Bobby Lepinay

May 22nd

Its funny how a day merely rolling over to another calender day can spring an unexpected emotion without you really thinking about it.

I woke up this morning with a sense of hollowness and realized it was May 22nd.  4 years ago this day, my beloved "Pop" passed from this earth.  Lately, he and my mom, both passed, have been showing up in my dreams as they were 20 years ago.  Someone told me you never fully get over the passing of your parents.  

I suppose that is true.

Grace,

PB

Does God Care?

Without question, one of the hardest things to deal with is the fact that in this world, there is failure. We live in a fallen world. Bad things happen.  

And often to good people.

This of course raises the question of does God really care?  Or did He just create the universe and then kind of leave us to ourselves.

This past week, I had a great "God moment". One day, as I was driving away from the house, I had left my pup, Mia, in the backyard. The thought crossed my mind as I drove away, "What if Mia somehow got out?" In my mind, I said, and asked, "Lord, would you help her?"

Later that evening, I got home late and went to the back door and let her in.  She was unusually excited and happy to see me. It was unusual but I didnt think anything about it.

The next day, I hear a knock on the front door.  I go to open it and there is a young boy that I recognized from around the block who I see occasionally when I go for a run.  He introduced himself as Charley and said that he was in 5th grade and lived around the corner.  Then he proceeded to tell me this:

"I just felt you needed to know what happened yesterday.  Late in the afternoon, I just so happened to go out to the frontyard and I saw your dog. I recognized her from when I see you walk her, and as head of the PRA, I felt I needed to rescue her and somehow help her get back home."

I asked him what the PRA was.  He responded, "The Pet Rescue Agency.  I made it up and I am the President of it."  I grinned and said that was so cool.  He continued, "As a part of the PRA, I felt responsible to help Mia.  Do you know that she is a gift from God?"

We continued talking and he told me that she was really hungry so he fed her 2 cans of dog food. Then with the food, he lured her back to my house, where he discovered the gate has been left ajar, which is how she got out.  He closed the gate and trusted she would be ok once he secured it. He then asked me how well she was trained.  I told him that the one thing I could not seem to do was break her from pulling when I walk her.  He said, "What should I call you....?".  I said, "Mr. Bob is fine."  He said, "Mr. Bob, I would love to help you with that, as I am really good with animals.  Would it be ok with you if I come over and take her for walks?"  I said, "Absolutely, Charlie."  Then he asked, "And I noticed you have a trampoline in your backyard....would it be ok if me and my friends come and jump sometimes?"  "Absolutely", I replied.

So here is the rest of the story.  That afternoon, Charlie and his 9 year old brother and my new neighbor's son, came over and laughed and jumped on the trampoline that since my kids are grown, is never used.  Then they took my dog on a walk.  Then, his parents came over to meet me and asked what I do.  I told them I was a Pastor and gave them an invite card and talked to them about our youth group for the kids.  I had never met them in my living here 20 years and them over 10, but we talked and got to know each other.

And every single day, my new friend Charley, his brother and my neighbor have come to the backyard and laugh and jump on my once neglected trampoline.

God DID take care of Mia. And above and beyond, blessed some boys and blessed me in the process with hope for young kids, as well as the joy of hearing innocence and laughter in my backyard once again.

God is good.  All the time.

PB

 

God Speaking

A few weeks ago I had a discussion with another fellow believer who did not believe God speaks today. His position was that when God gave the full canon of Holy Scripture, that was it. For the record, it is called Cessationist Theology, God ceased speaking with the Apostles and Prophets.

Hmmm.....funny. God spoke to me today. Very clearly as well.

I could count on one hand in 30 plus years as a believer that I have heard an audible voice. Most of the time it is an impression, only unlike human impression, Divine impression comes with pressure and weight. The only way I can describe it is like a thumb pressing down on you with increasing pressure.

The thought not only wont leave. It presses heavier as each moment and each hour passes.

Case in point ,today. I woke up with a distinct sense God was wanting to speak to me. A thought came. Frankly speaking, I didnt like the thought. It would require sacrifice. I brushed it off and went to read my Bible. Bam. In my days reading, the thought was reinforced, like a hammer hitting a nail a 2nd time.

Then, I go to check my email. Someone who never emails me said they felt to send something. Of course, it only reinforced a 3rd time what I now knew God was saying. Within the hour, I committed my will to it, which is always the hard part.

You are probably wondering what God spoke. One of the things that makes God speaking so precious is that most of what He says is just for us, in our love relationship with Him as our Father in Heaven. So, no go. :)

I am so thankful God still speaks.

Pastor Bobby

Experiencing Perfection

I love a good steak. When I am out of town, my first decision is, "Where can I find a good steak?" Last week, I felt I needed a break. U had preached a solid 14 straight weeks and with other things, I felt in need of a few days reprieve. Priceline to the rescue, 2 nights in Destin, weather perfect. So, i arrived here around 5. First order of business, eat. I did a google search for besf steak. Ruth 's Chris Steakhouse. I have had many a steak. But I forgot. Ruth's is perfection. 8 oz fillet, topped with lump crab, with a side of creamed spinach and a glass of house Cab. Perfection. I will be resting, reading, praying, journaling tomorrow then going back Thursday. But for tonight, i can say I experienced perfection and though it cost 90 dollars, it was worth every penny. To enjoying God's gifts, PB

The Joy of Baptisms

This past Sunday evening, we had more people baptized at Harvest.  This time we did it out at Pensacola Beach at the Boardwalk.  I LOVE doing it out in public, as people ask questions! :)

First off, at Harvest, we believe it is important for every believer to be baptized by immersion after they have made a fully aware decision to follow Jesus.  This differs from what I experienced as a Catholic before I fully surrendered to Christ, infant baptism.  The symbolism is that we share in Christ's burial by going into a 'watery grave', under the water, then are raised as He was raised to newness of life.  

There is something that is always special and full of joy at being present when people are being baptized.  I love hearing their stories beforehand of what this event means to them.  If you would like to be baptized next time, let us know by emailing the office at [email protected].  We will be out at the Boardwalk again in July.

Love you guys!

PB