Varennes Heights Baptist Church

We had a great day worshipping God yesterday, October 12, 2008. What a blessing it was to hear the great singing and to see the great fellowship among God's people. It truly is a joy to come into Varennes Heights to worship the Lord. One of the things we must constantly guard is our attitude. Our attitude will determine our outlook, and our outlook will set the stage for our ministry. Attitude is what others see in us; do they see Christ?

It is hard to believe that Diane and I have been at Varennes Heights now for four years. You have been a blessing to us and I am thankful that God has placed me here as your pastor. You have shown to us your love and support in so many ways. This church has a high regard for pastoral leadership. You have allowed me to pastor according to Scripture and I deeply appreciate your willingness to follow God's Word.

We have been going through a series of warnings from Scripture on things that greatly impact how we live every day. What lies around the corner of life makes a difference in how we live our life now. The consequences of the choices we make today will eventually be played out somewhere in our lives in the future--that is an inescapable truth! The person who says they are not going to concern themselves about the consequences of what they are doing today, will have a miserable future unless they come to a time where they realize the road they have chosen and call upon God for help.

Sunday nights we have been preaching about personal revival. Our time together has been blessed by God as many hearts have been touched. We are using the book "Seeking Him" for a daily guide and then bringing a message on that week's study. God has truly been working in many hearts. This past Sunday night was about repentance. We emphasized that each believer needs to stay in the presence of God until they see sin the same way God sees sin.

Diane and I had a great vacation with our children and grandchildren. The weather was good. It did rain some but when it rained we just rested. We had a good time and we appreciate the opportunity to spend some time with our family. Also, thanks to the staff at Varennes and others who made it possible for us to be away.

Hope all of you have a great 4th! As you prepare for Independence Day Celebration, remember to thank God for the freedom we enjoy. Also, pray for all of those who are serving in the military in order that we may be free. Many have give their life for our freedom and others have suffered grevious injuries. Those of you who have served in the military or have had loved ones who served, we want to thank you for what you have done.

Our "Freedom Celebration" is just around the corner and we are expecting a great service. Barry McGee will be with us and he will be presenting "John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos". Some who have already seen this message in drama said they had 'cold chills' as they listened. The Holy Spirit has used Barry McGee in a great way. We need an new vision of Christ in our church and in America! You will not want to miss being with us on July the 6 during the 10:30 am service. The sanctuary will be decorated red, white, and blue--but only you can fill your place in the pew!

In case you did not know it, Wednesday was Secretaries Day. We appreciate the work Cindy and Carol do for the church. Being a secretary means they must put up working with three ministers! It takes a lot of skill and personal expertise to be a church secretary. Why?

What a great revival we are having with Dr. Michael Cloer. His messages have been easy to understand but most important they have been straight from Scripture. Last night, Sunday night, he preached on the "Lordship of Jesus Christ". No one could go away from that service not understanding that the Lordship of Christ is central to salvation and to Christian living. The pure, plain, powerful presentation of God's Word is still the foundation of our lives.

This past Sunday was Diane's Birthday. About 1993, Diane went to the Medical University at Charleston for about a year to get her degree in Cytotechnology. During that time she stayed with a young couple who owned a mobile home. They rented half of their home to Diane. The husband was also a student at MUSC so he knew how to direct Diane to her classes and around town. God really worked all that out. Diane got a full scholarship into the program. It was God who got her into the program to start with. They only would take twelve students and over one hundred had applied.