We are having revival this weekend and of course sister Teresa wanted me to get some things done around the house before our evangelist arrives. So I got the leaf blower out and was blowing leaves off the carport, deck and even some in the yard. The wind was blowing pretty hard so when I started to blow the leaves in the front yard they blew right back up on the carport. No matter how I tried to control where they were going they had a mind of their own, controlled by the wind. I of course got to thinking about how people are. Everyone of us has a controlling factor in our lives. I know that some would not admit it, but it is true anyhow. This controlling factor is a power force, it can and will push us in the direction it wants us to go. Self will is the most power controlling force there is. I see people so selfish they really have no concern for anyone but them selves. They live for nothing but the pleasure of their own lives, and flesh. They do what they want when they want to, and however they want to do it. They are not the leaves. Their power comes from within. The leaves had now power, no will, they were controlled by the power of the wind. If we would allow God to control our lives, our services, our camp meetings, our desires, every aspect of our being, we would see a manifestation like they seen in the morning time church. The bottom line is, nobody wants to be a leaf. We have to have control. God help me to be a leaf and allow your Holy Spirit to blow me in the direction you want me to go. Joh 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Yesterday we went and put a roof on for a brother. We are very blessed here in the sense that we have so much talent, and each uses that talent for others. It helps us in so many ways. Thank God for each one. I appreciate Bro. David Laywell he has been a big help to me since they moved here. I appreciate the fact that he is always ready to help. After we got finished for the day at the brothers house, sis Teresa and I went to Rutherfordton to look for stuff for our room addition. Lord willing in about a month I will be building us a garage with a bedroom on the top. I have really tried to shop smart in looking for what we need for the project. I have bought a lot of stuff off of craigslist and got great deals. I only paid $62 a piece for our windows and they are low E gas, with tilt sash, and a round top. They are really beautiful. I thank God for the good deal. Well I got to thinking about that, and see what happens with some folks is, when it comes to being a Christian, they want God to give them a good deal. They want to pay less than the cost of what it is really worth, and though that is ok in carnal things to try and get a good deal, it don’t work with God. God don’t have second hand merchandise, discontinued, out of date, damaged, scratch and dent, as is, or any other wheel and deal items we want to get from the Lord. You don’t wheel and deal with God. You know the old saying, “you get what you pay for” that is so true. I don’t mind paying a fair price for something that is worth it. You know the shame of it is, it is not a fair price God offers us! That’s right, God gave more for this thing than we could every pay, but He does want us to give Him a reasonable offer. What’s that, PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE!!!! I have some counsel for us today, don’t wheel and deal with God, you will never get a better offer anywhere in the world.

Have you ever thought about how negative our world is today. People seem to have difficulty smiling at each other or saying hello. Everyone feels that you might want something if you are too friendly, or that you are some kind of weirdo, or something. This seems to have effected the church also. We are filled with so much negativity around us, in the news, our families, friends, and yes, oh yes, even church problems. You hear the latest gossip about this one or that one, this problem at this congregation, or that congregation. Then we begin to try and reason in our minds why, when, how, who, what, and every other aspect of what we have heard. Well I want to say to you, BE HAPPY IN THE LORD, GOD IS OUR REFUGE, OUR ROCK, OUR HIGH TOWER. I EXHORT YOU TODAY THAT IF YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD NO MATTER WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND YOU, YOU CAN LOOK TO THE HILLS FROM WHICH COMETH YOUR HELP. DON’T READ THE NEGATIVE NEWS TODAY, KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST. PUT ON A SMILE FOR THE LORD, AND SHOW OTHERS THE VICTORY OF LIVING A CHRISTIAN LIFE NO MATTER WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE OR THE WORLD, GOD IS GOOD! I AM A CHILD OF GOD. IF YOU ARE TELL SOMEONE, SHOW THEM. There will always be problems in life, and yes even church problems, but that does not have to press us into a state of “nothing is good”. WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE GOOD. Have a blessed day.

Last night was a different kind of service. The first Wednesday of every month is our prayer service. We usually take this service and teach on prayer and then dedicate the remainder of the service for prayer tome together. It went a different way last night. It was a praise service but much more sober than usual. It seemed each one chose their thoughts, and really spent time in trying to say what they needed to say for the Lord. It was really good. We need to be sober minded at times. Our thoughts need to be more towards really expressing ourselves to each other and more importantly to the Lord. I feel that the time is at hand that God wants us to dedicate our minds more towards the word, the spirit, and each other. This is what brings a sober mind. I know that He wants us to enjoy life also. He does want us to laugh, smile, and be happy, but we also need to think about the condition the world is in and what we can do to win a soul. Not souls, a soul. Try starting with just one, and believe me if your desire is right more will follow. Have a blessed day and keep your thoughts stayed on the Master.