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From my scripture gleanings today:

Ruth 1 - Ruth is one of my favorite books in scripture.  What’s not to love?  It’s a love story that begins with one woman’s tragedy and emptiness.  Her hurt blinds her to the greatest asset she has - God’s provision of a daughter-in-law who provides the definition of faithfulness.

Psalm92 - I felt a prompting to read this out loud.  Try this - you will hear things not normally heard - Like verse two - God’s love in the morning and faithfulness in the evening.  His love in the gift of a new day and his faithfulness in coming through another day - regardless of its trials and snares.

Mark 8:31-ff - Jesus will not tolerate a false definition of himself, even from a friend.  Just to make this clear, he tells them plainly -”You want to follow me?  Then get a cross.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-28 - Never forget that all authority and power belong to Jesus - even over death!  So are you following him?

Judges 6 - Gideon, the reluctant leader - He can’t believe God has chosen him.  But honestly, don’t many of us have the same problem?  We disqualify ourselves when God is calling us!  Notice it is not until the Spirit takes possession of him that he gains confidence to call the people to battle.

Judges 7 - God devises a battle plan where he alone can gain create for the victory. 

Pslam 84 - It is better to be near where God is at work than anywhere else

Mark 6:1-13 - the hometown dilemma hits even Jesus - they wouldn’t accept him for anything other than what they thought he could be.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13.  Pay speciall attention to verse 12 and 13.  When things are going well, remember to watch out - that is a vulnerable time and you will be subject to testing.  Testing will come.  God is faithful - he will provide a way out - look for the exit sign!  You still may have to endure - grit your teeth to get through it - but God will get you through!  A great promise!

I admit a year ago, I was discouraged.  Our church had just finished the preparation and commitment stage of Build on the Rock (BOTR) and the results were not what we wanted.  We had four goals:  Raise up leaders; Offer Offerings; Create Community; and Kneel before God.   It was the offering part that was the disappointment.  We had set a goal of $4 million dollars and received estimates of giving only $1.9 million – a little short of half-way.  In the midst of my discouragement, I knew two things:  we couldn’t quit and God still had a plan for this church.
As the leadership of our church tried to dissect what had happened, a consensus emerged that we as a church were not ready to take this step.  We wanted to be ready – but wanting to be ready and being ready are two different things.  So we decided to move ahead with what we could do and to see what God would do.
One year later, this is what has happened.  God has indeed begun to raise up leaders.  People are stepping forward to volunteer and take more responsibility for our church.  More people have gotten involved in leadership in Bible Community Groups than ever before. 
The offering part of BOTR has stayed on track – which is a true testimony to the people of ADBC.  To date we have received almost $750,000 – 39% of what was originally pledged.  These funds received are enabling us to renovate and add classrooms to the student building (The Studio), construct additional parking, and build a covered drop off (work on these projects should begin in the next couple of weeks).  If we continue on pace, we will be able to have in hand over $1.5 million for our new building.
God has knitted our hearts together – so that we are creating community.  One “expert” I spoke to told me that the results of BOTR indicated deep division in our church.  Not so.  I’ve never seen our church more united and committed to being a place of grace.
The biggest win one year into BOTR has to be our increased prayer life as a church.  PrayerForce has become a force!  Since we began this time of prayer on Mondays at noon, our baptisms have dramatically increased, as have our offerings and volunteers.  We know that without God, we cannot achieve our purpose.
The Big Lesson of BOTR?  Never let the first set back keep you from the work of God.  God is in control, so keep walking by faith.  This Sunday, that’s what we are going to celebrate – this church built on the rock of Jesus – so nothing keeps us down!

Tonight at TruLife (6:00 pm), I’m going to share some thoughts about the controversy with Rev. Jeremiah Wright and his sermons.  I hope you can come!

Al Mohler and I go way back - We’ve been friends a long time.  I don’t agree with Al on many things, but I thought his comments on the Elliot Spitzer situations were especially appropriate:

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=1113

I’m still thinking about Sunday.  In case you missed it, the long fabric hanging from the tech balcony reminded us the Temple curtain was torn into the moment Jesus died.  It represented two things:  First, sacrifice is no longer needed.  Our relationship with God is not based on what we do, but it is based on what Jesus has done.  Second, nothing now separates us from God.  Jesus’s death has bridged that gap!

What a great day to remember God gifts through the Lord’s Supper and the message!

I have just heard Viktor and Angie from Soweto, South Africa speak to a luncheon of pastors.  Fantastic is the right word to use.  You need to hear Angie’s story and hear Viktor’s challenge tonight at TruLife.  This will be more important than anything else you will hear or do tonight.  Join us at 6.

I want to share with you the impact of our Mission Team to Botswana.  This is an excerpt from an email from Donna Chisam: