Pastor Joshua Lynn

2012 a Blessed Year

2012-01-30T11:58:00.002-05:00

A New Year has came and we now seem engulfed in all of it’s activity. More of January 2012 is in our past than in our future and we are now looking to what this year may bring to us. I have felt in my Spirit the Lord speaking to His Children to proclaim 2012 to be a Blessed Year! At the risk of sounding like a prosperity preacher who promises great wealth to you this year.. the Lord does want to bless you.

What is God’s Blessing?

One of the best definitions I have found would be “Divine Favor.” It is nice to have someone’s favor. However, how much the greater to have DIVINE favor?

In Luke 1:28 the Angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and called her “Highly Favored.” She was about to have the Son of God. This “Blessing” was above any imagination, any human’s ability, and without merit on the part of Mary.

In Deuteronomy 28 verses one through nine we see the promise of God’s blessings- His favor upon His people. The only condition we read of God’s Divine Favor is to keep His commandment- to obey the Word of the Lord God has revealed to you in Scriptures and in your walk with Him. Verse six gives a broad stroke of this great Blessing “Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.” No other conditions- YOU WILL BE BLESSED! Do you believe it?

I encourage you to not act as one in defeat, but believe in the Favor of God in your life for this year. Remember Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We have some wild imaginations that think and hope for some amazing things, but the Word says He is able to do “Exceeding abundantly above ALL” we could think or ask.

Let us keep to the Commands of the Lord and believe in His Blessings for 2012 (Divine Favor).

Let us Pray that we could follow after the example of Jesus, even as a twelve year old child, recorded in Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Proclaim 2012 to be a Blessed Year!

Season of Seeking 2012

2012-01-01T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today begins the “Season of Seeking” in the Church of God of Prophecy as well as much around the Christian Church. We strive to seek God through prayer and fasting as we begin this New Year. I encourage each one to participate in one way or another over the next 21 days for God to guide us in 2012.

Below is some helpful links to assist you in your “Season on Seeking.”

http://cogop.org/ministries/prayer-ministries/prayerresources.html

2012- Praise God

2012-01-01T00:16:00.001-05:00

Here we are in the first few minutes of 2012 and I am reminded of what is truly important in this coming year. I sat with my family quietly praying both in thanks for the blessings of 2011 and also for guidance in 2012. I am so thankful and excited to see what great things are ahead for us in 2012. As I watched different people on TV celebrating, each one would share their desires for this coming new year. I began to question the reason for our “celebration” we were all having.

I do believe God wants to bless each of us amazingly in 2012. I know God has a design for 2012 to use us for His Glory, to grow in His Presence, and fulfill the call upon us for this great year. But the key to 2012 is not that it will “be a great year”, rather it is should be said that "by God great things will happen this year”. The latter part of the sentence is not important, unless it begins with God. For it is by God that all things are possible. It is by God that any blessing comes. It is by God that protection and provision will be with us.

It is through God that all blessings come. I am reminded of the Doxology that begins, “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.” You and I may or may not have been in a prayer meeting to pray in the New Year, however do not let that stop us in remembering to pray each and everyday, and give praise knowing that it is God who will bless you, protect you, and fulfill the great things ahead in 2012.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 (NLT)

May God keep you and bless you in 2012!

The Little Things

2011-12-19T08:42:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since my last blog. The family is doing great and looking for a great end of the year and beginning a new one.

Our family has been driving from our home in middle Alabama to south Alabama and then from middle Alabama to north Alabama every weekend consecutively as well as some during the week. The early morning drives and late nights have caused me to view the landscape different each time. With every trip it seems I see something new. One day it is the beauty of the rolling pasture or the unique clouds in the sky. I will admit, that fact that I get no cell phone service for most of the drive allows me the time to breathe a little and take in everything. I have learned through all these travels as well in other positions that I have held that have allowed me to travel (both in secular work and ministry) through almost every part of the country- God created all things wonderful. I seem to see everywhere as beautiful each with it’s own unique and special beauty. Just as God has created us each with the little things that make us different but wonderful so He has with our surroundings. Thank God for His little gifts everyday- from mountains, to the ocean, the fog that sits so quietly through the pine trees, the flat grassy land and everything in between- You are an Amazing Artist!

So, here we find ourselves….it’s Christmas! It seems that with each year that I get older, I find myself more and more thankful for what we are accustomed to calling “the little things”. But are they so “little”? I think not. We are so very blessed to have a roof over our heads, clothes, a food on our table. Most of all we are so very blessed to have a Saviour that came to this earth that night. May we not forget, even for one moment, the significance of that night.

Merry Christmas!

Blessed

2011-05-17T19:59:00.001-04:00

To update everyone the simplest way to say everything is I am blessed!

Over the last few weeks I have been to Leadership Development Institute (LDI) in Cleveland, TN. As always this is a great conference for pastors and other leaders. Pastor and Dr. Bryan Cutshall did a great job teaching pastors tools to sharpen the tool box in minister for the kingdom. I was blessed by the inspiration and the moments of revelation on how to better fulfill the Biblical mandate of the Body of Christ.

While at LDI, the April 27th tornadoes hit Alabama and other states. Our family and home was spared as well as everyone in our church. For this again I say I am blessed. In the days following my family and I checked on our friends in my home county and the Church in Hackleburg while we were out of power in Leesburg. Words, pictures, and videos cannot express the level of damage and the mass destruction in this wonderful town. The church was completely destroyed but the church is carrying on the ministry in tents on the property. I was so blessed by the spirit of the people as they rallied around each other and have not let this devastation keep them down.

Most recently was this Sunday’s service. Sunday morning when I went over early to take care of a few things before service I could feel a special Spirit of God moving in my prayers. It was no surprise to feel a powerful presence of God in our worship and a great anointing as we preached the Word of God. Again, I am blessed- and for that matter we were Blessed.

In all things give Praise.. I was reminded of that time and again over the last few weeks. God Thank you-- in all things you have given me blessing and I praise YOU!

God is up to something

2011-03-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been such a blessing. It is hard to write or to fully explain what God is doing but the easiest and quickest is that God is blessing. Sometimes it is so easy to see the difficult but it is important to look to see the great and mighty hand of God. Often it is in the little things He sends us, from the confirmation of His will and direction in things and people God sends your way to His Spirit ministering to you and others.

The weather is wonderful and it makes us know that seasons come and go, but Christ remains faithful through them all.

The family is well. Heidi is growing and we are seeing more and more of her personality come out each day. I am so thankful that she is here and she loves her daddy!

Be encouraged - know that all things work together for them that love the Lord. Love Him and serve Him with all you are and all you have. It will change your life!

God Bless!

A quick update

2011-03-07T16:57:00.001-05:00

My three girls!

Life is great and God is wonderful. As our family has grown over the last 3 months it has been like starting over of how to care for a baby. It is amazing what you forget in 5 years. Miss Heidi is doing great and she is a wonderful baby. We have been so blessed.

Over the last month I have grown a year older- it happens once a year. I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend SOPAS (School of Practical and Advanced Studies) from the Center for Biblical Leadership which is one of the Church of God of Prophecy’s International training arms. I enjoyed some wonderful teaching and direction from some great men in the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) like Bishop Adrian Varlack (it is amazing how much he knows just off the top of his head!), Bishop Hector Ortiz (Director of CBL- has amazing wealth of Godly wisdom), and not to leave out Bro. Mark Menke (who taught on Pastoral Leadership). It was a great few days. I am looking forward to SOPAS Term 2!

As for our local church, God has been great. We would be blind not to see our challenges but we would also be missing the great blessings to not see all that God is doing. It is one (if not the greatest) blessings of pastoring, to watch someone grow as God is dealing with them in their walk with Him. To see them take new steps and to grow and mature in Christ is so exciting. People who come to you in private and share what God is doing in their lives and what they sense the Holy Spirit leading them towards outweighs any challenge we face. I pray that God would breathe into the sails of those who are stretching to grow and to see new things in Christ Jesus.

What a ride to be on- what a journey to watch- The Best is Yet to Come in Jesus name!

Personal Note: Death of Clara McMahan Part 2

2011-02-09T00:09:00.001-05:00

Well done good and faithful servant!

Part 2...
continued ‘death of my precious little lady’...

Not long after becoming youth pastor at Arrowhead we decided to do an outdoor event that included a concert. It was geared for youth, with a youth praise band and youth drama, as well as youth praise and worship. It was loud, it was ‘different’ and it was not what our elders liked. But did that stop their complete support- NO. I have pictures of some of the elders both in age and membership sitting there with all the support they could give. One of the elders pulled me aside towards the end and ask if we was fine financially with the event. He wanted me to be assured they would take care of me. WOW. Sister Clara was there for ‘me’. I was told of a story before I moved to the Arrowhead Church were Sister Clara’s husband Bro. Claude made the statement to the new pastor Paul Holt ‘I don’t know what we have done, but we have got to get our youth back.’ It was this statement and the above actions that made the Arrowhead Youth Ministries grow during those years. They supported, gave, and encouraged not their type of ministry but what would work, what God was doing and blessing.

Sister Clara made a MASSIVE impression on my life. I have thought today several times- “I have got to make her happy,” I see her looking down at me, my actions, my attitudes, and my life. I desire to please Jesus but the closest person to Him I have known that is in Heaven today is Sister Clara. I don’t preach alone, I don’t minister alone, I don’t father alone- I have both Jesus and Clara watching - I have to make them proud.

Sister Clara- thank you. I will try to make you proud, not just in front of people, but in my prayer life- my attitude, my love and compassion to serve others. I love you!!!

We have lost one- is there one (or two) to take her place?

Personal Note: Death of Clara McMahan

2011-02-08T23:12:00.002-05:00

She was always writing cards to people...

This morning I was half awake and half asleep as my youngest daughter (Heidi) was not happy, I was fully awakened as I received a phone call at 5:30 AM. It was my Sister-in-law so I figured the call was for Crissy. I could hear Crissy’s conversation and when Crissy said “I will let him know.” I knew I had lost my precious little (old) lady. I was told that about 30 minutes before she entered heaven to receive what I can only imagine to be a huge crown with lots of jewels. But knowing Bonky (Sister Clara) she didn’t even notice it. She went to try to be a blessing to Jesus through her praise and I guess an organ she found to play for him. From there I can see her looking for people, friends, family, and others she had seen ahead of her from her dad to Sister Hartman.

Yet here on earth so many thoughts rush through my head today. It has been on my mind all day. I have been selfish- I have lost a devoted prayer warrior that didn’t have a personal responsibility or connection to me, until she choose to do so. She so often would look in my eyes, even when our ministry took us away from Arrowhead Church, and she would say ‘I am praying for you,’ right after she had ask how things were going. I know those are words spoken by so many, but for her I knew- I seen her on her knees in her prayer closet. I specifically felt her prayers. I lost my supporter. Sure others support but again she didn’t have to- she had no connection until she choose to do so. Continuing with my selfishness, I think - who is going to take her place in my life, praying for me, telling me ‘I am here for you,’ and so much more. Then I am reminded what a great elder of the church I grew up in, named Orr Boyett, said to me as he was dying ‘You have to take my place.’

So many times these words have pierced my heart. There was so much in those few words. This elder generation in the church today has been rocks to the church. So many, including myself, have spoken of their faithfulness. This is so true- they are faithful. But there is more than just faithfulness in commitment to the church. Thinking of my ‘precious little lady’ I see not just a women who was faithful, but the true heart of a servant. I don’t mean the stuff books have been written about -servant leadership etc. (good books), but living the life with a heart to serve. I have seen her serve two different pastors- with no change in her actions. It was not her will, vision, or direction she sought, but the church’s and it’s leadership.

continued later...

Stand Firm Youth Event- Sept. 2002- bottom right lady is Clara

Arise Sleeping Giants

2011-02-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning the Lord had laid on my heart a thought of ‘Arise Sleeping Giant.’ Ephesians shares in chapter 5 where Paul is instructing the church to awake, and arise from there sleep. The American Church needs to hear this gentle reminder. We often are rocked to sleep with our busy days, multiple task, and commitment to it seems everything other than Christ and His work. We need to wake up and get up. When we are awaken it seems that too easily we slip back to sleep but we need to rise up to do what Christ has called us to do. The beauty of it all is that God has amazing things for us and for us to do. We each have something to do that nobody else can do. “Each one is a 10 at something.” This is the power of the giant. When the giant in us each rises up, the giant of the church will make an impact than can be felt in every area of life. Let’s Rise Up Church!!!

Sunday night we enjoyed our ‘Souper Bowl Fellowship.’ Several entered soups and chili into the competition to see who the winner of the 2011 Souper Bowl Championship. It was a great time of fellowship and food while watching the ‘big game.’

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A Powerful Weekend

2011-01-31T16:22:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning was a great day at Leesburg Church. The Lord had changed directions in our service at 10 PM on Saturday night when God spoke the words “My people need to be ReNewed.” So as I continued to understand that and seek the Lord, He gave a powerful word to be shared Sunday morning. During worship we had several come up for prayer for healing. We have been praying and believing for God to heal several with health problems. God’s power was real as He ministered with those during prayer. When the Word of the Lord was to be brought forth, it to was meet with His anointing. Many came to the alter to seek to be ‘ReNewed” by the Holy Spirit. The example of Jesus as He was transfigured was the example from Scripture that we were reminded of - that others could see the “ReNewed” Spirit by our appearance.

Lord ReNew your People!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Watch the service at: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12351271

Catching up

2011-01-25T10:31:00.001-05:00

It has been a while since I last wrote. God has blessed in many ways over the last several weeks. The New Year always brings a new sense of excitement at what the New Year holds. On a very personal note our family has grown in the last two weeks. Crissy and I had our third wonderful child on January 14th. She is a beautiful healthy angel. Her name is Heidi Sophia. We have named each of our children with a meaning to their name. Heidi Sophia means 'Noble and Wise/Wisdom.' If we could give our girl the character to be wise and admirable in her actions I believe that we would have given some essentials to life outside of a relationship with Christ.

We love what God is up to and cannot wait to see what God is going to do this year, both in our family and our ministry. I am filled with anticipation of the lives God is going to change this year!!

Join the Journey with Leesburg Church to read the Bible in 2011. In 15-20 minutes a day you can read some Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs everyday- a great blend. I promise you will love it! Go to www.TheLeesburgChurch.org and click on Bible to link you to your reading plan.

God Bless!

God with Us

2010-12-20T11:41:00.001-05:00

The last two weeks have been a blessed time. God has truly been great. Last Sunday we looked get Back to the Basics. No matter were we are with the Lord, from a new Christian to a mature Christian, we must continue to focus on the fundamentals of growing in Christ. Among these are reading the Bible for personal revelation for your life and praying in a real way as a real two way conversation with God. I ask us this question “How long has it been since the Word of God convicted you of your life (not another)?” or “How long has it been since you heard the voice of God talk to you in your prayers?” We must all continue to mature and we need to listen to God in prayer and His Word!

This Sunday we looked at the prophecy from Isaiah that tells us of Jesus coming as Emanuel which means God with us. We needed a savior, a redeemer, a healer, and so many more things that Jesus brought to us when He left heaven to come to earth. But God knew we needed the presence of God with Us. God desires a personal relationship with us. Jesus came to give us access to salvation but He also came that He might be we us. Will you spend time at God's table in His presence this Christmas season?

In addition, Last Sunday we had two people accept Christ and during this last week in a counseling session God saved another! Praise God!

The Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning was a wonderful first Sunday of a wonderful month (December). We were so blessed to have the Spirit of the Lord join us with His sweet love. As the Spirit moved during worship we were led to have prayer for those need a touch and seeking healing by ‘the laying on of hands.’ Several came to the alter and had the elders gather and pray believing ‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: James 5:14’ Praise God - He still heals!

Our morning sermon was on the ‘Meaning of Christmas.’ While it is true the law of the Old Testament was burdensome and the birth of Jesus made access for each of us, the truth of Scriptures is that the promise of Jesus dates back to the Garden when Adam and Eve fell. In Genesis 3:15 it says “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel." The ‘He’ it God is prophesying about is not only mankind but also the son of God. It was from this point in time that we were given the hope of Jesus. The meaning of Christmas is our hope in salvation and forgiveness of the sinful nature that has been with us since the fall in the Garden.

As we enjoy all the blessings of Christmas, let us not forget that Jesus made the way for us to have access to the redemptive power of Jesus.

Escaping Ordinary- Living the Dream

2010-11-29T13:18:00.001-05:00

Sunday we finished pure series titled "Escaping Ordinary." I still hold firm to the fact that God has designed us each with a purpose that is unique to us alone. This 'dream' is inside of each of us and we must pursue it with all we have. When we find ourself in a desert in the pursuit of our dream we need to hold on and have faith. God will bring you through it. Have this attitude "don't just try to go through it but GROW through it!"

God is going to give you a wonderful person opportunity to know him in a more and real way than ever before just pursue Him more than the dream! You to can live your God given dream!!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A Blessed Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T10:46:00.001-05:00

Sunday was a great day at Leesburg Church. I detoured from our sermon series on Escaping Ordinary to share about Giving Thanks All the Time. The Apostle Paul spoke of giving thanks at all times for all things. As simple as that is to say it is not that simple to live out. Yet as we approach the holiday season let us start with true thanks now and let it carry at least through the season ahead.

Sunday night was a great service with a wonderful Spirit of the Lord with us. We have been reminded that Jesus is still a miracle worker. So many needs are all around us that need more than a mans hand, they need the Power of God. In 1 Corinthians 12 we learn of nine different gifts of the Spirit. Three are mentioned that we say we believe but often don’t practice- The gift of healing, gift of miracles, and the gift of faith. Later in the chapter we are given the direction to ‘31 .. earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.’ We have so many standing in need of physical miracles, let us pray that this gifts would be released in the body of Christ!!

I want to wish all my family, friends, and our church a very Happy Thanksgiving! God Bless you!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Escaping Ordinary-Overcoming the obstacles

2010-11-17T10:54:00.001-05:00

Sunday was a wonderful day filled with many blessings. We continued our series on “Escaping Ordinary.“ The focus of this sermon in the series was that as we reach the edge of going from our current ”Ordinary“ life to the extraOrdinary life and the dreams God has placed in you, you will face many obstacles.You will find that there will be people that seem to be your obsticle. There are two types of oposention you will encounter- One is people who mean it for your good and the second is people who mean it for their good. Some of them are fearful of the risk, some don’t want to break tradition and they resist your dream, others just don’t believe it could ever happen, and lastly some just want to keep you from your dream. The thing to understand is that God will send you a friend that believes in you (it may even be one who at one time was an obstacle) and they will encourage you to continue the dream. Also God places people in our life that will not just encourage us but they will help carry us through the border to the dream inside of you. They will give you the tools and the wisdom because they have experienced what you are trying to do.

KEEP PURSUING THE DREAM- GOD HASAWESOME PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE!!

Sunday morning we also had the wonderful blessing of receiving two new members into the local church. We praise God for His continued blessings on our church.

Sunday night we had a wonderful meal that was prepared and served by our Children and Youth Ministries. At the end we auctioned off deserts and a homemade Alabama and a Auburn quilt. All proceeds will be used to purchase Thanksgiving Dinners for several families in need.

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Wonderful Spirit of the Lord

2010-11-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a wonderful service at The Leesburg Church. During worship the Spirit of the Lord began to move in a powerful way. The Spirit of the Lord stopped our program and people began to worship. It is always a blessing to see people in the altar seeking God. We praise God for the help and touch that He gave His people Sunday morning. Later in the service our pastor’s booster Sister Paula shared a program for Pastor’s Appreciation. It is always humbling to sit in those situations. I am blessed to serve God’s Church. Sunday night was no different, the Spirit of the Lord moved powerfully. As the request was made, several came up for prayer for healing. The Spirit of the Lord moved as if we had called a Healing Service. It is time that we believe what the Word of God tells us ‘These signs shall follow them that believe.’ Let us call on the power of God to do miracles and truly believe that they will happen. We are believing and trusting that several will be receiving their miracle of healing soon. Praise God!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

An addition thought on Dreams

2010-11-05T14:13:00.001-04:00

Also along with this Sunday’s sermon I shared something that had been weighing heavy on my heart since the previous week that was said at TeamUp (our North America leaders training on the young harvest). One of the speakers said ‘Dreams birth vision; sarcasm kills the dream.’ He was speaking of how sarcasm kills our ability to dream freely. As he spoke this I felt the Lord speak to me about a specific generation in America. It seems so many of our churches lack a strong presence of the Baby Boomers. When they are present it seems that they ‘just follow what has always been.’ Walking often without a dream or a vision for their generation and the next. I felt the Lord speak to me that along the way many of this generation (and obviously younger generations as well) have had their dreams squished and now they live with a dead dream in them. At the end of our service we had our elders come up and we prayed that God was resurrect the dead dreams in this generation. Since often dreams are killed by sarcasm it creates a cynical attitude. America is overrun by this cynical attitude. It is not a healthy environment to dream dreams and birth vision. God help us to raise the dead visions and create a healthy environment to dream!

Escaping Ordinary- The Wall of our Fear and Comfort

2010-11-02T18:11:00.001-04:00

This Sunday was another great day at Leesburg Church. We continued our series on ‘Escaping Ordinary.’ This Sunday we shared how that once you accept and believe that God has given you a dream and a purpose unique and special you will be faced with some challenges. The first and maybe the biggest is you. You will face your own area of comfort- the Comfort Zone. As you take steps to pursue your dream there will be a time and a place that you will hit the invisible wall of your comfort zone. It will be a wall of fear. See we all are faced with fear at times. Just as Moses spoke to the Lord about his lack of ability and his concerns of not being able to accomplish the ‘purpose’ God had given him. The Lord comforted Moses and continued to ensure him that with God’s help Moses could achieve the dream/vision/mission/purpose God had given him. We too must know that if God has given us a dream, vision, or purpose (whatever you want to call it) God will help you and you CAN DO IT. Just press through the wall in your Comfort Zone and face the fear of the unknown in pursuit of the dream God has given you. You can do it!

It is so amazing when people share how God is blessing them specifically with the Word of God. The Word shall not go out void!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Escaping Ordinary

2010-10-26T22:20:00.001-04:00

This week I had the great privilege of beginning a sermon series that I pray awakens hope. Escaping Ordinary is about realizing first you are not ‘Ordinary.’ In fact God has made you special and to be great through His power. As one writer puts it we each have a ‘Big Dream’ inside us that God has planted. I want to remind us all that God has greatness, a supernatural design that is awesome in each of us. No matter your past, no matter how long you had first felt the dream. God has not given up on you no matter what you have done. Now is your time to start reaching for the dream that God has placed inside of you. You will bless your family, the church, and the lost world with your dream. Those are the types of dreams God gives! Look at Moses, he had given up on doing or being anything other than a sheepherder. He once was a man of wealth living in Pharaoh's house, then he sinned by killing a man. So he runs into the wilderness. 40 years later God speaks to him on the backside of the mountain in a burning bush. God allows Moses to rekindle his passion to see his Israelite family relieved of the pain of slavery in Egypt. It was his God given dream from 40 years before, now ready to live out. What is your dream?

No matter who you are God has got a great dream for you to live!

(watch online at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10399504)
Check us out online at www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Harvest Fest and Children's Day

2010-10-23T10:20:00.001-04:00

Wow what a weekend last week. We had a full weekend at church but with great blessings all the way around.

Our Outreach Team had been working hard for months on our Harvest Fest that was held on Saturday (October 16th) afternoon. The field behind the church looked like a big party. There were three large inflatables for the kids (and young at heart), along with inflatable games, carnival games, and much more. As well there was hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks for everyone. Oh did I mention it was all for FREE. The purpose of the event was to reach out to our community to serve them. The Team had collected an overwhelming number of door prizes that we kept giving away. We were blessed to have a great number from the church come and help serve alongside the Outreach Team. We had over a 100 visitors from our community come out. It was a great team effort by the whole church.
Sunday morning was Children’s Day. We had invited everyone at Harvest Fest to join us. We had Kingdom Kid’s with Pastor Greg Zachary (Pastor Zack) to minister to us all. The building was packed with 106 in attendance, approximately 30 being visitors. Young and old enjoyed and was touched by the ministry during this Children’s Day. When Pastor Zack gave the invitation to receive Christ many hands went up both young and old. Seven of the children came forward for prayer and one adult who came with their child all prayed for salvation. It was a wonderful and blessed day. At the end two bicycles, an iPod, a fire pit, and a dual screen DVD player for the car was given away to our visitors.

Sunday night was a Church Fall Fellowship. The church had served so well it was time for them to relax and fellowship with one another. They enjoyed food and the games from Saturday as well. The night ended with a church hayride.

It was a great weekend and we were blessed with ministry, souls, and great fellowship. Praise God for His many blessings!

Long awaited update

2010-10-12T16:48:00.001-04:00

Wow. It has been several weeks since I have last updated this blog. For those who care and follow- I am sorry. We took a few days vacation and it got me out of the mind of updating. The last several weeks have been great at the Leesburg Church. The Leesburg Church Outreach Team has been hard at work. This month they have given out another 1100 bottles of water in the adjoining town of Centre during the annual Fall Festival. They have also been hard at work planning for this weekend’s Harvest Fest. This event is planned with the heart to reach the untold numbers of people who don’t attend church in the area. We hope to serve them with the Love of Jesus and in the end introduce them to Jesus.

Sunday we preached on Serving Others! Specifically Sunday morning we looked at the three attitudes of serving- 1- I serve for what I can get from it (What is yours is mine); 2- I serve as long as it does not cost me anything (What is mine is mine); 3- I serve to give (What is mine is now yours!). Just look at Luke 10:30-37. Some wanted something, others were to busy, but one was willing to sacrifice.

Sunday night we looked at the three ways needed to serve others well. In Mark 12:28-30 we learn we serve Christ by using all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We understand our strength but what if we looked at it this way- ‘Serve the Lord with all your strength of your heart, all the strength of your soul, and all the strength of your mind.’ Notice scripture does not have the word ‘or.’ It is all of them. Our heart is our emotions or passions. Our soul is our will - or commitment and dedication. Our mind is our knowledge and intellect. If we can harness these three together instead of just one or two of them we are able to serve God to the fullest of our strength. The same is true as we serve one another- with our mind, heart, and soul with all our strength. WOW- we give our emotions/passions, our intellect, and our commitment, just image what we could do in service for our Lord!!

Stay tuned- God is up to something!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Show Me the Love

2010-09-14T12:21:00.001-04:00

It seems that all around us people are saying ‘Show me the Love.’ Years ago I thought that we had reached a maximum depth of the misuse of the word love. Yet today it seems to be getting more grossly misused. But the worse part is ‘Love’ is not the most common term used to describe the church. Religion has long been a ‘bad thing’ yet now people are looking for the ‘unchurch - church.’ Why is that. Why is ‘church’ not the cool thing or the thing to want to be involved in? Why I know there is a spiritual side to this, I also question that as the American Church we are missing the key to the Gospel. LOVE Let us answer the call to people’s request - “Show me the Love.’ Let’s show His love in greater proportions than ever.

As always know, His love will heal, deliver, redeem, restore, and free you- just trust His love!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Finish Strong

2010-09-08T22:00:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a great day again at The Leesburg Church. We started the year off with the thought that God wanted to bless 2010 in our spirtual and personal life in an amazing way. Yet as months have passed by, It is important to be refocused on what blessings God has for each of us this year. The things God spoke into us, that maybe we have lost focus of, is not lost. While we are nearing the end of the year we do not need to just think ‘this year is over, if I can just make it through this year then I will start over again next year.’ Instead we need to say ‘no matter what has happened this year, good or bad, I am going to finish this year strong.’ The disciple, Peter, had messed up (time and again) and was ready to give up but Jesus talked to him over breakfast, after His resurrection, and ask Peter ‘Do you love me.’ To keep this blog short, it was to help Peter refocus the fact that the key most important thing was to just love Jesus. Just go back to the simple obvious fact. If we love the Lord and trust what He has spoke into us about this year- then refocus and determine to finish strong this year. It does not matter how much you have messed up this year, just go back to your first love- Love Jesus and do it. Peter’s greatest days were after his greatest failures, Your year can finish stronger than it started- Just keep believing in a great blessing in 2010! FINISH STRONG!!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A Healthy Church: Serves

2010-08-31T22:58:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a great day at The Leesburg Church. I was able to finish the fourth pillar of our new vision on a ‘Healthy Church.’ It was focused on ‘Gifted 2 Serve.’ The concept that is essential to become a Healthy Church is that everyone believes they can and will make an impact. It is more important than a good leader- you much believe that every member can make a difference when they find out what God has gifted them for and they put it to work for the church. While the differences make us look at things different it will also drive us to complete the fundamental focuses of the church better than just a few doing the work. In Ephesians 4 Paul gives them a near formula to do the mission of the Gospel. In my own words he said ‘Leaders (Pastors, Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, etc.) train + equip x gifts in members = ministry being done to all, for everyone, for everything.’ The power of our local church (and yours too) comes at the ones in the pews or chairs saying “I have a gift, a calling, and a purpose in this church and I am going to do everything to help the mission of this church be fulfilled with my gifts.’

Look out world here we come!

Sunday night was another great night. It was so good to have some friends of ours with us to minister that evening. Stacy and Valerie Tuttle ministered during our evening service. Sister Valerie sang beautifully as she always does and I enjoyed Bro. Stacy preach a wonderful message on ‘Bloody Issue.’ It was great to see how God was speaking through him about the focus of our church to turn to those who are dying of ‘issues.’

Starting this Wednesday night at 7 PM we will start our new class series on ‘Gifted 2 Serve.’ Come explore what God has gifted you with and where it can be used in the church.

Come on the journey with us!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A Healthy Church is connected to it's community

2010-08-27T01:45:00.001-04:00

Sunday we continued our pursuit to discover how to be a Biblically Healthy Church. We looked at the concept that to be Healthy we must be ‘moved by compassion’ as Jesus was in Matthew 9:36. We must be moved into action by our compassion for others needs. In Ezekiel 34 we read a prophecy of Jesus’. We see the judgement of God upon the leaders of the nation of Israel. They had not cared for the people as God had required of them. Instead they had cared for themselves. God promises a painful judgment upon those who have not cared for the less fortunate. Yet it does not end there. The prophecy goes on to promise the ‘good shepherd’ who will care for the people.

In the end we learn that there is 5 areas that the prophecy specifically mentions:
1- Feed the hungry
2- Strengthen the diseased/Heal the sick
3- Bind up the broken
4- Brought in the driven away
5- Sought the Lost

A Church is not healthy until is is consumed by outreach!

Consume us Lord with your compassion for the community of needs around us!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

The Need in Prayer to be 'A Healthy Church'

2010-08-17T19:29:00.001-04:00

Sunday was another wonderful day at the Leesburg Church. The spirit of the Lord was strong and rich. We were blessed to dedicate little Miss Analeigh to the Lord as her mother and family joined in the wonderful celebration. It is always a blessing to hold a little lives as the family dedicate them to the Lord’s service.

I continued our series and foundation to our vision with “A Healthy Church.’ We looked that the most foundational but needed thing to be a healthy church is to be a ‘House of Prayer.’ If we are going to be the Church God has purposed for us to be, then we must pray like never before and with the intensity to move us into the Presence of God. God has a powerful move for us at Leesburg Church for this period in time. We know that it is beyond our ability and we need to seek God to open up His favor and direction.

Come join us for this great journey!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A Healthy Church

2010-08-09T14:40:00.001-04:00

Sunday Morning we were back in service at Leesburg Church. It was so good to be back worshiping with everyone. The Holy Spirit was so powerful through the worship and it was a wonderful atmosphere to preach the Word of God. We started a new series titled “A Healthy Church.” We shared how it is time to start speaking our vision for the future of this local church. Yet before we get specifics into the methods and structure we will attempt to use, it is important for us to look at the foundational vision that is without compromise going forward. That can all be summed up by saying we desire to be ‘A Healthy Church.’ So the question should then be ask, ‘What is a Healthy Church?’ As well, what do we use to determine ‘A Healthy Church.’ Well both of those answers can be foundby accepting that the Bible as the guide and looking specifically at a Healthy (not perfect) church we have documented in the Bible through studying the book of Acts. It will give the foundational points that make up ‘A Healthy Church.’
We focused Sunday on the fact that the early church was filled by the Spirit to do the work of ministry. So in agreement with our International Assembly theme, we must ‘Pursue His Spirit’ if we are going to be ‘A Healthy Church.’ We must seek the Holy Spirit and be continually FILLED by Him. He is the one who will led us and equip us to do what the Church should do in this hour. Let us come into agreement with our General Overseer as we too accept the focus of ‘Pursing His Sprit’ so we can be ‘A Healthy Church!’

Sunday night after service the church surprised us with some cake and ice cream in honor of our 11th Wedding Anniversary. It was a great time of food and fellowship!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Long Awaited Update

2010-08-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

It has been a while since I have updated my blog. We were at the Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly in Greensboro, NC. It is held every two years as church members from around the world come to partake in church business, church vision, and worshipping the Lord together. There is no way to express the feeling or the amazing way God blesses as different nations and different languages gather in ‘one accord’ to honor God in worship and ministry. It is always a great blessing to attend but this year seemed to be beyond our expectations. God came in with a rush of His Spirit and moved every day and night in a powerful way. God is bringing His Church together all around the world to accomplish this last day move of His Spirit.

We have been back in Leesburg all week. It is now time to take the vision and Spirit of God that was moving and directing at the Assembly to our local church. As a teaser, this week we will start our sermon series that will be our foundation of our vision and our Biblical direction as we launch into the depths of what God is leading us to do. The series will be about ‘A Healthy Church.’ Please be in prayer for us at this time and for those of you reading this local- come join us. We are on an awesome journey of God moving in our town and county.

See you soon!

Wonderful Week

2010-07-19T15:32:00.000-04:00

I did not update last week due to our VBS. We finished our look to finding our Freedom. We finished by hearing about the need to Worship and the blessings that follow us when we do.

This past week we had our Vacation Bible School as we rode the High Seas Expedition. We were so blessed all week. Bro. Corey and Sister Emmylou did a great job at directing our VBS. We averaged 83 children and adults (including our staff) for the week. It was huge blessing to see so many working and filling the building each night. It gives us an idea of what God would have us to look like more often during the week. We are still gather specific numbers of how many accepted Jesus in a real and personal way as several prayed with prayer counselors on Thursday night as we gave an invitation to know Jesus.

This Sunday morning we looked at the conversation Jesus had with the Gentile women when she came to him seeking healing of a demonic spirit for her daughter. Jesus rejected and left her naturally discouraged three times before He answered her prayer. She persisted and continued to walk humbly, respectfully, and worshipful before Jesus. She told him that she did not need the ‘best’ or the ‘bread’ from the table, she knew that the crumbs was more than enough for her need. Jesus then told her that what she had need of was done. We should learn from this conversation that sometimes we don’t always hear Jesus speak the way we think He should. His response is not always the expectation that we have upon Him. We should know that just because Jesus does not speak an answer to us, does not mean He did not hear our request. We should follow the example of the lady in our passage. She continued to stay humble and seeking the Mercy of jesus. She let Him know that one crumb- the left overs was enough for her need. We also learn that it does not matter who you are, Jesus has something great for you too. Look up! Your Jesus has enough for you, to give you all you need, no matter who you are or what you have done!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Independence Day

2010-07-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

Sunday, July the Fourth, was a wonderful day. What a blessing it is to live in our nation of freedom. Yet, is it the case that we don’t fully appreciate the freedom we have both in our nation and our freedom in Christ? To fully value something we must have some grasp of not having it. We have all been blessed to live continuously in freedom that we often forget what it really means.
While this is not good in respect to our national freedom, it is much deeper in our Spiritual Freedom. Paul and Silas had been placed into prison for getting ‘annoyed’ with the work of the devil and taking authority over the demonic force around them. Yet they understood that no matter their feelings, or their situation they had the “Responsibility to Praise.” They understood their freedom. Let it never be said of us that we don’t praise the Lord, because we are free to do so and it is our responsibility as Christians. Much like we call it a responsibility to vote because of our national freedom, it is a RESPONSIBILITY TO PRAISE! We would all be better off if we could praise and express our spiritual freedom more like Paul and Silas.

Sunday night we had a time to celebrate the 4th of July through a short program and then some food and fellowship. It was a blessed evening.
Thank you God for our national freedom- but more so for our Freedom you have made for us- Help us all never live like we are slaves but only as Free men and women in you!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

A wonderful service!

2010-06-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

Sunday at Leesburg Church was a wonderful day! As we started Sunday School a wonderful feeling was in the air. The Lord had prepared my heart that he had something special for His people during our morning service. The Lord presence was so strong during our worship time. I shared how God had told me that their was two types of people present during this service. 1- Those who came with a heavy burden of things that made them bound up and not having their freedom. 2- The second type of person is those that are free and while life is never perfect you are at peace and free. In the first group, God wanted them to get their freedom. To come to the alter and pray, worship, and lay their burdens down during worship. The second group needed to live out that freedom during worship to lead the others to that same place. The Lord blessed as people came in and out of the altars in worship and seeking freedom. God also spoke to me that He would speak to those as they sought after Him- not to just pray until you feel better but to listen to the Lord and He would speak specifically to them. The Lord blessed us greatly as He minister to so many!! Praise the Lord.

Sunday night was wonderful as their was such a lightness in the people. We heard several special songs as the Lord ministered through some very talented people. I was able to preach our sermon on ‘Running the Race of Endurance.’ We are to run strong from beginning to end and to stay race ready at all times. We are told in Hebrews to lay down anything that would even slow us down. Let us run to obtain the prize, but not just the prize at the end. Let us win the daily prizes of being a light to those in need and those who need Jesus. Run the Race to finish and finish strong!!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Father's Day

2010-06-21T21:46:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful Father’s Day. We enjoyed a great day after returning on Saturday from Camp Boothe for youth camp. We had a great crowd of people to celebrate Father’s Day. The Women’s Ministry, led by Sister Pat, put together a wonderful Father’s Day program. The program was based upon the theme from the movie ‘Wizard of Oz.’ Our children helped out in the program as well. It was a great program with a good point all with a light hearted approach. We then shared about the men of our church being ‘Good Men.’

It was a wonderful day at The Leesburg Church.

After service my family and I visited my father-in-law for dinner to join in celebrating Father’s Day. The day was a great day.

Happy Father’s Day to you all!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Faith in Action: Do you believe what you believe?

2010-06-17T10:03:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a great day at Leesburg. The morning service was filled with wonderful worship and the presence of the Lord. Our sermon was on “Faith in Action: Do you believe what you believe?” We all know what we ‘say’ we believe but does our actions and lifestyle speak that we truly believe. We know God can do all things but do we know the character of God to know what He will do. The Word of God speaks of who God is, and the things He will do. If we will learn the character of God we will truly believe and know what God will do. Then our faith will move God because cause we know it is His will to do. We never doubt God to save us but we doubt God to deliver or to open a door for us or to heal our bodies. Yet God’s character speaks of each of these things. Let us know who God is, know His heart, and know His Word.

This afternoon I will be headed to Camp Boothe for Youth Camp. We are looking for a great week. Pray for us and we know God will do a wonderful thing in the lives of this generation!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Speak Life

2010-06-07T20:22:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a wonderful day at Leesburg Church. The Lord’s presence was so strong throughout both the morning and evening service. Sunday morning we looked to Ezekiel when God took him away to see the dry bones. Israel had determined that they were to far gone to be rescued even by God. So when God commanded Ezekiel to speak the bones to life, God was showing Ezekiel and the nation of Israel that no place is to deep for God to pull them out. No matter how far we go, no matter how many mistakes we have made, no matter if everyone else has given up on it- God is able and willing to speak life into our situations. If your job is dead, you family and marriage look to far gone to be good- look up and speak life. God required Ezekiel to speak life. God did not just speak life and skip through the man of God. We are the instruments that God wants to use to speak life to our situation and to others around us.

Sunday night we honored our students accomplishments for the school year we just ended. We also celebrated one of our children moving into our youth ministry.

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Lookout Mountain Tornado Victims Benefit

2010-06-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

Sunday night we participating with 8 other churches and the community in a benifit. The benefit was dinner plates, a cake action, and a singing. This was done to continue to assist those in our community that were affected by the tornado on April 24th. There was a great turnout for all parts of the benefit. As of the end of the evening we had raised over $5000 to distribute to those in need. This Thursday evening, I will be meeting with a representative from each of the 9 churches to ensure the funds are properly disturbed. I want to thank Bro. Moses, one of the pastors, who put this together and is leading this effort.

Continue to pray for those in need.

Pentecost: The Anointing

2010-05-31T12:11:00.002-04:00

Sunday we ended our three week look at Pentecost. This Sunday we looked at the anointing of the Power of God. While Jesus was the Son of God with all the rights and privlages of the Trinity, He stood up and read from Isaiah and said “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me.. Luke 4:18.” Jesus shares this almost precieved need that He needed the anointing of God upon Him and the Spirit of the Lord to be able to fulfill His ministry. Yet we think or allow ourselves to walk daily without the anointing of the Lord upon our lives. We have not submersred ourselves in the Spirit of the Lord. Why would we be any different than Jesus? If He needed the anointing and the Spirit of the Lord upon Him, do we not need it more? Jesus then goes on to speak of His ministry to the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind, and them that are bruised. Jesus also tells us that we are going to be able to do what He has done and even more so. To fulfill this promise of Jesus, we will need the Anointing of God and the Spirit of the Lord upon us as well. ‘Oh Lord, let our lives be covered with your anointing and let your Spirit reign down upon us today!’

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

The Day of Pentecost

2010-05-24T18:12:00.001-04:00

A wonderful celebration!! The Day of Pentecost is a wonderful day in our christian faith. The sermon Sunday dealt with the awe of the Day of Pentecost. The disciples did not know what they were in for when Jesus promised a comforter to be sent to them. By faith they trusted Jesus to fulfill this promise. Then on the Day of Pentecost, 10 days after Jesus’ Ascension, the Holy Ghost fulfilled the promise of Jesus. While we must embrace all that the Holy Ghost/Spirit provides, we must first embrace who HE is. The Holy Ghost/Spirit is not a lower tier angel or some ‘it’ that God gave us. The Holy Spirit is God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Somewhere, even in Pentecostal circles, it appears that we have demoted the Holy Spirit to less than His significant role within the Godhead and the Body of Christ. If we will gain a deeper understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and the proper respect of this member of the Trinity we will find a new level of the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives and our church. What a glorious day and time to follow when we to encounter the Holy Spirit as did the disciples and the others on the Day of Pentecost.

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Pentecost: The Ascension

2010-05-18T23:33:00.002-04:00

Sunday we started a series into Pentecost. Within our churches we use the term ‘Pentecostal’ to refer to our specific believes. We must celebrate and embrace Pentecost in all of it’s meaning. Specifically we looked at Pentecost through the eyes of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven. Jesus shared that he must go before he could send the promise. Jesus also speaks with the disciples to help them gain understanding of what has all happened, from Jesus’ death, resurrection, and soon ascension. Jesus was preparing them to receive the Holy Ghost and do the work of the church. Jesus was helping the disciples transfer their faith in Him (the physical and visual of God in Jesus) to faith of the unseen (the soon coming Holy Ghost.) The disciples were about to go away for 10 days (they later learned) to wait for something they had never seen or experienced, just because Jesus told them to do so. We to must not be looking to just have faith in what we can touch, smell, and see. We need to look beyond things or people to have faith in God. We must have complete faith in God not for what we have but for who He is and what His word stand for to us and others. This transfer of faith from things, people, and past experiences to complete faith and trust in the promises of God will propel us to a move of the Spirit much like the Day of Pentecost.

Next Sunday- Pentecost: God the Holy Spirit- The third person in the Trinity.

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T09:07:00.001-04:00

Mothers are a blessing from God. It is great that we take a day set aside just for them.
Leesburg Church was filled with friends, family, and visitors. We had a great Mother’s Day program with poems, videos and gifts! When it was time to pass out gifts to our Mothers they came forward and filled the front of the church and wrapped down the side of the church. We heard from Titus about mothers who pass down their direction and guidance to other ladies on how to be Women of God. We want to also honor and thank our spiritual mothers for their spiritual wisdom and guidance in our lives. In the 31st chapter of Proverbs we hear of the well known ‘Proverbs Women.’ We encouraged each of the children (young and old) to see the good virtues in their mother, wife, and spiritual mother then bless them for the good virtues. Look for the many wonderful values in them, and ‘stand and call them blessed!’

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind

2010-05-05T10:37:00.001-04:00

Sunday we had another wonderful day at The Leesburg Church. The atmosphere was filled with the wonderful spirit of the Lord. We finished our thought from the Word on being ‘Transformed’ with “Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind.” If we are going to be able to make it in this world we must allow the Spirit of God to transform not only our heart by salvation but we must allow a complete transformation of even our mind. We loose so many battles before we ever start the battle because we loose it in our mind. We get that ‘old stinking thinking.’ We must put on the mind of Christ. We must think through Him so that we are in this world but not of this world. Let us be Transformed!

'Transformed by the Potter'

2010-04-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

Sunday was a wonderful day. After spending the last 3 nights in our District Campmeeting we came excited to be in the house of God at Leesburg. Our energy of seeing what God was going to do was high. Worship was wonderful. During our time of prayer at the beginning of Worship several came to seek prayer from the elders. Sunday’s sermon was the first in a two week series of being ‘Transformed,’ specifically this Sunday ‘Transformed by the Potter.’ The potter is in control and has the best for his work. We are to repent, place ourself in the center of the potters wheel, and be pliable for the potter to mold us. For those that feel they are broken, note in Jeremiah 18 that God was calling the nation to repent so he could change the direction of his plans. You to can change directions, The potter will take you and not just ‘patch’ you up but will start new and will finish you perfectly complete and whole. Several raised there hands that God was speaking to them to be ‘Transformed.’ One came to the alter seeking the salvation of Jesus Christ- Praise God for a new brother in Christ!

Sunday night was another wonderful experience with the Lord. The spirit filled the house and God blessed during our worship. A word was shared about the need to ‘Be Hungry’ before we are ‘filled.’ Many came to seek the Lord and a wonderful time of prayer and the moving of the Spirit filled the house.

Praise the Lord for those who are hungry and seeking HIM!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Another Wonderful Sunday

2010-04-21T18:16:00.000-04:00

Sunday was another great day at Leesburg. We enjoyed a great worship as people praised their God. What a liberation it brings when we worship the maker of Heaven and Earth!

Sunday’s sermon topic was on ‘Which Tree do you eat from?- Making Decisions’ When God directed Adam how to live in the Garden of Eden, he told Adam that he could do anything in the Garden he wanted and eat from anything. He showed Him a ‘Tree of Life’ and the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil’. The later, God told him to not eat of for any reason. Yet when both he and Eve was confronted with the serpent they began to entertain the idea of the forbidden tree. You actual see Eve give three reasons why it was ‘good.’ She began to reason the ‘good vs. the bad’ in her own knowledge and this led to them both eating of the one thing God had told them not to do. We are so much like Adam and Eve. We often know the Words of God, the direction of God but we see something that we can ‘rationalize’ as good (or evil) and begin to allow our own judgement to guide us instead of the Word of God. Then we too wonder why do I lack the blessings of God. Let us not depend our understanding of good and ‘bad’ (evil) but depend of the voice of God and His written Word to guide our every step. Remember the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord!

God Bless you!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Missions Sunday

2010-04-13T18:30:00.001-04:00

Sunday was another wonderful day at The Leesburg Church. This Sunday was missions Sunday. We had a special guest come and share about a mission project that he is working on. Our guest was James Clanton. Bro. James also shared a sermon on the ‘Goodness of God.’ He shared about the newly formed ministry of ‘Harvest International Ministries’ or HIM that will facilitate this mission project. They are going to the Philippines this June for a Crusade. They are expecting around 20,000 to 25,000 people to attend and to be saved. They will connect with local pastors and empower them to distribute tickets to this event. In countries like this people come if for no other reason than the entertainment from America. They plan on filling a soccer field with people. The amazing thing to me is they will also be training and developing these pastors and lay leaders to be able to disciple these new converts. The months of planning, training, and the event itself (including large amounts of rice to be given out) runs around $25,000. When you do the math it is only about $1 per soul.. WOW. For those of you that may be interested in learning more please let me know. I have known James Clanton for over 30 years. He is a man of God and I have full confidence in him and what God is doing in this ministry.

Sunday night was no less enjoyable. From the opening of our service God was moving. What a precious powerful Spirit of God! People began to worship and praise the Lord with such freedom. We could not leave the worship atmosphere. At a certain point it seemed God wanted the Word to be shared and we obeyed. The Lord through the Word spoke that we are to be continually FILLED with the Holy Spirit. We are to stay filled, not at just one time or a time in the past. With that short challenge from the Word people were in the altars praying to be filled. Another wave of some praying in the altars came after a calling out to those that wanted to be filled with the Holy Ghost as on the day of Pentecost for the first time. Two came seeking to be filled- Praise God. A six year old girl came (my daughter) and said she wanted to pray to be ‘safe.’ After some prayer and counseling she wanted to pray that ‘Jesus would be in her heart’ to make her safe. She was crying and moved by the Spirit. What a great blessing!!

Thank God for a wonderful day!

www.TheLeesburgChurch.org

Recorded Service-
Part 1 and Part 2 -Sunday Morning
Sunday Night
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/leesburg-church

Family Day

2010-04-10T23:37:00.001-04:00

Usually I share about our week at church and all that is going on in our ministry. I wanted to just share a moment about the great day I had being a dad and a husband today. This morning we had pictures for Camille’s first year of playing T-Ball then her first game later in the morning. I have got to help coach her team and it has been a joy. It was a blast seeing my little angel dressed up in her uniform. All you parents know the feeling I am speaking of too. The team did not do great but did not do bad- it was just fun to watch and fun for them to play. We then all had lunch together to celebrate her first game. The afternoon was spent putting together a swing set for the house. We have been blessed to use the church’s great playground that has a very nice swing set, but the girls know it is not theirs. We decided that we would get them something that was ‘theirs’ to play on, not to mention it is in our backyard and they can go out and play while we are doing things around the house. While I spent most of my afternoon and evening doing this, I got to watch my sweet girls play outside and have a blast. As a father I swelled up inside! The day with the kids also meant I got to spend my day with my wonderful wife. She is and has been my partner in life in every way. It is so wonderful to just laugh with your love!
OK I said I was not going to say anything about ministry, but as a ‘by the way’ God allowed me to talk to 4 people about our church. I was able to give out more cards to people today than in the last week. One lady told me she and her husband had been looking for a church but he had not found one he felt good about yet. Another man said he went to another church but he would visit sometime soon.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-06T13:20:00.002-04:00

Wow!

What a wonderful day. Words are difficult to express all the joy Easter brought to Leesburg. We had a wonderful program which showed the crucifixion and the resurrection while also watching 3 adults discuss the real world issues that many face. At the end two of them meet at the cross- even though their lives were very different. It was a great production. We had 27 children in Children’s Church and over 30 participate in the Easter Egg Hunt after Church. We also shared in communion at the end of service. If we needed anything else to make the day great we broke the church all time attendance record of 118 by having 122 with us Sunday morning. Yet the greatest thing we had to happen can be expressed with the number ‘8’. No it is not the symbolic meaning of the number but we had 8 people get saved Sunday. Six of them were from our children church, 1 youth and 1 adult from the Easter Program. Praise God! He lives and He lives in me!

It was so good to see the church busting at the seams with people. It gives us a sense of expectation for the future.

Palm Sunday

2010-03-30T12:10:00.001-04:00

Palm Sunday was a great day at the Leesburg Church. The weather is looking more like spring and it feels like Passion Week. Our children came in singing a song and waving Palm branches. They gave a great procession of what the crowd around Jesus may have been like. They then laid their palm branches at a the cross. Worship was a wonderful experience of the jubilance of a Risen King not just a earthly King. Our sermon was on “Two Roads- One Week.” Jesus had two roads he traveled that week. The first was filled with joy, excitement, worship to him, and everyone wanting to be a ‘supporter’ of Jesus. Yet just 6 days latter- One week, Jesus traveled a much different road. One that nobody wanted to be on his side, no one wanted to be his fan on this road. In fact it was the complete opposite. Yet neither could detour Jesus from His purpose. His destiny rested by going through both roads. We each, like Jesus, will travel both roads at different times in our life. There is times when everybody is our fan, on our side, and others we feel all alone. Times when it seems like we are ‘successful’ and others when this world determines us to be failures- no matter if we have obeyed God on every detail. We cannot let these roads prevent us from our destiny- our purpose- in fact they are just a road that leads to that purpose for us. Like Jesus, let’s stay focused on what God would have for us. What God would have us to do.

Have a great Passion Week, and know this week we celebrate not just the death of our sin in Jesus but the eternal victory of His Resurrection!

Zacchaeus

2010-03-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

There is something about entering into God’s house and everything seems to breath a sweet spirit of the Lord. Our Sunday Morning worship service typically starts out with a few songs from either the ‘blue book’ or a hymn. As we sang the first song what a wonderful feeling of the Lord. Our oldest member is a dear old spiritual women who at 90 still likes to ‘get happy and start walking’. It was a blessing to see her ‘happy’ as she moved out of her isle and started walking down the side of the church. Everything that happened was done with a great spirit from God. Just a joy of the Lord filled my soul. As we know, the joy of the Lord is our strength!
We preached on Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus. While Zacchaeus appeared to have everything going for him, he in the end had nothing. He was judged a ‘notorious sinner’ (NLT) and nobody liked him. He identified with us all- in one hand he had it all and the other he had nothing. He had to forgot his pride, humble himself, and take even strange methods to ‘see’ Jesus. What would happen to us if we were that driven to ‘see’ Jesus. What would we do and in response what would God do?

Sunday night seemingly a parallel thought of a ‘Covenant to Seek God’ was shared. God is calling us to SEEK HIM- more than things, activities, people, or deeds. He wants to show us things about HIM but we must first SEEK HIM.

A final thought on Zacchaeus- No matter where you are at, no matter your title, your low standing in society, if you are know for your sins more than your goodness, NOTHING is greater than what God is willing to forgive. Climb a branch on the tree to see God, He will bless you - forgive you, and restore you. You are worth as much as anyone else- You are God’s creation. God has a plan for you- a plan to bless you and not curse you. God loves YOU as you are right now.

Time is Running Out

2010-03-15T23:14:00.001-04:00

“Time is Running Out“ was our Sunday morning sermon title. So many in the Christian community have been speaking about how the end times are quickly approaching. The events around us point to the return of Christ. Jesus spoke in several different parables when sharing with the disciples about the end of this world as we know it. One such parable was the Parable of the Ten Virgins; five were foolish and five were wise. It is worthy of noting that the five foolish virgins had dressed themselves with the wedding party clothes. They had brought their lamps, and prepared as bridesmaids would do, just like the five wise ones had done. The difference was when they was needed to go out to use their lamps to shine the light on the path for the coming groom they were out of oil. They missed their greatest joy of being involved, completing their purpose for that time. The oil is often represented as the Holy Spirit in some text. Could it be that we have done all we are to do, cleaned up, dressed up, looked good, and still miss the return of Christ because we did not fulfill our purpose and we were empty of the Holy Spirit- attempting to run on fumes and coast home? Let us be full of the Spirit! Let’s make sure that when Jesus comes as the groom to get His bride we are found ‘doing’ and not idle. Several proclaimed that God was drawing them to be ready, be full of His Spirit, and be found doing for the Lord when He returns. One person shared how God was dealing with her to make her life right before Him.

Sunday night we had Bro. John Williams and his family with us. They ministered to us through song, and Bro. John brought The Word. It was a blessing to have them with us. Several came to the altar to pray and we felt the Lord in our midst. Praise the Lord!

A Fantastic Weekend

2010-03-08T21:32:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was an great weekend full of God’s Blessings. First, my family and I went to Knoxville, TN for a few days to participate in our niece's baby dedication. In doing so we were blessed to spend time with many of our family members. It is always refreshing to spend time with your family. While attending the Arrowhead Church, we were able to share with the congregation the great blessings God has been giving at the Leesburg Church. The Arrowhead congregation was so supportive of our ministry both while serving there and now that we are in Leesburg. It was nice to be able to share about what God has been doing at the Leesburg Church with over the last 6 months.
After attending the Baby Dedication during the Sunday morning service, we drove back home to Leesburg to attend the PROVOKE District Service being held at the Harvest Center Church in Collinsville, AL. The service was put together by Bro. Tim Beck, the State Youth Director of Alabama. He and his team did a great job with worship, drama, and several sharing. One deacon of our church that attended the service called it ‘Provoking’ with a smile. It seemed that both young and old enjoyed the service. While I wish I could share more about my personal experience in the service I cannot. One of our young people got sick so myself and our youth director, Corey, had stepped into the fellowship hall to care for him. While sitting there a young man,19 years old, began to talk to us about his life. He shared how he was away from the Lord and he either needed to “get right with God or leave” (in his words). After talking with him, he allowed us to pray for him to overcome his vices and problems of sin in his life. After he shared more about how he was feeling and his spiritual needs, we again prayed with him, this time that he could give his whole life to God. He said he was not ready to give it all to God. However, it was not long before he had a change of heart and in his words, again..., ‘ok lets do this!’ (Praise God, he was ready to turn everything over to God!) We prayed and he stated he had given it all to God and he had ‘repented.’ After getting home this young man had made an attempt to turn back on his new commitment but every door was closed. He then stated he realized that he was really turning his life to God. This young man had major issues in his life and has a long road to be free of some things but Corey and I were so blessed to see how God orchestrated this encounter. PRAISE GOD!

Ending our Stewardship Month

2010-03-02T16:28:00.000-05:00

Thank God!
We are thankful for a wonderful Sunday at Leesburg. We have been hit with many of our people sick over the last several weeks. We have had some out sick with a rough battle with the flu and others with a stomach virus. We decided we was going to take a stand and revive our faith and believe that God is our healer. The Word of God tells us Jesus borne stripes on His back for our healing, Jesus gave the disciples and us the authority to heal the sick. We had a very powerful time of laying on of hands for those that were sick. We are believing that God will and has already began to bring healing to those that are in need of it. During our prayer time one dear saint came up for prayer for her leg and foot. She had not been able to put any weight on it in a week and was walking with a walking cane. She said while there is still some pain left, that she is able to not only put weight on it, but walk on that leg and foot. She came back to church Sunday night walking without that walker. Praise the Lord!

We also finished our month focus on Stewardship. We looked at the giving unto the Lord with a fee will, from what God had blessed us with, and then God would bless us beyond our imagination in both financial and physical as well as spiritual ways. Sunday night we had several share about how God had blessed them through there giving and tithing to the Lord. It is amazing how God has blessed so many in so many ways. What a wonderful time of hearing God’s blessings.

What a Sunday

2010-02-23T15:11:00.001-05:00

Sunday was a wonderful day at the Leesburg Church. While we had several out because they were sick, we still had a great crowd and time with each other and with the Lord. What can we say?

First, we had 2 people join the church. Bro. Darrell was a charter member of the church many years ago. He had backslide and about 5 months ago came back to the Lord. He and his wife (Sarah) met with the pastor and went through the ‘Prospective Members’ Coarse a few weeks ago. This Sunday we were blessed to have them join our local fellowship. What a great asset to our local church and the body of Christ!

Second, we were blessed to join alongside a family in dedicating their youngest child to the Lord. Jeremy and Amber dedicated their daughter Janey to the Lord. It was a wonderful blessing to see and participate in this commitment and dedication. We commend these parents as they strive to direct the steps of this child in the ways of the Lord.

While we have been focusing on Stewardship this month, Pastor Josh was moved during our service, to change the sermon as the Spirit of God directed. He shared about God’s calling that morning for “Freedom.” It seemed as if the Spirit of God was dealing with some people about setting them free. After sharing from his heart for a few moments, several came to the alter and prayed and sought their freedom. Praise God! What a great blessing when God changes our coarse to meet the peoples needs.

Valentine's Weekend

2010-02-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

Valentine’s Weekend at the Leesburg Church is a fun time. It is a tradition that on Saturday afternoon the men of the church prepare a meal for the ladies of the church. This is both those that are married, in relationships and those who are not. The church fellowship hall was decorated and looking festive. The men had spent weeks putting together a band to share some ‘love’ through songs and a show. The women were not to be outdone as they had prepared a few presentations through music as well. Nothing was spared to have a fun evening. It was a great time of fun and fellowship with God’s family.

Sunday morning, the day of Valentine’s, we continued our search of being good Stewards. As we have recognized that all our money and all our resources are truly God’s, we know we give through acts of a thankful heart and genuine worship to our loving father. In this heart we see that the Word is clear in the principal both in the New and Old Testament of our giving of a tithe. There is a promise of great blessing and provision. It was the design of the tithe to ensure the priest could focus and continue the work they had been assigned by God. It could generally be said it was the tithe’s purpose to support the work of the ministry. We want to be good stewards. Praise God for those who are faithful in tithing.

First Sunday in February

2010-02-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning was a great morning at Leesburg. While not everyone has seemingly recovered from the illness that is being passed around, we had a good crowd. One the first Sunday our children do something special for those that have birthdays and anniversaries during that month. This month they also helped lead us in worship. They having been singing and worshiping to kid’s worship during children’s church. So they sang us a few of the songs they have been singing. It was fun to watch but it was also inviting that any one, no matter the age, can worship God. God was powerful during our worship time and prayer time. We had several come up from prayer before the elders and there was a powerful presence of the Lord during that time. We were so thankful for the Lord touching hearts. During our morning message we laid the foundation of all stewardship. “Stewardship is not a 4 letter word.” Stewardship first and foremost means that it is not ours, we are managing it on the behalf of God. God owns it all, our family, our money, our children, our talents, our time, etc. From that we must depend on God and allow Him to be the Master Builder of all our life. This month we will be looking at Stewardship from both money to our resources. Yet this week the question is ‘Is it God’s or is it mine?’ Let’s make sure all that we have is truly God’s!

Sunday night we had a “Souper Bowl Party.’ We had 11 entries in our Soup vs. Chili competition. With donation/votes for our building fund, we had a ‘division’ champion from both the chili division and the soup division. Then they faced off head to head with a taste test. The soup beat out the chili this year. We awarded the winner with a 2010 SOUPER Bowl Champion trophy and a ladle engraved with their title. We had a great time. Great fun and fellowship with God’s people!

The Temple- Enter In

2010-02-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning we looked to the Word to see how the preparation of both the High Priest and the Priesthood prepared to enter into the Temple courts and into the Presence of the Lord. We found that we are to be cleansed and clothed as well as to be consecrated for His Glory to be with us. The New Testament tells us we are a ‘royal priesthood.’ We are not common but we are desired to enter in. In fact since the Lord Jesus became the sacrificial lamb and the High Priest the Word also tells us we have the High Priest advocating on our behalf to the father. The Lord desires us to ‘Enter In’ His presence and be with Him. We need to cleanse ourselves of all sin and then cloth ourself with His righteousness and the Holy Spirit.

God wants His presence to be released in the Church again- let’s clean up and put on His garments of righteousness- Then boldly approach His throne to be with Him!

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www.joshua-lynn.blogspot.com

Where is His Glory?

2010-01-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning was a special morning. God had laid upon our heart a heavy weight about the presumedly lost presence of God in our services and in our lives. The Lord kept speaking all week ‘Where is my Glory?“ As a movement and a church that stakes it’s basic operations of the church of the moving of God’s Glory in our midst we have at times lost the move of God and ultimately His full Glory. Sure he speaks to us in that small voice but do we really obey? Sure He fill our hearts as we have ask Christ in our lives. Yet we seem to be content with the ‘spiritual goose bumps’ of the moving of His Spirit. Where are the days that time was not an issue, where being in His presence is all that matters. The question since Sunday has pierced my heart as to the problems so many have today and our answer is only some wise council. Again, we need this but why is it the only real response we have today. What about the day when people that came to our churches with a heavy and a troubling problem would find themselves in a service where the Glory of the Lord filled the house. I will not attempt to fully share the sermon here in this blog. In fact it was the longest sermon we had during our stay at Leesburg. Yet the Lord seemed to grieve my spirit - Where is My Glory”

Sunday night we took our service time and said We are going to have a season of Seeking the Lord. After several shared about the presence of the Lord and we sang and prayed- we found ourselves with wave after wave of God’s Glory. While we most likely did not find ourselves in the deepest portals of His Glory we were blessed by Him entering in our presence. It was obvious that He did this because we did not structure or limit ourselves in our time. Many times it seemed as if we was going to end the service God would began to move on someone to speak or something would happen to move us deeper into His presence. While many were blessed, ministered to by God, and I believe miracles - we seen one young girl come to the Lord and get saved and sanctified. She was so sincere and moved by God’s touch in her life. Thank God- He will save our land if we will humble ourselves and pray- and seek His face!!

Sunday Sermon Thought

2010-01-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning our sermon was on ‘Looking for a Miracle.’ While we are nearing the end of our fast we need to be expecting a miracle. Just as Elijah risk life to go before the king and show that His God was real, we have sacrificed through our church fast. We have sought God. Even before you look, let your spirit cry out as Elijah did ‘I hear the sound of aboundance of rain’ I Kings 18:41. Now as Elijah we need to climb up to the mountain and send someone out to look for rain. Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up, don’t quite. Keep looking. Seven times he sent his servant to look. Seven represents the being complete or perfect. He did not stop looking until his miracle was completed or the need was perfected. Then when he saw just a small cloud ‘as of a size of a man’s hand’ (verse 44), he prepared and began to move as if his miracle had been fully received. Have faith, hear the sound of your miracle coming today. Look and don’t give up hope or faith until you see it approaching. Is it your family, your lost child, a spiritual bondage, or a financial need- have hope. I hear the sound of your miracle coming... Start looking and praising God today for it is coming.

Bishop Decker

2010-01-18T17:54:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was the furtherest from normal as any weekend could be. Thursday night the Leesburg Church lost a legend in our church father and church planter. Bishop Artis Decker was the man God appointed back around 1966 to 1967 to begin a work in the Leesburg area. On January 14th 1969 the Leesburg Church was set in order as a functioning church. Bro. Decker served as pastor of the church faithfully from 1969 to 1999 (with the exception of one year in the 80’s while serving another church). In 1985 Bro. Decker was honored by his leadership and the General Overseer by being ordained as a bishop within the church, an honor that only those that have proven themselves faithful to God, to the church, and to the people of God as a good overseer of the Lord’s work. In 1999 Bro. Decker retired from active pastoral ministry. While he was retired he was still a man that cared for people and loved the Lord’s work. Bro. Decker passed away exactly 41 years to the day that the church was set in order. Bro. Decker was married to his wife Sister Reba Decker for 63 years. He was 82 years old.

While it was a difficult weekend for the family and the church it was a wonderful experience to visit and get to know many of the family members. Since we have been at Leesburg I have heard many stories of Bro. Decker’s days as the pastor. I have spoke to him several times but he has not been the Bro. Decker most knew. He was the same at home as he was at church, with the same expectations. This man was a giant in the faith, the kind of man that we need more of today and in this generation. A man that is dedicated to God and God’s work as much as he was the very breathe he breathed. A man that loves God. The scripture will not escape me ‘A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.’ Proverbs 22:1 I did not know him but I have heard the stories and I can testify that this man had a good name. We should all hope that one day we are spoken about with just a portion of the good things that others say of Bro. Decker.

What an amazing honor to be able to participate in Bro. Decker’s funeral. Also participating in the funeral was the state Bishop L.V. Jones and a friend and fellow minister of Bro. Decker, Bishop Wayne Craig. Both of these men are Godly men and a wonderful example to follow. It was possibly the greatest honor that I have had as the pastor of the Leesburg Church. I hope myself and those that truly cared for Bro. Decker will take a page from his book and love God, love People, and be committed to the Lord’s work. Time is running out and one day it will be to late to tell someone Jesus loves them and led them to Christ.

Take It Back

2010-01-12T00:22:00.002-05:00

We had a wonderful time with the Lord this past weekend. While it was cold outside, God was still powerful inside. The presence of the Lord was wonderful during service. As we had our worship some of our elders gathered to lay hands on those who were sick or in need of a touch of God. Over the last several weeks we had done this and seen God bless. Sunday was no different. Several that came up for prayer was moved on by the Spirit of God and receiving of a touch of God. It was a wonderful time of prayer.

During our time of hearing the Word of God, we heard how God desires us to stop allowing satan to come and take what he desires. We are not to be beat up by satan or to have the things God has blessed us with stolen by satan. It is our time to do what the song says ‘I went to the enemy’s camp and I took back what he stole from me...’ We need to stand up in this day and not comprise or let loose of what God has given us, what He has promised us, or what He is doing in us. We are more than conquerers, we are to put on the whole armor of God, all of which would tell us that we are to fight and not just defend our stuff. It is our time to put satan ‘Under our feet, Under our feet, satan is under our feet.’

This year Take it Back from satan, your joy, your strength, your passion, your calling, your purpose, your shout, your freedom, your finances, your family!

God Bless!

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Starting 2010 off right!

2010-01-06T01:04:00.000-05:00

WOW is all I can say about this first week of 2010.

We ended the year and started the year off with a New Year’s Eve service with special ministry team from Westmoreland, TN at our Lakeside Church and Firehouse Ministries. Pastor Kevin and his team did a great job in leading worship, ministering in drama, and bringing the Word of God. So much so that several was in the alter and we learned latter Friday that one of them had ‘ask Jesus in his heart.’ Praise God!!

Sunday was a great day. God had led us to look to His word about how He desired us to harken to His word and He WOULD Bless us. God wants this year to be a blessing to all those who will obey Him. We are blessed and not cursed. We need to believe that God wants us to walk in His blessing in 2010. The difference with God’s blessing is that it is not about money or cars or even a great job. It is about His heavenly blessings overflowing into our life or more specifically our spirit. Sure God has no problem with the stuff but that is really not the real blessing He wants to give- His blessing are on a deeper level than that stuff.

May God bless you greatly this year!

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Last Sunday of 2009

2009-12-28T16:04:00.002-05:00

Sunday was a good day. All through our service there was just a sweet presence of the Lord with us. It was not a loud shout or anything earth shattering but it was a wonderful spirit of God with us as if He was confirming that He was there to speak to us and touch us. We had several who came up for prayer as some of our elders were there to lay hands on them through prayer. Each one seemed to receive from the Lord and laid there needs before the Lord. Our sermon was on being the Temple of God. How we are the place of His holy dwelling, the place inward where He speaks and guides. We must make sure we don’t pollute the Temple and in return push out the Holy One.
Sunday night was just another continuation of the morning service. Worship seemed to extend past our plan as God seemed to move into our service more and more. One of our brothers felt like he needed to give a praise report and he ended up singing the old song ‘God on the mountain’ and he spoke of how God was still God in the valley. We worshiped the Lord through song and then just through a time of praise. It seemed like we could stay there forever. Several seemed to receive a touch from the Lord as they lingered in His presence. It was a great time. The Lord had directed us to speak again on fasting in preparation for the new year. After another testimony of our dearly beloved 90 year old saint sharing about fasting on Christmas day, we shared about how to fast. We are thankful for the Lord visited us yet again!!

God Bless!

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T01:02:00.002-05:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your family and know that hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

We are filled with hope in Christ because of this day. Praise be to His Name above ever other name. Remember His Word assured us of Jesus’ birth and it gives us the promise of a grand second return to earth to take those that know Him. Jesus is the Reason for this Season.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Parties and Plays

2009-12-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Another wonderful weekend of busy activities. Thursday night started off with a Christmas Party of the area Pastors hosted by our area Presbyter Butch Tanner. It was a great time of fellowship and fun. Friday night was two parties. Our Adult Sunday School class has an annual party with dinner and gifts. It was a delight. Then we ran out the door to go by the Youth’s Christmas party that had started at the same time of the Adult Party. It was great to visit with the youth and share our excitement with them. It was a great night with a great response. Saturday we traveled to the other side of the state for a Christmas Dinner with family and then returned home.

Sunday was a exciting day. The stage was all ready for our Christmas Play that night and we had a great crowd for our service. The Lord had led us to look to the ‘Mercy Seat’ in the Tabernacle as how it applied to us “being the temple of the Holy Ghost,” as well as how it was the Mercy Seat that the blood was shed to atone the sins of man. Jesus was and is our sacrificial lamb who shed His blood for our sins. It was upon the Mercy Seat of our hearts and our ‘temple’ that it must be applied. Sunday night our children did a wonderful program in honor of Christmas, then our Adults followed. Our Adult program was very good. They showed how a family who was struggling in a loss of a job was turned toward Christ. It was moving and they did a great job. I appreciate our actors and our directors as well as all those who made it possible. After service we enjoyed a great spread of snacks and fellowship. I was told we had 93 in attendance Sunday night.

Praise God, we are expecting an amazing 2010!

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Great Weekend

2009-12-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

We had a busy weekend and a great weekend. Friday night we started off with a Young Adults Christmas Party. The young adults went to a neighboring town of Rome, GA to eat at the Outback Restaurant. We had a wonderful time and a good number in attendance.

Sunday was a great day for us. We had the wonderful opportunity to dedicate baby Jayden to the Lord. His family came from as far away as Tuscaloosa, AL to participate and join in the great day. I was so honored to officiate the time of dedication of both the child, parents, and the entire congregation to raising little Jayden up to know God and serve Him with all his might.

After our dedication time, we shared from the Word of God about the Holy One. This season is important but it is often forgotten that the baby was nothing special except that He was the Holy One. It was not the stuff, or lack of stuff as a baby or a man that made Jesus it was who He was, the Holy One. We could all use a reminder in our own life that it is not the titles, the money, jobs, cars, etc. or even the lack of any of that, that determines who we are but it is if the Holy One is living freely in us.

Sunday night was a special night. After our worship time, we had a couple in the church sing the worship song, ‘Revelation Song,’ I felt prompted by the Spirit to move us further into the level of worship and continue to sing-

‘Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come’

If we are to do anything this year for Christmas should it not be to sing out ‘HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the Lord God Almighty.’ The song goes on to say ‘You are my everything.’ Many gathered in and around the altar praying and seeking God. Tears where shed by many and we had two after this time share very moving testimonies. One of them shared that God had been telling her ‘I am not finished with you.’ We received that as a word from the Lord to all of us - I AM NOT FINISHED WITH YOU! says the Lord! While praying with one person in the altar, they shared that they needed forgiven of their sins. Praise God - He restores those that have allowed sin to separate them from God.

Praise God for a great weekend.

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Youth Ministries Classroom

2009-12-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I stepped into our youth classroom. I had seen this before and have spoken a few times to our youth leaders Corey and Emmylou about it as they shared their vision. Yet something grabbed me as I looked at it. I swelled up in pride and joy. It is great to see people in service to God find God’s heartbeat and follow after it. My spirit bears agreement with theirs on this one. That scripture is one that has been on my heart for the last 3 months while I have been looking to what God will do here at Leesburg. I am thankful for committed and dedicated youth leaders but more so that they desire to do more than be a youth group with activities. There mission statement shows that they desire to be tools for the Lord to us from here locally to the uttermost parts of the earth. THANK GOD!

(If you are on Facebook you may have to look at the blog below to see the picture).

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

First Sunday in December

2009-12-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful time this past weekend. It is starting to feel like home back in the sanctuary. It was nice Sunday to see the Church Christmas tree up and decorated. It was a nice thought for the beginning of the month and the Christmas season. While we did not theme our day for a big Christmas celebration it was a day of celebration. Our morning message was of the thought that the ‘End in sight before the beginning.’ How long before Jesus ever came to earth as a baby, God the Father had orchestrated a plan of salvation that would result in His son dyeing on a cross. It was not something that the Father went with the flow as we often do in our day to day life but everyday was designed to move Jesus closer to His purpose in life. Even the years that he was not in ‘public’ ministry the Word tells us that Jesus experienced all the temptations of man knowing how it felt and all that goes with being a human. Yet nothing distracted Jesus from ‘being about His Father’s business.’ How could we live if we looked to the ‘end,’ the goal, the reason, the purpose of our life and every step - every day- our activity revolved around fulfilling that end. Instead we often miss out on our purpose just because we don’t look to the end in the beginning. The little stuff that sometimes holds us back would be even smaller if we looked to the ‘end,’ We would find more happiness because we would know we are moving toward the goal, the purpose not just making it through another day.

Sunday night was a wonderful time as well. We discussed the need and God’s call to fast. Not the most exciting message to hear but to see all the promises of the Word, to truly know God we are called to separate ourself through fasting at times in our life.

I will end with this-
What is God’s design for you? Are you living each day in pursuit of that? Try it! It might just change your life.

www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com
www.LCOGOP.blogspot.com

Area Youth Service

2009-11-30T14:03:00.000-05:00

Sunday night we had an area youth service hosted by our church. Our youth leaders have been working with some area churches over the last year and have put together several Sunday Services to join in fellowship and worship with many of our local churches. We had several churches join us and it was such a great blessing to see the wonderful crowd of young people help fill the house. The Leesburg Worship Team led in worship and did a great job. As in our morning service our drama team ministered in a song called ‘Lord You Are Holy.’ The service was a great success and we are thankful to all those that attended and for our youth leaders for putting it together.

Back in Sanctuary

2009-11-30T13:40:00.004-05:00

Sunday was a great day. After about 2 months of working on the sanctuary we have arrived back. The day was a big day with a lot of excitement for what God has done. We had a great crowd with us Sunday morning with 86. Our choir started the service off with ‘How great is our God’. Our worship team did a great job as always. We showed a video of the the last few months of work with before and after pictures as well as the work that was done through the time. We honored all of those who had worked throughout the process by giving them a small gift and allowing the church to show their gratitude. We also wanted to show a very special thanks to our Deacon Danny St. Clair for all the work that he did during this time. He was very faithful by being at the church early every morning 6 days a week with long days of work. If it had not been for him we would not have completed the project. After we gave him a special gift card to a favorite restaurant the church gave a standing ovation of thanks. It is men and women like this that make a church truly successful.
I then shared some thoughts of how the Lord has laid on my heart about God moving us to a “New Height’ personally, and as a church. The church has a great history that we want to build on but we must move to another level if we are going to complete our purpose for this day. A ‘NEW HEIGHT’ is where we can reach our community in a new way.
We ended the service with a wonderful time of taking 6 new members into the local fellowship here at Leesburg. These were 3 couples ranging from their 20’s to their 40’s. We had 9 people complete our course as prospective members and 6 of those where ready with family and friends to join the church on our opening day back in the sanctuary. After service we had a great soup dinner and had wonderful fellowship.

Before:

After:

Busy week Finishing the Church

2009-11-25T00:20:00.001-05:00

This week is flying by fast. We have been able to put some of the final touches to the sanctuary this week. The painter has came by to touch things up. The chairs arrived today! The people who have purchased the pews are coming first thing in the morning (Wed.). We have about half of the sound set up and going, with the rest ready to finish tomorrow. The wonderful couple who do lawn care from our church came today and mowed the yard as well as rack and burn off all the leaves. Tomorrow another wonderful man is coming to pressure wash the church to make is shine. Another member is coming to make sure the people picking up our pews is not going to hurt or damage anything while doing it (it is nice to have members protecting the church!) as well as help them as needed. One of our deacons has been working on waxing and buffing our bathroom floors the last 2 days. And on we could go.

This is a hard and busy week - but very fun. It is nice to see things start coming together. Praise God for all the men and women who have made this possible. What 8 weeks can do with men dedicated to get it done!

Thanksgiving Weekend Update

2009-11-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a great weekend here in Leesburg. As the week ended it was apparent that our sanctuary is almost ready. (But more on that latter.) Last Wednesday night we gathered for our Church Thanksgiving Dinner. We had a great crowd there and plenty of great food. We had to meet at the Leesburg Clubhouse (where the Homemaker’s Club of Leesburg meet) since our fellowship hall was set up for our sanctuary. I did not get a count but I know we had to pull out chairs and move a table or two to make sure everyone had a seat. It seemed to set the mood for the Holiday season. A special thanks to all the ladies who cooked and made sure we all where happily full of wonderful food.
Sunday was another great Sunday as well. Knowing that it was our last Sunday in the fellowship hall did not affect our day. We enjoyed the presence of the Lord. In Sunday morning’s service we had our elders come up to pray for needs during our worship service. Those that went to one of the couples for prayer seemed to receive the Lord’s strength and encouraged that God was on the the scene. The Spirit seemed strong during that time of prayer. As often she does, our 90 year old Sister Goza, got excited and began to walk the isle worshiping and praising the Lord. She is always such a blessing to see God is no respecter of age or anything else. She has been caught shouting during some old blue book songs as well as some new contemporary worship songs. Just goes to show us all, if our heart is focused in truly worshiping we can worship no matter what the style.
Our message Sunday morning was a continued thought that God has led us to over the last month- Being Disciples and Disciple-makers. Specifically being a disciple who bears ‘much fruit’ (as the KJV states it). Jesus told us that if we are ‘in the vine’ we WILL bear MUCH fruit. It is not up to one or two to do all the fruit bearing but the whole body of Christ. Sunday night we had planned to be brief so that we could do a little moving into the updated sanctuary. The Lord had directed me to a thought of “Seek Him.” After reading from Jeremiah about if we ‘wholeheartedly seek for God we will find Him’ the Lord moved us from the notes to get up close and personal to what we do or don’t do to truly seek HIM. How we often expect to encounter Him by accident as we pass through our week, instead of searching for Him and desiring to find Him in all things. It is amazing how we put ourself around people, media sources, and activities that either suffocate Him out or honestly He would never be present there, no wonder we are at times absent from His true presence.
After our service we had a few of the men help us move the larger items back into the sanctuary so we could get things set up this coming weeks.

Sunday November 29th we will be excited to be in our newly updated sanctuary! We are excited. This week our chairs will arrive, our pews (which were sold Saturday) will be picked up, and a praise team practice will all happen to finish our set up of the ‘new’ sanctuary.

We are looking for a ‘New Height’ that God is taking us to in His presence and in His plan.

Church Trip to Fields of the Wood

2009-11-08T00:50:00.001-05:00

Early this morning we got up to prepare to leave for our Heritage Ministries planned trip to Fields of the Wood. We had around 40 that loaded up with us in a charter bus to make the trip. We enjoyed our trip up as we got to fellowship and talk with one another. Once we arrived around 10:30 CST we went ahead and started to prepare our picnic lunches before we started the task of walking almost every square inch of the park. Once we had ate ourself to delight we stated our way up Prayer Mountain. We stopped some along the way to enjoy the makers of prominent teachings of the Bible along the way. It was a beautiful day to see God’s creation and to be outdoors. On top of prayer mountain we spent some time resting and taking pictures and enjoying the surroundings. After getting back down the mountain we started our way up Ten Commandment Mountain and then walked over to top of the mountain with the All Nations Cross. Once we have viewed the wonderful sites both on this mountain and the distant sites we took a journey down the Nature Trail. Then onto some shopping in the gift shop and back home. It was a wonderful day. The park was well kept up, thanks to the many who make that happen! Some of our ladies did determine they need a Fields of the Wood shirt that says something to the effect of ‘We Walked Fields of the Wood: 365 steps and 2 miles“ (estimates did not keep up with that). We were tired after allot of walking but it was worth it.
We made it home in time to watch part of the third quarter and the fourth quarter of Alabama playing LSU. A few came in the house to finish the game out. It was nice to have Alabama fans as excited as I was or as frustrated too. Oh if we could just get that excited about JESUS!
Pastor Josh
www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com

Passing of Tommy Wyatt

2009-11-06T09:04:00.001-05:00

Brother Tommy Wyatt was a dedicated deacon at the Arrowhead Church in Knoxville, TN. I count it a great honor to know men like him, my prayer is that the character and commitment he had to God and the church would flow into me and that one day I would be found ‘faithful.’ He passed away very late last night at his home, after being in and out of the hospital.
Our hearts are saddened of hearing of Bro. Tommy's death. I know he has went through a lot lately and as you mentioned 'ready to go home.' I know he is rejoicing with his wife this morning after several years of living on this earth missing the love and other half of himself. I cannot help but think back of his smile and always ready wit. His unique ability to lighten the mood in any situation. How he promoted the pastor on first Sunday's with a dose of reality that was always humorous but also very effective and encouraging. He was always real, not fake or putting on a show. More than anything I remember his faithfulness. He came to church early every Sunday morning to take a look around at different components of the equipment. He was faithful in his pastor's boast. He was faithful to God, the church, and his family. Bro. Tommy is someone I can say I am thankful for knowing. I am happy for him to reunite with his lovely wife but I know there is a hole in the hearts for his family and Arrowhead Church.

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-03T18:21:00.000-05:00

Wow how fall is now here. I love this time of the year, cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, and then cool evenings. We had a great weekend here at Leesburg. We participated in the Leesburg Trunk and Treat at the Leesburg Landing. We wanted to doing something within our community and this was a great first contact for us as the new pastors. We had a lot of candy given to us by the church to give out with our Leesburg Church of God of Prophecy Trunk. We believe we had over 140 to 160 kids come through. It was great to speak to so many from our community that we have never been able to make a contact with until Saturday afternoon.
Sunday was as always a great day. I had been worried some about how many we would loose to our short term sanctuary being in the fellowship hall, but Sunday we had another great crowd at 80. I was excited to preach about ‘Your Light Shine.’ I have been holding that one for a while and it was good to be able to preach it at the Lord’s release. Jesus said WE are the light to the World. If we are waiting on Him to show up then we have misread the scripture. It goes on to say that ‘they may see our good works’- we are going to shine and be noticed for our good works. We are His hands and feet - then other will see us doing His work. But the glue that holds it all together is the fact that ‘and shall give glory to God’. If we (or anyone else) is doing good works and it is not resulting in glory being given to God then something is wrong. While we are the light and it is our hands that does the ‘good works’ it is still God who should and must receive the glory. How else do we expect to connect those in need to Jesus?
The Church remodel is going well. Things are looking so good. We have started making plans to be back in our updated sanctuary on November 29th. We are planning a great day. That morning will be some special activities and a special service to launch us to a New Height and then that night we will host an area Youth Service that includes several other area churches. The last one the house was so pack the ‘just older than youth’ had to go to the fellowship hall to make room.

Thank God for what HE is doing!

www.joshua-lynn.blogspot.com

Great Weekend

2009-10-27T18:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a great weekend. We have continued to build on the focus of a ‘God Sized Vision’ over the last few months. We have preached, discussed and taught about being people of prayer, people of faith, people who can make disciples for christ and this week we looked inward as to ‘How to become a Disciple of Christ.’ We looked to Simon Peter as he was called from a fisherman to become one of the most important leaders in the early church as Apostle Peter. His first sermon produced amazing results- what and how did he mature to be what God used him for in the book of Acts. We must understand that we are not only called to be a christian but to become a disciple- one who follows another teachings and spreads those teachings as well. We cannot be ‘pew warmers’ but must be an example of the one we follow. Can we say as Paul did ‘Follow me as I follow Christ?“

We continue work on the sanctuary. Things are looking great. Paint was put on the walls (final coats and trim still to be done), the ceiling made progress, finishing electricity took a big step, bathroom floors were started, and many more things. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are looking to be very thankful by Thanksgiving in our new sanctuary!

Prospective Members Class

2009-10-19T16:30:00.001-04:00

Sunday evening we concluded our introductory class for prospective members. We had 8 complete the course and one more that has a session to make up. From the initial response I think this will serve as a great building block for us to develop and nurture the new people God will be sending our way. Over time we will expand the number of sessions to give a greater coverage of the information and to be better able to assist in transitioning these new people/members into the functions and ministries of the church as well as be better able to minister to them as a church. I was very encouraged by how well these classes went. Over the next several weeks many of these will take the covenant of membership in the Leesburg COGOP. We had at least 2 others that wanted to join the class but was unable to due to schedule conflicts.

"In His Presence" - a Great Weekend

2009-10-19T16:13:00.000-04:00

Presence
This weekend was another great one in Leesburg, AL. While this past week many of our people have been sick and working hard on our updated sanctuary, we had a wonderful service. Sunday morning I enjoyed our service greatly. Unknowingly to me, Sister Paula our pastor’s booster had a little program for Pastor’s Appreciation month. She read a few poems and shared from her heart. It was very nice and touching. We are very thankful to everyone who did what she ask the church to do by giving a second love offering for the month and in two offerings for the morning. We were greatly blessed by it.
I had been anxiously awaiting the chance to preach the second part of ‘Make Disciples.’ We looked to the model Jesus used as He worked with the disciples in their confused and doubting ways. Step 1- Jesus called to them “follow me,’ Step 2- Jesus had them ‘watch him,’ step 3- The disciples helped Jesus minister and perform miracles, Step 4- Jesus sent them out with His anointing and His authority, and Step 5- He Released them. This is the model we want to use in our lives and in our church.
Sunday night God changed the coarse of my sermon as in the afternoon God brought the story of David going to go get the Ark of the Covenant and bringing it back to Jerusalem. He did not wait till it got back home before he began to worship, dance, rejoice, shout, and sing that the presence of God was on it’s way back home. We need to get a little more excited and act a little more like David as he answered Saul’s daughter when she questioned his ‘foolish’ actions. He (in our words) said you have not seen nothing yet. It was also great to note how David had laid aside His royal robes and put on the priestly robes of holy, righteousness to lead the Ark back to the center of the house of Jerusalem. More importantly we were so thankful that God showed up, while the Lord’s presence is not fully back home, we as David, rejoiced because we had made 6 steps back toward home. Several were in the altars praying and several more came up for healing and a touch from the Lord.
We must go look for the presence of the Lord and not just wait on it. I want to chase after Him and bring Him back into the House of God!!

Youth Conference Weekend

2009-10-13T09:39:00.001-04:00

This past weekend was a great weekend. After working on the church with the men here, I was able to drive up to Sevierville, TN for the Youth Conference held by International Youth Ministries. I was so excited when we got to the convention center to meet up with our youth and the leaders. They seemed so excited to be there and ready to get settled in for the weekend. We enjoyed getting to see so many of our friends from TN and other places- it is so good to have brothers and sisters that love you and always great friends! After we got the youth settled in, they began to eat and we left to meet up with some of our young adults that had came up for the weekend. We had already gotten checked into the cabin for everyone so we headed back to it to pick up some to go eat. We enjoyed a great night of eating with most of the young adults (one group was still traveling) and then stayed up till the early morning hours talking and playing games in the cabin. It was great to spend time with some of our young adults. After spending the day Saturday resting, eating, and fellowship we went to the Warren Barfield concert at the Youth Conference. We enjoyed a great service that night with worship and then a powerful message by Pastor Chris Weathers from Taylor, MI. We have got to be friends with Pastor Chris over the last year and it was great to see him preach at the conference. It was a short message and a very timely one at that. Those there responded very well as God poured out His spirit upon all that were willing to receive it. Two of our young girls got saved that night and I seen our youth leaders receiving a touch from God as some where crying and seeking God. We had a great, great time with the Spirit of the Lord! Sunday we returned back to Leesburg to join in service for that night.

Before Service we had our first of two sessions in our first Prospective Members Class. We had 9 in attendance with 2 more that were unable to be with us that night. We have had great comments from that night and we pray that God is bringing us people to join not only in a verbal commitment but a heart-filled one as well. We want to ‘grow forward.’

During our evening service we heard about how we are to edify our family of God and remember ‘out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks.’

Youth Conference Stage

General Overseer Randy Howard

Our youth in worship and prayer.

'Make Disciples' and Work begins

2009-10-05T00:38:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day at Leesburg Church. We had a wonderful service as we felt God bless us through a great worship service and through the message of the Word. Over the last month I have been encouraging all of us at Leesburg to seek the Lord in a personal relationship and to seek the Lord for our future as well as the Lost in our reach. We knew that Lord was preparing us for more of the vision (the God Sized Vision) and this morning we shared how we must understand what the Lord was saying when He commanded us to ‘.. Make Disciples.’ We desire to see those we are able to minister to not just have an experience of salvation but to have a conversion and become a disciple (one who desires, learns, and then shares the teachings of the one he follows). We want people to not only know and follow Christ teachings but to become a teacher, a minister of those teachings and the Gospel itself.
Thank God for What He is doing!

WORK BEGINS

This afternoon the ribbon so to speak was cut on construction for the remodel of the sanctuary. For some time the church has discussed updating the sanctuary but they have now decided we have arrived at the time. We moved all the equipment and pews into our fellowship hall to create a temporary sanctuary. We had a great crowd helping out and we are thankful for them all! We were excited to see just how quickly everyone got things set up for service tonight.

People seemed to adjust well to our new setting as the spirit of worship and the sweet feel of the Lord was strong. The Lord encouraged us through the scripture in Joshua 1:9 ‘be strong and of good courage..’ as we endeavor to continue to reach to new places. We heard a few testimonies of what God has done over the lat 40 years of the churches history. It was such a blessing to hear how our church father and mother (Bro. Decker and Sister Decker) had vision of people coming when they had just a few, but thank God for men and women like them to see a hope greater than man’s and reach for the vision God gave them.

We are enjoying the ride along with God!

New Baby Boy

2009-10-03T00:17:00.001-04:00

Congratulation to Eric and Laura! This morning (early) they became parents of a proud baby boy. Jayden is doing great and so is mom. God blessed them this morning! We know they are excited and we celebrate with them- Praise the Lord.

We also want to congratulate the grandparents, who are equally or more excited. Deacon Jimmy Bridges and Sister Nona Bridges. You should hear their voices..

Crissy and I enjoyed a visit with them today in the Hospital and little Jayden was so sweet and so handsome. It is truly a miracle from God each time you see a little one that you cannot deny a creator!

We welcome little Jayden and thank the Lord for His blessings.

7 Baptized at Leesburg Today

2009-09-27T22:05:00.001-04:00

This Sunday was a great day at Leesburg. God was good to us as He blessed us with wonderful weather, a sweet spirit, and some great responses to the Lord’s call. During our Sunday morning service we preached about ‘Unlocking Your Purpose,’ as we shared that we must have the character of God to give him worship in all we do and to be witnesses of Jesus.

We immediately went to our baptismal service held at the St. Clair’s home. We had 7 that got baptized this afternoon. We were very excited to see these 7 share with the rest of the church what God had done in their hearts by saving them. It was a wonderful time!

Sunday night was no different. We preached ‘By Faith’ as a means of life by faith to please God and be mobilized to do His work. We ended our service by writing names of church lost love ones who were not saved on one board to pray for as a church and to state “By Faith” we declare these souls for the Lord.

We are thankful to see what God is doing at Leesburg.

Baby Dedication

2009-09-21T16:02:00.000-04:00

Sunday was a great day at Leesburg. We had a wonderful service with a theme of “God Sized Vision.”

We had the wonderful opportunity to do our first baby dedication at Leesburg. The sweet little girl did a great job as her mom and dad dedicated her to the Lord and committed to guide her to know Christ. They had several family visiting to participate in the wonderful service. Along with those visitors and few other visiting families we had 90 in attendance - Praise the Lord.

During our sermon the Lord guided us to enlarge the tent and lengthen the cords as well as strengthen the stakes as we prepare for a God Sized Vision. While buildings will come, we must focus first on our own life and our own depth in the Lord. As a church I felt God was telling us to prepare our leaders to grow deeper and prepare to train new leaders. God is working at Leesburg and we are very thankful for His hand!!

Thank God for a great Weekend

2009-09-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful weekend we had this past weekend. While things have went well over the last several weeks here at Leesburg, it felt as if personally we were getting our arms around things and we were starting to actually make plans to move forward. The Leesburg church is ready to do and grow.
Toward the end of last week it seemed as if God was changing direction in what I had been planning to preach Sunday morning. I finished preparing for both the message I had planned but also prepared for what I thought God might be leading me to preach. Sunday morning I was praying at the church around 8 AM and had a peace to preach what God has redirected. Again God moved in our worship time and God’s anointing was with us all during the message. God led us to have our deacons come forward as our elders for anyone who needed healing or needed prayer. God was awesome in our prayer time. The Holy Ghost moved on many that came forward during that time. One lady went to get one of our children out of children’s church to pray for his asthma. We thank God for what He is doing. We were blessed as well with a good crowd of 70 again this Sunday. Sunday night was no disappointment either. We had one in the alter during our worship time as God had given her a burden for a lost loved one. Thank God for having us intercede on another’s behalf. What a confirmation that was for me. Intercession was just what God had laid on my heart to preach and then practice in for our Sunday night service. So that is what we did. After a short message on intercession, we practiced intercession for our church, our families, and our community.

We are excited for another great week that we have now began.

God’s richest blessings!

Labor Day Weekend from Leesburg

2009-09-07T11:04:00.001-04:00

We have had a wonderful weekend here in Leesburg. It was great to get college football season started with an Alabama win- Roll Tide. (OK enough of my personal opinions.) My brother, Matt, and his wife, Lindsey, got to come down Saturday evening and spend the weekend with us.
Sunday was a great day at the Leesburg Church of God of Prophecy. After last week of having several out it was nice to get many of them back and to over 70 during the morning service. The singing and worship during the our worship time was wonderful. Lindsey stated that she was amazed at some of our musicians, especially Bro. Kenneth and Sister Sandra on the piano. We took Matt and Lindsey out to a place we were introduced to a few weeks back called ‘Greens and Beans.’ We all filed up on the good ole’ country cooking - some good stuff! Latter the church had a dinner with hot dogs, chili, beans, and at my special request some homemade ice cream- yum. Then we began our outdoor singing with our Music Minister Kenneth Decker leading the way. It was good to hear several in special song and the congregations as well as participating in Praise and Worship. We counted a little over 80 and was very thankful for those that brought out friends and family.

Thank God for a wonderful weekend!

Praise and Worship Team Sings

Kids Sing

Pre-Teen Chris Sings

Leesburg COGOP Weekly Events

2009-09-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

This week at Leesburg Church of God of Prophecy

Tuesday Night- Ladies Exercise in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday Night- 7 PM - Adult Bible Study; Young Adult Bible Study, Youth Class; and Children’s Class
Thursday Night- Ladies Exercise in the Fellowship Hall
Sunday Morning- 10 AM Sunday School
- 10:45 AM Worship and Preaching - “What we Must Do- Reencountering our Core Values” Sermon- Very Special Focus for our Future
Sunday Night- Outdoor Singing
Come join us. We will have singing and food, what could be better!

Wonderful Services on Sunday

2009-08-31T16:10:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time again this Sunday. The energy around here is just wonderful. The people continue to be great to us and we are so happy to call Leesburg our new home.

Sunday morning the Lord was blessing in a wonderful way. Toward the end of Sunday School, I had one sister come to me for pray because in her Sunday School class God was dealing with her about something. It was great to see God moving and I knew that God was ready to be blessed by His people and to bless His people as well. Before we started our Praise and Worship, I had felt led to read about Paul and Silas in the the deep prison making a choose to praise the Lord and sing because no matter our situation God is always worthy of praise- and they benefited from the release of their chains. I felt a great move of the power of the Holy Ghost and some of the ladies ended up in the alter with a fellow sister. They were letting the Holy Ghost lead them to minister and worship. It was a great atmosphere to preach about the 3rd person of the Trinity - the Holy Ghost and all the blessings of ‘Being Filled with the Holy Ghost’ has to offer us and those we have need to witness to in our worlds. On Sunday night we had a better crowd than we did that morning and God blessed us as always. I shared some about how God was going to continue to combine the wisdom and experience of our older generations and the energy and vision of the younger to see God’s purpose complete in us as a church.

Leesburg is blessed with a wealth of people in each generation, giving, caring, and committed to see God bless this community. It is such an honor to be working with a fine group like them.

Keep Leesburg in your prayers so we can ‘Finish the Vision!’

First Weekend at Leesburg

2009-08-23T22:29:00.001-04:00

This weekend was our first weekend at Leesburg. We had a wonderful weekend with the people. Saturday afternoon the ladies gathered for a baby shower for Laura Bridges (and Eric Bridges). They are expecting their first baby (a little boy) in roughly 6 weeks. Crissy and Camille went to the shower and said they had a great time. They seemed to have a wonderful shower and I am sure got many item that they appreicate. We finished the day off by going out to eat with one of the families from Leesburg. We enjoyed getting to know them and hear more about what they want to see God do at Leesburg.

(Before the Shower)

Today was our first Sunday at Leesburg. We had a wonderful day with the congregation and the excitement was great. Everyone was so kind to us. We had a wonderful worship service with congregation songs led by the choir and then the praise and worship team led us in some worship songs. We had a crowd of 76 with us during worship and preaching. Several came out to see who the new pastor was and to get to meet us. We hope they come back to be with us often. Sunday night we had the Bridges with us, Joshua and Jillian. They are 15 (about to be 16) twin brother and sister who have wonderful talents of music and singing. They played the piano, guitar, and violin. They did a great job and we enjoyed singing and worshiping with them during the evening. Also sharing in the evening was Nick who played a song on the piano, he to has an amazing talent.

We sense God stirring up the excitement of all generations in the church. We cannot wait to see what God is doing at this time.

God Bless,

Pastor Josh
Blog- www.Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com

The family being welcomed on the sign and the girls walking over Sunday from the parsonage.

Announcement

2009-08-15T13:39:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends and Fellow Ministers,

I have been waiting to share some news with you all for a long period but there was no news to share until now. As most of you know, during the 2009 Tennessee State Convention Tim Farmer was appointed to take on the responsibility of state youth ministries. I am excited for Tennessee because this will allow Bro. Tim to be full time in state ministry (Youth and Evangelism), which I believe is a great opportunity from our part time status. As for our family, we knew we were in a transition but never knew where, what, or when it would occur.

We have prayed about several opportunities that we were presented with from the north to the south. We were believing God for a place to call home and a church that wanted to impact it's community. This last week God opened a door and He gave us peace to accept. I am excited to share that Sunday, August 23 will be my first Sunday as senior pastor of Leesburg Church of God of Prophecy (Alabama). Bishop Jones (AL overseer) has been very helpful in our discussions to find peace about this move and I am thankful for him. The people at Leesburg are eager to touch their community and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey.

Over the last 8 years of ministry in Tennessee God has blessed us with so many life long friends. It has been a great honor to serve the state in youth ministry over the last 4 years. While we always wish we could have done more, we know we gave the state and God our all. We know that the work is not complete to equip, train, and develop this wonderful generation. We have committed to assist in any way possible to further the work set before the state and each church.

I want to thank each one that has assisted in the state youth work from the bottom of my heart. I cannot express enough thanks or gratitude nor could I name everyone. I want to publicly thank Bishop McKinley, as well as Sister McKinley, for entrusting me with the responsibility as well as being encouragers and supporters of myself and youth ministry- Thank You. I also want to thank Sister Kim Batson, the Middle/West TN Children's Director, who became a good friend and co-labour in state ministry- Thank You. Of coarse Sister Londa Richardson was always a friend, supporter, and had a wonderful word of encouragement- Thank You. Thanks to all the pastors for believing in youth ministry and allowing yourself to be open to new and different things to reach the youth generation. Thank you to the wonderful youth leaders/pastors who supported events and worked together so we could all be successful in our hearts cry. We love you Tennessee and we wish you much success. We hope to cross paths often with you and keep our friendships open for years to come.

I will continue my blog- Joshua-Lynn.blogspot.com with information about our ministry and what is going on at Leesburg. My personal email will remain - joshualynn@mac.com. While in the coming days I will get a new cell phone for the area, I will also keep my current number for a period of time- 865-567-2753. Of coarse I am still active on Facebook. Please stay in contact with us. If I can ever be of any assistance or if you just want to talk, do not hesitate to contact me.

God Bless You!

Joshua Lynn

State Convention Youth Session was GREAT!

2009-07-13T21:11:00.000-04:00

God was so good as always. The worship team did a great job as Sister June Gordon lead her awesome team. Lakeside Youth Ministries and Chickamauga Loop Dance Team both did a great job in ministry. I appreciate Sister Kim Batson for opening with a anointed scripture and prayer as well as her work all weekend (and each year) with our Children Ministries across the state. I am also very thankful for the guys who joined me on stage - Doug Rutherford, Kevin Carver, JD Cannon, Pastor Chad Bagley, and Corey Shelton (Stacey Tuttle was suppose to be up there but we had a missed communication). These men prove to me we have a wonderful future ahead of us in the Church of God of Prophecy.

We had one of the best attendances in recent years at a youth session at the Tennessee Convention. Beyond the great youth attendance I was so pleased with the amazing adult turn out with both middle aged and elders in attendance. We had many stand and come to the alters to pray as a church that will not be divided by generations. It was such a blessing to see so many of our elders stand showing support for this generation and a commitment to raise spiritual sons and daughters. Then come to pray with our youth that have accepted a calling into ministry and to preach the gospel. I also appreciate the great support the youth had as they seemed to accept the challenge to serve and work under elders to grow to spiritual maturity.

Last but not least I want to thank Bishop McKinley for his verbal and physical support during the service and alter call. As well as our International Representative, Women’s Ministry Director Kathy Payne, as she prayed and spoke life into both youth and elders in the alters.

God was good- and I was blessed by His outpouring!

Joshua Lynn

State Convention Days Away

2009-07-08T10:10:00.002-04:00

This is just a reminder of what is to start on Friday evening in Murfreesboro- Tennessee State Convention.

Youth Events during the weekend:

Saturday afternoon - 3 PM - Youth Session (Worship led by June Gordon and our State Youth Praise Team; Drama by Lakeside Youth Ministries; Preaching by Joshua Lynn, State Youth Director)

Saturday night- @ 9 PM- Youth After Hours Session- After the Saturday night main session we will have a time of worship, drama, and fun. Come experience an awesome time with the Lord and friends from across the state!

And don’t forget the rest of the weekend activities- see what God can do in your life this weekend! (Oh and don’t forget getting to see all the camp friends one more time before school starts)

LET’S HAVE THE BEST TURN OUT IN YEARS!

Youth Needed For State Convention

2009-05-21T13:31:00.002-04:00

The 2009 Tennessee State Convention is approaching quickly. We want to invite and beg all our youth to attend. Our leadership from International Offices, State Offices, and across the state are putting there focus on our youth generation. This year we will have several opportunities for our youth to minister and to be ministered to in our youth service and a special after hours session just for youth. If you would like to recommend a wonderful drama/dance team or worship band feel free to email me and let me know. We would love to use as many as possible in our 2009 Convention.

Make plans to be there- July 10-12 2009 Murfreesboro Embassy Suites and Convention Center.

God Bless,
Joshua Lynn
jlynn@TennesseeYouth.org

National Youth Conference-Omega Conference in October

2009-05-19T10:17:00.002-04:00

Guys the flyer has been released which has the artist for the 2009 Omega Youth Conference held in Sevierville, TN. The price includes the food and the room per person.

If you have any questions please let me know.
Thank you and God Bless,

Joshua Lynn

Watertown Youth Service Visit

2009-05-18T00:55:00.000-04:00

Last night I got to visit Watertown COGOP for a great service. Bro. Stacey Tuttle was scheduled to preach and I wanted to visit Watertown one of my homes away from home. Bro. Stacey brought Youth Pastor Kevin Carver and the Firehouse 2.0 worship team. It was a wonderful service and God really ministered to young and old. The oldest member of the church testified of getting sanctified. I always love being in Watertown. Pastor David Haun and Pastor’s wife Diane Haun always are so sweet and loving. It was amazing after the alter call (and some during preaching) were gathered around Sister Haun sitting at her feet. It reminded me of scripture that tells us that people just gathered at Jesus’ feet. Each of those Watertown kids have always (and I mean always) loved her, because she has shown the love of Jesus time and again to them- good times and in bad.

Bro. Stacey’s message was very good. I really loved the thought that our being crippled is not noticeable when we are at THE King’s table. We all need to come eat with the King and we will find our own problems and weakness becoming small and insignificant.

Thank God for a wonderful time.

Joshua Lynn

Leadership Development Institute 2009

2009-04-25T21:36:00.001-04:00

Well this past week I spent the majority of the week in Cleveland, TN for Leadership Development Institute (LDI). I have tried to make it a practice to attend each of these over the last 3 or 4 years because of the practical ministry training. This year was no different, it was amazing. I know not everyone is able to attend by taking off a week from work, but I would encourage anyone (pastors, youth leaders, children’s leaders, etc.) to sacrifice to attend when the next one comes around.

So many times I would say to myself, ‘wow, that is how you do that’. I mean I have seen things or though ‘how do you do x’ and boom it was discussed this past week.

I will not try to go line by line of everything but each service was great and the workshops with Dr. Bryan Cutshall and a few others where wonderful. I believe that International Offices will be making the audio (and some video) available for purchase.

It was also wonderful to see all of friends here in TN and some from Alabama. I also enjoyed meeting several from other states as well.

God Bless,
Joshua Lynn

Shiloh Youth Revival was Great

2009-04-01T22:21:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share how great the revival was this past weekend at the Shiloh Church. Pastor Chad Bagley had promoted and planned for a great two night youth revival. Friday night a drama team from the Sparta area ministered and by the end the Lord was moving in a great way. God blessed in such away that several where in the altars even before the preaching. There was a 9 year old boy who prayed, cried, shouted, danced, and jumped in the spirit for I guess 30 minutes. Another lady prayed and you seen the Holy Ghost move on her as she began to pray with groans of the spirit. She experienced a change in her spirit and was very excited at what God had done in here life. But I have to say that night the boy jumping and shouting in the altar is engrafted in my mind. Saturday night was a great night as well. We had allot of fun before service while some shared there talents, some where ‘spiritual’ and others where great fun. I have to say the pastor took the trophy with his Adam Sandler “Sloppy Joe- The Lunch Lady song.’ After that we had some food and snacks before service. God blessed again in service and we were very thankful.
God shared how He is a God of Today not only yesterday or tomorrow. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us today and be there for our needs. But at the same time God is not a ‘Genie in a bottle’ who gives you a set of wishes. God deserves and desires a relationship.
Thanks again to Pastor Chad for asking us to be with him and for those that drove to be with us those two night.

Joshua Lynn

1Night Lock-In

2009-03-24T00:18:00.000-04:00

Well I don’t think my aging body has recovered from the lock-in on Friday night but I am trying. I think we counted over 280 there through the night and it was a wonderful time. I want to thank Jeff Jones and Robbie George for envisioning, planning, and accomplishing this event. This is the 3rd year that they have worked on this event for Sumner County and all the surrounding areas. I congratulate them for the months of work they put into this 1Night Lock-In.

If you would like to see pictures take a look around facebook there are several pictures to view.

Thanks and good night!

Joshua Lynn

1Night Lock-In this weekend

2009-03-17T15:56:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to remind everyone as they started making plans for this weekend to not forget 1Night this coming Friday night. Doors open at 9:30 PM at the Gallatin Civic Center and we will kick you out at 5 AM (jk- well not really). It is ask that you pay $5 at the door (if you can’t come anyway). Also for our youth groups that are coming if you are able please bring some drinks and snacks to help your hungry bunch out.

There is multiple basketball courts, racquetball courts, game room, swimming pool, and more. Pizza will be serve in the middle of the night as well.

Come and expect a good time.

You need to bring your permission slips which you can download at www.TennesseeYouth.org.

God Bless,
Joshua Lynn

Upcoming Youth Events in March

2009-03-13T15:23:00.003-04:00

I hope that each of you have had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a great weekend. We have several activities and events coming up around the state over the next few weekends that I wanted to remind each of you of.

Next weekend - March 20th- Lock-In -It is going to be located in Gallatin Civic Center, Gallatin, TN. It starts at 9 PM and is over at 5 AM Saturday morning. It is requested that $5 be donated at the door but come regardless. Food, games, and more will be just part of the fun. For more information you can go to our state website (www.TennesseeYouth.org) or www.myspace.com/1_night_lockin to download the poster and the Permission Slip (WHICH YOU DO NEED TO HAVE).

The next weekend is a few events through the state-

March 27th- Spring Jam- Lakemoore Church of God of Prophecy in Morristown, TN - Located in North East TN- Starts at 6 PM. For more information please contact Youth Pastor Caleb Winstead 423-735-7071 or at caleb@musfiber.com

YOUTH REVIVAL- March 27th, 28th- Shiloh Church located at 9150 Smithville Hwy Smithville. This is located in Middle TN and a easy drive from many places around Middle TN. On Friday night service starts at 7 PM and on Saturday it starts at 5 PM. On Saturday there will be a Talent Compettion and drama teams are encouraged to come by the local church holding the revival. For more information please contact Pastor Chad Bagley at bglyfam@aol.com The special speaker for the revival is ... ME - Joshua Lynn. Please make plans to come.

I will be more than happy to assist in any information that I may be able to if you contact me personally.

Joshua Lynn

Wonderful Conference in Cleveland

2009-03-11T11:40:00.007-04:00

We had a wonderful time Saturday afternoon and evening. We had a great crowd attending and God really blessed us all. I was so pleased to see so many churches represented from Cleveland to Chattanooga. We were honored to have Bro. and Sister Reed our International Youth Ministries Directors attend some of our Youth and Children’s Conference. We had great attendance with both our children and our youth (I

will try to amend with numbers soon). It was such a beautiful day that God gave and it was wonderful for some to eat outside and enjoy the weather during our break for dinner. I want to thank the Arrowhead Church and the Crab Orchard Church for bringing there youth drama teams to minister during our service, it was a real blessing to have them all. Durkee Road Church also did a skit for us to open up our day that was both humorous and thought provoking. I will also give a special thanks to Sister Phyllis Cannon who arrived at the church around lunch and spent much time in helping to set up and stayed afterward to do most of the cleaning (along with some others that stayed behind). We always are thankful for our host Pastor (Eric Washburn) and Church (Springplace), they have a wonderful facilities and were very hospitable.

As for the most important part God really blessed. There was a powerful spirit of God moving during our worship time and many were very hungry in there worship. After a message (Be Separated) the altars filled as most of those in attendance where either in prayer or praying for others. In those I spoke and prayed with God delivered from the weight of their past and were freed from that bondage, one was given peace over the attacks from others, and God spoke some ‘refocusing’ on His purpose. One of the things that spoke so much to me was the fact that once everyone was done they did not want to leave the altars. Most stayed in the altars worshiping even still kneeling at the altars and loving God and His presence.

God was great and we were so thankful for it.

Joshua Lynn

Youth and Children's Conference- March 7th

2009-02-28T15:28:00.001-05:00

I wanted to remind everyone of the Youth and Children's Conference at Springplace- Cleveland this Saturday, March 7th. We start at 3 PM. We will have workshops for both the youth and the children, as well as the leaders of both. We will have a free Pizza dinner along with snacks and all. From there we will have worship services for the youth and the children and separate services. You can see more details as well as our flyer at the website -www.TennesseeYouth.org and our blog. I did not include it as I was afraid it would affect this emails delivery for spam and junk mail rules.

Thank you for your time. If possible please let us know if you are coming- while registration is not requested (or done) we like to get an idea of who is coming for our food to be correct. Regardless come!!!!!!

Make Cleveland our best one yet!

Joshua Lynn