https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZT8V_DZxws Above is the song we will be learning together in September. Below are a few thoughts about why I chose this song followed by the lyrics. Why This Song The weariness of the world threatens to steal our joy and burden us to the point of breaking us. This is not God's will for … Continue reading New Song for Worship: “Come to Jesus (Rest in Him)”
Have you ever been lost? My friends and I got lost while hiking in Tennessee one time. We decided to go off the trail in order to save time. Needless to say, we did not end up saving time. It was difficult to try to determine where we were without a clear path in front … Continue reading Lost
As I’ve stated several times, God wants us to focus on Jesus this year. As a part of that, I’m starting a prayer routine I want to invite you to join me on. I’m calling it “One Prayer.” “One Prayer” is a 1-minute prayer at 1PM EST for one thing—that God would grow our love … Continue reading New Prayer Initiative: One Prayer
I am happy and content. This comes from knowing God through Jesus Christ. God is everything to me. Knowing Him has been so good. Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about because you’ve tasted and seen. But maybe some of you don’t know this contentment. And I know all of us have people … Continue reading A Burden on My Heart and An Opportunity
Well, another day has gone and another day has come, and God has been faithful yet again to His promises. Remember these things, dear friends: The Lord knows all there is to know about you (Psalm 139).God is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46).God goes before you (Deuteronomy 31).He will never leave you or forsake … Continue reading Dear Central Oaks (Part 11)
Today is the official beginning of a new season of life for many of us. I’m not sure when fall starts, but new routines begin on the Tuesday after Labor Day because that’s when everyone is back in school. Keep the Fortune’s, Walker’s, Riggs’, Wells’, Cox’s, Tehya, and Rose in your prayers as those individuals … Continue reading Dear Central Oaks (Part 10)
Good day to you, fellow Central Oakie, and friends “listening” in. Before I share my thought for this week, let me thank you all for praying for me. More and more I’m seeing how much I need your prayers. These past few weeks, spiritual opposition has been stronger than I normally notice. Whenever I’ve reached … Continue reading What God is Doing When He Takes Things Away
Hey church family, I’m happy to be back in my study at the church building because the Lord has called us here and has sustained us every step of the way. Many of you have been a big part of that. But it’s not about me and my family—the Lord is the center of the … Continue reading Four Reasons I Think We Should Hire An Associate Pastor
Church family, today I want to share some reflections I have about younger people being part of Central Oaks and then give some practical suggestions. Before I begin, let me clarify that my post today is about younger people who are actually seeking God and a church, not the many who are wandering from God … Continue reading Reflections on Younger People Sticking
Recently I overheard a conversation between two Christians about their church involvement since COVID. One mentioned how they hadn’t physically been to a church building since COVID but had been watching online. Another was talking about how they had changed churches. Evidently, at one time they really enjoyed being in the services of their previous … Continue reading Just What Is a Church Anyway?
Pastor Jacob’s Blog 