Often when I run I find that it is a good time for prayer and spiritual reflection. There are a few key Bible verses that have become meaningful to me as a runner and these verses are great motivation to all of us who are running through the experiences of life.

“But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“….Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

May God go with you as you run and may you finish well!

So now, what comes next? What will it be like in the Sundays that follow Easter? What will it be like in the individual lives of Christians, many of whom could describe the same kind of celebrations in their churches as described above? Will there be an increased desire to live Christ-like lives before the world that needs to know Christ? Will there be a greater sensitivity to share Christ with those who are needy and lost?

Our encouragement is that the very power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to equip us for doing God’s will and doing what is pleasing to Him. (Hebrews 13: 20-21). May we prayerfully and boldly take advantage of that mighty power which is available to us.

April 14, 2009

So many of us are being effected by the current economic crisis, whether through the loss of jobs, reduced income, reduction in retirement resources, etc.  This situation has effected many churches and other ministries by the reduction in offerings and contributions which are necessary in much of the implementation of the work of these ministries.

I wonder if it might be appropriate to pray about our economic situation with a Kingdom focus.  Whatever may be said about the current Christian influence in our nation, there can be little doubt that over the years God has used the affluence of our nation to help carry the gospel message of Christ to the world.  What if we pray with the Kingdom focus that God would restore our nation’s economic status, so that we might continue to be used to effectively in the Kingdom work of sharing the gospel throughout the world?

I would be interested in hearing your comments.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

March 12, 2009

As I was searching for a new devotional book earlier this year, my interest in Celtic-style music undoubtedly led to my attention being drawn to Celtic Devotions, a new book by Calvin Miller.  This little book is a thirty day devotional guide with excerpts from ancient Celtic writers, as well as comments from Miller.  I have found the book so refreshing that I have started through it a second time. 

Miller wrote Celtic Devotions as a follow up to his book, The Path of Celtic Prayer, which I have also started reading.  In a brief nutshell, Miller writes of the Celts’ intense Christian faith and prayer life amidst the rough and rugged culture in which they lived.  The suggestion is that we can learn much today from the Celts devotion to Christ.

I would recommend both of these books to assist you in drawing closer to God daily.

It seems that the resolve required to follow Paul’s teachings in verses 1-21, particularly, needs to be stronger today than ever before.  I believe that the the day in which we live calls for a renewed desire and resolve among Christians to “be imitators of God” and to “be very careful, then, how you live”.  The world is watching.  Unbelievers are watching, and young Christians and new Christians are watching, too.  We understand that God has given these scriptural instructions to help us to live the adundant life that God has promised, not to somehow keep us from having fun.

Let me encourage you to read Ephesians 5:1-21 and ask God to help you live according to its teachings.  I join you in that desire.

Warner strikes me as being one who will not only glorify the Lord if he is fortunate enough to win the Super Bowl again, but will also glorify the Lord and continue to serve regardless of the outcome of the game.

Another thing that strikes me about Warner is his willingness to publicly testify about his personal relationship with Jesus.   May we be as open and willing to share our faith. 

Go Kurt Warner!

David Bailes

January 28, 2009

I believe it is also a time that we should resolve to pray fervently for our nation, that Jesus Christ might be known and honored as Lord and Savior in these United States.  May there be renewal and revival among Christians to follow the Lord more closely and may throngs of people come to know Jesus as Savior in this new year.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and forgive their sins and will heal their land.”  II Chronicles 7:14

David Bailes,

Minister of Music   

It seems appropriate that we would be launching this new website and blog at Christmas time.  New Years is typically seen as a time of new beginnings, but Christmas can also be seen as a time when God initiated a new beginning with mankind as He sent Jesus into our world to be our Lord and Savior.  We just completed a Christmas musical which gave a clear message that Christmas is a time of new beginnings….beginnings of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or beginnings of restorations of  relationships with family members or friends.

You may be in need of a new beginning of a relationship with a church family.  We at Pritchard would be delighted to be the place of that new beginning for you and your family.  We have much to offer with ministries for every age group.  You will receive a loving and warm welcome from our wonderful people.

David Bailes
Minister of Music