A New Era Begins

Time is typically marked in church life by who the senior pastor is. When we want to peg a church event on our timeline, we rarely say “I think that was in 1982”, but are far more likely to frame it as “That was when Bro. Jimmie was here.” Or “When Bro. Rodney was pastor…”. It is how we identify time periods, or eras, in the collective memory of our fellowship.

May 1^st marks the beginning of a brand new era at Northside as we welcome our new senior pastor, Darrell Tomasek. He comes to us with years of pastoral experience from a church that loves him and hates to see him go. First Baptist Church of Canyon Lake will miss him as they now enter into their own “interim” period.

As Bro. Darrell begins his time with Northside, he will be building on a strong legacy of ministry established on this corner of Laurent over sixty years ago. He brings his own experience and God-given gifts to the mix as he casts a vision for where God is leading us next. As you have already seen, he is a really good fit for Northside. Exciting things lie ahead.

For us to be all that God has called us to be under Bro. Darrell’s pastoral leadership will require renewed faithfulness on our part. When he challenges us to new work, we will step up to help. When he reminds us to be faithful stewards, we will give. When he calls us to pray, we will pray without ceasing.

Mark the day. May 1^st signals the beginning of a new era. What God is about to do in and through His people is beyond our imagination. Plan to be a part of what God has in store for the faithful folks at Northside. Remember the encouraging words of the prophet Jeremiah as he delivered the message to God's people so long ago:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Bro. Mickey

The Story

It has been a long time since I have had the chance to be involved in a musical production at church. Most of the time I am helping with kids or involved in children’s ministry. Being involved in “The Story” has brought back many memories from all of the church musicals I participated in. I also remember the time I went to Florida and played a main character in a musical that  was filmed and recorded to be sold in christian bookstores. Great memories. I think the greatest memory for me at in the story was seeing many kids come down to the altar on the last night. Several of the staff had not seen that many kids come to the altar at one of Northside’s musicals. This shows me that God is looking to do something big with our kids. 

Two big opportunities for us to see God work is through our Kid’s Church  and Extreme Kid’s Live. I need volunteers to commit to these areas.  Extreme Kid’s Live will be starting Wednesdays nights on May 11.  May 11 on Wednesday night. I am looking for some people who can be there on a regular basis to love and build relationship with kids. I understand that people will be taking vacations.  We will work around that. This summer  program requires no prep time on your part. I’m need people to come and love on kids.

Kid’s Church is another area that I will be leading beginning May 15th and I need a crew of people that can serve on the rotation list. It would also be nice if I can find a couple of people to help on a regular basis. God has given me a vision to take Kid’s Church to the next level. For that to happen, I am going to need people to  help in this area. Can you give some of you time to help with our kids? Contact me if you would like to volunteer.

Dave Benefield

God Sized Things Happen in Cul-De-Sac Moments

Many of us, particularly those of us that have been around awhile, are pretty good at developing plans...dealing with situations...dealing with people...developing a program...even getting out of a pickle...etc. Stick with me, let's chase a rabbit.

The Theologian Mike Tyson says, "We've all got a plan...until we get punched in the face."

In Exodus 15, God's people had a plan to leave their 430 year captivity in Egypt.  Egypt had become their culture for 430 years...some had become fully "Egyptian" even to the point of worshipping the Egyptian gods.

On the other hand, there were those that were not Israelites that became followers of Yahweh during this time. Several would end up leaving Egypt with the Israelites.

I can't imagine being in slavery for 430 years...and the low morale that probably prevailed among the Israelites. For generations, all they knew was the life of a slave.

For many of us, when we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation...especially one that may seem hopeless, the shortest route to the promised land would probably be our first choice. Exodus 13:17 - When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistines territory, even though that was the shortest route to the promised land. 

God knew, though the Israelites may not have, that they would get "punched in the face" if they took the shortest route through Philistine territory to the promised land. In Exodus 13:17b - God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they may change their minds and return to Egypt."

When you think about the possibility of up to two million people exiting Egypt - including women and children - there is no way that they would just sneak through Philistine territory. And, although some of them may have been armed, God knew that his people were not ready for a battle.

So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness.

I'm not sure about the wilderness. In my opinion, bad things could happen in the wilderness...unpredictable things.

Personally, I would not think that a roundabout through the wilderness is a really a good idea. "Our odds might be better against the Philistines," I would rationalize. At least we are familiar with them and have an idea what to expect.

Let's just get to the promised land as fast as we can....that's my thinking.

If you continue to read the story, the people were obedient and continued to follow their leader.  They were able to see God show up in a big way, making his presence known by leading his people with a pillar of cloud for shade in the day and a pillar of fire by night allowing them to travel by day or night.

As the story continues in Exodus 14, God gives instructions to Moses to have the people turn back. (Try turning around up to two million people...let me know how that goes for you). They were instructed to camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the Sea (Exodus 14:1-2). This location did not make sense because it put God's people in a defenseless position...in a cul-de-sac with mountains and the Red Sea behind them. in this position, the Israelites could see that they would be vulnerable and have no place to retreat from an attacking enemy.

It was in that moment that they began to question Moses and his leadership...which was really questioning God. Even though the Israelites had seen God do several miracles up to this point in leading them, they were ready to back pedal...some even desiring to return to the dysfunction of slavery. (We will often do the same...we learn how to deal with and cope with dysfunction...its the unknown we tend not to like).

Sure enough, as the story goes, the Egyptians changed their minds and went after the Israelites.

The Israelites were in a bad place and they would desperately need God to show up and intervene on their behalf.

As the Egyptian Army approached Moses replied to their panic, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again" (Exodus14:13) This was easier said than done...what the Israelites were seeing with their own eyes was the Egyptians quickly approaching.

As the Egyptians began to overtake the Israelites God said to Moses, "My glory is about to be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers."

The rest of the story is history. God parted the waters. The Israelites walked across dry ground to the promised land. The ensuing Egyptians were overcome by the waters and drowned in the process of pursuing God's people.

As the Israelites watched God's power in the moment...imagine the chaotic scene of bodies and horses washing up on the shore...all they could do was stop and worship. Despite their lack of faith in Moses and God, he delivered them from what appeared to be a hopeless situation.

God is still in the delivery business today. No matter what situation you find yourself in, God can use it to bring glory to himself. If you find yourself being overtaken by life, stand back, God may be about to do his greatest miracle in your life.

It's a privilege to serve as your Discipleship Pastor, Dean

A time to pray...

A time to pray!
If my people will humble themselves and pray....

Solomon, has just finished building the temple of the Lord and his palace.  He has just finished placing the final touches to make it just right and Lord appears to him.

“I have heard your prayers and have chosen this place….if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”

How do you come to God in prayer?  Are you rushing in saying, telling God this is what you need, what you would like done, and bless my family and others?

Satan had a desire to make us and keep us busy.  Too keep us in a stage of business – almost as if our lives are stuck in the fast-forward-mode.  Psalms 46:10 – Be STILL, and know that I am God…  When you fall to your knees allow yourself to just stop and come into the presences of God. What do you need to do to block all of the distractions out? Humble yourselves and seek God (dig through His word) learn how God speaks to you. 

Spend some time every day this week praying.  What can you do to communicate to God better?

Please continue to be on your knees!  God is moving in our church!

“…if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray…”

See you Sunday,

Mike