Destinations

The Destinations message series is one of the most penetrating and relevant that you'll ever hear. The Principle of The Path that Andy introduces in Part 1 of this series is an intuitive truth. Direction, NOT intention, determines destination. We know this. We just struggle to apply it sometimes. There is often a disconnect between where we want to end up and the path we choose. We all need to course correct sometimes and persevere through circumstances to get where we want to be.

Because grace and truth can set us free, we can focus on course correcting today rather than allowing the the past to hold us captive. Here are two important questions to process:

1. If you continue on your current course, where will you end up?
2. Has anyone tried to warn you lately? Your conscience? Do you know anyone who has walked your path and ended up where you want to be relationally?

Everyone around Longleaf Church that knows me well will not be surprised to hear me say that connecting yourself to a Community Group is one of the best ways to create guard rails in your life that will help you (and me) stay the course. If you're not connected, contact us about getting connected. Over the next couple of weeks, let's ask ourselves the two questions above, read through Proverbs 7:6-27 and process The Principle of The Path in our lives.

I can't wait to see everyone on 2/28! Stay tuned for details...

You Know It...

You Know It...

• Bible Passage - James 1:1-18
• Principle - Perseverance
  
• Bottom Line - Perseverance will make you wiser.
  

My Small Group recently started a discussion of The Book of James. Our discussion was super relevant to everyone, so I wanted to share it.

James is a book of the New Testament and most scholars agree that it was written by the earthly brother of Jesus by the same name. James was a leader in the early church. The letter of James is addressed to "The 12 Tribes" or the early Jewish Christians. However, it's profoundly applicable to all of us.

In the first few verses, James introduces the notion that trials of many kinds test our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-3). He reminds his readers that they know this to be true. Persecution was a part of life for the early church. Whether one believes in the gospel of Jesus or not, he knows he will face trials of many kinds. James further states that these trials will come internally as well (James 1:14). We call these internal trials temptation. As we individually deal with our inevitable trials and temptations, James reminds us that our response should be to seek wisdom from God AND have the faith to know that He will provide it.

Sometimes, it's tough to persevere and develop our patience. It seems that the internal and external challenges of life come at us in waves. The thing to remember is that all good things come from God and He will provide unique insight and revelation to us in the midst of difficulties if we will seek it in earnest.

I pray that you will have a a great week and that each one of us will grow in patience and wisdom.

empty chair

It's amazing how responsive people have been with the mission and vision of Longleaf Church. It's fun to watch our community grow and see people engage the 4 Things that allow us to become Longleaf Church together:

• give
• serve
• connect
• invite

Check out the Next Steps section of our website to review these 4 Things that get people involved in becoming Longleaf Church. As one might imagine, the giving piece plays a vital role during the church planting process that we are currently in. To learn more about how you can help fund the mission and vision of Longleaf Church, please go to our Empty Chair Page.

Thanks! We hope you'll join us for the next Longleaf LIVE on February 14.

Shoebox Action Plan! Help Haiti!

Looking for an opportunity to reach out and offer some hope to the Haitian people? Here you go. Let's love our neighbors and take action now! Longleaf Church is partnering with a relief effort based in Atlanta. Its called shoebox4haiti. We will assemble and ship shoeboxes filled with critical first aid and sustenance items. The turn around is fast but the needs are urgent. Here's the plan:

1. Review the list of items below with your family and pack your shoeboxes accordingly.
2. Deliver your shoeboxes to the East Entrance of the Houston Healthcare Pavilion this Saturday (TOMORROW) anytime 12PM - 2PM. The Pavilion is located at 233 N Houston Rd just off of Watson Blvd in Warner Robins (See photo below). Rain is in the forecast but the Pavilion has a portico that will work great.

Shoebox Items

First Aid Supplies
Water Purifying Tablets
Bandages
Band Aids
Gauze
Tylenol, Advil and Bayer
Childrens Tylenol
Imodium, Pepto Bismal, Tums
Hand sanitizer
Alcohol swabs/pads
Peroxide
Masks
Disposable gloves
Eye drops
Sinus/Allergy Medicine
Spam