Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is around the corner with Christmas close on its heels. This is a special time to stop long enough to reflect on the blessings God has given us during the year. And we are extremely blessed. Most of us have a roof over our heads, food on the table, transportation, family to love, and so much more. Many can count their blessing of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

What ever the blessing, have you thanked the one who gave it to you? You do understand that you didn't earn them or didn't do anything special to receive them don't you? Because of God's love, grace, and abundant warehouse of blessings, He has poured out these blessings upon His people. He deserves to be praised.

Revelation 4 gives us a great picture of what it is like in heaven as people and the earth praises Holy God. 8b. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." 10. the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne...And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you have created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased."

I want to encourage each of you to respond to God's blessing the way it is done in Revelation. Do it now, don't wait till you get to heaven to truly praise our Creator.

Enjoy your family and friends this Thanksgiving Season.

Finally cooler weather has arrived. It is comforting to see that seasons change. But how did that come about?God, in His wondrous love for mankind, created the seasons before He placed man on the earth. He put the seasons into motionjust for you and me. Each season has its own unique look and purpose. Spring brings new birth, Summer is a time of growth, Fall displays maturity, and Winter brings death. But that is not the end. Spring comes around with new birth again and so the cycle continues just as God planned. So enjoy the season!

I was so excited about the volunteers for the 1^st official NGBC Pantry Food Giveaway. Our next open date is November 14^th. I expect a large number of needy people. Pray for the ministry that we will be able to make a difference in someone’s life. If you would like to be involved in mission work, join the Pantry Ministry Team. See Barbara Siefkas to sign up.

Another way you can be involved in mission work is to help with Thanksgiving Baskets. There are boxes in classrooms and the Worship Center to place Thanksgiving food items. If you know of a family that needs to be blessed, call Nancy at the church office or Alberta. We will need to have all supplies and names turned in by November 11^th. That will give time to prepare and deliver the baskets before Thanksgiving.

Please continue to pray for our Multi-housing ministry at Lifegate Mission. If you have not went to check out what our Team does with the kids, I encourage you to go and experience a blessing. You might get hooked on serving.

Reflection of LIfe

This week has been a great adventure as Rosemary and I have taken in 2 little girls. We are considered to be MeMe and PopPops to them. I only have a taste of what it would be like to have them living permanently with us. Everything changes: the things you do, the food you eat, the time it takes to get ready, the TV shows you watch, when you go to bed, the places you go, and the list goes on and on. Mainly your priorities are changed as you care for little ones who can not defend themselves. And God forbid that you neglect their care to do your own thing because you are responsible for them.

While reflecting on this week, God spoke to me of His love and concern for you and me. When someone accepts Christ into their life, everything changes or should change. The things you do, the time you spend in God's Word, the shows you watch, what you do, when you go to bed, the places you go, and the list goes on. Mainly your priorities are changed as you care for your relationship with Christ.

The problem comes when we neglect our relationship with God. Many times we turn our back on Him and do what we want and what we used to do. How sad it must make Christ as He calls us to turn around and look at Him. Our neglect of living a daily Godly life affects us in drastic ways. Through our neglect we become malnourished, dirty, un-kept, and self-centered. What a sad state to be in when we could be filled to contentment, have clean hearts, shine with God's love and become concerned for those around us.

God our Father wants you and me to enjoy the life He has given us. That comes when we follow Him in everything we do and everywhere we go. Learn the lesson from caring for small children and care for your relationship with Christ.

The Final Word

It seems like it has been forever since our son and daughter-in-law started the adoption process of a little baby boy. But in reality, it has been less than 2 months. Today ended the official process as papers were signed and the little bundle of joy is officially an Odle.

It has been interesting and rewarding to watch our children grow through this experience as they have had to place their faith and trust in God. It has also be interesting to watch how God put everything into place just at the right time and in shorter time than thought. Isn't God good? All the time!

Now to get back to the daily routines of life, but with a little different perspective. Never under estimate what God can and will do for those who not only love Him but serve Him with all their heart.

The blessing of Life

The blessing of life is something no one should take lightly. To see a precious little baby boy born into this world of ours is proof there is a Holy God who is not dead. A God who created such a complex human body what doctors study and scientists explore but neither understand completed or can recreate. Then you watch the mind of a 3 year old working and processing and again ask who could think of such things other than God HImself.

Yes we can not prove God exists but neither can you prove He doesn't exist. The Bible doesn't not set out to prove God exists; instead to assumes He exists and talks about what He is and does.

It is so easy for us to get wrapped up in our daily life that we forget there is something more we need to be concerned about, serving and honoring God with our total life.

Think on these things!

It has been a while since I updated my blog. Please forgive me.

So what has happened lately? VBS has came and gone. Last week was the big week and what a time we had. We averaged 69 people each day. That includes all our workers. A mission team from TN arrived on the 4th to help us with VBS. Our theme this year was the Boomerang Express. The children enjoyed the music, Bible stories, crafts, games, and snacks.

I want to thank the TN team for coming down again this year to help with VBS and I appreciate them so much. But what impressed me most was to watch our church family who worked with VBS. To see them become so excited about working that they volunteered to work again next year. Thank you also goes to all the people who contributed items that made VBS happen. Without you it would not have been the success that it was.

This year we will have 2 VBS sessions. Our next VBS will be lead by a group of World Changes at our mission church located in the Westchester Manor Condo Complex. Pray for the workers and the children who will be attending.

Today was a wonderful day of worship. We looked at 1 Peter 3:8-12 and discovered 6 things we need to do as children of God. We had guest in both the AM and PM services.

Praise God for His wondrous blessings!

Today was a wonderful day as we worshiped together in the Lord's Name. It doesn't mean that everything went perfect, but it does mean it was great. Our children's choir blessed us with the special before the sermon. I was so proud of them and the great job. People were moved by God's challenge from Haggai 1:1-11 as we considered our ways. We had a lady join the church. And it is official now that Northgate Baptist now has a mission church "Lifegate Mission". We already have 5 people signed up to work in the mission with children. Pray for us as we begin reaching out to a neighborhood that is crying for someone to care for them.

Today was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of NGBC as we continue to obey God's leadership in our church life. I look forward to see what God is going to do as a result.

PRAISE THE LORD

It has been a while since I posted a blog.  You know at times we get so busy that some things go to the side.  We put off doing things to take care of what, at the moment, seems to be high priority.  Then we we look back, we see what we did may or may not have been as high of a priority as we 1st thought.  Now we are behind in everything.

Sad as it is, many times we put off talking to God, and even more, listening to Him.  Across our nation today, people do what they consider to be important.  The day goes by and they don't spend time with HOLY GOD.  Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months into years.  At some point that person stops to look back and discover they have left God behind.  They begin to wonder what happened and why God is not blessing any more.  They desire to be close to God but time away leaves a big hole in their life which they think can not be restored.

I have good news.  God does not work the way we do.  He is waiting for us to turn away from the things of life that are holding our attention and look upon HIM.  Christ is standing with out-stretched arms to receive us back.  So the choice is ours to make.  Are we going to put the past behind and admit we have left our 1st love?  Are we going to allow Christ to clean us from the sin of neglecting God?  Are we going to commit to start today, right now, to follow God closely?

1 John 1:9 tells us the God is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to clean us from all unrighteousness.   Are we ready to receive His restoration in our lives?  Are we ready to?  Are we ready?

wowwwww!!!!!!!!

I have so much to talk about that has happened this past week that I don't really know where to start. So here goes:

1. This past week has been a real challenge to me personally. As Mark and I would talk about each day's events, he would challenge me to become more of a pastor and to depend on God's daily guidance. He would remind me to do the things God's shows me and focus on those things only. The question we have to answer is "What is God showing us?" I was also encouraged to emphasize the positive and ignore the negative. It is not always easy to ignore negative when it is so loud but that is the challenge.

2. The revival! I have not experienced a revival like this past week in a long long time. God's word of correction was spoken. We learned that we are not to COME - SIT - EXPECT. For so long that is exactly what we have been doing. We come to the church building, sit in our pew, and expect God to do something great in our life and the life of the church. What does that do for us? Nothing except leave us empty and still expecting. Instead we are to PREPARE - GO - POSSESS. We are to do everything we can to prepare ourselves to DO God's work. Then we are to go out into our community and do what we have prepared to do. Then and only then will we possess the promise of God's reward. Tuesday evening was a great break through for us. God moved upon the whole church. People were at the alter, lives were restored, and commitments were made. It was not the number attending, but how the spirit was free to stir hearts into action.

3. Westchester Manor Mission Project: The mission team did a fabulous job leading the children in God's Big Back Yard. Again it was not the number of children attending, but the training that was accomplished. Out of the 10 workers only 2 of us had ever been on a mission trip. Some had never been involved in anything remotely close to this mission experience. We fell in love with children and they fell in love with us. On the last day one girl commented "Will we ever see you again?" We met and connected with parents and grandparents and found others had the same heart for children as we did. It was so exciting to see lives change right in front of your eyes. They got it! What ministry is all about. Taking Jesus to our community.

4. Then God placed a great opportunity in our laps. We, Northgate Baptist Church, have an opportunity to take on a mission church in the same complex we held the back yard club. The pastor of Lifegate Baptist Mission had to step down due to his health. This mission has been in existence for about a year and now it needs someone else to lead. We have to decide whether or not to obey and continue what has been started. We had started talking about beginning a 2nd worship service, now God has given it to us. Just not in the way we expected.

There is so much more on my heart but you will have to come to Northgate to experience it for yourself as God unfolds His plan and direction in the days to come.

Revival Meetings 1&2

Today was great but challenging. The music was uplifting and the message was encouraging and at the same time convicting. This morning we were asked to consider if we are doing what God has asked us to do for Him. We discovered we, the church as a whole, have not been the shepherd of the sheep in our community, those who have not come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Tonight we were given what we can and need to do to change the way we reach out. We need to take what we have, hand it to Christ, let Him bless it, take it back, and then give it to others. When we each do this, one by one we can and will make a difference in lives. Jesus Christ has given His followers the power they need to go into the dark world as a light that shines God's love.

Continue to pray for the remaining services.

Out of Time

Here we are only 1 more day till Revival meetings start. Time slips past us so quickly. We set out to do certain things, all with good intent, but life has a way of side tracking us if we are not careful. The next thing we know, time is up and we must proceed.

The unfortunate thing is that we treat Jesus Christ the same way. We, with good intentions, strive to serve Him, love Him, obey Him, and follow Him only to become side tracked. The week goes by and we have not done anything for HIM. We assemble for worship on Sunday feeling defeated but desiring to hear from Holy God.

How do we stop the cycle? That only happens when we get up each day and start with the mindset that today is for the Lord. The more we put this into practice the easier it is to.

Romans 12:1-2

Sunday Review

Today was a hard day to preach. I sensed a spiritual battle building. But what a wonderful message from God as we looked at the idea that He wants to bless beyond our imagination as we obey His direction.

Many things are stirring in the background. God has a direction for our church to follow, revival is 2 weeks away, we have the Westchester Manor mission project, and this week I found out we have an opportunity to take over Lifegate Baptist Mission. The question for us now is whether or not we are going to listen to God.

God is up to something great and Satan doesn't want that to happen. We need to be aware that Both are working and we must decide to only listen to God.

Next week is going to be an interesting Sunday as we have a Church Family Meeting. We have some things we need to talk through and that can only be done in a group.

One of the things I struggle with is discouragement. I see things that we need to do as a church and there is not enough of me to do it. Of course I'm not suppose to do it all. That is the purpose of the body of Christ. As everyone does their part, God will be honored with Northgate and will bless greatly.

Remaining Disciplined

Do you struggle with remaining disciplined? I do. One year ago my bone doctor told me to walk 40 mins. four times a week. It was only a few weeks ago that I began to follow the doctor's orders. Even with getting started I have had days to go by without walking.

Why do we struggle so with being disciplined? We have the same problem when it comes to following God's direction. We know what we should be doing but just can't seem to get started. Even when we do start, it is difficult to maintain the momentum. So what do we do?

I believe the ridding force that causes us to be disciplined is motivation. My motivation for walking is the realization that if I don't, the medication that I'm taking won't work properly thus my bones won't be restored and as I get older they will begin to break easily. I don't want that to happen.

But what should be our motivation for serving and following God? The realization of what Jesus Christ did on our behalf. No one other than God asked Him to allow Himself to be placed on the cross and take on the sins of mankind from the beginning of time to the end of time. He did it out of love for us!

Now what are we going to do for Him in return? I will have answer for myself and you will have to answer for yourself. What is your decision?

Sunday Review

Sunday we found out that we need to be prepared to go when we are following God's direction.  Next week we will look at knowing our community.  Look at Joshua chapter 2 as he sent spies into Jericho.

A question was asked of me, "Once we think we know God's direction for us, do we stop praying for it and act, or do we keep praying for it as it may change?"

Gideon can help us answer this question.  One day God spoke to Gideon and gave him directions to follow.  3 times he questioned God to insure what God said was what HE wanted Gideon to do.  God did not change His direction for Gideon's life.  Finally Gideon took action based on God's direction.

The real question to ask ourselves is whether the direction we are heading is our wishing or God's.  Some times we want something so bad that we tell God/ask Him to make it happen.  So has God spoken to us or are we telling God what to do?  The difference is in our prayer with Him.  Example:  God show me what you want me to do.

When God speaks and we are listening for Him to speak, there is normally a peace that comes upon us.  This comes when we stop struggling with God's direction for our life and surrender to follow it.

Then some times we don't want to accept God's direction.  So we keep praying asking God not to let it happen or we just won't follow.

No matter what HIS direction is, we must wait for His timing.  It is possible to go ahead of Him before it is time.  Again we must we listening closely for His prompting when to take action.  When it is time to go into action, we need to move, following the direction He has already given us.

I hope this helps you all as you seek God's direction for you life.

Wii Competitions

Announcing Wii Competitions starting Wednesday, February 25 for all youth.  They youth house will be opened at 6:15 pm for students to challenge each other to different games.  

Each time a student attends they can also enter their name into a drawing to win an iPod.  The drawing will be held the last Wednesday of May.

Watch for updates to the competitions.

Sunday Review

Called To Remain Faithful.  Who me?  Have I been called to be faithful?  To whom?  Why?  Why can't I do whatever I desire?

Yes you are called to be faithful.  God has called each believer to remain faithful to HIM at all times.   That means from the time you and I wake up in the morning till the time we fall asleep at night we are to be faithful.  We are to remain faithful (give our all) in our actions and reactions to everyone around us.  

The problem is:

1.  We have not trained ourselves to respond to God's direction for our life during the week.

2.  We don't spend time with our Lord each day.

3.  We want to do what WE want to do more than what God wants us to do.

Read James 4:1-10

According to Joshua 1:7-9 we are to remain faithful to God, then and only then, will we be prosperous in our obedience to Christ.

Think on this for a while!

Why can't our church be full?

As we all prepare for worship Sunday, here is something chew on for a while.  Why can't our church be full?  Before you start coming up with different reasons why it's not, stop to consider what God desires.

Sunday we will start a series of studies on "10 Steps To Following God's Direction".  God promised Abraham a massive piece of land for the nation Israel.  After Moses passed away, Joshua received that same promise.  Step 1 - We must "Realize the Promise to Expand our Borders."  Step 2 - That promise is only filled when we "Remain Faithful".

Let me ask the question again.  Why can't our church be full?  God's desire is for it to be full.  So what we might need to do is examine our life to see if we are remaining faithful.  Is it possible that the reason our church is not full is that we don't invite people to meet Holy God?

The next time you begin complaining that the numbers in church were low, could be your own doings?

Chew on that for a while.

Opportunity

For all our folks in the Tampa area. I want to invite you to a great opportunity to see young lives changed and possibility have yours changed. For all others who are checking in on this blog site, I want to invite you to be part of this opportunity by praying for those of us who will be working.

Westchester Manor Mission Project. April 6-10. It was finalized today for our church to hold backyard bible club for about 25+ children 1st -6th grade. Theme: The Big Backyard. They will learn about serving others and our neighborhood from the examples found in the gospels.

If you are interested in helping, let me know. We need people for music, crafts, bible study, recreation, and snacks.

There will be more to come, but I ask that everyone begin praying now for God to go before us and prepare the hearts of children and parents as we assist Lifegate Baptist Mission.

Pastor Roger

2 Great Events Today

1st Great Event - "The Wednesday Letters" - Yesterday Rosemary and I began reading this novel by Jason Wright.  I am not that much of a reader, but this book got both of our attention so much that we could not put it down.  We finished it this afternoon.  The book teaches one to trust in God, to forgive, and to redeem.  It will make you cry and laugh; have feelings of anger, sadness, and joy.  It is full of passion, mystery, suspense, morals, and compassion.  I recommend this book to anyone who will agree to read it.  You can find it at amazon.com.  

2nd Great Event - NGBC 50th Anniversary - What a great day at NGBC.  The ladies and choir did a fantastic job with all the music,  Pastor Paul delivered a challenging message, and the food oh the food was great.  Today we celebrated all the church is and should be for the next 50 years.  I look forward to what God is going to do through a willing group of people as we reach out to our changing community around us.  Be looking for the videos and pictures to appear on our website northgatebaptistchurch.org.

Anniversary

Each year of a couple's life they come to the bringing point called their anniversary. Rosemary and I will celebrate our 34th this March. We always do something special to remember all these years of being together .

Our church is doing the same thing this Sunday. We will celebrate 50 years of service. Back in '59 some 250 people felt that God wanted a church our community. Over the years the church has begun 2 other churches and seen many men and women called into the ministry.

The vision back in the beginning of Northgate is still the vision today. "Taking Christ Into Our Community" The times, fashions, methods, and people have changed over the years, but one thing has never changed. God still wants to use people at Northgate to reach out to the hurting and lost souls within our community with the message of hope.

Are we still standing the test that was started 50 years ago? I encourage everyone to get involved in not just doing things at the church house, but being involved in the community. Reach out and touch someone today with your God given talents, abilities, gifts and compassion.

One of Those Days

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel blahhh? Every once in awhile I have one of days. You have plenty to do but just don't want to do anything. It is hard to think and some times you would rather craw back in bed.

But, life goes on. It is during those slump times that God can speak or do something marvelous. It is during those down times that we need to reflect upon what HE has done for us already. That out of His love, mercy and grace He has blessed us beyond what we deserve. Most everyone reading this blog has a decent home, a car in the driveway, plenty of clothes to wash, food in the pantry, and family around us.

So, chin up. Remember if you have Christ in your life, you are a child of the King of Kings, Lords or Lords, the Alpha & Omega, the creator, and sustainer of life. You belong to Holy God.

Ponder on that for a while!

Revival Time

It is time to begin praying for NGBC revival meetings.  Revival dates were confirmed today.  My brother Mark will be preaching at our revival beginning Sunday, April 5 - Wednesday, April 8.  That equates 4 messages.  

As you pray, consider this specific items:  for Mark as he prepares the messages, for him and his wife's safe travel, for the music leader, for God to prepare our hearts to hear and respond to HIS message, for people to accept Christ, for people's lives to be changed, etc.

Also be praying about the mission project scheduled for that same week in the Westchester Manor complex.  Somewhere around 50 children and their families live there.  We will be assisting the Life Gate Baptist ministry located within the complex.

I realize it will be a very busy week but it should be very rewarding.  I am excited about what God is and can do through our obedience and service.

Sunday's Coming

Why do we go to Church?  Today I talked with a lady who made this statement.  "I don't believe in all this religion stuff.  I don't like all the hypocrites so I will never go to church again."  Sadly somewhere along the way she came across some people who called themselves Christian but didn't live their life after the pattern of Jesus.

So, why do you go to church?  Hebrews 12:25 says "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near." (NLT)

Benefits of meeting together:

• encouragement
  
• gain knowledge
• express appreciation
• challenge to grow
• time of reflection

The problem is that many times we are guilty of coming to the place of worship unprepared and with a bad attitude.  We allow our personal preferences to interfere with what is important and become selfish with our motives.

What do I need to do before going to church?  [Pray, Seek God, Pray, Meditate, Pray, Reflect, Read His Word, Pray, Obey]  Do this during the week every week of the year and watch what He  does through your life and how your attitude to church will change.

Excited!

Today has been a day of great encouragement and excitement.  In the frame of 12 hours the tentative date for revival was set and a mission project confirmed.  My spirit was lifted as I observed God placing things into motion that only He could have arranged.

As of tonight, our mission project this spring will be during spring-break at Westchester Manor.  We have the opportunity to work with from 20-50 children as we assist Life Gate Baptist Ministry.  (April 6-10)

As of today, we will have Revival that same week of spring-break.  My brother Mark will come down from IL. to lead the Revival and I am working on the music minister.

Begin praying for both today and see me if you would like to be a part of the mission project.

Look for more to come.

Sunday is coming!  Are we ready to meet together and celebrate what God has done in our lives this week?  To bring your mind to focus, the title of Sunday's message is "Gone Fish'en".  I remember  a special fishing trip with my oldest son one Saturday in Panama City.  We had been introduced to a spot where the sea trout would come to.  That the moment we cast the bait into the water a trout would strike.  Time after time, fish after fish we would reel in our catch even more excited as each one came in.

This type of excitement also happens when were see people accept the gift of eternal life. When was the last time you went fish'en for people?

Hope to see you Sunday.

Sunday Review

What a busy day.  Many people talk about being off on Sunday but the life of a pastor is far from being a day off.  With that in mind after some struggles with saving and printing my sermon notes, we had a good day at Northgate.

The challenge this week is going to be whether or not we are going to intentional with our witness for Jesus Christ.  It is easy to say we will talk to our community about the hope in us but it is another story to actually do it.

I encourage you to comment back with your experiences this week as you put intentional witnessing into practice.

Prepared?

In our society today, the day runs so fast. It seems that we no more than get out of bed and it is time to crawl back in. When we look back over the day's activities, what did we do that counted? Did our actions change the life of another for the good? Is God pleased with our accomplishments?

Most Christians today start preparing for Worship when they arrive at the worship building. I want encourage you to start preparing today. Take some alone time and spend it with God and His Word. Listen to Him as He speaks to your mind and heart.

This weeks message is entitled "Intentional Witnessing". See you then.

DC Mission Trip

I received a phone call today letting me know that the DC Mission trip was canceled.  Although I'm let down, in the back of my mind comes the thought that God may be protecting us from something or that He wants to do something else greater.

A large part of following God's leadership is realizing when He is moving and standing still.  That means we have to be in tune with Him daily.