the encounter

When God saves us, it is for a purpose.  Part of that purpose is in freeing us and making us more like Christ.  Part of that purpose is in using us to free others and help them experience the grace of Christ.  Moses was a man that God called and used.  Like others in Scripture, God used them to make a profound difference in the lives of others.

God has not changed from the days of Scripture.  He still saves people and unloads His grace upon them.  And based on what we know, if He saves you then He has a purpose for your life in sharing that same grace with others.

Join us at encounter as we look closely at the life of Moses and God’s calling on his life.  He was called to make a difference to an entire nation who were desperately waiting on God.

You may discover God’s purpose for your life.  You may discover that someone waits for you.

Share your thoughts :: Comments: 0

?

The momentum students will experience 4 days of a unique camp experience. Along with camp team-building activities, games, worship settings, and Bible study, they will also meet each day with children who are refugees from the countries of Bhutan and Burma.

These children and their families have been relocated by the United Nations in cities throughout the nation – one of which is Dallas. Sabine Creek Ranch provides a 4 day day-camp setting for the children complete with games, ropes-course activities, water games, crafts, and worship services. The students of momentum will team up to help each day the children. They will experience a round-the-world mission opportunity without ever leaving the state.

In praying for the students and leaders, here is a helpful list of things to remember. Pray for…

• students to have hearts that are open to hear from God
• the grace and reality of Christ to been seen in the students lives as they relate to the children
• each student to realize the value of a personal relationship with Christ
• students to have the heart of a servant
• students to find the courage to live out their faith as they return home
• adult leaders as they relate to the students
• protection and peace
• the Spirit of God to overwhelm hearts in our worship times

Much has gone into the planning and preparation of this week. Many have given, supported, helped, and will be transporting students. Your prayers for the students and leaders increases the team of people that are focused on making this week a success.

Thanks for joining us! We look forward to the stories of God at work to follow!

Share your thoughts :: Comments: 0

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

These are familiar words in churches around discussions of the nation, change, and personal introspection. Why would this be the call to a nation that has drifted? If they are having to be called to humility, to pray, to seek the face of God, and to turn from their wicked ways, then they must have left those same things at some point.

In their place is arrogance, self-dependence, lack of desire for God, and turning away from His ways. These will destroy any social structure = a marriage, a family, a church, a community, a nation.

Check out the slides from Sunday’s message on the subject:what this nation needs.

Share your thoughts :: Comments: 0

Some of you may recall the prayer requests shared for Lanessa Allman last year (She attended UMHB with Phil, the Nash’s and myself.)

Last year she was struck with encephalitis and several other complications after giving birth to her fourth son.

And now that she’s had time to heal and recover, she’s put her story into words and self-published a book, “Restored – To the Land of the Living.”

Lanessa shares on her blog:

I am SO excited to finally write this post! Eleven months ago, I went through a hard trial that almost took my life. As most of you know since this affected my brain, I wanted to write it down so I would not forget the promises and blessings I got from the ordeal. Plus all the lessons I learned about our Lord and myself.

The book is now available for purchase, and before you order it, I ask you read this blurb so you will know the “mission statement” about the book.

I liked to blog, and my writing extended to that before I had Clark about a year ago. The only other writing I might have done in earlier years is some prayer journaling. So, let me explain I am NOT a seasoned, or trained writer…I have not attended writing conferences, and I self-published this book to be honest. I have to remind myself almost everyday that I got confirmations on all my decisions and my husband was behind me every step of the way.

To self-publish is to pay a company to design your book and print it in a book format. I did this with the full knowledge that I might never get back in profit what I paid out to the publishing company. And that is okay. I did not do this for that reason, in fact I want to give portions back to the church that did so much for me. I tried to keep the cost of the book down to a minimum so it is fairly small, thin and paperback. A mere $2 a book is my royalty, but if I just get one comment back that this story helped/uplifted/or inspired someone- that is my reward.

I’m looking forward to reading all that God has done in and around Lanessa through her life changing trials. I hope that through stories like Lanessas, we can continue to learn that “scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue” and that God is good – even in those moments of despair.

To order the book:

Click HERE
OR
call 888.519.5121.

Share your thoughts :: Comments: 0

Ever wonder why Jesus says, “Pray for your enemies, bless those who persecute you.”? Ever started praying for someone and realize that while sometimes they may change — it’s usually you who changes the most in the process.

I had a friend in college that often warned me, “couples who pray together – lay together.” His logic was that if praying for your enemy changes you so much – then praying with and for your significant other makes the attractions that much stronger. Can’t say I disagree.

Scientists are now starting to see that in meditating and praying for people we physically mold our brains differently!

NPR reports…

More than half of adult Americans report they have had a spiritual experience that changed their lives. Now, scientists from universities like Harvard, Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins are using new technologies to analyze the brains of people who claim they have touched the spiritual — from Christians who speak in tongues to Buddhist monks to people who claim to have had near-death experiences. Hear what they have discovered in this controversial field, as the science of spirituality continues to evolve.

Methodist minister Scott McDermott says, “I think we’re wired for the supernatural. I think we’re meant to sense a world beyond our five senses. Come on! Taste and see that God really is good.”

What do you think? Check out the full 5 part series on NPR.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Share your thoughts :: Comments: 0