Second Baptist Baytown

¹² Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Let’s start with a confession...I’m getting older and my vision is deteriorating. 

I recently went for my yearly check-up and refitting for my contacts that I started wearing three years ago.  As you might suspect, my vision has gotten a bit worse from this time last year. So, the Dr. increased the prescription and gave me a new pair of contacts to try out for a week or so.  For whatever reason, the new contacts did not fit me right and caused blurriness.  I blinked, squinted, put in new lens solution and tried every trick I knew (including just taking them out and begging my children to read things to me...which got old quickly), but I finally had to go back in earlier this week for a follow up visit and ask the Dr. for help.  With the Dr’s help, we found the core problem, changed the contacts out, and things are working pretty well right now...unless you see a misspelling in this blog...then it must be the contacts! :)

Here’s what I learned...on earth, my vision is fading and will continue to fade.  The older I get, the more help seeing I will need.  And if I don’t submit to the authority of the Dr. and trust his guidance and care, I will live an unfocused and very fuzzy life (not to mention drive my kids and wife crazy with requests for them to read things for me).

Spiritually speaking, the Apostle Paul said the same thing even before contacts were ever invented.  His message was simple...right now on planet earth, we are a poor reflection of what God will do in our lives in eternity.  For believers who know Jesus, Heaven will be an endless eternity of seeing things clearly both spiritually and physically and placing all of our focus on the One who paid the price for our sins so that we can fully experience His love, His joy and His provision.  Now that’s 20-20 vision that I am looking forward to seeing...how about you?

The past couple of weeks have been very busy and hugely rewarding around Second. On January 22nd and 23^rd we were inspired to improve our relationships with our spouses, our children and our friends with some biblical and practical advice from our guest Dr. Kevin Leman. I was especially drawn to how Dr. Leman is able to impart his Christian faith through stories that are humorous, informative and educational. 

This week, we have embarked on an incredible journey of 40 Days in the Word through small groups. We have increased our group number substantially to accommodate everyone, and many of our membership are initiating participation for the very first time. It is awesome to see how God is moving in and through our fellowship. It is inspiring to see folks getting connected in a group, growing in their faith, and opening God's word, some for the very first time.

As a business man I learned that the best advertising concerning your product or service was the testimony of a satisfied customer...so, I am leaving you with a couple of samplings of what people are saying about their new found knowledge as a result of their connection with the body of Christ here at Second. If you are not connected, I hope these testimonials will inspire you to check it out.

Submitted by Donna Billeaud after the Weekend with Kevin Leman:

 “I just wanted to send a quick email to say “THANK YOU” for such a wonderfully inspiring weekend!!!! I feel renewed as a wife, mother, daughter, and friend! Dr. Leman spoke so man truths that we, as parents, fail to implement out of fear of rejection, failure, or guilt! “An unhappy child is healthy child” keeps scrolling through my mind’s marquee! This morning Brock spent 3 minutes on the back porch and Rylee had to re-hang the clothes that she refused to wear and dress herself without my assistance…by the time we made it to school, both hugged me and apologized (on their own) for their behavior! After they got out of the car, I cried….how EASY was that!?!?!?! I never raised my voice or my blood pressure and everyone got to school on time, dressed, and happy! We are back on track!

Thank you again for making this possible for the city of Baytown… It’s great to know that so many visitors got to experience what we have at Second.”

 Allison Henderson’s post on Facebook about 40 Days In The Word:

“The most amazing thing about this study, is that all these years tucked away my nightstand or laying on my coffee table...only to be opened when duty called...was the instructions and Wisdom to change my life! Gods Word!”

 Hope you all have a blessed week. 

Don’t miss Dr. Kevin Leman live at Second Baytown on January 22-23. 

As the big ball drops in New York’s Times Square celebrating the beginning of 2012, it will also serve as a reminder to all of us to take a look back, evaluate and plan for the coming year.  For me, I always want to do a few things better. Every area of my life usually get a review to see if there are any areas that need to be overhauled, adjusted, or reinforced. My friend Casey Graham in his blog “ What You Visualize You Realize” reminded me that we need to ask ourselves, “What do we want different areas of our life to look like at the end of 2012”? What will your walk with Christ look like? How about your marriage? How about your relationship with your children and friends? What will your health be at the end of 2012.  How about your job, your bank account, your ministry?

When I was in college “visualization” became the buzz in most college and professional sports programs as psychologist worked with athletes in every sport to help them “see” the goal. See the end zone, see the first place finish, see the gold medal. Being able to visualize the “end” allowed the competitor to work through obstacles along the way.

For you and I the principal is the same. We need to get a clear picture of what we want the different areas of our life to look like at the end of 2012, then look backwards and ask ourselves, what will be required to make the picture reality. So here are some things to ask yourself as you create a clear vision for what you believe God wants you to be at the end of 2012. First take some time to ask God to give you his picture for you life. Then ask these questions. Do you need to repent of anything? Establish a consistent quiet time? Do you need to say I’m sorry to a friend or loved one? Maybe spend more time with your family and friends? Change your diet and start some type of exercise program? Get your finances in order? Perhaps stop doing things in your area of ministry so that you can do better at other things.

The verse reminds us that where there is no clear vision there is no restraint or plan. In other words if you do not have a clear target to aim at, you will wander aimlessly. In 2012 get a clear picture of what God wants for you and visualize what you will become this time next year.