Michael and Dawn Newsletter September 2020

Friends.....

I trust you’re doing well….  Our world is filled with unrest and uncertainty.  But we can find rest in Christ…and certainty that whatever comes our way God knew all about it before it ever happened and He is God enough and His grace is more than enough to see us through - and beyond.  Big News!!  My new book, Faithful, is now available.  You can purchase it at Amazon, or order a copy through my website: michaelmasonministries.com, you can email me at michael-mason@charter.net.                                        …Also, some time in the next six weeks I hope to have new music recorded.  It will be available in digital format and then on CD and flash drive.  The recording will be a collection of songs that point to hope in Christ.  More about that next month…

I’ve been working on a message out of Acts 19, which is filled with surprises.  Have you ever been surprised at the way God answered a prayer or the way He worked in your life?  May God help us stay open to His surprises.  We like to keep Him neatly packaged, in a box, a bag, a building.  Good luck with that. We like a neat package - a predictable God.  We like a  comfortable, convenient source of grace and goodness.  But when God steps out of bounds and surprises us we have to spin the story to Keep God in our Box…our bag…our building.  Why don’t we let Him out of the box and let ourselves believe in a God bigger than our ideas, presumptions, and theologies?  And rest in His consistent surprises. Andy Andrews says we need to see beyond the Box…  God is Love… And extends love to anyone breathing.  His love is boundless stretching beyond skin or sin.  But don’t confuse His love with license.  He so loves us and calls us to so love Him – with all out heart, mind, soul, and strength.  God is Holy… And just and righteous and serious about sin.  He is holy and he calls us to holiness.  And Jesus is the only way. God is Faithful… And steadfast, the same yesterday and today and forever.  He is faithful but he’s not a formula.  He’ll sit on a well with a Samaritan woman who’s been married 5 times.  He’ll touch a leper.  He’ll eat with a tax collector.  #beyondthebox                                   ….If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church…We are available for Revivals, Conferences, Retreats, and Special Events.  Thank You…     

Michael’s Preaching Schedule 2020

September

13-16 Bovina Baptist, Vicksburg, Miss

20-23 cancelled

27 Victory Baptist, Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

October 4-7 FBC Jonesville, La. 

11-14 FBC Brewton, Al.

18 Providence Bap, Hatton, Al.

25-28 Harmony Bap, Moulton, Al.

Dawn’s Speaking Schedule 2020

Sept 13 Bovina Bap, Vicksburg, Miss

Sept 20 Flint Baptist, Decatur, Al.

Nov 6-7 19th Ave Bap, Hattiesburg, Miss

Visit: michaelmasonministries.com

Michael and Dawn August 2020 Newsletter

Friends.....I hope you’re doing well.  I’m having a blessed and productive season of ministry.  It seems my preaching calendar keeps changing, but I am still having opportunities to preach somewhere each week.  Also, my latest book, Faithful, is at the printers and I should be receiving copies within the next few days.  Also, this week I will begin recording vocals for a new music-ministry project.  I am looking forward to this since I have not recorded new music in over ten years.  Pray for me and I’ll pray for you that we remain faithful in these uncertain times.  

I’ve been working on a message from Romans 7:15-20.  It’s that passage where Paul describes his struggle with doing what he hated..and not doing what he desired.  Have you ever been surprised by your own sin?  I have been.  I thought I was stronger…further along…and then all of a sudden I am blindsided by some immoral thought, judgmental attitude, greedy desire.  I think Paul was surprised by his sin…His honesty leaves little to the imagination. Sin is no respecter of person.  Doesn’t matter if you’re Apostle Paul or Judas Iscariot – If sin can have its way with you it will.  He remembers being a slave to sin.  He had been owned by sin…a servant of sin…obeying the demands and desires of sin’s appetite.  Imagine this: Your life has been bought by Jesus…but the former owner keeps coming back trying to claim what’s no longer his.  Jesus bought the house…but the Devil thinks he can rent a room. Paul knows he has been saved from sin….Saved from sin’s power but not its presence.  Jesus said we must deny ourselves daily.  Bonhoeffer said “when God calls a man He bids him to come and die.”  Paul said we were to “reckon ourselves to be dead indeed to sin.”   Saved from sin means I am no longer a slave to sin – I have a new master – and I am called to do what He says.  

If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church…We are available for Revivals, Conferences, Retreats, and Special Events.  Thank You…     

Michael’s Preaching Schedule 2020

August

2 Central Baptist, Florence, Al.

9 Lebanon Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

16 Victory Baptist, Moulton, Al.

23-26 Serenity Baptist, Somerville, Al.

30-Sep 2 Bethel Baptist, Arley, Al.

September

13-16 Bovina Baptist, Vicksburg, Miss.

20-23 Topeka Baptist, Jayess, Miss.

27 Victory Baptist, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. 

Dawn’s Speaking Schedule 2020

Aug 16 Victory, Bap. Moulton, Al.

Sept 13 Bovina Bap, Vicksburg, MS

Sept 25-26 Parkview Baptist, Decatur, Al. 

October 3 Lee Heights Bap Florence, AL

October 16-18 No Limits Retreat, Shocco Springs, Talledaga, Al.

Nov 6-7 19th Ave Bap, Hattiesburg, Miss

Visit: michaelmasonministries.com

Michael and Dawn July 2020 Newsletter

Friends,                                                                                              

I hope you’re doing well.  I really thought when I wrote last month’s newsletter that I was back on track and I’d be busy preaching again.  I was wrong.  I had several more cancellations in June and early July.  Beginning this coming Sunday, I am busy every Sunday through mid-November unless the Covid strikes again.  And I promise I have written a new book.  I had hoped to have it in hand by now…but I am believing I will have it by this time next month.  It’s titled Faithful.  I am grateful for God’s faithfulness to me.  If I am in any way faithful to God it is because He has been faithful to me. 

Here’s a brief devotion from Psalm 37:1-9  Notice, first of all, Don’t Fret.  37:1  The idea is that of not being worried and consumed with fear. How many of us have ever changed the outcome of a situation by worrying?  We should take our concerns to the Lord.  We should lay our burdens at His feet. ….Notice also, Don’t Quit. 37:3-5 The Psalmist writes about trusting. Delighting.  Committing.  Quitting is not an option.  Do you know anyone who quit?  They walked out on their marriage or family?  They quit church?  They quit doing the right thing? Don’t quit. Trust.  Delight. Commit.  ….Notice also, Don’t Cheat. 37:8  Life is full of short-cuts. Sometimes we choose to cheat, to get by with dishonesty.  You can choose to cheat on your spouse, cheat at work, or cheat in life. Be faithful friend. And He will turn your sorrow to joy.  ….Finally, notice, Don’t Forget. 37:9 Don’t forget God.  Wait on Him to work out the details of your life.  Don’t forget what your parents taught you.  Don’t forget what your grandparents said.  Don’t forget what your teachers said.  Most of all, don’t forget what God said.  Trust Him. Be faithful and wait on Him. 

If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church…We are available for Revivals, Conferences, Retreats, and Special Events.  Thank You…     

Michael’s Preaching Schedule 2020
July
19-22 New Life Church, Falkville, Al.

25 Revival Night, Falkville, Al. HS Auditorium
26 Old Brashiers Chapel, Arab, Al.

29 St Joseph Baptist, Mobile, Al. (zoom)

August

2-5 Liberty Baptist, Crossville, Al.

9-12 Lebanon Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

16 Victory Baptist, Moulton, Al.

23-26 Serenity Baptist, Somerville, Al.

30-Sep 2 Bethel Baptist, Arley, Al.

Dawn’s Speaking Schedule 2020

Aug 16 Victory, Bap. Moulton, Al.

Sept 13 Bovina Bap, Vicksburg, MS

Sept 25-26 Parkview Baptist, Decatur, Al. 

October 3 Lee Heights Bap Florence, AL

October 16-18 No Limits Retreat, Shocco Springs, Talledaga, Al.

Nov 6-7 19th Ave Bap, Hattiesburg, Miss

For more info…    michaelmasonministries.com.

Michael & Dawn Newsletter June 2020

Friends...

My friend and mentor Junior Hill has nicknamed me “Cancellation-Mike.”  Ha!  I have had a number of cancellations on my preaching schedule due to the Covid19.  While it is true I have not been busy preaching, I have been busy with other ministry projects and opportunities.  Such as, completing my latest book, starting the process of recording a few songs, mentoring ten men, Iron Sharpening Iron, and preparing new messages.  I hope to have my new book in hand by the time I write next month’s newsletter. 

I’ve been working on a message about Jacob titled, Wrestling With God.  I’d like to share with you a few of my thoughts… Catherine Booth said, “If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.”  And thankfully it is often God who disturbs us.  Thank God for His disturbing, His intervening…His wrestling with our hearts and minds.  Sometimes faith comes in the fighting. Jacob’s battle wasn’t with Esau. It was with God.  Sometimes believing comes in the battle. Jacob’s battle wasn’t marked by a dislocated hip but a changed heart. Sometimes courage comes in the conflict. Jacob wrestled all night, and still had the courage to cling…  Sometimes reviving comes in the wrestling. Jacob was prepared for what lay ahead…revived and relieved. Sometimes strength comes in the struggle. Jacob’s struggle would strengthen him for a lifetime.  He would become a tool in God’s hand.  If God is wrestling with you - do like Jacob.  Grab hold of Him.

If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church…We are available for Revivals, Conferences, Retreats, and Special Events.  Thank You…     

Michael’s Preaching Schedule 2020

June
21 Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
July
12-15 Pine Ridge Bap, Union Grove, Al.
18 St. Joseph Baptist, Mobile, Al.

19-22 New Life Church, Falkville, Al.

25 Revival Night, Falkville, Al. HS Auditorium
26 Old Brashiers Chapel, Arab, Al.

August

2-5 Liberty Baptist, Crossville, Al.

9-12 Lebanon Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

16-19 Union Baptist, Raleigh, Miss.

23-26 Serenity Baptist, Somerville, Al.

30-Sep 2 Bethel Baptist, Arley, Al.

Dawn’s Speaking Schedule 2020

Aug 22 New Life Church, Falkville, Al.

Sept 13-16 Bovina Bap, Vicksburg, MS

Sept 18-19 Pineview Baptist. Harvest AL

Sept 25-26 Parkview Baptist, Decatur, Al. 

Oct 3 Lee Heights Bap Florence, AL

Oct 16-18 No Limits Retreat, Shocco Springs, Talledaga, Al.

Nov 2-6 El Salvador Pastors Conference

Nov 6-7 19th Ave Bap, Hattiesburg, Miss

For more info…    michaelmasonministries.com.

Michael & Dawn Newsletter May 2020

Friends, 

I hope you’re doing well.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I have four preaching opportunities in June and a full schedule July thru October.  While the Covid19 quarantine and church shutdown allowed me to complete a few ministry projects, I am eager and looking forward to getting back in the pulpit.   

As I mentioned last month I have submitted my latest book for printing.  I am hoping that will be completed by early summer.  Also, I have written 10 new songs that are in the process of being recorded.  More about that in the months to come as I see the project being completed.  And I am still coaching/mentoring several guys who are interested in growing into the men God intended them to be.  Also, we will start back this month with our men’s ministry “Iron Sharpening Iron.”  I appreciate your prayers.  I have used this sabbatical to refocus on my calling and renew my commitment to the One who called me.   

If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church…We are available for Revivals, Conferences, retreats, and Special Events.  Thank You…     

Michael’s Preaching Schedule 2020

May

17 Southern Cross Cowboy Ch, Arab, Al.

31 Bethlehem West Baptist, Cullman, Al

June
4-7 Rock Springs Baptist, Stilwell, Ok.
7-10 Bidding Creek Baptist, Stilwell, Ok.
14-17 Macedonia Baptist, Cullman, Al.
19-20 Mt Hebron Men's Conf, Mobile, Al.
July
12-15 Pine Ridge Bap, Union Grove, Al.
18 St. Joseph Baptist, Mobile, Al.

19-22 New Life Church, Falkville, Al.
26 Old Brashiers Chapel, Arab, Al.

August

2-5 Liberty Baptist, Crossville, Al.

9-12 Lebanon Baptist, Hartselle, Al.

16-19 Union Baptist, Raleigh, Miss.

23-26 Serenity Baptist, Somerville, Al.

30-Sep 2 Bethel Baptist, Arley, Al.

Dawn’s Speaking Schedule 2020

June 19 Mt Hebron, Mobile, Al. Couples Conference with Michael

Sept 5-6 Tabernacle Bapt, Vidalia, Ga.

Sept 13-16 Bovina Bap, Vicksburg, MS

Sept 18-19 Pineview Baptist. Harvest AL

Sept 25-26 Parkview Baptist, Decatur, Al. 

October 3 Lee Heights Bap Florence, AL

October 16-18 No Limits Retreat, Shocco Springs, Talledaga, AL

           

For more info…    michaelmasonministries.com.

       

Michael and Dawn Newsletter April 2020

Friends,                                                                                            

Dawn and I trust you are blessed and doing well during these days of quarantine and social distancing.  My prayer is that, even though we are keeping our distance from others, we will draw closer to God.  

I find it interesting, that in my March newsletter, I wrote about knowing God. ...Knowing God is better than knowing who, how, what, when, or why.  Little did I know, over a month ago, where we’d be today and all that we would face in the past few weeks.  Neither do I know even now what’s coming.  But what I said was true, and will be true whatever we face.  Knowing God is the foundation we can build on when we’re tempted to lose hope.  These are different days for us.  Never, in all my years of ministry, have I felt so uncertain about what the future holds.  It’s not that I am uncertain about God, His work, His word, or His church.  But I am uncertain about how all the changes will affect ministry, specifically me.  But I do believe, and I trust the One who knew and knows all about it.  He always brings good out of bad.  

In this newsletter, I am not including a preaching calendar for the coming weeks.  My calendar has been cleared through cancellations, and reservations.  I have an unusually busy schedule July through November…but for now I am doing ministry from home.  What am I doing?  1. Dawn and I have been busy each week preparing and presenting video series on various subjects.  We have posted these to social media.  2. I have completed my latest book and have submitted it for publishing.  It should be ready by mid-June.  3. I have written several songs over the past few years.  I have met with a producer and gave him ten songs that I plan to record by late spring.  4. I am doing some one-on-one mentoring for a few men who have asked for help and direction in their life.  It’s new ground for me but I am enjoying it.  5. I am using the sabbatical to refocus on my calling and renew my commitment to be faithful to the One who called me.   

One of Dawn’s favorite sayings is, “Even If…”  Even if things don’t go the way I planned, God knows all about it.  And today I say, even if I have no where to preach for the next few weeks I know God is faithful.  I am trusting Him.  If the past is any predictor of the future, I am in good hands.  He has opened doors for me, provided for me, blessed me, and watched over me in times of uncertainty and unanswered questions.  I am believing He will do it again.    

If you’d like to have me or Dawn speak at your church… Now or in the future…in your church or through any digital format available…We are available.  

Thank You…                

For more info…visit michaelmasonministries.com.

Peace Like A River

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.

There are many things to worry about today.  At the top of the list currently is the crisis of the Covid19.  How long will it last?  What about my health, and my job, and my future?  What about my family, friends, and loved ones?  For Paul to suggest that we let the peace of God rule seems a little extreme…or maybe it’s not.  Maybe it is the right thing to do. Maybe it is absolutely necessary.  Maybe it is our only hope.  But what does that look like if I let the peace of God rule in my heart? For me personally, it means practicing what I preach.  For all of us who are believers it means living out what we believe. 

We need to retreat….not to a beach or to the mountains or to a condo…but to our prayer closet.  We need to run and retreat to a place where we can fall on our knees, and perhaps our faces, and cry out to God.  We need a retreat where we hide out from the world for a couple of hours…..Where we can come into His presence and allow everything else to fade away.  We need peace.  We need the Lord.  

We need peace like a river.  Remember that song?  Peace like a river makes me have thoughts that are soothing and serene.  Like drifting lazily down a slow-moving river on your pontoon or favorite fishing boat.  Soaking up the sun, wind in your face, cool drinks, into the evening hours watching the moon and stars light up the sky.  The picture is calm away from the chaos.  …Birds are chirping, the skies are blue, all is well, and you want to say things like, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”  

I want to change your imagery a little.  Not just peace like a river…but peace like the Mississippi River.  The Mississippi is no ordinary river. Like many of you, I have witnessed the power of the Mississippi River.  I have seen what happens when it chooses to flood everything in its path.  In that regard, think with me about a Peace that rules…as the verse says.  Peace that has its way regardless.  Peace that lets nothing stand in its way.  Peace that can flood our lives if allowed.  A Peace that is overwhelming.  A Peace that’s bigger and stronger than anything we face.

...This peace that rules, is the Peace of God which surpasses all our understanding.  When we see the Mississippi River overflowing its banks and consuming everything in sight.....That is a glimpse of what the Peace of God can do with all the heartache, trouble, worry and anxiety that attempts to stand in its way.   

Paul said, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” The word “rule” in this verse is from the Greek word brabeuo, which in ancient times was used to describe the umpire or referee.  Paul uses this word to explain that the peace of God can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. When emotions attempt to throw us into a frenzy, we can stop it by making the choice to let God's peace rule.  When we do, we are allowing God's peace, like an umpire or referee, to call “Time Out.” 

Col 3:15 could be translated:

“Let the peace of God call the shots in your life....”

“Let the peace of God be the umpire in your life and actions....”

“Let the peace of God act as referee in your emotions and your decisions....”

Imagine a referee standing in the middle of the field.  He has made the call even though most of the crowd disagrees with him.  Some are throwing cups and bottles onto the field.  Some are shouting obscenities.  Some are gathering their things and leaving in a rush.  But the referee’s word stands.  He won’t reverse his decision.  It’s done.  PEACE blows the whistle on chaos.  The peace of God that rules in our hearts has the final say.  

Friends, during this season of uncertainty you can be certain God is awake, alert, alive and well.  He is a good God in bad times.  The God on the mountain is still God in the valley.  We must practice what we have preached and live what we have believed.  Our hope is not in political parties. financial prosperity, or in influential people... Our hope is in the Lord.  May the peace of God rule in our hearts.