Minister's Blog

BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER REVIVAL
I cannot wait for our upcoming revival services. This newsletter will go out just a couple of days before, but I want to give you a few last minute encouragements to help get the most out of this time! Let’s start with BEFORE. You may be reading this on Friday or Saturday and revival services begin on Sunday, but you still have time to prepare! First, get alone with the Lord and spend a little time in prayer. Pray Psalm 139:23-24 : Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Ask the Lord to reveal any sin you need to confess to Him. Pray for those leading the revival and pray the Lord will speak to you and to the hearts of others. Second, plan to be there! If you don’t make these services a priority, anything will get in the way! Ask the Lord to show you neighbors or friends (lost or saved) you can invite to these services!
During…Come. Be there. Even if you are tired, distracted, or “not feeling it.” Set this time aside for the purpose of seeking and hearing from the Lord through the preached Word. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart, Jeremiah 29:13. Come with expectation. Those expecting to meet the Lord come with their Bibles, ready to take notes to review later so they will not forget. They are prayerfully asking for sensitive ears and hearts. If we come with expectation, we will be mindful of the Lord’s presence and will worship in Spirit and in truth. Come ready. Are you ready to obey? There may be someone at these services that needs a word of encouragement or prayer. The Lord may lay a lost friend or a wayward church member on your heart. Are you ready to obey the prompting of the Spirit to reach out to them?
After…Set aside some time for reflection and thanksgiving. The easiest thing for us to do is simply move on to the next thing. This is especially true this time of year, but I want to encourage you to think back over each night and each message you heard. This is where that note taking or journaling comes in handy. Whether you made some life altering decision or whether you were simply edified and encouraged to persevere in faith, thank the Lord for speaking through His Word and for the fellowship of the Spirit you enjoyed with your brothers and sisters. Finally, keep plodding. Continue in the disciplines. Keep your eyes on Christ as you return to your normal routines. To God be the Glory!
NOVEMBER MISSION OPPORTUNITY
The Concord Union Baptist Association (our association) has been partnering with churches in the Houma area for many years. Some of our members have even participated in our annual associational mission trip to this area. In recent years our association has entered a replant effort in the Chauvin area. There was a Baptist work in that community at one time, but in recent years it has closed its doors. Dr Marty Black, our Director of Missions, has been asking different churches to go down each month to lead a Saturday outreach and a Sunday service. Emmanuel is on the calendar to go and help the weekend of November 13-15. The team will go down on Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon. We are working on the cost of the trip. It will be minimal. Please prayerfully consider taking part. Please let Bro. Paul know if you are interested or want more information.