First Baptist Church of Brownsville, Oregon

 (Matthew 23:11-12)

Once again there were many many things in my reading this morning that were powerful.  I often underline things in my Bible as I read, then go back and try to zero in on one verse or phrase that I really want to focus on for the day.  That’s hard to do many times – to narrow it down from so much good stuff to choose from!  But the above verses were a great reminder to me… again.  I love how Jesus said things that were/are so contrary to how we as people generally think and operate.  The Life Application Bible has a great note on this passage:  “Jesus challenged society’s norms.  To Him, greatness comes from serving – giving of yourself to help God and others.  Service keeps us aware of others’ needs, and it stops us from focusing only on ourselves.  Jesus came as a servant.  What kind of greatness do you seek?”  Great question to ponder!

Please remember to pick up the Prayer Guides for our Haiti missionaries, located on the missions table in the foyer.  Mike Kirk and Dave Ezell plan to leave Feb. 17, and Roger and Susan Ruckert leave March 3.  There are separate letters for each team’s trip.  Let’s be upholding them and the Haiti Foundation of Hope in our prayers.  This Sunday is a finger food luncheon and a time to “send off” those who are going.  Please be sure to join in.

I heard about a movie that I think we should all try to see when it comes out on Feb. 19 (or see it as close to opening day as you can).  It is called “Risen” and it is about the resurrection through the eyes of an unbeliever.  You can watch the trailer here:

It’s hard to believe, but Easter is just around the corner!  It is March 27th, and it sometimes feels like it “sneaks up on us” when it lands in March.  It is only 45 days from today!  So be thinking about who the Lord who have you be praying for and inviting to our Easter service.

Another reminder: March 1, Tuesday night at 6pm, we are asking everyone to come out and join us for a time of corportate prayer as we seek the Lord together regarding how He would have us use the generous gift we received a few months ago.  Let’s use this as a time to come together as one body with one purpose!

On Sunday, Feb. 21, we will be baptizing two people in the morning worship service.  I am excited about this opportunity, especially because it is a father and daughter being baptized on the same day!  Make sure you are here for that – it will be a great encouragement!

This Sunday, Randy Waldie will be speaking on Titus 2:1-10, with a message entitled, “The Right Stuff.”  It’s a powerful passage and I’m very thankful for Randy tackling it!  Please read ahead and be ready for a great time in the Word.

Of course, this Sunday is Valentine’s Day!  Those that have a sweety in your life – celebrate the love you have for each other!  And all of us, every last one, can rejoice in the love that God the Father has for us, as He best demonstrated in the sending of His Son for us!  I’m very thankful that Elizabeth and I have the opportunity to get away together, as we will be attending a “Sweetheart Couples Retreat” at the Christian Renewal Center in Silverton.  Thank you for your prayers for our marriage; we are looking forward to some concentrated time together.  And, by the way, today is our 21st Anniversary!  I’m so grateful for a godly woman, who loves Him first, loves me and our children, and has a passionate and creative heart for serving the Lord in many ways.  She certainly deserves a lot of kuddos for putting up with me for so long now!

As I mentioned last week, we are looking forward to a visit from on of our Associate Pastor of Family Ministry applicants, Justin, and his wife Lynsey.  They will be here in Brownsville March 3-6, taking the opportunity to meet us, learn about our church, and check out the community.  Please be in prayer for them and their family during this process.  Pray that God’s perfect will be done both for them and for us at FBC.

I love you and thank God for you frequently!

Love From Your Pastor,

Michael