Devotional Thought

I have been using my old stand-by, Charles Spurgeons "Morning and Evenings" devotional book, as a way to start and, when I remember, end my days. He was a great writer, and I believe a man of God. I really enjoyed this morning's devo, so I thought I'd share it here...
""Be ye separate." --2 Corinthians 6:17

The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race. And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty--let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets--let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.

Then rise my soul! and soar away, Above the thoughtless crowd; Above the pleasures of the gay, And splendours of the proud; Up where eternal beauties bloom, And pleasures all divine; Where wealth, that never can consume, And endless glories shine."

Written by Charles Spurgeon
Hope you enjoy it, too.
Brother Donnie

General Assembly

Well, I only was able to attend two sessions of the GA this year, but I must say I was very pleased with hop it went! I had been hearing good things all week, both by phone, and by reading Sister Becki Horne's updates on her blog(Thanks Sister!!). But I was was still concerned. I half expected to walk in the door and feel more of the same old tension that we've had for several years now. Well, I am pleased to report that it wasn't there!! Or at least, if it was, I couldn't detect it. It was such a calm, easy spirit, yet exciting at the same time.The singing was great and Spirit filled, Brother Smith did a good job moderating the service. The preaching I heard was great! All the ministers preach with a lot of boldness...some very stout preaching, indeed, and just what the Holy Ghost ordered, I am sure! I needed to hear it. My good buddy Brother Brian Odell preached a great message, giving some rock solid biblical support for our Advice to Members, among other things. Brother Rob Hawkins preached very strong as well. He talked of smacking down the flesh...I left feeling like I am not the only pastor out here who has been frustrated and is sick and tired of the fleshliness that we have been fighting within the church these last few years. Both of these men gave some good instruction for how to deal with this problem. Praise the Lord!!
I also enjoyed the WMB program (always do). Sister Bishop and all her helpers did a great job. I was especially blessed by Sister Vivian Campbell's testimony.
Brother Delbert Bock, who is a great fellow, I think, preach a great message and then the appointments were made. I was again very happy and relieved to hear that our Regional Overseer, Brother Jernigan and his dear wife will be with our region for another year. We love them so much and they have been a good fit for us up here. After all that had happened in our region, we didn't know if anyone would want us...who would come to this region? But they did, and they came with their arms and heart's wide open to us, and ours were to them as well. I believe it has been good for them and us. Maybe they needed us, too? I don't know, but I do know that God has put His approval on their leadership here. We have had an amazing year. We limped into the Regional convention in 2006, hurting, confused, some even growing bitter. But in 2007, the whole region came running in shouting the praises of our God who has kept us through so much! There is so much unity here now, and power, oh! the power of God!!
So, I left the General Assembly feeling quite good about things. We have a lot of work to do , and I'm ready to get at it! Praise the LORD!!
In other news, another young person from our great region was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost last Friday, at the General Assembly. During the Youth Program, I think. A teenage girl from E'Town. God is so Good!!!
God bless...
Brother Donnie