daddy4ms

Introduction: As I was thinking and praying about what to share during my final sermon on staff, I began to think of the transition that I am making as well as the church.   We as pastors have been consistently focused on three priorities over the last several years: prayer, worship and equip.   So, even though I may no longer be on staff in a few weeks at this church, as a member of this church I believe just as strongly that Hesston MB needs to continue to be about these priorities in the days ahead.   However, the more I prayed about it, the more I realized that to get to these priorities, we as a church also had to make some transitions so that is why I am entitling this message “Transitional Thoughts”.   Transition is defined as “the process or an instance of changing from one form, state, activity, or place to another.” Educate to Equip- Ephesians 4:11-16 ·          What is the difference?   o    To e...

Introduction: I would like you to think about the word “plans”. Write down on your bulletin some plans you have for: this week, summer, your future, etc.   I am a planner so I love to know what is going to happen.   Yet we also need to keep in mind a Scripture from Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” We are going to see from the story of Peter and Cornelius, two great leaders who had plans yet God had a different plan and purpose for them and for others. Prepared- vs. 24-29 ·          Vs. 23-24-Peter and Cornelius have visions (10:1-23) o    Peter is told not to call common what God has made clean (15). As Peter is trying to figure out what it means, some men come and find him. o    Cornelius is told to call for a man named Peter and is given his location and he sends his servants to find him. o    Peter makes preparations and...

Last week, I had the privilege of being in Houston and getting to spend time with the staff at Wood's Edge Church in Houston, Texas.  First of all, let me say that the staff was so hospitable and went above and beyond what I had in mind.  I spent about an hour talking logistics and history with their Prayer and Care Pastor, Carol.  It was so fun to hear their journey over the years of becoming a church that not just talks about prayer, but actually makes prayer a priority.  She shared lots of great resources and details about how they transitioned as a church and some of the obstacles along the way. In addition, to a great visit with Carol, I was treated to an amazing supper with Carol as well as three of their elders and their wives.  Not only was the food amazing, but also was able to hear the heart of these leaders and how prayer had changed them and their church.   After the meal, I was able to attend their Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting.  I...

Spending today in prayer and worship here today. This is similar to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. 

Today will be my first official learning opportunity on sabbatical. I will be doing an online prayer conference put on by Threshold Prayer  Ministries. I’m looking forward to learning more about leading prayer ministry in the church. 

  Introduction: Carol Conner Why don’t we pray? Some answers: we don’t know what to say, what if we don’t hear, what if we don’t like what we hear, we don’t have time, I’m not good at it, I can’t pray like… We have an Enemy who does not want us praying.   Stop feeling guilt, shame, and condemnation for the reasons we don’t pray and recognize that Satan will lie to you and do everything to keep the church from praying together. See (vs. 5-6) ·          Vs. 5-The Problem: It’s all about them and being seen by others o    Hypocrites- those who profess to do a pious action, but do so with their eye on people... [1] ·          Vs. 6-Solution: Secret Place. Matthew Penner talked about this last Sunday. We need to abide and be with Jesus in the Secret Place.   It is not out of obligation, but from relationship. ·          Not a rule agai...