As I set here at my desk in my house, I am surrounded by noise and things going on. Heidi is in the room watching tv(or in reality flipping the channels trying to find something to watch), Eli is in his room practicing playing his drums; then the phone rings and the noise from the washing machine can be heard from where I set.
But even with all this going on I can't help but say THANK YOU LORD!!! The tv is only flipping channels because the woman I love (and the one God gave to me) is turning the channels. The sound of drums banging is because my son (whom God blessed me with) is playing them. My house, my job, my possesions, every aspect of my life - all have been given to me by my incredible Heaven Father.
As we approach Thanksgiving Day - I pray we just stop at some point and think about all the things we each have to be thankful for. Most of all we should be most thankful for the gift of salvation; I know I am!
A servant of HIS!
John Deyton
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
November Joy Group Dinner & More
This past Thursday, Nov. 4th, we had a wonderful Joy Group Dinner in the Family Life Center at the church. It amazes me sometimes just how much effort and love our group puts into make food to bring to our dinners. For most of them I think it is representative of the love and effort they have put, into their servant hood to Christ, over the past several years.
Pastor Dale was our guest musician the past Thursday, and he did an awesome job; of course I didn't expect anything less, when one of God's anointed servants - serves. Pastor Dale also sang a song that I feel goes right along with what I was saying before; the song was "Thank You For Giving to the Lord" and I would like to thank all the people both present and past that unselfishly give of their time, talents, and fruit. Because of what people give - others receive and sometimes that means they are able to accept and receive eternal life.
I would also like to mention how moving the "Concert of Prayer" was Sunday evening. I really do not have words that are honoring enough to explain what I felt that evening. But I will say this - it was truly a blessing to be with brothers and sisters, my family, and BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!!
A servant of HIS!
John Deyton
Pastor Dale was our guest musician the past Thursday, and he did an awesome job; of course I didn't expect anything less, when one of God's anointed servants - serves. Pastor Dale also sang a song that I feel goes right along with what I was saying before; the song was "Thank You For Giving to the Lord" and I would like to thank all the people both present and past that unselfishly give of their time, talents, and fruit. Because of what people give - others receive and sometimes that means they are able to accept and receive eternal life.
I would also like to mention how moving the "Concert of Prayer" was Sunday evening. I really do not have words that are honoring enough to explain what I felt that evening. But I will say this - it was truly a blessing to be with brothers and sisters, my family, and BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!!
A servant of HIS!
John Deyton
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
TIME???
Question: do you ever just feel like there's not enough time in the day?
I have to say that the past couple of weeks I have felt like there just was not enough time in the day. Things of life seems to keep us so busy and at the end of the day we tend to look back and say, what did I accomplish? Or we say to ourselves -if I had more time I could have done this or that.
Personally I have felt lately that due to time restraints I have fallen short in spending time on important things. I feel I haven't given my wife enough of my time, I feel I haven't given my son enough of my time, I feel I haven't given my studies enough time, I feel I haven't given my Lord enough my time.
Sometimes I just get this overwhelming feeling of throwing my hands up and saying, "What else can I do?"
Well, before I get full speed on the pitty party train I have to say I've been talking to the Lord about this issue with time and he's given me a pretty clear answer! "Don't waste the time that you have."
Maybe for some of us it's not the fact that there's not enough time in the day, it's just the question are we using the time that we have in the right way?
Ephesians 5:16-17 (GW) "Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants."
A servent of HIS
John Deyton
I have to say that the past couple of weeks I have felt like there just was not enough time in the day. Things of life seems to keep us so busy and at the end of the day we tend to look back and say, what did I accomplish? Or we say to ourselves -if I had more time I could have done this or that.
Personally I have felt lately that due to time restraints I have fallen short in spending time on important things. I feel I haven't given my wife enough of my time, I feel I haven't given my son enough of my time, I feel I haven't given my studies enough time, I feel I haven't given my Lord enough my time.
Sometimes I just get this overwhelming feeling of throwing my hands up and saying, "What else can I do?"
Well, before I get full speed on the pitty party train I have to say I've been talking to the Lord about this issue with time and he's given me a pretty clear answer! "Don't waste the time that you have."
Maybe for some of us it's not the fact that there's not enough time in the day, it's just the question are we using the time that we have in the right way?
Ephesians 5:16-17 (GW) "Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants."
A servent of HIS
John Deyton
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Answered Prayer
When God answers prayer, first we should be excited that our prayer was answered, but we also should be ready to give an account of how God has answered that prayer. It's not like we're trying to show off or trying to get people to think that we are so righteous that God takes care of us; but people who are in need, need encouragement and need to understand that God does answer prayers. So in light of my statement that when God answers prayer we should give an account, that's what I would like to do.
The thing is though about my answered prayer; the prayer that was answered for me was not a specific prayer that was being praying at a specific time for a specific need. Let me share what I mean.
Probably for most of us, we have a routine of praying each morning and in that routine of praying each morning we have prayers that we routinely pray for. I pray for such things as lost family members, I pray for guidance for myself and there are many other things that I mention every day in prayer.
One of those things I mentioned every day is that God would watch over and protect my family and me; I ask that He'd watch over Eli and Heidi while we're out about doing whatever. Sometimes these kind of prayers become routine and we can get to the point where we kind of say it and don't really think about. But I truly believe that even though maybe we don't think about it ourselves, God thinks about it and answers it too.
See, this past Saturday October 2nd started like many of our Saturdays here lately. That morning Heidi headed out to work, and me and Eli stayed home and got ready for his football game later that morning; and as I often do on Saturday mornings, I spent some time studying and praying. My prayer that morning was just like my prayer each day, but little did I know I would truly need this prayer answered.
About 1:30 PM, right at the end of Eli's football game, I received a phone call from Heidi. She was very upset, and I could tell right away that something was wrong. She had been in a car accident and was uninjured, but was very shaken up.
This is what I mean by my prayer being answered because as I do every morning I had prayed that morning that God would watch over Heidi while she was at work and traveling around town. And I thank the Good Lord above, that he did not ignore the same prayer I prayed many many times before. He answered it and He protected her; just as I had asked.
The damage to the car can be fixed, but my wife could never be replaced.
I just want to thank my Heavenly Father that he was right there and placed a hedge of protection around my wife; I thank HIM for answering my prayer.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
The thing is though about my answered prayer; the prayer that was answered for me was not a specific prayer that was being praying at a specific time for a specific need. Let me share what I mean.
Probably for most of us, we have a routine of praying each morning and in that routine of praying each morning we have prayers that we routinely pray for. I pray for such things as lost family members, I pray for guidance for myself and there are many other things that I mention every day in prayer.
One of those things I mentioned every day is that God would watch over and protect my family and me; I ask that He'd watch over Eli and Heidi while we're out about doing whatever. Sometimes these kind of prayers become routine and we can get to the point where we kind of say it and don't really think about. But I truly believe that even though maybe we don't think about it ourselves, God thinks about it and answers it too.
See, this past Saturday October 2nd started like many of our Saturdays here lately. That morning Heidi headed out to work, and me and Eli stayed home and got ready for his football game later that morning; and as I often do on Saturday mornings, I spent some time studying and praying. My prayer that morning was just like my prayer each day, but little did I know I would truly need this prayer answered.
About 1:30 PM, right at the end of Eli's football game, I received a phone call from Heidi. She was very upset, and I could tell right away that something was wrong. She had been in a car accident and was uninjured, but was very shaken up.
This is what I mean by my prayer being answered because as I do every morning I had prayed that morning that God would watch over Heidi while she was at work and traveling around town. And I thank the Good Lord above, that he did not ignore the same prayer I prayed many many times before. He answered it and He protected her; just as I had asked.
The damage to the car can be fixed, but my wife could never be replaced.
I just want to thank my Heavenly Father that he was right there and placed a hedge of protection around my wife; I thank HIM for answering my prayer.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Monday, September 20, 2010
Special Night
Last night was a very special night for me. Last night September 19th I officially received my ordination as a minister in the Church of God Reformation Movement and I have to be honest - to me it's a big deal. See it's an accumulation of nearly 4 years of studying, reading, writing papers, and committing my life to a service of ministry in the congregation.
I know that a piece of paper inside a frame isn't going to make me a good preacher or a loving and caring pastor, and I know that the only one that really truthfully ordains an individual to preach the Word of God is God himself. But I do appreciate the fact that men and women in the Church of God Reformation Movement do not just hand out ordinations to anyone that comes along and says I want to be a preacher; I honor the fact that they take the time to look at the individuals, to look at their dedication, to look at their study ethic, and look at their lives, and then go into prayer in an effort to discern if this individual is truly called by God. Some people would disagree and say that's up to God only, but I wholeheartedly agree with the process of determining an individual's calling.
I would like to thank my family for their support and understanding of the time that I have spent in doing the requirements to receive my ordination.I would also like to thank the many people that have been praying for me over the past several years while I have been in the process of receiving my ordination. More than anything I would like to thank my Heavenly Father who has watched over me, helped me, and given me strength while working through this process.
One other thing that made last night very special to me was the fact that Pastor Rudd was the one who preached the ordination service and presented me with my certificate of ordination. Pastor Rudd has meant a great deal to me over the past five years and I would really like to thank him for all he has done for me, not just as an individual going through the ordination process, but as an individual now walking and growing with Christ.
Pastor Rudd, I thank you for: being a spiritual father for me, being a Christ-like example for me, being a preaching mentor for me, for being faithful to God's word as an example for me, for being willing to be the man God placed in my life to lead me to Christ, and more than anything for just being a friend to me.
Yelp, last night was pretty special, but that wasn't because it was a ending to some long process and now things are done. I know down deep in my heart it was special because it marks the beginning of a new section of the pathway that God has placed in my life. And I would like to say: Dear Heavenly Father - I'm willing to walk it (with You)!
Philippians 1:21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain"
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
I know that a piece of paper inside a frame isn't going to make me a good preacher or a loving and caring pastor, and I know that the only one that really truthfully ordains an individual to preach the Word of God is God himself. But I do appreciate the fact that men and women in the Church of God Reformation Movement do not just hand out ordinations to anyone that comes along and says I want to be a preacher; I honor the fact that they take the time to look at the individuals, to look at their dedication, to look at their study ethic, and look at their lives, and then go into prayer in an effort to discern if this individual is truly called by God. Some people would disagree and say that's up to God only, but I wholeheartedly agree with the process of determining an individual's calling.
I would like to thank my family for their support and understanding of the time that I have spent in doing the requirements to receive my ordination.I would also like to thank the many people that have been praying for me over the past several years while I have been in the process of receiving my ordination. More than anything I would like to thank my Heavenly Father who has watched over me, helped me, and given me strength while working through this process.
One other thing that made last night very special to me was the fact that Pastor Rudd was the one who preached the ordination service and presented me with my certificate of ordination. Pastor Rudd has meant a great deal to me over the past five years and I would really like to thank him for all he has done for me, not just as an individual going through the ordination process, but as an individual now walking and growing with Christ.
Pastor Rudd, I thank you for: being a spiritual father for me, being a Christ-like example for me, being a preaching mentor for me, for being faithful to God's word as an example for me, for being willing to be the man God placed in my life to lead me to Christ, and more than anything for just being a friend to me.
Yelp, last night was pretty special, but that wasn't because it was a ending to some long process and now things are done. I know down deep in my heart it was special because it marks the beginning of a new section of the pathway that God has placed in my life. And I would like to say: Dear Heavenly Father - I'm willing to walk it (with You)!
Philippians 1:21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain"
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Thursday, September 9, 2010
It's Football Time
It's football Time in Tennessee, I know this is a saying that has been made famous by announcers for the University of Tennessee but when I say it's football time I'm referring to the football that my son plays.
I love watching and being involved with Eli playing football; and I believe I enjoy it more because he loves to play. Now I know, as a parent, were supposed to be proud of our children no matter want; but I'm really proud of Eli. Because truth be told, he's a real good football player, I don't know what the future might hold as far as a career in football but you never know. As far as right now it brings joy to my heart to watch him play.
The other thing I enjoy is helping to coach these young men in a sport that I love. I started playing football when I was six years old and played up to my freshman year in high school, until a knee injury finished my football playing. I have to say some of my favorite memories come from playing on the football field, when I was younger.
And now I feel blessed that I can be involved with these young men, and I hope that one day they'll say their fondest memories came from playing on the football field when they were younger and just maybe I would be involved in that time that they enjoy.
This year Eli has moved up to the next phase of football and is playing in the Midget division, and I have to say things are a little bit different from when he played in the Pee Wees. But not only did Eli move up, I moved up with him and am now helping coach the team that he plays on. One of the things I'm truly enjoying this year is getting to coach with Phil Waddell; and one thing that has become very obvious over the past month worth of practice is: That this is a game and this is a sport - and Phil coaches the sport as he should. But Phil goes beyond the sport and uses this opportunity as a ministry to reach out to these young men.
As for Phil and me and the other coaches Roger and Keith we all have one thing in common and that is the fact that we love the Lord and are brothers in Christ. And at this time the good Lord has truly blessed us with an opportunity to take these young men and show them our love and respect for each other and we pray more than anything that they don't just learn about football but that they learn what it's like to be a follower of Christ.
Of course as coaches of the team we would like to win every game, but more than anything I pray that we may be used, that all of these young men would win in life.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
I love watching and being involved with Eli playing football; and I believe I enjoy it more because he loves to play. Now I know, as a parent, were supposed to be proud of our children no matter want; but I'm really proud of Eli. Because truth be told, he's a real good football player, I don't know what the future might hold as far as a career in football but you never know. As far as right now it brings joy to my heart to watch him play.
The other thing I enjoy is helping to coach these young men in a sport that I love. I started playing football when I was six years old and played up to my freshman year in high school, until a knee injury finished my football playing. I have to say some of my favorite memories come from playing on the football field, when I was younger.
And now I feel blessed that I can be involved with these young men, and I hope that one day they'll say their fondest memories came from playing on the football field when they were younger and just maybe I would be involved in that time that they enjoy.
This year Eli has moved up to the next phase of football and is playing in the Midget division, and I have to say things are a little bit different from when he played in the Pee Wees. But not only did Eli move up, I moved up with him and am now helping coach the team that he plays on. One of the things I'm truly enjoying this year is getting to coach with Phil Waddell; and one thing that has become very obvious over the past month worth of practice is: That this is a game and this is a sport - and Phil coaches the sport as he should. But Phil goes beyond the sport and uses this opportunity as a ministry to reach out to these young men.
As for Phil and me and the other coaches Roger and Keith we all have one thing in common and that is the fact that we love the Lord and are brothers in Christ. And at this time the good Lord has truly blessed us with an opportunity to take these young men and show them our love and respect for each other and we pray more than anything that they don't just learn about football but that they learn what it's like to be a follower of Christ.
Of course as coaches of the team we would like to win every game, but more than anything I pray that we may be used, that all of these young men would win in life.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ups and Downs
First let me start with saying that the Joy Group had a wonderful trip to the Applewood Farmhouse Grill this past Saturday. Everyone that went talked very highly about how good the company, conversation, and food was; but I think the one thing that was highest on the list was the apple fritters they served.
I would also like to to say a big thank you to the Joy Group bus driver, Eddie Humphreys, who is always willing to take the group just about anywhere.
This past week has been a very interesting one for me and my family. I know that in life we all have our ups and downs, sometimes those ups and downs can be small and almost unnoticeable; but every once in a while those ups and downs can be so big that they take us on a major emotional roller coaster ride. For me this has been a roller coaster ride.
It all began last week with a very sick young man. See on Tuesday and Wednesday our son had some kind of stomach bug and was unable to go to school for two days (that's a down). Then by Thursday and Friday he was much better, able to go to school and even football practice (that's an up). Though by Saturday my wife wasn't feeling very well and may have possibly gotten the same bug (that's a down). Sunday I was scheduled to preach at Tacoma Church of God in Johnson City, and I love to preach (that's an up). Unfortunately after me and my wife returned to Greeneville to get our son we found that his thumb had been injured playing basketball in the gym at the church that night; and after taking him to the doctor on Monday morning we found that he has a hairline fracture in the bone in his thumb (that's a down). The good thing is that it's a very small fracture and should heal very well within three weeks (that's an up). But while I was at home with him on Monday, we started to notice that the house wasn't as cool as it should be; so after checking a few things I realized, the heat pump was not working. And we would have to call a professional (that's a down). Thankfully, in my line of work I have become very good friends with our HVAC repair man; so I called him and he came out and looked at our heat pump. The problem was very small and easy to fix, but the amazing thing is: he did not charge us a single penny, all because of the friendship we have developed (that's an up). All of this has happened in the past seven day time span, and I have to say I'm wondering just what might happen next; the fact is I just don't know.
There is another fact to consider though; that is the fact that no matter what happens, I trust and know that God is in control. No matter if life is up or down God is always there.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
I would also like to to say a big thank you to the Joy Group bus driver, Eddie Humphreys, who is always willing to take the group just about anywhere.
This past week has been a very interesting one for me and my family. I know that in life we all have our ups and downs, sometimes those ups and downs can be small and almost unnoticeable; but every once in a while those ups and downs can be so big that they take us on a major emotional roller coaster ride. For me this has been a roller coaster ride.
It all began last week with a very sick young man. See on Tuesday and Wednesday our son had some kind of stomach bug and was unable to go to school for two days (that's a down). Then by Thursday and Friday he was much better, able to go to school and even football practice (that's an up). Though by Saturday my wife wasn't feeling very well and may have possibly gotten the same bug (that's a down). Sunday I was scheduled to preach at Tacoma Church of God in Johnson City, and I love to preach (that's an up). Unfortunately after me and my wife returned to Greeneville to get our son we found that his thumb had been injured playing basketball in the gym at the church that night; and after taking him to the doctor on Monday morning we found that he has a hairline fracture in the bone in his thumb (that's a down). The good thing is that it's a very small fracture and should heal very well within three weeks (that's an up). But while I was at home with him on Monday, we started to notice that the house wasn't as cool as it should be; so after checking a few things I realized, the heat pump was not working. And we would have to call a professional (that's a down). Thankfully, in my line of work I have become very good friends with our HVAC repair man; so I called him and he came out and looked at our heat pump. The problem was very small and easy to fix, but the amazing thing is: he did not charge us a single penny, all because of the friendship we have developed (that's an up). All of this has happened in the past seven day time span, and I have to say I'm wondering just what might happen next; the fact is I just don't know.
There is another fact to consider though; that is the fact that no matter what happens, I trust and know that God is in control. No matter if life is up or down God is always there.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Thursday, August 19, 2010
August - Joy Group Dinner
This past Thursday night, August 12th, we had our Joy Group Dinner. I would just like to really thank everyone that came out that evening for a time of fellowship and good food, we had 55 in attendance and we had so much food we could even share some of it with some of the youth group that was there for Bible Study.
After getting our bellies full, and then eating desert on top of the full belly, we took some time and played a little game of Bible Family Feud. The game was played much like the TV show Family Feud; where there was a survey taken and people gave their answers, and the top answers were on the board. We even had members of the Joy Group come up and be part of two families and compete against each other.
The interesting thing is I found the questions in the survey answers online from a website and I'm not sure who they asked the questions to, believers or nonbelievers, but some of the top answers for the questions kind of surprised me and the others that were in attendance during the game. Such questions as-name a person from Genesis, or name a miracle that Jesus did. Some of the answers for the survey were not exactly what I would have thought they should have been. I know this is based on the game show Family Feud (and we have all sat at home amazed at the answers that they get for their surveys). But, this did make me think; if these questions were asked to believers? Are people really studying the word of God, especially those that claim to be followers of HIM!
2 Tim 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
After getting our bellies full, and then eating desert on top of the full belly, we took some time and played a little game of Bible Family Feud. The game was played much like the TV show Family Feud; where there was a survey taken and people gave their answers, and the top answers were on the board. We even had members of the Joy Group come up and be part of two families and compete against each other.
The interesting thing is I found the questions in the survey answers online from a website and I'm not sure who they asked the questions to, believers or nonbelievers, but some of the top answers for the questions kind of surprised me and the others that were in attendance during the game. Such questions as-name a person from Genesis, or name a miracle that Jesus did. Some of the answers for the survey were not exactly what I would have thought they should have been. I know this is based on the game show Family Feud (and we have all sat at home amazed at the answers that they get for their surveys). But, this did make me think; if these questions were asked to believers? Are people really studying the word of God, especially those that claim to be followers of HIM!
2 Tim 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Love & Hate
Pastor Rudd told us that we could blog about anything we wanted to, so I'm going to do just that. I hate kidney stones ever since last Wednesday I have been dealing with trying to pass a kidney stone and this makes the 16th stone I've had since 2004, and folks they hurt - they are uncomfortable - they just make life miserable.
Now the thing is I love my kidneys, I have to have them, they are important to me; without them I couldn't live. But I hate the fact that my kidneys produce kidney stones.
I feel very sure that this is the way our Heavenly Father sometimes looks at us. He loves us, he loves us so much that he doesn't want anything bad to happen to us; we mean a lot to him. But I know he hates the sin that our lives can produce. I believe we can rest assure that God hates the sin - but loves the sinner.
One quick thing to think about! My kidney stones come from my kidneys but my lifestyle, my eating habits, my physical health, and the things I do in my life that is what causes my kidneys to produce the stones. It's the same in our lives - it's our lifestyle, our habits and the things we do that produce the sin.
You know, it might just be a good idea for me to change my lifestyle and my habits so that I will not have any more kidney stones; maybe for other people it might be a good idea to change their lifestyle and their habits so that they will not have sin in their lives anymore.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Now the thing is I love my kidneys, I have to have them, they are important to me; without them I couldn't live. But I hate the fact that my kidneys produce kidney stones.
I feel very sure that this is the way our Heavenly Father sometimes looks at us. He loves us, he loves us so much that he doesn't want anything bad to happen to us; we mean a lot to him. But I know he hates the sin that our lives can produce. I believe we can rest assure that God hates the sin - but loves the sinner.
One quick thing to think about! My kidney stones come from my kidneys but my lifestyle, my eating habits, my physical health, and the things I do in my life that is what causes my kidneys to produce the stones. It's the same in our lives - it's our lifestyle, our habits and the things we do that produce the sin.
You know, it might just be a good idea for me to change my lifestyle and my habits so that I will not have any more kidney stones; maybe for other people it might be a good idea to change their lifestyle and their habits so that they will not have sin in their lives anymore.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July - Joy Group Trip
This past Saturday the Joy Group took a trip up to Watauga Lake in Hampton, TN to have lunch at the Captain's Table Restaurant. Although I didn't get to go with the group, several of them have told me how nice it was to sit at the tables along the window section and just look out at the lake and watch all the boats and people go by. Some talked about how beautiful the lake looked, and just how amazing it was to see such a large body of water nestled between all the hills.
Sometimes in this fast pace - I want it and I want it now - world that we live in, it's nice to just be able to stop and sit and look at all the wonderful amazing things the Father has created. He created all this not just for Himself but for us to enjoy also; lets take some time every once and a while and appreciate His handy work and awesomeness.
Psalms 46:10 (KJV)- Be still, and know that I am God:
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Sometimes in this fast pace - I want it and I want it now - world that we live in, it's nice to just be able to stop and sit and look at all the wonderful amazing things the Father has created. He created all this not just for Himself but for us to enjoy also; lets take some time every once and a while and appreciate His handy work and awesomeness.
Psalms 46:10 (KJV)- Be still, and know that I am God:
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hindrances
Over the past several weeks me and Pastor Stephen have been teaching lessons on Wednesday night about prayer. Of course these lessons are to go along with our emphasize on prayer, that we as a staff, felt needed to be taught about and preached about over the next several months.
Well, the past two Wed. nights I have been teaching about what hindrances, problems, and excuses people often come up with and use to not pray in a proper and powerful way. And after my lesson last night, I have to say I have done some soul searching and I feel I have let some things hinder my walk with Christ. The most important thing in my life is my personal communication with my Heavenly Father; and for me to allow Satan to put something in my life and then allow that something to hinder my relationship with Jesus is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
The issue for me is priorities and business. I sometimes feel as if I need to do so much for Christ, that I fail to do the one thing I know for sure He wants me to do and that is just spend time with Him.
I am praying today that the Lord will help me to overcome those hindrances Satan has put, and I have allowed in my christian walk.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Well, the past two Wed. nights I have been teaching about what hindrances, problems, and excuses people often come up with and use to not pray in a proper and powerful way. And after my lesson last night, I have to say I have done some soul searching and I feel I have let some things hinder my walk with Christ. The most important thing in my life is my personal communication with my Heavenly Father; and for me to allow Satan to put something in my life and then allow that something to hinder my relationship with Jesus is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
The issue for me is priorities and business. I sometimes feel as if I need to do so much for Christ, that I fail to do the one thing I know for sure He wants me to do and that is just spend time with Him.
I am praying today that the Lord will help me to overcome those hindrances Satan has put, and I have allowed in my christian walk.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 13th
Yesterday was July 13th and I know to most people there is no significant meaning to July 13th. It's not a national holiday or any kind of special religious date; but July 13th is very special to me. See on July 13th 2005 around 4:30pm something incredible happened to me; it was the moment I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Now I was raised in a Christian home and went to church until I was a teenager, so I knew who Jesus was and I knew how he wanted me to act; but until this particular day I was never willing to surrender my mind, body, soul, and strength to Him. Since that July 13th my life has never been the same; of course I have the same name, same house, same wife, same son, same job but not the same life. Because now it's not my life - it's HIS.
I thank God for His mercy, His patience, His love, His grace, and His Son whom I now have a personal relationship with, and more then anything I thank Him for saving my soul.
This is why July 13th is special to me.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Now I was raised in a Christian home and went to church until I was a teenager, so I knew who Jesus was and I knew how he wanted me to act; but until this particular day I was never willing to surrender my mind, body, soul, and strength to Him. Since that July 13th my life has never been the same; of course I have the same name, same house, same wife, same son, same job but not the same life. Because now it's not my life - it's HIS.
I thank God for His mercy, His patience, His love, His grace, and His Son whom I now have a personal relationship with, and more then anything I thank Him for saving my soul.
This is why July 13th is special to me.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
July - Joy Group Dinner
Last Thursday July 1st we had a great time at the Joy Group Dinner. Even though I did have it in my mind that with the upcoming holiday, maybe attendance would be down; but as everyone started to arrive something awesome happened, we had to get out two more tables. In all we had 45 people at our Joy Group Dinner.
I was a little nerves with the fact that my planned activity kinda fell through, but with prayer and faith, we did a little reflecting on what Independence Day was really about and how this country was founded under the belief of one True God. Afterwards people testified about what this country meant to them and the freedoms we enjoy. Followed by a quick description from Pastor Rudd and his daughter Debbie about their missionary trip to Haiti.
All in all it was a very good time of fellowship, and the food wasn't bad either.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
I was a little nerves with the fact that my planned activity kinda fell through, but with prayer and faith, we did a little reflecting on what Independence Day was really about and how this country was founded under the belief of one True God. Afterwards people testified about what this country meant to them and the freedoms we enjoy. Followed by a quick description from Pastor Rudd and his daughter Debbie about their missionary trip to Haiti.
All in all it was a very good time of fellowship, and the food wasn't bad either.
A servant of HIS,
John Deyton
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