Look out the window

This was the devotion I read today and I just wanted to share it.

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Here’s an interesting fact about American church history that you may not know. Years ago, when the first New England churches were designed, they were built with clear windows rather than the stained glass ones we see so often today -- and the graveyard was usually built in the churchyard, which would normally be seen from the pulpit. Why?

It was so that the pastor could see the graveyard while he preached and be reminded of the urgency of his message! It was so he could be reminded that everyone who sat in the pews before him as he spoke, would eventually fill a place in that cemetery outside the window and ultimately have to stand before God to be judged. Can you imagine?

Back then, the first and foremost priority of the church was to bring men and women into a right relationship with the Lord. What’s happened to us that we’ve started building churches with windows you can’t see through!?

There is a harvest outside! Let’s uncloud our windows and give ourselves to the work that needs to be done! Let’s make a commitment to share the good news with someone today!

Amen!!

Great Day!

Today was a great day at Calvary Road Baptist. Our children performed their Christmas Program and they did a great job. We had 120 in attendance which is the second highest total we've ever had. (The highest was on March 4th of this year when we had 145 for our "transition week" when Pastor Sheffield retired) We also had a baptism after the morning service. Aaron Scoles got saved on December 3rd and came for baptism. It's always good to see young people follow the Lord in believer's baptism.
Coming up on December 31st is our annual "Watchnight Service" when we pray OUT the old year and pray IN the new year. Services will begin at 8 p.m. Josh McKinley, Seth Sheffield, Pastor Sheffield, Richard Howard, and Randy O'Brien will all be speaking and we will be having a pitch-in dinner. We will be starting a new annual tradition this year with a video yearbook. Every year we will make a video with pictures and video clips from church activities of that year. I'm sure the picture of Brother Henson in the blonde wig will make it's way in the video. lol

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

This month will be a busy one at Calvary Road Baptist (as are most months lately). The ladies will be having their annual Christmas Ladies Meeting on Saturday the 8th. (1:30 - 4:00 p.m.), the Men's Prayer Breakfast will be on the 15th, the Children's Christmas Program will be Sunday Morning (11 a.m.) on the 16th, Evangelist Bob Hamblin will be with us on the 19th, (6:30 p.m.), and finally we will be having our watch night service on the 31st (8:00 - Midnight). whew, catch your breath after reading all that.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the "spirit" of Christmas, that we easily forget the "reason" for Christmas. I know, I know, you've heard this speach before, but now, more than ever, we need to be reminded that Christmas is not about presents, but about a Person - Jesus Christ.

This Christmas will be the first one since my uncle Gary passed away. My uncle and I were very close for many years and I know that he is now getting to celebrate Christ's birthday with Christ Himself. Praise the Lord! Aside from the sadness of having Christmas this year without uncle Gary, I'm very excited because I drew my grandma's name for Christmas and I got her the perfect gift. She never gets online so I can share it here.(but if anyone tells her, you'll answer to me) She is a lifelong Kentucky basketball fan and I happened to luck into two tickets for the Kentucky vs. Louisville game in January. She is only getting one of those tickets (she doesn't get a choice - I'm going to the game with her). Not only am I looking forward to giving this gift to her and seeing her face when she opens it, but I'm also excited about spending the day with her in Lexington at the game. My grandma has been one of the most positive influence's in my life. I know I would not be a Pastor today if it were not for her. It has been very difficult for her since my uncle passed away and hopefully (at least for one day) she'll be able to enjoy herself.