Pastor Buddy’s Blog

From the Martin family to your home…

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Journal,

Another year is about to make its departure into the archives of history. And what a year it has been. It was a year ago yesterday that I released the reins of Senior Pastor of the CCI Central Church to Nathan. It has also been the year of my healing from cancer. When the Lord told me to expect the unexpected, I soon found out that He had a miracle healing in store for me. 

By the way, I told Nathan yesterday that I had given him a year head start on papa Bear. Joking of course. Matter of fact Papa Bear is thoroughly enjoying his new lease on life.  I wouldn’t trade what I’m doing with Nathan for anything. Not only is he is doing an outstanding job at Christian Challenge, but it is wonderful to know that I am in the center of God’s will for my life. No stressing. No striving. No straining.

One of the great lessons in life that I learned years ago is to give the Lord plenty of room to work in my life. This is why one of my favorite Bible verses is what  the Lord said to David in Psalm 46:10. He said, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

The Jewish Bible says, “Let be, and know that I am God.” – The Hebrew can also be translated as, ‘Let go. Relax! Know that I am God.’  —

Is there something you need to ‘let be?’ Is there something you need to stop struggling over? Think about it — Perhaps something will come to mind.   

OK, here is a picture of Nathan that was in the newspaper this morning. Yesterday he was in front of the Pineville WalMart. Rather than ring bells for the Salvation Army, Nathan decided to sing Christmas songs for the Lord. Seems folk enjoyed this much better. Got quite a bit of giftings in his kettle. Boy, all it take is a preacher with a bit of imagination to raise up an offering for the Lord. 

On my end, the Lord has been preparing me for varied roles of ministry. I’ll continue to make  strong pushes for our School for Christian Workers. Plan to teach our Shepherd’s Heart class in our next school. I’ll also minister out as the Lord opens the doors of service.

Which reminds me, we just had our 38th School for Christian Workers banquet. Nine more students have joined the ranks of our several hundred registered graduates. Nine may not seem like much, but we’ve had classes with 40+ students. When you put 38 schools in place, it amounts to a goodly number.

Let’s see … What else?

Oh yes. This evening I’ll be ministering on the subject, ‘The Longing of Angels.’ If you are available at 6:30 p.m., you can sit in on this service. Chances are you will hear something that will stir your heart. For instance, did you know that angels sometimes provide strength for us in a personal way?

Did you know that the evidence for believer’s having at least a personal angel has a Biblical precedent? Yes indeed — Angels are carekeepers for the children of God.

Here is my text Scriptures if you care to view them: Luke 2:8-14; 1Pet1:9-12. My ministry will include three areas:

I - The Glimpses of Messiah
II - The Longing of the Angels
III - The Seal of Heaven

Note: To view the service in progress, go to http://www.christianchallenge.org/

On the left side, scroll down to ‘Audio/Video’ and click on ‘Video - Live and Archived.’ Service times are 10 a.m. on Sundays, and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

From the Martin family to your family, we wish you a wonderful holiday season as we pause to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. 

Much love coming your way.

Buddy

One more funny note on CJ.