deliberate way. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson was the keynote preacher for the week and he delivered wonderful messages inspiring the church to be the church and declaring that when the church is the church the world will know that the Father sent Jesus (John 17:23).

How are we the church? By loving one another, protecting the unity of the Spirit, doing all the Jesus commanded and sharing His love and message with a lost world. Let us also pray for those in other denominations who are seeking to reform wayward brethren.

www.epc.org

Philip Anthony Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Join us this Sunday, April 27th, 2008, when Philip Anthony, son of Odulia and yours truly holds his Eagle Scout Ceremony.

Lakeside Launches Two Services

Tomorrow we begin our second service. The worship music will be a blend of hymns and newer written music accompanied by a praise band. This is a first for Lakeside and it is our desire that folks who enjoy this genre of music will come and worship the living God with us. I hope to see everyone at either the 8:30 am contemporary service or the 10:45 am traditional (Classic) service.

Elected and Installed as Moderator of Central South Presbytery

Last week I had the privilege of becoming the moderator of the Presbytery of the Central South in the EPC. The moderator leads the presbytery throughout the year. I was blessed and enjoyed my first meeting. Several Lakeside members and commissioners attended the presbytery meeting held in Natchez, MS.