On Thursday, I shared a message with the men in our church on the discipline of the mind. It is important to focus on the things Paul taught us in Philippians 4:8 and to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), one that is focused on humility and sacrificially helping others. I shared the following story with our men and I hope this example of godly thinking encourages and blesses you.

Lt. General William Harrison was a heavily decorated soldier. General Harrison was a West Point graduate and participated in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. During WWII he was the assistant commander of the 30th Infantry Division, the number one division according to General Eisenhower. He was wounded in combat in France in WWII, and won nearly every award except the Congressional Medal of Honor. At the beginning of the Korean War he was Chief-of-Staff of the United Nations Command. General Harrison was a very brilliant and busy man and General Harrison loved the Word of God. When he was a 20-year-old West Point Cadet, he began reading the Old Testament once a year and the New Testament four times a year. He lived until he was 91 and by that time he had read the Old Testament seventy times and the New Testament 280 times. Those closest to him said the Scriptures governed every facet of his life. People were amazed at his knowledge of Scripture and also how he applied the Word of God to every area of life. (See Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Man, p. 76-77, and also General Harrison's online biography.)

Speaking of positive role models, I am looking forward to preaching about Uriah from 2 Samuel 11:5-13 this Sunday. We will look at David's attempt to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, and we will observe the life of Uriah, a biblical figure that most are unfamiliar with. Many remember him simply as Bathsheba's husband whom David killed. But there is much more to this man. He was a man who cared for the things of God; he was a military man and one who was disciplined and dedicated in his service to the king. In fact, Uriah was one of David's mighty men, mighty warriors (2 Samuel 23:39). Please pray for me as I share God's Word on Sunday morning. Ask God to visit us in power and to change lives. Thank you.

Also, on Sunday we will observe the Lord's Supper. This will be a very meaningful time as we reflect on the love of God poured out on us through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Pray for Terry, please, as he helps us to observe the elements during our time of praise and worship. This is going to be a meaningful experience of worship.

I am grateful for the way God is working in our church as we make the necessary changes to become relevant and reach those far from God. God blessed us with 44 new members on Sunday. What a beautiful sight to see people from those different ages and stages in life! We are becoming this radiant, multigenerational church; it is God working among us and I praise and thank Him. I do encourage you to continue to invest in people, love on them, and invite them to your Bible Life class, small group, and corporate worship.

Each week we have many first-time guests here at GHBC. Last Sunday, a 21-year-old UT student told me that God woke him at 1:00 am on Sunday and impressed on him that he was to go to church. He had not been in church in years, and he showed up! It was great talking to him. Of all the churches he could have attended, he chose this one. God is even waking people up from their sleep to get to Great Hills.

There are many events and activities happening through GHBC. Take a minute and look at our weekly announcements.  You can always call our church office at 512.343.7763 if you have a question.

I ask you again to please pray for me as your under-shepherd as I preach God's Word on Sunday and give leadership to the body of Christ here at Great Hills. Also, take some time this week to prepare your heart for worship, and invite someone to join you. I believe there are more people in Austin willing to hear about Jesus than there are those of us willing to tell them about Jesus. Try it this weekend--when you meet people, smile and say something like, "Hey, I would love to have you join me Sunday morning for worship at GHBC at 11:00 o'clock." You will be surprised at the response.

See you Sunday.

Danny Forshee

Philippians 2:3-5