New Addition For LFF

There have been many changes at Living Free Fellowship over the past few months.  One of those changes is the dedication of our new building addition in February 2013.  The new addition hosts a welcome center, lounge, men and women's bathrooms, and carport.  How blessed we are to add this new space to our church.  We give God thanks for His many blessings.

A Great Weekend

What a great weekend!

The Tennessee Fine Arts Festival was tremendous.  Kudos to Jeremy Austill and the TN Youth Department for putting on a great festival.  We are proud to announce that our puppet team from Living Free Fellowship has received an invitation to the national festival along with a couple of art pieces, and a poem that received first place on the district level.  Congrats to Steven Meyer for his win.  I am very proud of all of our students and what they have accomplished this weekend.

Sunday was a beautiful day.  Our praise team did a great job leading us into the presence of the Lord.  I am thankful for those who give to this ministry every week without fail.  I preached a message on Sunday entitled, 'Make Ready The Light'!  We are stewards of God to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  May our lives demonstrate that we are Christ-followers daily and may that demonstration compel others to know Him (Luke 12:35).  It was amazing to see people fill the altars as we solidified our commitment to be bearers of the Light!  May God use us as we have entered our Monday morning world and may God draw people to Himself because of the Light that is found in our lives.

Enjoy your Monday and may God richly bless your week!

Fine Arts Festival is Here!

I am looking forward to tonight's Fine Arts Festival at Trevecca Nazarene University.  I have two daughters who will be participating.  I am amazed as they grow and develop and become what God wants them to be... so proud of them and very thankful to God.

All the students at Living Free Fellowship are doing a phenomenal job.  They have worked hard over the past couple of months preparing for this year's festival.  If you happen to be around Trevecca this evening... stop in and check out our Tennessee kids... their ministry will truly speak to your faith.

LFF Homecoming 2012

This past Sunday, Living Free Fellowship celebrated 35 years in its present location. LFF opened their doors at 233 Riggs Avenue in February 1977. Since that day, the Gospel of Jesus has continued to be preached at that location.

Sunday was a great day. Rev. Paul Wright, our guest speaker and former pastor of LFF, preached that morning. He did a phenomenal job. At the end of the message, we had a young man (19) come down and give his heart to the Lord. It was that moment that made the day worth it all. We celebrate this young man's new life with Christ.

After service, we celebrated by having lunch on the grounds. A tent was erected on the front lawn and over a 100 people gathered to eat and fellowship (It was a big tent). The conversations were rich as we witnessed people from years gone by visiting with people who attend today... Story after story about LFF and what this church has meant to them in their walk with God.

We are blessed. Not because of a rich heritage. Not because of a certain pastor or a certain group of people. We are blessed because of Jesus and what He has done over these past 35 years in Portland, Tennessee. I am so thankful to be a part of what He has done and what He is doing today!

To God be the glory!

Enjoying Life

It's amazing how quickly time can get away from you. I haven't posted in over three months and over that course of time, so much has happened.

We celebrated Christmas. We welcomed a New Year! LFF has celebrated salvations, baptisms and babies born. We have purchased a new building and discussed a new addition to the existing one. Things change rapidly, but as they do, don't forget to breathe!

Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came to give us life and life abundantly! Life is a precious gift. Let me encourage you to not take it for granted. It is easy to busy ourselves with so many things, but take the time to stop (or at least, slow down) and enjoy it along the way. Take time to walk with God in the cool of the day. Take time to play with your kids. Take time to enjoy the company of your spouse. Enjoy a meal. Go window shopping with no intentions to buy. Play a round of golf. Take the moment to enjoy a cup of coffee. Sit on the porch swing. Read a good book. We all need those moments. When we make a conscience choice to enjoy what God has given us, it only fuels us for the tasks and responsibilities that are uniquely ours. It energizes us to press on.

Enjoy your life today! Jesus would want you too!

Three Years And Counting!

Yesterday, me and my family celebrated three years at Living Free Fellowship. I can't believe how time passes. It just seems like yesterday that we walked in the door of LFF and began to set up the office. Looking back... so many things have taken place! All I can say is... God has been faithful to me, my family, and to LFF! I can not thank Him enough for how far He has brought us, but more than looking back... we are excited about the future. God has done amazing things among the people at LFF and we only look forward to what tomorrow can bring. It is a continual reminder to me and to you of God's faithfulness to His people! Keep looking up!

Monday Thoughts!

Yesterday was a great day at Living Free Fellowship. I am so proud of our Praise Team and their ministry. I also had the privilege of baptizing a young man at the beginning of service. It is always exciting to watch and be a part of what God is doing in the life of an individual. We also had a young man give his heart to the Lord. God never ceases to amaze. The greatest miracle of all is when God takes an old heart and makes it new! To God be the glory!

Looking forward to this coming Sunday, December 11th. Our kids will be performing a Christmas production called... A Christmas Chat! Drama and Music! It will be an exciting day... it always is when the kids are on the platform. Don't miss it! Bring someone with you next week.

Today, we are celebrating a beautiful Monday! There may be rain in the forecast, but the Son is always shining! So thankful to God and the privilege I have (and you have) to serve Him daily! I encourage you to keep looking to Jesus... He is your Source! He will not disappoint!

Blessings!

Sunday in Review

Wow... can I simply say... God is amazing! I guess I can... I just did! What an amazing work that God did this past Sunday. We had three people walk the aisle for salvation and a host of folks respond to His Word. I love to see people realize their help comes from the Lord and then take it a step further by responding to Him for help. The message Sunday was about God's overcoming peace. How many times do we choose to live in chaotic situations instead of living in peace? Jesus is our peace (John 16:33). Don't allow the world to take your peace. Keep your focus directly upon your Savior... Jehovah Shalom!

This coming Sunday (November 20th) will be our attempt as a church to celebrate Thanksgiving. There will be a luncheon following the morning service in the fellowship hall. If you have not made plans to attend, we hope you will stay and eat and fellowship with one another.

Walk in peace this week... walk with Jesus!

The Week in Reveiw

The Midweek has arrived. I am looking forward to being in service tonight at LFF! Joel Mullins will be wrapping up his study on PRAYER. He has done a fabulous job over the past few weeks. If you are local to Portland... come and see us tonight at 7 PM!

This past Sunday (November 6) was a great day. Our Youth Pastor, Tim Medrano preached a message entitled, RELENTLESS... leaving the 99 and going after the one! He did a great job. I am proud of him and how the Lord is using him in ministry. Our worship team took us into the presence of God. I am thankful for a team of people who desire His presence and goes after His presence every week. The church is blessed!

I am blessed to serve such an amazing church under an Amazing God! Let me encourage you to continue to focus on Him and let Him direct your steps. He will take us all to places we never dreamed imaginable.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to us!

Sunday, October 23 in Review

This weekend was incredible. Our praise team did an amazing job at taking us into the presence of the Lord and the church walked through the door. Missionary Kelly Robinette and his wife, Cyndi came and ministered in the morning service. These folks are veteran missionaries. The have been on the field for the past 24 years and doing an incredible job. Kelly spoke to us about leaving a heritage for all to see. There was a great response from our people. God is to be praised.

Couple of announcements to remember:

This Friday night is our Annual Hayride and Bonfire and on Monday is our Light the Night Harvest Festival! Plug in... you will be glad you did.

October 2 in Review

What a great day at Living Free Fellowship this past Sunday. Special thanks to Nathan Ovenshire and his team... Joel, Joshua, and Shannon... for leading us in worship. God is so tangible! I am thankful for His presence in our lives and especially when the church gathers and worships corporately!

I preached a message called... Our Speech... from Proverbs 18:21! If you did not get a chance to be here... get with the LFF Media Department and pick up a copy. In a nutshell... we must understand that our speech is a gift from God. How are we choosing to use our speech? Proverbs has much to say. Let us make a choice to use our speech for God's glory! As David prayed in Psalm 141:3... "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." God can help us if we so choose to lean upon Him. Never underestimate the power of words! Let us be a blessing to those around us.

Announcements from the weekend:
Tuesday, October 4 - Ladies Zumba Class at the ballroom on Main Street ($5.00 per)
Wednesday, October 5 - LFF Midweek! New series on prayer with facilitator Joel Mullins. Don't miss it!
Saturday, October 8 - Men's Work Day (ladies are invited) at 8 AM at LFF... we need you here!
Sunday, October 9 - National Minister's Day... Special Guest Rev. Terry Bailey, TN District Superintendent for the Assemblies of God will be preaching that morning. Plus, we will be honoring Pastor Tim Medrano. He will be receiving his minister's credentials. We celebrate with him.

God is worthy to be praised! Let's honor Him daily with our lives! Blessings!

2011 Non-Profit of the Year

I am so proud of our church. This past Saturday night at an awards banquet hosted by the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Living Free Fellowship won the 2011 Non-Profit of the Year. This award is a credit to the servanthood of a group of people who have a passion to serve God and their community. On many occasions they have volunteered to work at a variety of city events with the one desire of exalting the name of Jesus in their community. Congratulations church for a job well done. May God receive all the glory for every effort we put forth from year to year.

A Day Together

This coming Saturday, August 27th at 3 PM... we will be coming together as a church for a time of fellowship. We will be meeting at 323 C Freeland Road in Portland. There will be fishing, an open fire for hot dogs and smores, corn hole, and target shooting. It is always good to come together. Don't miss it!

Sunday, August 14 in Review

I will rejoice in the Lord!

How many times do we allow our joy to be stolen because of worry? Paul, a man familiar with struggle in his service to Jesus Christ, taught us how to overcome worry. Philippians 4:4-9 gives us the key to overcoming worry. Pray right, think right, and live right. Read it for yourself and experience the peace of God that guards your heart and your mind. Let us live as one who rejoices no matter the situation we find ourselves in.

Upcoming calendar:

Our men are meeting this Saturday, August 20th at 8 AM for breakfast at LFF. Jim Tullis is our guest speaker. Don't miss it men! It's going to be a great morning of food, fellowship and faith.

'A Day Together' will happen next Saturday, August 27th at 3 PM. There will be fishing, hot dogs on an open fire, and a little bit of target shooting. Mark your calendars and be watching for more details.

Have a great day!

Sunday, August 7 in Review

What a great day at Living Free Fellowship. I shared a message called... Basic! At salvation, there is a TRUST established. Let us not abandon that trust in the Lord.

Several came for prayer for many different needs. At the end of the message, we had one come for first-time salvation. We rejoice with her and what God has done and will continue to do in her life. We had a few more respond for the purpose of rebuilding the foundation they have allowed to be destroyed in their lives. Awesome to see God move in the hearts of people.

A few announcements to take note of:

Men's Ministry - Saturday, August 20th at 8 AM @ LFF (Breakfast)
Women's Ministry Retreat Weekend is scheduled for September 23 and 24. Don't miss this weekend ladies. Kimber Rising will be on concert on Friday night at LFF. I might have to sneak into that myself. You will be blessed.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next Sunday.

Expect Something Great Today!

Expectation... what does the day hold? Have you been there? Today promises snow around 3 PM until 9 PM this evening. As I sit and watch the radar and hear the meteorologist predict one to three inches of snow... I have a tendency to wonder if it will happen. Life can have the same effect.

Will this day be as good as it started out to be? Will this day be as bad as it started out to be? No one knows or can predict the future. However, we can expect a great day. Not in the sense that it may snow, rain, or plans change, but in the fact that Jesus loves you... He has made plans for your future... plans of hope and success (Jeremiah 29:11). Be careful with your decisions and learn to look (expect) good things from God. When we focus our attention in His direction, we tend to focus less on the trivial things that seem to pull us down. So let me say it like this... Expect Jesus to show up in your life today! If you seek Him... you will find Him!

The Best This Christmas!

Only 18 days until Christmas! Sentences like that causes stress during the holidays... doesn't it? Why? Because it has been a hard year for many. Less jobs, less money, less opportunity! Many wonder what there Christmas will look like. People wonder how they will pay for Christmas.

Can I share something with you? The real gift behind Christmas is FREE! God gave us His Son. He gave us the opportunity of relationship. No cost involved for us, but a high cost for Him. Many times we take the high cost on ourselves during the Christmas season. We max out our credit cards, borrow money, beg, borrow, and some even steal to make sure Christmas is grand! Christmas is a reminder of what we have in God. If anything is given to family and friends this year... make sure it is the message of Jesus, first. Let us not be caught up in debt, but let us do the best we can with what we have with the intention of placing the greater emphasis on the Best Gift... not our gifts.

There is a generation that follows. Let us not forget to teach them what's important... His name is Jesus! He will be present at Christmas even when the money isn't! So whether your Christmas is large or small... prosperous or sparing... don't forget to place the premium on the Greatest Gift of all!

Courage

I had the privilege of being at a medical procedure this morning with one of our toddlers from the church. She had tubes put in her ears. As I watched her this morning, she amazed me by her courage. Without parent, relative or friend, she was wheeled to the back for her surgery.

I believe God is calling us to courage. Life can be very scary sometimes. The fear of the unknown seem to be present more than absent. However, that doesn't give us the license to hide and hope the horizon will change. The only way to face life is head on... much like this little lady did this morning. God is with us! He promised to never leave us or forsake us. So... face your future with certainty that not matter how bleak it may look, courage takes us to the other side.

Have faith in God!

Fill In The Blanks

As I look at this computer screen, I am drawing a blank. I've started by asking myself... "How do I want to start this post?" Isn't that how life can be sometimes! As you evaluate your life, your friendships, perhaps your family... there are some things that you just don't know what to do. You draw a blank. I have several of those moments before me now, but I am encouraged to know that when my resources run out, God's resources never do. Colossians 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer," I believe that is where we should start... prayer! He is always faithful and He will always be faithful to us. I encourage you to let God fill in the blanks of your life.

Prayer @ LFF

We are in day 37 of The PRAYER Project at Living Free Fellowship. We are hearing great reports of what God is doing in the lives of His people. Keep praying! Give a minimum of 7-14 minutes a day to prayer. Let God speak into your life. You will be glad you did.

Prayer opportunities for you...
Every Monday and Friday from 5 AM - 6 AM at LFF. Stop in before heading out to work and spend some time in prayer to the Lord. Also... every Thursday night from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at LFF is a prayer time. Take advantage of these opportunities.