By now, you've heard

By now, you've probably heard that I've been invited to come to Central Baptist Church, Jacksonville this coming Sunday, August 2, in view of becoming their pastor. For my dear friends in Frankston, please know that this has been one of the most difficult choices I've ever had to make. The path we've walked together these last two years has been one of challenge and joy and I've loved you for them both. You've loved my family in ways I simply cannot express and welcomed us as one of your own. My gratitude to you is deep.

Please allow to dispel any notion that we were in some way dissatisfied at FBC or that we were "shopping" around for a place to go. The truth of the matter is that the Lord opened this door and we're simply walking with Him through it.

For many days and nights, I laid awake thinking and praying about this choice and its ramifications. At the end of my debate, I felt like to stay would be disobedience to what I felt like the Lord had called me to and what I've asked you as my FBC family to be called to - complete and total surrender of rights to make your own choices and choose your own path. Obedience is the key issue. If I failed there, then would I be any good to you as your pastor anyway? I must follow, even though I don't know where it will lead.

Comments

The Thomasons said…
And, for that, we at Central Baptist Church Jacksonville owe First Baptist Church Frankston a debt of gratitude.
Sunday, July 26, 2009 8:02:00 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My friend Shane

We've had a wild 24 hours. 24 hours ago, my friend Shane Morgan was still the pastor of Hilltop Baptist Church. He was 34 yrs old, full of life and the father, husband and pastor for his family and his church. Last night, involved in a horrific head-on accident, Bro. Shane as well as his 12 year old daughter Kalee, are home with Jesus. His wife, Lisa, and their 4 yr old, Emily, survived but are in critical and serious condition respectively. Pray for my friend Shane's family. Pray for Hilltop Baptist Church. Pray for our community. May the Lord show his mercy and his comfort through these dark days.
Read more

A Christmas to remember

As you know, this has been a year of firsts in our home. Most importantly, our son Joshua was born on April 11th this year so this has been a year of the first smile, the first laugh, the first roll-over, the first tooth and now, his first Christmas. He's brought light into our home that I simply couldn't have imagined before he got here. It's funny. . . . we adopted Joshua, but I honestly don't know how on earth I could love him anymore if he were biologically mine. It's almost as if the Lord orchestrated things and people, placing him in just the right family at just the right time (ya think??!??!). Here's a sample of what I mean. Not long ago, Julie, Josh and I were at Wal-Mart. Nothing unusual there! We were in the produce section with me pushing the cart, Josh seat in it and Julie gathering. A stranger walked up to Josh and I, looked Josh hard in the face then looked me hard in the face then back at Josh. Then Julie walked over and the stranger st...
Read more

A weekend to remember

Monday morning gives me a few minutes to consider the previous weekend - and if the rest of the year goes as wildly busy as the first three have gone by, it will be Christmas in about two weeks! - Charniece's retirement service was awesome! It was a outstanding reminder of the power of long-term service. She has served the Lord so faithfully for so long here at CBC - her legacy here will be long-remembered. Thanks to Will Cumbee and the hospitality crew for making the event so special! - The beginning of our Red-Letter Series got off with a bang! The message of grace and forgiveness we found in the mouth of Jesus in John 19 is a poignant reminder of God's calling on our lives to give forgiveness just as freely as we have received it. NOT easy. There are many who struggle with forgiveness throughout their lives - either giving it or receiving it. I hope you'll pray with me for them. - Julie and I went out to dinner Friday night (HOT DATE!) at El Chico on the Loop in T...
Read more