New Birth

I stand amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of God. Two weeks ago we started a three week series based upon Acts 2. As a result LFCN is having it's own Acts 2 experience as the presence of God has moved in such a fresh and real way. Over the last two week we have had the opportunity to baptize 39 people. Young and old a like have idenitifed with Christ through public baptism. To GOD be the glory for the great things he has done.

Stephen

Stephen

Kin Folk

On Thursday I had the opportunity to meet up with my brother Bill on an I-40 park and ride and drive the short distance North to Harrisonburg to see our older brother Kerry. When we arrived in Harrisonburg we went to dinner at a local restaurant, then promptly to the legendary ice cream shop called Kleins. After ice cream we returned to Kerry's home as we talked into the early morning hours about past memories, about family, and about the goodness of God. On Saturday we loaded the golf clubs into the back of Bill's CRV and headed to Shen Valee Golf Course in New Market, VA. The weather was great, the company was better and the swings were numerous :). One of the highlights of the trip was learning things about my family that I had never known. The stories that my older brothers shared gave me new insight, better helping me understand my roots and the family that I was born into. I left Harrisonburg with a couple of thoughts.

#1: We don't get to pick our biological family: I often have thought about the "why's" of the family in which I was born. Why was I born in a quaint fishing village off the coast of NC? Why was I born to godly parents who taught me through their example what it meant to be a Christ follower? Why was I born the youngest of three boys? Why was I so blessed to have such a great childhood and wonderful family? I realize that I have had it better than most and I realize that to "whom much is given much is required."

#2: I am extremely grateful for my family: As I looked at my two older brothers it shocked me just how old they gotten (sorry Kerry and Bill....I know you will read this). As I look at my brother Kerry I see Granddaddy Gray. As I look at my brother bill I see my Father Billy. I say that to say this--- I am more grateful than I ever have been to have older brothers who have spent their lives loving me, supporting me, and encouraging me to be all that I can be for God's glory. Yea I'm getting old as well but I'm ignoring it. :)

#3: We can't pick our biological family but we can pick our eternal family: One of the reasons it is such a blessing to have older brothers is the fact that we are brothers in two respects. We are "biological brothers" and we are "spiritual brothers." Our earthly father is Captain Billy Willis and our Heavenly Father is Almighty God. Today as I give God the praise for my biological family I am even more grateful for my "kingdom family." Today on this 8th day of August I give God the praise for my salvation and my acceptance in His family. No doubt God's family has transformed my life. As I enter into the last week of my sabbatical I truly do miss my church family in Lynchburg. I am more grateful than ever to have the opportunity to lead such a great family that chooses to meet every Sunday in a building on Wards Ferry Road.

Abiding in Him!

Stephen