How often has each of us struggled over an important decision? We considered the variety of alternatives; often we discussed the decision with our family and friends. Sometimes we prayed over it and sought God's direction. "What would God want me to do?" we asked ourselves.

First and foremost in God's will is that all people be saved. The Bible tells us that God wills all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Throughout Scripture we find God desiring that everyone have the joy of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus, unlike any of the gods in other religions, is a personal God, and those who know him personally will be well on their way to know the Father's will. To have said, "I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior" is to have taken the first step.

Our second step in knowing the will of God is to be Spirit-filled. In Ephesians 5:18, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery;
but be filled with the Spirit." Now most of us are at least qualified to discuss what it's like to be filled with wine or some other spirited liquid. To be drunk is to be controlled by the agent within. We act differently when we have the spirit within us. Likewise to be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be controlled also by an agent within. To be filled in the Spirit is to be dominated and controlled by the Spirit.

The third and final step in discovering the will of God for our lives you're really going to like. It is to do whatever you want to do. In the
Book of Psalms we read, "Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." God puts the desire in our hearts so that what we want is really what God wants. His will becomes our will, and conversely, our will is his will. The third step is possible when we have taken the first step of believing and the second of being filled by the Holy Spirit. Having taken the first two steps and having become well-versed in Scripture, we follow our desires (really God's) and live according to his will. We set out in life without fear, and as we make our way, He provides us with the necessary corrections along the course.

In His Grace,
Dr. Charles Inman

We are fortunate to have Pastor Morris Ogenga to speak to us this Sunday. Pastor Morris Ogenga is the Head Pastor of the Mbale Presbyterian Church of Uganda, where he has been serving for twenty-three years. As the Bishop of the Eastern Presbytery of Uganda, Pastor Morris has responsibility over all the Presbyterian churches in his area. Pastor Morris was trained at the All Nations Bible College.

Over the last 18 years, Pastor Morris has led an effort to evangelize not only his own community but he has been responsible for the planning 92 church plants who have permanent buildings and pastor’s houses adjacent to the churches. Pastor Morris has arranged for the church planning teams to participate in mini-crusades at over 120 local schools, as well as arranging multiple youth, women’s,
and pastor’s conferences. Thousands of pastors and leaders have been trained in evangelism and leadership. Over 50,000 have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, including many pastors, as a result of his obedience to God.  Pastor Morris, working with Grace International Children’s Foundation, continues to support his first orphanage, in operation at the site of a 1999 church plant in Bulolelo Village. Lulwanda “The Rock” Children’s Home has become the model for additional children’s homes/schools/medical clinics in Eastern Africa. There are now 110 orphans being fully provided for. 

Aidah Ogenga, Pastor Morris’ wife of 28 years, leads women’s bible studies and is the coordinator for children’s ministry (Awana) at many of the area churches. She also is a member of the Dove Choir, which performs at crusades, an important part of the church planning effort. Morris and Aidah have three children.  Please welcome Pastor Morris and “Momma” Aidah to Monahans!

In His Grace,
Dr. Charles Inman

Ezekiel 34:26 says, “I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing.”  I don’t know how you’ve felt lately but I’ve been walking on air! God has so richly blessed us lately!  
 
Each and every time I walk through the doors of our buildings, I feel Jesus envelope me with His love. Sundays have been tremendous times of worship with near-capacity crowds, Wednesdays have been great moments of Experiencing Christ Together with a growing number of students, and I haven’t even begun to speak of the blessings our men’s and women’s small groups receive each week.
 
If you haven’t yet stepped into any of the above mentioned activities, there’s never a better time than now. This week, there are many opportunities to join in. Friday, Young At Heart will have their Valentine’s Dinner at 6pm. Saturday, there are more than 16 couples already committed to the Date Night Challenge at 6pm. Sunday, our new “Living the Word” schedule kicks off at 5pm. Finally, if you’re a student, DiscipleNow weekend is but one week away.
 
God wants to bless you today!
Jeff Moore

Research shows that dating at least once a month significantly improves relationships. The Date Night Challenge is a two-hour event featuring comedian Jeff Allen, singer/songwriter Michael O'Brien and bestselling authors Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley via webcast. During the event, the Smalleys will explain the power of dating your mate and encourage couples to take the “Date Night Challenge”: go on three dates in three weeks. This is part of a national “date night movement” where the goal is for 5 million dates to take place across the country during the month of February.

Saturday, February 11th, in our fellowship hall, is the first date of the challenge! Focus on the Family will then provide free, downloadable materials and content for the next two dates. Then, each month for the next year, couples can download a new, free date night guide that provides content and ideas for their dates.

Join us for fun, laughter, music, and fellowship at 6pm on Saturday, February 11th in our fellowship hall. The meal will be lasagna, salad, and bread. There is childcare for children (newborn to 6th grade). Get a jump on Valentine’s Day and date your spouse 3 days earlier!

See you there!
Jeff Moore
Associate Pastor

There is something about that name! Over the next three months the focus of my preaching ministry will be on Jesus’ life, ministry and teachings. We are grateful for the many new members and guests that God has been sending us each Sunday.
Many of our guests and new members do not have a church background so the purpose of this consecrated study is to provide them a better understanding of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

On Sunday morning, I am preaching ten sermons on Jesus that will summarize His life, ministry and teachings. We will begin with Jesus’ Baptism (What’s the Big Deal about Baptism?) on February 5 since we spent the month of December focusing on His birth. We will have a special guest speaker, Pastor Morris Ogenga from Uganda to speak on February 12. On February 19 I will examine Jesus Temptation Experience (How to Overcome Temptations) and on February 26 I will explore the Mission of Jesus (Why did He come?)

On Sunday night (February 12 at 5pm, NEW TIME!), I will begin a study on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. This study will allow us to go deeper into Jesus’ teaching on “How To Be Happy.”

On Wednesday nights at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (NEW LOCATION), we are studying the Parables of Jesus. Jesus used parables (a story with a purpose) to communicate some of the greatest truths in the Bible. We do not have a religion. We have a relationship!!! Learn more about the One who loves you the most and how you can love Him more! Don’t miss a single sermon or lesson!

In His Grace,
Dr. Charles Inman