Avoid “Traps!”   Nothing has helped me make better decisions than reading the Proverbs.   Proverbs Chapter 26 and 27 give some tremendous advice that will help you avoid traps the enemy wants you to step into.

Bring your friends to this series of messages!  Every person will benefit from the wisdom we will discover in these Scriptures.

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.  – 1 Chronicles 4:10 (ESV)

Our last phrase to pray this week is “Keep me from evil.”  Even though the ESV phrases this part of the verse with “keep me from harm,”  I like the other versions interpretation that states, “Keep me from evil.”

What better prayer?   In this evil world, we need our powerful God to keep us from evil!

 

Awana is coming to CIL!   Beginning Wednesday, February 6, 2013, we will start the Awana program for students who are Age 3 – 5th Grade.

What is Awana?

Awana helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children who faithfully follow Jesus Christ.   For over 60 years, Awana has been impacting millions of children with discipleship techniques and fun activities!  Each week, more than 1.5 million kids participate in Awana!

Register this Sunday!

Cost is $15 per child or $40 per family.   Scholarships available, so don’t let cost keep you from participating!

 

On MLK Day (January 21) I participated in Gallatin’s “MLK Unity March and Program.”   It was great to see some old friends in Gallatin from my Sumner Life days.

We marched from Gallatin City Hall to Rucker Stewart Middle School, a somewhat lengthy, but enjoyable walk.  Then, a program at Rucker Stewart included the dignified, but witty hosting of Bishop Umika Jones (First Baptist Winchester Street), a powerful and humble prayer from Pastor Charles Anderson (Indian Hills Baptist), and passionate songs from my friend Pastor Steve Oldham.

An excellent speech was given by Kee Bryant-McComick!  Mrs. McCormick is is the assistant public defender for Sumner County, and serves in city leadership in Hendersonville.   Her speech really inspired me and everyone else!

It was a privilege for citizens of all races to walk, worship and laugh together.  The “dream” is alive!

On Sunday night (January 20) we participated in Hendesonville’s 2nd Annual “MLK Service” at Community Church.  After a time of fellowship over finger foods, we had a beautiful service.  Pastor Van Banks of New Creation Ministries delivered the message, and Jesus was exalted through our worship, community and spirit of love.

It’s time for week #3 of the “Prayer of Jabez.”

This week (January 21 – 27) we wil pray, “that your hand might be with me.”  This is specifically asking for the help of the LORD!

The prayer of Jabez came from an obscure, but powerful Scripture in 1 Chronicles 4:10, which states:

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”

God wants to help you.  Ask for his help by praying, “that your hand might be with me.”

The Hendersonville Community Pastor’s Association is leading the 2nd annual  “MLK Service” this Sunday night.   The service will take place at Community Church in Hendersonville, the large church on Main St. next to the McDonald’s

Pastor Van Banks from Gallatin wil be preaching.  Pastor Banks is a wonderful man who’s ministry will bless you!  

Your presence at this event will demonstrate to your family, the city and the kingdom of darkness that you believe in God’s plan for racial unity!

I hope to see you there!

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number,from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, – Revelation 7:9 (ESV)

Our church is taking four weeks to pray with the same focus.   We are starting week #2 of the “Prayer of Jabez.”

This week (January 14-20) we wil pray, “Enlarge my border.”

I read once that St. Patrick of Ireland stated, “Because there were many fish, I asked for a large net.”

The prayer of Jabez came from an obscure, but powerful Scripture in 1 Chronicles 4:10, which states:

Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

God wants to increase you influence.   I don’t know exactly what this phrase means to you personally, but I am praying with you when you pray to God, “Enlarge my border!”

Due to flooding on Drakes Creek Road near the church and in other Hendersonville areas, we cancelled all 2:42 Group activities for January 13.  Groups will resume on January 27.

Aaron

2:42 is the name of our small group ministry, and groups start this Sunday!  The name comes from Acts 2:42, which describes the early church:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, and to breaking of bread and to prayer.” 

Groups meet in homes throughout the area, as well as on the CIL campus, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Childcare is provided at CIL, and ExitSeven youth has a 242 Group, also.

 2:42 New Year Schedule has meetings on the following Sunday nights:

January 13, January 27, February 10, February 24, March 10, March 24.

We have a 242 brochure available this Sunday with all the details, or you can contact me with questions.

“Christian community” is always worth the investment of our time and effort!