I am reporting to you from Encounter 2007....

Encounter 2007 is the men's conference of the Virginia District of the United Pentecostal Church.  It is important for men to come together to strengthen their walk with God and to come to understand the calling that is placed upon a man to lead his family in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our families are a gift from God.  My wife and children are my greatest joy and the Bible gives us instructions on how we are to care for them.  Perhaps, the greatest commandment given to men concerning their wives is found in:

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

I underlined the section that requires sacrifice.  Jesus not only loves the church, but died for the church.  This level of sacrifice is a gut check for men.  Do you love your wife as much as Jesus loves the church?

Evangelist Steve Grimsley preached at the morning service of Encounter 2007.  He made a call for unity.  It is important to have unity within every aspect of our life.  We need unity within our families, our churches and among Christians.  The Bible speaks very plainly of the anointing that is brought by unity:

Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalms 133:2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.

Please pray for unity for the church.  We can impact our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ with a unified front against this world.