We need more men with conviction!   As we continue the series American Men, we will look this Sunday at a man of conviction named Patrick Henry.   Through the prism of his life, we will discover Biblical principals of conviction that we all need to live by!

Join me this Sunday at either 9:00 or 10:45 a.m. as I’ll teach on Conviction.

Egypt matters to your life because:

1.  It’s the largest Islamic nation in the Middle East, so its trends could affect an entire block of countries.

2.  The Muslim Brotherhood wants to rule Egypt by Islamic law, which will produce a government like Iran.   This will make the world much more instable.

3.  Instability in Egypt could produce instability to the Middle East, which is the major supplier of the oil that feeds our country.   Everything from the Down Jones Industrial Average to the cost of bread could be affected by instability in the oil market.

 4. Traditionally, Egypt has been an enemy to Israel.    Since the Camp David Accords of 1978, there has been a 34 year peace.   This has been good for the world.  Still, 34 years is a short time, so the peace is fragile.

5. The United States is a committed partner with Israel.   A military conflict with Israel will bring us into action.   As much as I hate war, the United State should stand with Israel for strategic reasons (take religious affinity away, and we should still stand with them for political, humanitarian and economic reasons).

Take time to pray about this situation.

“Our God is Greater, Our God is Stronger.  God You are higher than any other!”

Some of you may remember the children’s church song, “I’ve Got Peace Like A River.”   There is a part of the song where you hold out the word “soul” really long, with your choice of an accent (I always preferred the “tiny” voice, which is a high pitched falsetto).

That song is fun and entertaining, but it comes from a very meaningful Scripture in Isaiah 48:18.    Tonight (June 20) at 6:30 p.m., we will look at the Scripture, as I teach a message called “Peace Like A River.”    If you need to increase the peace in your life, tonight’s message is for you!

Beth Allison will be leading worship.  It will be a great night to grow together!

America is the “home of the brave.”   Our country’s history is one of amazing men who have built a unique nation.  Still, the greatest American men may be alive today!   By following God’s ways, the greatest American men will emerge!

Join me for inspiring messages about our American men!

June 17 – Leadership
June 24 – Conviction
July 1 – Innovation

The “experts” say Father’s Day should be low in church attendance, and Mother’s Day should be high.  Moms like to see there families in church, while Dads like to “take the Sunday off” to celebrate.

If that’s true, that is really sad.   On Father’s Day, there is no greater statement a man can make than to attend church with his family.

What matters in the long view?

– A relaxing day
– Watching the US Open
– Getting Away
– Or joining a great leader named Joshua, and stating: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:14-15

Join me this Sunday at either 9:00 or 10:45 a.m. for worship on Father’s Day.

On Friday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m. we will have a Men’s Night at CIL.    As we eat cookout food, we’ll do one of my favorite things, play cornhole!  If you don’t know what cornhole is, enjoy the video at the bottom (a classic!).

There will also be worship and teaching by our Men’s Team to focus on Jesus.   A great night of fellowship and growth.  I’ll see you there.

Last year we had some special services during the day called “Encounter.”   For the handful of us who participated, it was a very meaningful experience.  Despite its value, not many could participate in Encounter because it occurred on a weekday at noon.

For our Wednesday night service on June 13 we will have an Encounter service.   What is Encounter?

The hour unfolds something like this:

– Immediate, deep worship.   It could be described as “inner court” worship.

– Singing the Word of God.  As we read and meditate on Scripture, we’ll respond in song to that Scripture.

– Bold prayers.  As we moved back and forth from worship to intercession, the boldness and authority in our prayers increase.

This night will be an oasis for you to soak in the presence of God, and spend time with Him.

Our teenagers just finished an incredible Youth Camp in Panama City, Florida.   I was with them part of the week, and it was touching to see them experience God as a group.   We’ll have some of that same enthusiasm this week in our Sunday services!   Pastor David is going to share the message and Daniel Reed will lead us in worship.

I’m really looking forward to experience these services with you on Sunday.   We’ll be continuing the message series Project Identity, so I know the message will be something  relevant to your life.

Make sure you come this Sunday at either 9:00 or 10:45 a.m., because it’s going to be a powerful and inspiring service together!

With “The Fourth of July” falling on Wednesday, and VBS occurring on the night of Wednesday, July 18, we are going to cancel adults services for the entire month of July.   We will still have something for the kids and youth every Wednesday (except for July 4th).

I am gettingh this information to you as soon as possible so you could plan your month accordingly.

Make sure to come this Wednesday, June 13 at 6:30 p.m. for an “Encounter” worship and prayer night.

This Wednesday (June 6), I’ll be finishing our series on Spiritual Manifestations by teaching on the subject of “speaking in different kinds of tongues” and “the interpretation of tongues” as found in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.   We’ll look at some of the corresponding scriptures in 1 Corinthians 14, also.

Join me ready to learn, so the Holy Spirit can be more and more at home in our lives and our church.   Worship stats at 6:30 p.m., so meet me then!