Do not miss Sunday, it will be one fabulous day of worship. I believe it will be one of the most special days in our history as we take steps to invade the world with worship. So much work has gone into this Sunday morning experience, so do not miss it.

That day, we will premiere the release of Come, Celebrate The Cross. Each song, written in correlation to the sermon series named above, will be done in a creative, powerful musical presentation and video. It will be one special day. Kim Noblitt, Chris Emert, Josh Stanbery, and Jonathan Walker have worked diligently to write and arrange each song and now it will be premiered all together.

You will be able to purchase CD copies of Come, Celebrate the Cross for $13. I have listened to it and it is fabulous. Each of you will want at least one copy, and, prayerfully, many of you will buy several or many of them to give to friends, family, and work associates as a testimony. Remember, when you give them this CD, they will hear the gospel communicated through worship. It will be in a non-threatening way and they will listen some, since it is a gift to them and by our local worship ministry.

On Sunday, the entire service will be devoted to worship. Yes, proclamation will be done, but creatively. The entire service will be available on DVD in a couple weeks. This will create a whole other venue to reach people through this music.

Come and experience this premiere. Bring someone with you. What a great day to invite a friend. Pray for Sunday.

Nick is at a doctoral seminar at Liberty Theological Seminary this week, therefore, Meredith and Reese Caroline drove up to see us yesterday. They will be with us until Friday morning. Reese continues to grow and become more beautiful by the day. It is always great to have them here.

I ran in last night after work, saw Reese and Meredith briefly, and then had to run to my annual Fantasy Football Draft. It was a great time of fellowship and fun. While most of our guys in that league take it very seriously, I only studied the players briefly to prepare. Some of my picks probably demonstrated that as well. I took a couple of major risks in my first and second round choices. I was in a challenging place because I drafted in the #7 spot in our league. My first round choice was Tony Romo and my second round choice was Darren McFaddin. Both of those would be considered risks at the level I drafted them. However, they could also pay off big-time.

The greater the risk, the greater the reward. Of course, that is if the risk proves to be wise.

Faith is not a risk. Believing-faith has Jesus Christ as the object of our faith. The bottom-line lesson today, believing-faith in Jesus in all things is not a risk, but a guarantee for reward.

Last week I was out of the flow with two different ministry trips, one to Texas and another to Atlanta. This resulted in sporadic blogging, so please understand. There was just not time for consistency.

Next Sunday will be powerful, so be here as we premiere the Come, Celebrate the Cross worship songs on CD. On this day you will be able to purchase the CD for yourself, friends, and family. Additionally, it will be a super Sunday to experience in person. A DVD of the service will be available two weeks later. This entire premiere event will make for one outstanding Labor Day Sunday. What a superb day be in in Worship and Connection Groups. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I appeal to you strongly, be here.

On September 7th I will begin a series of messages on the book of Isaiah entitled “Frequently Asked Questions.” This selection of various texts from Isaiah will be proclaimed expositionally in a way that I believe will teach you more about the Bible and impact your life. Please know of my commitment to doing this. Pray for this series.

School has now begun and football season is about to begin. Now that we are all getting back in the flow, let’s become consistent in attending Worship and Bible study in Connection Groups. These are important days in our nation and world, demanding from each of us a greater commitment to scripture and holiness.

Let’s make a difference this week.

My friends, I have just been too too busy. On Monday and Tuesday, I was tied up in traveling to a preaching engagement, Wednesday I was attempting to catch up with matters that could not be handled over email or phone, and today, I am again more than busy. This is why I wanted to come to you early this morning.

I hope you have had a fulfilling week. Even though my week has been very busy, due to many circumstances, I am very grateful for the privileges I have had. Yes, I have been more than busy, but better yet, I am more than blessed.

Matters in the world continue to concern me. The prophetic clock continues to tick. As believers, what should our role be?

• Pray for our nation.
• Pray for our President and the other leadership in our nation.
• Pray for the Lord to raise up who He wants to be the next President of our nation.
• Pray for the church of America, of which I am convinced, is the hope for America.
• Pray for the nation’s economy, for which prayer is needed in a major way.
• Pray for revival and spiritual awakening in America.

God is going to move among us on Sunday. Please pray for this coming Lord’s Day. Invite someone to come. Become connected in one of our connection groups. Let’s make a major difference for God.

Last Sunday was a great day. It’s so good to be in church on Sunday. I hope you were able to join us in worship as we talked about making touchdowns for Jesus! Are you making touchdowns for God in your life?

I preached last night at First Baptist Church of New Braunfels, Texas. It was a great opportunity for ministry. Dr. Brad McLean is doing a good job there as pastor. Please pray for him and for that church that God will move mightily in their midst.

I pray that you will open your eyes and ears to see and hear God this week. Let your heart be soft to God. Let him speak to your heart this week as we prepare to meet together again on Sunday. Sunday is coming! Pray for that day and always remember to invite others to come with you, those who are unreached or away from church. The fall is a great time to invite others as people get settled back into their schedules after their summer vacations and travels.

Have a great week.

We are looking, working, and praying towards Sunday, August 17th. This is a strategic day in our church as we launch our next few months of Fall events. Prayerfully, most people are finished with vacations and are ready to get back in a healthy lifestyle of Bible study and worship. Will you be in worship and Bible study this week? I pray you will be with us.

This coming Sunday is the 7th anniversary of our Pinnacle Hills Campus. What a strategic movement God created out of the heart of our Springdale Campus! Oh my, what God has done! The great fellowship in Springdale envisioned and then began by faith what is now a remarkable God-story. The people the Holy Spirit has gathered to form The Church at Pinnacle Hills are truly great. All I want to say is, “Glory to God!”

August 14th was my Dad’s birthday. Today, he would have been 79 years old. Mom just turned 80 years old in March. My Dad has been in heaven three years this November. He never got to meet any of our grandchildren. He would have laughed at them and loved them. On this memorable day for my family, may God lift up my Mom. Thank God for Dads.

I hope this weekend is special to you. Make it count!

I thought I’d share some picture with you of Parker celebrating his birthday. There are some of family members with our the grandchildren.. The matching Hawaii outfits Jeana and I purchased while in Maui this summer.

Enjoy!

I do not know the specifics of All-American and future Pro-Bowler Shawn Andrews and his depression, but what I do know is that his recent admission to suffering from depression took courage. It costs him several thousand dollars a day to not report to training camp, but his life had become such a challenge to him that he was willing to take the financial loss.

This is really insightful because this story reminds me of this reality: depression can happen to anyone. Here is a guy signed to a multi-million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles; yet, he is dealing with a major challenge in his life. Depression can happen to anyone. I am confident that each of us has dealt with depression at some level. Obviously, many deal with it in a very, very challenging way. It comes to a point where they are paralyzed in many ways.

The great man King David, a “man after God’s own heart,” dealt with some days of depression. The Psalms record some of his struggles. Yet, God used him. And yes, God provided a way.

I am not sure who is dealing with depression today, but know God will see you through. You can be used. You can work through the struggles you are facing. I am reminded of these words, “God can make a way when there seems to be no way.”

Talk to God. Share your struggles with others. Let others pray for you. In time, in some way, God will see you through, even from the darkest of moments.

Our Annual Staff Advance was lit up with the presence and leadership of Andy Wilson. Andy and his wife Becky blessed our team immeasurably. Our entire team is so excited to have Andy bring his expertise and leadership to our ministry. His influence on both campuses has already been very strong. As a former Vice-President of the People Division for all of Wal-Mart, he brings an enormous reservoir of leadership and experience. His servant-leadership style has captivated our team, as he is providing leadership to all of our staff on both campuses. Almost 22 years ago when I came to be pastor here, on my second Sunday, the Wilson’s visited, joined, and have been here all this time. Isn’t it amazing the way God works? Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Andy and Becky Wilson to our staff team and ministry.

Next Sunday, we launch a brand new church year. It is the time when we must enlarge our organization, enlist new leadership, equip them, and empower them to do ministry to the glory of God. What will you role be in this ministry? What can you bring to our church family? There is something! God has gifted you to do something for Him. Find it, and let’s do it to His glory.

Last night, we had a great time at our Springdale Campus Leadership Camp. The theme was “One Life, One Mission.” This was a great time for me to connect with all of our connection group volunteers and for them to get prepared for the coming year. Clint Smith did a great job leading this training time. We are now ready to roll in our new church year. We’re ready to make a difference.

Next Sunday night, we’ll have another great opportunity at our Pinnacle Hills Campus, Sunday Night Live. We will celebrate the 7th anniversary of our church Olympic style with dinner, a unique opening ceremony, and a competition or two. I will be sharing with I believe is our future and how you can get involved in the exciting days ahead.

August has been, and is going to be, a great month.

Hey, today let me talk to you about some stuff. I mean all kinds of stuff. I just feel like talking about several things.

1. Sunday, August 10, will be a great day, so try to be present. We are wrapping up a super summer on both campuses and your presence will make it much more special. The worship will be superb this Sunday. Additionally, I will be talking to you about something really different from the norm.

2. Sunday is the last day Jeff Young will be on our team. He is leaving to go to the Prestonwood Church in Dallas. He has done a great job for us. We love Jeff and Carol and their children. They will be missed in Northwest Arkansas.

3. We had some kind of night last night! I got home and we had Reese Caroline, Peyton, Parker, Jeana’s Mom, Kate, and, eventually, Josh. Oh my, what a night. They will keep you hopping! We will have Reese Caroline with us until Monday as Nick and Meredith are going on a Mission Trip to San Diego today. Please pray for them.

4. Parker turns one on Friday. What a sweet, great-spirited child! If you have not seen him, the boy has got some kind of smile. I say it this way, he has a smile that will fill a face! I mean, he is one cool kid. So Parker is one year old tomorrow, Reese Caroline was 1 year old in May, and Peyton will be 3 years old in September.

5. Football is here. I wonder where will Brett Favre end up playing? Is that not the most unbelievable situation going on? He is one great QB, so surely he will land in a special place.

6. School is around the corner. Let’s pray for a great experience for all of our students. May God raise them up to make a difference!

Have a blessed weekend.