Today is Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.  There is no president in history that had as much adversity in their term of office as did Lincoln.  Lincoln is quoted as saying, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right”  May we face trouble with the same attitude.  Not always looking for God to be on our side, but rather to be sure we are on God's side for God is always right.

Christ demonstrated His great love for us when He laid down His life for us.  May I suggest that while remembering to tell your sweetheart how much you love him or her, don't forget to look heavenward and thank God for the greatest demsonstration of love ever given. 

Finally, a word on life.  Christ said He came not just to give us life, but to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).  There are so many things that come our way that want to steal our joy and make us unhappy in life, but Christ's desire for us is that we have a life that is full.  I do not believe that this always equates with happiness, but certainly means that we can have a life of true joy and contentment. 

After I finish writing this I am heading to the airport to take off and visit my mom and dad and take a few days of R & R.  May your weekend be a great one, looking Godward like Lincoln, loving like Chirst and living life fully.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with our association's Assistant National Representative, Jim Vogel.  Our meeting was to discuss outreach planning and strategy for our church.  It was a good meeting and he gave me a lot of good ideas.  This is the benefit of being a part of an association of churches. 

As I drove home my mind was buzzing.  Thinking about what we are doing right, what we need to do better, and how to implement some of the ideas he gave me.  As I was processing all of that I could not help but think that the bottom line is we need to go.

Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Yes we must plan, pray, and strategize, but we must in the end GO.  Plans mean nothing without feet to make them work.  God wants each of us involved in reaching our world for Christ.  This means not just talking evangelism, but doing it.

We must connect with God, connect with others and connect with our world.  Live it out.  Go!!

Because of Him,

Pastor Phil