THANK YOU, LORD

Oh no, it's happening again!! The stores and malls are being overrun with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and now, Christmas items. Retailers don't give shoppers a break but keep bombarding them with things to buy. Yes, it's traditional for turkeys to be carved, families to gather, special church services and, of course, football. But Thanksgiving should not be the only time we stop and give thanks to God for the bounty America enjoys.

Thankfully, Brotherhood can aid in the separation and REAL reason for the year end holidays and celebrations. Brotherhood had a great time at a fall Men's Encounter in Orlando. As always, we enjoyed our time of celebration singing a few selections including "Roll Away" (by request). The men loved singing along with the chorus and provided an unexpected (yet wonderful) echo. It also made me joyfully smile and almost laugh when I saw them rolling their hands in sync and sing/shout "roll away, roll away"! Thank you Lord, we can have such great fun and fellowship!

We also took our final 2011 Sunday "road trip" for a full day of ministry at Spirit Fire Church (Titusville) in the morning and then drove down south to Cooper City Church of God for a PM concert. That's about a 3-4 hour drive to the Ft. Lauderdale area. What a blessed time we had at both places, praise God, meeting new people who enjoy the gospel message in song! We enjoyed it just as much as anyone attending did in presenting our eclectic gospel blend of music.

The spirit of the Lord was truly felt at both churches. True to our mission, we presented the Word as well as the music. Brotherhood emphasized "evangelism" by going beyond the church's 4 walls… "Get Up" and tell somebody now. It's more important to bring the lost to Jesus and than just bringing them to church. Church doesn't save, Jesus saves! Both churches received that message and "Get Up" could've been sung again and again for emphasis.

But, with another "hit" on our hands, we had a "first"! So enthused by the Cooper City audience response and the strong gospel truth in "Ephesians One", Phil asked if they wanted Brotherhood to sing it again! The people's loud response gave us the obvious answer. Boy, did we have a grand old time in the Lord! I'm sure if we asked that same question about "He Made A Change", "Jesus You're So Wonderful", etc. we would've received the same answer.

There was a personal invite for those to receive salvation and altar work prayer for people's financial, emotional and physical needs. Afterwards, we had sweet fellowship with our newly made friends and some old friends and family who came to see us, as well. After a well deserved food stop, Brotherhood swiftly (not speedily) traveled back home to Orlando and into our beds without waking our wives (it was approx. 2AM). I know it was a blessed Sunday because Satan was not pleased by what happened. I know that because it's been a terrible start of the week for me - unexpected bills and a near car accident. But I'm a happy camper because I know who holds my tomorrow and is watching over Brotherhood.The devil will not steal my joy!

CLOSING PRAYER: Thank you, heavenly Father, that You know us better than ourselves. And You know what's best for us as we diligently determine to follow Your leading. Your blessings are not just sufficient but are more than enough, more than we could have ever expected or imagined. We will be forever grateful and mindful of Your goodness towards us. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed and be a blessing!