Well, as predicted it took me about a week and a half back from vacation to be exhausted...but don't cry for me..the schedule has been filled with such awesome God activity that the only thing I can tell besides being tired is that there is a really deep feeling of joy inside me right now.
the weekend began in Carlinville where I got to preach three times to a group of 130 guys Friday and Saturday. Something cool about hanging out with guys who are seeking to grow in their faith. Love preaching to this audience kind of man-to-man. It cuts through a lot of filters. Besides eating and laughing and worshipping (the band rocked in worship) I got to do probably my favorite leisure activity Saturday afternoon - play football (it was flag, not tackle...I'm really too old for that). I just love that game...it takes me back to being an 8 year old and getting out in the street with my friends and playing...love it.
After a late drive back to Normal on Saturday night, i repacked for the our big Sunday. It was a baptism Sunday and we had about 34 planned, but we also had 8 respond to the invitation and baptized them as well. I was privileged to baptize many into Christ, but I loved watching husbands baptize wives, kids baptize parents and friends baptize friends. It was truly electric by the Spirit's presence. Way cool.
After church, I headed to Indianapolis for our annual sermon planning retreat. After our Fall campaign we are going to study the book of Luke for a year. So when we checked into the hotel, we dug into this awesome book and began to dissect it. Man...I could preach this book for at least three years and not run out of astounding stuff to say. So we are in the process of narrowing it down to one year's worth and it is not easy. I know it sounds weird, but this is headache-inducing stuff, but an incredible blast. We have a good portion of it laid out, but have more work to do tomorrow morning. After which we'll head home...and I think I'll stay there for a while.
Monday, August 31, 2009
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3 comments:
Mike, Thanks for sharing what God laid on your heart about baptism. Since visiting a friend fighting a recurrence of cancer two weeks ago I've been hanging out in I Cor 15. My friend passed away last Tuesday and was laid to rest yesterday morning. The powerful primacy of I Cor 15:3-4, that you emphasized in your sermon, has never been more real to me. Also real is the truth of v. 20, "But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead." (NLT) My friend had come back to Christ through his illness so we do not mourn as those who have no hope (I Thess 4:12-14.) Thanks for being true to the Word.
Mike-I agree with you, the weekend was GREAT and everyone's efforts were deeply appreciated! Look forward to seeing you soon at Eastview, what a super support staff you have. All the Best. Hal Gray
After this weekend, even though I am moving little slowly from that football game, I went home so energized and focused. Mike we are so blessed to have you has our Senior Pastor. Jim did a great job on Sunday wrapping up “The Great Adventure”. I did miss being at Eastview on Sunday but to see my wife tear up when she was talking about the baptisms it sounds like it was an Awesome Sunday. I look forward to starting The Call in two weeks and then diving into Luke in the coming year. Thanks for all you do for us.
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