Worldview



Yesterday, I received an e-ail from Barna Group with an article on worldviews. The article dealt with how Christians view the “Biblical Worldview.” Below is a small portion:

For the purposes of the survey, a “biblical worldview” was defined as believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today. In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview.

Varying numbers of Americans embrace the different aspects of biblical worldview thinking. The survey found that:

• One-third of all adults (34%) believe that moral truth is absolute and unaffected by the circumstances. Slightly less than half of the born again adults (46%) believe in absolute moral truth.
• Half of all adults firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches. That proportion includes the four-fifths of born again adults (79%) who concur.
• Just one-quarter of adults (27%) are convinced that Satan is a real force. Even a minority of born again adults (40%) adopt that perspective.
• Similarly, only one-quarter of adults (28%) believe that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior. Not quite half of all born again Christians (47%) strongly reject the notion of earning salvation through their deeds.
• A minority of American adults (40%) are persuaded that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while He was on earth. Slightly less than two-thirds of the born again segment (62%) strongly believes that He was sinless.
• Seven out of ten adults (70%) say that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the universe who still rules it today. That includes the 93% of born again adults who hold that conviction.

Rest



Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him--Psalm 37:7a. Newton’s first law of motion was the law of inertia: All objects in the universe tend to remain at rest or continue in motion until acted upon by an outside force. In other words, nothing stops or starts randomly or by accident. If we bring Newton’s law to spiritual life we might say that rest and activity occur as a result of choice. The biblical rest that the psalmist spoke about in Psalm 37 is not the same as laziness or is it the absence of spiritual activity. This kind of rest means to stop striving in our own strength and depend on the Lord. When we think of rest we think of ceasing physical actions. When we rest in the Lord we cease things too, like: worry, anxiety, tension, and fear. When we rest in the Lord we also increase some things like: trust, faith, and submission to the will of God. And what about increasing these too—prayer, Bible study, and consulting with a trusted mentor. Don’t forget while we rest, God is awake!

The Next Great . . .



Over last few years I have come to terms with who I am in Christ. I’m not the smartest, best looking, or edgy person; I’m just me. I remember attending Baptist Bible College and hearing the stories of Jerry Falwell and what he did while at BBC. I heard men who wanted to be the next Jerry Falwell. Don’t get me wrong, I feel God used Jerry in his life but there is (or was) only one Jerry Falwell. Now that Billy Graham is not doing as much as he has done in the past, people are looking to brand the new Billy Graham. Rick Warren’s name has been thrown out as a possibility. There is only one Billy Graham and there is only one Rick Warren. God put things together to develop these men into who they are (or were) so that He (God) could/can use them in the way God has determined.

In the gospels, Jesus didn’t heal blind people in the same way every time. There are seven times that Jesus healed a blind person and each time, He used a different method. As you read the Bible, you can see the different types of people God used to bring Him glory. God didn’t use the same type of person but used a great assortment of personalities, temperaments, and backgrounds. I believe God likes to use variety and not just the same old same old.

In my years of following God, I’ve learned that the ones to who seem to have it together truly don’t. They either fall to sin or just don’t accomplish much for God. The ones who seem to achieve much (in my opinion) for the kingdom just don’t seem like much in the eyes of man. But when you see how they rely on God and see what God does through them, it’s just amazing.

Instead of trying to be the next Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Rick Warren, or whomever just be the best you God has made you to be. For every Jerry Falwell or Billy Graham there are hundreds or thousands of unknown men and women teaching and preach Christ that we do not know about. As David wrote in the Psalms, God knew us before we were even born and has established our steps. God has put us through the things we lived through (good, bad, or indifferent) to mold us into who we need to be to bring Him glory. Our sole purpose is to bring God glory and to give Him honor. Instead of trying to be the next great pastor or have the next great church, we should just be the best us God has made us to be.

Think about.

Love Worth Having



I’m reading “A Love Worth Giving” by Max Lucado. The book is a study of 1 Corinthians 13 or the “Love Chapter” as I call it. I always enjoy reading Max Lucado books. They are full of good information wrapped around great stories. It amazes me that Max has written as many books and leads a church. He must have good asst. pastors assisting him.

I originally bought the book to just read but as I’ve made my way through this book, I want to develop a sermon series. The insights Max offers are good stuff. I’m sure with the information in this book plus my own study, a study of 1 Corinthians would benefit our church members.

Yesterday, in the chapter that covers verse 7 ([love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.) I thought about what Christ has done for me. Christ saved me from my sins but beyond that continues to grow me and pick me up when I fail Him. I have a saying, “its tough being human but someone has to do it, and I do it so well.” Being a Christian doesn’t make a person perfect; it makes us forgiven (of our sins) and a child of God. Since we are a child of God, He loves us and wants the best for us. Agape is the Greek word used in 1 Corinthians. Agape is the word that describes how God feels for His people and for those He died for on the cross.

How can I not try to do the best I can for the One who took all my sins on Himself on the cross? In myself, I will always fail my God. The great thing is that it’s not me but Him. I can’t be perfect but He can make me perfect. As I walk with Him (daily) through my Bible reading and prayer, He molds me into the man he wants me to be; knowing that He loves me with the agape love blows my mind. Without Jesus in my life, I am nothing. It is only because of what Christ did makes me worthy. I pray that I never forget this.

Broken People



Last night I was part of something I’ve never been part of. I was part of a spiritual intervention. One of the men of our church have been telling half truths and lies, and last night his mother-in-law had me (as an Elder and his teacher) and the Sr. Pastor come to her house so we could be witnesses. I’ve met with this man several times and had been lied to about what has been going on in his house with his wife and family. I felt sad for him but knew this was needed. He has hit bottom and knows that the leadership knows of his deceit. The Sr. Pastor basically called him out and told him that he is defaulting back to his old ways when he lies, and the Pastor is completely correct. I’ve talked with Joe (not his name) today and told him that I forgive him of the lies he told me and how he mislead me. I’ve learned to trust my 6th sense or discernment; I’ve felt for sometime something wasn’t right but wasn’t sure. He has a ways to go (as we all do) but if he continues to trust that God can help him become the man he should be he will be fine.

Sometimes it takes God breaking people for them to stop playing church and be real. Palm 23 shows us that God is our shepherd. The second half of verse 4 says, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” The rod and staff of a shepherd are used to keep the sheep safe and on track. If a sheep doesn’t heed the shepherd’s leading and does its own thing, the shepherd will break the sheep’s front two legs. The shepherd then carries that sheep on his shoulders until the legs are healed. Most of the time, after this happens the sheep keeps close to the shepherd but if that same sheep starts on the same path the shepherd has no choice but to kill it to keep the other sheep from following the bad behavior.

This is similar to some Christians. They think once they are saved they can continue in their old ways. Our Master wants the best for us. He (through the Holy Spirit) leads us in the way we should go. If a Christian keeps doing their own thing, God breaks them. It could be in the form of losing their jobs or poor health. I know when I see a Christian going through trials, that’s when they tend to grow the most. God doesn’t always have to break people to get them to change. The shepherd knows when to use his staff to lead the sheep and when to use the rod to break a sheep’s legs. Breaking is always as the last resort. God only breaks people after he gives them changes.

Being broken will hurt; I know from experience but in the long run it’s for our benefit. God loves us so much He died for us. What we think is best isn’t even close to true best. The true best is only found in obeying and honoring God.

Dedication and Focus



My sister-in-law’s (Beth) boyfriend is a gym owner and a bodybuilder. Randy has won some bodybuilding contests and is training for one that will be held in Florence KY in March. Being a bodybuilder takes a lot of dedication and focus. Since Randy is training, he can’t have any carbs or sugar and a week before the contest he will need to limit his water intake to maximize his muscle definition. In my mind, there are bodybuilders and muscleheads. A bodybuilder is an athlete who has to balance diet and weight training along with aerobic workouts (i.e. jogging, biking, and/or swimming). A musclehead just works out with the weights with no or little thought of diet and cross training. I have a lot of respect for bodybuilders.

I wish I had the dedication and focus to be one. My M.O. over the years have been working out for 3 to 4 months and stopping for 2 months and starting back. The last year I have stopped this M.O. and have been going to the gym 5 times a week. My body is starting to look better and my lifts have improved. I’m more interested in a well rounded health and exercise program so I do more aerobic then lifting. I lift weights on Tuesdays and Thursdays (doing a full body program) with swimming and stationary biking on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and jogging on Saturdays and Sundays. I’m going up on my bench but right now I’m lifting around 210 pounds. I’m up around 110 pounds in my arm curls. I’m doing better because I’ve worked out straight now since last March and have been swimming constantly since June (I’m up to 30 minutes straight in the pool doing laps) and have run in multiple running races. I feel good.

I say all this to say that being a bodybuilder takes dedication and focus in the same way a Christian should have dedication and focus in their walk with Christ. There are Christians who have a walk (Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance) the same way I used to exercise. They are hit or miss and they haven’t grown in their Christian maturity. They are like a guy who is still bench pressing 50 pounds after exercising for years. Their M.O. could be reading their Bible for a solid 3 months and then something distracts them and they go several months without reading; could be getting up early for praying time for several months with one morning they decide to sleep in and before they know it months go by; and/or could have good church attendance until summer comes and they stop attending church. All these items are needed for a person to grow in their faith in Christ. Leaving any of these items out is like a guy who looks like he’s in a great shape (looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime) but can’t jog more than a mile before needing to stop for air. You look good and sound good but when trials come your way, you are derailed.

I mean not to come off judgmental but the Bible calls us to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. We have way too many Christians who are effete. They fall for the same sins time and again. In order that we constantly grow in our walk with Christ we must take note of the dedication and focus of a bodybuilder. We must train (read our Bible, pray, and attend church regularly) daily. We must avoid the spiritly carbs and sugars that will rob us of our hard work. Spiritly carbs and sugars can be allowing your eyes (and mind) to wonder where they shouldn’t, being part of things a Christian should have no business being part of, and the like.

Just as bodybuilders have workout partners, we as Christians should have partners. Another word for workout partners is accountability partners. An accountability partner will help us keep focused on the things that are well pleasing to God. An accountability partner will ask the hard questions; how’s your daily Bible reading going, are you praying, and how are your relationships? This is set up not to make you feel bad or like a loser but to help you and encourage you to get to the next level. This is like a workout partner helping their buddy go from bench pressing 300 pounds to bench pressing 400 pounds; by encouraging and giving them a hand when needed.

We (me included) need to be better at being dedicated and focused on our growth as Christians. God left us here for a reason; to further His kingdom. Let’s be a spiritual bodybuilder and grow lean spiritual muscles that we can flex for God and bring Him the glory.

Forgiving Others



In our world where payback is the norm and almost demanded, we called to forgive others in Luke 17:1-4.

Luke 17: 1-4

1He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!
2"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.
3"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4"And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him."

I must admit, I do struggle with this on the road. Especially if a person is driving in the left lane slower than me and they aren’t moving to the right lane (which should have slower traffic). The word moron either is thought or said out loud. I do get over it in a few minutes, but that does get on my nerves.

There are benefits for forgiving others their debts against us. According to the current psychology, when we forgive others we have less health issues. When we forgive it releases something in our body that relieves tension. But it’s still hard to let it go when people do you wrong. I had an experience in 2002 that taught me a lot about forgiving others.

On Mother’s Day of 2002, my sister’s then husband of 12 years left her a voice message telling her that he is leaving her for another woman. That threw my sister for a loop. What followed were weeks of staying with her (either over night or until she went to bed). I was so bad at Joe (not his real name) that I wanted to hunt him down and beat the mess out of him. That’s when the Holy Spirit told me to chill out. It was revealed to me that it’s only by God’s grace that I wasn’t like Joe. It was God’s job to work in Joe and not me. After a while I have come to forgive Joe for what he did to my sister to the point of shaking his hand and wishing him the best the last time I saw him.

We have to remember that it’s only because of what Christ has done for us on the cross and that God has drawn us to Himself that we are new creatures. We grow in our walk with Him but it’s because of his grace we are forgiven. If it wasn’t for the regeneration of grace, we would be just like the people who need our forgiveness. And if the person who offends you is a believer, let God deal with them. There is a plan laid out for that in scripture. It’s up to you to forgive.

Loving This World



Andy Warhol is one of America’s best-known pop artists. He readily admitted that his world revolved around pop culture with its shallowness, fleeting pleasures, and “fifteen minutes of fame,”. He once summed it up like this: “I am a deeply superficial person…If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films and me, there I am. There’s nothing behind it.” Contrast that with the apostle John’s perspective of 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” When the Bible says, “Do not love this world,” it does not mean we are not to admire and appreciate the beauty and blessings of this life. But rather, the world in the sense that John was speaking about is our world system and things that are opposed to Christ and all that He stands for. When our primary desire is for pleasure, possessions and popularity things aren’t right. We call that sin and sin destroys. Loving the world tears down our relationship with God, it denies our faith in God, and discounts our future with God. Let’s live our life for the Lord and walk with Him in fellowship sweet.

Following God's Lead



A friend sent me the below poem about the word "Guidance." It speaks volumes.

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,

I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.

The movement doesn't flow with the music,

and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,

both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back

or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.

It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,

and attentiveness from one person

and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".

"God, "u" and "i" dance."

God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust

that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings

and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God, as God abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead

and to guide you through each season of your life.

Biblical Leadership



Pastors are like everyone else who confess Jesus as Lord. The men who have been called to lead a body of believers are just that, men with the same temperament, faults, fears, and strengths. Granted, a man who feels the calling to pastor people must meet all the requirements listed in First Timothy chapter 3. Since it is God who calls a man to pastor His people, He is the One who makes a man worthy to be a pastor. As a natural man, a pastor has nothing to offer God. It is because of God’s gift in the person Christ Jesus, we are made worthy.

As a man who has the calling to lead a body of believers, I know that my calling is to copy Christ. To do what He showed in the New Testament. Not to direct my agenda, but to follow the agenda God gives me.

Reading through “Summer Church Pre-Launch” training material by Dr. John Worcester, I came across the below list on how a pastor should lead his people.

1. Lead like a shepherd not like a cowboy

2. Build a trust based relationship not FEAR BASED relationship

3. Persuade them do not THREATEN THEM

4. Go before and set the example rather than STAY BEHIND and crack the whip

5. Care for and love them. Don’t USE AND ABUSE THEM

6. Lead them don’t DRIVE THEM.

7. Develop followers through delegation and doing ministry together

8. Delegate to those with the right attitudes and develop skills on the job

9. Look for leader types who will also follow

10. Negotiate everything up front and make authority boundaries clear

11. Keep all your promises

Being a pastor in an established church or church planter, the man of God must be a servant first. People will be willing to follow a person they feel cares for them.

I'm Happy!



I just got a call from the computer shop that has had my laptop for a week now. It’s nice and clean of all spy ware and ready for pick up. Teresa will go by and pick it up today. I can’t believe how happy that makes me. For almost 3 weeks, we haven’t had a computer at the house after having one for 10 years. The family computer stopped allowing us access to the internet 3 weeks ago so we knew something was up. It’s older (4 years old; ancient for computers) so after the shop told us the amount of money it would cost to remove all the spy ware and viruses, we decided to buy Teresa her own laptop. My laptop is only 1 year old so we had the shop clean it up.

Teresa is more technical than I so she has used the library computer to research how to prevent this from happening. We have a new WiFi server we are hoping will help. My laptop was hijacked because (we think) we’ve been using our neighbor’s WiFi and didn’t have a filter. We now know better.

It will be nice to have all my stuff back (pictures, videos, and other saved stuff). It has been weird not having what I need at my figure tips. Weird but this has made my day.

Slow But Learning

I’ve been in the ministry since I was 16 years old (age I was called to full-time ministry). I’ve worked as stuff member and as a lay-leader at 4 churches during these years. Over these years I would have to say God has taught me a lot (through His Word and through action). I remember when I was in my early 20’s I read a lot on birth order and personality make-up (both through secular and Christian authors). I remember one book told you your personality make-up and the Bible person that was the same as you. I remember reading that Simon Peter and I have the same personality. When you’re twenty-something that’s cool, but as you grow older it tends to bite you in the rear. Always removing my foot from my mouth got old. I’ve learned to be slow to speak and long in the thinking before opening my mouth. Teresa (my wife) has been a great help.

The last 3 years, we have been working at Common Ground Community Church and been planning to start a new church but God has redirected us the last few months. Now, we are looking at taking a smaller church and grow it. I’ve talked with a couple of churches here in VA and no doors have opened. It’s all good because I know we are on God’s timetable and he will open the door in His time.

Earlier this month, I had a church call me from MO. It was weird to have a church call me. This is a small country church that wants a bi-vocational pastor. I don’t mind doing bi-vocational (done it most of my ministry career). There is on big problem; I’m not a country preacher. I grew up in the suburbs. I sent them my resume and Teresa and I prayed. They asked to hear me preach and I gave them the web address of Common Ground website (there is a recorded sermon I preach in December). I never thought they would call me back but one of the search committee members called yesterday. They want to hear another sermon and asked if I can mail one to them; small church couldn’t afford airfare to fly us out. I told them OK but I had a weird feeling. I know I didn’t want to go and I could tell Teresa isn’t interested in moving. I told myself that if I send it and if it’s God’s will the door will open and then we will go and if not nothing will come of it. It sounded all nice and spiritual. At 3 am this morning, I woke up. I couldn’t get back to sleep. I knew what I had to do so after talking with Teresa, I e-mailed the point of contact and said thank you but no thank you (put nicer than that).

I had come to my senses. I want to pastor a church. I want to equip a body of Chris-followers to grow and reach out to their community. I was willing to try and kick in a door where I know that we (Teresa and I) would not fit. Teresa and I had this conversation last week when we were driving around where Teresa spoke to my heart. God used Teresa to say just the right think to me about looking for a church. Her words still ring in my ears; “God will open the right door at the right time. We just need to wait for Him to open it.” Now that will preach. I can be slow but I do learn. We are waiting on God. We are at the best place we can be.

Facebook

Last week, Teresa and I had to put out computer and my laptop in the shop. We have some virus issues. We are using the local library to check e-mail and other things (I’m use it’s computer for this posting). This morning I was able to talk with my cousin in HI via Facebook and a friend here locally. It’s cool to be able to get connected with people that live so far away and also keep in touch with people near you.
My time is so busy with work and ministry so when I can connect face to face I do that. I love meeting friends over coffee at Java Café (better coffee than Starbucks). But with my schedule, I can’t meet everyone. Facebook has been a great tool to help me keep connected with friends who attend other churches. Facebook has been great staying in touch with my family who live in almost every state in the union.
If you are on Facebook, send me an invite and I’ll make you my friend. I can always use more friends.

Power of the Resurrection

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. (Matthew 28:6)”

I never get used to reading about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I cry every time I read the gospels. I pray I never get over it. The passage I put above just jumped out at me today. “for He is risen, just as He said” made me rejoice in the Lord.

The crucifixion was the fulfillment of the agreement God made with Israel. It was a conclusion of the Law. Jesus didn’t just die in our place as a payment for our sin, He set us free from sin itself. Because Jesus was raised from the grave, we have the victory. The power of the resurrection is that we can overcome the sin that once held us down. Because of what Christ did, we can be more than conquers over sin and death. Jesus took the keys of death and hell from Satan when He was raised from the grave.

When you feel that you just can’t win or be delivered from any sin, remember that Jesus is seating on the right hand of God the Father and being our attorney and pleading your case. If you do know Jesus Christ as Savior, you are a new person. The Bible says that all things are new. God only sees two colors; white and red. Red is our sin and white is what purity looks like. When Jesus saves us, He seals us forever in His blood so when God the Father sees us He sees us through His Son’s blood which makes us appear white. That’s the power of the resurrection.

Feedback

The man I see as being my first and main mentor (the main person God used in my early ministry life) sent me his feedback regarding the list of questions I will ask when a church asks to talk with me about being their pastor. His feedback was:

“If you intend to turn an older church around you will want to look and listen for some humility among the leadership and people. If they are proud God will resist them and let them die. You don’t want to do palliative care for a dying congregation.”

I see this as very sound advice. I do not want to waste God’s time in pastoring a church not willing to change in order to reach the lost. I feel there is a time God sets up a church to exist to reach the people He wants the body to reach, and there is a time that God is finished using a particular body and allows it to die off. I do not want to wastes God’s time so I see the list of questions as a great tool. Of course, God can always move and change the hearts of a body to want to go from being self-centered to community/lost centered or being inward focused to being outward focused.. After all, it is really about honoring and serving God and not any tradition a church has had for any amount of time.

That’s why I intend to walk slowing with my Father and follow His lead so when He opens the door to lead His bride, I will know it’s Him leading me and not me.

Questions



I’ve been thinking and praying more these days on what God truly wants from me. In what way does He want to use me? In the last 3 years, God has taken me on a journey that I could not have imagined just a year before it started. I have a desire (I feel it’s a God given desire) to pastor a church. I want to lead a body of believers to grow beyond their limitations and start seeing the world as God sees it. I want to equip them to “get over themselves” and reach out to their community; to show love to the loveless as Christ did.

I know that with any calling, God equips the person to accomplish the task He has called them. With that said, I feel the journey I have been on the last 3 years has been one of learning and being stretched. The different people God has put in my path and the different tests of my faith have changed the man I was just 3 years ago. The start of this journey was something only God could have orchestrated. I can see His fingerprints throughout. The next step (I feel) will be an open door to lead a church. I know that as I’ve talked with several churches I need to develop questions to ask them to see if the door is opening for Teresa and me. Through reading the books “The Interventionist” and “Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too” I see the importance of creating a list of questions in order to see if God is opening a door. Below is a list of questions I intend to ask any church who has asked Teresa and me to visit with them. I’m sure as I pray and read more and talk with fellow church leaders, this list will grow.

1.In the church’s history, how many pastors have you had and what is the average tenure of a pastor?
2.What do you think the duty (based on scripture) of the pastor is?
3.What functions do you want me to lead, and what areas do you think I should be hands-off?
4.What do you think the duty (based on scripture) of the deacons is?
5.What do you think the function (based on scripture) of the church is?
6.What do you think the responsibility of the church member is to the function of the church?
7.What are you willing to change (i.e. style of worship, décor, etc) to reach the lost?
8.What aren’t you willing to change?

Godly View of Trials

There are some people that God has put in my path that I feel it's an honor for me to work with or have worked with. Ron is one of these people. I got to know Ron pretty well while I worked in the Point Harbor Community Church's men's ministry. Since Teresa and I felt Point Harbor Community Church to work with Common Ground, I've seen Ron twice but we send e-mails all the time. Below is an e-mail from Ron that leaves me thinking that Ron knows the One who is in control of our lives. I my opinion, this is the correct way to view trials and tribulations.

I hope your family is well. Zee and I are still on the battle field for our Lord. I had rotator cup surgery on Dec. 22nd., my sister went home to be with the Lord Jan. 11th., her father is in the last stages of cancer as well as a cousin.

We have been studying the book/letter to the Phiippians. Just reading about Paul's many circumstances gives you a new prospective on your own. One thing that jumps out at you in the pages is the love, concern for the people of God that Paul had inspite of all other things going on in his life that made him personaly uncomfortable.

"These are the times that try men's souls". Isn't that so true? These are the times that a God who is in control of it all has allowed to be. I see why our Lord put such a low value on complaining and being unthankful. I see why it's not good to think one is entitled to only the best in life. I see how we can become so consumer minded, even in the church, to have the audacity to pick who we want to minister to. Even in the toughest times God continues to call us to the side of others in need. He continues to supply our needs according to His riches in Christ.

Isn't it blessed and wonderful that He does not put more on us than we can handle. We can do that to ourselves quit well. It's true that we should pray and wait for an answer so that we could be in the center of His will..but we don't always because we are mere humans, YET HE REMAINS FAITHFUL!! Pray for us on Saturday.17th. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m.

In Him

Ron

My Testimony

I was looking through my Microsoft Word documents and came across the below. I wanted to share this with you. If interested, read on.

On a Sunday morning in 1977, I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior at the age of 7 years old. In 1984, my family joined Fellowship Baptist Church (now Point Harbor Community Church) in Chesapeake, Virginia. In that same year, I surrendered my life to God to do with as He wanted. I made myself available every time the church needed help. Every summer, I spent time at the church building helping with cleaning, maintenance, visitation, and washing the buses. No task was too small, because I was ministering. I carried a New Testament in my back packet everywhere I went so I would be ready to witness.

In 1986, I sensed God’s call on my life for full time ministry. With a new sense of purpose, I began to share the love of God with my classmates. I carried a Bible on top of my schoolbooks so that people would ask why. This gave me witnessing opportunities. I helped the Youth Pastor with anything and everything with the intent to learn and a sincere desire to minister with him and to the youth of our church.

In 1989, upon graduating from high school, I enter Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri to pursue a degree in Missions/Bible. After 3 years of study, I left college and return to Virginia to reassess and seek specific direction concerning God’s calling in my life.

From that time on, God has taught me much about waiting on His timing and trusting in His guidance. I have utilized this time in my life to deepen my faith-walk and actively serve in various ministries at three dynamic churches, both vocationally and as a lay leader. Currently, God has sent me Common Ground Community Church (a Southern Baptist Church Plant), where I’m partnering with the pastoral staff in the areas of Small Groups and Discipleship.

Doubt

I’m reading through the book of Matthew in my personal study and I came across the passage of Matthew 14 where Peter walked with Jesus on the water. After Peter became afraid because of the storm and began to sink, Jesus asked why he doubted. I heard a theory about this passage in that Jesus was asking Peter why he was doubting himself and not doubting Jesus’ power. This makes sense to me because Peter had enough faith to believe he could walk to Jesus on the water. The problem was when reality set in (seeing the wind and waves around him) he started to doubt his own abilities.

When Jesus calls out a person for a special task; be it to preach His word, move to a foreign country, or to just walk across the street to your neighbor He equips us for this task. I think when people freak out about the task God gives them to do it’s more about doubting ourselves and not God. But when you doubt our own abilities, you doubt God’s power. After all, God is the One who made us who we are (good, bad, or indifferent). Our S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experience) was created and developed by God to being glory to Himself.

I think in order to be fully committed to what God has laid on our heart to do for Him, we have to forget about all the fears we may have and keep our eyes solely on the One who called us to the task. According to Ephesians, God has already completed the tasks He has called us to do for Him. God knows all things and created all things. He knows what is in our path and will protect us and/or carry us through it. As long as we keep our eyes on God and do His work, we should not doubt ourselves. God has made sure we were ready before He called us to the task He is doing through us.

Read Matthew 14 and see.

Changing Our World



I just received a newsletter from a friend who is starting a new church in Westpoint, VA (just north of Williamsburg). He had some sound words for this this new year and I wanted to share it with you.

"As we turn the page into the new year we wonder, “What does the world hold for us in 2009?” We can look forward to many blessings in the next year. But also in our world there is much trouble and many challenges. We may see it in the news or experience it in our personal lives...War. Poverty. Disease. Political unrest. Moral decline. Ever wonder, “Is there anything I can do?” You might be feeling powerless to change the world, but you and I possess the power to change the world one heart at a time. Acts 1:8 tells us, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Want to do something that matters for eternity in 2009? Be a witness of the Gospel. Share your faith with individuals who are searching in darkness for the Light. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, my prayer is that I will reach out to more and more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a part of the solution to the problems facing our world."

Think about it.

Mind over Matter

I’m sure most of you if not all of you know the phrase “Mind Over Matter.” It’s basically pushing through difficulties to achieve a goal. I remember as a teenager seeing the Clint Eastwood move “Heartbreak Ridge” the phrase being used in a way that I think of every time I use the term. In the movie Clint Eastwood plays a Marine gunnery sergeant trying getting a motley crew of Marines (Forest Recon) back into sharp. In a scene where a big muscle bound guy comes up to him and tells him that the group no longer has to mind or obey his orders because he no longer matters. It’s a great scene.

I had a “mind over matter” moment today at the gym. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I do 25 minutes on a stationary bike and 20 to 30 minutes swimming laps in the pool. Today, after 5 minutes my body was telling me to just swim 15 minutes because I over worked my shoulders and back yesterday doing free weights. I told myself to just get to 15 minutes and then we will see. After pushing through 15 minutes in the pool, I pushed on and did a full 30 minutes of laps. I pushed through the pain and achieved my goal of swimming 30 minutes. I have to say that I’m tired right now but this too will soon pass.

Technology



I’ve been thinking how great technology is over the weekend. I just finished reading a series of novels based in a medieval period and how long it took the characters to communicate long distances. They would travel for weeks to move just 50 to 100 miles. I think we take the technology we have now for granted. I had my truck serviced and the state inspection done on Saturday and while waiting I pulled out my Palm cell phone and surfed the web and answered e-mails. It wasn’t until I was done waiting that it hit me how great we have these days.

I normally don’t think about how easy we have it with our cell phones today. Two weeks back, Teresa and I were getting the house ready for the family (for Christmas) and we came across our first cell phones; bought them in 1999. They were heavy compared to what we have now and they were just phones. They didn’t have a camera, camcorder, web-access, or anything else we take as being normal on our cell phones today. I drive at least 38 miles round trip to work everyday (which is roughly 50 minutes in the truck) and just a hundred years ago this trip would have taken most of the day. In Biblical times most people only traveled maybe 15 to 20 miles from the home; most people lived most of their lives only traveling 10 to 15 miles from their home. Our technology is growing fast; yesterday Teresa saw the cell phones we have for only $50 and I think we paid $150 just 6 months ago. The same can be said about computers.

The reason why this struck me as interesting is that the people in ministry have great tools at our figure tips. We can be in contact with the office without needing to be in the office. With cell phones and laptops, we can stay out in the “field” and still stay in touch. God called us to be about our Father’s work but most are locked up in their offices doing administration stuff. I love being bi-vocational so I can be out and about shining God’s light on the field I have been entrusted with. When God opens the door for me to be a Senior Pastor of my own church (actual it is God’s church) I would be not in the office as much as some pastors. I will be in the coffeehouses and other place getting to know the community. Technology has given us the tools to do so much more than our forefathers. We should use it to the max to reach our world for Christ.

Awesome!

Last week, we played host to my parents, my sister (Wendi), her husband (Scott), and my nephew (Justin) for Christmas. We had a great time with them all but I would have to say that the highlight was my 8 year old nephew Justin. Everything was “Awesome!” for him; his Christmas gifts, our trip to Jamestown Settlement on Friday, and me. It got to the point that he would make me laugh every time he said, “Awesome!” I told Wendi that his “Awesome!” was “Awesome.”

Teresa and I really didn’t know what to expect with Justin this time around. It has been almost 2 years since we saw him last. I would have to say that Wendi and Scott are doing an awesome (I had to say it) job raising this little man. The last time they visited, he was 6 and he and I watched cartoons together in the morning because we were the only ones up and I didn’t mind him watching them. This time around, we watched a little bit of cartoons but we got to spend time together having more fun.

I really enjoy running so after we opened our Christmas gift, I suited up for a 6 mile run (we had 55 degree weather in VA on Christmas day). Justin saw we put my running shoes on and wanted to come with me. Wendi told him no because she knew I was going for 6 miles. He frowned but didn’t make a scene. I was coming back around my running route and saw Teresa and my mom doing Teresa’s normal 3.5 mile walk. I saw that little man (AKA Justin) was with them. I met up with them about a mile from the house. Teresa told me that Justin wanted to run with me so I slowed my pace and he ran with me. He kept up with me. When we got back to the house that’s all he talked about; the he ran with Uncle Tom. I would have to say it was “Awesome.”

I told Justin that on Saturday, I was planning to do a shorter run of 3 miles if he wanted to come with me. That’s all he talked about on Friday night. He told me before going upstairs for bed that he was going to sleep so he’ll be ready to run with me in the morning. I slept in a little on Saturday; woke up at 7:30am. Justin was waiting downstairs with his clothes on ready to go. I told him that we will run around 9am to allow the temperature to rise a little. At around 9am, we headed out for our 3 mile run. I told Wendi later that the run was all about Justin. I didn’t care about our pace. Justin did a good job. He ran 2.5 mile before I had to carry him on my back. I carried him about quarter of a mile and he was ready to go. He ran the last quarter and fell out on our loveseat. It was funny. Wendi took him upstairs for a bath. After the bath, he was ready to go again.

Justin shared with Teresa and me on Sunday morning that he didn’t sleep well Saturday. He said he didn’t want to leave. Justin is an awesome kid who I can’t wait to see how God will use him. He’s very sharp. I’m hoping we can get together in July. All in all, the week was “Awesome!”

Memories

The last month, more of my family members have become my Facebook friends. This has given the cousins a chance to get reconnected as adults. I have to admit that I haven’t been putting a lot of focus on the extended family. It’s been at least 5 years since Teresa and I have gone to a July 4th family party in Paducah, KY. My dad is number 6 of 12 children so the Thomasson clan has grown to about 70 plus people. It has been nice writing the cousins and hearing how they are doing about their children.

I have put photos for 2004 Christmas Teresa and I spent with my parents and one of my sisters and it has caused us to write about the memories we had of the Thomasson Christmas gatherings. When Maw (that’s what we called our grandmother) was alive, everyone would come to “Maw’s House” on Christmas day. Dad would load us up and we would drive to KY every year. It was a fun trip because we got to stay in a motel (little things excite children). Maw had a finished basement so everyone was down there eating and talking. There was a fireplace so some us kids would through the paper cups in the fire to watch them burn between playing games. Everyone got a gift and the children who were under 12 years old were given a coloring book and crayons. Wendi, Wanda, and I always loved getting the coloring book and crayons. In fact we were the only ones Maw continued for a few extra years for getting a set because she knew we loved coloring; something I’m still fond of today. I’m trying to keep this tradition alive by giving Wendi’s son a set every year he’s with us on Christmas.

I have so many good memories at Maw’s house during Christmas. She always made a big breakfast with eggs, bacon, homemade biscuits, and milk gravy (oh man she made awesome gravy). She always had a kind word to give and hug and kiss whenever she saw me. My favorite memories have to do with sitting and listening to my crazy aunts and uncles talking about my grandfather and their adventures as children. The stories would make a great novel and movie.

The best part about my memories of Maw and our time together is knowing she is in a better place now. She was a good Christian lady who raised 2 preachers. To my knowledge, most of the family members are church going Christians. Now that’s a testimony.

What a Weekend

Today is one of those Mondays I don’t mind. I’m at work and I feel that now I can relax. This was a crazy busy weekend and next weekend will be as crazy. I’m feeling my body giving way to fatigue which is a sign for me to slow down a notch (which means for me going from 10 to 9).

The weekend started when I left work at lunch to drive 45 miles to Windsor to help decorate for my friends’ wedding. Teresa was already there with the bride, bride’s family and friends, and the groom. We decorated for 4 hours straight and then the rehearsal. The rehearsal was a three ring circus without the clowns and fun. There was a wedding coordinator who was nice and knew her stuff but we has the maid of honor (the pastor called her a Nazi behind her back) trying to taking control. Roger (the pastor) finally had to have people claim down and ask the bride what she wanted. It was interesting. Teresa and I got home by 9 pm and were asleep by 9:30 pm (very tiring day).

Saturday we had the morning to ourselves. It was nice as long as it lasted. We left the house at 1:30 pm so we could get to the church for the photos. The wedding started at 5:30 pm. The bride was beautiful and the broom had stars in his eyes. It was awesome because Teresa and I both love Gil and Jen and they were made for one another. I sang “I Will Be Here” for them and I did alright (I didn’t screw up). I had people tell me they loved the song and the maid of honor (A.K.A. The Nazi) told me she thought it was a CD playing until she noticed I had a microphone in my hand. Apparently she wasn’t paying attention during rehearsal. I give all the honor and glory to God when people told me they liked my singing because He is the One who gave me the voice. It took almost an hour from the finish of the wedding and photos until Gil and Jen came back to the fellowship hall. It was a nice wedding but Teresa and I were tired when we got home at 9 pm.

Sunday morning was a great time with the men of the small group I lead. We had a good discussion on our topic and the men went away filled. The worship service went well. Teresa and I went over to Hampton to return the tux and I had originally planned to start on my sermon (I’m preaching next church); however, I was informed by Teresa we needed to finish our Christmas shopping. We got back to the house by 5 pm. I was too tired to think straight so I just helped with cleaning and clearing space for a Christmas tree. I think I stopped around 8 pm.

I enjoy relaxing when I can and I need to try to do so this week (sometime) so my body won’t have to make me stop. Once a year, I get sick and I have to stop and relax. I’ve been lucky so far because of my regular exercise program. I’ll take it a little slower this week so I will be in good health for this weekend and for Christmas. I have my folks and sister with her family coming for Christmas; it will be a good time.

The Origin of the Christmas Tree



Below is some possible origins on how we have our current day Christmas Trees.

One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree - the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.

Another story from Germany is about Queen Victoria. She often visited relatives in Germany and while she was there, she fell in love with Prince Albert. After they were married, they moved back to England to raise their family. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. This story took place in the 19th century, around 1830.

Another story about the origin of the Christmas tree says that late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope that spring would soon come.

Another legend that has not been proved is that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. This story says that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.

Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes at the time of the winter solstice. It symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans were known to deck their homes with evergreens during of Kalends of January 15. Living trees were also brought into homes during the old Germany feast of Yule, which originally was a two month feast beginning in November. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home. But there is no evidence that the Christmas tree is a direct descendent of the Yule tree. Evidence does point to the Paradise tree however. This story goes back to the 11th century religious plays. One of the most popular was the Paradise Play. The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree adorned with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. The people had grown so accustomed to the Paradise tree, that they began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.

Sermon Notes



I'm preaching on December 21st so I'm wanting to doing something regarding Christmas. I'm in the beginning of doing my research (love doing research) on the origin of Christmas. I've come across a website that has seom good stuff. I'll put parts of the information in the coming days. The first portion is regarding Christmas' Origin and how if it relates to Christ.

The True Origin of Christmas

BY DAVID C. PACK

Nearly all aspects of Christmas observance have their roots in Roman custom and religion. Consider the following admission from a large American newspaper (The Buffalo News, Nov. 22, 1984): “The earliest reference to Christmas being marked on Dec. 25 comes from the second century after Jesus’ birth. It is considered likely the first Christmas celebrations were in reaction to the Roman Saturnalia, a harvest festival that marked the winter solstice—the return of the sun—and honored Saturn, the god of sowing. Saturnalia was a rowdy time, much opposed by the more austere leaders among the still-minority Christian sect. Christmas developed, one scholar says, as a means of replacing worship of the sun with worship of the Son. By 529 A.D., after Christianity had become the official state religion of the Roman Empire, Emperor Justinian made Christmas a civic holiday. The celebration of Christmas reached its peak—some would say its worst moments—in the medieval period when it became a time for conspicuous consumption and unequaled revelry.”

Consider these quotes from the Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911 edition, under “Christmas”: “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church…the first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.” Further, “Pagan customs centering around the January calends gravitated to Christmas.” Under “Natal Day,” Origen, an early Catholic writer, admitted, “…In the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his birthday. It is only sinners (like Pharaoh and Herod) who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world” (emphasis mine).

The Encyclopedia Americana, 1956 edition, adds, “Christmas…was not observed in the first centuries of the Christian church, since the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth…a feast was established in memory of this event [Christ’s birth] in the fourth century. In the fifth century the Western Church ordered the feast to be celebrated forever on the day of the Mithraic rites of the birth of the sun and at the close of the Saturnalia, as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ’s birth existed.”

There is no mistaking the origin of the modern Christmas celebration. Many additional sources could be cited and we will return to this later. Let’s begin to tie some other facts together.

It was 300 years after Christ before the Roman church kept Christmas, and not until the fifth century that it was mandated to be kept throughout the empire as an official festival honoring “Christ.”

Tom’s Psalm



God has been so good to Teresa and me. He is always faithful. Yesterday, Teresa received her pay stub (has direct deposit) and it showed where QVC paid for her unused vacation time. Teresa had 225 hours (28 days and 12.5 hours) of unused time so they cut her a check for it. I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. This morning while driving to work, I started thinking about all the things God has done for us over the 12 years of marriage and over my 38 years of being on this world. My God is an awesome God.

I’ve been reading through the Book of Psalms, and I thought about how I would word a psalm of praise to my God. Here it is:

Oh my Father; you are great and awesome!
There is no other God but you.
Before You called me to Yourself, I was lost and clueless.
You have made me an heir to Your throne of my God!
I am not worthy to be called your son, but in your awesomeness You have made me worthy.
Thank you can not describe how I feel.

You take care of me even when I can’t see you in the storm.
You design storms to mold me into who I need to be in order to be used by You.

Who am I that You take notice of me?
I know it’s not anything I have done or who I am,
But it is because of what You have done and who You are that I am blessed beyond measure.

Thank you my God, my Father, my Lord, my Savior, my Friend.

Question

I love being bi-vocational because I feel that God is using me here at Dollar Tree. A co-worker sent me a cool question about sometime about a Futurama episode and the theme of it. Below is the theme from the website “Wikipedia” and it’s write up regarding “Hell Is Other Roberts” and my answer.

Wikipedia:

“This episode is one of very few that focuses on the religious aspects of the Futurama universe. In most episodes, it is indicated that the Planet Express crew, along with most beings in the year 3000, are "remarkably unreligious". It introduces two of the three religious figures of Futurama, The Robot Devil and Reverend Lionel Preacherbot, both of whom make appearances in future episodes. Preacherbot, who speaks in a manner typical of inner-city African-American pastor stereotypes, converts Bender to the religion Robotology. This leads to a series of events that are similar in many ways to the experiences of real world religious converts. Mark Pinsky states that the episode has a "double-edged portrayal of religion" as it portrays both an improvement in Bender's character but also some of the "less pleasant characteristics of the newly pious". The Robot Devil is introduced after Bender's fall back into sin. While explaining to Bender his claim on his soul, he uses logic similar to that used by many Southern Baptists. By the end of the episode Bender has returned to his old ways and states that he will no longer try to be either too good or too bad, a parody and contradiction of the Book of Revelation statement that one should not be lukewarm in their faith.”

My reply to my co-worker:

Wow, my first thought is that Rich has too much time on his hands and he thinks to hard ; - ). Just kidding. I will try to explain (in a nutshell) what I think the Robot Devil tells Bender. I’ll have Bible passages accompanying my answer because I don’t want you to think I’m giving the SBC bylines, but I’m giving you what scripture says. First of all, I can’t remember what he told Bender in the episode (I just remember him when Fry got new hands to play an instrument to win Leela’s heart) but by reading the “Theme” section, below is my answer.

“While explaining to Bender his claim on his soul, he uses logic similar to that used by many Southern Baptists.” – According to Romans 5:12 (“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (NASV)”) when Adam sinned against God, mankind stopped being the children of God and became “children of wraith.” Because of this sin, God kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden and because of this sin a great separation occurred.

Even though we (mankind) no longer are God’s children, He made a way for us to reconnect with Him. This way is (as you) Jesus Christ. John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.(NASV)”) shows us if a person accepts Jesus to be Lord of his life he has eternal salvation. I know you know that Futurama is a cartoon and robots don’t have souls but the whole idea of Bender finding “Religion” and then going back to how he was before and the Devil still has ownership of his soul alludes to the idea that salvation isn’t forever and that you can loss it. I can give you a ton of scripture passages that affirm that salvation is forever and that you can not loss it; John 3:16 is just one.

Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ and not a “religion.” The key word for religion is “DO”; what must I “DO” to earn salvation, enlightenment, and/or heaven. The key word for Christianity is “DONE”; what Jesus has “DONE” on the cross satisfies the payment for eternal life and there is nothing we can do to earn it other than accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

I can go on and one but I hope I answered your question. I’m always available if you and/or Rich want to talk further. I love doing coffee and talking if you want to after work sometime soon; Rich, you, and me.

Sunday’s Report

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to preach at Living Proof Baptist Church in Williamsburg, VA. Teresa and I had a good time with this church. I wanted share what God did through us. The main goal I set for this adventure was one, bring honor to God and two, encourage the members of this church.

Let me share a little history about this church before I share our adventure story. LPBC was started in 2001. The church has been meeting in a former Christian school for the last 2 years (I believe they own the property). The founding pastor needed a rest from ministry due the health issues of his wife. They moved to be with his sending church in FL in October. LPBC has been without a pastor for a month, but have been developing a search for a new pastor. The founding pastor left this body very healthy and well equipped to reach their community. The leadership loves the Lord and is very capable men.

Living Proof is 50 miles from our house (in Portsmouth) and according to TomTom the trip took us 56 minutes. We arrived at 10:40 and were greeted by a sweet young lady holding a 3 month old baby who did nothing but smile (very cute). The young lady showed us to the sanctuary (a gym) and we talked with her until their Sunday School glasses let out. She handed us over to Delon; the media guy and the one I’ve traded e-mails with. After getting the Power Point and video ready, I talked with members who came up to us. This church was very warm and friendly (even before they knew who I was and better yet even after they met me).

I preached on “What is Truth?” using John 14:6 ("I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”). I preached for 45 minutes, and had two men come down and prayer at the foot of the stage. I was told later that one of the church’s small groups has been studying this very subject and that the leader was impressed how I dealt with the subject so thoroughly in a short about of time.

Teresa and I were taken out for lunch by Mr. and Mrs. Curtis at Second Street Bistro (if you are ever in Williamsburg check this place out). We had good food and great fellowship. Mr. Curtis is retired from TWA Airlines and moved here from Las Vegas (after living there for over 25 years) and enjoys history. We had a good time talking history and other things. We had a great time and I feel God was honored and the church body was encouraged.

I let the church’s leadership know if they needed me again, I’d love to return. I shared this with Don Cockes (SBCV Church Enrichment Missionary). Please keep Living Proof Baptist Church in your prayers. They are looking for an Interim Pastor for now but would like a pastor in place within a year.

The Great Unknowns of Life



With what is happening with the U.S. economy, I’m sure most people are afraid of the uncertainty of the situation. I’m sure if you think about it, you know someone who has been affected by it; maybe you. Your 401K portfolio maybe isn’t as rich as it was just 6 months ago. My 401K plan is worth $5,000 less than last quarter. When Teresa told me that, my reaction was, “Oh, OK.” Our family has been affected by this economic situation because Teresa was laid-off from her job. She has a great severance package which includes 6 months pay (not everyone got that who was laid-off). God is providing for us. If you have been paying attention to the news the last week and the 3 auto companies asking for money from Congress, you know that the possibility of more people will be affected by the issues with the economy. My dad is retired from one of these companies so he is watching this closely. The outcome can affect him and mom’s financially well being. Even with this going on, I can safely say, God is good and He is in control.

The reason I can say this is because of who my foundation is resting on. According to Matthew 7:24-26, when the storms of life come (and these storms come) I’m secure because my life is established on The True Rock (Jesus Christ). This foundation is the strongest a person can have. Another promise we have is that we are not alone when the uncertainty comes out way. The last part of the Great Commission is “I am with you always, even to the end of the [church] age (Matthew 28:20b)." We are never alone when we walk through this life. As a child of the Most High, we are taken care of. My sister’s, Wanda, favorite poem is “Foot Prints in the Sand.” In short, the poem lets us know that when live is good, Jesus is walking beside us and when life gets rough, Jesus carries us through the hardship and heartache that life can throw our way.

Life can be hard. In fact, Jesus never said that life will be easy; even for the Christian. The greatest part of being a child of God is that we don’t go through the hardships alone. The children of this world deal with the hardships of life alone. We may not be able to see around the corner of life, but we know the One who can see all things. He sees what we cannot see, and He knows that outcome. In this uncertain time in America, trust in the unchangeableness of God and rest on His promises. He will never fail you.

Being Focused



I really enjoy exercising. I’m sure some people hate to exercise and if they do exercise, it’s not fun for them; I really enjoy exercising. Some people tend to focus on their bodies and rhythm while working out. I have to admit, I have to focus on my body parts when I’m doing weight training, but I don’t focus on me when I’m cycling, running, and/or swimming.

When I’m doing the stationary bike, I’m reading. I’m usually reading a book on church, a Biblical subject, or a book on God so I’m focused on learning something so I can use to honor God. When I run, I’m focused on the environment and seeing the awesomeness of creation; again, focusing on God. When I swim, I think about breathing right but most of the time my mind wonders as I do lap after lap after lap. My mind tends to wonder on the tasks I’m doing or dream of doing to honor God.

Focusing on God really makes me truly focused on the right things. Thinking about fun and other things that will make me happy is not bad as long as it’s not always about me. We are put here to bring God honor and glory. Try not focusing on you and try keeping the focus on God. He deserves out focus.

Not Characters, But People Like Us

There is a phrase I learned from one of my college professors, “Let’s put flesh and blood on these people.” The “these people” are the people in the Bible. Over the centuries, these people in the Bible have gone from being flesh and blood people to “characters.” Most of the time, when a preacher refers to a person the Bible, they are referred to them as Bible or Biblical characters. We’ve done a disservice to Christianity by doing this because newer Christians view them as being bigger than life like comic book superheroes. The reality is that these people were just people who God used. The awesome part of the Bible is that God has been everything in it; the good, the bad, and ugly about the people He used.

I teach that we have the whole truth about the people in the Bible so we can see how people just like us were used. David is called the man after God’s own heart even thought he was an adulterer and murderer. Gilead was caught hiding in a cave when God wanted to use him in Judges to free Israel. The disciples were nothing more than a motley crew of misfits when Jesus chose them. For the most part, we remember these people at the end of their lives and forget how they were at the beginning of their journey when God/Jesus Christ chose to use them.

Today in the men’s Bible group, this truth was lost to one our men. He’s a newer believer who is having a bad time. I could tell how he was talking that his views of the people in the Bible were as I wrote in the first paragraph. How could he struggle with all he is struggling with if he is a child of God; the falling in sin. I shared with him what Paul wrote in one of his letters; “I do what I shouldn’t do, and don’t do what I should be doing (paraphrasing).” The great St. Paul struggled with his walk just us normal folk do? I shared with this young man that we will never “arrive” (or be perfect) this side of heaven. The Holy Spirit helps us grow stronger in our walk as we feed our spirit but there will be times where we will fail. That’s the awesomeness of God; His grace.

Remember before you beat yourself up over being human and failing, the people in the Bible were human just like us. There not characters; there people just like you and me.

Awesomeness of God



I enjoy reading through the books of Psalms and Proverbs. I would say that I read through them at least once a year. I always seem to see something new when I read them. That should be no brainer since the Bible is a living source of knowledge from God the Father. The other day I posted about how some songs can get me to engage with God at the drop of a hat, and I mentioned one (“Praise You With The Dance”).

This morning as I was reading in Psalms, I came across Psalm 30 and a lot of the language of this passage made me start singing “Praise You With The Dance.” I wonder if Mark Hall used this Psalm as a starting point for this song.

Even though Teresa has been laid-off her job, I will praise and worship my God. He has seen me through a lot more than this and I trust Him completely. Teresa trusts Him to be faithful and has no worries. We have an awesome and loving God who is much more than words can describe. When I think about the majesty of God, my mind channels Wayne’s World and I yell “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!” But the must awesome part of this is that God through His love and sacrifice (in the form of Jesus Christ) has made me worthy. It’s just awesome!

Below is the Psalm that sparked these thoughts; Psalm 30.

1 I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God,
I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
3 O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;
You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
6 Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,
"I will never be moved."
7 O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;
You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
8 To You, O LORD, I called,
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?
10 "Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me;
O LORD, be my helper."
11You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
12That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

God's Man



I just talked with a young man who God has given me the honor to mentor over the last 7 years. In order for you to understand the excitement I have in writing about our conversation, I want to give a little background.

Rick and his wife were in the Navy (he still is) when they came to Point Harbor Community Church in 2000. Both were not saved and just married with a child on the way so they wanted to check out the church. Shortly after, they got saved. Rick jumped in with the sports ministry and helped me with the men’s ministry. He was young and eager to learn. While I walked with him and encouraged him to read his Bible, I saw that God wanted to use him more. Rick started helping the youth pastor the last year before he was transferred. Satan tried to discourage him through some of the members of the church but I lifted him up and encouraged him.

God moved Rick to Spain to do security for a Navy base there for 2 years. His wife and now 3 kids could not come because the youngest son had health issues. I knew Satan would target Rick being so far away from home and his family. I prayed for him and sent him care packages (music CDs, cookies, youth ministry books, etc.). He told me that he started working with the youth whose parents were stationed at the base. God was blessing the ministry. A year in his time in Spain, I sensed something wrong and saw on his MySpace page he listed his status as single (instead of married). I questioned him about it and he was planning on ending his marriage because of non-Biblical reasons. I held him accountable (with love) and told him he was wrong and needed to get back with his wife. It was tough but he did it and now they are strong in their marriage and both serving the Lord in Jacksonville, FL. Rick is now a small arms instructor at a nearby base.

Now back the conversation we had; Rick as been asked to be a youth pastor of a small church near Jacksonville. He can do his Navy job and minister with the teens. He and his wife are excited about this possibility. I’m excited to see God doing His thing with this now 32 year old man who I’ve had the honor of knowing and seeing grow. Keep Rick and Kristine in your prayers (and their 3 children). May God use Rick greatly in this new direction.

Not just a number

With the news telling us that our country is hurting economically, we never think it will affect us. Today I got a call from my wife with the news that she has been laid-off. She has been looking for a new job for 4 months now and working under very stressful conditions but this news was still a surprise. Even though the package the company gave her is a very good (6months pay, medical benefits, and help finding a new job) this can be scary if it wasn’t the fact we have God and the assurance that He will take care of us. We trust that He will open doors for Teresa to have a new job.

Worship



The other day, I was home alone and working on answering a questionnaire a church’s pulpit committee sent me and I put in a Casting Crowns CD. I really enjoy listening to this group and since I read Mark Hall’s (lead singer) book “Lifestories: Finding God's "Voice of Truth" Through Everyday Life” I enjoy them a little more knowing the stories behind their songs. While the music played in the background, I read and answered the questions on my laptop (love WiFi), and then the song “Praise You With The Dance” came on. I started singing along and before I knew it the Holy Spirit manifested Himself. [I believe that since God is omni-present He is with us at all times, but it’s not until we engage Him we can sense His presence.] I went from just singing along to engaging God in worship. I had to just stop what I was doing and worship the God of universe. It was an awesome experience. I sat back in my chair with tears rolling down my cheeks and raised my arms in adoration to my Savior. Some songs can engage me at the drop of a hat and “Praise You With The Dance” is one of them. See below for the words of this song.

Praise You With The Dance

I will sing to the Lord
And I will lift my voice
For You have heard my cry

I will sing to the Lord
And I will lift my hands
For You have brought me out of the pit
For You have brought me out of the pit

And I'll sing glory, hallelujah
I lift Your name on high
And I'll sing holy, 'cause You're worthy
I'll praise You with the dance

Picking Up My Towel



This past Sunday, the men’s Bible group started our last section of the study we’ve been doing. The section is titled Picking up Your Towel. We discussed Matthew 20:27-29, and how we should put other people before ourselves. I’m looking forward to our further discussion on this topic this Sunday.

I concluded our group last Sunday by challenging the men to put people before them during their daily lives; to allow someone to get in front of them on the road or putting their wives’ or children’s needs before their own. Well this came back on me this morning.

I came down stairs to get coffee from our café. In my work place, we have a café with free (yes, I said free) coffee. When the coffee runs out, whoever is there should make the next pot. We have two 40 cup coffee pots so it takes awhile for the coffee to brew. The person in front of me has just started both pots so I stood there waiting. While I was waiting, two more people came up. In our office, there is an unwritten rule that whoever is in front should go first, but some of the higher ups skip from time to time. At first I was eying these two people wondering if they would try to skip and then Matthew 20:27 popped in my head.

The passage reminded me that I should put these people ahead of me. The coffee will still be there in 30 seconds. When the coffee finished brewing, I waved my hand out offering for the person to my right to go ahead of me. She look confused and then I said, “Ladies, first.” She looked at me and asked, “You’re willing to wait?” and then she got her cup of coffee. She never did say thank you, but that’s not why I made the offer. To the next person, I did the same thing and this lady said, “Thank you” and got her cup. I know it’s a little thing to let people go ahead of me for coffee, but it’s a start.

Jesus is God almighty, and He chose to leave His throne and come down in the form of a man. He didn’t come to be served, but to be a servant. The God of the universe washed 12 pairs of dirty feet (imagine what was on those feet). Jesus put other people’s needs before His own desires. He took this example all the way to the cross. Jesus took our place on the cross so we can have life everlasting. Putting others before ourselves is the least we can do in comparison to Jesus’ example. Allowing a person to get a cup of coffee before you or getting to a place 10 second later because you allowed a person to get in front of you on the road is little compared to what Christ did. Even if people don’t say thank you or give a thank you wave. Have you said “Thank you” to Jesus for putting our needs before His? Think about.

Election Day

Today is Election Day and I voted for the people I feel can help our country the best. I waited for an hour to cast my vote. While standing the line holding my umbrella, I thought about my first election in 1988. I thought about the days leading to my 18th birthday. How I knew there were two things I wanted to do on my birthday; register for the draft and register to vote. After finishing school, I went to the post office and registered for the draft and then I went to the local library and filled out the voter registration form. In the family I grew up in, honoring our country is high up there second only to having a relationship with Jesus Christ and church attendance.

I can remember how proud my dad was when I showed him my temporary voter’s card and told him I registered for the draft. If it wasn’t for the fact God had called me into ministry at an early age and me heading off for Bible college right out of high school, I would have followed in my father’s and grandfather’s feet and join the military. We have a great country and many freedoms that other people long for.

As Christians in the U.S., we have the freedom to proclaim Christ anywhere we wish. We get tax write offs for obeying God and giving back a portion of our income to the church. I think we either don’t think or don’t care about how our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are treated in other countries because we have it so good here in the U.S. The freedoms we have are because of the sacrifice of our forefathers and the men and women in our armed forces.

While driving into work after voting, I thanked God for the blessings He has given me and to our country. I prayed for His will be done with the outcome of today’s vote. Remember, God is the One who puts the leaders in their place of authority so God will put who He has planned in the oval office; good, bad, or indifferent. If you haven’t voted yet and are registered, go vote.

Halloween Everyday

Friday was Halloween and this is the day people like to dress up and be someone or something different. I read somewhere that Halloween is the only day of the year people can be someone they want to be. Children dress up in who or what they dream to be (i.e. policeman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc.). For some, Halloween is everyday because they always wear a mask.

In ancient Greece, the actors in the theaters held a pole that carried an enormous papier-mâché mask. These masks were always a caricature – an overdone, generalized, or idealized portrayal. We use the word hypocrite for those people who are not real. This word literally means one who wears a mask. People want to be accepted so they feel they can’t show who they really are to others. To be accepted, some people wear:

The “happy” mask
The “I’m very together” mask
The “I don’t care” mask
The “I’m the expert” mask
The “I have the answers” mask or
The “I am cool” mask

The world doesn’t have the monopoly on thinking they need to wear a mask to be accepted. We have church members who are living hell on earth and when asked by someone how they are doing, their reply is, “Fine, I’m just fine.” The word fine is Feelings Internalized Not Expressed. Church should be the one place, hurting people should know they can be who they truly are and know they will be accepted. The men in the men’s group I lead know that when I ask how they are, the word “fine” will not be accepted. The first 15 minutes of our time is laid aside so in depth discussions can take place in a safe environment.

Church should be a safe-haven for people to leave the masks off and be who they are. It’s scary but the body of Christ should be the one group you can be yourself.