Our Plans For July

Several years ago, the congregation of First Baptist Church insisted that Martha and I take some extended time to get away. At first, we had to be compelled to do so (what were we thinking?), but since then we look forward to the time.

We deeply appreciate our church’s concern for us and look forward to having most of the month of July to refresh and reflect. We will be gone July 2 (I will preach Sunday July 1) through the end of July. I will be back in the office Wednesday August 1 to begin a new Wednesday night study from the Gospel of Mark.

These are my plans for July.

First, I plan to continue my practice of reading through the New Testament during the month. This has been one of the most wonderful experiences for me. God’s Word is wonderful and powerful. Reading through the 270 chapters gives you a good feel for the whole. I rejoice to have the time to do so.

Second, I am looking forward to having time to read a novel or two and some serious books. Any pastor must constantly spend time in study. This gives me a leg up on the year.

Third, this month serves as my opportunity to plan my preaching for the year. Most pastors will tell you that  planning is the key. If you know where you are going, you get there much faster. Therefore, this time is valuable for thinking, exploring, and praying over what God wants me say over the next year.

Fourth, this month gives me the chance to prayerfully consider what I will teach at my Tuesday (weekly men’s breakfast) and Wednesday (Wednesday Worship) teaching sessions. I will begin teaching the Gospel of Mark on Wednesdays and Lessons on Leadership from the Book of Joshua to our men each Tuesday.

Finally, I have a devotional book almost ready for publication. I hope to use some uninterrupted time to finish the book and get it to the publisher. The book will be entitled: Lifeapps: Applying the Word of God to the Difficulties of Life.

Martha will have her own projects related to writing and preparing for her Bible Study in the fall. We also plan to visit Sugar Land, Texas, to see the new grandson as well as traveling to Brantley to see my mother and Martha’s sister.

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers.

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5 Responses

  1. Two interesting Times Picayune – Other Opinions – Friday caught my eye and are worth noting.

    The first deals with the past regarding the office of Mayor of New Orleans as penned by Jarvis Deberry: “Howls of protest can’t hide the truth.” It means something to me since I remember Marc Morial filling the pulpit at First Baptist Church New Orleans pushing the slogan, “We’re mad as Hell and we aren’t going to take it anymore.” I also became acquainted with several members of his administration. His “wife” also worked-out at the same gym as me. Further, a former aid of Chep Morrison became a friend during the Morial administration, I ministered to him till he died. His shared experiences were illuminating. I wondered about the problems Mike Alexander of “The Stone Center” had recovering after Katrina. It is interesting how vulnerable a person or business can become, seemingly overnight. I engineered (in part) and installed the base platform and walls for the largest granite stone saw in the city, perhaps the South, for Mike. Mike paid his bills on time. He was good to work for and with. Mike is a “Christian” who has become “single” after Katrina. As you said Dr. Bailey, its hard to save someone when you’re drowning yourself. (I’ll have to check the exact quote, but I think I received the message you intended. I’m sure you’ll let me know otherwise.) I found it especially true when others who promise to help are standing on your shoulders when you are exhausted and barely treading water. Such lessons kept to oneself do not help the Body or Bride of Christ and have nothing to do with vengeance, as that is in God’s Domain.

    The second is Charles Krauthammer’s: “Why Roberts did what he did.” Wow, what a masterful effort painting the bigger picture. Perhaps we should all take a clue to face up to our own responsibility and know we are severely limited when we refuse to be like-minded in the Bride of Christ.

  2. Sounds wonderful! I pray you and Martha have some precious quiet time with the LORD and joyful “loud” time with your grandchildren!

    Your Sister in HIM,
    Gail Cooke

  3. Please pray for Nat, Bert, and I. She begins her trial process Thursday, July 12th. It was her dog, one of 2, that mauled the little girl in Hammond on April 27th. The devil is trying to destroy my family and my work at FBC of Roseland. Hope you have a pleasant July.

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