Over the course of my life, I have read dozens and dozens of books and written hundreds upon hundreds of pages of material. However, I have never “officially” written a “blog” to be published across the internet—until now. Yes, this blog is número uno for this Southern Baptist pastor! Nonetheless, I am very excited to begin this series of writings for the Lord Jesus Christ, His local church, and the world at large.
As a once country boy turned suburbanite turned grocery store worker turned construction worker turned factory worker turned research chemist now called by God to serve Him as pastor, I have developed a perspective that understands serenity, chaos, hard work, science, and religion. The scientific aspect of my thinking drives me to discover exactly what a blog is. As it has been said, “If it is worth doing, it is worth overdoing!” The term blog can be defined as “a regular feature appearing as part of an online publication that typically relates to a particular topic and consists of articles and personal commentary by one or more authors.” Well, there we go!
Let me begin now by saying to you that God is good, VERY GOOD. I know this truth because I have been and continue to be a living example of His unlimited mercy, grace, and compassion toward me as well as to my family. As far as Grace Baptist Church is concerned, I have personally watched the Lord God do amazing things over the years for His glory. Some time ago, in that characteristic “still small voice,” the Lord spoke to my soul and said, “Do not despise the small things!” Yes, American culture, even American church culture, typically loves the big and powerful things… big planes, big trains, big boats, big cars, big houses, big money, big churches, big buildings, big ministries… Conversely, I have found in ministry that it does not necessarily take big churches to do big things for the Kingdom of God, BUT it does take a big heart toward the Lord to accomplish those large things.
In concluding this first blog, I would encourage you to remember always these words of Scripture in view of your own life and works, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
In His Grip—Dennis
Thank you for sending us the link. We always love hearing from you. Robert and Carol.