Monthly Archives: January 2012

My Favorite Christmas Present

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Until my son was born, I never realized how much more fun Christmas is when you get to see the surprise on your child’s face. It was always exciting as a child imagining what new toys were under the Christmas tree; however, that excitement doesn’t compare to the joy of seeing Christmas through your child’s eyes.

Each year I have a list of things I would like for Christmas, but I am not really that excited about my gifts. I am thankful for those who cared enough to get me something. Never-the-less, I am always eager for Christmas morning and to see William’s excitement and joy.

This year, I was surprised at one gift I received.  It was by far my favorite gift and memory of Christmas 2011. My wife and son gave me a Hallmark Storybook.  It is entitled, “The Very First Christmas.” What makes it so special is that you can record your voice reading the story. As you turn each page, music plays followed by the recording of the person reading the book. My book was recorded by my seven-year-old, and I LOVE IT!  I have the book sitting on my desk at work so I can listen to it whenever I want.  I am not too sure how long the batteries will last, but as long as they do I will have a recording of my son reading to me about the very first Christmas.

Usually, my favorite part of Christmas is watching others enjoy the gifts that I have given; however, this year my wife and son gave me a priceless gift for which I am truly thankful.

What was your favorite Christmas present or memory?

Not By Bread Alone: Let’s Live on God’s Word in 2012

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by John Piper

At Bethlehem we close prayer week with a focus on the value of  reading and memorizing Scripture in the new year. I preach on the value  of God’s word and the importance of reading and memorizing the Scripture  every day.

Justin Taylor has pulled together a list of possible ways to read the Bible in this new year.

I encourage everyone to take the closing days of the year to plan how you are going to read the Bible in the new year. Don’t leave it to  chance. One of the main reasons we don’t read God’s word is that we  don’t plan to.

This past year I used the McCheyne reading plan, reading it with the Olive Tree Software on the iPad. McCheyne takes you through the whole Bible once, and the  Psalms and the New Testament twice. It was for me a rich daily feast.

We also love to recommend the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan for one main reason. Few things discourage us more from reading the  Bible in a year than falling behind. This plan gives five catch up days  every month. This is absolutely golden!

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Those are the words of Jesus (Matthew 4:4).  Let’s take them seriously and live on the word every day in 2012.

You can read more by John Piper by going to Desiring God.

Thanks!

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It is hard for me to believe that we are starting a new year. It was just seven, short, years ago today that I preached my first message as Senior Pastor of Living Oaks Baptist Church. There have been many challenges during that time; however, the joy of seeing many come to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ has been well worth every one. During the last seven years, we have grown from a pastor and his congregation into one great big family.

We have had members of our LOBC family move away, while others have graduated to glory. We have seen our young adults become great leaders by following the examples set by many of our senior adults. We have watched as the first group of infants began to crawl, then walk, and now they are all in second grade, and many of those have become Christians.

Over the last few years, we have moved away from many programs that were focused on our entertainment in order to reach those outside our family. We shared our food, clothes, smiles, and hugs with those who were in need. We have purchased chicks; ducks; goats; and fresh, well water for those in other countries. We have adopted an elementary school and provided them with back-packs, school supplies, and fed them for “Meet the Teacher” night.

Over the last seven years, we have been compelled by love to share with others that love which we received from Christ Jesus Himself. Because of this, I want to say “Thank You!” to my church family. I love you and look forward to all God has for us in 2012!

Once again, THANKS!