Awesome Quote!

I traveled by Sam's blog this morning and found this quote that he had up.

"The secret is not me. So many people think that somehow I carry a revival around with me in a suitcase, and they just announce me and something happens-but that's not true. This is the work of God, and the Bible warns that God will not share his glory with another. All the publicity that we receive sometimes frightens me because I feel that therein lies a great danger. If God should take His hand off me, I would have no more spiritual power. The whole secret of the success of our meetings is spiritual-it's God answering prayers. I cannot take credit for any of it."
-Billy Graham-

Also, Perry Noble had this to say about humility recently.

"And then one day I had a conversation with John Maxwell that ROCKED MY WORLD…he said to me,
“Perry, you are where you are for two reasons. The first is the favor of God. The second is the giftedness of God. And Perry, please understand that God didn’t owe you either of these. You are where you are because of Him!”

You can read the rest of Perry's post here.

Great stuff!!!!

Tropical Storm Fay

Links that rock

• Craig Groeschel challenged me with this post here and this one here. Both of these about challenging people to follow Jesus on a weekly basis.
• Tony Morgan reminded me of some great thoughts on humility here.
• My wife rocks the planet!!! Just out this gem on her site...here.
• And just a reminder...don't forget to donate here.

fighting against breast cancer

Most of you already know that I'm training to run in the Breast Cancer Marathon here in Jacksonville on Feburary 15th. One of the many reasons I chose to participate in this particular marathon is that the majority of the money raised is being used for research in order to fight against and hopefully one day elimate breast cancer. The rest of the money is going to support breast cancer patients and survivors who may need assistance due to the high cost of treatments.

In any case, as part of this whole adventure I have set up a fundraising page here. or
http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/chrishall

You can go on the page and make a donation online. It's simple. It's easy.
I would love to be able to say that we raised $1000 to fight breast cancer.
Please at least take a moment and consider giving a little.
I firmly believe this is well worth it.

evening prayer

As our evening prayer rises before you, O God,
so may your mercy come down upon us
to cleanse our hearts
and set us free to sing your praise
now and for ever.
Amen.

how do they do it?

I am currently listening to Third Day's new CD "Revelation". Once again they have found a great formula for putting a rock album together that is quality music and praises God at the same time. How can one band put out so much quality music in one lifetime. Some critics feel that all Third Day music sounds the same. Even if that is true you have to admit that it's a great sound. If you haven't heard it yet it is definately worth checking out.

celtic compline

Calm me, O Lord, as You stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord, in Your peace.

last week

I realize I haven't posted anything for the past week. We've been in NC for my brother's wedding this past Saturday. I now have a new awesome sister-in-law...Stacey. I also had the chance to preach at Tabernacle ACC in Lenoir this past Sunday and had a good time with the folks there. It was a good week but we are glad to be back home in our own beds.

While we were gone the "Back to School Bash" was held here at WJACC and it was another great success. 800 backpacks full of school supplies were given out before 12:30pm. Tons of food was given away and lots of kids had the chance to play on several water slides. It was a great day of love and grace. I'm still learning of all the things that happened.

Now I'm back in the office trying to get my feet back under me from being gone for a week. Thanks to everyone for your prayers...without them I would be less of a pastor, husband, father, friend...etc.

marathon playlist

I need some help. I'm in the process of developing my playlist for the marathon and all the training runs until then. Do any of you have suggestions of "must have" songs that should be on that list? I'm not limited to any particular genre...really open to anything. Taking any suggestions here...

they needed rain

In I Kings 18 there is a great story about Elijah having a showdown with 450 prophets of Baal. Both sides are trying to get their God/god to light the altar on fire. Elijah, serving the only real God, wins as Yahweh sends fire down and consumes the altar. This is a fantastic story of God's power and ability...however, the story doesn't end there. The people had been in a drought for 3 1/2 years. The people didn't NEED God to make fire...they needed Him to send rain. So Elijah climbs a mountain...puts his face to the ground and prays for rain until it comes.

Do you ever wonder if God really knows what your needs are? Do you ask for something and He sends the exact opposite? Sometimes it's hard to remember that a perfect God actually knows what He is doing...but He does. He always sends what's needed at the perfect time. God did finally send them rain and God's timing was and is perfect. TRUST.