Britton Christian Church

Good Morning,

It is hard to believe that BCC will be 100 years old next Summer. We have a group of folks working with Pastor Herman planning a big, big birthday celebration for next Summer. One piece of the celebration will be a huge banner with pictures from the old days and a group shot of our current church. This is where you can be a part of history.

This Sunday, November 16, immediately following the 2nd worship service, we will get everyone together outside of the church and have a photographer take our picture. We need everyone to be here. Even if you attend the early service–please come back at 12 noon and be a part of this important picture. I’ll see you then.

In His Steps,
Mike

Good Morning Everyone,

Well, the campaigning is over. The rhetoric has come to a screeching halt. The political ads have been shelved for another day. My email “inbox” was empty of political emails this morning. (Thank you Lord!!)The votes have been counted and we have a new President.

Just a couple of days ago I wrote that I have committed Christian friends who are supporters of both candidates who ran for President. My Republican friends are disappointed this morning and my Democratic friends are ecstatic. I prayed for both this morning.

Before I prayed for my friends I prayed for our new President. I prayed that four years from now we will be able to say that Barak Obama was the best President that we’ve had in our lifetime. I prayed that the Lord would grip Barak’s heart like no other President we’ve ever had. I prayed that the Lord would bless him as he chooses those who will surround him so that they might give him good counsel for the important decisions that he will have to make beginning with the new year. I prayed that the Lord will use the pressure cooker of being Commander in Chief in drive our new President to his knees in prayer. I also prayed that the Lord would bless his wife, Michelle, and his little girls for that they might thrive as a family in the White House.

I also prayed for the people of our nation. I prayed that we, as Americans, will rally around our new President and support him with our prayers. I prayed that we will open our arms and hearts to embrace him as our leader. I prayed that those who didn’t vote for him will give him a chance. I prayed Ephesians 4:29 for those who have been so passionately opposed to the thought of Barak Obama being our President.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)

I know that for those in our society who are not walking with God all of this is nonsense. Those who claim no allegiance to Jesus, and supported Obama, will gloat over their victory and use every means to rub it in the face of those who did not support him. Those who claim no allegiance to Jesus, and supported McCain, will continue to say all kinds of stuff to try and undermine Obama before he is even sworn into office. But, for those of us who are followers of Jesus, this cannot be our path, this cannot be our plan of action from this day forward. We must recognize that our governmental leaders are “placed” in their positions of power by God and it is our responsibility to pray for them. We must recognize that our new President and his family will desperately need our prayers and therefore we must begin to pray for them even now. We must recognize that we, as followers of Jesus, are not first and foremost Democrats or Republicans, but we are Christians–called to be a blessing to our leaders.

I went to bed last night before the votes were ever counted because I knew that when I got up today God would still be God no matter who won the election. I slept like a baby because I know that Jesus is Lord over every nation, over every elected official. I went to bed knowing that when I woke up and learned the final tally of the voting that I would be committed to praying for whoever my new President would be. I hope you will join me in praying for our new President regardless of who you voted for in yesterday’s election.

In His Steps,
Mike

Dear Friends,

It’s not every day that we have Presidential candidates stop by BCC, but Friday night that is exactly what happened as Barak and Sarah made a non-partisan appearance to urge the people of BCC to get out and vote on Tuesday.

A couple of weeks ago I shared what was on my heart with one of the classes I teach. I told them that I have friends who are committed followers of Jesus and staunch Barak Obama supporters. I have other friends who are committed followers of Jesus and staunch John McCain supporters. On Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning someone is going to lose, some of my friends are going to be disappointed, but it is imperative that all of my brothers and sisters in Christ rally around whoever wins and support them in prayer. They are sure going to need our prayers as these are difficult days that we are experiencing as a nation. Our nation is deeply divided right now and it is a great opportunity for the Body of Christ to show unity to our nation as we stand with our new President.

Romans 13:1 tells us, “…there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” God has His purpose for this important, historic, election. Part of His purpose is that you and I exercise the wonderful privilege we have been given by getting in line and casting our vote. Once the vote is over then it is time to embrace our new President with our support and prayer.

This has been a very long two years as both candidates have campaigned like crazy. I don’t know how they have kept up the schedule that they have. I have every expectation that by the time the new President is sworn into office that the potential Presidential candidates for 2012 will already be hitting the road and trying to get the upper hand on their opponents.

I know there are many folks who are tied in knots worrying about the outcome, but I’m sleeping like a baby because I know who sits in a position of far greater power than the White House. Jesus is King of all kings. He’s the President of all presidents! Take heart! He will lead us like He has led us all along!

In His Steps,
Mike

Hi Everyone,

On Friday night we had our annual “Fall Festival” celebration at BCC and it was so awesome! I want to thank our Children’s Minister, Dana Stevenson, and all of those who helped her in putting together such a great event. For those of you who weren’t able to make it I’m going to give you a glimpse of the wonderful night.

It was a great evening for everyone! The kids had a blast. There were cameras snapping up memories that will be treasured for years to come. I hope you were able to join us for “Fall Festival.” I also hope that you were able to join us for “Friend Day” on Sunday morning. Have a super week.

In His Steps,
Mike