A Great Question

I just read these questions in one of my favorite books:

"Can you name five good things that have happened to you so far today? Were you thankful to God for any of them?"

In light of the conviction I felt after reading those things, here are my five.

1. I woke up - a gift from God of a new day to serve him
2. I talked with my wife and child
   
3. I ate a light breakfast - probably more than many in the world ate this morning
   
4. I came to work - an opportunity to provide for my family and serve him as well
5. I got to read the Bible

All that, and it is still early in the morning! How good is God to us? I would love to read your five! Why don't you post them in the comments?

Now I am working on six through ten,
Curtis

Coffee Anyone????

For several months, we have been working on opening a coffee shop at Brainerd Crossroads. If you have been there recently, the cat is out of the bag. We have a kiosk built, and the equipment is in! We are very close to opening one on the main floor. It will be great.

We will keep you posted as to when it will open!

Spiritual Gifts

Last night, I shared in our Bible Study/Prayer Meeting from Romans 12:3-8 about spiritual gifts. We talked about the source of those gifts (God), the purpose of those gifts (for the unity and building of the body of Christ), and the variety of gifts.

I also had a handout that I wanted to link to here on the blog.

This might assist your spiritual development.

Curtis

Remembering

I am completely speechless when I think about what happened at Virginia Tech. Words fail me! Thank God, he can hear my prayers that are never vocalized.

When I looked at today's date, I remembered another tragedy that occurred 12 years ago in Oklahoma City. It was another stark reminder that human beings are not getting better, contrary to what we might like to believe. Sin in its worst form still makes our jaws drop. However, ultimate hope in this world will not be found in gun control, security devices, or anything else. Ultimate deliverance and hope in this world is found only in Jesus Christ.

May God encourage the families of the victims of tragedies like Virginia Tech and OKC.

Curtis

Walking through the hospital

I am reminded almost every time I go to the hospital to visit people that the hospital is a great equalizer. What do I mean? Well, there are things in our culture that everybody, rich or poor, strong or weak, young or old, take part in. When I walk by an ICU waiting room, I am reminded once again that we are ALL human, in desperate need of God to work in our lives. You see the tears and you hurt for the people shedding them, regardless of their status or position in life. No amount of status or money can keep you out of ICU, or cardiac surgery, or visits with an oncologist.

I thought about something else today while I was at Erlanger and Memorial. Just as sickness can affect all classes, all races, and both genders, sin also affects us all. It knows no difference. There are no good people or bad people, when it comes to sin. In fact, we are all sinners.

And yet, despite the sadness that I felt as I saw a family walk out of an ICU with tears, I am reminded that there once was a Man of Sorrows, who according to Hebrews 2 and 4 totally identifies with where we are. So, that is my prayer as I walk through the hospital:

"God meets these people with comfort of the Holy Spirit brought to us through Jesus Christ!"

Thankful our God is alive and comforting,
Curtis

75, that's right seventy-five

That is how many adults volunteered this past Sunday to assist in our preschool, children, and student ministries. 75 people! That is more than I expected, to be honest with you. Without the massive volunteer effort, Sunday mornings would be chaotic. So, thank you for all that you do!

Curtis

"A Table in The Presence "

Our Soldiers are fighting over sea's far away from there families and friends. I was reading a book this past summer that changed my life. The Book is called " A Table In The Presence" by LT. Carey H. Cash.

Lt. Cash is a Chaplain who served in the Marines over seas at the beginning of the war in Iraq. He tells a very impact story of unexplainable miracles, protection, fear, sacrifice, and victory that grip you're heart. His book showed me that we still serve a God of Miracles, Power, and Love. This book is a must read and I put this book in my top five all time Favorites!

http://www.amazon.com/Table-Presence-Carey-H-Cash/dp/0891418881

Father thank you for the men and women that serve in harms way for our protection, and comfort. May you protect them today, from bullets, car bombs, and evil and keep each one of them safe and continue to reveal yourself to them in powerful ways!

Volleyball

I just wanted to let you all know that Every Tuesday we will be having Open gym Volleyball! We will be having two types of games going on. One court will be for the competive players, and the other court will be for those who would just like to play for fun. I hope to see you this Tuesday out on the volleyball.

Every Tuesday till May 29th

Time: 7pm-9pm

Where: BX

Cost: Only fun with your family and friends.

I hope to see you soon.

I would have chosen a different word...

I got an email that I am not sure I am comfortable with. The subject of the email was "What's Hot in Christian Music!" It was from a distributor of Christian books. I struggle with it, because that subject line sounds like something I would read on the iTunes store home page about a rock, pop, rap, or country star's music. Instead, I read about it in the context of Christian music.

It seems like we are prone to put artists on a pedestal. I know I am, because I do. I am influenced emotionally, mentally, and spiritually so much by music, that I appreciate those who help me in my walk with God. I have amazing respect for their ability to craft songs that help me glorify God and treasure Jesus Christ.

However, it almost seems like it can cross the line when we advertise something as "hot." Before I come across as judgmental, I should admit that I had the #1 suggestion of what is "hot" in Christian music. It was Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman. Awesome CD. I have listened to it this week, and thanked God for the cross because of the words of one of the songs.

I have no issue with the music, just uncomfortable with the commercialization and the packaging.

Still trying to sort it all out,
-Curtis


Another writer I respect was also sorting through this here.

White Water Rafting Anyone???

Brainerd Baptist Church is putting together a trip to tackle the Ocoee river, and we would like to invite you and your friends and family to come along! This is a perfect opportunity for you to invite your friends and co-workers to enjoy an extreme afternoon riding the white water down the Ocoee river.

When: Saturday, May 5th Rain or Shine

Time: Departing - 11:30am
Returning - 7:00pm

Cost: $25 a person. Please also bring some money for dinner as we will be stopping at a fast
food restaurant on the way back.

Information: You must be at least 12 yeas old. Children aged from 12 to 18 must have a parents signature on the wavier form, which you can pick up at the BX Welcome Desk. Please eat lunch before we leave, and you may bring a small snack if you would like. All items need to be water resistant.

How do I sign Up? Please fill out the sign up sheet, as well as a wavier form. Please turn in all
your information at the BX Front Desk. Payment must be made before the trip and checks can be made out to Brainerd Baptist Church.

For More Information Contact: Ryan Goss
423-624-2606 or Ryan@brainerdbpatist.org.

BX Car Show

Muscle , Hot Rods, Tunies, Early Model A, Early V-8, Trucks, and more!


When: Saturday, May 12th 9am-2pm Rain or Shine

Where: Brainerd Crossroads

Why: This is a great way to build relationships with your neighbors and co-workers who love cars!

Types of Cars present: Corvettes, Sports Cars/ Race Cars, Model A, Early Ford V-8, Antique/ Classic, Muscle, Trucks, Rods and Tunies.

If you are interested in help with this event or know of someone who would like to put their car into the show please contact Ryan Goss.

More Information:
Ryan Goss
Ryan@brianerdbaptist.org / 423.624.2606

Movie Night

Charlotte's Web

Here at the BX this Friday, April 13th. The movie will be starting at 7pm sharp. The doors will open at 6:30pm. We will be showing the movie in the Crossing. Bring a friend and enjoy a fun free movie with your family!

the gathering, week one

Just wanted to post, thanking God for His blessings on the gathering this past week. (For those new to Brainerd, the gathering is our new video venue at the BX with live music, and a simulcast message from our sanctuary). It was a great week, and we look forward to needing more chairs this week.

One thing I thought of on Sunday night...I was approached by a couple of people who asked me how everything went up at the BX on Sunday morning. When I thought for a minute, I realized that these people had volunteered some hours on Saturday mornings to pass out information about the gathering. Although they attended services in the sanctuary, they still were excited to see how God might use their efforts in other places. I thank God for that kind of spirit.

Curtis