Good Morning Lord!

I love the early mornings. There is nothing like rising to see the sun greet the day. It is God's welcome to the world. He reminds us that He is still in control; there is no need to panic and He is watching out for us.

I read that the sun is on average about 93.5 million miles away from the earth and that the surface temperature of the sun is about 11,000 degrees farehheit and that it takes about 8.3 minutes for the heat of the sun to reach the earth. This means that the earth is perfectly positioned close enough to the sun that it will not burn up and too far away that it will freeze up. Wow! God is awesome don't you think?

As I reflect on this, I am fortified in my spirit that God is really seated on His throne and that all I need to do is worship the God of the universe. This day is already mapped out by God; He knows what will happen and He knows how to guide me throughout these next twenty four hours. Thank you Lord. I look to you for your wisdom and strength.

What is true for me is true also for you. Do you think you can entrust these next few hours to the Lord? Let Him lead you through whatever will happen during the course of your day.

Resting in Him,

Jay

A Changed Life

I had a wonderful time yesterday baptizing a new convert to Christ in water in a lake not too far from our church. Brooke had recently come to know Jesus as her personal Savior and in her desire to follow the Lord in His example of being baptized in water, she asked if I would baptize her. Of course, I said, "Yes!" Brooke loves the outdoors and asked me if we could do the baptismal service outside. Pastor Eric and I followed her to the lake where he was able to capture the moment on video, and there in the beauty of God's creation, Brooke was immersed in water as her father watched with deep gratitude to the Lord.

I never get weary of seeing people baptized in water because it signifies a changed life; a forgiven life and an empowered life. Even though Jesus died over two thousand years ago, his death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God still produces powerful changes today in the hearts of those who turn their lives over to Him. Salvation is a beautiful gift! Praise God!

How has your salvation changed your life?

Loving God!

Jay

Doing Ministry Together

Today is Tuesday and I love Tuesdays beacsue I have our Team Meetings on this day. This is the day that our Pastoral and Administrative Team meet to pray and plan together. Our time is rewarding becauase it allows us to come together and share our thoughts, our dreams, our challenges and our victories with each other. Where else can that happen?

What I love about being with the team is that it is a constant reminder that God wants us to do life and ministry with those we love and appreciate. I think that what God allows us to experience on a micro level with everyone who works at Solid Rock is also true on the macro level! God, in general, wants us to experince life together with those we love. In fact, life becomes so much more satisfying and fulfiling when we share the journey with others who want to move in the same direction.

How about you? Are you doing life with people you love?

Together in the journey!

Jay

Laboring No More (for today)

It is Monday morning (Labor Day)and I am enjoying a day with the family. Times of rest and a change of pace is good. It is wonderful to be able to hang around with the kids with no agenda; no place to go; no person to meet and no chore to complete. Well, can I hear someone say, 'Praise the Lord!' I plan to kick back and smell the roses so to speak.

You know what I have also observed? The kids seem to enjoy the laid back, lazy times as well. They seem to relax more and to be able to relate with each other in more encouraging ways. I love seeing them interact with each other.

The boys are sleeping (what else is new) at the time of writing; the girls are painting by numbers and Danna is working in the kitchen. As for me, I am sitting on my Lazy Boy laboring over this blog. Well, isn't life good. My big hope is that this day goes by slowly so that we can capture each moment.

Have a great Labor Day!

Jay

God's Creative Genius

Danna and I have just returned from Wyoming where I attended Executive Meetings for Priority One - a world Missions Organization that emphasizes the building of Bible Schools and Seminaries. I really believe that the training of nationals is the most effective way of advancing the Kingdom of God. I was so grateful to be a part of something that is changing the world.

However, while in western Wyoming, I saw majesty in the mighty Teton mountains; it was spectacular and breathtaking. I sensed God in the wide open spaces and in the big sky and I felt humbled by the awesomeness of God who created it all. God, you are beyond description. I love you!

I think we need to take more time to reflect on and enjoy what God has given us. What about you?

Have a God filled day.

Jay

Father's Day - Finally.... Closure!

Just a few days ago, my family (all seven of us) went to Canada to finally lay to rest my father who was killed in a car accident on March 16th. His Memorial Service had been a long time coming as we waited for my mother to recover from her injuries. On Wednesday, June 16th, exactly three months following my dad's death, we gathered as a family in Mississauga, Canada, along with special friends from all over the world, to reflect upon and celebrate the life of Reginald M. Bailey. He was 78 years old and a wonderful person. The very last words I heard my dad say were, "Please give Danna and the kids a kiss and hug for me." Those words still resonate in my heart as I think about our final phone conversation we had the day before his death.

Final words are important and I am so thankful for words that bring life and inspire love. Such were the words that flowed between my father and me. I am glad that he called me on Monday, June 15th. I, nor he, knew that the next day would be his last day on earth. When I think about that it really reinforces how fragile life can be.

Today is Father's Day and I am thinking about my Dad. Dad, I love you and I thank you for investing in my life and helping to shape me into the person I am today.

Please know that even though you are no longer with us, you will never be forgotten.

Your son,

Jay

Hallelujah!!!

It is Wednesday morning and at the time of this writing, my mother, brother and sister in law are flying back to Jamaica after my mum's extended medical convalescence in Miami. I cannot tell how thankful I am to God for bringing her through a very difficult recovery from injuries incurred in a car accident back in March. Her journey has been long and hard but God's faithfulness is infinite and personal and I feel a deep sense of gratitude to Him for taking care of my mother.

We never doubted God's power to heal and restore her but watching her struggle is not easy and it can sometimes leave you drained but I am reminded of the Scripture that says "...weeping may endure a for a night but joy comes in the morning." We have wept and prayed but now we are rejoicing and praising God.

Enjoy Jamaica mum and may God continue to strengthen you every day. You are loved very much.

So thankful,

Jay