Pastor James' Blog » I’ve Been Thinking…

God’s Army – What A Blessing!!

jross — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:45:26 +0000

Last night was the first “Safe Haven” Student Ministry night of the 2010/11 school year. It took a virtual army of volunteers to “get the job done” last night but it went great. We even had some new volunteers step up to help and they did a great job. We were even blessed to have one of the “small groups” from Heritage Baptist Church, Texarkana, TX come help out. For the first night it really went well. Yes, there were a few things we need to work on and yes, there were a few things that came up that we had not anticipated but all in all it went very smoothly. We are very blessed to have a church family that is not self centered. They are soul centered. They love people. All ages, colors, backgrounds and status’. The Wednesday night student ministry requires lots of volunteers and I want all of you to know I really appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for all you did/do to feed, pick up/deliver, teach, watch over, enroll, oversee, hug, laugh, and make a difference in the lives of the students God sends our way. I look forward to even greater things coming about next Wednesday night. Keep praying, keep inviting and let’s watch as Jesus touches the lives and hearts of the students! Thanks again Life House “ARMY”!!

It’s Time…Another Step Of Faith

jross — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:40:59 +0000

When Cindy and I felt called to begin Life House we knew it was going to be a step of faith. We left a comfortable position ( the church we were pastoring always took good care of us financially), a nice home and a nice neighborhood. We prayed and believed that God was leading us to move into College Hill and begin a new work to reach people of all colors, walks and pasts. We didn’t know how we were going to pay the bills and didn’t know how it was all going to work out…but WE KNEW GOD WAS CALLING US and so blindly we followed. Without a doubt – where God calls – He provides! We’ve seen Him provide time and time again. We have seen the mission/church grow over the past two years. Eighty Eight souls have trusted Jesus as their personal Savior. We do NOT regret that first step of faith!! A few months ago I began to feel that God was directing me to move away from my part time job and take the step of faith to go “full time” at Life House. The mission/church can’t really afford to take on the full load of my salary and being in an area that is so poor and so transient it may never be strong enough but that is an issue for God to deal with. The issue of how we are going to pay the bills if I left my part time job again became an issue. We have one “bill” (car payment) that we kept seeing as an obstacle to going “full time”. The Lord has just kept pressing on my heart that we needed to trust Him, step out on faith and that He will provide. As always the devil just keeps saying – “HOW?” “It won’t work.” “That’s a stupid idea.”. Well, God has confirmed in our hearts that this is what God is calling me to do. The Lord has given me direction and by faith I gave a one month notice with my “other job” (and that month is now up) and am believing God and taking this step of faith. I don’t know how He is going to do it BUT HE WILL. He has never let us down in 31 years of ministry and He won’t start today. I ask that all of my friends pray for us and pray that this step will result in more people coming to know Jesus as Savior, more hearts changed, more lives changed and the mission/church continue to grow to be the LIFE and LIGHT house that this area needs. The needs are so great and our hearts are called to do more than ever before. With all of that said – TODAY I am stepping out on faith and am now serving the Lord full time at Life House Church. I am available for revivals, Men’s meetings, speaking engagements – anywhere as my schedule permits. I will be willing to travel, share the work of Life House that God has called us to, do revivals or whatever or whenever God opens a door. I’m excited to see this next chapter in our ministry at Life House. Thanks for your prayers and thanks for all the support for me, my family and for the work at Life House that YOU have given us. Now…let’s get busy – there are souls to be rescued, souls to be saved — where are my work boots? Join me – it’s time to get out of our seats and into the streets!! James

All MY Children

jross — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:31:07 +0000

We are on the third night of VBS and it’s exciting to see so many of our regular children here and lots of NEW children too. These are MY children. At Life House each child that comes our way is loved unconditionally. We don’t care where they come from, who their parents are, what their past is, how they are dressed or even if they smell good or bad. We love them because Jesus sent them our way. We see every child as HIS child and in need of HIS LOVE. I am blessed to be the pastor of this great church. We are blessed to have an unusual ministry and yet one that is build on Jesus love and example for all people. The smiles, hugs and high fives bless my heart. To hear them laugh, sing and dance is so awesome. For one short moment – some of them are in a place of safety, unconditional love and fun. This week has been about sowing seeds and I know that in the days, months and years to come we will see them come to fruition. I better go – they are having too much fun without me!! More later… Pastor James

Giving Spiritual Food As Well As Physical Food…

jross — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:26:11 +0000

The ministry at Life House is very different from many traditional churches in our day. While there is nothing wrong with a traditional approach to church – there is also nothing wrong with meeting your culture where they are and meeting needs in a unique way. What we are doing at Life House may or may not work in other areas. We are simply seeking to find needs, meet them and watch where God is working and join Him in HIS WORK. Many Christians and Churches in this day and age feel it is useless and “not our job” to go out, feed people, pick up trash, give out water, clothing, school supplies or anything else. Some are afraid that they will be “USED” and they will be used by some people but in the midst of being used they will also reach people who are hurting, hungry, lost and dying. We’ve been blessed so many times to be able to share physical food, clothing, school supplies and more as a church family. Yes, we’ve been “USED” by some who took advantage of the church but in the midst of it all they KNOW that someone cared for them and loves them. This ministry isn’t about us. It isn’t about making a name for Life House. We are a very simple church. No big names, no bright lights, no big buildings but a BIG HEART for souls and the needs of people. The new food ministry has fed several people already and this morning we saw a few of the people who came to eat come worship with us. What a blessing! It’s our prayer that we will see some of our new friends come to know Jesus as Savior. God has plans for Life House and He has plans for your church to “get out into the field” and reach souls. No matter what it takes – let’s love ‘em, feed ‘em, clothe ‘em, and bring them to Jesus. (Matthew 25). Pray for us that God would continue to lead this ministry and bless us with a huge harvest of souls in our area. Pastor James

SIDE NOTE: We rejoiced that we had 94 in Celebration Worship this morning. People everywhere and this was a “regular” Sunday – no big emphasis, no special event – just God’s people gathering to worship!

1000 x 100 = 100,000

jross — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:27:13 +0000

One of our dreams as a new church is to be able to pay off the building we are meeting in. We are paying monthly on the note (owner finance ) and realize that as a mission in a economically challenged area that it’s a big task to pay off $140,000.00 building. BUT, if we could pay it off then the monthly payment amount would be free to be used in other areas of the ministry to be able to reach College Hill and the world for Jesus. We would be able to feed, clothe, buys more school supplies and meet the needs of this community in a bigger and better way with that money. Soooo….. with that in mind….

We are praying that God will raise up 1000 people who love souls, missions and want to help a new church to give $100 before Christmas 2009 to help us pay off our building.

We realize not everyone has a “spare $100.00) but we also know that some can give 10.00 some can give 25.00, others can give 100.00 or 500.00 or more. Our goal is simply to pay off our building so we can use the monthly payment towards reaching more people. Our insurance company has appraised our building worth between $800,000.00 to $1,200,000.00. So we are getting a “bargain” by buying it for $140,000.00. WON’T YOU PRAY FOR US AND SPREAD THE WORD? We believe God wants us to pay this building off in record time.

For more information or to come see the building and ministry “first hand” – give me a call: 903-278-0984. THANKS – and KEEP PRAYING for this ministry!! Pastor James

Life House Church, P.O. Box 3006, Texarkana, AR 75504

We are 501 3 c approved non profit organization so all donations ARE tax deductible.

Some Ways You Can Help…

jross — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:50:36 +0000

Because we are a mission church I’m always asked questions like: “If someone wanted to help out what exactly are some things you need?” or “If a church wanted to help you guys out what could we do or what do you need?” So….here are some answers!!

The Lord continues to open ministry doors for us as a church to be able to touch the lives of those in our community. WE NEED…

1. Commercial Pots, Pans, Trays, Cafeteria Trays, a newer and larger microwave, cooking utensils, a free standing ice machine and a couple of more deep freezes for our new food ministry.

2. We are in need of a mission team to come help “wall up” a garage door and build a couple of free standing walls near our kitchen area for a pantry.

3. We need someone to wire and install lights to shine on the sign on the front of our building.

4. We need two a/c units for worship area, coffee shop area and foyer.

5. We need a tree cut down on our lot – free wood for whoever does it! (LOL)

6. We need the money to repair a nice electric piano that a church donated to us.

7. We need an awning/drive under built over the side door of the building.

8. We need a portable baptistery.

9. We need a larger sound board (mixer?) for our worship area.

10. BIGGIE: (But God is MORE THAN ABLE!) We need you to pray that God would provide a way for us to pay off our building so as to free up the monthly payment to be used to minister even more ways to this community.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE…

1. NIV Bibles

2. Chairs for the worship center

3. Nursery Items

4. A good used golf cart to enable us to slowly go through the target neighborhoods that surround our building, so we can travel openly, slowly, and stop – speak to people, share Jesus with them, give them pamphlets and more….

In the short time this mission has been in existence, God has proven Himself faithful time and time again. We believe that He has the things we need and will provide them when He wants us to have them. If you feel God touching you or your church to help us out please let me know! Contact me at: 903-278-0984 or jross@life-house.us THANKS for praying for us and bring a group from your church to visit us on Sunday or during the week so that you might see your mission dollars at work! AGAIN, PRAY FOR US! Pastor James

YOU ARE INVITED….

jross — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:46:30 +0000

to come to the Rock Creek Baptist Church Revival in Maud, Texas this next week. The revival is from Monday to Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. each night. Pastor Steve Minter and the members of Rock Creek would love to have you join us for the revival meeting. I am preaching the revival and the Life House Praise Team and Band will be taking care of the music for the three nights. Make plans to join us. If you would like to ride Life House Van then show up at life house by 6:00 p.m. and you can ride the van. Can’t wait to see what all God is going to do at Rock Creek this week! Pray for us and if you get the chance come see us. Pastor James

In A Few Short Hours…

jross — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:54:34 +0000

…our house will be flooded with guests! It looks like 10 – 15 people will be coming to our home to spend the night so that they will be able to be “up and ready” to hit the road at 4:00 a.m. Friday morning for the mission trip. It’s gonna be a wild night!! We’ve not promised beds for everyone but we have said – come if you want, grab a couch, love seat, chair, floor space or whatever. All are welcome – you just can’t have MY bed LOL! Hey – I gotta help out with the driving and I NEED my beauty sleep! LOL Anyways it looks like most of the teens and some adults are coming to our house late this evening and hopefully at a decent hour we will be able to “hit the hay” and get a little rest. We are gonna need it!! Better go for now – much to do before “COMPANY” gets here LOL — Pray for us and i’ll keep you posted along the “mission trail highway”. Pastor James

Life At Life House This Summer… (Ramblings)

jross — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:48:07 +0000

We are already getting geared up to make the most of this summer at Life House. We held a Prayer Walk yesterday and covered the perimeters of College Hill. We had the blessing of meeting people, praying for people and inviting them to come to Life House for worship.

We begin 7th – 12th Grade Day Camp tomorrow morning. It will be held Monday – Friday and we are hoping for a good week of teaching, ministry and fun. If you know any 7th – 12th grade students who might enjoy coming – invite them. Also, if you are an adult and wanna come join us – come on!

We have several events planned for this summer and believe God is going to use them to help us reach souls for Him. More on those later!!

The services today were a blessing too. Although we had a few of our regulars out on vacation and etc. we were blessed to see six new faces in our service. All of them seemed to enjoy the service and it’s our prayer that they will come worship with us again. God is putting together a dedicated, evangelistic group of people that have the same heart and desire: to reach souls no matter what color, age or economic status. The faithful members of Life House have the same love and share a desire to reach out. Sure we have a few members (like all churches) that started out with a big bang and have now fallen by the wayside. I thank God for those members who don’t just talk a good talk but who are faithful and dedicated. As a pastor it’s awesome to have people you can count on. Anyone can talk but it takes dedication and commitment to put words into action. At Life House you MUST have a servants heart if you are going to be able to help us accomplish the task we’ve been called to do.

I’ve been asked: What are your present needs? Answer:

1. Pray for the present members of Life House. Pray that they will ALL be faithful, dedicated and have a servants heart.

2. Pray that God will send us 10 (couples or singles doesn’t matter – just a total of at least 10) solid, grounded, faithful workers to join with us to reach souls.

3. Pray that God would open the door for a solid, grounded, doctrinally sound, black pastor to join the staff as one of the associate pastors. Also, for a black youth pastor who would serve with a white youth pastor as co- youth pastor’s. We also are praying for a black man/woman to join us as co-worship leader. Pray for God’s leadership and direction in these matters.

4. Pray for souls to be saved, lives to be changed, homes to be mended, marriages restored, addictions broken and much more in our area.

5. Pray for wisdom for me as pastor as I try to lead this great church. It’s a great responsibility to be called to lead a new church and help it get established. I want us to be all that God desires for us to be as a church.

God has been sooo good to Life House and I can’t praise Him enough for all He’s done. Pray for us – come see us and most of all – keep on loving and serving Jesus ’till He comes! Pastor James

Half Full or Half Empty?

jross — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:13:07 +0000

One of my friends posted on their facebook status the following verse:

”Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15

Do you ever find yourself looking on life in the “half empty” mindset? The negative will always bring you down. I’m not suggesting we not be honest or realistic with ourselves but the truth is that our perspective can make or break us in many areas of our lives. It’s a sin to complain all of the time. It’s not healthy, productive or beneficial. Negativity only breeds negativity in others around us and the situations we find ourselves in. WE ARE BLESSED and many times are so negative we don’t even SEE the blessings. I know for sure I’m blessed and sometimes let people, attitudes, mouths and etc. get me down when there is really no use in me even paying attention to the negative. I love what one of my friends says from time to time: I AM TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED OR DEPRESSED!!!

Today – make it a point to THINK ON GOOD THINGS and EXPECT to see God’s hand in your life. Expect God to show up and reveal His love to you. YOU ARE BLESSED! Get up, smile and walk with a spring in your step – you are BLESSED!! No more complaining – no more whining – no more depression! It’s time to get up and LIVE for HIM! Hope you have a BLESSED DAY!!! Just some rambling thoughts from a crazy preacher!! Pastor James