Building Update

Not much to report this week...

The excavation basically came to a stand still as the guys had to go finish another job. However, we did sale the last of the logs from the timber we cut and several loads of them were moved to the log yard this weekend.

I expect everything to swing into full motion again next week.

Shhh... Something Good is About to Happen!

Do you talk too much?

Do you continue to speak even when you sense something inside of you telling you to just be quiet?

Do you find yourself constantly complaining about everything from the service at the restaurant to the temperature in the church building?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions it may be time for you to just sit down and listen...

James said, "Be swift to hear but slow to speak". But he was also quick to point out that it would not be easy. Yet still, I believe one of his most profound statements on the subject was that blessing and cursing ought not to proceed out of the same mouth.

How often do you find yourself speaking well of one thing only to without mercy criticize your next subject? It is true that some things warrant criticism, but most of us rarely say anything constructive even when we do find something that needs to be corrected. Instead, we just complain.

In Joshua 6:10, the Hebrew people are called together and told to be quiet for six days. Why? Was it just a test of their level of obedience?

I believe the main reason Joshua told them to be quiet is because he had experience dealing with people on the verge of destiny, but facing formidable foes.

Moses had led the people out of Egyptian bondage with Joshua by his side. However, when they arrived at their Promised Land, before God could work a miracle on their behalf, Numbers 14 says that the Jewish people began to complain to the point that God was so upset with them that He almost killed them all. FYI: God does not like complainers!

From the past experience of Numbers 14, Joshua knew that if he allowed the people to continue to talk then they were sure to begin to criticize how ridiculous what they were doing actually was.

Can't you just hear them now:

"Why are we wasting time walking around these walks without weapons?"

"Doesn't Joshua know this is tiresome, walking around and around this city? And of all things, the Jericho people are laughing at us!"

"This is a disaster waiting to happen... We are all going to die! Jericho is the most fortified city in this part of the world and here we are walking around it in circles... What's he going to suggest next? That we, huff and puff and blow the walls down?"

Joshua recognized the potential for his people to say all of the above and more, so he simply commanded them to be quiet. The result? They did not have the opportunity to complain their way out of the miraculous and on the seventh day something good happened! The walls of Jericho came down and the rest is history...

Morale of my rambling: Shhhh! Stop complaining. Something good is about to happen!!!

Hour of Prayer

HPC will be open from 7am-Midnight for prayer today. Everyone is welcome to come and go as their schedules permit.

We will be petitioning God through prayer for His will to be accomplished in the life of our church. I feel so strongly about today's endeavor that I have scheduled several hours to be there myself and do nothing but pray.

I hope to see you there...

Building Update

Dirt is moving!!!

Excitement and expectancy fill the air as we continue to make room for the Harvest. I can't seem to take my eyes off the dozers. I feel like I'm in a dream. We have waited so long and fought so hard, but once again God has proven His faithfulness.

We are shooting for a first service date of Easter Sunday 2010. However, there are many things that have to fall into place in order for that to happen.

Thanks for your continued prayers. The Threshing Floor (A Place for the Harvest) is now officially being prepared!

FYI: You can follow the building project by becoming a fan of Higher Praise Church on Facebook. Just search for 'Higher Praise Church' once you log into your Facebook account.

Prayer Request Update

A few days ago I requested prayer for my young cousin, Alek. I spoke with his mom today and I'm excited to report that once again your prayers have brought about change!

Alek cleared all of his tests (spinal meningitis has been completely ruled out) and he is back home being all boy!

Thanks again for your prayers.

Building Update

Last night at HPC we began our PM service with an outside prayer gathering. We surrounded the perimeter of where the new facility will be on the property and invited God to have his way with this project.

I am excited to report that your prayers worked! The wheels are now in motion as never before. As of this morning I have already heard from the general contractor, excavator, architect, and the Dept. of Transportation!

The news is good. Very good! We have received: the encroachment approval to build a new entrance onto Hwy. 80; the septic inspection and sprinkler system water flow tests are both scheduled to be conducted this week; the architect will complete the front and side elevation drawings by Friday; and excavation will begin within two weeks if weather will cooperate!

A Threshing Floor (a place for the harvest) will be raised up for the Lake Cumberland and Green River regions and the time is now!

Thank you for your continued dedication to prayer and fasting on behalf of this project.