Michael Mason Ministries January 2018 Newsletter

Friends,

Hope you’re doing well and enjoying a blessed new year.  2 Timothy 3:14 says, “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them…”  I have asked God to give me a word for 2018…That word is continue.  Continue to seek God.  Continue to serve God.  Continue to pursue His calling.  Continue to study His Word.  Continue to call on His name in prayer.  Continue to preach the Gospel of salvation.  Continue to walk with God, trust God, believe God.  Pray for me as I press on, as I “continue in the things which I have learned…”

In 2018 I will be involved in seminary training for pastors in and around San Salvador, El Salvador.  I will go four times.  My first trip will be February 5-10. If you’re interested in being a part of funding this ministry of teaching these pastors, email me or call and I will give you the details.    

If you are interested in having me come speak at your church or church event I am available for revival meetings, harvest days, retreats, conferences, or any thing you may be planning where you need someone to present the Gospel message.                   

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com. 

and michaelmasonline.blogspot.com.  

  

~ January-April 2018 Preaching  Schedule ~

January

7 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

14 Providence Baptist, Gallion, Al.

21-22 Tabernacle Baptist, Vidalia, Ga.

28 River City Baptist, Decatur, Al.

February

4 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

5-10 El Salvador Ministry to Pastors

11-14 Oak Ridge Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

19 Providence Baptist, Hatton, Al.

25-28 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.

March

4-7 OPEN

11-14 Moulton Baptist, Moulton, Al.

18 OPEN

19-21 Milldale Baptist, Zachary, La.

25-28 OPEN

April

1-4 Eastside Baptist, Jasper, Al.

8-11 Gracepoint Baptist, Somerville, Al.

13-15 First Baptist, Columbiana, Al.

22-25 Southwest Baptist, Hartselle. Al.

29-2 North Shelby Bap, Birmingham, Al.

Thank God For Grace

John 18:18

Peter doesn’t get a free pass on his campfire compromise.  And neither do we.  I’m not attempting to criticize Peter for his cowardice.  Nor am I trying to make anyone feel shame for such surrender to the Enemy’s lies.  But I feel compelled to state emphatically that Peter, who has known the Lord, walked with the Lord, and trusted the Lord, does not get a free pass.  

It’s not OK.  It’s unacceptable.  It is a big deal.  Why?  Because all eyes are on Peter.  How will he respond?  What will he do?  What will he say?  He’s God’s man.  He’s been out front and outspoken.  He left his boats and nets to follow the Lord.  He’s been on the Mount of Transfiguration.  He’s been an eyewitness of the Lord’s majesty.  It matters how he responds.  It matters what he says.  

Of course there’s forgiveness, but if  I underestimate the fault while looking to the forgiveness, I miss a valuable lesson in this story.  What I cannot miss seeing is the power of sin and the power of grace.  It seems popular today to talk more about forgiveness than fault.  But I will never fully appreciate forgiveness until I am willing to completely admit my faults, failures, and my disregard for Christ and His will.  

Yes, we know the rest of the story.  Thank God we do, because it serves as caution light for any of us who want to run to forgiveness without admitting our need for it.  Sin is much more powerful and destructive than I can ever imagine.  And, thankfully, grace is more powerful and sufficient than I can ever express.  Peter wept bitterly.  I’d like to suggest that none of us will ever know God as we could without some serious weeping over our sin.  Sin and its consequences are far more serious than most of us want to admit.  Thank God for grace. 

Following At A Distance

John 18:15

Peter followed Jesus at a distance.  

What does that look like for those of us who are 2000 years removed from Peter’s denial?  How do we resemble Peter’s slack in faithfulness?  I believe we see it in our fear of standing out and speaking up for Christ.  It’s not that we don’t believe, we just don’t believe enough to risk our reputation.  

What will others think of us if we appear too radical, too outspoken, too religious?  What if our faith comes across as fanatical?  God forbid that others perceive us as taking our Christianity too far.  

I don’t think Peter lost his faith or turned his back on what he believed.  I just think he wasn’t ready to be out front and outspoken.  I think that, like many of us would have done, Peter was trying to wrap his mind around all that was happening.  The easiest response was to keep himself at a distance. 

I get that.  The easy response in any critical situation is to step back, shut down, and slip out.  But it's often necessary that someone step up and say what needs to be said.  Someone has to step up...

Maybe that's you today.  It's time to step up and speak up.  It won't be easy.  But for inspiration look at Acts chapter two.  It's Peter preaching on the Day of Pentecost.  God will use you if you will let Him.  Do what God tells you to do...say what He tells you to say...  Be blessed.

Michael Mason December 2017 Newsletter

Friends, 

As I look back on 2017, I am humbled and blessed to realize just how good of a year it has been.  I remember in January asking God to open doors and keep me busy… Well, He did. I have preached in over 80 churches this year.  These were revivals, retreats, conferences, banquets, breakfasts, dinners, and just about anything you can imagine that’s related to church-life.  Wow…it’s been a busy year.  I am looking forward to what God will do in 2018.

In 2018 I plan to be involved in seminary training for pastors in and around San Salvador, El Salvador.  My plans are to go at least four times  I hope you will consider being a part of this ministry of teaching and training these good men.  

I am booking dates for 2018, if you are interested - I’d love to come.  I am available for revival meetings, harvest days, retreats, conferences, or any thing you may be planning where you need someone to present the Gospel message. 

I trust you will have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.                   

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com. 

and michaelmasonline.blogspot.com.  

  

~ January-April 2018 Preaching  Schedule ~

January

7 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

14 Providence Baptist, Gallion, Al.

21-22 Tabernacle Baptist, Vidalia, Ga.

28 River City Baptist, Decatur, Al.

February

4 OPEN

5-10 El Salvador Ministry to Pastors

11 Oak Ridge Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

19 Providence Baptist, Hatton, Al.

25 OPEN

March

4 OPEN

11-14 Moulton Baptist, Moulton, Al.

18 OPEN

19-21 Milldale Baptist, Zachary, La.

25-28 Union Hill Miss. Bap, Moulton, Al.

April

1 OPEN

8 OPEN

13-15 First Baptist, Columbiana, Al.

22-25 Southwest Baptist, Hartselle. Al.

29-2 North Shelby Bap, Birmingham, Al.

Michael Mason November 2017 Newsletter

Friends, 

I hope you’re doing well.  Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is just around the corner…and 2018 is just a few weeks away.  As I look back on 2017, I am humbled and blessed to realize just how good of a year it has been in spite of a few setbacks.  I’ve been busy and I’ve seen God at work in churches and in people’s lives.  I am looking forward to what God will do in 2018.  

This month I want to let you know about an opportunity, I’ve been given, to be a part of helping pastors in El Salvador….  Under the direction of Pastor Ed Neiro, I have been invited, along with several other pastors, to come and lead/teach Bible classes to pastors in and around San Salvador who have no access to seminary training.  These classes would include Old Testament, New Testament, Pastoral Ministries, Sermon Preparation and Proclamation, etc…  Many of these pastors have no means of receiving any training.  Since that is the case, and many of them live in isolated places, Bro. Ed  has responded by taking the training to them.

I hope to participate in at least four of these training events (or more as needed).  In each opportunity I will fly down on a Monday and fly back on Friday.  I will teach the classes, as well as preach in churches where I am invited.  I feel God leading me to do this…and I am asking if you would be interested in helping me go.  Each trip would cost approximately $1000 for flight, meals, and expenses.  You can take a look at much of what Pastor Ed is doing at the website: www.misionesparacristo.com.

Would you consider helping me in this ministry to these pastors in El Salvador?  You can send any gifts for this ministry to my mailing address,(606 Birdsprings Road Hartselle, Al. 35640) designating the monies for El Salvador and I will see that the funds are used for that purpose.  Thank you.

I am booking dates in 2018, if you are interested - I’d love to come.  I am especially interested in preaching for any event you may have that has an evangelistic emphasis.  I am also interested in speaking at any men’s ministry event you may be planning.  I am available for revival meetings, harvest days, retreats, conferences, or any thing you may be planning where you need someone to present the Gospel message.  #impressingon                 

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com. 

and michaelmasonline.blogspot.com.  

  

~ November thru January Preaching  Schedule ~

November

19 Providence Baptist, Hatton, Al.

26 Southside Baptist, Decatur, Al.

December

3 Rock Creek Baptist, Someville, Al.

3 Victory Baptist, Moulton, Al. (pm)

5 Morgan Pastors Dinner, Decatur, Al.

6 Center Springs UMW, Somerville, Al.

8 East Highland Bap.(@Hartselle High School Auditorium), Hartselle, Al.

10 New Life Church, Falkville, Al. 

31 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al.

January

7 Trinity Baptist, Trinity, Al.

14 Providence Baptist, Gallion, Al.

21-22 Tabernacle Baptist, Vidalia, Ga.

28 OPEN

We Stand On Your Shoulders

2 Timothy 4:7

When I was just a boy I remember standing on the shoulders of my father as we watched the parade go by.  He was my foundation.  On my own my view was limited, but on his shoulders I could see it all.  Not too many years ago my kids stood on my shoulders…and not too many years from now my grandchildren will stand on their shoulders.  That’s how it works.

            I’m still standing on my father’s shoulders…he’s 86 and sick but he taught me well.  I also stand on the shoulders of my mother who’s been in Heaven a few years.  She pointed me in the right direction, held my hand as a boy, and prayed for me as a man.  Oh that I could be such a father to my son and daughter.

            Timothy was standing on the shoulders of Paul.  Paul’s course was coming to an end.  He was in jail, but he was leaving behind tracks for Timothy to walk in.  The path Paul walked had been weary and winding…but fulfilling to say the least.  He had no regrets as he faced the end.

            Each of us, who enjoy the freedoms and joys of being an American, is standing on the shoulders of a veteran who served their country faithfully.  Many of them gave of their time, were wounded, away from family for months at a time, and many even gave their life…that I could enjoy a good life in these United States of America.  There’s much wrong in America today…but there’s so much more right about this land of the free – made possible by the grace of God.

·      Timothy learned about Courage.  Paul said he fought.  He stood for what was right and against what was wrong.  He stood up and spoke up.  He stood out and stepped out.  

·      Timothy learned about Commitment.  Paul said he finished.  He was running his final lap, writing his last chapter.  His focus was not on the crowds but Christ.  He was finishing up knowing he’d soon be taken up.  He’d been a good soldier…

·     Timothy learned about Completion.   Paul said he kept the faith.  He didn’t give up, give in, or turn back.  He didn’t stray, strut, stoop, or stop.  He preached one message – Jesus and he knew soon his faith would become sight.  He was eager. 

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”  While that verse wasn’t written to or about the United States, it applies to any nation that seeks to put God first.  To all our veterans who have served to protect our freedom…and most of all the freedom to believe in and follow Christ – You are our heroes and we stand on your shoulders.  Thank you.

October News - Michael Mason Ministries

Friends, I hope you’re doing well.  Hard to believe it’s already mid-October.  This year has been a blur - and in many ways for me, a blur of blessings.  While it has not been the best year for me, it has certainly been a blessed year.  Back in January I was wondering what the year would hold as far as opportunities to preach and minister.  I have been amazed at the open doors… the faithfulness of God… and the generosity of people.  I have so many reasons to be thankful.  I am booking dates in 2018, if you are interested - I’d love to come.   …..I just returned from a wonderful trip to El Salvador where I helped lead a pastor’s conference. I am making plans in 2018 to go there more often and be involved in the training of pastors.  More about that in next month’s’ newsletter.   …..THE wedding was absolutely wonderful. My daughter was a beautiful bride and the groom didn’t look too bad either.  Join me in praying God’s blessings on Will and Alyssa as they begin their life together.  #pressingon                 

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com. 

and michaelmasonline.blogspot.com. 

Prayer Requests: 

1. Thanks for the continued prayers for my dad.  
2. Pray for me, my family, and opportunities to preach.                                                                                         

October thru December Preaching  Schedule 

October

1 Myrtlewood Baptist, Myrtlewood, Al.

1 Blue Springs Bap, Somerville, Al. 6pm

2-5 El Salvador Pastors Conf.

8-11Central Heights Bap, Florence, Al.

11 Moulton Baptist, Senior Adults, Al.

15 First Baptist, Milan, TN

19 Pastor Appreciation, Fayette, Al.

22 Central Park Baptist, Decatur, Al.

27-28 Shoal Creek Bap, Decatur, Al.

29-Nov 1 First Baptist, Winchester, TN

November

5 Ryan Baptist, Ryan, Al.

12 1st Ind Methodist, Flint, Al.

15 Mt Hermon Bap, Cullman, Al.

19 Providence Baptist, Hatton, Al.

26 Southside Baptist, Decatur, Al.

December

3 Rock Creek Baptist, Someville, Al.

6 Center Springs UMW, Somerville, Al.

8 East Highland Bap, Hartselle, Al.

10 New Life Church, Falkville, Al. 

31 OPEN