Kevin's Blog

What's going on

2011-03-08T09:41:00.002-06:00

There's alot going on that's what. Here's what's happening at Emmanuel, this Saturday night we are expecting a packed house for the community wide BBQ and concert by the Isaac's. We are also working diligently on starting a new service on Saturday nights and it will kick off on Easter weekend. This service will have a very contemporary feel to it if you enjoy worshipping God and enjoying the fellowship of friends it's a must for you to be there. We are really targeting the younger generation. Our Cowboy Church campus is doing Great we have grown to almost 200 every Tuesday night and the best part is that people are coming to Christ very often. Oh yea can't forget Easter weekend, we are planning our annual Celebration in which we are expecting over 2000 people!!! Giving away 500 pairs of flip flops, turning the campus into every kids dreamland for fun and entertainment. It's going to be the best ever, because Jesus is getting our BEST at EMMANUEL. I'll keep you posted!! Come join in on all the fun if you can.

Great Start to a new year

2011-01-10T12:50:00.002-06:00

Hey it's a new year and new opportunities to make a difference in this world in which we live in. My goals for this year are to Lead people to Jesus, Love people like Jesus and Laugh with people just because it's good for you. I hope that I will be a better _____________ in the year 2011. You fill in the blank, I have many things I want to do better at this year. Things have started well, I learned before you can do better you first have to admit you needed to improve. That's not always easy for us to do, admit failure and fix it and then it's not failure. I hope to lead fifty people to Christ this year if not more and see everyone of them follow the Lord and be Baptized and grow as a Christian. Pray for me as I share Jesus with whoever will stand still long enough to let me. Love ya have a Great Year!!!

New Year

2011-01-05T10:49:00.004-06:00

That's right it's a new year and I am already excited about the potential that this new year is gonna bring. I have been asking God to lead me and give me a vision for what He wants from us at EBC. We have so much potential, to bad potential doesn't always equal results. I just really feel strongly that God has narrowed this year down to 3 things for me: Lead, Love, Laugh! We've got to lead people to Jesus, Love people like Jesus, and last of all Laugh with people because of Jesus, that's ABUNDANT LIFE!

Just in case you haven't heard or seen this young man his name is Lane Timothy and hehas brought a lot of JOY to the Murray family . We have lots more Great years to come.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-13T10:31:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas everybody I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season. God has been super good to the Murray's this year and we are so thankful. As many of you know we had our 4th son on September 20 and it has brought so much Joy into our house. I wasn't for sure what life would be like after Lane came along but it has been many more times GREATER than expected. Isn't it amazing what new life brings to a person and family. My prayer for all of you is that new life would come to you this Christmas maybe not in the form of your own child, but at least let the birth of Jesus Christ bring Joy to you and your family by letting him into your heart.

Well winter has come to Piggott, Ar. the wind chill is below zero today so I've got to go find some more clothes have a GREAT Day.

Baby is a blessing

2010-10-14T09:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone just wanted to let everyone know that Johnna and I have our fourth son. His name is Lane Timothy and we all love him very much. I didn't realize it would be this good I guess I should of but all I could think of was what I would have to give up but didn't realize what I would be getting. Well worth the trade!!!!!!!!!! Sounds kind of like when we come to Jesus, so many people think they will have to give up so many things but in reality what you give up is no comparison to what you get. Thank you Jesus!!!!!!

What do you need God to bring back to life?

2010-09-16T09:02:00.001-05:00

I just finished reading about the day that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and it has got me fired up!!! Maybe I'm the only one but I've got some things in my life that once used to be alive and well and over time they have seemed to die and have no life at all. That's exactly opposite of all that Jesus is, " I am the way the truth and the LIFE" Jesus said. Maybe it's your marriage, your walk with God, your relationship with others or maybe it's your finances or even your physical health. Jesus' main emphasis was on the fact that in order for us to live we must believe in HIM. He told Mary and Martha that He was glad He wasn't there when Lazarus died so that they might believe. I don't know what you need God to do in your life today, but I know that He raised Lazarus from the dead and He can raise any dead thing in your life too. You gotta BELIEVE. Let's start seeing dead things come back to life and see what others begin to say about your God.

It is a privilege to be Son of God and I am so thankful that God is breathing life into me everyday.

Monday September 20, 2010 we get to meet Lane Timothy Murray, can't wait to see you son, dad loves you.

Good Days to Come

2010-09-10T09:15:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, hope you are all doing well. Johnna and I are doing well raising those boys and getting ready for number 4. Our newest addition will be here on Sept. 20. I want to say thanks to everyone for all the love and support we have received over the last several months. I never expected to be going to baby showers at the age of 43 but you know it wasn't all that bad. Lane Timothy Murray is the name we have chosen for him and it meets the approval of all his brothers. God seems to be doing some wonderful things around our house and the church here lately. I'm excited about the days ahead because I know God is wanting to bless the Murray family and Emmanuel Baptist Church. I'm ready!!!

We are going to be starting a brand new series of sermons this Sunday morning and I'm gonna call it "We Still Care". The scripture we will be looking at for the next 5 weeks will be Colossians 3:12. I am praying for God to clothe us with the things that he recommends and not what the world wants. You may not know it but God himself is the greatest designer of all.
I hope you will come join us starting this Sunday morning at 9am for small groups and 10am for the worship service. I look forward to posting weekly now and letting you know what God is doing. Let's do this!!!!!!!!

Love ya BIG,

Kevin

Murray update

2010-07-19T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, if anybody still checks this blog. I guess I was blogged out. Just to let you know we are all doing well and Johnna will give birth to our 4th son in just a couple of months (Sept 25) and we are all looking forward to Lane Timothy Murray arriving into this world. The summer has been wonderful very low pace and it has been Great. We have spent a little time at the lake with the boys after the baseball seasons ended and we had a BLAST. I think we will do again just before football season starts. I am still praying for God to do Great things with our family. This past weekend Ethan and I had the opportunity to go with some friends on a trail ride and fish fry and after we finished eating I had the privilege of Baptizing a husband and wife down at the river. It was so GREAT!!!! Someone comment if you read this and I'll keep it up.

Kevin

Cookin' Butts

2010-03-19T11:13:00.002-05:00

That's right i've been up all night cookin' Boston Butts for the Junior class so they can make enough money to have a prom and after prom PARTY. I am looking forward to bed time and it ain't even lunch time. The things we do for love, the things we do for love, but that's not why I'm doing this, that would be because my wife volunteered me for the job. I am making the most of it, at least I am able to do and some folks wish they were and they can't so, not gonna complain (anymore).

Please pray for me tomorrow I am preaching the funeral of Bro. Kim Bridges son in law. He was 27 and died with a heart attack on Wednesday night. They have 2 little boys under 3. Hug your spouse today please just for Kyle and April sake we never know what today may bring so be ready for whatever.

It'sall Good

2010-03-16T22:11:00.002-05:00

That's right it's ALL good! It has been a wonderful week so far, I was able to preach in Walnut Ridge on Sunday and Monday and God definitely came near. Tonight I was at Cowboy Church in Poplar Bluff and we had 146 folks show up to worship that same God that was in Walnut Ridge. Tomorrow night I get to do game time with 100 plus kids at AWANA's at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Piggott. Now is that a Great week or what?
Easter is just around the corner and we are making plans for an exciting Easter weekend. We are going to be having our first ever Easter weekend fish fry on Friday night thanks to some folks in the community who want to LOVE BIG. On Saturday starting at 12 noon we will have games, rides, and plenty of food for all the kids and their families. We will also be entertained by an illusionist from Dexter, Mo. right before our annual Easter egg hunt. Help us make this a HUGE success by inviting anybody and everybody. I can't wait.

Update

2010-03-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, I sure hope all of you are living life to the fullest because that's exactly what Christ came to give us. I am so sorry I left all of you wondering what happened with my uncle, well I did baptize him a few weeks ago at Cowboy Church and it was GREAT. I had many of my family members there to see my uncle commit his life to Christ. There were 193 people at Cowboy Church that night, a new high attendance. God has been doing so many wonderful things at Emmanuel and at our campus in Poplar Bluff. Last Sunday we had a woman give her life to Christ and she is going to be baptized along with several others on Easter Sunday morning and we can't wait.
Easter will be here before we know it and plans are being wrapped up to have one of the best Easter weekends we have had in years, pray that God is pleased with our attempt to Love Big!! If you haven't signed up to be a part of this special weekend please pray about taking part and don't miss out on being a blessing to someone.
Johnna is doing fine and goes back to the doctor this week, please keep us all in your prayers we are so blessed to be expecting another child at our youthful age. We are taking applications for babysitters but you must apply in person, come see us.

John 10:10

Kevin

Just God

2010-02-25T22:54:00.002-06:00

I have to tell you this story it is to good not to. On Tuesday I was wrestling with going to Paragould to do a few things that I needed to do. I really didn't want to go, but I went anyway. I stopped at a local store to pick up some things I needed and while in the store I ran into my uncle. We visited for a while, laughed about Johnna being pregnant and then he asked me if I would baptize him. It was a God moment for me, my uncle said he had been thinking about giving his life to Christ for some time and thought it was time. That's why I was suppose to be in Paragould, to be used by God. I look forward to sharing more with my uncle about God's forgiveness and to see him surrender his life to God.

Just to let you know

2010-02-24T10:55:00.002-06:00

I am so excited about all that is going on in my life. First of all Johnna is doing just fine, she has been to the doctor and she is definitely pregnant. We had an ultrasound and saw and heard life inside the womb. It is truly a miracle of God when He places life inside another. Pray for all of us as we are well aware that life will never be the same. The boys are all doing well after the initial shock passed. Parents aren't suppose to do that. I love you guys!!!!! I am also very excited about the days ahead for Emmanuel, we are going to be starting a brand new series of messages called "March Madness" Mad stands for Make A Difference!! During the month of March we are going to talking about how we can make a difference in certain areas of our lives. God has called us to make a difference and we can do it with God's strength and leadership. This is going to take us right up to Easter Sunday Morning and I am praying for a harvest of lost people who will give their lives to Jesus. You can begin to make a difference by starting to pray and invite people to our Easter service. Let's fill this church to overflowing, we can do it if we all strive to Make A Difference. We need your help, let's join together and see what God does with a group of people who want to see God move.

Excited about the future!

Kevin

Cowboy Church

2010-02-15T22:31:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we will be baptizing three folks at the Cowboy Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo. on Tuesday night. We are so excited about the service and we want to invite everyone to come celebrate with those who have given their lives to Christ. I will also be paying a debt in which I told a little girl in the church that if we ever got over 100 people in a service I would sing from the top of the church. Well we had 140 a few weeks ago so Tuesday night I am going to keep my word to this little girl. So, if you want to hear "I'll fly away" from 30 feet high, show up at the Rodgers Theatre in Poplar Bluff, MO Tuesday night at 7:00. God is doing GREAT things and I am so glad to be a part of it.

Big News at the Murray House

2010-02-15T08:57:00.002-06:00

This is what I call a WOW moment. Are you ready? We are expecting our 4th child. At the youthful age of 42 and 43 we are going to be having a baby. I know what you are thinking, and yes we know what causes that but, we are really excited about what God has chosen to give us. Please keep us in your prayers. Life is going to be a little different around the house in a few months. The baby is due in October. The boys are excited can you believe that. We have designated the next several months as THINK PINK months. We are praying for a healthy baby thanks for thinking about us and praying for us.

Friday Post

2010-02-05T09:38:00.002-06:00

Good morning everyone, I hope all of you have a GREAT day. I enjoyed a couple of Mohawk basketball games last night at Brookland even though we lost it is always great to watch the boys play. I must confess though that recently it is the ride home from the games that enjoy the most. You know laughing about the dumb things they did and the punks on the other teams and of course gotta stop by McDonalds and order off the dollar menu (man they can eat alot after a game) These are definitely some of the best days of my life. I have to admit in the last week not only have I seen God save the lost I have seen God working in the boys. They have a new found zeal for studying God's word and that makes me swell up with pride, I'm sorry. I want to thank Jerry Massey for stepping in and filling a gap for us in our youth program, we are headed in the right direction. This Sunday morning the youth will share some of what they have been learning on Wednesday night so don't miss it. The Super Bowl won't be nothin compared to what you will see on Sunday Morning I can't wait. See all of you Sunday.

The Harvest is plentiful

2010-02-03T22:27:00.002-06:00

Well it has been a wonderful couple of weeks. I have had the privilege to lead 8 people to the Lord over the last 2 weeks. 6 folks have given their lives to Christ at the Thousand Hills Cowboy Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo in the last couple of weeks. For those who may not know the Cowboy Church was started by Emmanuel Baptist 3 years ago. We have also seen some teenagers and children give their lives to Christ on Wednesday nights at Emmanuel. I am so thankful to be apart of lives being changed, this is still the main thing that we must do as a church LEAD PEOPLE TO JESUS. Please pray that we would keep the main thing the main thing.

Promises Promises

2010-02-02T12:07:00.002-06:00

I recently have been reading the promises of God throughout the bible and I have to tell you that it is amazing all that God has said He would do. The greatest of all is the promise to save me from my sins in which I know for a fact He has done. I just read John 3:17 and it says that God did not come to condemn me but to forgive me. I have plenty that He could condemn me about but He chose to forgive me and save me. Now think about this if the God of the universe does not choose to condemn us in our lost condition why do we continue to condemn those who are not yet saved. What we need in our churches is a less condemning spirit of those not like us and a more Christ like attitude toward those that are lost and on their way to Hell. I am praying for God to use me to reach those who aren't yet saved. Please help me by praying for me and our church that we would be very active in doing whatever it takes to reach those that don't know Jesus. They're out there we just got to go find them and tell them about God's forgiveness of our sins.

3 little helpful ideas

2010-01-28T13:06:00.002-06:00

Speak Up:
That's right we should ALL tell more people about how GOOD God has been to us! Good news can spread too!

Shut Up:
That's right we should ALL stop telling people how terrible everyone else is. Gossip and slander doesn't fix anything.

Grow Up:
That's right we should all be studying the Bible and growing daily and if we do we will have no problem with Speaking Up and Shutting Up.

I hope these 3 ideas will be of help to you, because I know they have been to me. You might want to start with the last one .

God is moving

2010-01-27T19:44:00.002-06:00

I just want to tell all of you what God has done in the last few days at Emmanuel and the Cowboy Church. This past Sunday night we had 2 teenage boys obey God and be baptized an we have one more waiting to. On Tuesday night at our Cowboy Church we had our largest attendance yet of 110 folks and a young mother gave her life to Christ. Then on Wednesday at Awanas we had a young boy about 11 years old give his life to Christ and wants to be obedient to God and be baptized. It has been a wonderful week. God is still moving! I am so proud of our student ministry as well, Jerry Massey has agreed to be our interim student minister and he is doing a Great job of bringing some new ideas to our ministry. God is good and I can't wait to see what happens next. Do me a favor and tell someone about our churches, I'll see you Sunday come prepared to worship and see God move.

Scriptures I find very useful

2010-01-27T19:38:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry but I couldn't remember my password to blog, but I finally got it. So here's some scriptures that I said I would post that I think will be helpful to us all.

Phil. 4:19
John 16:33
Psalm 46:1-3 , 7
Isaiah 41:10
2 Timothy 1:7
Psalm 16:8
Psalm 55:22
Psalm 62:6
1 Peter 5:6,7
Isaiah 26:3
Joshua 14:10-12

I encourage you to read these verses every day for one week and just see if it effects your attitude.

Cell Phone

2010-01-06T12:04:00.002-06:00

Hey just sitting in Alltel store being patient. Headed to v isit a special lady in the hospital, Ms Bulah High . Thanks for all the calls and cards you folks have sent. Hope you have a GREAT DAY. Communication is important so I gotta get these phones working.

COLD

2010-01-05T09:08:00.002-06:00

It is bad cold in Piggott, Arkansas. One person I know said it was so cold he saw a snowman with a snuggie on, now that's cold. Every new year always brings new things. We never really now what to expect especially from the weather, but one thing is always the same and that is of course God's love for all of us. I just want everyone to know that no matter what happens to you in this new year God Loves You! For some of us it will be easy to see, while others may question if it is true or not, it is. God's love has nothing to with our actions it has everything to do with what He has already said from the Cross. I hope everyone has a Great Year.

Moms funeral

2010-01-04T08:46:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! 2010 didn't start the way we all had it planned but it was sure the best beginning to something my mom has ever been a part of. Mom passed away on New Years eve night around 8 pm at the Piggott Community Hospital. She had been in the hospital since Monday night and finally went to heaven on Thursday night. Mom had been fighting lung cancer for the past several months and she never gave up. My mom loved life, and she wanted every day that she could possible get and that's why she lived as long as she did. Her family is what motivated her to keep trying. I have got to do this and that she would say with all the optimism of someone who would overcome that dreaded disease of cancer. Well mom's plans where not God's plans but I know she likes His better now that she's in Heaven. I am going to Miss her very much but I sure am glad she' not suffering any more.

I want to thank everyone who has loved on us in so many different ways over the last few days. We appreciate all you have done for us. I leave you with this, make 2010 a year of peace, forgiveness and great joy.

Kevin

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T22:17:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone I hope that all of you have a wonderful day with family and friends. I am so thankful for the greatest gift that I ever received and that gift is a relationship with Jesus Christ. God sent His son to this earth on Christmas morning so that I could have a relationship with God. When I accepted the gift of God it changed my life forever. I am certainly not perfect but I am forgiven. When I got Jesus I got a friend who loves me unconditionally. Not only that but I got peace, hope, and the opportunity to live a worry free life that I can live to the fullest if I just will. I would say that Jesus is definitely the Greatest Gift I have ever received. Have you accepted this gift, I wish you would. Merry Christmas everyone.

Great Weekend at Emmanuel

2009-12-21T17:23:00.002-06:00

Last night we had our second annual shopping spree for those who needed a little help in our community. Emmanuel became the hands and feet of Jesus. All weekend long people have been going the extra mile. We had a benefit auction on Saturday night and raised $4000 dollars to buy gifts for those in need. People from the church donated all the items to sell and all the money went to those less fortunate. I love this time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus it just seems to bring out the best in our church.

Gift Revolution

2009-12-04T00:06:00.003-06:00

Please don't forget our 2nd annual Gift Revolution as we collect gifts for those in need of a little help this year around Christmas. We are on pace to pass last years total of gifts and families helped we still in need of more toys and volunteers. If you know of a family that you would like added to our list of those invited to come and shop please call the church office and let us know. Giving is a great way to get a blessing!

Friendly Friday

2009-12-03T23:28:00.002-06:00

Hey everybody why not designate every Friday as friendly Friday. I know you need to be friendly everyday but let's go the extra mile on Fridays. Today I picked up a hitchhiker, he was young man who just got out of jail and was trying to get home to Paragould and I took him to Rector on my way to a funeral. Tomorrow I am going to the nursing home and taking a pizza to a special friend who has had a stroke and she hasn't been able to go home. She has a little girl that she just loves and I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow. We can all do something please comment and let me know what friendly Friday thing you get to do for somebody. Have a GREAT Friday but don't forget Sunday is comin'.

2009-12-01T09:13:00.002-06:00

Just to let you know I am so pumped up about Dec 20!!!!! This year we are going to make a BIG difference in our community by letting parents shop for Christmas at Emmanuel!!!! We are going to pass out our own stimulus money. If you have someone that you know of that could use our help please call the church office so we can keep a record of how many people to expect. I hope everyone that reads this blog will get involved in a BIG way! Buy gifts if you can but if you can't pray for those in need and come help volunteer on this BIG day!!! We need to fill the stage in just 3 more weeks. WE CAN DO IT! Pray for someone to come to know Jesus as their savior, that's why we do what we do.

The Gift Revolution rolls on

2009-11-30T16:40:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone just wanted to let you know about the Gift Revolution that is going to take place all during the month of December. The whole thing is simple, just do something nice for someone. For example buy someones coffee in the morning, it doesn't have to be much but it will mean a lot. On December 20 we are going to have our 2nd annual shopping spree for those less fortunate. We are hoping to provide gifts for 30 families and we need your help. This week we are collecting toys for children ages 8-12. We need new toys please. We already have well over 150 gifts but we need much more. Join the revolution and help make a difference.

Large Crowd

2009-11-18T22:14:00.002-06:00

We had our AWANA thanksgiving meal tonight. We invited all the kids and their families and did they show up. It was GREAT the church was filled with people of all ages. I haven' t had that much fun in a while. The church folks did a Super job feeding and cleaning for all the special guest that we had. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see our church serve the community and tonight was just wonderful. I love people who love to serve and we still have plenty of servants at Emmanuel. We had around 350 people at our church tonight and it just reminded me of what the church looks like when it works together to do the work that God has for us to do. Good things are happening a Emmanuel!

Been a Full day

2009-11-15T20:56:00.002-06:00

It's Sunday night I just got thru adding some friends on facebook (I am now in double digits) The day started with a wonderful morning at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The atmosphere is changing every week for the good. I knew that God would finish what He started and that's just what He is doing. Lives are still being changed and I am so excited about seeing what's next. I spent most of the afternoon working on something for Johnna and got it finished just in time to go to the hospital. I got a call that they had to take my mom to the hospital about 4:30 so I spent the rest of the night in the emergency room. They are keeping mom in the ICU over night they got her blood pressure down and improved her breathing which is what we were most concerned about. I want to thank Jerry Massey for leading the church service tonight since I didn't make it, I started to go on to church but I decided mom was more important. Thanks to all of you who took the time to come by or call, I don't see how people make it alone. Someone mentioned to me today that I had my JOY back, and they are right, I do. Satan knows it to so he didn't want this day to end as good as it started but what He doesn't know is that IT DID.

What's goin on

2009-11-05T14:33:00.003-06:00

Hey everybody I want to thank you for praying for Cowboy Church we had almost 100 folks show up for our first night in our new location. It was a lot of fun! I want to thank all the people from Emmanuel who came up to support the work that is being done in Poplar Bluff. We had another big night in AWANA'S last night. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the adults who make that night so GREAT, the kids love Wednesday Nights.

There is plenty to do around Emmanuel right now if you are not plugged in to a ministry find you one that interest you and go to work. There's a sweet spirit in this place AGAIN, thank all of you for hanging in there and even if you didn't hang in there, I understand, wherever you are serving the Lord I pray that God blesses and people come to know Jesus.

Cowboy Church Tonight

2009-11-03T08:39:00.002-06:00

Tonight at 7 pm Thousand Hills Cowboy Church will be moving into it's new home at the Rodgers Theater in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Several folks from Emmanuel are going to encourage the Cowboy Church and listen to Eternal Vision. I am looking forward to tonight. I must say it feels Great to be able to talk about the Cowboy Church and not worry about what people might say. I love Emmanuel Baptist Church and since they day I became the pastor this church has ministered to the Cowboy Culture. Whether it's been serving home cooking to rodeo contestants or serving BBQ and passing out bibles at a team roping Emmanuel has been involved in spreading the Gospel in different arenas of life and I am Thankful. Keep praying for lost people to find Jesus! He left us here to round up the strays, saddle up and go "Soul Searchin' " (my new favorite song by Eternal Vision)

Correction

2009-11-02T00:42:00.002-06:00

I said I will see you Sunday in the next post but Cowboy Church is on Tuesday so don't get confussed. Sorry for the mistake if I was very I might could have used edit and fixed the problem but .......well I just posted a new post to let you know about the error of my typing.

Eternal Vision

2009-11-02T00:25:00.004-06:00

This Tuesday night the Thousand Hills Cowboy Church is getting a new home and we are having a special guest. We are moving to the old Rodgers theater in Poplar Bluff, Mo which is located in the old downtown area. The group Eternal Vision will be with us and the service will start at 7pm. The Thousand Hills Cowboy Church was started by the folks at Emmanuel and Cape County Cowboy Church in Jackson, Mo. I want to thank everyone at Emmanuel for making a difference not only in Piggott but also in Poplar Bluff, Mo. I hope to see you Sunday as we start something new at the Old Rodgers Theater.

Sunday Reflection

2009-11-02T00:11:00.002-06:00

Sunday was a GREAT. If you didn't make it to Emmanuel you sure missed a blessing. Some have said that they didn't think God was in Emmanuel anymore, I know at times it may have felt that way but God never left we may have left God but He sure never left us. It has been so freeing to once again preach the truth and just leave the results to God. Several folks got real Sunday morning and confessed their sins to God instead of marching around like everything was OK. Brokenness is always a forerunner to a movement of God.

I also want to say that we saw prayers answered this week. On Monday nights we have been praying for the lost to be saved and just this week we saw three people pray and ask Jesus into their life. Sunday night was just amazing. The presence of God was so real. I love it when Emmanuel worships the Lord in Spirit and truth. Unity is coming, but only after forgiveness if you are still not willing to forgive someone for the past don't expect God to forgive you in the future. God is Gonna finish what He started.

Pictures from Sikeston

2009-10-30T16:23:00.001-05:00

Lunch at Lambert's

2009-10-30T15:57:00.002-05:00

It has been a Fantastic day. I know it's rained about 8 inches and I know it's been raining all day but today has been Good. Johnna and I went to Sikeston, Mo and met up with her mom and dad at the famous Lambert's (home of the "throwed rolls"). It was all Great, from the shopping to the eating to the conversation. It just goes to show that the weather doesn't have to get you down. Just in case you're wondering I had the chicken fried steak with white gravy, mashed potatoes, greens, green beans, fried potatoes/with onions, fried okra, Hot rolls with honey and sweet tea. I have asked for forgiveness, for all those of you who are condemning me right now. I recommend this trip to everyone who is looking for a way to escape the gloom and doom of bad weather. God has been really good to me, Thank You Lord.

Praying with friends

2009-10-26T18:18:00.001-05:00

We are meeting at the church tonight to pray for people to know Jesus. It is so good to know that we have several people in our church burdened about people who don't have a relationship with Jesus. Jesus said we are to Go and make disciples, let's do it.

Back Home

2009-10-25T20:06:00.002-05:00

It is good to be home. We had a wonderful day at Emmanuel. Keep praying that God does even Greater things than He has done before.

In Revival

2009-10-19T17:41:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone just an update to let you know that I am in Horatio, Ar (somewhere down south). I am preaching at the Horatio First Baptist Church and let me tell you if tonight is anything like last night Jesus might come back. Eternal Vision is with me leading the worship and if you have ever seen them you know what you are missing. I am enjoying myself so much. It is great to be used by God. Pray for me and Emmanuel.

Kevin

Life at the Murray house

2009-09-24T23:48:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone hope all of you are doing fine. Life is cruising right along for all of us at the Murray home. Tanner broke his hand in two places last Friday night and had to have a little surgery on Tuesday but he is doing fine and will miss several football games. We had back to back trips to the Emergency room. Logan got his chin busted open the night before Tanner broke his arm and had to be glued back together. It's Ethan's turn next. They have given us our very own wing at the emergency room. For those of you who may not know my mom has lung cancer and she is taking radiation treatments. They say her tumor is about the size of a golf ball and they say they can shrink it with ten to twenty treatments, so she goes every day to Jonesboro to take her treatment. Mom has great attitude and she is a fighter so cancer better look out. Keep us all in your prayers we know God will more than just get us through He will get us Victoriously through.

I am looking forward to this Sunday as we will be talking about doing what God created us to do.
There is nothing better than seeing someone or something being used for what they were created to do. You can tell the people who are doing what God intended for them to do.

Before I go I just want to say thank you to everyone who is a volunteer worker at Emmanuel. Keep up the good work and keep your eyes on Jesus because He is doing some Great things in our church. Awana workers you are hitting the ball out of the ballpark. For the last few weeks over a hundred kids have come to our church and you were prepared for them. Way to go!

Great Weather

2009-08-31T21:55:00.003-05:00

Wow the weather in Piggott has been incredible for August. Monday the high had to be in the low 70's it felt like October. Isn't it amazing how just the weather can effect how you feel. Feelings are something that everybody has to deal with, sometimes we feel Great and other times we feel like not SO great. I am so thankful that my salvation isn't based on my feelings but based on the promise of God that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I may not always feel saved but I know because I confessed my sins as a teenager and ask God to forgive me I AM Saved! Now back to the weather I love cool afternoons today I had 12 kids in my back yard playing wiffle ball and I just sat and watched about 5 innings and it was soooo much fun. O to be wiffle ball age again. (wait I am wiffle ball age you never out grow wiffle ball, I'm playin tommorrow) I hope all of you find time to just stop and enjoy some of the cool things going on all around you. It's time well spent for me considering 2 of the twelve players belonged to me and the other 10 are basically adopted.
Live life to the fullest it's gonna end one of these days!

Back on the bus

2009-08-20T08:34:00.002-05:00

Well we are all back in school . I started back driving the school bus yesterday and I am glad to be back on a schedule and sure it won't be long before I will be ready for a break. Ethan made it thru the first day of Jr high without any major issues, now if we can just make it thru science. Tanner started his Jr. year and Logan is a freshman. Johnna got her teaching certificate this summer and we are all real proud of "Ms Johnna" she hasn't been able to get a job, but we know she is going to make a Great teacher.

I am real excited about our AWANA program this year there seems to be lots of excitement among our leaders and lots of new ideas. If you would like to be apart of AWANA in any way we have a place for you. The fall is a fun ministry time with back to school events, fish fry, revival, and several other things I hope that you will join us this fall at Emmanuel.

I want to say a big thank you for everyone who has been serving in different areas lately. Thanks to the men who did carpentry work on the Oasis church in St. Francis, AR, also a big thank you goes out to all those who helped with our back to school bash last Sunday night it was Great. We past out over 40 back packs in all!

Emmanuel is a Great place to serve the Lord.

Great Worship

2009-08-09T13:18:00.002-05:00

Hey I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed being at church this morning. It was Great our praise team did an outstanding job in leading us in worship. I could just sense a Great spirit in the church. When you start the service with people giving the Lord a lot of praise it just sets the tone for a Great service. If you were not able to attend we missed you and hope that you will come and join us again real soon. I love Emmanuel!

Kids Gone Wild

2009-08-05T20:30:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I am way down south near Eldarado Arkansas. Ethan and myself are speaking at a camp with lots of energetic students. Tonight we are at a water park! If you want a challenge just trying speaking to a group of students that know they are going to a water park as soon as the preacher gets done. It was a short service, I am now the most popular man at camp. It has been wonderful to see students come to Christ. Pray for us as we travel home late tomorrow night. See ya Friday!

Kevin

Back to School

2009-07-21T14:00:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it school is just around the corner. I hope everyone will make time to spend time together as a family before the routine begins all over again. Summer is a great time to travel and enjoy yourself and I hope all of you have been able to do all you wanted.

Starting on August 2 we are going to be emphasizing " Back to School" with 5 Special Sundays.

August 2 " Supplies Sunday" bring school supplies for all ages

August 9 "Backpack Sunday" bring backpacks for students

August 16 "Back to School Bash" during the evening service

August 23 "Bless our Schools Sunday" A time of prayer

August 30 "Back to Sunday School Day" High attendance Sunday

Help us make August one of the best months we've had in a long time. Get involved and see what kind of blessings you will receive.

Kevin

Summer Time

2009-07-15T13:58:00.002-05:00

I love summer time! Even though we have been to busy to get to the Lake. It has been a lot of fun so far. Tanners Legion team finished 3rd in the state tournament and Logan's team just won the district tournament last night. Way to go teams!!!

Summer time can be stressful because there is so much to do and we can all get pulled in so many different ways . Recently I received an anonymous letter that was anything but flattering, it reminded me of all my "many" failures and I have had a lot of time to ponder on some of the things it had to say. I have since asked God to help me get better in the areas in which I need improvement and help me stay strong in the areas that are unwavering. I must say that God is growing me. Summer time seems to be a time for things to grow and I suppose that he is giving me the opportunity myself to grow. I love fresh vegetables that have matured on the vine, you know now that I think of it I just bet there is nothing that pleaseds the Lord more than Good "ripe" mature Christians.

How ripe are you?

Kevin

Update

2009-07-08T19:22:00.003-05:00

I don't know where to begin, I'll start by letting everyone know that all the Murray family is doing very well. My mom is doing well she is having a good summer. Mom has even been able to attend one of the boys baseball games, we didn't think that would ever happen. Johnna has just started a 3 week nontraditional teaching program, she is just almost a licensed elementary teacher and we are all so proud of her. She spent a couple of weeks in arkadelphia this summer taking some classes. All boys in the house ......PARTY

Tanner and Logan have been real busy with baseball and Ethan has been busy mowing yards and bailing hay, which one do you think pays the most? I am really proud of my family. I just had to post this picture of Tanner his Legion team upset Jonesboro to win the District tournament. Way to go team.

As for the church I really believe God is moving and stirring some people to step up and go to higher ground. I am not sure what it is yet but I can just since IT. We are in the middle of bible school and there is lots of energy around here right now.

One thing I have learned lately is that whatever you are be the best whatever you can be until you become something else!

Celebrating 42

2009-05-30T13:23:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I finally found my own blog. I am not very good at this but I just thought I would say hello to all of you. I am celebrating my 42 birthday today and it is a beautiful day. I can't wait until 5 pm I am going to watch our oldest son play baseball. Going to be a very relaxing evening? My life really is Great!

Kevin

Revival Update

2009-04-16T01:28:00.001-05:00

Hey Folks, we just finished our spring Revival and it was WOW. It was Great to see people get saved and commit their lives to Christ. It was also Great to see people drawn back to the Lord. I don't know all the numbers but I do know that we only like about 68 people getting saved to reach my goal of 100 and we are going to see it happen real soon. The group Eternal Vision was with us to lead our worship and Coy Arnold from Horatio, Ar did the preaching. I am exhausted it's 2 am and I just can't sleep. Tomorrow could be a long day I better get to bed.

Kevin

Praying for 100

2009-04-02T13:42:00.002-05:00

I am praying for 100 people to be saved ! The sooner the better. I don't care who leads them to Jesus just so lost people are being saved. I know of 14 people since Sunday morning from all over and I am looking for 86 more. If you lead someone to Jesus let me know about it. There is nothing more exciting to me than people giving their life to Christ. This past Tuesday night at the Thousands Hills Cowboy Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo. 3 adults gave their lives to Jesus. AWESOME!!!!!! Easter weekend is just one week away and we have praying for a harvest of folks during our Revival that will start on Easter Sunday Morning. You do not want to miss any of these services the worship is going to be off the chart and the preaching is going to be life changing. I hope everyone will make an effort to come and bring a lot of friends. I am soooo excited.

Kevin

Mom update

2009-03-11T19:26:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that mom is doing so much better. This past Sunday she was able to come to church and walk up front and shake the preachers hand. It was Great to see. God has healed my mother and I am thankful for the miracle. Do you need a Miracle? I would love to talk with you about what God can do in your life.

Seeking

2009-03-06T09:05:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone I hope all of you are surviving winter 2009. We have just about seen in all here in Piggott. Spring is just around the corner and that means warmer weather, baseball, soccer, fishin, motorcycle riding and many other warm weather activities. One of the activities we look forward to every year is our annual Easter Egg Hung the Saturday before Easter and this year is no different. I love to see all the kids and families out enjoying the day. The kids love the egg hunt there's just something about finding that something special. I have been thinking about that alot lately and that's not only true with Easter eggs it's true for God's plan for our lives. The happiest people I know are the people who wake up everyday and seek to do what God wants them to do. Here are a few tips on how you can be as happy as a kid at the Easter Egg hunt.

1. Begin your day with prayer and morning devotion (scripture)
2. Look for ways to be used by God
3. Don't worry about failure (your not doing it God is)
4. Give every day your best effort

Have a great day ya!

Back to School on Wednesday

2009-02-10T15:59:00.002-06:00

That's right a little bit of normal starts tomorrow when school starts back. Thanks to the Air Force National Guard the Piggott Schools will be up and running on Wednesday morning. It has been two weeks today since the ice storm hit and we still have no cable tv and not a single person has gone crazy in our house. I did hear the steelers won the super bowl and someone said there's a pretty big nascar race this weekend, I WOULDN'T KNOW BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE CABLE. I really haven't missed it much can't you tell.

We did finish up our work at the community center today and it was wonderful to be able to serve others along side my family and friends. I am so proud of my family!!!!

Mom is doing good and seems to be getting stronger each day. There might be a chance of her coming home pretty soon. Thanks for praying for her and all the calls and cards. Pray for her because she don't have any cable at the hospital either. Life can be tough....i think we'll make it!We will have services this Sunday at 10a.m. so I hope all of you can make it to the service.

See Ya

Serving Meals at Community Center

2009-02-05T13:41:00.002-06:00

We just finished serving 250 meals at the Community Center and it was so much FUN!! The scripture tells us that even Jesus didn't come to be served but To Serve. It is such a Joy to be able to help others at this time of need. The people have all been so appreciative of everything we have done for them. I want to encourage all of you out there that if you are feeling a little down and depressed find you a place and volunteer to help the needy and it should be just the medicine that you need to get the joy back in your life. Can't wait until supper and serve another 250 meals. I would also like to say thanks to the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and the Red Cross along with the National Guard for there help during our time of need.

Troubling times can bring us together or divide us as a community, those who survive are those who pool resources and work together. Thank you to all who have pulled together worked so hard to help others. You are never more like Jesus than when you serve others!!!!!!!

Mom is doing wonderful, she is back at the Piggott Hospital and we are so thankful. Keep praying for us.

Love all of you,

Kevin

Power is on at the Murray home!!!!

2009-02-04T11:09:00.002-06:00

It is a Great day we do have power and hot water at the Murray house. That's not all, Mom is moving back to the Piggott hospital today as well. Can life get any better? Mom is doing so much better, it is a Miracle and we are all so thankful for all your prayers and support through all the sickness and bad weather. God is showing Himself to be faithful as usual. I am on my way to help serve meals at the shelter that is set up at the Piggott community center so if you are looking for something to do they need volunteers to help with meals, call me (870) 598 7211

There will be no Awana's or Adult bible study tonight at Emmanuel>

Love ya,

Kevin

2009-02-01T09:43:00.000-06:00

Just a sample of how much ice is in Piggott, Arkansas.

2009-02-01T09:35:00.000-06:00

Found a picture on the internet! I'll post more later.

Weathering the storm

2009-02-01T09:18:00.002-06:00

The ice storm of 2009! Today is day 6 of no electricity. We are all doing fine at the Murray home. God is providing for us. We have gas heat and a nice generator and right now those are two things that not everyone in Piggott and surrounding towns have. There are several people having to live in shelters. We do have power at the church and it is so nice to be in the office this morning. I don't know if anyone will show up for church, but I am here ready to go. We are going to be feeding the folks at the shelter today so it will be a Great opportunity to minister to those in need. If you are reading this blog and are in need of anything please call 870 598 7211 and ask for some help and we will do our best to help you and your family.

Update on Mom:

On Wednesday we had to move mom to the Paragould hospital because they had to shut down the Piggott hospital due to no electricity. Her breathing has improved so much she is still not well but she is much better. She asked me to please tell all of you that she loves you and she is thankful for all of your prayers, cards, and flowers. We are thankful to God for all He has done for mom.

Need your prayers

2009-01-25T17:16:00.002-06:00

I am sorry it has been a few days since I have informed everyone on mom's condition. On Friday we moved mom back to the Piggott hospital. Mom requested we take her home (Piggott Hosp) There was nothing more they could do in Jonesboro that they couldn't do for her in Piggott. Since moving her she has had so many visitors and she has loved it. Today is Sunday and her condition is critical. Only God knows when she will leave this earth but she is very weak and on lots of medication. All of my family has been with her today and she has been loved on by all the grand kids, family and friends. Nothing can really prepare you for the loss of a mother but knowing that she is saved gives us Hope. Today at church I sang her favorite song "The Midnight Cry". We recorded it and took it to the hospital for her to hear. As soon as she heard what song it was she lifted her hands to the sky and began to worship the Lord, it was almost more than I could handle. I just thank God that my mom is born again and will be given a brand new body real soon. Keep us in your prayers.

Update on Mom

2009-01-21T12:49:00.003-06:00

Mom rested well last night. All of my brothers along with my dad and my youngest son Ethan spent the night with Mom. Dr. says that her heart may be contributing some to her shortness of breathe but mostly her lungs are just in really bad shape. We have continued to have several visits and calls which makes moments like this tolerable. Mom has been blessed to have her dearest friends by her side. As weak as she is her face always lights up when someone who loves her walks in the room. Last night I had the opportunity to spend about 5 hours taking care of her and I can only hope that it made her feel as good as it made me. Mom has loved her family all her life and she's just getting a little of it back in return. Please pray for us as we take each day one at a time.

Kevin

In need of your prayers

2009-01-20T14:13:00.002-06:00

Well I am in the waiting room of the hospital again only this time my mother is the patient. Mom was airlifted to St. Bernards Hosp. this morning and she is really struggling to breathe the Dr. told us that she has severe COPD disease. It has been a very emotional morning and afternoon but we have gotten lots of calls, visits and emails and they have all been very encouraging. It is so wonderful to be the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church and I want everyone to know how proud I am to be your pastor. Thank you for all of the love and support that we have felt not only today but over the last several weeks. Please continue to pray for our family.

Kevin

In Little Rock, AR

2009-01-05T16:53:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone from a waiting room in Little Rock, AR. I am visiting Mr. Leonard Fuller who is very sick and I ask that all of you pray for the Fuller family. We are waiting. This family is having to make some incredible difficult decissions and I know that they would appreciate your prayers. Thank you.

Excited about this weekend

2008-12-17T13:04:00.002-06:00

Don't miss the services this weekend at Emmanuel it is going to be soooooo Good! GREAT as a matter of fact. Last weekend was incredible, God moved in a bunch of peoples lives and messed them up if they weren't already. Coy Arnold from Horatio First Baptist was with us and God used him, thank you God. This weekend the choir will lead us in worship on Sunday morning as they share God's love with us through music. On Sunday night we are preparing for what will be a night of dreams coming true for so many people. We are calling it A night of Giving and we are bringing new and slightly used toys and coats to the church to be given away immediately after the service. Families who need some help this Christmas will be able to pick up toys and coats for their families. The buzz is in the air and we can't wait until Sunday. I hope that you and your family will be in church somewhere and hopefully you are as excited about It as we are! Merry Christmas everybody, help make Christmas a little more special for someone this year, do something nice!

The Gift Revolution

2008-12-09T08:29:00.002-06:00

Hey everybody I want to tell you about something that is so exciting! It's called the gift revolution and it is creating alot of stir. If you have time go to www.thegiftrevolution.com and read some of the cool things people are doing for one another. I love Christimas time and everything it represents, it is one of the things I look forward to every year. There is nothing like giving a gift to someone and watching them unwrap it knowing that they will love it. I have also given gifts and watched people be disappointed by what I gave them, bummer! I wonder how the Lord feels every year as many celebrate the gift that He gave us but still there are those who don't even accept the gift at all. Let's make sure that we never take for granted the gift that God gave us.

Passion

2008-11-17T10:51:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone I got a question for you, what are you passionate about today? The reason that is so important is because whatever you find to be passionate about is what will drive you. So many people don't have any passion about anything, (could be the reason life seems so disappointing to you) Recently it seems that I can't read enough books, blogs, and articles about the church and I don't really understand it because I don't even like to read but something is driving me to do things I don't like to do and it's a passion to become a Great Leader. That's right I said I want to become a Great Leader. Now the reason may not be what you think, I am not aspiring to be a Great Leader so a lot of people will know my name and that our church will be famous, that's not it at all and if you think so, I really don't care. I have a passion to see people saved like never before in my life. I know I can't possible lead everyone to Jesus Christ but if I can be a Great Leader, then I can help equip others to help me in this Great Commission that Christ gave us and that is to tell a lost world about Him. You really don't know what life can be until you get a Passion for something as big the Great Commission. Passion for something messes you up, whatever you have a passion for will take over your life, Make sure what you are passion about doesn't ruin your life/family. There are a lot of things that people are passionate about, ask yourself is your passion being used on something that will make an eternal difference. Passion for people to know Jesus, that's what I am praying never dies in me until I die, if I loose this passion for the lost I pray the Lord will just kill me. I know that doesn't sound very nice but I am serious. How serious are you about your passion?

Kevin

Friday is my Favorite

2008-11-07T09:09:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone it's Friday and most people are excited because the work week is almost over and the weekend is here. I love Friday too, for many reasons. I am looking forward to spending Saturday with the boys out Deer Hunting. I must tell you I am not an avid hunter so all you that are anti-hunting take it easy. What I am though is excited to do something with the boys that they enjoy and Deer Hunting is fast becoming a big thing for them. So pray for our safety, seriously there will be alot of CRAZY people out in the woods tomorrow.

Another thing I am looking forward to is our services on Sunday. I am looking forward to seeing a life change take place in someones life. I am coming expecting to get blown away by what God does. We say all the time we believe that God can do anything, why don't we come to church every week expecting the anything to happen. I know that worship is going to be awesome so come and experience it with us and let's watch God show up and really show out. It's O.K. when God shows out. It's way cool. See ya Sunday, I hope!

Kevin

Red Ribbon Rally

2008-10-27T09:30:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is looking forward to a Great week. I am excited about this afternoon because I get to be the guest speaker at our elementary school for the annual Red Ribbon Rally. I will be speaking at 1:00 and the theme is " Keep your Head in the Game". Have you ever not been paying attention and something really embarassing happen to you? I have and that's because I didn't have my head in the game, I wasn't paying attention. I am going to encourage the kids to pay attention and make good decisions. Love all of you have a Great week!

Friend Day this Sunday!

2008-10-02T09:54:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I can't wait 'til Sunday. I am so excited about all the people they have been prayed for and invited to come to our service. I hope all of you will do your part to get someone to the service. There has been a lot of preparation go in to making Sunday a GREAT DAY. The worship service is going to be amazing as in "Amazing Grace" come check it out. I am going to be talking about living your DASH to the fullest. This is going to be a fun day. Don't forget about the Fish Fry and concert on Sunday Night starting at 5:00PM. Eternal Vision will be with us again and you don't want to miss this concert. I am PUMPED and it feels good, come join me and let's have some fun worshipping the Lord!!!!! Check out www.eternalvison.net !

Make the most of today!

2008-09-24T11:05:00.002-05:00

Has anyone been discouraged yet today. If not just wait because the devil will not let one day go by without trying to bring discouragement your way. So how do we fight being discouraged?
Here are just a few things that might work:

1) consider the source from which discouragement may come

2) if it is something that can be fixed, fix it don't be discouraged about it

3) don't fight alone, there is strength in numbers, find encouragers to be around.

4) get plenty of rest

5) eat as healthy as you can so your energy level will be good to go

6) read the book of Colossians

Hope that helps a little.

Made it Home!

2008-09-23T14:20:00.002-05:00

That's right I am home! I really enjoyed visiting with The Richey family and their wonderful church for the past couple of days, but it is always good to get back to Piggott. On my way home I went thru Memphis to visit with David Moody one of our church members who is recovering at the Med from a terrible accident a little over a week ago. As most of you know David had 72,000 volts of electricity go thru his body and lived to tell about it. David has a wonderful attitude and is grateful to God for still being around. He has severe damage to his right hand but the doctors are doing a Great job of taking care of his wounds. Please keep David and his wife Mary in your prayers. I don't have the phone number with me but I will post it later so you can call and encourage him. Good to be back home, looking forward to the next several weeks! Who are you gonna bring to church this week?

Vistiing a Friend

2008-09-22T11:45:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I am in Warren, Ar. at the Immanuel Baptist church for a few days. I preached last night and had an incredible response. The folks were so kind and the Lord really spoke to my heart and theirs. David Richey who is a Great friend of mine is the pastor and he and his family have been here for about 6 months and things are going really good for them. I love to talk about evangelism and that is what I was asked to do while I'm here. Pray for me today because I will be preaching again tonight and I really want God to use me to encourage these fine people.
What a great day it was at Emmanuel in Piggott yesterday. If you were there you know what I am talking about. I felt so free to preach God's word and then to see such a great response from the church was Great. If you weren't there I encourage you to pick up a copy of the service and just judge for yourself. I hardly ever encourage folks to get my preaching tapes, but this one might be worth getting. Well it's lunch time gotta go.

See you Sunday!

2008-09-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone I am really excited about this weekend service! I hope all of you will come and be a part of something very encouraging. See ya Sunday.

2008-09-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone I hope you are all having a Great Day. I love Great Days. When Johnna and I went to visit my friend Troy this summer in Ft. Lauderdale, FL we had some Great days. To bad everyday can't be vacation. So what do we do with the days in between vacations. Here are a few suggestions for you until you are able to get away.

1. Exercise - it will make you feel better about yourself.

2. Develop a Good Attitude - it will make others feel better about you

3. Take some time every week to do something that you enjoy doing. Life is to short not to.

4. Invest in someone - time=investment (gradeschools are a good place to start)

5. Make your home a fun place to be!

These are just a few suggestions maybe you have some more, if so please leave me a comment and maybe i'll give'm a try .

New Ministry a success!

2008-09-01T21:02:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we launched the first annual Enter Up roping camp. We had 31 youngsters and several parents spend the weekend learning Gods word and how to be a better team roper. Professional team roper and committed Christian, Ricky Green came from Stephensville, TX and shared the word of God with us and it was an incredible weekend. The camp was full of fun and fellowship for the kids and plenty of instruction was given on both team roping and living the Christian life. I am so thankful for all the people who made this weekend possible, lives where changed. A special thanks goes out to Ricky Green for making such a difference in two of my boys lives. Logan and Ethan had a great time, we can't wait until next year!

New Laptop

2008-08-28T21:51:00.002-05:00

I am back up and running. My old laptop finally quit me and I have been looking for a couple of weeks for a new one. I settled for a Toshiba Satellite, much faster than my acer. Any way maybe I will be able to blog more often. It's Labor Day weekend and I hope all of you have a safe holiday be careful and enjoy yourself it's along time 'til the next one. Me and the boys will be spending this weekend at a Ministry event up in Missouri. I will be back to preach on Sunday morning. Pray for us as we minister to about thiry kids and parents.

Great to be back!

2008-08-19T12:11:00.003-05:00

It is great to be back in the swing of things. School started today and I got to pick up my friend Aaron who is in a wheelchair and take him to school on the bus. I love happy people and Aaron was sure happy. He brought his Gold Medals from the special Olympics that he won this summer. Isn't it amazing how some people can overcome the past and others can't. Aaron could really be discouraged about the life that he has been dealt but he chooses to focus on the victories that he can win. All of us could be discouraged about something and if we let it that discouragement will rob us of our own Gold Medals, victories! Let me encourage all of us to go out and compete in life today and bring home the Gold! Look out Michael Phelps I'm after your record.

On vacation

2008-08-03T10:03:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, we are in San Antonio, Texas with Tanners baseball team. We wrapped up the season last night as we lost to Colorado to end our season. We have had a very good trip the boys won their first game ever in the Regional tournament by defeating New Mexico and then fell to Texas 6 - 5. We are about to go to the Alamo and then tomorrow the largest waterpark in the USA. First I must find a Wal Mart and get plenty of sunscreen.

I want to thank everyone for praying for my mom she is doing better and out of the hospital. I can't wait to tell you all more about some exciting stuff that is coming to Emmanuel. It's going to be a great fall! Love ya.

State Baseball Tournament

2008-07-14T14:56:00.002-05:00

We are on our way to the State American Legion Baseball tournament tonight. Tanner is playing in the semifinals of the state tournament tonight in Paragould. It has been so much fun watching the boys play this summer, but it's just about over. The summer has been so much fun for them and us too. I'll let you know how it goes.

Vacation.......Bible School

2008-07-08T14:42:00.002-05:00

If there was ever a few words that probably don't go together it's these 3 Vacation Bible School. It is a lot of hard work to do a Great Bible School. That is why I am so Thankful for what is going on at Emmanuel this week, A Great Bible School!!! You talk about hard work you should see this building and all the people jumping in to do whatever. The teachers are incredible. Last night was the first night of VBS and we had 75 kids in attendance. We are hoping to break the hundred mark tonight. I am so proud of everybody that is helping make this a super week. There is nothing I enjoy more than being around servants and last night just made my summer, I can't wait for everybody to show up tonight. See ya there?

Tuesday Post

2008-07-01T12:53:00.002-05:00

OK maybe I will just blog on Tuesdays. I don't know how many follow this blog but if you do I hope that it doesn't disappoint you. I would really like for this to be a place for people to find lots of encouragement. Today I just want to say that everyone no matter who you are should do your best to live life to the fullest. Life is really very short once you think about it, to short to let the things of this world ruin it for you. Life should be lived not endured. Start living today and you will enjoy tomorrow.

I am currently reading a good book entitled " One month to live" by Kerry Shook

It's Tuesday

2008-06-24T11:57:00.002-05:00

I promise I haven't decided to just post a blog on Tuesday but that is the way it is working out. I have had an incredible morning as I have been studying and planning for the fall. I know that's along way ahead to plan for someone like me. We have about 3 months to join together in prayer and ask the Lord to use us in the harvest of lost people. Starting in the month of October we could possible see the greatest days of Emmanuel Baptist Church. You may not see it now but I'm praying for God's vision to be accomplished through us at Emmanuel.

Have you ever waited for something that you could not see, but you just knew it was gonna be Great! That's how I'm feeling today. I love how the Lord knows just when to deliver!

I have had the opportunity lately to spend some time with our oldest son Tanner as we have traveled around together going to his American legion baseball games. It is amazing to me how fast he is growing into a young man. I am afraid he is just like his dad, not perfect, but I want everyone to know including him that no one could be more proud of a son than me. I love you Tanner you are a winner!

Things are good

2008-06-17T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hey all is well at the Murray house. Just keeping the road busy with ballgames and summer activities. Tanner recently made the American Legion Baseball team in Paragould and is having the opportunity to play with 2 other boys from Piggott, they are having a fun time. Johnna is in summer school so she is busy studying by the pool when she gets a chance. We had my brothers little girl Monday night so we just did what she wanted to that night, it was a fun night. Logan and Ethan are staying busy in the yard mowing business while Tanner is making his money being a lifeguard. If you are running low on cash the Murray boys can help you out. I just finished doing some mowing myself around the church and out where we keep our horses, I love being outside. The weather has been really nice today I hope all of you get a chance to enjoy it just a little bit.

I hope all of you folks from Emmanuel know that I'm praying for you.

Cowboy Church Tonight

2008-06-10T12:21:00.001-05:00

I am getting ready for our service tonight in Poplar Bluff, Mo. We have a Cowboy Church that meets every Tuesday night at 7pm. We average around 40 folks and we always have a great time worshipping the Lord together. I would encourage anybody who likes things a little laid back and country to come and check out the service. Over the past year we have baptized 5 people and a couple get'n ready. Pray for us tonight, no air conditioning in the barn! They don't even complain.

Have you had an opportunity to share your story with anyone this week? Let me know how it's going. Praying for the harvest.

Praying

2008-06-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

It's Monday morning and I am excited about another week of opportunities to share My Lord with the lost. I am so excited about our "One Prayer" emphasis. Our goal as a church is to share Jesus with 400 people during the month of June. We need your help, pray for opportunities this week to share your story with someone. When you have the opportunity let us know how we can pray for you and the person you shared with. You can just post a comment on this blog and others can read it and know what is happening in the lives of others. Pray for all the churches that are participating in "One Prayer". www.oneprayer.com

Plans for the weekend

2008-06-06T14:03:00.002-05:00

Hey it's Friday been to Imboden, Ar to pick up youth at camp. Sounds like the kids had a super time. One of Tanners friends gave his life to Christ last night and everyone is pumped about that. I am really looking forward to kicking off a new sermon series this weekend "One Prayer" there are now over 1300 churches participating together in this incredible joint event. I want all of you to check out the website www.oneprayer.com and stay up to date with what is going on for the next four weeks. I will let you know that if you would like you can join several hundred people this Tuesday as we fast together drawing even closer to God than you are right now. Remember you don't have to go all day without a meal, maybe you can start by leaving out lunch and spending that time talking to the God who made you, let him fill you. I hope you can be a part of this weekend at Emmanuel. Great things are coming for all ages. Hang in there!

Well it's time for some baseball, Tanner is playing in West Memphis tonite and I am so looking forward to watching him and his teammates get after it. I love baseball!!!! We are about to hit the road, we are gonna stay all night with Johnna's parents and be back at it tom morrow for a double header. Coach says if we are good we might get to catch a redbirds game tomorrow, WOW! Pray for me, sports is one of the best ways to loose your salvation. (wait, I'm Baptist I can't loose my salvation, I meant to say backslide. lol) Busy weekend, oh yeah my niece is spending the night with Johnna so it's gonna be a girl night I'm sure. Love all of you!

Just want to be a servant

2008-06-05T14:13:00.003-05:00

You know I think if i could have God answer only one prayer I would ask Him to make me a servant of His. There is nothing better a person can be than a servant of Jesus Christ. Here are just a few things that a servant is: humble, considerate, kind, obedient, not self-seeking, friendly, loving, caring, faithful to the one they serve, good attitude, I don't know about you but I need all those characteristics in my life. God doesn't need any more bosses but He could sure use a lot more servants.

I encourage all of you to become servants of God and begin serving where He leads you! There's not much time to wallow in sin when you're busy being a servant. To much trouble comes from people having to much time and nothing to do with it. Find time to serve, mow the neighbors yard, bake some cookies, visit the nursing home, but find something to do for others.

Looking forward to the summer

2008-06-04T16:13:00.005-05:00

Busy day in Piggott! I have been working on this weekends teaching and I am real excited about joining with 1200 other churches this weekend as we talk about One Prayer. If you could ask God for one thing for this church, what would it be. We may have several different ones but this week I will be sharing one of mine. For the next 4 weeks we will be in a series call One Prayer. I encourage you to check out the website http://www.oneprayer.com/ . Don't miss this week it's gonna be the beginning of something wonderful.

Just to let you know that the most famous preacher in Branson, Mo will be at Emmanuel on June 22 at 6pm. All I know is that his name is reverend Cecil and he preaches at the Pierce Arrow show. Come see it to believe it!

One Prayer

2008-06-03T11:46:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I forgot that I had a blog did you miss me? I can't remember all the stuff that has gone on since my last post so I won't talk about the past I'll just share about the future. I have been on a real cool website that I think you would enjoy it is www.oneprayer.com . Starting this Sunday over 1000 churches are joining together to teach on prayer for the next 4 weeks. Not only are they joined together to teach we will be praying and fasting for one another. I am excited to team up with churches all over the world. Nobody likes to do life alone and I must admit I have felt kind of lonely lately. I am looking forward to the month of June why not join me in spending this month in commitment to prayer.

Looking forward to the weekend!

2008-05-02T08:27:00.002-05:00

I just want to say how much I am looking forward to this weekend. Our series on John 3:16 will conclude this Sunday and we will be looking at how we can give back to God for giving so much to us. Giving is one of the greatest things a person can do in life. It doesn't always have to be financially it can be so many different ways. Service is one of the greatest things that you can do, ask yourself what am I doing to advance the Kingdom of God? Jesus said, " the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few." Is that still true today? I just read some statistics for Arkansas and it said they we have 4 more churches this year than last year, church attendance has declined along with the number of folks baptized. The same is true for our own association of baptist churches. I still believe that we have plenty of people in our communities that need and want to know Jesus, we just have to stay faithful and keep sharing the salvation message. Think about what you could give to God to help others come to know Christ. The harvest is plentiful and I'm praying for some folks to go harvest the crop.

Struggling to stay focused

2008-05-01T09:11:00.001-05:00

Is it just me or is it hard for anybody else to stay focused this time of year. It just seems that when spring arrives I begin to think of all the things I need to do and want to do that I don't get anything done. It really frustrates me too! I am not the most organized person in the world but I want to be. What I am learning is that when I loose focus, begin to see my self wandering from one thing to the other, I have to discipline myself to stay focused on each task at hand. There is really nothing more rewarding than finishing what you started. Pray for me that I will not allow myself to be distracted by good things and mess up the best things.

I love my Life!

2008-04-29T09:39:00.002-05:00

I don't know why God has blessed me so much, but I sure am thankful that He is! As all of you know I get to pastor one of the Greatest churches around. It's not perfect but it is a Great church. It seems that every Sunday seems to be getting better and better. This past Sunday was so special the music was outstanding the spirit was present and the crowd was very energetic it all made for a

Another thing that I am excited about in my life is my relationship with my wife. I am so in love with Johnna, she is my best friend. We are becoming a team in ministry and it is so cool to be used by God together. Pray for us that we will keep the Lord number 1 in our relationship so that we can continue to be used by God. Johnna is working on getting her teaching certificate so she can teach school next year so please pray for her.

My kids, what a blessing to be a dad! These boys keep me so busy, from rodeos to ballgames to school activities. This weekend was so cool for me as I got to watch our youngest son win his first team roping championship. Ethan had competed all year long in a youth rodeo series and the finals were this weekend and he came out on top. It w as real close to the end, and on Sunday afternoon he won 2nd and3rd place in the rodeo to put him in the top spot for the year. I got to rope with him and we place third together on Sunday. Tanner and Logan competed also but not as often, they have other interest like baseball, basketball and football. Tanner plays on the high school baseball team and this weekend they played in the district tournament. Piggott played brookland on Friday and came out on top in 10 innings. Tanner had a good game he went 2 for 5 at the plate and made a good play in the field. Yesterday we played Manila for a birth in the state tournament but came up a little short losing 5 to 3. Our team is really young so we have a bright future ahead of us, I am so proud of all our kids. Logan played a double header last night as well and his team beat Walnut Ridge to improve to 2 - 0. Logan plays on the infield and
is recovering from a broken foot. Let the summer begin, it's gonna be fun.

Well that's just what was on my mind, take a minute and think about what you are thankful for.

Praise The Lord!

2008-04-22T09:22:00.003-05:00

This Sunday a young man gave his life to Christ in our morning worship service. It was so wonderful to be a part of a miracle. I am so thankful that we have a church that still reaches out to people. Last week his girlfriend was saved and this week he came to Christ. This is a young couple raising 4 children who need lots of help. I am excited about what God continues to do in our little town. Pray for opportunities this week to share Jesus with someone. Thank you Emmanuel for spending the time, money, and energy to reach our communities for Jesus Christ.

What a morning!

2008-04-13T16:23:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone, I just got to tell you about what happened today at Emmanuel. Well, worship was spectacular, the Holy Spirit was very much present, (trust me) a single mother was greatly used by God, (you should have seen it) the hurting found healing and the outcast found a home, the word of God was preached and received, and Best of all a young mother gave her heart to Jesus, and oh yea, a mother, daughter, and son all were baptized. That's not all, (it was a long service, but I couldn't stop it, praise the Lord) my neighbor who's been in rehab for 4 months was home with his counselor and trust me he is a changed man. One of our former teenage girls returned to sing and she sent us home wanting more of what we just had experienced. I'm not a very good writer, Max Lacado I'm not, but if you could have been in our church this morning you would know what I'm talking about. God is not done with this church and I know it. The devil in hell is not happy at all with Emmanuel today because we have once again got a burden for the lost and we are going to do what we can to tell the world that Jesus saves! What a day it has been.

Great to be in Horatio, Arkansas

2008-04-09T21:53:00.001-05:00

There are good people everywhere and I just spent 4 days with some of the finest. I haven't had this much fun in a Revival in a while. This church was pumped up and ready and they were not disappointed by the Lord. We ended the services tonight with a Great time of worship! I have cried and laughed all week and I feel refreshed. I can't wait to get home and see my family and just tell them all what went on during this Revival. I'm not sure how many people if any gave their lives to Christ but I do know that several saved folks made fresh commitments and that a town was and will be prayed for daily. I will let you know how things go because I plan on staying in touch with a few folks from down south. Way to go God!

Going Well

2008-04-08T11:09:00.001-05:00

Hey friends, things are going very well down here in South Arkansas. I am having a ball! The church is not real big but they have done everything possible to see God move in a big way. I just love the pastor here. He is so full of life and love for the Lord it is contagious. The town is an old town that doesn't have much, I know many preachers who would not be very happy here but not Coy (the preacher). Coy has been here for 5 years and is doing a super job loving the people and reaching his community. Way to go Coy! I have met someone who has lifted my spirits and challenged me to make a difference in my community. Pray for us tonight.

Out of town

2008-04-06T21:01:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone I am in South Arkansas leading worship for a revival. The name of the town in Horatio, Arkansas we are just a few miles from Oklahoma and Texas. I am with my good friend John Hodges from Salem FBC. We had a real good time of worship tonight, these folks are just good ole country folks and I feel right at home. The preacher is a team roper how 'bout that. I am excited about this week it feels good to be used to help another church get on fire for the Lord.

I missed being at Emmanuel today but I heard what went on and I am so proud of Emmanuel Baptist Church. Our church basically gave a family a brand new beginning this week and it all came together Sunday night with a huge pounding for the family and new furniture. Way to go ya! I love you and miss you and I am proud of all of you.

Sunny Day in Piggott

2008-04-02T18:02:00.003-05:00

I love the sunshine. We have had a lot of rain as most of you know so that makes days like today very special. With all the rain I think we will all be happy to see lots of sunshine for sometime. I hope all of you are having a wonderful week. I have had some wonderful opportunities this week to be the feet and hands of Jesus and it has been wonderful. Pray for me.