David Richardson

*  A good day at First Baptist Sebring today.

*  The crowd sizes were alright for a Labor Day weekend.

*  I preached this morning on Proverbs 27:1.

*  Don’t put off getting right with God and getting right with others until tomorrow.  You may not have a chance tomorrow, and you may not have a tomorrow.

*  Yes, I did quote my wife this morning during the 11:00 service.

*  She has been on this kick lately of using this phrase “T.C.B.” which means “Taking Care of Business.”  Now others of us are using it.

*  After the 2 morning services, we enjoyed some fried chicken at home.

*  The best part of the afternoon – taking an hour and a half nap.  I loved that!!

*  I checked in with the Judgment House leaders before the evening worship service.  Kathryn and the other leaders are really organized and focused.  I am very proud of them.

*  Don’t forget that Judgment House is September 30 – October 2.  Make plans to be here at least one of those nights.

*  During tonight’s 6:00 service, we took requests for favorite hymns.  That was fun.

*  Then I preached on Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus in Luke 12.

*  There is a time to work for God, and there is a time to just be with God.  Don’t forget to daily sit at His feet and bond with Him.

*  Next Sunday morning, I’ll begin a brand new sermon series entitled “God In Us:  The Holy Spirit.”  I’m excited about preaching on this topic.   This series will run for several Sunday mornings.

*  Next Sunday night, I’ll begin a brand new sermon series entitled “Life Lessons of Samson” out of the book of Judges.  Looking forward to walking through his story.  This series will run for several Sunday nights.

*  Tonight was a quiet and lazy night at home.

*  I enjoyed watching “Alvin and the Chipmunks” with Emerson.  That little guy and I love spending time together!

*  The family and I are looking forward to a quiet and easy going Labor Day together at home.

*  I’m fortunate to be the pastor of this church.  These are fine people, and I really do care about them.  I continue to be thankful for God allowing our family to come here and be a part of this congregation.

*  In case you missed it, I already put up a blog post this morning about going to a Florida State football game.  To see it, just scroll down this page, or you can click **HERE**.

*  May God bless you with His peace, joy, and strength this week.

Katie and I had fun with Florida State Football yesterday.  Some good friends from church took us with them to Tallahassee for their home opener against Samford.  We had a fantastic time!

As for Florida State Football:  They have a solid fan base and an exciting game day atmosphere.  Their band is one of the best I’ve ever heard.  I was also impressed with their stadium.  A very nice facility.  I enjoyed watching a game there, and would certainly go back again.

While there, we also saw other friends from First Baptist.  I think there were enough Sebring folks present to hold a church service and take up an offering.  Ha!  Ha!

I was raised a South Carolina Gamecock, and I doubt I’ll ever get that out of my blood.  But, since I’m living in Florida, I have the great opportunity to take in some good football action.  Last  year, I enjoyed going to a Gators game.  (To see my blog post about that experience, just click **HERE**.)  Now I’ve been to a Seminoles game.  Both experiences were a load of fun.  I’ve got to say that both schools really are good places to be on Saturdays in the Fall!

Thanks to our friends for a wonderful trip to Tallahassee!

Life is like a roller coaster at times.

We have ups and downs.  Twists and turns.  We even get thrown for loops occasionally.

But the great reality we can hold on to is this:  God is steady.

He does not change.  “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” says Hebrews 13:8.  This is what we mean when we say that God is immutable.

Whether you’re soaring high into the sky, or plummeting down to the earth, cry out today to the God who is steady.

He can bring calmness to your emotions and balance to your life.

Let me recommend to you a fantastic book worthy of your time and attention.

Calvin Miller’s Loving God Up Close.

I just finished reading it about 30 minutes ago.  This book hit home with me in a big way.  Reading it has been a beneficial experience, to say the least.

He is one of my favorite preachers, writers, and artists.  Simply put, Calvin Miller has been someone I’ve respected and appreciated for years.  Since our first meeting in the mid 90’s, I’ve learned a great deal from him.

Miller’s book is all about the Holy Spirit.  It’s not a stuffy, dull read at all; instead, it stretches the mind and touches the heart.  Using his warm, conversational style, Miller helps us readers come to a deeper gratitude for the Spirit who has taken up residence in our lives.

He starts off his book with an excellent explanation of the Trinity.  Then the author describes biblical images for the Spirit, such as wind, fire, and oil.  One thing I really liked in his book was his differentiating between grieving the Spirit and blaspheming the Spirit.  A couple of the other ideas he explores in his book have to do with awakening and union.

Folks, I’ve read several books on the Holy Spirit, and I have to say this is one of the best on the topic.  I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I filled my margins with notes.  It was informative and inspiring.  Best of all, it helped me in my own relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Let me encourage you to buy this book and read it.  You’ll be glad you did.  And you just may want to start reading more of the many other terrific books he has written over the years.

To visit Calvin Miller’s website, click **HERE**.

To learn how to order this book, click **HERE**.

Thanks, Calvin, for writing this book.  It meant a great deal to me personally.  May God bless you richly for your faithful ministry!