March 2007

“Palm Sunday” is upon us and I was wondering what the Vox family thought of this historical account. Wonderful story of Jesus finally being praised? People not really getting who Jesus was/is? Is it a positive historical account of mankind getting it?

 Any thoughts would be appreciated. Please communicate them with a well thought out thesis statement, four point arguement, and concluding summary (or just do whatever you want).

 Thanks,

Billy 

        A few weeks ago a wonderful young lady began coming with a friend to our youth Hot Spot, “Resolution”. This young lady has an incredible attitude and smile that is quite contagious. Last Sunday she attended our Sunday morning service with her parents. Both parents expressed to me that they were very concerned about their daughter’s health. Apparently, she has had a rather difficult life with many tests and surgeries. Last Sunday they were concerned because she has been very fatigued and there was a good possibility she might have to have another heart surgery. She was getting tested on Wednessday to find out for sure. Our church prayed for her and her family that Sunday and committed to pray for her the rest of the week.

On Wednessday I was able to sit with them while she was being tested. It appeared to be a foregone conclusion that this little girl would have to go under the knife again. During the testing we were told that this sort of test takes about a week to get the results back. However, right before we left, the parents were told that they would be contacted the next day with the results. Of course, this concerned the parents even more. Maybe they already found something and needed to move on it quickly.

The next day came and went and no news from the doctor. Another day of worry and concern for the family. On Friday morning the call did come and with it good news. Our new friend was okay and would not need surgery. Praise God!

This is actually a double or even triple blessing. Not only is she healthy, but God has been speaking to her family through this scary time. Both parents really seem to be open to whatever it is that God has for them and want to know Him more. And (the triple blessing) the entire family is extremely pumped about Whispering Pines Community Church, going through our Boot Camp, and ministrying through our church.

God is good (so is life),

Billy 

Today God gave me a good word while I was having a little alone time with Him “in the garden”. Hopefully, it will encourage you as it did me.

 Genesis 11:27-32

27 This is the account of Terah. 
      Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. 28 While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. 29 Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no children.

 31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.

 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.

 There are probably three biggies from the Hebrew Old Testament. Abraham, Moses, and David are all considered to be the most significant or well-known men in the entirity of Jewish history.

Abram (later known as Abramah) is often called “The Father of Israel”, but the above passage makes me wonder if his father, Terah, was originally called to be Israel’s patriarch. Apparently, Terah felt that he was supposed to travel to Canaan. But, he never made it. In fact vs. 31 says that he and his family “settled” for somewhere else.

Canaan would later be the home of Abraham and his decedants. Because of Abraham’s obedience to “leave his people” and all he knew and go to a new land, God blessed him more than he could ever imagine. (Genesis 12:1-3) I wonder if Terah missed out on some of God’s wonderful blessings because he “settled” short of what God had in store for him.

This past Sunday at Whispering Pines Community Church we discussed the need to understand and connect with God’s vision for our lives. Today God showed me that not only do we need to understand and connect with it, but we need to follow through with whatever that vision is.

I spent a lifetime “settling” and missing more of God’s blessings and directions than I will ever know this side of heaven. I’m through “settling”. I’m taking the family to Canaan and not stopping until we get there.

 How about you?

Life is an adventure,

Billy

“WHISPERING PINES COMMUNITY CHURCH” HAS LIFT OFF!!!!

Yesterday was a wonderful day. The service went great and we had 7 new family groups pay us a visit. We had a total of 60-65 people attend yesterday. Sorry I can’t give a more specific number. While yesterday was wondferful, it was a little hectic.

Our new Worship Arts Leader is one energetic young guy. I learned something valuable yesterday… No caffeine for that guy. I tried to match his energy and I almost hyperventilated. Josh and his wife Melissa are invaluable to this ministry. Both led the music at various points of the service and she also leads our children’s Sunday ministry “Kid Zone”. She was very busy, but did a great job with both.

We received one of the best compliments you can get after the service. One man told me afterwards, “I truly felt the Holy Spirit was in here this morning.” He appeared to be quite moved in saying this.

Thanks to everyone that has been journeying with us for the past few months. If you have prayed for this new work, given financially, or given us some of your time you have been a HUGE part of the church planting team.  

Please join us as we praise God for yesterday and for the days to come. One season is over and I honestly can’t wait to see what the next one holds for us.

Life is good,

Billy