The current series at The Gate is called “5 Easy Steps to Wreck Your Life.” We’ve been using reverse psychology to see the steps we would take if we wanted to fall into problems. By knowing how to screw things up intentionally, we will better recognize when we are accidentally falling into those bad practices that can mess up our lives.

This week is about how to become dissatisfied. We’ll read about how Jesus isn’t just referring to people who haven’t yet accepted him as Savior; he’s also referring to Christians who screw their lives up. It can happen to any of us.

Drop by on Sunday at 10:09 am or, if you can’t make it, wait a day or so and download it as an mp3 from our newly-updated web site under the “Online Sermons” button on the right of the home page. There is a link on the right side of this page (“The Gate”) that will take you there.

Blessings, and, hope to see you on Sunday.

Dean Stokes, a newcomer to The Gate family, has asked us to pray for his brother-in-law, Gary. Gary has recently been diagnosed with cancer, which has quickly spread all over his body. Dean has told me that Gary is in a great deal of pain from the chemo. Let’s all pray for God to comfort Gary, and give Dean the strength to show strength to support his family during this tough time.

Thanks.

After two very hard-fought softball games on Sunday, the Gate softball team won it’s second straight championship of the Columbiana church softball league hosted by our friends at Abundant Life Fellowship.

Well done, men! It was great playing with such great players and upstanding guys. Woot Woot!

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When your life’s in the crapper, don’t just look for a way out.

A friend and I were chatting yesterday about tough times in life. He told me how his difficult situation allowed him to come closer to God. It took the current crisis to move him to seek God, and God hasn’t disappointed.

The apostle James says that we should rejoice in our sufferings because they are opportunities to become more mature Christians. When you’re down in the dumps, look forward to the new improved faith God is instilling in you.

My good friend, Kimmy Mclaughlin, did a great job with the new design for my blog. Some people just have a gift, and, as you can see, Kimmy has a eye for this. Thanks, Kimmy.

Our last regular season game is tomorrow.  If we win, we’re first seed for the playoffs.  If we lose, we’re second.  Come and cheer on our softball team at Abundant Life Fellowship @ 4:30 tomorrow, July 11!

I’ve officially join the Work Out Center.  Bye-bye belly!  Dean Stokes, a friend of mine from our softball team, is going to make sure I do this right.  He should know.  His arms are bigger than my  head.  This will be a new discipline for me.

I’ll keep you posted.