It is always good to review what is going on in your life.  Let me do that for a few minutes today.  You know, when we travel fast we have a hard time reflecting.  A lack of reflection results in a lack of gratitude.  I want to always work hard at having a grateful spirit.

Sunday was a wonderful day at both of our campuses.  Our moments in the Word of God in the morning were insightful moments on how to build spiritual leaders, another way to talk about parenting.  In the evening, we began a three-week Bible Conference on Psalm 91 that I am doing on our Springdale Campus.  I talked about what it means to live in the secret place.  Worship was special and meaningful at all the services, and our MOTION worship experience Sunday night was outstanding.

Monday was a full day of study in the morning, exiting for some exercise, then off to a busy Monday full of meetings.  It was a good day, much excitement over Sunday and confidence that God is going to lead us into a powerful future.  Speaking of future, it was a super afternoon of expanding our vision for Northwest Arkansas.  My friends, there is so much to do.

Nick began on our team on Sunday and yesterday marked his first day in the office.  He was positive about matters thus far and brought great contribution yesterday.  God is good and I am so grateful for he and Meredith joining our team, along with Reese Caroline.

See, stop long enough to review and you realize enormous blessings, really great ones!

Over twenty-two years ago, Jeana and our two boys were called to join this great church in Northwest Arkansas. Our journey has been enjoyable and a real blessing to each of us.  We have gained friends for life and a church family that is second to none anywhere in the world.  Yes, we love our church.

Not only do we love our church, but the people on both of our campuses love this church. God’s mission is fulfilled by our church both globally and locally.  From the placing of over 5,500 missionaries in 200 countries of the world, to sharing the Gospel worldwide via television and internet, to planting churches across the world, to providing ministries to every age group here, to taking care of people having great needs, this is a great church to God’s glory.  Yes, we love our church.

Speaking of loving our church, a young man joined our team yesterday who loves this people dearly.  As I announced in early December, Nick Floyd is joining our team as Associate Pastor – Preaching Assistant for both campuses. Even though he will office at Pinnacle Hills, his role is for both campuses.  Nick has been away seven years.  In that time he has earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Divinity-Theology, and is three classes and a dissertation away from a Doctor of Ministry degree.  Since he left, he has gained a wife, Meredith, and they have given to us our first grand-daughter, Reese Caroline.  Please welcome them, get to know them, and above all, pray for them daily.  Yes, Nick and Meredith love our church.

My friends, there is nothing like the church.  Our church has helped people throughout our region in all kinds of ways over the past week.  We are blessed.

This is Jesus’ church, and we love Him and this church.

It was a big Wednesday in our lives.  A lot was happening from the early morning until evening.  Even though it was a good day, it was a very busy day.  We celebrated Kate’s 27th birthday last night.  She is a wonderful daughter-in-law with a great spirit and obviously the love of Josh’s life.  We love Kate and the blessing she is to our family.  By the way, Nick and Meredith moved in today here in Northwest Arkansas.  He begins his work with us on Sunday.  Please pray for them.  They still have a house in
Dallas that needs a buyer.

A BIG SUNDAY IS COMING

This Sunday is huge on both of our campuses.  It is our annual “I Love My Church Day.”  Please make this day a priority for  you and your family, plus invite and or bring someone with you.  I believe the message will be an encouragement, and I know the worship music will be.

WINTER BIBLE CONFERENCE

We are having a Winter Bible Conference for three Sunday nights in a row.   I will be teaching and preaching on the subject of PROTECTION. I really believe you will enjoy these three Sunday nights together. We will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude around 7:20 p.m.  Outstanding and creative music worship will also occur each week. Please make it a part of your Sunday for three weeks.

See  you Sunday.

The lights were out by 10:30 p.m.  What a day.

The sound in the subdivisions of our region has transitioned to the sound of chainsaws. Much activity is happening all across Northwest Arkansas, all in response to the recent major ice storm.  Today, it is like the region has awakened from the shock of matters and starting aggressively towards a clean-up.  The mayors, leaders, and workers in our cities that comprise Northwest Arkansas all need to be commended.

The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Unit is here with many teams that are specialist with chainsaws. They have come from several states and along with our many volunteers, families are being helped.  Great stories are already emerging that will tell the future story of this most recent setback to our region.  The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Ministry is a remarkable ministry that helps in all kinds of crises, even those like ice storms.  Our connectivity to this ministry has joined us together in this great mission endeavor.

Remember, you can sign up for assistance or to give assistance. Call one of our campuses and you can learn how. We are here to serve people and this is an opportunity to do just that.  May God open some great doors for the gospel to be shared.

What we see as a setback is really a set-up for God to do something great through us.

The Lord spoke to us clearly on Super Bowl Sunday. The message from John 15:2 is a living picture of where we have been and are as a region.  There is so much God wants to do with us that He is investing in the pruning process in us.  Please share the message with a friend.  You can listen to it online.

So many of our people are still without electrical power in their homes. One of my staff members shared with me that it seemed at our Springdale Campus on Sunday, one out of every two people he talked with was still without power.  The needs are great, and the opportunity for God’s people has never been greater.

What a great Super Bowl Game! Pittsburgh would not quit at the end and pulled it out miraculously.  Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald were phenomenal.  Fitzgerald has become my favorite player in the NFL.  His character seems to be remarkable.  His love for Christ is unashamed.  His football ability is obvious, in fact, off the charts.  The others need to move over and make room for Larry Fitzgerald.  Truly a great, great player.

Hey, let’s try to have a Super Week this week.