Life. Liberty. And the pursuit of God.

I was surprised how full we were this morning. We had a lot of regular attenders out this morning but a big number of visitors with us, so it pretty much equaled out.

This morning seemed to zip by, there was not a lot of time for visiting. The music was fantastic – Dayspring is blessed to have some wonderful musicians who really have a heart for what they do.

This morning I talked about how prosperity theology does not add to, but rather takes away from the glory of God.

I am finishing forming small groups today and tomorrow and am looking forward to this upcoming semester.

Today Anson was telling my wife and I about school and he coyly proclaimed, “I have a girlfriend.”

Me with a grin, “oh, you doooo?”

Anson, “Yes, and TWO boyfriends.”

Me taken back, “Oh, yes, of course, well that’s good son.”

This Sunday I will begin a series called Urban Legends. We all believe some things that simply are not true. At one time an urban legend held some truth but through the years they have been passed down, changed and embellished. Most are now pure fiction. Like Urban legends, Christians often have sayings or thoughts that have been passed down as truths and yet simply are Christian myth, Urban Legends if you will.

This week I am going to talk about Prosperity Theology. It is actually a very complicated and nuanced set of beliefs – Word of Faith, Name it and Claim it, Prosperity Gospel, Health and Wealth, Blab it and Grab it (oh, wait that one is mine). It is so easy to believe because it is, in part, based on the truth of scripture – yet it has been corrupted.

Anyway, Texas has been THE BIGGEST influence of this theology starting with Hagin, Copeland, Tilton, TBN, Murdock, T.D. Jakes, and dare I say the Osteens (Daddy and son). I am sure there are more Texas influencers but there are a few of the prominent ones.

It should be an interesting Sunday!

There have been several decisions that I have been weighing lately for Dayspring. There is always some decision to make, some question to ponder. Sometimes what I perceive as the right direction comes immediately, other times the path is much harder to discern. Ultimately, I know that indecision is a decision. I guess this can be taken negatively or positively. Personally, I am not frightened of indecision as long as the indecision leads to waiting.

We should not act out of pressure, fear, or indecision. When time affords, waiting for clarity and guidance from God is always the BEST decision.

Should preachers openly endorse one candidate over another?

I ran across an interesting article this evening Check It Out Here.

Here is the last of the photos I have to share!

(My son always makes the goofiest faces – and I love it.)

(Below: My Dad)

(Below: My parents, my wife, Anson and me – Avery is the photographer)

Above: Dolphins / Below: Manatee

Below: Iguana – lots of them in the city

Below: Crab – the kids went on a night hunt and caught one

Above: Seals / Below: Sea Lion

We had a great Sunday this morning. It felt good to be preaching again after being off a week.

Our service ran a little long this morning so I had to call off the final teaser video for next week.

I came home after a training for our small group leaders and slept hard. Getting in this last week and catching up, getting ready for Saturday and then this morning exhausted me.

We had strong attendance last week while I was gone and probably our best non-event (X-Mas, Easter, Groundhog day) Sunday this morning.

I talked about worry/anxiety today. The service running late made the sound guys anxious.

I am looking forward to talking about prosperity theology next Sunday.

Aaron closed the service with an original song and it was very good.

Our kids start school full-time tomorrow, as does Tyler ISD, Whitehouse ISD and several other districts around here. I am so glad school is back – I need routine!