I love the story told about Pete Flaherty, a
county commissioner in Pittsburgh, and his wife, Nancy. They were standing on
the sidewalk surveying a city construction project, when one of the laborers at
the site called out to them. “Nancy, remember me?” he asked. “We used to date
in high school.” Later Pete teased her. “Aren’t you glad you married me? Just
think, if you had married him, you would be the wife of a construction worker.”
Nancy looked at him and said, “No, if I would have married him, he would have
been a county commissioner!”
I can relate to that story and shudder to
think where I’d be without this woman. Donna is indeed my secret weapon in life
and ministry.
Open Doors with Leaders
I continue to ask for prayer for open doors.
If Paul had to ask for prayer for open doors … I far more (Colossians 4:2-6). I
desire to be led by the Spirit and go where He leads humbly yet boldly. My
message is not the therapeutic gospel, prosperity gospel, political gospel,
self-salvation gospel or social gospel, but the gospel of grace in our Lord
Jesus Christ. It was said of Francis of Assisi - he did not love humanity but
men … he did not love Christianity but Christ … he did not fall in love with
church; he fell in love with Jesus. His religion was not a thing like a theory
but a thing like a love affair. This is what I desire and want others to
experience.
Heart
for the Harvest Seminar Training
There are many
people today who would like to know God in a personal way. Unfortunately few
people actually know how to help their friends know God. For this reason I am
currently training six different groups to relationally share their faith. This
seminar teaches people, who are enjoying a relationship with God, how they can
talk with their friends about having a relationship with God in a very real and
relevant way.
The seminar is entitled:
HEART FOR THE HARVEST or practically, "I Can Do It!"
If you would like this seminar done for your group, church or
location, let me know. It can be done over 1-5 hours and is complete with
multimedia, workbooks, discussion and PowerPoint. Also, the 12 “BIG” QUESTIONS
apologetic training is available to groups, churches, and singles, college and
high school groups as well. We are to be ready to share the hope that is in us
(1Peter 3:15).
Prayer for upcoming opportunities:
1. Preparation for fall Men’s Retreats
- Faith Community Church, Camden, Delaware, October 12-14
- Forcey Bible Church, Silver Spring, Maryland, October 19-21
- Burke Community Church, Burke, Virginia, November 2-4
2. Praise for speaking opportunities with the
Rotary Club, Dental group, weddings, memorial service, Urban Impact, preaching
at Victory Bible Church, Louisiana Legislature, Bible studies, and six current Heart for the Harvest 5-week seminars.
Pray for transformation, good contacts and follow-up. Pray for new open doors
in the community particularly in uncharted, pioneering spaces.
3. Pray God’s grace and provision for the family
and friends of Bruce Cucchiara and for his murderer to be found.
4. Praise God for many opportunities to
encourage pastors who are on the frontlines of the battle.
5. Pray for Donna, Jonathan and Patricia for
refreshment amidst busy schedules.
6. Pray that I reflect well on Isa. 31:1, 3 “Woe
to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in
chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are strong, But
who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the Lord!...The Egyptians
are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit.”7. Praise for Urban Impact and Castle Rock Church getting into their new renovated facility in Central City. We have been working on this for years. It is a reality!!!
Betting the
Farm on God,
Michael
