Ripley just came out and is clearing her lungs.

Ripley being weighed; 7 pounds 4 oz.

Ripley is soooo beautiful.

Just minutes old and getting cleaned.

Almost Here



Teresa and I are at the medical center and we are listening to Ripley’s heartbeat. These 9 months are flown by soooo fast. I feel we are ready; as ready as anyone can be for their first child. We are very loved by our friends and fellow Christian s from Common Ground. We have many people praying for us and I can feel it. My number one prayer for Teresa is for peace. As I read this, Teresa and talking with Eileen Frost and she is nice and claim. Again, I know this will pass but Teresa is doing soooo well. I am a very lucky man to have her. God knew what He was doing when He gave her to me; and He gave me to her.

Ripley will be here before we know it. My number one prayer is for God to draw her to Himself at an early age. That she will know Him as Savior and not just as her parents’ God. I am very thankful to God for saving me at 7 and I have been able to follow Him for over 32 years (sometimes not so faithfully as I should).

I take my role as Ripley’s daddy very seriously. How Ripley views God will be a reflection of how I treat her. I’ve counseled so many young women who struggle with seeing God as a loving Father because their fathers weren’t so loving. My role as Ripley’s daddy is to point her to the Father with my love and actions. I pray that God will help me with this role.

The Offering



I read today in Genesis 22 the offering of Isaac account. I’ve read this passage many times over the years but God showed me something rather awesome. Allow me to point some things out regarding this event in the lives of Abraham and Isaac.

1. Abraham never debated with God when God asked him to offer up his son (Gen. 22:2-3). If Abraham did question the command, we are not shown this discussion.
2. Abraham believed that God would either step in before he killed his son (Gen. 22:7-8) or restore his son to life. Abraham knew that God keeps His word, and they had an agreement (covenant) that his son would carry on his name.
3. Isaac did not fight his father (Gen. 22:9). Abraham was over 100 years old and Isaac was a young man. Isaac could have fought his father but the passage leads us to believe he willing allowed his father to tie him up. Isaac was willing to be a sacrifice; after all, he grew up listening to the stories of the greatness of God from his father. He may have thought, “If God wants my life, there must be a good reason for it so I’ll lay it down.”
4. God did step in and stopped Abraham from doing what He commanded him to do (Gen. 22:11-12). Since God is all knowing (omniscience), He knew how Abraham would react. Even if he did killed Isaac God could have restore him with little effort (He is God after all).
5. God provided an animal for Abraham and Isaac to offer as a sacrifice instead (Gen. 22: 13).

God was testing Abraham to see just how much he loved Him. God wanted to see if Abraham loved his son more than he loved his God. In Isaac, Abraham had the fulfilled promise God made to him. Children were everything in this culture. Isaac represented the Abraham’s name living on past his death. Isaac was his hopes and dreams. Abraham was willing to give up his hopes, dreams, and his legacy because God told him to. That’s what God’s test for Abraham was. Did his hopes and dreams have more priority or his faithfulness to God?

That comes home for me and I’m thinking for you, too. What or who is Isaac to us? Or better asked what are your hopes and dreams or who is most dear to you? Do they have a higher priority in your life than your faithfulness to your heavenly Father? As God gave Isaac to Abraham, He gave you everything; job, money, home, spouse, children, everything. Be willing to give them up if He asks you to, because He the God of your life; not the hopes, dreams, or children. It’s something to think about.

Final Countdown



Teresa and I are on the final 2 weeks of our journey with our baby. Teresa’s doctor told her yesterday that Ripley is currently 7.5 pounds and they project her to be 8 to 8.5 pounds on November 22. We will check in to Maryview Hospital at 4pm on Sunday, November 22 and they will start to induce Teresa. Lord willing, Ripley will arrive on Monday, November 23; one week ahead of her due date.

Teresa and I are so excited to know that in less than 2 weeks we will have our gift from God in our hands. This little girl will be so loved. With her pending arrival, God has taught Teresa and me so much about His love. Ripley isn’t even here yet and we love her so much its unbelievable. We have friends joking with us about the sleep or the lack thereof after the birth, but we’re not even thinking about that right now.

I’m thinking about how we can show Ripley the Love of God. Teresa and I want so much to be examples of God’s love for Ripley so she will know Him at an early age. We both know that Ripley is not ours. She belongs to God and He has entrusted her into our care. That is mind blowing to me. I know it will be hard to commit Ripley over to God but she is His.

I just can’t want to meet this little gift from God. To hold her in my arms; to kiss her little face, toes, and stomach; to bath her; to read her stories and see her reaction to the stories; to teach her things that daddy can only teach; love her like I have never loved before. We are in the final countdown; 13 days, 22 plus hours, and change until her possible arrival.

How great is out GOD!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Commitment to Personal Growth



We are called to commit ourselves as disciples. Disciples are learners. We should never reach a point in life at which we are no longer learners. We never reach a point in life at which we have arrived. On this side of heaven, no one is perfect. Even Paul said about himself in Phil. 3:12;

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

The truth is that most believers have never reached past the point of feeding on milk when they should be ready for meat. Again, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:2;

I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able.

Make a commitment to continue to grow spiritually. Take positive steps to do so. Start a Bible reading plan. Set aside time each day to pray. Read good Christian books. Use the internet to find good sites that will food your soul and not your flesh. Never give up on learning.

Committed To Christ



Why do you suppose that there are close to 100 million church members in America yet they are not making more of a moral and spiritual impact? Why is it that on Sunday morning thousands of churches have more empty seats than full? Why is it that the average Sunday School in America has less than 66 in attendance and that the average worship service has 84? Why is it that only 50% of church memberships attend on Sunday mornings? If Christians really believe in a real heaven and a real Hell, how can we be so silent? . . . The answer to all of these questions is tragically simple! Commitment; God’s people have made a decision about Jesus….but have never made a commitment to Him.

There is of course a difference between a decision and a commitment. Perhaps this cannot be seen any clearer than it is in the failure rate of marriages in America. According to statistics at least 50% of all marriages will end in divorce. Why do you suppose that is happening? Not to sound too judgmental, but some of couples made a decision but did not make a commitment. Every person who is married made a decision! They stood before a preacher and made promises and recited vows. They made a decision, they kissed each other and walked out together to live but not necessarily “happily ever after” and not necessarily together. So why did they divorce? The answer is that they made a decision, but they did not truly commit their lives to each other. But when a couple marries and makes a commitment to one another that is a different story.

The same is true in the church. The reason that the church is not making more of an impact in our society is that many church members made a decision about Christ, but have not made a commitment to Christ.

Trunk or Treat Report



It really shouldn’t surprise us but I do get surprised on how great our God truly is. He is always faithful to do what He says He will do so why am I surprised. The surprised I mention is how God blessed Common Ground Community Church’s “Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday. The Elders decided on doing simple instead of going overboard with the bells and whistles; to be honest we can’t afford the bells or the whistles anyway. The concept is a simple one; have people put candy in their cars’ trunks and when kids come, give them candy. It’s so simple but so great for outreach. The community sees that we care enough to make sure their children are safe while trick or treating.

God blessed our event first of all by giving us great weather. At first I thought it would be raining but that stopped several hours before the event. It was very warm for October; 75 degrees. Our people came out to show the love. We normally run 80 to 90 in a weekly attendance and we had around 30 of our people come to help; most had their car trunks/truck beds full of candy. We had our faithful grilling master, Doug, on the grill making sure the hot dogs were ready for the people. We had 4 types of chili, along with drinks. Thank you Becky Allen for heading the food side of this for us; great work.

We had bought 192 grab bags, and we ran out toward the end. According to our greeter (Teresa Thomasson), some people had their own so we are guessing that we had 300 children come through plus their parents. Our guess on total attendance is 500 people. That is a testament on how great our God is. We followed His lead and reached out to the community and the community came.

It’s not about giving candy out on October 31, it’s about showing the community that we care for them. People don’t care what you know until they know that you care for them. Our desire is for our community to know that Jesus Christ died for them, and that we at Common Ground Community Church love them where they are in the life journey.

Thank you for those who were able to help on Saturday, October 31.

Just Say “No”



Today at work, the management bought donuts and apple cider for everyone to enjoy. I had to say “No” to this offering of sweet treats. I’m not a big fan of sweets anyway (not even as a kid), but I do appreciate the thought. We have an end of the month birthday celebration with a cake for those whose birthday was during the month; I never partake of the cake but do attend. It may sound weird to some but if I’m going to treat myself with something bad, I rather have pizza and not sweets. Pizza is my weakness.

You may ask why I don’t partake with the sweets. Well 7 years ago, I discovered that I’d allowed myself to weigh 220 pounds. I wore a 36 inch pants but they were getting a little snug. Teresa, my wife, had joined Weight Watchers so I joined her with counting the points. I got to where I could tell you the points of anything (still can). In 5 months, I lost 45 pounds and got down to 175 pounds. I felt great.

Well 4 years ago, I discovered that I gained half of this weight back so I did the WW thing again and went down to 180 pounds. This time I decided to stick to an exercise routine. My track record with exercise has been one of 3 to 4 months on and 2 to 3 months off; I’d done this since my mid-twenties. I wanted to make sure to keep this weight maintained and I knew exercise was the only way.

I started with walking on the treadmill and light free-weights. I had run in my youth and had stopped but I started again after a few months of the treadmill. Running was as fun as I remembered it, and I kept that up until Teresa told me that I was running the length of a 5K race so I signed up for my first race and never looked back. Since that first 5K race, I’ve run in 3 5K races, an 8K Mud Run, two half marathons, and an 8K adventure race (running and biking through mud and over obstacles). Two years ago, I started to go to the YMCA during my lunch break and have been doing that for 2 years straight where I do 2 days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) of heavy weight training with the stationary bike on the other days. I ran (still do) outside after work almost everyday (weather permitting). After a few months of this, I added swimming to my routine. I always enjoyed the water so I thought I’d try it and found I love it the most. It was the toughest of the new things but I stuck to it, and am up to 30 minutes of laps each time (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) equaling swimming for 90 minutes each week.
While doing all this exercise, I’m watching my diet. My diet has had to change from the mindset of a dieter to that of an athlete because I was not eating enough for all the exercising I was doing. Food is fuel, and the right food works better than junk. That’s why I say no to cake and donuts and eat pizza only once and a while.

I started dieting and exercise to stay healthy and not to need to live on pills like my parents. The side affects of this is feeling great and according to Teresa looking sexy (her words; not mind). My personal opinion is that all pastors and ministry people should be role models in how we live. Diet and exercise is part of that along with having a constant Christian walk.

Who Am I?



Last night I had a great reminder of just how blessed by God I am. Last night just before Teresa fell asleep, I held her and baby Ripley while lying in bed (as far as for Ripley, I held Teresa’s stomach). We didn’t say anything; we just laid there. I am so blessed to have Teresa for my wife. Not to sound cheesy, but God has used her to make me the man I am today. I just laid there holding my ladies and just praising God in my head. It makes me think why has God blessed me so? Who am I that I have been blessed so much?

Going back to the beginning, God drew me to Himself at the age of 7. I started serving Him at the age of 14, and He called me to preach at the age of 16. I have had the opportunity to use my youth to serve Him. He gave me good Godly (not perfect) parents and a loving home to grow up in. He gave me good examples (pastor, youth pastor, and music director) to learn from at an early age. My God is so giving.

I can see how He directed my path from childhood to now, and it is amazing. When I wish things went differently while I was younger, I stop and remember I would not be me; the me I am now. God knows what He is doing when we do not. The Bible says that He knows us from before He created everything. David wrote that He knows us in the womb. He knows my baby and is forming her to be what he wants for her. That is just simply wow to me.

The Casting Crowns’ song “Who Am I” bridge puts it best;

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

My purpose in life is to bring glory to God the Father and I will never stop trying to do so. The best part of living my life for Him is that it’s not me doing it; it’s all Him. He is the One who leads; He is the One who directs; and He is the One who loves. I’m simply following His lead. My God is awesome and I am not worthy to be His child. Thank you Father for making me worthy to be yours. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you.

God's Plans



Teresa and I were talking last night about how it’s been a fast year. It’s hard to believe that as of November 8th, it will be a year since Teresa was laid off from QVC. If it was up to Teresa, she would have liked to have a new job by January but God has other plans for her. In human logic, she should have been hired in no time. Teresa has an undergrad and grad degree in Business Management; she served 5 years as an officer in the Army; worked two years in manufacturing; and 13 plus years at QVC. She has the experience and education. This is where God’s plan is best.
Because of this past year, Teresa’s walk with Christ is stronger; our relationship is the best it has ever been because we have been able to spend more time together (Teresa worked 10 to 15 hours a day at QVC); and best of all, we have baby Ripley on the way (5 weeks more and she will be with us). I’ve written this before, we do not know what’s around the corner but God does. He had everything planned out before we were ever born. We need to trust in Him. God’s plan is best for us even when we can’t see it at the moment; that’s where faith comes in.
I’ve written before, if we have enough faith to trust our souls to God why can’t we trust our lives to Him. After all, He does know best. Trust in the Lord with all you might, and lean not on your own understanding. Because God is all knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere, He knows what He is doing.
If you are going through unknowns in your life and you are a Christ-follower, God knows the plans for you. Trust in His plan for you. God’s plan will fit you like a glove, and you will be happier than if you were in your own plans. Trust God.

Justice



On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I fulfilled my civic duty by performing jury duty for Portsmouth, VA. I sat on a murder/attempted robbery trial. The case was basically a 19 yr old man shot and killed another 19 yr old man and shot another 19 yr old man while trying to take a golf cart. The crime was just senseless. There was no verdict because one juror didn’t think the person was guilty; a hung jury.

While we were in the juror room talking over the evidence, one of the men on the jury asked “How have we as a society come to this?” It’s simple, SIN. It goes back to when Adam and Eve rebelled against God and ate the fruit. Since that time, mankind has been at war with God. Society has changed a lot in my lifetime and I’m only 39 yrs old. I think a crime like takes place simply because we as a society have stopped teaching that everyone is a creation of God and started teaching we are all glorified monkeys. You teach that a person has come from apes long enough, people start to act like their ancestors were intend apes. Society thinking tends to change with the wind, but we as God’s people go by the ultimate standard; God’s Word.

As God’s people, we go by what the Bible says and not go with the flow as society does. Society’s law says that this young man broke their standards and because of that; he must pay. As a jury, we were not of one mind so this man will have another trial. I shared with the other 11 people on the jury that we must take in all the evidence and make a decision. If we say he’s not-guilty and he is there is a final judgment after death. I didn’t say anything after that and no one asked me to explain my statement.

God is the ultimate judge; He will judge us by the ultimate standard. When we breathe our last, we will stand before Him and give an account of our lives. He will ask us one question, “Why should I let you know to heaven?” If we say anything other than Jesus Christ, we will not enter. We are all born guilty of sin but Jesus came to take our place. I have been set free from the guilt of sin. He paid the sin guilt on the cross and I received His gift. Even though I deserve to spend eternity separated from God, He made a way for me to spend it with Him. When God sees me, He sees His Son. I am guiltless because of Jesus’ gift of eternal life. Without Jesus, I am no different than the young man that was on trial. Jesus makes all the difference.

What about you? Do you have the assurance that you will spend eternity with Jesus? You should make sure.

Living Out What Your Believe



I received an e-mail last night from a friend who shared with me how our friends are doing in the ministry. It was nice to hear the good report; the wife published her first book and is beginning a speaking ministry to women, and the husband’s ministry to the youth is growing. It was encouraging. Four years ago this story was completely different. The husband was stationed (through the Navy) outside the country and the family was unable to join him so the time apart gave Satan a foot hold and he thought about ending the marriage. Of course, he had no Biblical reason so I called him out on it. Through e-mails I lovingly held him accountable to what he was thinking of doing. The Holy Spirit used my e-mails and caused him to come to his senses; he and his wife are closer now than ever and their children have a whole family. Satan wanted to destroy this man and his family before they could do what they are doing for God. I don’t think Satan knows what God has planned for us as we serve Him, but he is out to destroy us before we are totally committed to God and his plan for our lives.

All I did was hold a dear brother accountable for his actions and reminded him “What does the Bible say” about divorce and the reasons for it. The Holy Spirit did the real work. If we as Christians totally believe the Bible to be the real words of a living God why are we not living it out for the world to see? Jesus told us that the world will know we are his people by the love we give; why don’t we love more? Our job as Christians is to bring glory to God the Father. If we are living out our love for the world to see, they will wonder why we are different. It will give us opportunities to point people to Christ. Only God can save people; not us, but we are called to share our faith by loving.

1 Corinthians 13 is clear when it tells us that if we have no love for those around us it doesn’t matter what we know or what we can do; it’s empty. We can love only because Christ loved us first. The love we have to give is Christ’s love. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and only through Him we can have eternal life are you living that out in the open for all to see? It’s I received an e-mail last night from a friend who shared with me how our friends are doing in the ministry. It was nice to hear the good report; the wife published her first book and is beginning a speaking ministry to women, and the husband’s ministry to the youth is growing. It was encouraging. Four years ago this story was completely different. The husband was stationed (through the Navy) outside the country and the family was unable to join him so the time apart gave Satan a foot hold and he thought about ending the marriage. Of course, he had no Biblical reason so I called him out on it. Through e-mails I lovingly held him accountable to what he was thinking of doing. The Holy Spirit used my e-mails and caused him to come to his senses; he and his wife are closer now than ever and their children have a whole family. Satan wanted to destroy this man and his family before they could do what they are doing for God. I don’t think Satan knows what God has planned for us as we serve Him, but he is out to destroy us before we are totally committed to God and his plan for our lives.

All I did was hold a dear brother accountable for his actions and reminded him “What does the Bible say” about divorce and the reasons for it. The Holy Spirit did the real work. If we as Christians totally believe the Bible to be the real words of a living God why are we not living it out for the world to see? Jesus told us that the world will know we are his people by the love we give; why don’t we love more? Our job as Christians is to bring glory to God the Father. If we are living out our love for the world to see, they will wonder why we are different. It will give us opportunities to point people to Christ. Only God can save people; not us, but we are called to share our faith by loving.

1 Corinthians 13 is clear when it tells us that if we have no love for those around us it doesn’t matter what we know or what we can do; it’s empty. We can love only because Christ loved us first. The love we have to give is Christ’s love. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and only through Him we can have eternal life are you living that out in the open for all to see? It’s something to think about.

Outlook On Life



By nature, I’m a people watcher. I get this from my parents who enjoy sitting and watching people at the mall. It can be fun trying to put traits on people by just looking at them. One trait of a person that is hard to see by looking at a person is how they see life; at least for me. Some people see circumstances as “the cup is half empty” and some see it as “the cup is half full.” I’ve not made a study of this so I’m assuming the people who view life as “the cup is half empty” tend to be more pessimistic while the “the cup is half full” people tend to be more optimistic. As I said, it’s hard to see by looking at people unless you are a body language expert; which I am not.

The life philosophy of Gene Simmons’ mom (yes the Gene Simmons of KISS) is very interesting to me; she is definitely a “the cup is half full” person. Any day that you are above ground is a good day. Meaning, no matter how bad your day could be going; at least you are still alive. This is a good life philosophy which was created out of being a Nazi holocaust survivor.

I’m not a doom and gloom sort of person so I guess I’m a “the cup is half full” person. There is no need to dwell on the bad because I know the One is has everything in the palm of His hand. If things are going well, I praise His name for the good He has given me, so why would I not do the same in the bad times. Just as the poem “Foot Prints in The Sands” nicely puts it, when good stuff is going on Jesus is walking with us and when bad things happen He carries us through it.

I have a great example of how a Christian man sees himself in the scheme of things. This man has been a pastor for several decades serving his Savior well. I was informed 3 months ago that he was told he has cancer and the outcome seems dire. His reaction was something awesome. Where most people (Christian and lost alike) would ask, “why me?” his reaction was why not me. If my God will heal me of this illness then great; if not, then I’ll see Him soon. That is a mature man of God.

How do you view life; “the cup is half empty” or “the cup is half full?” I guess it really depends on how you live your life and in whom you belong.

Staying Focused




A few years back, I made a decision not to allow politics to have a place in my ministry. It was part due to reading Billy Graham’s quote, “I’m not for the right wing or the left wing; I’m for the whole bird.” It was also part understanding no matter how you lean (liberal Democrat or conservative Republican) you still have a need for a Savior. I remember when I was 14 years old and watching the 1984 Democratic convention and seeing a well known Christian artist performing thinking, “Why is he there with the Democrats instead of with the Republicans?” I was big into Ronald Reagan and still have a lot of respect for him as President. Especially, now I know that he was a Christian who shone his light to others in his way. I thought if you are a Christian, you should be Republican because they have values (I know now that not all Republicans are pure as the driven snow; more like pure as yellow snow). As an independent Baptist, I thought that all our church members should back the GOP. I was wrong in my thinking.

I say that to say this, I think that we have allowed politics to enter too much into our churches. We should not be concerned with who is in office; we are called to pray for our leaders regardless their party. I think that the church got off focus when the church entered politics. If you are called to pastor a church, you are called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and equip the saints so they can grow in their walk with Christ. As pastors, I feel we should be apolitical. We should encourage our members to vote their conscience (making sure to check out the facts). Not to push one party over another because both parties have good and bad in them. I do not believe a pastor should ever allow the pulpit to be used to proclaim anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Instead of backing the “Religious Right,” I think we should point people to Jesus Christ. Instead of lobbying the government to make changes, we should get on our faces before God and ask for change. I think, we don’t ask for change because we are afraid of His response to us; that we must change our hearts and motives. The purpose for Christians in this world is to bring glory to God. We need to stay focused on this and not get sidetracked on petty things that have no eternal value. Countries come and go, but God is forever.

NOTE: The reason for this posting is more to remind myself to not get caught up in the current political situation. Good, bad, or indifferent Barack Obama is the man God has place in the oval office. As President and as a man, I pray for him; for wisdom as he leads the country and for his salvation.

I’m Just a Guy



I forget how we pastors/elders can be perceived by our church members. I remember when I was a teenager and thinking how my pastor was just a great guy who can leap over a building in a single jump. When I was first called in the ministry, I could not see myself being like Lynn. I had no idea who Lynn truly was until he allowed me into the inter sanctum where he allowed the men or young men to enter as he mentored us. It was eyes opening to see he was just a guy like every other guy.

I’m very transparent when I teach and preach so I just assume people see me as just another guy who loves the Lord; no better than they and no worse. Well I had a wake up call Sunday morning in the men’s Bible group. I have always tried to just be who I am around the people God has me to lead so they will not see me as something I’m not. In the men’s group, I was using something that happened to Teresa and me last week and Sam (one of the guys) was just surprised that I was a just like him in how I reacted. Here’s the story;

Last Tuesday evening was the last night of the parenting class Teresa and I took regarding the arrival of our baby. The class was totally geared toward the women (no surprise there and it should be) so us guys were completely bored out of our heads; at least I was. Tuesday was the tour of the birthing unit at Maryview Hospital and a Q and A time with some doctors. The class was to last until 8 pm but it went to 8:45pm. By 8:30pm I was not happy because of the length of this boring session, and my face and body language showed it. The topic of flu shots came up and Teresa called me out in front of everyone about getting one. I’ve never had one because I heard if you get one you could get the flu the first year and I’ve never had the flu. Teresa and I have an agreement to not talk bad about one another to others and not to embarrass one another in public. With her calling me out, she embarrassed me big time. I could tell by my voice I was not happy and the hot feeling on my forehead, I was red. As calmly as I could, I told Teresa and the group of strangers that I was planning on getting one this year because of the baby. The Pediatrician told me in front of everyone that it was time for me to live for Teresa and the baby and not just for me. This was a “Oh no you didn’t” moment. If looks could kill, the man would be dead and if he was close to me at the time, he would have a black eye. My thought at the time was, “Dude (yes I say dude), you don’t know me so don’t assume anything on me. I live my life for others and try to always but me last (don’t always succeed). If you were closer to me, I would snap that toothpick neck of yours.”

That’s what I thought and that’s what I shared with the group. I guess my men thought I couldn’t react that way. I’m not proud of my reaction to Tuesday’s event, but that was my reaction. As a man of God, I try very hard to stay focused on my walk with God and grow in Him. I’ve come a long way but I still have a ways to go. As do all other pastors, elders, evangelists, and Bible teachers. We are not perfect and on this side of heaven we will never be perfect but we are working on it. Just see you pastor as a guy, no better; no worse than you.

Missing Piece of the Puzzle



I heard this morning on the new that Patrick Swayze, the actor who danced in "Dirty Dancing" and was in "Ghost," died Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57. I can’t help but remember an interview he gave back in his height of popularity where he shared his journey of seeking for peace. He mentioned many different philosophies ranging of Buddhism to the ancient worship of the Roman/Greek gods and goddesses. He was just looking for inner peace. The first thing I thought of when I heard this sad news is that he now knows what is on the other side of the veil of death and unless he came to Jesus, he is not happy.

Because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, we all come to this world incomplete. We are like puzzles with a missing pieces so the picture isn’t finished. The missing piece is designed to fit in the space just right to complete the puzzle; no other puzzle piece will do. Because of the fall of man from God’s grace, we all have a God shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill. No religion; no amount of money, fame, sex, or drugs will fill it; no exercise or works will fill it. We can’t fill this hole ourselves; only God can do it.

Because of the love God has for us, He made a way for us to be complete in Him. God executed his plan 2,000 years ago by putting Himself in a human body and paid the sin debt the sin of Adam and Eve created. Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, mankind has a way to have the inner peace and completeness. It is only through Jesus Christ true peace can be found.

Christianity is not a religion; Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

God always seems to make me stop and go "Wow!" I was killing time on FaceBook and came across a group called PHCC Men's Fellowship. I clicked on it and it's the men's ministry of the church I worked with before coming to Common Ground. Back in 2002, I felt God telling me that Point Harbor Comm. Church needed something for the men. I started a monthly men's breakfast which morphed into doing golfing outings, men's retreats, and trips to Promise Keeper's Conf. God allowed me to see that this ministry is going strong without me. I handed this ministry off back in 2005 to 2 men who God has used to carry it further. When God is in a ministry, it will last long after we are gone. Our God is awesome!

Finishing My Course



I read today in Acts 20, Paul talking with the elders in Ephesus as he made his way to Jerusalem. Verse 24 popped out at me;

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”

I love how down to Earth Paul is in the Book of Acts. He did not put on airs in his daily actions. Paul knew who he was in Christ. I think that if he was asked who he was, Paul would reply that he was a redeemed murderer. On the way to Damascus, Paul had an encounter with the living God. This encounter left him changed forever. This encounter left him with a purpose; he was given a course in which he intended to run with all his strength.

The day God draws us to Himself and redeems us from our sins, we are given a purpose. Our purpose is to bring Him glory. The day He saves us, our course is set in motion. Each of us [Christians] has a course God wants us to complete. It’s not us completing this course; it’s God who has already completed it (see Ephesians 1).

My course is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to equip the saints to good works. A new addition has been added to my course and that’s to show baby Ripley that God loves her and died for her so she can live forever. She has not been born yet but I whisper to her in her mommy’s stomach that God loves her and Jesus loves her. My course is to point others to the redeeming power of God’s love.

Paul writes to Timothy (just before his death) that he had finished his course. He had no regrets on how he lived his life for God. My desire, when my time on Earth ends, is that I can say the same thing. I want to finish my course strong and as long as I keep my eyes on the One who saved me and do His work, I will finish my course strong.

Is Cursing Ever Called For?



I have always felt that using curse words shows a lack of vocabulary. I work on not using colorful words because what’s the use for them. I especially think that a Christian shouldn’t use curse words because we are to be representatives of God on Earth. How do using curse words honor God anyway?
I’ve heard some preaches curse in the pulpit for shock value. I say, “Why?” to that train of thought. There is a pastor in Washington State that cursed all the time in his sermons until he heard that Don Miller in his book, “Blue Like Jazz” referred to him as the cursing preaching. He’s working on not cursing and doesn’t curse in his sermons anymore.
Using words that build up and not tear down should be a Christian’s goal. Using curse words doesn’t build anyone up; on the contrary, it tends to destroy. This is just my opinion.

Where’s The Hymnals?



Last week, Teresa’s sister came to visit us for a week. I enjoy Beth because we are very similar in some ways. Beth loves old buildings and stain glass so we took her to look around our church. Common Ground Community Church meets in an older building. The sanctuary was built in the early 1900’s and the back building was added in the 1950’s. The sanctuary has stain glass windows so Beth wanted to take pictures. We walked in and Beth started taking photo after photo of the windows and the sanctuary’s cathedral ceiling. Everything else in this room has been updated; the pews were removed and padded chairs are what we us and we use multi-media so there is no need for hymnals. After taking her photos, Beth looked at the rows of chairs and asked, “Where’s all the hymnal books?” I pointed to the multi-media screen and back at the computer beside the sound board and told her we put the words to the songs on the screen each Sunday. Her reaction was surprising to me; she said, “You have to have hymnals? It’s not church unless you use hymnals.”

The reason I was surprised by Beth’s reaction is that Beth does not go to church. She became Catholic 13 years ago to marry her ex-husband but hasn’t gone to a Catholic church since their wedding. Beth’s background is not one of church attending so her thinking you should have hymnals surprised me. This event has played over and over in my head since then because it makes me remember the first time I was involve dealing with multi-media in a church’s worship service.

I remember way back in the spring 1998 when Fellowship Baptist Church first went the way of using multi-media. The then pastor had always been big on technology so I was not surprised he wanted to go this route. We had just had a fire in the church’s offices so we had the insurance money to invest in this newer tech. We didn’t have enough money for a multi-media projector (way too much money for one back then) so we bought two 36 inch TVs. One of our members built two platforms to put these two huge things on; it took 4 men to haul each TV on the platform. We ran cables from the front to the back of the sanctuary where a new computer sat. I had a crash course on presentation software (not the easy MS PowerPoint but the harder to use Coral version).

The pastor was happy and so were the associate pastor that we had this new tech until the Director of Music found out about it. He hated it because it took away from him (his words; not mind) and that hymnals are the only way to sing songs to God. The man was a graduate of Bob Jones University (a legalistic College). The man refused to even acknowledge the existence of the TVs so either I or Randy (Assoc Pastor) had to make up music slides. The pastor struggled with the Director of Music over this until one day the Director of Music resigned (the resignation was over something else; not due to the multi-media so I think). I think the pastor knew I was learning how to read music (I had a course in college on how to lead music but our church’s piano player offered to teach me to read the music) so he asked me to lead the choir the first Sunday evening and then he told me I was the new Director of Music. My stint as Director of Music was many things and the highest was learning the ins and outs of how to use multi-media in worshiping our God.
Hymnals are tools like the multi-media slides and projectors are tools. Both can be used to enhance the worship experience.

Looking at the Christian Worldview: Part Three



Let me conclude my thoughts on the Christian Worldview. I’ll discuss Taking Captivity Captive and Thinking and Being in this final Christian Worldview post.

4. Taking Captivity Captive

Isaiah 44:20
He [Satan] feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"

Those who have been ensnared by Satan’s lie are not able to free themselves from the darkness of deception. They don’t see the lie they are holding in their hand. All mankind are born blind to the things of God unless God has given them eyes to see and ears to hear (see last post for details). Showing the world that they are believing a lie, requires wisdom, humility, and a commitment to prayer.

An attitude and a genuine heart of love is required for effectively wielding the sword of Truth.It’s not us who does the delivering, it’s God.

Colossians 1:13
For He [GOD] rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

The simple Truth of salvation is that God developed the plan for humanity to be reconnected with Himself; Jesus Christ paid the sin debt so we can be reconnected with God; and the Holy Spirit draws humanity back to the Father and reveals truths to us as we walk with God as new creatures.

John the Baptist put it oh so simply in John 1:23;

He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said."

As one formerly being one of those lost and without hope, and now we have the hope of Christ; we need to be pointing to those around us about the Truth. We should be pointing our family members, friends, co-workers, and anyone else we come in contact with about Jesus Christ.

5. Thinking and Being

Roman 12:2
An d do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

It’s often said that you are what you eat. Where the life of the heart and the mind are concerned, the ruling principle is “You are what you think.”That’s why thinking rightly – in harmony with objective, absolute Truth – is a matter of such importance.
Your mindset is the root of all you are, the source of everything you do.

As we pursue the true light of God the Father, we are morphed into usable vessels.

In conclusion, our reality dictates how we react to the things around us.

Dr. Del Tackett in the first session of “The Truth Project” asks the students, “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" How board is your outlook on reality? How expansive is your philosophy of Life? Herein lies one of the sweetest ironies of the Christian worldview: The way to genuine openness and inclusiveness lies through the narrow gate; this gate is mentioned in Matthew 7:14 ("For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.").

In renouncing all for Jesus’ sake, we become heirs to the entire universe.
But those who deny God’s reality and cling only to the visible world shut themselves up in a box with a tightly close lid.

The Christian Worldview is solely holding that God (The Father,Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; three in One)is the only view we have and we should live as it is. The lost world is looking for the answer we already have. Why don't you give Him away? Share these thougths with your friends who are looking for "The Truth."

Looking at the Christian Worldview: Part Two



Let me continue the thoughts on the Christian Worldview. I want to discuss The Substance of Truth and Truth and Faith in this post.

2. The Substance of Truth

Colossians 2: 2b, 3, & 9

2b attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

Biblically speaking, Truth is both relational and propositional. The meaning of this is that since we have a relationship with God the Father through the blood of Jesus, we are able to see and hear spiritual truths and since these truths can be under-stood because of the Holy Spirit, we are able to affirm truths to be true. This Truth is consistent with reality: it matches the observable facts of the universe while at the same time explain realities we cannot see.

3. Truth and Faith

There’s a tendency in our day to separate “reality” from “spiritually.” As humans, we tend to compartmentalize everything. There is saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” We have separate boxes for Knowledge, and for Belief, and for Behavior. Knowledge, Belief, and Behavior all work together in the life of Christians. The Knowledge of our need for Christ affects our Belief system, and since our Belief system is affected, the way we Behavior changes.

Biblical Truth demands a total response.If I believe that what I believe is really real, I will step out and act upon it. This is the meaning of the biblical word Faith.

Hebrews 11:1
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Reacting to what you believe will produce something that you never thought possible; believing the impossible can be done.

If we truly believe that Jesus is the Truth; then we were given (by the Holy Spirit)eyes to see the Truth and ears to hear the Truth. Since we have and know the Truth, we are to point out the Truth to those in our sphere of influence.

I will conclude the Christian Worldview thoughts on my next post; which will cover Taking Captivity Captive and Thinking and Being.

Looking at the Christian Worldview



I've been studying Christian Worldview for the last 6 months. The subject is so important for Christians to know. There are a lot of books and websites on the subject. I just want to give a "Reader's Digest" version of the topic.

Everyone has a worldview. Whether or not we realize it, we all have certain presuppositions and biases that affect the way we view all of life and reality. A worldview is like a set of lenses which taint our vision or alter the way we perceive the world around us. Our worldview is formed by our education, our upbringing, the culture we live in, the books we read, the media and movies we absorb, etc. For many people their worldview is simply something they have absorbed by osmosis from their surrounding cultural influences. They have never thought strategically about what they believe and wouldn't be able to give a rational defense of their beliefs to others.

I see that there are 5 key areas of the Christian Worldview. Understanding these 5 key areas will equip the Christian with the knowledge they need to fully understand out wroldview. They are The Centrality of Truth, The Substance of Truth, Truth and Faith, Taking Captivity Captive, and Thinking and Being.

1. The Centrality of Truth

Depending on your starting point will determine on your world view. If God is not your starting point, then you will have a secular world view where anything goes because truth is subjective. If God is your starting point, then you will have a Biblical world view. The Biblical world view consists of Jesus Christ as Truth. This start point is fixed and does not move. This is like a plumb line (a fixed point where everything is lined up to make sure it is straight or perfectly balanced).

Using Jesus as a fixed point and guide of the Truth, He keeps us from going off the path.

Proverbs 3:5 & 6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight

Without the plum line of Truth, we can know neither life, goodness, righteousness, nor justice. We can’t even truly know ourselves. Let’s look at the ironic question asked by Pilate in John 18:37 & 38;

37Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered,"You say correctly that I am a king For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
38Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?"
Pilate asks the questions that most people ask, and we answered last week. Jesus actually answered Pilate’s question before he asked it in the last part of verse 37;
“Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus reveals truth of Himself to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Through the book of John, Jesus says for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. This speaks of spiritual eyes to see the Truth and spiritual ears to hear the Truth.

Jesus is the Truth so He is the central theme of Truth and the Christian Worldview.

I will post on the other 4 key areas throughout the coming week.

Using Past Experiences to Help Others



Yesterday, Teresa found out that she has gestational diabetes. This has left Teresa shocked because there is no family history of diabetes. We talked it through last night but I have no idea how to encourage my wife. I’m praying for encouragement and peace for her. I can sympathize with her but I can’t empathize. I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of my sister this morning. Wanda (my sister) just had her baby this past Sunday and she had gestational diabetes. I called her up and asked her to call and talk with Teresa. Wanda can give Teresa advice and encouragement. Wanda can empathize with Teresa because Wanda has gone through the same thing Teresa is going through. Wanda can encourage Teresa in a way I’m not able to; Thank you God for Wanda.

In the book S.H.A.P.E.: Finding & Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life, author Erik Rees says that God can and will use our shape (short for Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences) to bring Him glory. I’ve seen God use people’s past experiences to encourage and help their fellow brothers and sisters (in Christ). People who have gone through the same thing you are going through can empathize because they’ve been there. Where a person who hasn’t gone through the same ordeal can only sympathize, they really have no idea what you are going through.

My same sister’s first husband left her back in 2002 leaving her shocked. I spent days with her trying to encourage her and loving her, but I could only do so much. A lady in our church had gone through a similar ordeal with her husband 20 years earlier so she was able to help Wanda more than I because of her experience. The outcome for Wanda was different than Sue, but God received the glory for Sue’s experience. God either allows trials to enter our lives or put us in these trials to mold us to be usable vessels. I think we are to use these experiences to encourage one another. Doing this will bring glory to our God and Savior.

Because of my experiences with God, I know everything will work out to His glory. I am convinced that little baby Ripley will come full term and deliver as a healthy baby. I know that God will carry Teresa through her pregnancy. There is no doubt in my heart or my mind this will be all good. We will be able to use this experience one day to encourage others and to bring glory to God’s name.

Please remember Teresa and baby Ripley in your prayers. Thanks.

Finding Joy in God Even in Troubled Times



I just finished reading “Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist” by John Piper. It’s a good read. In the book, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty. I actually used the small group study (The Blazing Center; based on Desiring God) in Common Ground’s men group last year which caused me to want to read the entire book. I finally got around to reading it.

It was a slow read for me because John is a very deep thinker and is a little dry; however, as I made my way through the book I saw a lot of stuff that made sense to me. The last part of the book caused me to think about American Christianity. The part of the book where John wrote how we can find joy as we go through trials and persecutions caused me to think how easy we have here in the U.S.

I remember reading “Jesus Freak” in the late 1990’s; if you aren’t aware of this book it’s a modern book of martyrs that the Christian band “DC Talk” helped to get published. There are 2 new volumes now. I remember reading each story of how these brothers and sisters wouldn’t deny our Lord and paid the ultimate price. John Pipe in the his book told the story of a young lady who endured persecution at the hands of the U.S.S.R. and their gang of thugs who beat the mess out of her twice, but through her reactions two of the members came to know Christ as Savior. Reading in the book of Acts, the apostles rejoiced after being beaten because of their Lord. Where has this joy gone in America?

I’m sure there will be a day that there will be real persecution in America but today we don’t have it. I think Christianity in America will become strong when the day comes when Christians are called out in the street to give an account of their relationship with the church and Christ. Compared to the Chinese and Russian Christians, we are soft. I pray when the day of persecution comes to American, I will be able to find the joy of Christ in it.

How about you?

Accountability



In the book of Matthew, we Christians are called to hold each other accountable. We aren’t called to judge one another (that’s God’s job) but to hold one another accountable for our actions. Over the years, I’ve seen this done with great affect and seen it done completely wrong. The one who is being called out should feel loved as they are being held accountable not feel like they are a child and the other person the parent because in the family of God we are all equal.
One person, that seems to have a get out of jail free card in this area are the men who are leading the body of Christ; we call them pastors, elders, bishops, etc. For some reason people either don’t feel that they can hold their pastor accountable or the pastor directly or indirectly makes them feel that they can’t. That’s completely against God’s Word. Paul’s tells use in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 5:19-20) that an elder can be called out (or held account) by at least two people.
I think it’s easier when we see the church as a family. If you have siblings, you have called them out when they weren’t honoring the family name. That’s all we are called to do. When we see a sibling in the family of God not acting as if they are honoring to God with their actions, we call them out with love.
Thank about it.

Good Report



Last November, I talked with a church planter at the SBCV Home Coming Meetings. Steve shared the idea of relauching a plant he took over as pastor in 2007. In September, God had moved us from starting a new church to pastoring and I still had money from the Bible Study we had started. After talking with Steve and hearing his vision for Virginia Beach, VA, I had to share this money with him. He came to mind on Sunday after talking with the leaders of a Virginia Beach church that wants to merge their 50 people with a church plant. Because of FaceBook (love FB), I was able to hear what God has been doing with him and his church.
This is a great report and I am so glad we shared God’s money with him. He wrote,

“Tom,
Thanks for the encouragement. Just the other day your name came up. You were the only one who came through with funding in the early stages of this vision. I can't thank you enough. We've had a great first 6 months. We've had about 6 baptisms and a few more coming at the end of the month and several others that have accepted Christ but aren't yet ready to be baptized. Each week we have 5-10 visitors and several return visitors. It's been a great and wild ride.”

It’s nice to know I was able to encourage a dear brother in Christ and help get this body of believers going in God’s direction. Keep Essential Church and Steve Swisher in your prayers and they push back the darkness in Virginia Beach.

Priority Deficiency



I heard this morning on Foxes and Friends that Michael Vick has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for a year with another year optional. I say good luck to Vick and the Eagles; sincerely. I’m from the Hampton Roads part of VA where Vick is from and I remember the raid on his house where evidence was collected and proof found showing he lead a dog fighting ring. That was bad and illegal and Vick did his time in prison for it. It’s time to allow him to live his life and do what he does best; play football.

Due to the politically correct world we live in, everyone and their brother doesn’t want to let this one go. On Foxes and Friends, they had a statement from P.E.T.A. about Vick be allowed to play again and they came across as not wanting him to move on with his life. Yes he abused dogs and even killed them; he was found guilty for this and served prison time for it. It’s time to allow this man to live his life.

There is a priority deficiency in this country when people who murder other people are allowed to serve a short sentence and then live their lives with no or little press coverage and when someone who abuses and/or kills animals is branded for life. People just don’t want Vick to be successful and the press coverage for the Eagles leave little doubt that they are being shown in a good light for signing this man.

I love animals and know God has made man to manage this world (along with the animals), but the life of a human being tromps any animal. I think if Vick had killed a human and did his time in prison, there would be some media coverage of him returning to the NFL and not what we are seeing now. This is the crazy world we live in. Go figure.

Ask The Questions



We all have people in our lives that we wonder why they act the way they do. These people act in a way that may rub us the wrong way or leave us shaking our heads. I’ve known people like this and have several in my life now. As a child of God, we are called to love others just as they are. Some people are a whole lot easier to love then others. Every person has a story, and for those who leave us wondering why they act the way they do we may have to ask the question “What in this person’s past is making them act this way?”

Case in point, I have a co-worker that sits in the cubicle beside mind who seems to be over the top in her reactions. I have to admit, she can get on my nerves. She comes in the mornings shying like she is finally here after walking 50 miles; she clears her throat so loud it makes me jump from time to time if I’m not prepared for it; and she acts as if she is the only one who has to solve problems via the phone and/or e-mail. I have taken measures to avoid talking with her for the first year and half she worked here other than the normal formality stuff; I’m not proud of this.

One day, it dawn on me that I should ask the question, “What in this person’s past is making her act this way?” I know some of these traits can be just her personality, but some are due to something in her past. I took the time to talk with her and found out that the reason she started working at Dollar Tree was because after 8 years of marriage her husband no longer wanted to be married to her and left her with a 5 year old son to take care of. She was not anti-church but wasn’t attending a church because the way her home church reacted toward the divorce; not caring for her and/or not condemning him. Basically she was hurting and lonely, and her acting the way she does is her way of dealing with work, being a single mother, and all her life issues.

Knowing this has helped me love her more than I did before. Granted, she still can get on my nerves but I’m working on loving her as she is and one day I know she will be fully healed from her past; Lord willing.

If you have a person that just rubs you this way, ask the question and see what God reveals to you about this person that will help you love them as they are. Who knows what God can do through you to reach this person with His love?

Ten Years



On Friday, I received a large envelop from Dollar Tree Stores, Inc; the company I’ve been work for the last 10 years. Inside this envelop was a catalog of items I can choose from as my ten year anniversary gift for working at Dollar Tree. I’ve heard about this catalog from my director because he ordered a watch 6 months ago.
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years. I remember how I got my foot in the door. The summer of 1999, I was working at Fellowship Baptist Church as an associate pastor (focused on music leading), and was work for a temp job service to supplement my salary with the church. I had a 3 month contact with Dollar Tree because a young lady was going on maternity leave. The job was working at the local distribution center’s traffic office. Because of the way my dad raised me, once I learned the job I was to do I started learning other jobs in the office. I really enjoyed the people I worked with and the work.
God knows what He was doing. The manager of the department was impressed by my go-getterness and work practices. Once the contract was completed, I was planning on going to the next job the temp service had for me. A week after the contract was complete, I was informed that the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church was resigning and that the new pastor was bringing his own music guy; I was out of a job. As Teresa and I prayed about what to do, the manager of the traffic department called and informed me that his asst. manager was leaving and he wanted me for the job. My job title has changed three times, but I’ve been doing the same job for all the ten years and loving every minute of it.
God has used this job to give me money as I preach His word and work with different churches; some that were unable to pay me for what I do. God has made sure I’m paid through Dollar Tree. I’m not sure what God has planned with me and Dollar Tree in the near future but I do know what a blessing Dollar Tree has been to me and my family.
The coolest part about the gift chooses is the one I’m getting; a digital camera. I’ve been wanting to get one especially with the baby on the way. God provided a digital camera for us free of charge. Is that cool or what?

Friend Of God

From time to time, I have to stop and wonder why does God want to use me to spread His Word. I do hold to the passage Paul writes about God using the simple to confuse the wise. I can be as simple as you can get. I read through Proverbs once or twice a year to try and get some Godly wisdom but I would never consider myself wise; unless you consider wise guy.

When I tend to start to think this way, a song that I've sung a hand full of times pops in my head. Maybe it will encourage you.

Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That you hear me
When I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me
It's amazing

[Chorus:]
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That you hear me
When I call, yeah
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How You love me
It's amazing, so amazing, it's amazing

[Chorus:]
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

God Almighty
Lord of Glory
You have called me friend

[Chorus:]
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

It Never Fails to Humble Me



No matter how many times I read about the crucifixion, I’m overwhelmed. I just finished reading the book of Mark and in chapter 15 I read how Jesus laid down His life for mankind; for me. I can never read this account (in any gospel) without tears building in my eyes. It always leaves me humbled.

Who am I that God would do this for me? I am nothing; no one. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He reached out through time and lifted me up and made me an adopted son; wow! Because of our forefathers, we are born in sin and are separated from God. Because of His holiness, we can not be with Him in our sinful state. But because He is holy and just, He made a way for us to be reconnected to Him. It takes a blood payment. God the Father instructed the children of Israel to sacrifice sheep as a foreshadowing of what Jesus did. Jesus paid this sin debt so I can (we can) have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. I will never get over it.

After chapter 15 of Mark, came chapter 16 and the resurrection; Halleluiah! Mark doesn’t mention this but another gospel does; when the women came to see Jesus and He was gone, the angel told them he was gone “just as He told you He would be (my own words).” Jesus isn’t in the grave; He is alive with the keys of Death and Hell! He took the sting of Death away and He has freed us from the bond of sin.

Because of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have life everlasting. If this doesn’t put a spring in your step, something is wrong. Jesus has set us free! As I write down my thoughts about this, a song pops in my head. “Your Love Is Amazing” is a great song for this since it’s a song of thanksgiving. Sing it with me;

“Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging
Your love is a mountain, firm beneath my feet
Your love is a mystery, how You gently lift me
When I am surrounded, Your love carries me

Chorus
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Your love makes me sing
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Your love makes me sing

Your love is surprising, I can feel it rising
All the joy that's growing deep inside of me
Every time I see You, all Your goodness shines through
And I can feel this God song, rising up in me

Bridge
Yes, You make me sing
Lord, You make me sing, sing, sing
How You make me sing”

Art Camp



Last night started a 4 week long art camp that we are doing at Common Ground Community Church. It will be every Wednesday (from 5:30pm to 8:30pm) during August with an art showing on Saturday, 8/29. This is a way to get the children from the nearby neighborhoods to know we care for them. Teresa and I helped last night and will be part of the team of workers; it should be fun.

It’s kind of neat how it came to be. Back in the spring, I mentioned an idea for one of our men to teach karate at the church. We were trying to come up with ideas to use the building during the week. Eileen heard me talking with Sam about him praying about it and she asked me if she could do something with art. Eileen is ultra talented with any forms of art and writing. I told our head elder (Lead Pastor) about my conversation. He and Eileen started talking and now we have this art camp.

I’m a firm believer that God can and will use our talents and hobbies if we give them over to Him to use. Sam will be using his skill at karate (he’s a black belt) this fall to teach karate to the children and Eileen is using her talent with art to share Christ with children. What talent or hobby do you have that you can give to God to use? You’d be surprised what He can do with it. Remember what He did with 5 barley loaves of bread and 2 small fish. Give it over to Him.

Time at the YMCA



I like using this blog to write down thoughts I have from time to time; some of these thoughts end up as sermons or illustrations for sermons. But sometimes I just have to write about what happens in my life. Today was a good one. During lunch I go to the nearby YMCA to workout; on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I swim for 30 minutes and Tuesdays and Thursdays I do free weights. It’s a great way to stay in shape and also a good way to burn off some stress. I’ve been doing this for over a year and half straight so I’m very familiar with the staff and some other regulars. I’ve actually got some good sermon illustrations from what I’ve seen and heard over this time.

Well today we had some visitors in the free weight room. A mother brought her two children with her today. I’ve never seen this woman but she seemed to be excited about helping her kids exercise. It was entertaining to say the least. You could tell the son (maybe 13 to 14 years old; maybe younger) had no desire to be there so he wined while he did the exercises. At one point I almost lost count while working out my calves, because he was half hearted doing an exercise to the point it was comical. I had to close my eyes not to be distracted. Afterward, I looked over at the trainer and he had this look on this face that made me laugh out loud.

This trainer (named Joe) is a good guy and he knows his stuff. I told him “We all have to start some place but I don’t think he wants to be here.” Joe looked at me and said “He doesn’t want to be here. You can tell.” After I was done with my routine, I helped this lady a little with her daughter when she was trying to do one of my favorite exercises. The mother listened as I showed her daughter (maybe 12 years old) how to properly do it and she did it O.K. for her first time. The son on the other hand was ready to leave.

I have to say my time today at the YMCA was entertaining to say the least.

Shout It From the Rooftops!



When Teresa and I first found out that we were expecting our baby, I wanted to tell everyone; I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, “I’m having a baby and I’m excited?” I didn’t for the first few weeks until it was confirmed by a doctor and then we told our families first and then we waited until we found out the sex (the baby is a girl). During all this time I was shouting the news in my mind. I was biting at the bit to tell people the great news.

I’m reading through Mark and saw this; “And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. (Mark 7:36)” Jesus had just restored a man’s hearing and the ability to speak. Saying that he was excited would not come close to what he was feeling. I can imagine this man grabbing people and saying, “This man (pointing at Jesus) restored my hearing and I can speak now! Everybody, Jesus gave me back my hearing and my tongue!” The man was so grateful that he had to tell people.

Oh how we (Christians) have lost this excitement about our Savior. You see, the Holy Spirit gave use the ability to hear Jesus calling us to Himself and the Holy Spirit gave us the eyes to see our need for a Savior. Why is it we have lost our excitement of the gospel or the good news? Why have we stopped pointing people to Jesus and telling them what He did for use? Could it be we have forgotten who and what we were before Jesus saved us? Oh that we never forget what we owe God for paying our sin debt on the cross and making us His children.

We (including me) need to be more like Andrew and Phillip as they are shown in John 1:40-45 (One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip and Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."). We should be so excited about what Jesus has done for us that we tell people and show them Jesus. We are simply called to share with people what our Savior did for us and how He changed us.

Just as Teresa and I started by telling our families about our good news of our coming child, we should tell our families what God has done for us and then go from there. Telling your friends, co-workers, and neighbors the good news you have; Jesus Christ. Shout if from the rooftops like the man Jesus restored his sight and speech because after all that is what God did for us. He gave eyes to see our need for Him and ears to hear His voice as He calls us to Himself. Shout out the good news!