Kevin Gibson

"Spread the Wealth Around"

2011-10-25T17:21:00.004-05:00

I was pondering the events around the world, in our country, and even our community lately. People seem to cry that life is not 'fair' - apparently their mother forgot to tell them that as mine did. They also believe it is up to others to give them of their abundance and therefore "spread the wealth" around. I watch the "Occupy (insert city here)" crowd make their list of demands and it baffles me that they want something for nothing. Pardon me for being blunt - but if you want something - work is usually involved in some form or fashion. There are so many rabbit trails I could chase today - but for this first thought on "Heritage" - I'm going to trace my roots. This is not a "wow look at your family" post. Some would read what I'm about to write and say "well we didn't have those things given to us... your family was lucky. Luck had nothing to do with it. I digress - here is my thoughts for today.

It all started when my Great Grandparents, Marland & Agnes Gibson, married and lived in a booming community called Boynton, Oklahoma (a ghost of a town today, but once it had a railroad and booming oil fields surrounding it). They had a bouncing baby boy and named him Charles Orbin Gibson. The exact details of when the following events happened are sketchy - but all happened before my Grandfather (C.O.) was 2 years old. Agnes went to take care of a sick relative, contracted Tuberculosis and then died. Upon the death of his bride, Marland did something that to this day impresses me and tells me something of his Character. He took out life insurance on himself. He was a single dad and had a boy to be responsible for. Sometime in the winter a relative got sick and my great grandfather hopped in his Ford Model T (one of the first in Boynton, Oklahoma I'm told) and drove on the less than navigable snow and ice covered roads to get the doctor. On the way back to the house - he slid off a bridge and into the creek - I can take you to that bridge today and show you where my great-grandfather died. The doctor pronounced him dead on the scene due to a broken neck. My grandfathers Uncle & Aunt Lucas' took him in, placed the life insurance money in the bank and raised him with their kids. Coincidently this is how I'm related to Toby Keith by marriage. I'm also blood related to Willie Nelson through my Grandmother Clara Lee O'Daniel - if you are interested in useless information. The Lucas' helped find a piece of property and purchase it in Pumpkin Center, Oklahoma. My grandfather (C.O.) then worked as a business man and purchased other pieces of property to start a family ranch there in Oklahoma. My father, Don Gibson, also purchased additional property and drilled oil wells to further sustain the Ranch. My parents worked hard to build and develop one of the most beautiful Cattle Ranches in Northeast Oklahoma. It was not easy - it took years of hard work and money. My father has always had a keen sense of money and how to make money. He has made some very wise choices and has reaped the benefit of those choices - what I'm trying to say is that hard work and sacrifice has rewards. I look back and cannot help but think that this all started with a man of Character, Marland - who had the foresight to prepare for the future. I thank God for the heritage of my family.

Now to my rant. People want to stand and say that my family should give freely to anyone who wants it because it is unfair that they have prospered in the land of opportunity known as our United States of America? Why? They didn't work for it - they didn't earn it. Why should we be punished with the death tax? Why should an elected leader say we need to "spread the wealth around"? I don't think so. I look at my baby Abigail and I want to instill in her a sense of pride - pride in her work and labor of her hands. Her ability to achieve and dream. I don't want to teach her to be jealous of the "haves" and think she is a "have-not". I want to teach her Godly principles and Character so that she too can make wise decisions to further prepare for her future family.

Until next time...

revkev

FREE Trip to Israel 2012 (details below)

2011-07-26T07:11:00.003-05:00

I invite you to Walk the Land, to Grow in Truth and to Discover Israel with us in February of 2012.

Discovering Israel truly is an experience you will never forget.

I have ONE more FREE trip that I can offer. Let me explain what "FREE" is. The total cost of the trip is $2,909 ( Round trip airfare from Atlanta, GA., In Israel: Transportation, First Class Lodging, Breakfast/Dinner, and all entrance fees to sights) plus the $72 charge for tips/taxes. The way the "free" works - you sign up 6 people to go (committed and paid) and you only pay the $72 in tips/taxes, you do not pay the $2,909 - that is waived for your bringing 6 people with you. So invite friends, loved ones, church members - get a total of 6 to go with you, and you go for just $72. You may want to bring along money for souvenirs, expenses to/from Atlanta, and lunches in Israel - but that is still very cheap. FYI - the airline ticket alone is between $1,300-$1,500.

If you are interested - please email me at revkev@hotmail.com so that I can communicate with you about your progress - and offer you brochures, and other helps along the way.

Shalom!

~ Rev Kev

Lessons from a Tavern . . .

2011-03-14T14:39:00.002-05:00

I had the privilege this past Christmas to attend Sunday School with my Dad @ FBC Muskogee. His teacher is Senator Tom Coburn (R). One of the things Tom challenged the men with that day was the article below - read it and ponder it... Consider the truth found in the challenge - and see how you would approach the examples below.

revkev

[Lessons from a Tavern, Citation: Charles Swindoll, Leadership, Vol. 4, no. 1.]

An old Marine Corps buddy of mine, to my pleasant surprise, came to know Christ after he was discharged. I say surprise because he cursed loudly, fought hard, chased women, drank heavily, loved war and weapons, and hated chapel services.

A number of months ago, I ran into this fellow, and after we’d talked awhile, he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "You know, Chuck, the only thing I still miss is that old fellowship I used to have with all the guys down at the tavern. I remember how we used to sit around and let our hair down. I can’t find anything like that for Christians. I no longer have a place to admit my faults and talk about my battles--where somebody won’t preach at me and frown and quote me a verse."

It wasn’t one month later that in my reading I came across this profound paragraph:

"The neighborhood bar is possibly the best counterfeit that there is to the fellowship Christ wants to give his church. It’s an imitation, dispensing liquor instead of grace, escape rather than reality--but it is a permissive, accepting, and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable. You can tell people secrets, and they usually don’t tell others or even want to. The bar flourishes not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, to love and be loved, and so many seek a counterfeit at the price of a few beers. With all my heart," this writer concludes, "I believe that Christ wants his church to be unshockable, a fellowship where people can come in and say, ’I’m sunk, I’m beat, I’ve had it.’ Alcoholics Anonymous has this quality--our churches too often miss it."

Now before you take up arms to shoot some wag that would compare your church to the corner bar, stop and ask yourself some tough questions, like I had to do. Make a list of some possible embarrassing situations people may not know how to handle.

A woman discovers her husband is a practicing homosexual. Where in the church can she find help where she’s secure with her secret?

Your mate talks about separation or divorce. To whom do you tell it?

Your daughter is pregnant and she’s run away--for the third time. She’s no longer listening to you. Who do you tell that to?

You lost your job, and it was your fault. You blew it, so there's shame mixed with unemployment. Whom do you tell that to?

FInancially you were unwise, and you're in deep trouble. Or a man's wife is an alcoholic. Or something horrible such as getting back the biopsy from the surgeon, and it reveals cancer and the prognosis isn't good. Or you had an emotional breakdown. To whom do you tell those things?

We're the only outfit I know that shoots its wounded. We can become the most severe, shaming, condemning, judgmental people on the face of the Earth, and we clam it's in the name of Jesus. And all the while, we don't even know we're doing it. That's the pathetic part of it all.

God is GOOD!

2010-11-16T13:44:00.003-06:00

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Psalm 34:8

I want to testify today that I have tasted His goodness and have often sought refuge under His wings, and will boldly declare that God is indeed Good!

Couple of observations - First... my declaration of His goodness does not add to or enhance His goodness. God is good no matter what, has been for all of eternity. He has certainly been good to thousands of generations! Second... As a born again, disciple of Christ - it is good for me to Praise Him and what better way to do that than lift my voice (or in this case, tippity type away) and proclaim the goodness of God.

I have had quite a bit of time to sit and ponder while going through this bronchitis. The Gibson house has had some trials this year: two auto accidents, multiple car repair items, health issues, and various other work related concerns. And as I sat and sipped my orange juice... I began to turn from the negative and rejoice in the positive. Allow me to testify...

GOD IS GOOD!

- In March I had the privilege of going to Israel for the second time, and this time with my Mom & Sister!

- In April I attended the wedding of my dear friend Christopher Hunt (a huge answer to prayer!)

- In May I was protected from any terrible injury in an auto accident

- In June I celebrated 17 years of Preaching the Gospel

- In July I celebrated my 18th Spiritual Birthday

- In September Sara was protected from any terrible injury in an auto accident.

- In August we found out that we will be parents in May of 2011

- In October I celebrated my 34th Birthday

- In November I took time to stop and count my Blessings and Rejoice in God's Goodness.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all that God has done in and through us this year - and for that I am grateful.

Perhaps you need to do that same as I and sit and count your blessings and declare His goodness in your life.

How will you Thank Him this Thanksgiving?

revkev

What are you involved in?

2010-10-28T05:02:00.007-05:00

"Are you involved in

the things that burden God --

Or are you involving God in

the things that burden you?

- E.V. Hill

This quote was shared at a meeting recently - and it packs quite a powerful punch. What if we examined everything we do in light of its importance to God and the advancement of His Kingdom? God has been on a Redemptive Mission since the Garden of Eden, and it is our privilege to join Him on His Mission. But I fear that in some local congregations - we are wanting to involve or add God to that which is important to us. "God here is OUR plan, would YOU Bless it?".... "God, we have been guarding the stuff and doing your work here at ____ --- so we expect you to Bless it"

A few weeks ago I heard Bob Greene give his Director's Report for the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association. In his report he shared this passage with us -

"But go and learn what this means: I desire compassion, and not sacrifice, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:13 (NAS)

I can't get this verse out of my mind. I believe this is a new leg of the journey I am on to pursue Christ and His will for my life, all part of being a Disciple of Christ. I know this - I can't go back to what I used to think was important - for I cannot go back to asking Him to bless my plans. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees who were the religious leaders of the day, they were interested in ritual, rules and sacrifice. Jesus challenged them to go and learn what this means "I desire mercy, I desire compassion, not sacrifice".

As I ponder that verse it brings a question to mind - "What if Jesus really meant it when He said..." This is a question I love to ask Christians as of late and then I insert some passages.

Matthew 5:13-15

"You are the Salt.... You are the Light"

Matthew 16:24

"If anyone would come after me,

let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"

Matthew 28:19

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".

So I ask myself the question E.V. Hill asked, and I ask you as well... in light of Jesus' words, in light of the Gospel - what are you involved in today? I ask you to invite the Holy Spirit to search out that which you call important and weigh it in the balance. I encourage you to seek His will for your life. And then I challenge you to consider the words of Christ and consider whether He truly meant them or not... and then live your life accordingly.

revkev

Commitments Needed....

2010-09-30T07:39:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Pleasant Grove Baptist Church has a Backpack ministry to students at Pleasant Grove Elementary School?

Our Children's Director, Joy Parker, asked me over a year ago if we could start a backpack ministry and feed students over the weekend... I encouraged her to check with the school and see if there were any students they knew that would benefit from this ministry. We found out that last year there were 5 - so each week Joy packed a backpack with food for these students and faithfully delivered them on Friday. We accepted donations as they came in, but no one really committed to regularly giving. This year we found out that there are 10 students that need this Blessing in a Backpack. This is a step of Faith on our part - knowing that we did not receive enough $$$ to cover all the expenses last year - how would we double our backpacks??? It's called Faith. Feeding hungry children is NOT something you have to Pray about doing. Our Savior set the example when He met physical need prior to ever meeting spiritual needs. So we committed to 10 backpacks for this entire year.

An anonymous donor stocked the backpack shelves --- and got us off to a good start. Last Sunday we made an appeal for regular commitments to offset the expense. We need 20 families to faithfully and regularly give $5 per week to this all important Ministry - and we will have no problem meeting our needs. We will also accept one time donations if that is what you would like to contribute. It costs approximately $10 per backpack to feed a family of four.

Will you consider helping out with this special ministry? I am committed to this and I trust you will be as well!

If you have questions - please see Joy Parker!

Rev Kev

Twelve23

2010-09-07T19:01:00.003-05:00

I want to encourage you to go to the twelve23 website and read and consider signing up to Pray each and every day for our Country. So log onto their site, read all about it, and if you are concerned with what you see happening around us in our Country at such a rapid pace... PRAY!

Rev Kev

What is twelve23?

The twelve23 movement has numerous ideas, plans, and actions which we will be taking in the coming months. Though it is tempting to rush into action, we strongly feel that we must first follow the model of prayer that has been set before us by so many great American leaders. While there are countless examples to choose from, few are greater than that of our first president, George Washington. Located inside of the United States Capitol’s prayer room is a stained glass window that depicts an image of President Washington kneeling before God. Surrounding him are the words of Psalm 16, “Preserve me, O God, for in Thee do I put my trust.” As Christian people and community leaders, it is time for us to once again bend a knee to God and place our trust in Him. This simple action is the first step toward seeing our nation transformed.

twelve23 PRAYER MOVEMENT FOR AMERICA

Do you want to be directly in the middle of one of the most powerful influences in the history of our nation? If so, we invite you to participate with thousands of others in a grassroots effort called the twelve23 Prayer Movement for America.

The concept is extremely simple, yet incredibly powerful. Here is how it works. Beginning October 1, 2010 and concluding Tuesday, November 2, 2010, we are asking Christians around the world to pray for the United States and their own faithfulness every day at 12:23 p.m. and/or 12:23 a.m.

America’s mid-term elections are Tuesday, November 2, 2010. On this day, millions of Americans will exercise their constitutional freedom by voting for the candidate of their choice. This is a wonderful privilege! Knowing this is an extremely important election and knowing that our nation needs God more than ever, we invite you to commit to praying and to get others committed to participating as well!

A prayer guide written by Christian leaders from different denominations across the nation will be made available as a written booklet, or you can receive guided prayers daily via internet. As a participant, you have a choice of either using this prayer guide or simply saying your own prayer each day at 12:23 a.m. or 12:23 p.m.

The agenda is simply to pray. The goal is to transform our nation. The number of people that participate depends upon you.

The United States Pledge of Allegiance eloquently states that we are a “Nation under God.” Every monetary coin and bill produced in our nation powerfully states, “In God We Trust.” On the Rotunda walls of the United States Capitol are four paintings which include two prayer meetings, one baptism, and one Bible study. References to God are inscribed on the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Supreme Court, the National Archives, the Senate and House office buildings, and the Library of Congress. Inside both Senate and House buildings are plaques that read, “In God we trust.” On the outside metal tip of the Washington Monument, towering 555 feet above the ground, is a Latin phrase which reads, “Laus Deo,” meaning, “Praise be to God.” Inside the memorial’s cornerstone lies a Bible. Depictions of Moses and the Ten Commandments are located throughout the Supreme Court, including above the Judge’s bench. Inscribed on the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., are the words, “God who gave life gave us liberty.” The United States Supreme Court in 1892 heard the case, Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States, and in a unanimous decision, the Court concluded that “this is a Christian Nation.” Again in 1931, Justice George Sutherland reviewed that decision and declared that Americans are a “Christian people.”

Given these facts and the fact that the United States was formed and founded upon Judeo-Christian ethics and thoughts, it is time for Christians in America to exercise our right to pray and to humbly acknowledge our dependence and need for the same God and Savior – Jesus Christ -- that our founding fathers bowed to in the chambers of Congress back in 1776.

Based upon the Christian Old Testament and Hebrew Talmud, the time has come for us to be leaders by adhering to 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

We invite you to pray with us October 1 – November 2, 2010. Can you imagine if tens of thousands of Christians across America and around the world humbly submitted to God each day for one month at 12:23 a.m. and/or 12:23 p.m.? How would our nation be changed? How would God respond to our prayers?

He might just heal our nation!

Do you know?

2010-06-26T06:50:00.004-05:00

Today I am posting information I received earlier this week. It is a strong reminder for all parents to not let your guard down concerning children’s computer use.

Danger on the Internet

The law has not yet caught up with reality when it comes to protecting children in cyberspace. That means parents and teachers have the job of keeping children safe when online. Here are some tips to keep children safe online.

• Children should use computers only in common areas of the home where they can be monitored, never behind closed doors in their bedrooms.
• Talk with your child often about how to keep safe on the Internet. Let your child know you will regularly be checking their computer history and their email and chat messages.
• Encourage your child to use nicknames on networking and chat sites and never to put indentifying information about themselves or the family in social networking profiles. Your child should be told to keep passwords secret from everyone but you.
• Remind your child millions of people can see anything they post online and these messages and photos will never go away. Teach your child to think before posting.
• Tell your child never to personally meet with anyone they have met only in cyberspace.
• Monitor any social networking sites your child uses. Make sure your child “friends” you and makes their personal setting “private.”
• Watch for signs of cyber bullying and tell your child to report such activity to you immediately, whether it involves them or a friend.
• Retain all evidence of cyber bullying, including emails and text messages.

The Internet is a powerful tool, much like a loaded gun. If parents allow their children to go online, they must make sure careful safety guidelines are in place. It only takes one incident for tragedy to result.

Repost from Christian Law Association e-alert (June 22, 2010)

I support Ted Traylor

2010-06-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

Florida Baptist Witness Interview

June 11th, 2010

In light of my nomination for President of the Southern Baptist Convention next Tuesday, Florida Baptist Witness editor Jim Smith asked me to answer three questions for the convention issue. I have printed that Q&A below. Thank you for your prayers during the convention. Also lift up Dr Ed Litton as he nominates me at 1:15pm CST on Tuesday.

FLORIDA BAPTIST WITNESS INTERVIEW

1. Why are you running for SBC President?

After a season of prayer and the counsel of trusted friends, I have understood this nomination as God’s direction for my life. I did not seek it, but allowed it to seek me through others. From this came my willingness to be nominated. I have burdens for the convention I love. When we elect a president we also select a direction. There are some things I want to bring to the table if elected.
Ministry evangelism is a tool I will champion. In Pensacola we have developed The Ministry Village at Olive. This is a deep commitment to making impact in our region by wrapping the arms of Jesus around the drug addicted, the hungry, and homeless. Every church, large or small, can have a measure of ministry to “the least of these” as found in Matthew 25.

Connecting with next generation leaders is something we must continue. I promised in my nomination speech for Johnny Hunt two years ago that he would make a difference in this crucial area, and he has. My commitment is to continue this connection. We must embrace ethnic, generational and methodological diversity without compromising theological orthodoxy.

Our record of Cooperative Program giving at Olive Baptist Church affords me an opportunity to ask Southern Baptists to consider an increase in their giving. The decline in the average CP percentage coming from our churches must be reversed. I do not believe autonomous local churches should be told by any convention or officer what they should give, but we can set an example and lift up a vision that rallies them to do more.

2. What is your position on the GCRTF Report?

On April 26, 2010, I stood with all the members of the task force and affirmed the report. I supported it then and I support it now for the following reasons.

The report confronts the SBC family with the vast lostness of the world and puts in place a dialogue of how we can move a greater portion of our resources from the more evangelized regions of our work to the least evangelized. Strategic partnerships between NAMB and state conventions can lead to greater effectiveness in the underserved and unreached areas of North America.

The report lifts up the Cooperative Program as our most effective means for mobilizing our convention of churches, extending our reach, and channeling our funds for Kingdom impact. The logical consequence of the Conservative Resurgence ought to be a Great Commission resurgence, and coupled with that needs to be a financial resurgence in taking the Gospel to the nations.
The report is true to Baptist polity. It requests our entities to consider certain actions. Our system is not one that moves quickly, but it moves, and it moves with great power when our churches walk together.

The report focuses on the centrality of the local church. Our Lord gave the Great Commission to the church. The SBC and her partners in the states and associations exist to serve the local churches.

The report has a Gospel-focused foundation. The missional vision of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations must undergird all we do.

3. What will be your greatest priority as SBC President?

I would have a single priority—seeking God’s favor to get us together and back on task. Our convention was formed for the purpose of “eliciting, combining and directing the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation of the Gospel….” As a convention of churches we have become distracted, divided, and diluted. My priority would be to call us to unity, repentance, and sacrifice. There are more than 16 million of us in over 43,000 churches. We have the largest Protestant denominational missionary force in the history of the church. By God’s power we can touch the nations.

My goal is to rally our Baptist family as one. I will advocate that we remain fiercely autonomous, but passionately united for His Great Commission. My call is for greater sacrificial giving, judging no one but ourselves in our amounts and percentages. I love our cooperative partnership called the SBC, and I believe that God’s grace to us and our faithfulness to Him demand that we strive mightily and sacrificially together to make certain our convention’s best days are ahead. We owe this to our Savior, to our children, and to our world.

Ted Traylor

SUPER SUMMER SCHEDULE....

2010-05-22T21:09:00.003-05:00

Check out our Summer Schedule

that has something for everyone!

Kid's CLUB

K5 - 5th Grade

Study of Stewardship & Prayer

Fun, Games, Singing

F.O.H.G. - Youth

6th-12th

Christian Worldview

A study of world religions & cults

Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven

Video Series - David Jeremiah

Forgotten God

Study led by Pastor Gibson

We will be focusing on Discipleship for our Summer Months

Sunday Evenings - 6:00 P.M. - 7:15 P.M.

revkev

What if?

2010-05-13T18:32:00.004-05:00

"If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned or unprayed for."

- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I stumbled across this quote and I just can't shake it. This has sparked me to ask the question "What is the Purpose of the Local Church?" Or "Why are Christians so un-engaged or distracted from our purpose?"

I believe that we should all stop and ponder Spurgeon's quote and see what we can each change individually to closer align ourselves with the purpose of a Christian. To witness, to make disciples... to be Salt and Light....

What if Jesus truly meant it when He said "Go and make disciples"?

Just my thought for today.

revkev

Taking a stand...

2010-04-26T07:58:00.005-05:00

I am proud of Franklin Graham. His comments about Islam were not hostile or mean spirited - but truthful in light of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Islam does not teach Faith in Christ as the way to Eternal Life. Franklin Graham over the last few years has clearly stated that He loves Muslims and wants them to know that they can have Freedom in Christ - that they do not have to strap a bomb on their bodies and commit suicide to gain God's attention. He has also called out the way that many Muslim women are treated. Franklin Graham faithfully shares the words of Christ - "I am the way, the truth, and the Life, No man comes unto the Father but by me". God Bless You Franklin Graham for not being ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

You can read a good article on this here.

revkev

Congratulations Rev. Christopher & Jennifer Hunt!

2010-04-21T06:15:00.004-05:00

"Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Psalm 37:5

April 17th will be a day I will never forget. You see - I have had the privilege of being Bro. Chris' friend for nearly 12 years. I have prayed with him and encouraged him that one day God would bring him his "Eve". What a joy to watch God bring these two together, their Romance is simply Providential! The Wedding was elegant and beautiful - and I might say very Spiritual. May God Bless you two as you start your journey together. It is my privilege to now be both of your Pastors - and Bro. Chris all I have to say is "Brother, You Married UP!"

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,

and obtaineth favour of the LORD."

Proverbs 18:22

* You can find candid pictures of their wedding on my Facebook if you are interested.

Mt Carmel / Megiddo

2010-04-06T06:23:00.004-05:00

The top picture is of a statue on top of Mt. Carmel of Elijah. Mount Carmel rises up 1,747 feet above sea level, and is a very fertile mountain - due to the sea breezes that come from the Mediterranean. In I Kings 18 we read of the great contest between one prophet of God (Elijah) and 450 prophets of Baal. I love when Elijah says to the crowd in I Kings 18:21...

"How long halt ye between two opinions?

If the LORD be God, follow Him;

but if Baal, then follow him."

And the people answered him not a word."

Elijah calls their hand. He confronts their sin of trying to "Ride the fence"... and look at their response... they don't answer a word. Could this be the sin of silence? I encourage you to read the rest of I Kings 18 - and see that God indeed showed up and proved who was The God of Israel.

The Second picture is of the Valley of Megiddo. You can barely see Mt. Tabor to the left, and Mt. Moren to the right. This picture has at its center a IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) air force runway. When I was there in 2008 - I was completely distracted from the tour guide due to an F16 that was circling over head and landing --- great pictures! You can read of the most familiar event that will happen @ Megiddo in Revelation 16:16

"And he gathered them together at a place called in the Hebrew tongue, Armageddon."

This Valley that is situated between the mountain line of Mt Carmel and is a natural battle field. Even Napoleon recognized this in 1799. Back when Israel was not a nation, but the JNF existed --- this area was swampland. The Jews imported Eucalyptus trees from Australia to try and "dry up" the swamp and help with the malaria. This did not work, so they ended up digging drainage ditches to the Mediterranean Sea - I bet Mark Twain would be amazed now!

All I can say is this --- it is true that reading God's Word is important. I want to also add that seeing it first hand opens your eyes like nothing else can.

revkev

Senator Coburn - making Oklahoman's Proud!

2010-03-19T06:06:00.007-05:00

Dr. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Senator (R): I want to send a couple of messages to my colleagues in the House. If you voted "no" and you vote "yes" and you lose your election and you think any nomination to a federal position isn't going to be held in the Senate, I got news for you, it's going to be held. If you get a deal for you or your district, I've already instructed my staff and the staff of seven other senators that we will look at every appropriations bill at every level, at every instance, and we will outline it by district and we will associate that with the buying of your vote. So if you think you can cut a deal now and it not come out 'til after the election, I want to tell you that isn't going to happen. And be prepared to defend selling your vote in the House.

One Commentator said this about Tom's statement... "Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma throwing down a gauntlet. When he says your nomination will be held, he means: "We're going to stop it. If you're gonna get a plum federal job for selling your vote to Barack Obama or Pelosi, you ain't going to get the job. We're going to hold it and we're going to tell everybody what you got, because every nomination has to go through us in the Senate, we're going to tell everybody what you got before the election so you better be prepared to defend selling your vote in the House." This is Tom Coburn, Senator from Oklahoma, and he is a doctor."

Now that makes me PROUD to be an Okie. God Bless you Tom - we are still praying for you to have the Wisdom to know when to speak up and when to be silent. Keep speaking up!

revkev

2010-03-16T06:41:00.004-05:00

Caesarea Maritima

"Caesarea by the Sea"

The pictures you see above are the result of the determination to build a super port on the easter coast of the Mediterranean by Herod. Herod wanted more cities of Rome in the region. Caesarea by the Sea also became the capital of the provice of Judea, the home of prefects such as Pilate (John 19:1).

Herod Agrippa 1 lived and died there (Acts 12:19-23). Philip the Evangelist, oe of the seaven, with his four daughters lived there (Acts 6:5, 21:8-9). Having witnessed the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip arrived there after his preaching mission (Acts 8). Paul passed through Caesarea several times (Acts 9:30, 18:22, and perhaps 21:8), was imprisoned there by Felix and questioned there by Festus (Acts 23:23, 25:1-7).

This city was covered by the "sands of time" for centuries. Sand that poured into the Mediterranean from the Nile and wind driven upon the beaches of Palestine. A Roman column was found by a farmer in 1949, and thus began the unearthing of this great city. There is also the ruins of a Roman Aqueduct that would have brought fresh water to the city by gravity.

Next time... Mount Carmel and the Valley of Megiddo...

revkev

Israel 2010

2010-03-08T18:37:00.002-06:00

I have just returned from my second trip to Israel! Many people asked me "Why would you go again?" --- I simply ask them in return "Why do you return to your favorite spots for vacation?" Each time I set foot in that Blessed country - I leave Doubly Blessed! The trip does so much for the soul - it refreshes you, draws you closer to God, and opens your eyes to the Bible like nothing else can. One man on our trip said "I came to Israel reading about the places and events in black and white - but I'm going home having experienced it in FULL COLOR". My goal is to take a photo and write a blog about it from time to time. I want to share with you - give you a glimpse of the land, and a sense of God's presence like nothing else can.

The above picture is at Gordon's Tomb. When you go to Jerusalem, there are at least two locations that could be where Jesus was crucified and buried. One is at the Garden Tomb Society (Gordon's Tomb), and the other is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Regardless of where this event took place - the best part is it doesn't matter - for He is Risen, just as He said!

Shalom

revkev

The Decision to Walk With God...

2010-02-16T07:46:00.003-06:00

Building on the topic of "Walking with God" - our next lesson was simply on the Decision each of us must make to Walk with Him. Praying to receive Christ as our Savior is not enough, that is just the beginning of our Relationship - we must daily make a decision to follow after Him. Could you imagine what the Church of Jesus Christ here in America would be like if we first had a healthy Fear of who God is and second made that daily choice to recklessly pursue God whole heartedly?

Jesus said it best in Luke 9:23-24 "And He said unto them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Paul wrote about this decision we must make in Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Do you see what Paul was writing there? Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God - the divine Creator of the Universe and all of Mankind begged the Creation to listen... and Paul challenged the reader to make their lives "living" sacrifices, and living sacrifices always have the ability to crawl off of the altar. So you now see that it is truly a hourly, daily, weekly, monthly decision we must all make to Walk with our God.

Paul also challenged the Church at Galatia when he wrote in Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."

May each of us choose to Walk With God and become More like our Savior.

revkev

Walking with God...

2010-02-04T08:19:00.002-06:00

On Wednesdays I have been challenging folks to consider their "Walk with God". We have examined passages such as Genesis 5:24 "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.", and Genesis 6:8-9 "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." You could also reference Jude 14-15, Hebrews 11:7, and 2 Peter 2:5

The question that I posed to the listeners was this... How do you envision Enoch and Noah's walk with God? How can we learn from these men and examine our own walk with God?

I also asked a very pointed question - comment if you would like.

"Does God show up at Pleasant Grove?"

Contemplate your own walk with God today ---

Blessings!

Pastor

2010-01-23T18:11:00.010-06:00

1st Annual Chili Contest

PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

We had 8 contestants and 3 wonderful Judges. Our Judges were Rich, Robert and Brent - thanks guys! I honestly don't know how I won the contest, I never won at the last church.

1st Place - Pastor Kevin

2nd Place - Coleman Commander

3rd Place - Jocqueline Harris

The Chili was all wonderful, the fellowship was great and let's pray we don't all have heartburn!

revkev

A Bold stand for Christianity

2010-01-16T18:21:00.006-06:00

As a pastor, I often talk about one common theme. And, that is our need and responsibility as believers to Confront the Culture in which we live. This means that whenever an opportunity arises, we must be prepared to speak out for the Gospel of Christ, even in situations that might be intimidating for us.

I was extremely proud that a very prominent media figure had used his high-profile position to endorse Jesus as the answer to man’s problems. On “Fox News Sunday,” January 3, veteran newsman Brit Hume, advised Tiger Woods to embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ in order to discover true healing and forgiveness. He went on to say that Tiger’s Buddhism would not offer the redemption and forgiveness that Christianity offers.

Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization, noted that Mr. Hume “bravely spoke a truth that, in today’s hostile culture, is the one belief the tolerant cannot tolerate.” She added, “But let’s be honest, Brit Hume would not be viciously criticized if he had claimed the benefits of any other religion or non-religion.”

Mr. Hume correctly pointed out that a person like Tiger Woods—someone who has failed to live up to public and personal expectations—is similar to many Bible characters (Paul, King David, Samson, et al) who also experienced personal upheaval before finding redemption through a relationship with the God of the Bible.

Jesus Christ is the great transformer of lives, my friends, and it is our responsibility as His followers to point hurting people toward the Savior.

"Dr. NO"

2010-01-08T07:28:00.002-06:00

While visiting my family in Oklahoma I had the opportunity to go to Church at First Baptist of Muskogee, Oklahoma. My dad asked if I wanted to go to his Sunday School with him - so I agreed. U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R) is his teacher. I was impressed that "Dr. NO" (as he is called in Washington for his fiscal conservative behavior) - took the time to travel back to his home state and teach Sunday School at his home church. After class I asked what we at the Gibson house could Pray specifically for him - he simply said "Perseverance". He went on to say "That I will know when it is right to stand and when it is right to let things go. I am not very popular, and they would get rid of me today if they could. I need to know what God would have me to do". May God Bless "Dr. NO" with wisdom and the discernment that he needs during these difficult days. Thank God for a Christian Senator with some backbone!

revkev

CHRISTMAS PROJECT 2009

2009-12-02T07:18:00.003-06:00

1. LOTTIE MOON - This is a terrific Christmas Offering that 100% of all donations go to Southern Baptist Missions all over the globe. Many great testimonies come from our Missionaries about what a Huge Blessing Lottie Moon gifts are at Christmas time!

2. MEXICO BLANKETS - "Give Me Shelter Ministries" will be delivering meals and blankets this Christmas in the Colonials of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. These Blankets will be a great "vehicle" along with the food to share the Gospel with many families. The blankets are only $11.00 each, and will be brand new. Think about how Jesus set the example in the New Testament by meeting the physical need and then meeting the spiritual need.

3. Christmas for a Kid! - We will be providing Christmas for a child at our local Florida Baptist Children's Home. More details about what to purchase soon...

As always, your Pastor's desire is 100% participation. Everyone can do something. Every penny counts, every prayer is heard, every gift will be appreciated. At this Blessed time of Year when God showed us His Love through the Gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - let us Give back for the cause of His Kingdom!

Blessings!
Rev Kev

"Here I Stand..."

2009-11-27T08:31:00.003-06:00

We are coming up on the conclusion of the first year of the Obama administration.

The "Mantra" of the Obama campaign was "CHANGE". And CHANGE we certainly have received, America made its choice for liberalism.

The leftist-liberals are taking bold stands on their agenda, and are expecting Christians to just roll over on such topics as Abortion and homosexual marriage. I believe it is time for God-Fearing, Bible-Believing, Born-Again, Christ-Followers to take a stand. Now is not the time for tolerance and a chorus of "Kum-ba-yah". Now is the time to stand for the Gospel and Biblical Truth. This is NOT Political, but a firm line in the sand, just as Martin Luther did so many years ago - "Here we stand, we can do no other".

I want to encourage you to read the Manhattan Declaration. Chuck Colson and Richard Land are just two of the folks that had a hand in writing this document.

You can find it at Manhattan Declaration.

Join me in signing it - if you dare.

- Rev Kev

Video worth watching!

2009-10-19T08:23:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine posted this You Tube video "Momma's don't let your babies grow up to be Pastors" - A little corny - but close to reality.

Hope you enjoy it!

- Rev Kev

MEET THE PASTOR

2009-09-30T07:21:00.009-05:00

MEET PASTOR & MRS. GIBSON

WHEN? Thursdays
WHERE? You pick - we're game!

WHAT TIME? 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Fellowship - that is what our goal is. Life is a little difficult being what we call a "bi-vocational" Pastor. What that simply means is I have a full time job (Supervisor at Navy Federal Credit Union) and I also Pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Sara teaches third grade at Marcus Pointe Christian School. So Sara and I came up with the idea of setting aside one day a week for as long as we need to for time to meet the church family. We are not looking to be impressed. We want to get to know you and your family in a small group setting... we ask that it be limited to no more than 5 adults and the kids if you want. We can have dinner, meet at a coffee shop (I recommend Martelli's Coffee Shop on Navy Blvd.!), or sit on your porch and have a glass of tea.

We had a great September - meeting with the Fulks, Arenburgs, Peter Shuba, both Loftons, the Blum clan, and the Commanders. Will you be next? The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board outside of my office at the church.

We can't wait to get to know YOU!

- Kevin & Sara Gibson

Pleasant Grove Baptist - HOMECOMING

2009-09-24T07:47:00.007-05:00

Celebrating God's Goodness
for 140 Years
1869 - 2009

The Church I Pastor, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church will Celebrate its 140th Anniversary on Sunday, October 4. We are privileged to have as our Guest Preacher, Dr. Cecil Taylor. Dr. Taylor is the Dean of the School of Christian Studies at University of Mobile (SBC). We will also have four of our own folks providing special music: Rhonda Pouliot, Rose Slay, Mark Eskew, and David Lasure. Sandy Glass, Southern Gospel Soloist, will also be providing special music for us. Services start at 10:30 - and we will have a "Dinner on the Grounds" immediately afterward.

Come and join us as we Celebrate God's Goodness and Celebrate what the Lord has done in our midst over the last year! To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!

- Rev Kev

We MUST never forget....

2009-09-11T07:35:00.006-05:00

09.11.01

I am sure we all remember where we were that dreadful day that Radical Islamic Fundamentalist Terrorists attacked innocent Americans at the World Trade Center, our Pentagon, and United Flight 93.

I didn't have to be to work early that day, so I slept in a little and turned on the NBC Today show - and couldn't believe my eyes. Smoke was coming out of the WTC. I was working at A Beka Book's Call Center then - we took a handful of calls that day - everyone was waiting to see what else would happen. I remember another coworker simply saying "America is under attack". Those words still send a cold chill down my spine. My America Under Attack? Is that possible I thought - how could this be? We are the Home of the Brave and the Land of the Free? We were indeed under attack from an enemy so brutal. An enemy that does NOT value Human Life, but quite the opposite. An Enemy that Celebrates death with the promise to the radicals that they will be met in paradise by virgins. How can you reason with an enemy like that? You can not.

I also remember several years after 09.11.01 - going home to Oklahoma and visiting Granny Gibson. She said to me one day "You're Generation won't finish what they've started". See - Granny was from the Pearl Harbor generation. Like it or not - they knew who the enemy was and were determined to bring the enemy to justice. Granny said my generation had a short memory and no resolve - that we were soft and would just simply forget and not "get the job done". She is partially right. There are some that would have us to put the memory away and never discuss it again - to try and call this day a "Day of Service" and not a a "Day of Remembrance".

The News Media has a hay day when Christians "Pray" or attempt to stand up for their beliefs. They call us "intolerant". We are told that America is a land that protects "all religions", and indeed the United States does do that. But you know who they give a free pass to? Radical Islam. If you are not a Muslim - you are an infidel, either part of the Great Satan (U.S.A.) or the Little Satan (Israel). Muslims are quite certain they are the ONLY ones going to 'heaven'. How about a little "tolerance" talk for them?

Those are just My Thoughts for today as I remember...

Are you Informed?

2009-09-10T06:52:00.005-05:00

in-form: to supply (oneself) with knowledge of a matter or subject

I believe it is time for all Christians to become informed. It is not time to stand around with our heads in the sand.
- You should read up on the Health care debate, not be intimidated by strong arm techniques from the highest office in the land. This is a slippery slope towards Government control like we have never seen - it is not all about "helping the poor" it's about control.

- You should read up on what you Believe. Take your Bible, and Read it. All Christians need to take responsibility for their own relationship with God and make it a priority. Get involved at a local church, join a bible study group - KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE.

- You should know that SIN is bad. I know this is NOT a popular topic - but there is an old saying that is appropriate. "If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and sounds like a duck... it just might be a duck". Christians look, walk, and sound like the WORLD. Get the picture?

- You should be informed about Islam. Thank you Pastor Ted Traylor for pointing out this website - I believe we should all be informed about what is going on - check out this website http://www.islamoncapitolhill.com

- You should Pray. If there was ever a time to Pray - it is NOW. Pray for yourself, your family, your Church and your Country. Pray for Lay & Freeman in Santa Rosa, for there is yet another example of how quickly things could change.

Just my thoughts for today.

Rev Kev

2009-09-03T07:42:00.006-05:00

Voluntary Prayer after the Pace /Navarre High School Football Game...

Check out this cool photo! I am so proud of the students of Pace and Navarre... they chose to take a knee in the middle of the field and spend some time in Prayer - it wasn't organized - but it sent a clear message to those in the stands!

I suggest you read the "letter to the Editor" in our Pensacola News Journal. You will find the article http://www.pnj.com/article/20090901/OPINION/909010303/1022/OPINION03

A portion of that letter says...

Supporters of Winkler, Lay and Freeman should stop using this situation to promote their agenda. This is the United States of America. One Constitution for us all. When the Constitution says "separation of Church and State" it applies to everyone, regardless of geographic region.

Can someone tell me where in our Constitution it says "separation of Church and State". All I see is that Congress shall not choose a National Religion. I remember in History that the founding Fathers allowed Church services to be held in the Houses of Congress on Sundays --- isn't that a little ironic? What I see happening is that we have allowed ourselves to be duped - lulled to sleep by those beating the drum of "tolerance" and "equality". If someone says something Long enough and Loud enough - it seems that Americans will buy into it. They try to get us to believe that the Constitution is a "living document". History serves as a great reminder and compass for a nation if we will read and respond to it. I urge all Followers of Christ - stand up for your "Agenda" and PRAY for Lay and Freeman as they approach their court date in September.

2009-08-19T22:09:00.002-05:00

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

Please join me in praying for Frank Lay, the Principal of the Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Pace High School Principal Frank Lay asked the school’s athletic director, Robert Freeman, to bless a meal where sports boosters had gathered to celebrate the completion of a new field house.

Ephesians 6:10-20

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

I urge all Christians to commit this situation to Prayer - this is not about Frank Lay, it is your Civil Liberties at stake. This is not a joke, this is not a by chance thing - this is a coordinated attack on your freedom.

- Rev Kev

Proud Pastor

2009-08-13T07:18:00.004-05:00

I just want to say we have a fine Youth Group here at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church! The Youth (also known as Faith On Higher Ground - F.O.H.G.) recently took a overnight trip to Marianna, Florida. They went swimming in the all too chilly "Blue Springs" and also went through the Florida Caverns. A special THANK YOU to Trinity Baptist Church for letting our Youth crash in their fellowship hall. I, along with Bro. Steve, took a ride over on Monday morning to see the caverns and spend some time with our Youth... the folks at Florida Caverns complimented their excellent behavior many times. That has to make the youth workers proud - I know it makes their Pastor Proud! Thank you to Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Freeman, Mr. & Mrs. Commander, Mr. and Mrs. Mobely, Mr. Miller and Bro. Chris for taking 20 F.O.H.G.er's on this special trip!

VBS Family Fun Day!

2009-07-21T07:40:00.009-05:00

Boomerang Express 2009 - A Huge Success!

Our VBS is over and we are all recovering - what a great time! The volunteers at Pleasant Grove made their Pastor proud. The family fun day was my favorite part- I had challenged the kids to bring visitors. The reward was to "pie the pastor" at the Family Fun Day. Many kids brought visitors, but two boys took this seriously and tied for the most visitors - so you guessed it. I received two pies on Saturday (Thanks to Andrew & Cody). The kids enjoyed the hot-dogs, games, shopping in the Outback Store, and playing on the inflatables.

The whole purpose of VBS is to offer the Church family a chance to minister, to Evangelize children, and to Encourage families. Our Church family did a great job, we had 4 children accept Christ on Friday night as their Savior, and I hope and pray we encouraged families to make God and His Word the foundation for their Homes.

Now we will turn our attention to our Spiritual Awakening Weekend with Dr. Rick Shepherd in August. Check the website for more information about this great weekend.

2009-07-12T14:13:00.004-05:00

Vacation Bible School
July 15-17 * Wed.-Fri.
6:3o P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Saturday - FAMILY FUN DAY
11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
(Fun, Food, Outback store, inflatables!)

REGISTER ONLINE: www.pleasantgrovepensacola.com

I am so excited about VBS @ Pleasant Grove! My encouragement to our Church Family was for 100% participation. Everyone can do something. For example: 1) Pray, 2) Donate Toys to the Store, 3) Give $$$, 4) Volunteer as helper, facilitator, or clean up staff, 5) Security in the Parking Lot, 6) Registration.

I believe with all my heart that the most important thing that we can do at Pleasant Grove is to take care of the Children and Youth. We must strive to impact them while we have the opportunity. The statistics tell us that 80% of all Southern Baptist youth leave the Church to never return. That's a sobering thought.

So here it is... our theme...

It All Comes Back to Jesus!

* * * MOVING * * *

2009-06-19T21:57:00.003-05:00

Well the day has finally arrived. It's time to MOVE. We closed on our first home on Monday - God is So Good. We have been packing, and packing, and packing some more... did I mention that we are packing? How two people can accumulate so much "stuff" is beyond me. So please be patient with my "blogging" - I'll be back online soon.

- A BIG THANK YOU to those who are helping us tomorrow ! ! !

Kevin & Sara

Men's Barn Meeting

2009-06-12T08:42:00.004-05:00

Twelve of the Men/Young Men from Pleasant Grove went out to the Men's Barn Meeting! What a great time we had. The "Free" steak, music and guest speaker were all great. This is a good way to invite a friend, neighbor or a man you know that wouldn't come to church - but likes to eat... Check out the photos - it's an awesome ministry for men!

Check out their website... www.mensbarnmeeting.com

Ramblings...

2009-06-10T08:16:00.004-05:00

1. Guest Preachers -

I am thrilled about the guest Preachers we will be having at Pleasant Grove over the next few months. We will start with John Martelli on Wednesday Evenings - he will be teaching about Creation. On Sunday we will be blessed to have Rick Hollis, Director of the Health and Hope Clinic of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association share his vision and ministry with us. Coming in August we will have Dr. Rick Shepherd, Director of Prayer and Spiritual Awakening for a great weekend! Also coming to the Pulpit of Pleasant Grove will be a great ministry that I believe everyone will be excited about - more to come on that later, and our Homecoming Preacher will be Awesome!

2. Ministry Team -

When I first interviewed at Pleasant Grove - I requested the opportunity to form a ministry team of my choosing. Being bi-vocational (I have a full time job as well as Pastor) can be challenging. I used two words in our "Sullivan Hall" meeting to prepare the folks for what my desire was... those words were "Effective" and "Efficient'. We have to examine everything we do to ensure that it is effective and efficient. Working for the Kingdom is a great honor, but we do not have time to spin our wheels or go in seventeen different directions. The Souls of men are on the line and life is short. My philosophy is to place Ministry Team leaders in place that can be the "go-to" person for each area. I cannot answer every question and guide every aspect of our church - it is just impossible for my schedule. The first person we brought on board was Bro. Steve Box - our Music Director. He has a gift for music and I am very glad to have him to work alongside with. Secondly I asked Rev. Christopher Hunt to be our Youth Pastor - he came on board to compliment the existing Youth Team (Miller's, Mobely's and Hettie). And our latest addition is Joy Parker. I encourage everyone to get to know this wonderful lady. She has over 20+ years experience in Christian Education - she understands children of various ages. When I asked Joy to come on board - I explained to her and the church that she would not be replacing anyone - but being a "go-to" person for me and the other Children's MinistryWorkers. We must organize our Children's Ministry to be the absolute BEST it can be. With these folks in place, it will allow us to communicate more efficiently and make the ministry more effective. I believe that these will work well with the existing leaders we have in the church to be a powerful fource for the Kingdom of Christ.

3. Ministry Ideas -

We have some AWESOME Ministry Ideas that are on the horizon. We have some great plans for both Parenting Classes and Single-Parent Parenting classes for this fall. There are discussions in the outreach area of participating in the Angel Food program, packing kids backpacks with food for those children who need it, a clothes closet, helping out the Rock of Salvation Church... and more! It thrills my heart to have people coming to me and saying "Pastor... God has put this burden on my heart... and this is the ministry I believe I need to help with...." We must work more now than ever - for Jesus is Coming Soon!

I challenge each of us to Pray for the work of Pleasant Grove and to Work for the Kingdom of Christ. Consider the words of Solomon in Proverbs...

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God Bless you!

Rev Kev

2009-05-18T15:29:00.004-05:00

51 vs. 42

Now that is interesting to me.

How in this world did the Gallup poll produce such numbers?

The poll now states that 51% of Americans are Pro-Life and 42% are Pro-Choice.

The reason I find that interesting is that Pro-Life is a conservative view point. To stand and defend the rights of the unborn is not popular especially with our current President. Considering the victory of many liberal ideals and politicians - this is very good news! In the midst of all this "Change" in America, I finally see some "Change" I can believe in. I see that the hearts and minds of the American people are understanding the vital importance of Choosing LIFE.

But I don't think Obama got the memo about the shift on this topic. Check out what he said at his Notre Dame speech just a few days ago...

"So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women."

So he begins by saying we need to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies. I think his predecessor understood this when the push was for something we call "Abstinence". For those who may not know what that is, it is the most SURE way of not having unintended pregnancies.

And can someone explain to me what a "sensible conscience clause" is? It sounds like double-speak to me. And what is more ethical than protecting the life of the unborn? How much more "sound science" can we have than the excellent ultra-sound technology that gives us even more clear understanding of the life of the unborn child. Please Mr. President, quit trying to "smooth" things over - take the sheepskin off and show your fangs... you are nothing but a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Consider the words of our Founding Fathers when they penned the Declaration of Independence.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Life is a Right from God. When Government begins to take our God Given rights away, our Founding Fathers minced no words with letting it be known that Government derives its just powers from those that have elected them - in other words, the Government is supposed to answer to us, the voting public. Anyone else see our current Government as "the tail wagging the dog?"

Just my thoughts for today ---

Let me know what you think!

Lincoln's Shocking Day of Prayer Proclamation 1863

2009-05-07T20:54:00.003-05:00

This being the Bi-Centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, I thought that this year's National Day of Prayer Observance would be greatly enhanced, and God's people encouraged by reading Abraham Lincoln's 1863 National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer Proclamation.

There had been many national days of prayer in U.S. history before The National Day of Prayer was made an annual event in 1952. The Continental Congress issued a day of prayer in 1775 to designate "a time for prayer in forming a new nation." During the Quasi-War with France, President John Adams declared May 9, 1798 as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer, "during which citizens of all faiths were encouraged to pray, that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it."

However none of America's many presidential prayer proclamations could be more appropriate for America today than the one issued by our sixteenth president in 1863. For a shocking wake-up call, and to see how far we've drifted from the historic and humble attitude of our Fathers, we include Abraham Lincoln's 1863, National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer Proclamation in its entirety below.

President Abraham Lincolns 1863 National Day
Of Humiliation, Fasting & Prayer Proclamation

"WHEREAS, The Senate of the United States; devoutly recognizing the Supreme authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And Whereas, it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His Divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People. We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God.

We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope, authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

Abraham Lincoln, President
William H Seward, Secretary of State"

2009-05-02T20:02:00.005-05:00

Go Ye...

Johnny Hunt, the President of the SBC, has put forth the call for a resurgence of the Great Commission. It is a strong document. I signed it on line and you can find more information at

www.greatcommissionresurgence.com.

I agree with Johnny that we need to be focused once again on fulfilling the Great Commission. God did not send His only begotten Son to suffer and die for our Sins for nothing. Our Salvation is not just so we can join a local church and as a dear friend of mine says "soak, sulk, and sour". We need to be On Mission every day of our lives. We need to be living out our lives as if we each were on the Mission field. The United States of America is the largest English speaking mission field in the World - each of us could commit to letting our light shine, being a blessing, and reaching our community one soul at a time. I really believe this is the call for our time, will you join me? Will you purpose in your heart to fulfilling the Great Commission of God where you are today?

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

One of my Mentors...

2009-04-13T07:38:00.004-05:00

My wife Sara and I had a great vacation last week - we were able to go home to Oklahoma and see our families and our brand new nephew! While there I had the opportunity to go and see one of my dear mentors, Dr. Bob Burch. Bob and his wife Roberta live in Walters, Oklahoma. I first met Bob the summer of 1998 - he was the Pastor of Second Baptist Church, Okmulgee, Oklahoma and in need of a interim Music Director. I was home from college for the summer and needed a place to serve. The Choir at Second Baptist was such a blessing to lead! But what I cherish most from my time there is the friendship I developed with Bob. Bob is what I like to call "the real deal", or more accurately "a genuine Pastor". I learned a lot from Bob that summer - and he even challenged my thoughts on Eschatology! I will never forget that day he asked me into his office and said "Where is God calling you that you are saying NO to?" Oh how humbled I was that day. I had spoke to no one about what God was asking me to do, but Bob - who was sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, was willing to confront me that day. I shared that with him, and he asked "Well, what are you going to do? Surrender or be miserable?" I simply replied "be miserable". He laughed in his signature laugh and said "I'll be praying for you". A month later I was on my face in a prayer room at college surrendering to go wherever God would lead me. Bob was also a member of the Presbytery at my Ordination in 2001. After that summer, we would chat either through email or phone. When I began Pastoring Enon Baptist Church - Bob was just a phone call away ready to listen, laugh, and offer his humble opinion. Now that I am at Pleasant Grove, my 83 year old mentor is still ready and willing to listen, laugh, and offer some help from time to time. I am truly thankful for the Godly, Christ-like example that he and his wife portray for all to see, and especially for Sara and I.

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Bob... Thanks for being there for me!

Rev Kev

2009-04-02T20:57:00.003-05:00

Oh what joy there was in Jerusalem the day Jesus descended down the Mount of Olives and made His way into the Blessed city. In the Gospel of Luke chapter 19 we read:

"And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Jesus comes in riding on a donkey (to fulfill Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.)

Here is our Lord, our Savior coming into the City triumphant. Folks are spreading palm branches, and waiving them as he rides by. How quickly this would all change.

I love to read this passage and think of how important it is that we Praise our Lord. The one who offered Himself as a Sacrifice for our Sin deserves our Praise! We can sing about Him and to Him. We can Pray to Him. We can speak of His goodness and mercy that follow us all the days of our lives. How long has it been since you Praised or Prayed to your Savior?

Just my thoughts.

God Is Good!

2009-03-17T13:39:00.005-05:00

I have been listening to some of my favorite songs from the "Glorious Day" project (Thank You Brent French!). One of my favorite songs is "I Will Trust You". The words of this song declare that God can stop the rain, still the pounding of the ocean, calm the storm around us --- but it goes on to say that even if His will is that the storm rages on and on... "I Will Trust You". The Chorus declares "You have been faithful, You have been good, You have been perfect to a thousand generations... so I will not waver and I will not be moved... I Will Trust You."

As I sit and listen to this song, it begs a question to be asked. Do I live my life with the realization that whatever may come, God is still Good? Have you ever thought that God is still God, and still Good even in the bad times?

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

He deserves all that we are, all that we can ever be, He alone deserves 100% of our Worship and Praise. We should be devoted to serving Him with All that is within us for the rest of our lives here on this earth. We've got Eternity to rest! We must work while we have time, folks are lost and in need of a Savior. We must focus on the Mission of Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Tragedy is the theme for the day...

2009-03-11T16:09:00.011-05:00

Rev. Fred Winters. The name may not mean much to some of you, but he and I have a couple of things in common. 1. Followers of Christ, 2. Pastor Southern Baptist Churches.

Pastor Winters was murdered in his pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois on last Sunday, March 8, 2009. His wife commented "He died doing what he loved, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ." This man apparently walked down the isle of the church, spoke briefly with Pastor Winters and then pulled out his .45 gun - fired off a round, Pastor Winters used his Bible as a shield before being killed. Pastor Winters now knows fully what Paul meant when he wrote "To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord." We should be in prayer for his wife and two children and also his Church family. He was the Shepherd of the flock, and now the Great Shepherd has called him home to heaven. This is a very tragic event, but I firmly believe that the Man of God is indestructable until the work God has for us here on the earth is finished. Thank You Pastor Winters for faithfully Preaching the Gospel, may many follow in your steps.

The second tragedy is the Alabama Gunman who went on the killing spree just 120 miles North East of Pensacola in Samson, Alabama. This man killed 4 of his own family, a Deputy Sheriff Joshua Myers wife and 18 month old daughter. He proceded down the road killing at random 4 more innocent people, and then he took his own life. Only God knows what provokes a human to go on such a rampage.

I encourage each and everyone to reach out to those we love and cherish - for we do not know what a day holds. Speak to others concerning the Gospel of Christ before it is eternally too late.

Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

As we have been studying on Wednesday evenings, I believe that the 23rd Psalm is most appropriate for todays posting.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Welcome!

2009-03-04T07:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my blog. My purpose is to share with you my thoughts on events of the day, history, the future, or just humorous stories. So without further delay, allow me to start sharing my humble opinion!

TRUTH: Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.

In the world in which we live, there is a calculated and coordinated attack on the Truth. As defined above Truth is adherence to a standard. But look around today, the lines have been blurred, the relevance of being right is being cast away. Gone are the days of an absolute standard of truth. We parse words to ensure that things fall our way... in other words we twist the "truth" to fit our situation. I often refer to the Bible as the "absolute standard of Truth". If there are no absolutes, than there is no heaven and no hell. If we trample down the Truth of God's Word, the Bible, we can also do away with the existence of God, and man can live any way he wants to.

Jesus said it best when in John 8:32 He said "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free".

The Truth He was speaking of was that He was indeed the Messiah. We come to the Bible and must accept that it is True by Faith. The Bible is the absolute standard of Truth that I must gauge my life by. If I compare myself with others, I will most certainly find someone who is worse off than myself and therefore make me feel better. When I compare my life to the Truths in the Bible, I come up short and in need of correction, instruction and change.

Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit pointing out an area in your life that needs changed? When we spend time reading God's Word, the Truth has a dramatic effect on our lives. I mean it feels like there is a spotlight burning a hole right through the area you try and hide the most, doesn't it? What do you do when confronted with the Truth and given an opportunity to change? I like what Churchill said...

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened." Winston Churchill

My prayer today is that you will not hurry off as if nothing happened, but that you will say "Speak Lord, show me what I need to change, and grant me the ability to change".

Hey, why don't you start observing the events of the day and people around you to see just how Truth is being trampled on... it will open your eyes! Once the world can do away with simple truths, the assault on the Bible as an Absolute Standard of Truth is easy... and we sit back and do nothing about it.