Elemental Influence

A Follower

2011-05-31T14:58:00.006-04:00

What is a disciple? What does it mean to be a disciple? This can be a heavy word and one that some find intimidating while others find it to be impossible to clarify. I wonder what your thoughts are on the subject.... Do you think about it? Do you ever stop and consider what it means to be a disciple?

Being a disciple is central to Christianity. This is an important topic for discussion if we hope to be the people God has called us to be. Will Mancini considers the thoughts of Scott McKnight and his take on how to determine the type of disciple a church or ministry is producing.
Here is what McKnight he says are important in the mature disciple.

Kingdom Understanding: A disciple is someone caught up in Jesus’ Kingdom

Kingdom Dreaming: A disciple is someone who is lost in the Kingdom dream of Jesus

Love: A disciple is someone who loves God and loves others with everything they’ve got.

Justice: A disciple is someone who is radically committed to doing what Jesus teaches and working toward conditions that reflect those teachings.

Peace: A disciple is someone who is at peace and works toward peace

Wisdom: A disciple is someone who is wise and seeks wisdom

Church: A disciple is someone who lives out his or her calling in the context of a local church.

Here is the link to the full article if you are interested:

http://www.willmancini.com/2011/05/scott-mcknight-reveals-his-measures-for-discipleship.html

Maxed Out on Creativity

2011-05-26T09:41:00.002-04:00

I love to be creative in what I do. I do not like things to be just the same all the time.

Being creative is one of the ways God geared me to do His work. Being creative is not easy, it takes time. There is no doubt that creativity is in the heart of God. So I wonder why we are unwilling to press ourselves in this area.

I believe we must work this into our lives and work if we are going to leave a mark that will last. In my world of ministry, I believe creative work is work that releases the heart God and touches the soul.

True, creative work is hard and not everyone is bent this way. If you are then maximize it. If you are not then surround yourself with those that are.

Here is a good blog by Seth Godin on very idea. Consider his thoughts and let your creative genious begin to show up in the work you do.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/05/underextended.html

Another thought... let creativity work it's way into your marriage as well. A friend of mine challenged me yesterday to take as much time planning a date with my wife as I would on my next sermon. Hmm, this punched me in the gut... Thanks Will!!

Vision Power

2011-05-26T09:34:00.002-04:00

Here is a good blog on vision. Does your church or organization have vision.
Think about how you live: are you living for something bigger than yourself? A vision can help individuals, churches, ministries, and businesses do more because they have the solid foundation of a vision.

http://shawnlovejoy.com/

Running Scared!!

2011-03-21T11:12:00.001-04:00

Don’t Run... God is not done with you yet!”
I Kings 19

How do you handle the obstacles you face in life? What is your tendency when you face a struggle or a roadblock?
On smaller issues we often trust ourselves and even on some-what larger items we tend to think we can manage around the issue. Now when we face a “bigger-than-us” challenge, we either try to handle it ourselves or we run the other direction. This is what Elijah did here in our text – he ran in the other direction. It is interesting that Elijah had just experienced a great work of God on Mount Carmel (ch. 18), but he was still afraid. No matter what you are facing on today, God is still in control and ready to see you through.

What are you afraid of? Are you running the other way? Don’t run; learn to set a pattern of trusting the Lord regardless of the size of the issue. It will build character and deepen your walk with the Lord. Running often is our natural response, but don’t just try to get to the comfortable spot. Let the Lord lead you by His Spirit to where He knows you need to be.

Elijah ran and was ready to die. (Vs. 4-5) Elijah was tired and just wanted his life to end. He wanted to the Lord to be done with him but he was not done with Elijah. The truth is... the Lord is not done with you yet either. Don’t give up. I don’t know what you are facing, don’t throw in the towel or give it. Spiritual growth dose not happen by chance. God is at work and wants to lead you to further along the path He has set for you!

So Elijah whines his way into a cave and wants to have a pity party. But the Lord meets him there and asks him, “What are you doing here?” What about you? God knew that Elijah was running from the Him and the work he was to carry out. Are you running from the Lord? Don’t give up on God, for he has not given up on you. Are you having a hard time at work, relationship, finances, etc.? Regardless, lean into to the Lord and let Him lead you.

God speaks and clarifies His will for Elijah. The Lord will give guidance, although it may not be like we think, but the Lord will certainly reveal Himself to you. (Vs. 11-14) The Lord says, “Go back the way you came...” (vs.15) Some of the fears in our lives must faced and not placed under a rug. They will not go away. Elijah had to deal with His fear and he had more work to do. The work was just as important and just as needed as the previous work Elijah had done. The Lord new He wanted to use Elijah and wants to use you as well.

Read the passage and pray the Lord will give you courage to move forward today.

Good Enough?

2011-01-30T23:26:00.002-05:00

How good do we have to be? Do you like to follow the rules? What does it mean to be legalistic? I think it really is a challenge to live by grace. I know this seems hard, but often it is easier when we can keep score. But Paul tells us in Galatians that it really is up to the cross! The cross is good news! The truth of the Gospel is amazing. Think about and pray through this passage from Galatians.

But when time had fully come,

God send his Son, born of a woman,

born under the law, to redeem those

under the law, that we might receive

full rights as sons.

Galatians 4:4-5

Now this is good stuff! The Lord is good!

The Road Less Traveled

2011-01-10T10:51:00.004-05:00

It was good to be back in the saddle yesterday. I had been away for two Sundays and I am always thankful to get back to preach! It is fun to go on trips, but it is always good to be back home. I am thankful to do what I love. I think we were made to live like this! I can't imagine doing something just because it is a job. I really do believe the Lord made us for more than that. We were made with different interests and talents. We should make the most of them.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

This is awesome to me. I love this! God has made us in such a way that there is work that only we can do. He also has prepared work for us to do! How great is it that God has gone ahead of us to prepare work for us to do! This reminds me that God does have a plan and a purpose for our lives. This is great, but will you take the time to allow God the time to lead you to this? Most of the time we just want it happen quickly, rather than being patient while seeking the Lord.

Robert Frost reminds us:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And this has made all the difference.

Don't just wander down some path that seems easy or is filled with everyone else. I know it is hard but let the Lord lead you down the path he has for you. Take time to seek him and will lead you!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then

you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -

his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

Prince of Peace

2010-12-07T11:31:00.003-05:00

Most of us are quite hectic and frantic during the Christmas season. There is no doubt that we often move so quickly through this season that we miss how powerful the Christmas story really is. I know I can get so caught up in doing all the stuff of Christmas that my mind is frazzled and I am not a peace. But scripture reminds me that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He longs to keep me at peace as I go about my life. He longs to provide peace the world over. The question is... Do we allow him to bring this divine peace to us and through us?

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,

because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

God Will Complete Us

2010-10-18T19:11:00.002-04:00

About five weeks ago I slammed my finger and it has been a slow healing process for sure. Now I am waiting for the nail to fall off. It no longer hurts but I just ready for this to be behind me. It will take time, but in few weeks my finger will look just fine. The waiting is the hard part.

The football team has had a couple of hard losses. These games have hurt so much. I know we will rebound and will get better, but it just takes time. There is no way to know just how long it will take, but I do know that we are better than we have been in several seasons. I am most excited about our bright future. The waiting is the hard part.

I am not complete. You are not complete. As much as we try to fool ourselves we are not complete. Phil 1:6 reminds us that God began a good work in us and he will faithful to complete it. There is no doubt that it takes time. It does not happen over night. The process is the hard part for me and I am sure it is that way for you as well.

John 15:5 tells us that we must stay connected to Christ and as we do, the Lord will enable us to bear fruit. God is good and we can trust his work in us!

This great news and hope for all of us incomplete disciples.

Creativity and God

2010-09-06T13:39:00.002-04:00

I saw a great quote today. "Creativity, God invited it, Jesus modeled it, and the Holy Spirit empowers it."
Do you feel creative? Do you ever pray for it? Sound funny? It may sound like just a bunch of craziness, but I don't think so. If God is the most creative, then he can illumine our minds with His creative bent. God is the most creatively bent, so as we walk with Him it stands to reason that He can make us creative as well.

Take a few moments and read Genesis 1 and 2. Remind yourself just how creative God is.

Pray that God would open your eyes to His creativity just under you nose. Certainly in your front yard or down the street!

Pray for God to bring out His creativity in your life!!

God and Contentment

2010-07-28T09:43:00.002-04:00

What is up in your life? Are you frustrated and angry with your life? Do you wish you could move to the next phase God has for you? You may wonder when ___ is going to come into your life. It could be money, job, relationship, etc.
God is teaching us patience and trust the that he knows best. He longs for us to love Him above all. God is more interested in our relationship with Him than we can even imagine. He will use whatever situation we are in to draw us closer to his side.
The faith journey is one that is forged with trust. Trust holds us to the hope that the Lord is at work even when we may not see it or feel it. God is working and moving in our lives at all times! We must trust that he knows best and longs for the best for us.

Read over Phil 4:11-13 and remember Paul is in prison.

Jesus would say it like this: be faithful where you are. Be faithful in the position you have and we just might find ourselves given more responsibility. Don't make this a formula or think that since you are being faithful God OWES you something.

Just know that God longs for us to be faithful and obedient to him regardless!!

Making Moments Count

2010-07-05T15:57:00.003-04:00

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him..." 2 Chronicles 16:9

I find great comfort in knowing the Lord is longing to strengthen me and work on my behalf. It is so reassuring to know the Lord desires to be the catalyst in my life: for spiritual growth, victory over temptation, to do His will, etc. We can often feel alone and by ourselves but the Lord wants to take each of us and lead us to a place of honest trust in Him.

Westminster Shorter Catechism says:
The chief end of man is glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Our lives should bring him glory. Our lives should give others a glimpse of his greatness. We can certainly live out our days in a life that does not necessarily do this or we can opt for more. We can opt to live a life that is only possible with the strength of God.
Scripture also reminds us that we are clay in the potters hand. We are to place ourselves in the hands of God to be used by Him for His plan and purpose.
So put yourself in the Lord's hands and let Him use you as He will.
That is what Jonathan did in 1 Samuel 14.
He took the lead when no one else would. He was willing to stand alone.
Jonathon was willing to take the leap because he:

He saw the need. 1-3

No one would take action. His dad the King was perched under a tree in fear. The 600 men with him did not know what to do either, because they did not have any weapons. (see 13:16-22) Do you see the needs around you?

He had someone he could depend on. vs.7

We read that Jonathan had his right hand man. This guy was willing to to go with him. Do you have someone in your life like this? The 3am person.

He counted the cost - 4-6

There were no guarantees that all would work out for him. This is true for us too. There are no promises as to how things will work out. So we must count the cost. We must be willing to take the step to be who the Lord has called us to be.

He got the nod from God.vs. 8-12

God spoke to him in a very specific way. There was a very intimate relationship between Jonathan and the Lord. Are you cultivating this relationship with the Lord?

He acted on behalf of others. vs 12

Jonathan did not do this for his acclaim or his fame! He did this because Israel was in need. Are you living this way?

God And Time

2010-07-01T10:04:00.004-04:00

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

Time is one of our greatest assets. We have more time on our hands than we realize. We certainly have time to give. Most of us waste much of our time, while God makes the most of His time. God gives us the example of working out His will in perfect timing. To give our time means we have an awareness of the needs around us, we understand the sacrifice it will take, and we see the blessings it brings to others.

Do you give people your time? Are you willing to sacrifice on behalf of others? God was willing and did! He gave himself as he acted on our behalf for our benefit. In the person of Jesus Christ we see the best example for our daily lives.

Romans 5:1-11 expresses this perfectly.

vs 1 -4 we see the Impact of his presence - We have peace, stand in his grace, and walk in hope. Do you walk in light of these realities? Do you walk with the Lord knowing that you have his presence?

vs 5-8 we see that God's gift was Intentional - Christ died for us while were enemies of the cross. We are powerless to save ourselves. Do you intentionally look for ways to help those around you?

vs 9-11 we see the price of his Investment - The love of God knows no price to high to display his love. It cost him is life. What are you willing to do to reach out and love those around you?

God gave himself will you?

The gift of time is great. It really is. May we make the most of the time God has given us. I am thankful he made the most of his time and we should as well.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T09:03:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was not the easiest of days. I missed my dad and would have enjoyed giving him a call just to chat. He was a great friend and gave me so much wisdom. He helped me grow and be the man I am today. I think about his life and what all he stood for. He made such a huge impact on my life. Much of the impact was not even intentional. I say often, that more is caught than taught from our parents. This is a huge warning to all of us. People are watching!! The way he treated mom and helped around the house, was a great example for me. I am so proud to his son and pray that my life will be more like his a I grow older. I say this, because I saw Jesus in my dad. Like Paul admonished his congregations to follow his example, I want to follow the example of my father. The question that comes to mind, is my example worthy of being followed?
Sigh...
I have a long way to go. But I trust, " That he who began a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it." Phil 1:6

One Life To Live

2010-06-02T09:40:00.002-04:00

Here is an excerpt from a wonderful book I am finishing up. I hope that it challenges you as it has challenged me. Take some time to consider how you are living your life and how you are using the talents you have been blessed with.

"Consider what happens when all of us begin to look at our professions and areas of expertise not merely as means to an income or to career paths in our own context but as platforms for proclaiming the gospel in contexts around the world. Consider what happens when the church is not only sending traditional missionaries around the world but also businessmen and businesswomen, teachers ans students, doctors and politicians, engineers and technicians who are living out the gospel in contexts where a traditional missionary could never go."

From Radical, by David Platt

Pray about how God would lead you to live out your faith right where you live as well spending a week this next year share the gospel in another context. May God open your eyes to the way the Lord is at work and empower you to make radical decisions that will reshape your life forever!

Petrified Believers

2010-05-26T16:13:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen a piece of petrified wood? It looks more like stone than wood. I have only seen a couple of pieces of the wood. It looks cool but it is just there. Hard as a brick and not living. Our spiritual life can be this way. I visited with a friend of mine the other day and he talked about wanting to grow more in his faith. This guy is serving part time in a church and feels as though it has all become routine for him. His walk with the Lord seems stale and old. There is very little life in him and he feels as though something is missing. I hate this for him, because I know I can't give an answer that will fix it. Closeness with God is not fixed with an answer or merely manufactured over coffee. I offered support and prayer. I told him that I believed in him and that I believed he was on the right path. It may take time, but the Lord will speak to him as he seeks Him.

Have you ever felt petrified? Kind of like you are shell of your former self? You may look alive but there is nothing in the tank. You look like you have things together but secretly you know stuff is a mess. Others think your life is good but you know it to be a struggle. I am sure you have felt this way at some point in your life, but God walks us through these times to deeper places of trust. Our life with God is ever flowing and never the same. I think what we need is to grasp what Eugene Peterson called, "A Long Obedience in The Same Direction". We must learn to persevere and to continually run to the Lord as we live out the moments entrusted to us.

I am not sure where you are right now, but take some time and draw aside to seek him. Place yourself in a position for God to work. Allow the Lord the space to move in your life. Abide in Him and you will bear fruit. (John 15:5) The Lord will restore your joy and give you a sense of the refreshing life He longs for you to have.

A Redirected Focus

2010-05-19T15:36:00.004-04:00

I have been tired of my little pickup for awhile now. I have had it for the past 14 years. Honestly, I really do like my truck and will keep it even when I do get something else. But my recent travels to Africa gave me an adjustment on my attitude. I was able to take a long a look at the things that matter and don't matter in this life. I was able to revisit how my life should be lived. I want to live my life in a way that is counter-cultural. This means that I will not give in to materialism when it rears it's wicked head in my life. My truck runs fine but the newER car I was looking at runs much better and the air conditioning works all the time. But even still, I don't feel that I need to have a new vehicle right now, rather I need to focus my life on other matters of greater importance.

I am thankful for our trip to Africa, but it ruffles my materialistic feathers, and man that is hard. I need to hear God's voice of discipline even though it is still painful. God will lead us and will guide us in the way of life, but we must be ready, this journey is not for the faint of heart.

Walking with the Jesus is not easy, but it is the best.

Considerations and Consternations

2010-05-18T17:02:00.002-04:00

Over the next few posts I plan to give some thoughts on our trip to Guinea. It is a great privilege of mine to lead students on mission trips around the world. From these experiences I have been impacted in so many ways. I am most grateful to have seen the Lord at work in many contexts. I leave invigorated and challenged.

I love seeing how God does His unbelievable work in other contexts. It is sad that we forget about the Lord working in our "home base" until we are exposed to his fresh work around the world. We get so used to our life and settling for the status quo, that we need to be shaken out of the dull-drums in order to "see" his work through the eyes of faith. The Lord is present and at work all over this beautiful planet. God is bigger and his arms reach beyond our imagination.

So let me ask you? Have you gotten lost in the day to day of your life? Have you forgotten that God is always present and at work in your life and the community where you live? You need not travel thousands of miles to be reminded that the Lord is always at work. Sure it can help, but it is not necessary to see God's faithful hand at work.

What can you and I do? Ask the Lord to open your eyes. Ask the Lord to take you to a place where you see his work through faith. Today do something for the Lord that you have never done before. This will break up the routine you are in and get you off the comfort seat in your faith.

God is at work. The question is, do we see it and are we going to join him?

Africa - Missions - Etc.

2010-05-07T09:39:00.002-04:00

Our team of 10 will be leaving tomorrow for our second trip to Guinea. We are most excited about the opportunity to go back and work with these wonderful people. The Lord has given us an opportunity to work with some of the most amazing missionaries. They have given their lives(19 years of work) to touch the lives of those far from God. Last year we had such a great experience and we expect to have another wonderful experience again this year. Please pray for us as we go serve in the name of Christ.

We must not treat missions as a trip, rather we must see it as way of life. If missions were just a trip, then we could easily compartmentalize it and go on with business as usual. But the truth is we have to live our lives in way that lives out the Gospel of Jesus Christ daily. We can't take the weekend off or go to work without having the eyes of Jesus Christ lead us. No we must be shaped by Christ in all we do.

"Press on..." The Apostle Paul to the Phillipian Christians

Value

2010-04-25T22:55:00.002-04:00

Where does your value come from? What are you worth? Is their a price on your life? God thinks so. He seems to think that you have great value. Most of the time people allow other things give them their value.

What gives you a sense of worth? Is it your career? Is it your name? Is it your financial status? Most people allow these aspects of their life to define them. The problem is these items in our life can change randomly and often. We are not guaranteed another day let alone that our wealth will last a lifetime. But this does not stop us.

The truth is we must realize that all external value is variable and can't be trusted. We must find our value in the fact that we are loved by God and he displayed this for us in Christ.

So let me ask you again. Where does your value come from? Only when we find our value from the significance God places on us we will never be satisfied. The Lord is overall and in all and when he fills us we are then changed by him. Everything changes.

You have value because God says you have value and that is enough!!

The Great Invitation

2010-04-18T22:05:00.005-04:00

It has been a while and I'm so glad to be back actually. I miss taking the time to write out some of my thoughts. It really does seem that it has been way too long. This morning in my sermon I used Matthew 22:1-14 as my text. The text explains that the Kingdom of God is like a king who invites people to a wedding feast and wants them to come and join him at the feast. But they turn him down. The people are caught up in trivial activities and won't slip away for the banquet.
When was the last time that you gave God the cold shoulder and turned aside toward your own desires. Have you ever turned God down? I have and I am sure you have. My prayer tonight as I go to bed is that I would be more mindful of the opportunities in front of me. I want to make the most of them. May God give us the courage to do all that he places on our hearts. May the Lord take us to new places as we walk with Him daily.

Easter

2010-03-28T22:11:00.003-04:00

I love Easter. It is so much fun. Preaching is always fun, but during the Easter season it is so awesome. It seems that too often we only give it about one day a year and yet the affects of the Christ event are felt for a lifetime and beyond for the believer. Take some time this week and read the passages of scripture that relate to Easter. They will take your mind and heart to a new place.

I am praying for fresh movement of the Lord. I am praying that God would do something in and around me for His glory. Are you okay with the way things are in your life, marriage, or career? Take some time to evaluate what God is up to and what God might want to change or tweak. You never know what the Lord may do, so simply open your life up to him and he will lead!

Have a great day and take care!!

Divine Directives

2010-03-26T23:15:00.003-04:00

There is a point in the life of Jesus when the scriptures say that he set out for Jerusalem. Jesus made a deliberate decision to go to Jerusalem. Jesus knew that he was stepping into the hornets nest, but there was no other way. Jesus knew he must face the ridicule and taunts of the religious leaders. He was well aware that he would soon face the pain of the cross and yet he did not back down.

Jesus only wanted to be obedient. Do you? Do I? Most of the time I run the other way when Jesus is just is leading me further. I must deal with this tendency and begin to walk in full obedience. If Jesus is leading we will be fine. Jesus he overcame, thus we can too!!

Problem of Success

2010-02-16T15:10:00.003-05:00

How do you handle success in your life? Have you had much? Have you had a little here and there? Most people long for success, but mostly as the world defines it. We long to be known. We long to be famous, but but this should never be the focus of our attention. We should not allow something else to take the place God. We can put anything in this spot. For many it is the prize of fame. To be noticed. To be seen. To be heard. Timothy Keller says our hearts are idol factories. This is true.

But how do you handle the success in your life? So let's say your praying for a date? Do you thank God for the date or do you just go on the date? If you start a relationship with that person, is God involved in your relationship? Most of us get something from God and then forget God. We want are stocking stuffed but never give a thought about who gave it or pausing to give thanks for the prizes.

How about you?

As you know, I have been preaching through Nehemiah and it has been awesome. In chapter 6 he tells us that the wall has been completed, but he does not stop there. In chapters 8 and 9, Nehemiah leads the people worshiping the God who has delivered them. They have been in Exile and now 42000+ inhabitants read the Law and confess their sins. There is a sense that the people once again have the privilege of corporately worshiping the Lord their God.

Here is the deal. Nehemiah did not forget and neither should we! He honored the hand that led him to this point. He remembered the Lord and worshiped. I think we would do well to follow his example.

Dealing with Opposition

2010-01-31T17:28:00.002-05:00

I have been preaching through Nehemiah over the past few weeks and have just loved it. The book gives us a glimpse of how the Lord has lead Nehemiah back to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the wall around the city. He has approached the King and has been given the freedom to go ahead with his plans. The only problem is that he begins to face detractors. He is criticized, beat down by various lies, engulfed with accusations, but he still marched on.
Have you ever had this problem? Have you ever set your mind to a task and decided to move in a certain direction only to have those around be the first to offer a thousand reasons why you shouldn't proceed. People always seem to be there to tell you what not to do. Often your dreams and my dreams die at the hands of those standing up in judgement of these plans. You have a dream and set the plan but can't get anyone to buy in.
Nehemiah had plenty of people that wanted to stop him, but he was able to make through the storm and make the most of the dreams God had given him. The question for you and me is not if we will have opposition, but how will we respond to opposition when we face it. Nehemiah chose to pray, stay the course, and act with integrity. How will you respond.

Go back and read the book of Nehemiah. Take some life lessons from and allow God to some amazing work in your life and the lives of those around you.

Ask yourself these questions:

What is the vision God has given me?

What are the obstacles in my way?

How am I responding? How should you respond?

Are trusting God with your plans and the work he wants to do in and through you?

VISION

2010-01-10T18:08:00.003-05:00

Are you living with vision? Do you live your life on point or do you live a distracted life? The reason I ask this is because most of us don't feel that we have a clue about the direction that God wants us to move in. We live our lives in such a way that we can so easily get off track. Many live in reactionary mode rather than being proactive about their life.
The point is that God has a plan and a purpose for you and for me. We can live on focus because God will give us an opportunity to live out the life He has in fact called us to and made us for.

God wants you to have vision so you can make the most of your life.
Ask yourself these questions:

What is my experience? (the good, they bad and the ugly) Basically all of your life experience.

What are my desires? (this is what you love and enjoy)

What is God up to in my life right now? This means that you are actively seeking Him daily.
It is hard to see a pattern when you are not engaging Him.

What is keeping me from doing what God is calling me to do? Obedience is always the right decision to make!

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Proverbs 29:18

Stop Before You Start

2010-01-04T10:39:00.002-05:00

We spend all of our time running around in a frenzy most of the time. If we don't slow down, we will never make the most of our lives. God wants to do something in our lives that is truly amazing and there is no doubt we must hear from him so that we can follow him in obedience. The challenge for us is to press the pause button or stop our lives long enough to hear from the Lord. If we don't stop we will be pressed by all the other influences in our world. May you take some time regularly to engage the Lord.

Remember: We must stop before we start and when we do:

We are more like our heavenly Father.

We start we gain a new perspective on our life.

We are refreshed and gain new energy for the responsibilities God has given us.

We are able to remember how God has been faithful to us in the past.

We place God in his proper role - overall!

We learn to trust God rather than our effort.

Further Reading:
Genesis 2:1-3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Where has this year gone?

2009-12-30T13:21:00.002-05:00

I sound crazy asking this question. But I really do wonder where this year has gone? I wonder what will this next year will bring? I wonder will this next year be different from last year? I wonder about how my life with Christ will be different? Julie and I long to be parents. Will this be the year? Am I ready for this?
What are you thinking about as we close out one year and move on into another? Take some time and reflect on your life and consider what God is up to in your life and our world.

The Bible reminds me that my life is brief - like a vapor. Kind of like your breath on a cold morning - vanishing is just a moment. Since this is the truth, we would do well to stop long enough to gain a new perspective as the new year is fast approaching.

I want God's perspective on my life.

I want God's best for those I love the most and even those I don't know.

I want to see God work in this world in a way that people would be amazed by his grace.

I want to experience life like I never have before.

I want to make people smile, to bless others, to forgive, be a grace giver!

I want to laugh out loud as much as possible.

I want to jump in the mud and play in the rain. Jesus said that must be like child. hmm :)

What do you want?

December 21 - The Bread of Life

2009-12-21T09:24:00.003-05:00

Jesus was born in Bethlehem which means "bread of heaven". It was appropriate that our Savior was born in this city, because he is the "bread of life". Jesus alone will satisfy the hunger in our souls. He will quinch the great hunger of the world and we have in this life. When Jesus came to this earth he came to give people taste of heaven. He knew that people were tired and hungry for the real thing and he delivered. Stale bread is awful and so is stale religion!
Most of the time are statisfied with some far less than what we are offered in a relationship with the Lord. We are too willing to have our palets layered with the things of this world that will always leave us wanting. What are you satisfied with? What are you allowing your life to be feed with?

Feast on the Lord, his Word, and his will.

Futher Reading:
Luke 4:4; John 6:25-40

December 20 - Where is Your Post?

2009-12-20T18:12:00.003-05:00

This past week while we were on our mission trip in New York City, we were involved in servant evangelism. Servant evangelism has been a practice of The Journey Church since the church was started some seven years ago. This has been a way for them to love the city and also provide the individuals information about the church. We were able to hand out cards and granola bars to nearly twenty-four thousand people. Over the next few weeks and months the church will most certainly see first time visitors from the cards we were able to distribute and some of them will pray to receive Christ as Savior. In fact, this past month the church saw thirty first time decisions from their faithful work in the city. is was great to be a part of the ministry this church is doing in NYC.

This past week were were in five different locations throughout the city. These different sites were our mission posts for the week. We would gather our material and then head our to ministry site to serve the people of NYC with the love of Christ. Now let me ask you a question. Where is your mission post? Where has God placed you to be a light for Him? When Christ came to earth he displayed the love of God in a radical way. God is call us to do the same. Are you and I daily serving the people around us and helping further the kingdom of God in our own zip-code?

Further Reading:
2 Corinthians 5:11-21

December 17 - Christmas Giving or Getting

2009-12-16T21:37:00.006-05:00

I was looking through my Charlie Brown comic book again the other day and noticed a very thought provoking one written back in the late 60's. Linus is asking what we mean when we ask if someone had a "good" Christmas, so I began to wonder myself about this idea that Linus had brought up. What is a good Christmas to you? Is it the number of gifts you receive? Is it how big your bonus is?
The Bible helps us see that the it is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving is the nature of the Gospel. Jesus gave his life. Jesus gave his all. What are we giving this year? How are you giving your life away? Are you serving those around you? Do you give the gift of time to those you closest to you?

"the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom form many."

Matthew 20:28

December 15 - On Display

2009-12-15T07:18:00.002-05:00

In the person of Jesus Christ, God the Father was on display. Tonight our NYC mission team will have the privilege of seeing the Broadway musical The Lion King. I have heard that the costumes are amazing and even demand applause. The characters of the musical are brought to life by the creative and elaborately designed costumes. The actors and actresses wear these stunning costumes in hopes of bringing the crowd into each moment on the stage.
When God sent his Son Jesus he was displaying himself to his people. God the Father was on display and was helping people relate to himself. In Jesus, the Father was expressing his love for people and drawing them to himself. Scripture tells us that if the Son is lifted up, that he will draw all people to himself.

This Christmas consider how the Lord is expressing his love for the people of the world and as he is exalted others will in fact be drawn to him!

Further Reading:
John 3: 22-36
John 12: 20-36

December 13 - Slow Down

2009-12-13T07:49:00.003-05:00

I have been in New York for about a day and the pace is crazy. We have been all over the city and our team of 14 handled the subway with ease. People are going and coming all hours of the day and night, but when I read the the Christmas story there is a slower pace. We celebrate the Savior that has been born, crucified, and has risen. We have the benefit of being on the other side of the story, but for those who first heard the news, there was a different pace for them. The Lord was to be born, but took 9 months for this to occur, the shepherds did not take the subway to the manger, and wise men did not jump on a jet. We hustle around and forget to slow down long enough to really enjoy the season and the moments we experience during Christmas.

Make an intentional decision to slow down and enjoy reading the stories of Christmas. Allow the Lord to use the moments with an old friend to bring the joy of Christmas home to you. Take time with your family and truly be present with them, rather than just thinking they will always be around.
Take a slower pace and drink deep from the Well that will not run dry!

December 11 - A Common Christmas

2009-12-11T13:56:00.002-05:00

We like the flash and the pizazz of Tinsel Town but there was no glitz that first Christmas. A common family in a very common town had the Christ child in very common place - a stable. The baby was given a common name and lived not the life of privilege but a very common life of a carpenter. He worked with hands and made his living with wood. In the end he did his greatest work as he spread out his hands and hung on a wooden cross for the sins of the world. Jesus lived a common life and died a criminal's death - but all this was extraordinary.

You see, it seems that God is not caught up in the glitz and glamour of Broadway, rather he does his greatest work in the common every day experiences each of us have. The Father does his work in our lives in a way that reminds that we all sought after by the risen Carpenter from Bethlehem. They call him Jesus. Yes, Jesus is his name.

December 10 - The Way of the Humble

2009-12-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

I have always been intrigued with the shepherds. They were unknown and not even considered worthy of anything religious. Yet they were given the blessed words that the Savior had been born. No one thought the announcement of Christ's birth would be proclaimed to some lowly shepherds. I like this because it lets me know that it is not important to be known by the world as much as it is to be known by the Lord. This also seems to indicate that God does not play favorites. God is not interested in who we are as much as we know we are his. Are you known by God? Are you pursuing greatness or to just follow after Him? May the Lord trust us with His words as walk humbly with Him.

"Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:11

December 8 - Christmas & Faith

2009-12-08T11:53:00.002-05:00

I love this from the writer of Hebrews:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

This is what the ancients were commended for."

Hebrews 11:1-2

When I read the Christmas story I am struck by the faith each character displays. They hear what the angel has to say and simply trust them to be true. They know that the messiah is coming, but they do not know how and yet they believe. Mary and Joseph have the faith to believe. The shepherds have the faith to believe. The wise men have the faith to believe. Do I? Do you?

When God speaks to you do you believe what he is saying? First of all, we must hear from the Lord. Are you putting yourself in a position to hear from God? God speaks to in all sorts of ways. I have never heard him audibly, but he does speak to me in his Word, in books, and sermons. God reveals himself to us in our daily experiences we have and in the midst of our daily obedience. The real question is am I willing to believe and then act on what God has to say when he does speak.

This Christmas begin cultivating an ear for the Lord. You will simply be amazed at what you hear.

December 7 Jesus Brings Life

2009-12-07T10:49:00.002-05:00

We enjoy a lot of fun during the Christmas season and I just love it. I have great memories of wonderful times with my family and friends. When I lived in Virginia I always wanted it to snow. I think we only had one Christmas snow, but the anticipation surrounding the season was a great part of the fun. As a child I remember thinking that Christmas would never come, but so glad when it did.

These memories are great, but we must remember that Jesus came to bring life to our soul. This does not mean that our childhood experiences are rendered unimportant, just that they are not why Jesus came. Jesus came to conquer death so that we might experience life in him. I love what that the angel said, " he will be called Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." This bring life. All the tensile in the world can't bring life. You can get more and more under the tree, but if you don't have Jesus, you don't have life.

"I am the way and the truth and the life." Jesus

John 14:6

December 6 - The Beginning of Something Real

2009-12-06T18:34:00.004-05:00

What did that first Christmas accomplish?
It is kind of hard to consider what exactly the first Christmas was like, because obviously I have only experienced Chirstmas since then. But I would think that it must have been quite amazing to hear those first words that the promised Messiah was coming. I know that it was challenging and terribly frightening for many, but that first Christmas was magnificent in that God the Father put on a face. He put a face on his love for his creation. How great is it that God came in the form of a man and came to display his love for us.

Remember this: At Christmas we celebrate that God took the initiative in having a relationship with us.

What was different about Jesus than the popular religion of his day?
The religion of Jesus' day did more to keep others out than to help them find a way in. In fact, even the first disciples found in hard to understand that in the person of Jesus they were seeing the Father. The Father was in Jesus and Jesus was in Him. Jesus was authenticating the love and character of the Father in person.

Remember this: At Christmas we cebrate that Jesus was a visible expression of the Father in every way!

How can you and I keep our faith fresh each day?
The truth is we will never keep our faith real each day if don't take time to spend time with the Lord. The sad truth is, if we do not take our relationship with the Lord seriously, the Christmas story will just be another stale story we have heard over and over again. Now, I don't want this and I am sure that you don't either, so take some time daily to spend with the Lord.

December 5 - Speaking of Hope

2009-12-05T10:16:00.003-05:00

So, I wonder what it must have been like on that wonderful night when the angel appeared to Mary? What must it have been like to bring this great news to her? We can only imaging what went on in heaven before the angel come with the great news. Was their great anticipation? Did the Father send for the angel in order to make the message was clear? Did all of heaven look down in amazement at the thought of Jesus being born? These questions and more, simply make us wonder what was going on in heaven that awesome night.
I do know it was great news and brought hope to all. Jesus, the promised Messiah, would save his people from their sins. The great message was that Jesus was in fact coming to fulfill the great prophecies of old. Decade after decade the people had been waiting for the promised coming of the Holy One, the Savior. Now the news of his coming was now being broadcast. Hope was spoken out loud that night.
Speaking of hope... We have the same opportunity when we share our personal encounter with Jesus. To share our faith story, means that we share why we personally follow Jesus and simply who Jesus is. Jesus is our Savior. When was the last time you shared this with someone?

Let me encourage you to take time to share the good news of Jesus with a family member or coworker during this Christmas season. This is one time of the year that we have a great opportunity to share the reason for the hope we have.

Just share the Christmas story and what it means to you!

Reading: Luke 1:46-55

December 4 - The Favor of God

2009-12-04T08:50:00.006-05:00

"I long to see God do work in and through my life. Probably much like you do. In fact, it is more than likely similar to most people who are walking with Christ. We want God to bless us and want to experience the favor of God. I have prayed for God's favor and maybe you have as well, but what if we really don't understand the favor of God.

Consider Mary the mother of Jesus. The angle of the Lord came to Mary and told her that she was "highly favored" and that she would give birth to Jesus. Now this was a blessing to her, and yet she was completely pure knowing no man intimately. The birth for her would mean public scorn and family disgrace. The whole situation threw Joseph for a loop and thus he nearly divorced her, but was given wisdom in a dream to follow through with the upcoming marriage. To put it lightly the situation was muddled and very hard to handle. In short the favor of God in the lives of Mary and Joseph brought pain.

Are you ready for this when you ask for the favor of God? Am I? Consider this as you pray for God's work your life. When you pray for God's favor just know that it just might be painful and present you with challenging circumstances. Remember when God works in our lives or through our lives the stakes are often high and the road can be terribly challenging.

"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Luke 1:28

December 3 - Hope Is In The Air

2009-12-03T09:35:00.002-05:00

I love that Christmas most often stirs within us a deep sense of hope. There is something about this time of the year that I find to be most hopeful but this is not a new emotion for this season. In fact when the prophet Isaiah recorded his great words of prophecy concerning the arrival of the promised deliverer- the Messiah, the people were in captivity. Isaiah wrote of a great light!

How great is the gift of light when we are in darkness? I think of someone coming home and seeing a light that has been left and it brings sense of hope. Personally, I can remember traveling home from college and a light being left on for me when I arrived at the house. I also remember when I would go hunting with my dad and as it got dark I remember being scared. Oh, how the light of my dad's flashlight would bring a sense of peace to the unsettled spirit in my young heart.

When was the last time you were in the dark and light was provided to help you in the matter? Now, it really can be in any type of situation. But one great truth we see readily during this season is simply: Jesus is the light of the world and he longs to be light for each of us. Since Jesus is portrayed as the light of world tells me that he comes to bring hope to the world.

Reflect on this thought over the next few days: the fact that Jesus came to bring hope to the world. If the present reality is bleak or uncertain for you then know that it does not have to be the final definition of your finances, your marriage, or your career. Jesus is hope for you and for me. I need to know this and maybe just maybe you do to.

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of shadow of death a light has dawned."

Isaiah 9:2

For further reading:

Isaiah 9:1-7

December 2 - God in Person

2009-12-02T08:25:00.002-05:00

I truly enjoy the comic strip Peanuts. In 1958 Charles Schulz penned one of his famous comics where Charlie Brown is writing a note to Santa Claus in order to inform Santa of all the things he wants on Christmas day but in the note there is a hint of frustration. The note ends with two frames that say,

"It would be so much easier to talk to you in person.

Do you think maybe we could have lunch some time?"

One of my favorite truths of Christmas is that God came to show His love for us in the form of a person. Jesus is God in person. God with a face on. Jesus put a face on the Father and displayed for all to see what the love of God looks like in real life. As Christians, we have the privilege of relating to Jesus as a real person. Friends, how awesome is it that we have the opportunity day in a day out to talk to God in person? We don't have a dead Savior, "No!", rather we have a risen one that desires to daily minister to us and through us! Are you making the most of this opportunity? Take some time daily to enjoy a simple conversation with Jesus.

"The virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"

- which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:22

December 1

2009-12-01T09:36:00.005-05:00

I hope that you are preparing your heart for what God will show you during this Christmas season. Often we go through the familiar motions of the season and miss what God is longing to communicate to us. When we get lost in the familiar we miss out on the fresh new mercies of the Lord that new every morning. May this Christmas season be as fresh as the morning frost in the cool early morning. The truth of the Christmas story is never old rather it is a grace that we have the privilege of enjoying each new day!

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Thankful or Thankless

2009-11-23T16:00:00.003-05:00

As you go about your everyday life I wonder are you mostly thankful or thankless? Be honest. Be willing to take a deep look at your normal everyday outlook on the life you live. It seems that many of us have a tendency to be thankless when in all actuality you can easily be thankless.

The Desire for More - Entitlement Syndrome
The truth of the matter is that most of us have an insatiable desire for more. We live in a day when we can get what we want and as much as we want. We feel entitled to something and that should be able to get it when we want it. We want our silly little wants met but God says hold on soldier. We can't seem to understand why God would not give us our every desire or why we must wait for the need to be met. The truth is we don't deserve a thing. We are blessed beyond measure and I am so very thankful for that. The Lord is good and every prefect gift comes down from above. It seems that often our requests can often be far less than what God wants to do accomplish in our lives. Are you open to the expanded version of God's will for your life. What if God did something completely different in your life than you think is possible? Are ready and willing for God to do more? We must be ready because when we have God we have more!

Just Fix It - I Can Fix It
Truth be known most of us feel that we can handle our issues without much assistance. We sense that the various issues we face are really not that big of a deal and can be handled without much of a problem. We do not like to ask for help and so we figure out a way to meet the need or at least to mask the issue in order to feel a little better about the situation. So what about you? Do you try to handle the situations you face in an attempt to sooth the pain for a period of time or do you allow the Lord to bring sustained healing to your situation. It may take longer and often dose, but with the Lord there is more. Remember: When we have the God we have more!

Be Thankful not Thankless!

Deep Still: No Formula

2009-11-10T15:52:00.002-05:00

We all want a formula for spiritual growth, but the truth is we have no formula. The Lord longs to work in our lives daily. There is certain disciplines that lend themselves to the work of God, but you can't just use another person's pattern in hopes of having the same outcome. In my life I know that I a consistent dose of prayer(silence) and Bible study. I need to enjoy God more and live out the joy He has placed in me.

We know this much:

We are made for God.

We have the capacity to grow.

God longs to work in our lives.

God wants to know us more than we want to know Him.

Spiritual disciplines provide an avenue for spiritual growth.

Take some time each day to spend with God. You just never know what might happen.

On My Mind - Thursday

2009-10-29T09:07:00.003-04:00

What are you praying for?
What has your prayer life revolved around lately? Have you just been going through the motions? Sometimes I find myself saying very similar things in my prayers, and although I know that I need to be persistent in my prayer life, I also know that I need to make sure that my prayers are faithfully fresh. This means that I need to be alert to the spiritual needs in me, my marriage, and even around me. There are always ways that God wants to work and I long for my prayers to the Father to be directed in this way. Just as Jesus said that he could only do what the Father is doing, this is true for each of us. Prayer helps us see and act on what the Lord is doing.

Who are you praying for?
Are there people in your life that you fail to prayer for? One thing I know, prayer makes a difference. God uses prayer to shape our lives and the lives of others. Are you aware of the needs of people around you? Bring them to the Lord and see how God works in those moments of prayer. I believe that the Lord will work and often in ways that you are not even prepared for.

What is the next spiritual step you need to take?
God leads us and directs us daily. God is always shaping our lives. We are not walking through this life alone on our own island. Are you aware that God longs to lead you in ongoing spiritual growth? It seems that many people get saved and stop at that point. God is always moving and the Lord wants us to be moving along with Him. Life with God is not to be stagnant but one of vibrant creative growth. This maybe overwhelming to you, but I believe spiritual growth must be a reality. One step at time... No one gets over a wall in one swoop. One step at a time. Are you alert to God's work in your life? Some days I am and some times I am not. I believe the pattern of my life should be attune to the Lord more and more. So how is God at work in you? It may be a character issue or the way your treat your spouse. Regardless of what the matter is, God longs to deepen your life and will do all He can to direct you to Himself.

Unified Journey

2009-10-27T14:50:00.002-04:00

The other week I preached Unity. Psalm 133 is such a beautiful passage that really speaks to the heart of this topic. There is so much that we do separately that working together often gets overlooked. Unity does not uniformity. I can be unified around a certain vision and still not flesh it out the same. I may have a similar vision with another person but actualizing this vision becomes the challenge. It seems from Psalm 133 that there are two great blessings from unity and one is seeing the blessing of God on the work being done and the other is that unity produces growth and life. How is unity a active part of your life? Is there someone that you are struggling with? How have you faced the challenge of making amends in a relationship gone bad? What is one step that you can take to bring about the restoration needed?

A Pilgrim's Promise

2009-10-12T22:13:00.003-04:00

Today is Columbus day and it fits with what I shared yesterday. Today is the actual date in which Columbus found this great land we enjoy. October 12, 1492 Columbus landed and began the exploration of our grand land. The Pilgrims were on a Journey and on this journey they experienced every emotion possible as they walked through very challenging moments.
The series I am preaching is on the Psalms of Ascent and they are a group of passages written and sung by the people of God in travel mode. Yes, these Psalms a part of the people's pilgrim heritage. On this journey there was the sense of needed help. Psalm 121 asks this very question, "Where does my help come from?" Our help comes from the Lord. He does not sleep, rather He is very aware of what is going on in our lives. Not only does the Lord watch over us, he is also our keeper. He keeps us and longs to meed the very needs we have.
Take time to read Psalm 121...
We all look for help at some point in our lives. When have you most recently sought help?

Where have you looked for help?

How does it make you feel that the Lord is watching over you at all times?

The Psalm concludes with the thought that the Lord is our keeper. How does this make you feel?
Consider these questions as well as your own as you read through the text. May you sense the Lord's presence as you seek Him daily! This is Lord's promise to those who seek Him!

Step Up - Take a Step Up

2009-10-05T14:42:00.004-04:00

I started a new sermon series yesterday on selected Psalms of Ascent. These are 15 different Psalms from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134. They are rich meaning and very thought provoking. It has been a great to study them and consider how the people of God utilized them down through the years. Consider that these very Psalms being sung as the people came out of exile or consider them being sung on the way to the annual festival celebrations.
How awesome to consider how these provide us with a window in the lives of those who have gone before us. When you read these passages you will see the authenticity by which they address God and even contemplate how He will make Himself known to them. What a joy it is to see the genuine nature of these passages and how they challenge our sanitary way of addressing the Lord. We clean up good and make things look mighty nice for our Sunday morning services, but the truth is my life is anything by clean and neat. In fact our lives are messy, but Jesus gets down in the middle of our mess with us. This means that God longs to walk with us as we deal with junk in our lives. Let me tell you, I need this. I need the Lord to work in my life. Cause my life is messy maybe just like yours. Take some time and begin reading the Psalms of Ascent. I think you will enjoy the dialogue you find there. The word ascend means to "step up" and these passages take the reader on a journey upward to meet with the Lord. So take a hopeful step and meet the Lord in a new place. May the Lord make Himself known to you in fresh way as you seek in these ancient passages.

Taveling Light

2009-09-12T12:04:00.003-04:00

The title of this blog is not unique, rather it came from the book title I saw several years ago. The point of the title fits, because I will be traveling with the GSU football team again this year and certainly need to travel light. I really don't need much with me on the road, but I still have a hard time packing less than I can possibly use.
It is hard to distinguish between what I need and what I might need. I can't seem to figure out just should take with a willingness to leave the other stuff behind. How about in your life? What stuff do travel with that you should leave behind? You, like me, have stuff in your bag that you don't need. I am sure you carry with you past failures that should have been long since dropped. We must not let the past mistakes in our lives to define our present or determine our future.
With this said, we must take what life brings us and see it through the eyes of Christ. When we live with a God perspective, we are able to discern what God is saying to us and wants to accomplish in and through us.

Talking with Jesus

2009-08-30T18:09:00.001-04:00

Everything changes when you have a conversation with Jesus. When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with the Lord. This morning I preached a sermon from Luke chapter ten where Jesus pays a visit to the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is busy preparing for the visitors, while Mary is at the feet of Jesus listening to His words. Martha is frustrated and "distracted" by all that she has to do. Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen what is better and to basically reevaluate her own priorities. Hmm... kind of hard words to take. I know it would nice have some help from time to time.
So let's think about this plot in our world. How does this same story line play out in your daily life? Do you find yourself in the same situation? Do you find yourself running around only to find out later that you are not only physically tired, but spiritually exhausted as well? Jesus is highlighting a great principle for us: we must pause our life to sit with Jesus, because a conversation with Jesus changes everything. When we fail to stop with Jesus, we are implying that our activity is more important, that God's hands are idle when ours are, as well as revealing that we have a lack of trust in God's leadership in our circumstances.
God wants to be involved in our lives even more than we realize. Take time this week to press the pause button and intentionally involve the Lord in your life. Ask God to make a daily difference in and through your live and know that He will.

Remember: A conversation with Jesus really does change everything.

Wisdom

2009-08-11T15:56:00.003-04:00

I have been reading the Proverbs lately. It has been fun to see how practical and helpful these short sayings really are to my life. There is great wisdom to be found there and it is easy to read. If you have not made it through each of the chapters I encourage you to take a chapter a day or a portion of a chapter and see how God reveals Himself to you and applies a truth to your life.

I like this one in 10:9 says:

The man of integrity walks securely

but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Or this one in 3:34-35

He mocks proud mockers

but gives grace to the humble

The wise inherit honor

but fools he holds up to shame.

Or a personal favorite 4:23

Above all else guard your heart

for it is the wellspring of life.

This is just a smattering of the great insight presented in the book of Proverbs. I am sure these nuggets of wisdom will push and challenge you just as they have my life and marriage. Take time to read and reread the passage each day and in the process I think you will find the scripture reading you. When this happens you won't just be getting through the Bible, rather the Bible will be working through you. I need this and I am certain you do as well!!

Walking Across A Room

2009-08-06T13:08:00.002-04:00

I am reading a book by Bill Hybles, Just Walk Across the Room, about evangelism. He presents a very simple idea that is hard for us to grasp. Hybles says that if we will take the time engage people in conversation about Jesus, then we will see God begin to work in their lives. Often we overlook people or dismiss them as unreachable, when God wants to share His grace with them. It all begins with a simple conversation about life and then proceeding onto weightier matters of faith. God can and will use the conversation to help draw the person to Himself. This is the miracle of the way God works. Certainly this is a an act of faith and trust in God, but as we step out in an act of faith God will show Himself faithful.
So, let me ask you a series of questions.

Is there someone in your life that you need to talk with?

Do you believe that the Lord wants to work in each person's life?

What steps do you need to take to begin sharing Christ with people in your life?

drivng crazy

2009-07-22T22:20:00.002-04:00

what drives you crazy? for some people it is as simple as not punctuating correctly, but for others it takes much more. what about you? what drives you up the wall. a slow driver? a mean fast-food attendant? or maybe a it is an attitude of a person you work with.
there are a lot of things that drive me crazy... many of which are problems of my own. like why do i find it easy to spend money on myself but when i see a person in need i clutch my money like i am protecting a child? why do i show favoritism toward a person of means but when i see a person of a lower economic status do i make quick judgements about them?
i get frustrated by the fact that i know the truth but i don't always apply it. in many situations i what to do, but i just don't. i am not completely sure of the reason, but i know that this is the case in my life. the foundational problem is sin - like it or not it is the truth. we are not perfect people and imperfect people will act like imperfect people much of the time. God help us all!!
we are reminded by james to not just hear the truth but live the truth out!!

Thankful

2009-07-12T23:10:00.002-04:00

I read a great quote the other day. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things?"
It seems to me that the small things in life are often the things we overlook, but turn out to be the best part!!
Take a moment and give thanks for the little things you have been blessed with!!

French Press Coffee & More

2009-06-27T21:57:00.003-04:00

How do you like your coffee? I like my coffee early in the morning on the front porch. I like my coffee in the mountains during the fall of the year at the Red Rocker Inn. I like my coffee sitting with my wife at our favorite little coffee shop - The Daily Grind. I miss coffee with my Dad after a duck hunt. I remember having my first cup of coffee with my parents before I went to school. Good times!! Back then I fixed my coffee with plenty of milk and sugar. In college & seminary I drank my coffee black. At this point, I can drink any way I can find it but I prefer a little milk and honey. I found my favorite way to make it - French Press. It is a little more work, but the taste is staggering. The coffee is full bodied and bold as you might expect. The coffee seems to taste a little better and natural. It may be just in my head, but french press coffee is now the coffee bliss my taste-buds long for. It is unfiltered joy. What you see is what you get. I think this is what Jesus intended for us to get out of following Him. I need Jesus unfiltered. He is real and raw but I think this is what we need... yep this is what our world needs. The furious love of God - unfiltered love. The amazing grace of God - unfiltered grace. The mysterious mercy of God - unfiltered mercy.
I need it... You need it... We all need it! and we can!!

Two Thoughts

2009-06-22T05:38:00.002-04:00

I am up early on this Monday morning. I could not sleep past 4am... go figure. So I got up to do a little around the house. I had a couple of thoughts...

Why is humility so elusive? I am not sure, but I know that it is in short supply in many areas of our society. Yet, this is the quality that shines out in the person of Jesus. It seems that among His followers humility is not highly regarded. I know I need more in my life. Lord take me to a place where humility is formed... for I know I will not take myself.

What does it mean to be a missionary in your own zip-code? A friend of mine posed this question the other day. Got me thinking. Maybe it will get you thinking. We need to think more like a missionary as we go throughout our days. May we see our streets like Jesus sees them. May we see people like Jesus sees them. Then life may change for us!!

Taste and See

2009-06-21T17:42:00.003-04:00

Scripture tells us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." God tastes good! His followers should too! Why is that people who follow Jesus often don't look very much like Him? This has always been interesting to me. We must live authentically Christian lives! Lives that live for the glory of our Lord.
John Stott remarks, "We recite the creed in church, sing hymns expressive of devotion to Christ. We even exercise a variety of ministries in his name. But he is not impressed by our pious and orthodox words. He still asks for evidence of our sincerity in good works of obedience."
How does your life taste to those around you?

Fruitfulness

2009-06-20T21:54:00.003-04:00

This won't be long, but my sermon tomorrow kind of got me thinking. What is the fruit of my life? The reality is our lives have an impact whether we like or not. We all leave a lasting impact in this life.
So, what is the mark that your life is leaving on this world? It seems that we must deal with this reality daily. If you and I neglect this truth our lives will very surely not be what God intended. I know that the presence of Christ enables us to leave a stamp on this life that far out weighs anything we can do in our own power.
May we all stay attentive to the fruit we are producing. I love good fruit. I am not sure what my favorite fruit is, but the mangos in Africa were quite amazing! I want others to enjoy the fruit of my life. I believe that God wants each of us to be a blessing as we live out our days on this earth.
Is the fruit of my life Chirst centerd or self centered? I needed this reality check! Maybe you did too?

Africa Part 3: Need Crutches?

2009-06-04T22:20:00.006-04:00

I came back from Africa and realized that we here in our comfortable brand of Christianity depend way too much on various crutches. We often lean on money, buildings, and notoriety, just to name a few, to get our work done. The people that we served in Guinea truly depended on the hand of God to do His work. On more than one occasion I heard our lead missionary mention that the work they are a part of was not "their" work but "God's" work. I was impressed because I am often tempted to think of the work "I am doing" for God. I am selfish and these loving people were selfless. Their lives were alive with God and often I think we are simply dead men walking. I saw evidence of the Spirit at work in one of the most challenging places and often we claim that God is at work here in our context(and I know He is), but after being in the presence of God's work in Guinea I am beginning to revisit how I consider God's work in our world. Do we do our plans and stamp God on it? Do we figure out how to do what we want and then suddenly give God credit to look appropriately religious? I don't fully know the answers to these questions and I am not sure how this shakes out in our context, but I must say God spoke to me about leaning on Him and not just the "stuff" that I am used to propping myself up with.
So let me ask one final question. What are you praying for? What am I praying for? This past week I was challenged by this and I am not sure what the answer is for you, but I know that my prayers are often selfish and small. Our friends in Guinea are praying for a whole tribe of people to experience the Grace of God. They are praying that the Kingdom of God would advance - and it is - in an area of the World that many people consider untouched. But let me tell you the Kingdom of God is advancing here an around the world and we can either get on board or miss out. Let's pray big prayers that lean on the power of God and not just our ability. Let's believe that God can and wants to do something great in our day as He has in days past. Amen and Amen!!

Graduation Memories

2009-06-02T12:04:00.009-04:00

Africa Part 2: African Adventure

2009-06-01T18:33:00.011-04:00

Graduation - Grace Does Abound

2009-06-01T09:18:00.010-04:00

Grace is truly amazing. God really is good to us and His love and faithfulness last a lifetime. I continue to be amazed at how God brings various blessings into our lives. Julie and I are blessed far more than we deserve. I am so grateful for the love that we share in our marriage. We are also blessed with a great heritage of family. Our families have always loved and supported us and for this we are a better couple. Our church family has also provided the needed the encouragement for us as a couple to minister in this community. All of this created a wonderful foundation for me to stand on as I began my doctoral work. I loved each step of the way and I am a better man because of it. I recieved a peace of paper saying that I had earned a degree but I must say that I was graced with much more during the past three years. God has truly done a work of grace. I am a different person. My marriage is stronger. I feel healthier and more equipped to do the work God has called me to be a part of. In short, Grace gifts abound in my life.

Psalm 117 puts it so well:

Praise the Lord, all you nations;

extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us,

and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.

Africa Part 1: Who would Jesus hang out with in your world?

2009-05-26T10:11:00.003-04:00

When you walk into a room who do you look for? When you find yourself in a conversation what topics do you bring up? Often I find myself looking for the people I know. Then I look for the people that may be the most important and most influential. How about you? Do you look for the people in the crowd that are the movers and shakers? Do you find a way to mention how important you are or maybe how important this other person is? If not then you are better than most of us. Most of us do this without even thinking about it. So it may take some time to consider your actions and to be truly honest with yourself about your daily conversations.

Why is this important? As I look at scripture, I see Jesus hanging out with those that are outcast and disconnected from the elite crowd of His day. Jesus did not center His attention on the most religious, actually Jesus considered the value of all people. Jesus soiled His personal reputation for the sake of others. Stop now and think about this. Our Savior and Lord had a reputation of being a drunkard and a glutton. Jesus hung out with drunkards, tax collectors (thieves), prostitutes, and a host of other sickly outcasts. I love that Jesus was a friend of sinners. No other religious leader of His day was. So what does this mean for you and me? What does this have to do with Africa.?

Most people would not see the people that we ministered with and to as important or influential but the thought came to me while walking through these remote villages, "This is where Jesus would be." How would Jesus treat these people? I saw believers in the land of the persecuted living by faith and shaped by the authentic love of God. I saw a sweet community of believers clinging to the precious word of the Gospel. I now see these wonderful people as modern day saints teaching me what it truly means to walk with Jesus. I was humbled and blessed to be in the presence of some of our greatest followers our our day. Followers who will most likely remain anonymous known only by there Father in heaven. They may not have a degree, write a book, or go to largest church but they are faithfully walking daily with our Lord. Oh, how much I have to learn about value in in the Kingdom. I must be honest, I need a daily perspective check. I thank the Lord for His grace to be a part of their lives, even for one brief week!!

Internal Impact

2009-05-19T22:14:00.002-04:00

How long has it been since you have been impacted in a significant way? How does God get you attention? What does it take for you to be open to the work of God in this world? I am not sure how you answered these questions but I know that God got my attention last week in Africa. To be fair, we don't have the luxury of going to Africa each time we need a new perspective on life. Most of the time I believe that we are jaded and distracted from God's purposes. This past week God woke me up to some of the most amazing truths and took me to a new place in my own walk with Him.

All People Matter - Jesus Thinks So
The Ministry of Presence
God is Not A Drive-Thru
God's Kingdom is Advancing
The Necessity of Daily Obedience
A Spiritual Death Sentence - Growing Dead Churches
Poverty in The World
Getting off Our Crutches
Learning to be Dependant

These are just a few of the lessons that I took from last week and will write on over the next few days. I look forward to relating my trip to Africa as I write and hope that you will be encouraged and challenged.

Don't forget:
God is always trying to get our attention. Are you attentive to work of God in your life and to His perspective on this life? Let God do a deep in work in your life. I know it is hard. I put up a fight. Let's let God have His way with us. God will speak and will to take us to a new place of faith. Let's give Him the space He needs and respond obediently to His leading.

The Overflow

2009-04-27T16:54:00.005-04:00

We often think our lives are lived in a vacuum and no one really notices how we live. But this is not the case at all. There is a strong impact our lives have in wake of our living day to day. How often do we stop to consider the way our lives are impacting others. Stop for a moment and consider this verse.

"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Jesus

Whether we like it or not, our lives bubble over and touch others. Our actions are connected to what is deep within us. The truth is whatever we are putting into our lives will in fact be seen by those in our corner of the world.

We must care deeply about the interior of our lives. We must consider what we are taking in less we be surprised- or embarrassed- about what comes out.

The Challenges We Ignore

2009-04-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

I was reading the other day in the gospel of Mark about a time when some people begged Jesus to leave because they were not comfortable with His actions. It seems that it frightened them and I can understand because I have been there. I have been in the place where Jesus is at work and the work He is doing does not fit into my normal or natural framework. This makes me uneasy and really pushes me to limits I am not used to. Why am I like this? What is it in me that only allows Jesus to work in ways that are in line with my certain way of thinking? Why do I do this? I am convinced that I (we) miss the activity of Jesus far more than know. Jesus is always at work around us and wanting to use us, but we shrug it off as weird or unusual, while He is pursuing the greater good of us all. This makes me sad and strangely hopeful about the future. God still wants to work but we must be open. Jesus is always, always working toward the purposes of the Father.

Lord help us to be vessels you can use... Vessels open to your unique work in this your great world.

May we not ignore the work of God... the simple leadings of the Spirit... Jesus be magnified in us we pray!!

Navigating Life

2009-04-05T21:37:00.002-04:00

Navigating life is hard... Often life deals us certain situations that just make us stop... pause... and consider the life we have, the life we want, and the life we are uncertain about. On this rainy Sunday evening I am wondering about my life. What will it bring? What will I give myself to and how will I live out the days I have been given. I pray that I will leave a mark stamped with the hand print of God's redemptive love.

Grace and Peace From Him

Grace and Peace to You

Grace and Peace For All

Grace and Peace Flows Down

Grace and Peace Arises

Grace and Peace

Last Day of March

2009-03-31T14:00:00.003-04:00

March has been a good month for me. I don't know about you, but other than the up and down weather, I have certainly enjoyed the past few weeks. Preaching has been fun, but not the best. I have enjoyed our sermon series of Jesus' last words from the Cross. I certainly have much room for improvement in my preaching. The longer I communicate, the more I fail to remember that preaching really is an art form. This means that it is fluid/changing and should not be static. I am still learning, and I hope to stay on this journey. The college mission trips seemed to be meaningful for all who participated. I am very thankful to have gone to Greece and count it a blessing to have grown so much during the trip. I want to speak to two other "lessons from Greece" later on in the blog, but won't at this point. Julie and I have really had a great month. We are in our best season of marriage yet. She is my best friend and for that I am so very grateful. She is on her way back from Mississippi today. She has been visiting her family and having a great to time with her sister's kids. We have great families and we love them so much. I still miss ya Pop!!

Life Lesson One...
Prayer is a conversation. I really forget this much of the time. I get off into the business of my day and stop talking to God... then I realize it is nearly midnight and I need to talk with Him. This is poor on my part and short-sighted. I want to talk with Jesus throughout the day, not just when I need something from Him or I'm in pinch. I really need to spend some time just hanging out with Jesus and intentionally involving Him in my day... Maybe you do too...

Life Lesson Two...
I realized in Greece that people just want to have a conversation. People want to chat. In fact I need to chat with my friends and others that I bump into. I spoke with many people in Greece and I don't think that I was once turned down... I carried on a conversation with people for nearly hour on several occasions and had the best time. I was able to share my faith with a couple of young professionals from Athens. This happened in the midst of conversation... There is power in words you know... spoken words... written words... the Word. I believe, one of God's greatest gifts to us is CONVERSATION.

Here's some homework:
a. start having a conversation with God - involve Jesus in your day.
b. look for someone to share a conversation with - intentionally hangout with someone.

Your life will be enriched and more than likely changed. I promise!! Mine was...

Culture Connections

2009-03-23T16:22:00.003-04:00

What is the normal rhythm of your life? Is there a normal rhythm to your days? Have you ever thought that God has a rhythm for our lives? I believe God cares about the very days we live and each moment that makes up these various days. This means that God gives notice as to how we spend the minutes that make up the moments of the days we live on this earth. Now that is something to think about. So I ask myself... Am I living in a rhythm that pleases God? Am I aware of His rhythm for my life? Am I aware of His rhythm in this world? Am I connected and in step with His rhythm?

While in Greece, our team was intentionally trying to be aware of how God was moving in a culture most of us had never been in before. It is challenging to consider the pattern of God's movement in our own context(GSU - Statesboro-USA), but even more challenging to consider the movement of God in whole other country.

How do we connect with a culture that seemingly cares little for the God we worship. It seems to me that it begins with being attentive to God, His character, and His consistent ways of acting. This means we must get to know God. It may appear to be simplistic but I truly believe that it is true. We must journey with God and get to know Him intimately.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is this...

"To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Matthew 22:37

A World Apart

2009-03-22T16:23:00.004-04:00

Over the next few postings I will reflect on my recent trip to Greece. I had wonderful time over in history rich Athens, Greece. I was amazed at all I experienced during our 10 day exploration of this ancient land. The people of Greece are a delight and the country is beautiful. There is part of me still in Athens, the experience was so rich I would like to still be over in the country. It was one of the best m-experiences I have ever been a part of. Sharing the love of Christ with people this past week, radically changed me in various ways.

Why do we have travel nearly 10, 000 miles to live with a sense of urgency? Why must we leave for a week in order for God to teach us truths we have heard over and over? Why does it seem that we care so little for the people in our own back yard?

These questions as well as a plethora of others come to mind when I consider the impact of this past week...

Lord I am thankful
I am not sure why
But I am so very blessed
By Your ever present hand
On my life
Help me live anew
Give me courage
Strengthen my resolve
And patience to listen for You
Amen and Amen

Boocoodles

2009-03-03T20:47:00.007-05:00

We are in the midst of Lent. Have you thought about what you will give up during this part of the Christian calendar? How can you give up something that will enable you to draw closer to the Lord? Give thanks...

What does Christ mean to you?

I ran across a great quote the other day from Blaise Pascal that made me stop and think about what Christ truly means to me...
"Not only do we know God by Jesus Christ alone, but we know ourselves only by Jesus Christ. We know life and death only through Jesus Christ. Apart from Jesus Christ, we do not know what is our life, nor our death, nor God, nor ourselves."

So what is Christ to you?

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." Thomas Paine
Let us remember during this season of celebrating our Faith, that Christ suffered for our freedom and we stand on the shoulders of many great men and women of faith.

Press the Pause Button

Has your life spun out of control within the first 2 months of the year? Have you had time to breathe lately? Let me ask you to do something... stop right now and close your eyes. Take 3 deep breaths. Take these three breaths with purpose and allow your lungs to fill completely. Studies have shown that we rarely take deep breaths, in fact most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity.

The same is true of our lives. There should be a natural breathing to our days. This will enable us to live in the peace and rest of Christ rather than the frantic life our world offers. Jesus said if we would come to Him that we would find rest... Lately, have you found rest or have you found yourself busier than ever? If you have not found rest, let me suggest, you just might have missed Jesus somewhere along the way?

Sunday Night Thoughts

2009-03-01T21:54:00.010-05:00

Anger? Who said I am angry?

Do you have a problem with Anger? A good indication may be what happens when you stump your toe. This may not be the best indicator, but I am sure that there are times that you "stump your toe" and something is blurted out that you wish you could take back. The truth is, life often presents us with circumstances that bring out the true character we are made of. In my life anger does not seem to be a problem, but I do get frustrated. I get to various points in my life where I just get frustrated about an issue... the issue may be at work... the issue may be with Julie and me... the issue may be with a sin that trips me up routinely...
How do you handle moments in your life when you are dealt a bad hand? Do you get angry or do you handle the situation with mature grace? Does anger and/or bitterness keep you from moving to a new place in your life spiritually? How can you and I move beyond the place we are spiritually in our lives... For some it is dealing with the anger that is controlling them.

What does it mean for us to give a "prostitute a party?"

Our pastor, Dr. Waters, asked us today to consider what it means for FBC to give a prostitute a party? I am considering this and I am not sure what it looks like, but It seems to me that it means that our lives and ministry will look a lot different than they do right now. I loved this sermon and it has pushed me to reconsider the way I am living... am I being salt in the world?

On Shaky Ground?

A friend of mine just the other day was talking about the state of the economy and he said that times like these reminded him of Hebrews 12 when it talks about things being shaken. The things of this world will be shaken and the things that cannot be shaken will remain. This world and all it's stuff will pass away, but things of God will not be shaken.

One Final Word

I have a continued passion to reach college students. I continue to be reminded of this deep need in our community. I love serving our church and I am thankful for a church that encourages us to think outside the box. I am not completely how this is supposed to look, but the truth is there are thousands of students that are not being reached by any church or ministry... How can we begin to reach the thousands of students that are at our doorstep? I am becoming more and more convinced that what we are presently doing is not enough and sense that we may need to make changes in order to reach out to these students... GSU states that in 8-10 years that 25 thousand students will be here crawling around Statesboro. Are we positioning ourselves to reach them? Are we ready to step boldly into a new future? Will we make changes that are necessary or just continue maintaining our present level of ministry? We will either take charge of the situation and position ourselves for the future or we will stand by and do nothing. Please pray that we will sense God's direction as we prepare to reach more students both now and and in the near future.

Lust

2009-02-28T22:45:00.004-05:00

What is lust? Lust can be defined in many ways, but it is certainly the unhealthy desire for some object. If we are not alert, lust can easily find it's way into our lives. It can be found in various forms and can easily lead us astray. I have a friend that says that it is not just about sex, he admits to a lust for books. For men lust can easily spotted, while in women lust can often go undetected.
What do you lust for? Clothing... Vacations... Money... Shoes... Cars... A Job... the list can go on and on.
Jesus said that we must be careful, for the lust of the flesh can lead us far away from God's way in this world. It seems to me that we must learn to be content and to provide ourselves a chance to slow down. If we don't slow down, we will most often find ourselves in the same rat race as millions of others. Slowing down is not easy, but my personal testimony is that it is best and the only way we will truly hear the Lord speaking to us. Our lives are way to NOISY!!
Today I was able to slow down and reflect for a while... I am a very blessed person. God had blessed me with so much. Why I would I lust for more, when I already have more than I deserve!?!

Questions... I have a question.

2009-02-11T10:25:00.003-05:00

Why is humility such a hard quality to obtain? On Sunday Night our teaching focus are the 7 Deadly Sins. This list of sins include: pride, anger, slothfulness, lust, envy, gluttony, and greed. Theologians during the middle ages concluded that these sins were common snares in the life of any individual. As you can see from the list, these sins present a challenge for any believer desiring to live a life that resembles Christ.
This past Sunday night I spoke on pride. Our culture often applauds the arrogant and their accomplishments. It is so easy to build ourselves up and take credit for something. Here is a challenging verse from the book of Romans and one that would be good remember daily.
"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3

Remember what John Bailey said:
Pride is confidence in self.
Humility is confidence in God.

On the Run

2009-01-30T16:58:00.002-05:00

This week in the contemporary service we are beginning a Sunday morning series taken from the book of Jonah. The series is entitled "On the Run", and prayerfully will be help us as we respond to the Lord.
How do you respond when God speaks to you? What is your initial state of mind, when you know that God has spoken? We all respond to the Lord. Whether it is all internal or literally a physical action, we all respond to God.
Our response to the Lord says a lot about the state of our Spiritual lives. We may say we want to be in the middle of God's will, but do we really? We may say that we will give our all, till our all is truly called for. So over the next four weeks we are going to peel back the curtain on the life of Jonah. We just might see ourselves at some point on the stage.

Fine Art $29

2009-01-13T14:17:00.005-05:00

i saw a sign today for fine art... i like art and i like good art... i can't afford fine art, but i do appreciate it. i went to Louvre about 6 years ago and i had the best time meandering around the halls looking over the centuries old artwork... when i think that about art i think about how the piece of art expresses something beautiful and enables another person to bask int its beauty. i wonder if my life is somehow accomplishing something beautiful... do you ever think about that?

when i think about fine art... i tend to think about the price that some people are willing to pay... i have a friend back home that loves art and he pays thousands of dollars for the work... he says that it is an investment, and has given his wife several pieces during their marriage... when the children were born, he bought a painting for his wife rather than a piece of jewelry... he says and knows it is expensive, but you must appreciate the work and then you are willing to pay the price... i know that God wants to do a work of art in my life, but sometimes i don't appreciate the work... i am not willing to pay the price

FINE ART $29... the sign just did not look fitting... i thought to myself, somehow we have cheapened the great art of our day. it seems that we have done this also in a Spiritual sense in our day... we have cheapened the work that Christ has done to paint something beautiful with our lives... but we cheapened it and put a sign on it saying FINE ART... but the truth is that it scarcely resembles anything close to the masterpiece that God wants to do... this does not mean they are perfect, any art has "flaws" in it... so our lives are a work in progress... our lives are not fine art because we hang a sign on that says "Christian", but because we accept the hard work that Christ did for us and we allow him to accomplish that same work in us... now that is fine art... that is the work of Christ in our life!

Here We Go Again in '09

2009-01-03T12:04:00.003-05:00

2009- wow... can you believe that a new year has come? It is hard to believe that 2008 has gone and 2009 is already nearly 3 days old. I enjoy the start of the new year. It is a way to start over and have a new outlook on the coming months. I get excited as I consider all the possibilities and opportunities that await us. What do you want to see happen in this new year? How will you live differently? What changes will you make to your life? We have only so many days, so lets make the most of them. The year will be gone before we know it!!

Christmas Week '08

2008-12-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

It is once again Christmas Week and I simply love it!!!! I remember when I would go home from college and the house would be decorated just right. I loved to go into our "Christmas tree room" late at night and read the scripture passages about Christ's birth in only the light from the tree. It was a blessing and I will do this again this Christmas as Julie and I travel back to see our families in Mississippi. Take some time this week, if you have not already, and read the various accounts in Matthew and Luke. See how wonderfully simple the story of Jesus is. The story is so simple but oh so grand!!

Part Three: Thankful Thoughts...

2008-11-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

I am thankful that God shows Himself to me in the "small things" of life. I love the fact that God is a part of the details of life. It is fun to see God, big and large, in the make-up of a flower or the laughter of a person... Now it really is fun... take a look around you during the day and begin to see God all around you...
Just this morning I was sitting on the deer stand and about 6:20 and looked over my right shoulder to see a brown Owl perched in the tree next to me and about an hour later I saw small gaggle of geese sounding off as they made their way to a near by field or body of water.
I paused at some point and just thanked God for the opportunity to be a part of what He was doing. It was good and I am thankful!! Aren't you?

Part Two: Thankful Thoughts...

2008-11-25T09:47:00.007-05:00

I am thankful for my wife and for the relationship that we enjoy. I am amazed at the way God uses different experiences to draw us closer to each other. The truth is that challenging moments in the lives of any couple, have a way of either drawing them closer or pushing them further away. I guess it depends on how a couple responds to the turbulence they face.
Julie and I have recently trudged the up and down road of "trying" to have a child. For a couple desiring to be parents, this experience has been painful but fruitful in our lives. We have seen fertility specialists in hopes of having a child only to hear the news that it will not happen. This episode is still stings when the bill for their "services" finds its way into our mailbox as a nagging monthly reminder, "it did not work but you still must pay"... not much fun, but as I said we are seeing the fruit of this journey in our lives. I can truly say, that all of this is a small price to pay for the work the Lord has done in our lives and marriage. Though we do not have a child at this point, we are better on this side of the whole experience. Julie is my best friend!! This is not a cliche, but the truth. We have walked through the depths of despair together and are now enjoying some of our most joyful days together as we continue down the journey of that God has us on.

As a word of encouragement, let mention something that has helped me when dealing with difficult situations. Now, remember that this is not easy nor does it fix the situation, but does help in time with ones perspective in a situation.

Don't ask "Why?", but "What are you trying to teach me Lord?". This really has helped me as I have processed things in my life and may also provide you with a different take on the circumstance you may be facing.

Part One: Thankful Thoughts...

2008-11-24T10:50:00.003-05:00

I was thinking just this weekend about different ways that I am thankful... I am thankful that God is patient with me... I think of how often I just don't get it when God points me in the right direction. It seems that I often find my way back to the wide road and leave the path He has marked out for me... Daily I fall and bump my knees, but God continues to work with me and encourages me to keep walking by faith. Learning to walk by faith is hard, but thankfully God is patient. I am not a very patient person and don't really have very much sensitivity to others when they can't pick up on something quickly... How about you? Are you hard on others... Most of us are terribly hard on ourselves. Aren't you glad that the Lord is patient with us?

Christ In Us

2008-11-19T10:27:00.006-05:00

How did you feel this morning when you got up? What was your thought when your alarm went off or your baby started crying or your coffee was spilt in your lap or your car would not start or you were throwing up in the middle of the night or someone pulled out in front of you at the light or your homework was "lost" or you did not get the raise you thought you would or your spouse left you or a temptation set in that you did not expect or you gave in one more time to a habit that you thought was over... most us of think: what in the world?; where did that come from? why me? how the heck did that happen? not again!! not me! etc, etc, etc...

Scripture tells us... "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation ; the old has gone, the new has come!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

"...Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

This is what scripture tells us is the truth about me as a believer. As a follower of Christ, I have Christ living in me. WOW!! Often I forget this or fail to live like this. Often my life circumstance gets in the way of this truth. How about you? How does this strike you? To know that Christ is living in you and daily you carry him around in your body and actually lives through you as you walk around in this world. Is this evident in your life. I mean do others see Christ in you? Are you aware of this reality?
It has been said, "It is the image of Christ in us that so enrages hell." The image of our Savior is in us and is on display as we live. As we grow closer to the Lord this reality becomes more and more evident in our journey with Him. So today remember... you are not alone in this world, but as a follower of Christ you have the Hope of Glory in you!!

Ahh... The Mountains

2008-11-18T08:08:00.008-05:00

This past weekend Julie and I had the opportunity to get away for a couple of days. When the Eagles play Furman in Greenville, Julie and I usually make the trip to see the game. This year we decided to go a couple of days early in order to spend a little time together away from our hectic schedule. We had a blast and thankfully the weather cooperated for us. Yes it was cloudy and cool, but the rain stayed away and we were able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great Smoky Mountains.

There is something about getting away that is refreshing and enriching to the soul. There is merit in pulling aside and allowing a fresh breeze to blow into our lives. Jules and I had a grand time and I hope that you too will take some time to do the same. There may be nothing better than laughter with the one you love the most.

Text Messages From God

2008-10-29T08:58:00.003-04:00

We have begun a new series in the contemporary service, a two part series that speaks to way we utilize scripture and the role that it plays in our lives. So let me ask you what role does the Bible play in your daily life? I was reading in preparation for this week and was moved by a statement that I read. Now I am paraphrasing, but the statement went something like this; "We carry our Bibles around with us, we might have two or three stashed away some where, but when was the last time we can remember that our lives actually altered by it?"
Now that really kind of startled me... cause I really carry my Bible around with me every day. It is just a part of my life. Of course it is, this what I do. But when was the last time words of the Holy Text actually shaped or reshaped the way I live. Do I allow it access into the deep recesses of my life? Do I allow the ancient words change me and form me into who God wants me to be... How about you?
Are we so diligently carrying our Bibles around and even reading them that we have failed to let them read us? Can we honestly think that I think that because I am in a profession that uses the Bible that my life is some how automatically informed by it? May I/we never miss the point of the Great Message in all of our religious activity and fail to live a life truly informed by it.

Where is Lonely

2008-10-16T17:59:00.004-04:00

There are more people in the world today than ever before and yet more people are lonely than ever. How is it that we often find ourselves in groups but are not very good at building or encouraging community.
It has been said that stores are not just selling a product any longer, they are selling an experience. Say the coffee shop that I visit in town, I go there not just to get the coffee but to experience the cup of coffee. Life should be that way. We should not just go through life getting something out of it, but giving something back to it. We should experience life in the fullest sense of the word. Here is a great quote: "the essence of being human is participation in the essence of the divine being.
One of the best ways to participate in both this life and the divine is in relationships with others. God made us in His image. God is relational, therefore we are relational. When we participate in relationships with others we enter into a fundamental divine activity.
But we struggle with this as a people. George Gallup has said that his research shows that Americans are among the loneliest people. I just read a passage that speaks to this.
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for
their work" vs.9

Leadership Team

2008-10-06T14:02:00.004-04:00

I have the privilege of working weekly with student leadership team. Working with this team enables our ministry to do ministry in a multifaceted way. Each member of the team is able to be a part of the planning and implementing of our ministry objectives. It is so exciting to see what God is doing in the lives of each of these students and how they are influencing our campus for Christ. Below is a picture of our leadership team. While some were not present for the picture, this is a good representation of our team.

Clean Water Anyone?

2008-10-01T11:10:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday the college ministry began promoting its African "well project". During the service we had an opportunity to hear from our Southern Baptist missionary, Paula Rehn, who has served with his wife, Heather, for nearly seventeen years. The Rehns have served the SuSu people of Guinea, West Africa through their work in the various villages. Some of the most recent work has been associated with building wells in these villages in order to provide clean water for the people.
The college ministry is taking up an offering through the end of the semester to help fund the building of two wells next summer. The goal to raise $1300 for two wells and to provide a local mission in our community with clean water as well.(Joseph Home for Boys, Boys & Girls Club, etc.) The project will help raise awareness of the need that people have for clean water both locally and globally. Of course if more money is given, the more wells that can be built. The money should given to FBC Statesboro and should not take away from your normal pattern of giving to the life of our church.
It is exciting to see what God is doing and will do in the lives of our college students as they give of themselves both financially and physically. This next Summer we will take a mission team to this area of Africa in order to help build a bridge for the message of Jesus. Wow!! What a great opportunity to see God at work. Please pray for the Rehns as they faithfully serve the SuSu tribes, for the "well" money to be raised, for students to sign up for the mission project, and for the hearts of the SuSu people to be open to the Gospel.

Following the Spirit

2008-09-22T15:21:00.004-04:00

In a book I just began reading the other day, the author tells of an of an old phrase for the Holy Spirit that originates with our Celtic brethren. An Gedah-Glas means "the Wild Goose" and provides and interesting depiction of the Holy Spirit and rather accurately describes my on personal experience in following the Spirit's leading in my life. It is challenging and strangely haunting to try and see God at work... leading my life. I want to stay in tune and on the path, but it seems a bit murky at times. There are moments that I feel like I am right in line and then other moments where I seem to be out of sorts.
Paul tells us in Galatians, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us stay in step with the Spirit." My desire is to stay in step, no matter what the days of my life bring me. Satan may throw all that Hell has to offer at me, but in the end I long to be found faithful.
May God be glorified and honored!!

Spiritual Growth

2008-09-09T07:26:00.003-04:00

When you think about growing spiritually, what comes to mind? For many people it seems vague at best, while for others it is simply overwhelming. To say, "I want to be more like Jesus.", seems like the unreachable elusive goal for many followers of Christ. The other day I had an encouraging conversation with one of our GSU football coaches. Let me tell you the story...
To tell you the truth, this semester has been quite refreshing thus far. I have the privilege of meeting with some of the coaches once a week for prayer and Bible study. We meet at the Parrish building at 6:30 for about an hour. The first week, one guy in particular seemed a little reserved for the first 15 minutes or so and then he began opening up about his life. The morning was filled with great conversation and discussion as we shared our thoughts while we read various Scriptures. Later that evening I saw him before the players Bible study and he was so appreciative for the morning's gathering. He said, "Stewart, I have had the God moment. But I want to know how to grow." I could sense his earnest desire to grow and deepen his relationship with Christ. He went on to say, "I have a lot of responsibility. I am a coach, a husband, and a father. I want to be the best I can be."
How about you? How about me? I mentioned that it is best to begin with a pattern of daily prayer and Bible reading. He had asked for a "workout" that would help him. So I emailed him a list of scriptures and a few questions he could pray through each day. I told him that the Lord would honor his desire to grow and that the Lord would begin working in his life. This is true for him and each of us... I need it!!
I read a great quote the other day... "If sin quenches the work of the Spirit in us, a daily dose of Scripture quickens the work of the Spirit in us."

One by One Mentoring

2008-08-28T17:47:00.004-04:00

I am so pleased that the college ministry has taken a step in a new direction this fall. We have begun a mentoring program focused on mentoring college students. The ministry will develop mentoring relationships between adults in our church with college students in an effort to see them grow spiritually. I have trained 31 adult mentors and have paired them with students for a semester long mentoring experience. I firmly believe that these relationships will encourage the students in their desire to grow in their walk with Christ. It seems that life on life relationships provide the greatest opportunity for sustained spiritual growth to take place. I believe that these relationships will further help our students to be all they have been created to be.

2008-08-21T14:50:00.004-04:00

Here is the billboard design for the Contemporary service. This spring we bagan revamping the college service in order to reach young adults and young families in the Statesboro area. There are so many people in our region that have no connection to a church and even more that have never connected with God. We hope and pray that the service will serve as an on ramp for people as they begin the slow and the often arduous journey of faith.

Hard to Believe

2008-08-19T09:53:00.003-04:00

WOW! What a difference a week makes... GSU is rolling again and the students are back in full force. I am most excited about the new year... Worship went so well and our leadership team is really taking shape. We have a lot of plans for the new year and it really seems that we have good momentum right now.
I look forward to see how God works this year. Over the next couple of post I am going to give you an idea of the plans we have as the new school year begins.

Perspectives

2008-08-13T11:39:00.008-04:00

I finished reading The Shack last week and was very intrigued by it. Certainly there are many people who do not like it and have differing opinions about it, but I must say that I was pleased. I would rather be pushed and challenged in my reading rather than just reading something that is vanilla.
I really enjoyed various aspects of the book, but none more than the reality of God being intimately relational with His creation. I loved seeing the joyful interplay of the Godhead and how we are drawn into their relationship as we walk with God. It is good to see God as being interested in our lives and how He wants us to interact with Him in deeply personal way.
Heaven is a mystery but I really like the the thought of knowing one another. How fun is it to consider that in Heaven we will know others and be known by them. Seems kind of silly now to think that in heaven there will be just a lot people hanging out with no names. Seems totally against that creative nature of God.
So I encourage you to read The Shack. Be stretched and pushed. Enjoy the fact that there is just so much we do not know... It is okay. Mystery is good for the soul.

Random Thoughts

2008-07-30T09:18:00.005-04:00

Wow, how time flies. I can't believe that school is about to start back. The kids are getting their new clothes and the teachers are setting up their classrooms. It is so hard to believe that it will be August in two days. The summer has been good, but for some much to short.

"Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut..."
I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who had made some ice cream... Butter Pecan. Now say that out loud. Butter Pecan. The word pecan is pronounced in two distinctive ways. But I thought it interesting that even though she pronounced the word (pecahn) one way when describing her ice cream, she pronounced the word (pee can) another way when talking about the nut. I laughed and no that is not a "pee can", a "pee can" is something you set beside your bed. We both laughed and went on our way.

Mr. Toad
I have problem at the house... it is toad. A red toad has taken up residence in on of my ferns. I have taken it across the street, out to the back yard, and even to my neighbors house. I will admit that at first I threw the crazy toad, but now I gently carry it to another spot. This game has been going on for about a month now. I don't want to kill it, and if it comes back after taking if down the street... I will name it.

St Louis
Our trip to St. Louis went so well. The college team that we took really jelled and had a wonderful experience. I am quite thankful for the opportunity to be a part of mission projects like this. We were exposed to a culture that we don't see very often in our own country. We worked in East St. Louis. Like most large metropolitan cities, St. Louis was affected by the "white flight" phenomenon. The needs of the broken families and poverty are tremendous. We learned so much in just a week. One of my greatest joys and challenges was tutoring 5 year old TJ. He was a rambunctious kid with the need to be loved. I learned to patient and love him right where was. I hope that I can apply this when I have my own kids. I am thankful that my parents were and the Lord is patient with me... most of the time, I just don't get it.

"Me & TJ"

Today's Temperature

2008-07-07T09:54:00.004-04:00

What is the temperature outside? Right now it is probably between 78 - 82. In my office I like to keep it a cool 64. This keeps me from sweating and feeling uncomfortable. I don't like it when my shirt begins to stick to my back or my arms. It just feels kind of icky.

So let me ask you a question. What is the temperature like in your office relationships or your marriage or your friendships or even with your children right now? Many times the temperature is quite hot and we are uncomfortable but still we do nothing about it. What if we began to pray that God would use us to make a difference. What if you and I began to pray that our attitude would change. But, I can hear in my mind now, "It's not my attitude that needs to change!!". Maybe it will be in the way you handle the situation that can bring restoration.

Now, let me ask you another question. What do people in your circles think about Christians. Often in today's culture people bristle at the notion of being Christian or even knowing one. What has made people feel this way? Many times it is the way act, the words we say, the attitudes we have, or even the way we treat people that look and act differently than we do. Consider with me the words people around you, those that are not followers of Christ, would use to describe people that claim to be Christians. A book I just finished reading, UnChristian, says that the words are not endearing at all. Words like judgemental, hypocritical, and insensitive are just three of the ones most often used.

How can we change this? How can we begin to live in way that people would be drawn to Jesus not repelled by His followers. I am not sure that I have a complete list of answers, but here is what I am considering. I may just begin with an honest assessment of our own lives. I know in my life, the journey has begun as I have prayed about my own attitudes and that the fruit of the Spirit would become evident in me. As I look at the life of Jesus, I am struck by the fact that the outsiders really were drawn to Him. Sadly, this is not true enough of our lives today. I dream that we can get on this path and that we too can begin reveal Jesus once again to the world here in 2008 and beyond.

The Dog Days of Summer

2008-06-27T23:28:00.005-04:00

Julie and I drove over to LaGrange today for a wedding that we are a part of this weekend. The drive over was quite beautiful. The sky was full of those fluffy white clouds. The colors today just seemed to be exploding as we drove. Once we got to Macon and took Hwy 74 just to the south on Interstate 75 and got out in the rural countryside the scenes were just breath taking... Julie and I really did have a wonderful time visiting together as we drove through all of the little towns. Just about as long as we have been in Statesboro, Julie and I have had the privilege of being a part of student's weddings that have been in our ministry. It is such a blessing to see them grow up and move on to a new season of their life. Julie and I were talking tonight as we left the rehearsal dinner about how blessed we have been over the years by so many wonderful students. They have helped shape and change us as we have shared part of our lives together. I believe that is one reason ministry is so rewarding - the people that you meet and the way God uses them to impact our lives.
Tomorrow Brittany Bartley and Steven Tanner will be married... their lives forever joined together... as a friend of mine says, "Two Points Jesus!!"

Pilfering The Pages

2008-06-20T15:42:00.009-04:00

Mom has stacked all of dad's library in our dining room. There are stacks of books two & three rows deep around the walls... book after book... old books that he collected over the years... commentaries, classics, as well as contemporary writings fill the room... I love the smell of an old book(one of my favorite smells) - The smell of an old book store is something to behold. Just walking in makes you feel smarter. I wish it worked this way!
Getting back to the point, when I was home I began to sort through the books. A day will come when I will gratefully add them to my own library, but for now they will just stay at the house. Except those that I randomly pick up on our visits home...
I brought one back by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison, which recounts many of his experiences in a German concentration camp during WWII. One of the best parts of looking through dad's books is to see the pages he has marked and dogeared.
One like this:
"Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all of this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and exclusive allegiance to God - the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God. Where are these responsible people?" Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I have never, nor will I ever face circumstances near what those in the camps were dealt... I wonder... What would have been my thoughts? How would I have acted? How would I have lived out my faith? How about you? For me, a brattish and selfish young American, would have more than likely buckled at the mere thought of the suffering...
God gives Jeremiah and us this advice...

"If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, who will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" Jeremiah 12:5

Long Time No Blog

2008-06-19T17:04:00.004-04:00

It has been a while since I have blogged. Julie and I left for Mississippi last Thursday. While we had a wonderful time with our families it was a challenge to get near a computer for very long... I was unable to give any attention to serval thoughts that I had along the way, so I plan to blog on them over the next few days...

The timing of our trip was perfect for me to be with my family on our first Father's Day without dad... The weekend was not as hard as I thought it might be, but being at church without dad preaching was a challenge... It just did not seem right to be there and not hear His voice and the encouraging-challenging words that I remember from sermons past...

As I think about my family... each one of them, I feel so blessed! God has given us just a great bond that I know is grace gift from our Lord.

I have an excerpt from an article that I published in a local magazine...

"The moments I remember most vividly with my dad are the simple, subtle ones. These are the moments that seem to mean the most. I think the moments that make the best memories are those quiet experiences that we often overlook only to remember them after a person dies. "

To read the article in its entirety log onto: http://www.ttatomagboro.com/.

Engaging Culture

2008-06-11T14:07:00.003-04:00

What does it mean to engage culture? How are we to live life within the context of our everyday existence? I am asking myself, "Am I helping shape the culture that I live in?" How is our community different because of my presence? How are you are making a contribution to the world we live in? Is our community a better place because you live here? Are people glad that our church is a part of this community? I read the other day that certain words come to mind when a person thinks of or hears of any organization. What do others think of when they hear your name, my name, our church's name, etc. My prayer is that we can live for Christ and make a positive contribution to the world we live in as we engage the world around us rather than remaining sheltered huddled in our little "holy mass".
"Christianity begins to shift its sheltered reputation when Christ followers are engaged, informed, and on the leading edge, offering a sophisticated response to the issues people face." UnChristian - David Kinnaman

What's Going On Here?

2008-06-08T16:07:00.004-04:00

So I read a quote just today by Oswald Chambers that made me really stop and think. Here is what is says, "Do not harken back to who you once were, when God wants you to be somtehing you have never been before." Where is God leading me/you? What is God shaping my life into? I love the mystery of it all. I pray that I never get satisfied with mediocre life that I would form. The Scriptures tell us that we are like clay pots, very common every day elements, so that the Lord gets the glory. May our lives be clay in His hands... to make of our lives what He desires.