Anticipation

Anticipation…

I have been thinking about vision! I am looking forward to what God is going to do in our ministry over the next year! I have been planning; I cannot wait for you to see what God has in store for us in 2009. We are going to do some things we have never done before! I am going to ask you to plug in! I am asking you to be found faithful in ’09. Invite friends, take a chance and share the gospel! We are going to do some witness training in January. Get involved! I love you all <><

Sno Cone anyone...

Sno cone anyone…

I love the New Year and I love Sno Cones so in honor of the New Year on Wednesday night January 7, we are going to enjoy some Sno Cones! Bring your friends and enjoy the multi flavored goodness of a Sno Cone! What a way to start the New Year!! See you on the 7th! <><

its a matter of perspective

It is matter of perspective

Tonight I watched my 4 year old nephew open a toy shaving kit and go bananas! He was so excited and as far as he was concerned Christmas was over. He loved his gift! He was ready to head for the shower to try out his new toy! Apparently Andrew had wanted to shave for some time, or at least the last couple of months. Me on the other hand, I hate shaving. I have always hated shaving. If my wife would kiss me, I would probably go for the Grizzly Adams look. I thought back to when I actually started shaving and never can remember liking it. Andrew is looking forward to taking a toy razor and shaving his baby face. It is a matter of perspective. One mans joy is another mans burden! Andrew, enjoy your shave and for me, I think I can slide at least one more day before I have to be presentable! I love you all! <><

wii fitness

Sitting here in Panama City, watching my family work out on the wii fitness and not believing the work out they are getting! It works off your ability to balance and after completing certain exercises it gives you a wii age. My younger than me sister in law's first wii age came to the age of 60 so I could not help believe that mine would probably be that of Methuselah. So, after careful consideration I have decided that I am going to go home, join a gym, hire a personal trainer and really start working out! After doing this for a couple of years, I will come back and try the wii! Not only does it take your bmi into consideration, it charts your progress and sarcastically lets you know that you are obese! Another possibility that I thought of is to rent a wii machine and get a hotel room in a non disclosed area to see if I can actually do it with no one watching! 2009 is probably going to be the year where suburbanites begin to develop sports injuries from using a wii video system! It looks like fun, but I think I am going to have another piece of peanut butter fudge and drink some sweet tea. Happy fitness, I love you all! <><

opportunities abound

I am sitting here in my easy chair wishing that I had not eaten so much at Christmas dinner. I love fellowshipping around the table, this year we were again privileged to have our good friends Carl and Debbie Woodall join us. What we have in common are the most wonderful grand babies on the planet! Our meal was superb, Sheila is such a wonderful cook and watching the kids was the high light of the night! Sitting here now, wishing that I had not eaten so much, and looking forward to a new year. I wonder what God has planned for my family in 2009. I am excited at the possibilities! I am ready to “chase some lions”. My desire is to tell more people about Jesus. I want to build some new relationships in my community and I want mend some old ones and restore fellowship. I want to better equip those that I minister to, to do real ministry! I believe that the 21st century church is way under challenged. I am looking forward to my mission trip to Haiti. I am looking forward to my mission trip this summer to the Raleigh area. I am going to take every opportunity to minister in 2009 like never before! I am counting on God to use me to challenge and encourage the church. I am looking forward to being a willing vessel used by God in a phenomenal way! I am looking forward to all that God has for me! My goal for 09 is to do everything with excellence! I want to do everything as unto the Lord! Let God use you this upcoming year, make some plans, set some goals, make a difference for the Kingdom! I love you all. <><

Pater Familias...a new position

A new tradition

I am sitting in a position that I have never sat before. The year 2008 brought the passing of my father in law, so for the first time in my life I will be the oldest male at the family Christmas celebration. I cannot help but wonder how I will do. I think about the responsibility, I think about the pressure that such an important position can be. I must hammer out an agenda, I have to know what and how I am going to accomplish the important task of being the Pater familias. I want to chart a new course. I want to sit back and listen; I want to enjoy the sites and sounds. I want to celebrate another Christmas season and love all who are in the family and those that I come into contact with. I really want to enjoy the children…I want to celebrate the gifts that I am giving and not what I am going to get. I want to enjoy all that goes along with being a part of a family because I truly believe this is what true peace on earth is. Christmas is about Jesus. The ultimate Pater Familias sent His one and only son to a world that so desperately needed Him. Christmas truly is about the greatest gift that has ever been given…and it is about family. My prayer for you is that if you are the Pater Familias, that you lead your family with love. Follow our Lords example. If you are a part of the family feel blessed. You should love those around you because time is something you can never get back and the clock is always ticking! Enjoy Peace, enjoy your family! I love you all <><

does it really matter

He is truly above all…

During this time of year many Christ followers reflect on the birth of our Savior. I recently read an article in a blog that talked about an Australian stargazer developed a computer program that figured there was a star on June 17, 2AD. Should this matter to us? Have we lost the true meaning of the Christmas season? I would be very interested in hearing your opinion. Please leave a comment and let me know how you feel.

Simple Life

Simple life…

Disappointment is something that I have decide is a hard thing to live with. Have you ever wanted something so badly in your life that it totally consumed you? I have, and can I tell you it hurts when things don’t quite work out the way you thought they would. Disappointment is a way of life. But it is also something that you have to deal with or it can overwhelm you and render you ineffective for the work that God has for you. Disappointment disconnects you from life, you get so caught up in the way you thought would develop you cannot see how an awesome God can use the disappointments to ensure His Holy and perfect will is carried out. Every moment of everyday each believer should have a desire to be connected with life! The scriptures teach us “Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men”. (John 1:4) We know the Life that scripture is talking about is none other than Jesus. He truly is the light of the world! We need to seek life. As we receive life from Him our emptiness will be replaced with all that He has promised. He will never leave you or forsake you! He has our best interest at heart and in hand! I want to challenge you today to empty yourself of self, and fill up with the Light of the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. I love you all <><

go tell it on the mountain

Go tell it on the mountain…

I love to proclaim Jesus. It is my favorite thing to do! Proclaiming Jesus is something that any Christ Follower should want to do! We get to proclaim Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He changed my life…I cannot help but talk about Him. We need to shout it from the mountain tops; we need to proclaim Him from the valley. Our God is truly an awesome God and the world needs to hear about Him. I believe that God uses believers to take the good news of the gospel to the world! How will they hear if we don’t tell them! I am looking forward to going to Haiti this spring, because I am going to be able to tell people about Jesus. How can we proclaim Him? There are many ways. One way would be to approach people with the love of Jesus. People today need someone who will care for them. As believers, we can hate the sin, but love the sinner. Scripture teaches us that we all have sinned and that we all fall way short of the glory of God. People who are in sin may not be able to feel or experience the love of Christ. I have met so many people across the years that are so bound by the sin that entangles them that they cannot see any way clear or clearly understand the gospel! We have to let them see how much we love them. The love of Christ will over power them. We are here to love! In this season of hope, let us go and tell! Let us shout it from the mountain tops! Tell someone about our Savior today! I love you all <><

There is a quiet place

“He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2b

I love the quietness of the morning. In my line of work there is not much quiet time! I look forward to mornings whether it is at my office at home or at the church, I love the quietness. In the times that we are living there is so much going on. I am convinced that we Americans have way too much on our plate and we are not able to enjoy the simple things in life…like quietness. Can I encourage you during this holiday season to carve out some time from your busy schedule just to listen! When I listen, I gain a new perspective. Quietness brings new perspective. Thoughts and ideas are born in the quiet times! My prayer for you today is that you are able to just sit in a comfortable place and listen to the strong voice of God! I love you all <><

SMLT Christmas

Good times and great friends…

Wow, what a wonderful time I had last night spending time with the greatest student ministry team in the universe. We enjoyed great food, awesome fellowship and fun. I love to play games with people who really get into the game. Last night, many middle agers played a game called psychiatrist (Lori Davis is a great sport) which requires you to take on the role of someone else in the room. What a blast…the highlight for me was when Perry Nicula playing the part of Joann Demark told the group “I love to shop”. The room exploded in laughter. What a great night! I love my friends! My prayer for each of them during this Christmas season is that each of their families be totally blessed beyond any thing they could possibly comprehend! I look forward to Christmastime, one of the reasons is for the party with my ministry team.

On leadership...

On leadership…

Honor, Courage, Commitment

People often ask my views on leadership. I have thought long and hard across the years and I have realized several things about leadership. My friend Alvin Reid made one of the coolest statements that I have heard in a long time. He said, “I want to sit under a tree that I have planted”. I remember thinking wow that is exactly what I want. I want to sit under the teaching of someone that I have taught. I want to receive a return on the investment that I have made in young people. Over the years I have had a great opportunity to mentor and teach many young people who feel God’s call. I have also had the opportunity to teach hundreds of students that have chosen other vocations. I love to pastor emerging leaders! I love the fire and the passion (often untested) I see in each of these young men and women. I try to teach the core values that I learned in while serving in the United States Navy. Honor, Courage and Commitment, these values are more lived than learned. I believe that future church leaders must posses these qualities.

1. Honor-Our lives must honor God. To many leaders today are leading without honor. 1St Timothy 3 outlines the qualifications of a Church leader. We can see that it is a noble work. The life of an overseer must be one of Honor. This is true for leadership in general; a great characteristic is one of honor. We must be people of integrity who deal with an element of grace. Our love needs to be at full strength. Every problem that a believer deals with has to be filtered out by grace.
2. Courage-A leader cannot be afraid to take a stand. We have to champion the value of people but we have to stand! It takes courage to be a leader! It takes courage to exercise your faith! Do not compromise what you know to be right. Be strong and Courageous, the Lord is with you!
3. Commitment-You must stand for something or you will fall for everything! God wants your commitment. Leaders are committed for the long haul. Leaders possess vision; they can see the end result, the big picture. Leaders can lose skirmishes but still win the battle! As a leader, you have to be committed, even when things are not going the way you think they should. A leader commits to the cause not the task at hand. A leader is always looking for better ways to lead. A real leader will make an impact on generations that they may never see.

Last, a good leader is also a great follower and listener. Leadership requires wisdom and thought. Emerging leaders must empower those around them to lead. A Captain of one of the ships that I served on told me “I don’t have to be the smartest person on board, I just have to surround my self with smart people.” Surround your self with people who have the same core values that you have! And don’t be afraid to lead! I love you all <><

on blogging...

On blogging…

I really like writing on my blog! I enjoy taking the time and thinking about my life and sharing with those who mean so much to me. I believe my life experiences may help someone or maybe even provoke a thought. Hopefully, my blog brings you joy or pleasure or a chuckle! Many people are reading my blog but instead of responding on the blog site you are sending me email! I want everyone to know that I love getting email but if you are responding to the blog, please respond on the comment hyperlink at the end of each blog. The purpose of the blog is to create discussion. You may not agree with what I write, you may even hate what I write. I want to encourage you to respond to the blog. Others will be able to see your input and it might even cause them to respond to you! I will admit, I blog out of selfishness. I have a need to write these things down. When I sent these thought out in an email forum it was simply between the responder and me. Blogging opens dialogue and encourages discourse! My prayer is that many people will read my blog and respond! I love you all! <><

Happy Campers

Family time…

In ministry it sometimes is extremely difficult to find time where everyone is at home. My family is getting smaller, as I only have one child left at home but finding time to sit down, as a family is a hard thing to do! One of the greatest things that I have ever purchased is a 1996 Coachman 20’ travel trailer. The real neat thing about this camper is that I bought it on my wife’s birthday! We love to camp. What a great way to spend vacation. If your budget is strapped like most people, you can cook at the campsite, and stay near great vacation spots at a fraction of the cost of hotels/condo. In the sunshine state, we have a great State Park System http://www.floridastateparks.org/ that offers any number of things to do for the family. We are happy campers. My favorite state park is Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area, near Flagler Beach.



We love being right on the water and we are very close to Daytona. One of my favorite places to eat is in Flagler called Mannys. They have the best Greek Spaghetti on the planet! Camping takes you out of your normal routine and settles you in to great family fun. We play old-fashioned games; we eat together and spend lots of time around the campfire together. We travel to attractions by day, and enjoy being together every night. Camping has given us an opportunity to be together as a family. I love it! I am looking forward to Little Talbot Island in the spring! <><

The name Jesus

The name Jesus…

Last night was an incredible night as our Celebration Choir led us in wonderful worship through the Christmas Musical “The Name Jesus”. What a blessing to be a part of a church where so many people are involved in music ministry and sing as unto the Lord. I love to hear the Celebration Choir sing. Under the leadership of Charles Warren (the greatest Minister of Music on the planet) God uses these wonderful people every week to prepare a congregation to hear the word of God. They have a desire and great ability to lead people to the throne of grace. I worshiped last night because I could see 100+ people with the Love of Christ in their hearts coming out through their voices. As they were singing, I started thinking about the name Jesus. There is no other name like this one! There never will be a name like this one! Jesus was sent to the world and exactly the right time! He came…to save! The gospel message started centuries before His miraculous birth by the foretelling of the prophets. There is no other name…scripture teaches, “For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord…will be saved”. To save, that is what Jesus came to do! Scripture teaches us in Philippians two that we are to be like Christ.

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death-even to death on a cross. For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name Jesus every knee should bow-of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth-and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 HCSB

As you read this, my prayer is that you consider the name Jesus! There never has been anyone like Him and there never will be! He is Jesus…and that is exactly enough. King’s and Kingdoms, will all pass away, but there still is something about that name

Christmas Memories

Christmas memories…

I am having a difficult day today! I really am! I am thinking about Christmas when I really should be thinking about sermons that I need to study, and trips that I need to plan, but Christmas is in the air! The Radio stations are playing Christmas music; all of the main streets in our little town are decked out in full Christmas regalia. Today after our rain there was even a slight chill in the air. Christmas is more than a day, it is a season, a life style, Christmastime has a way of consuming your thoughts, building your hopes and allowing you to dream! Even living and Florida, I can dream of a white Christmas! Christmas for me is memories and family. I love to think back about our Christmas in Carolina and our first Christmas’ in Orange Park. Our girls were little and so wonderful. I have decided that I love experiencing Christmas through the life of a child! I will never forget my daughter Ashley when she would sing the Alabama Christmas song “Christmas Memories” she would always say “now it don’t take a lot of money, to know what britches are” and we would roll! Christmas memories, we all have them, feelings of good friends, and family; a season of hope…

When reading the Christmas story I cannot help but wonder about the Shepherds. Here they are keeping watch over their flocks by night. On guard looking for something out of the ordinary, a blade of grass moving or activity on the road. These trained men knew the importance of keeping a vigilant watch over their flocks. Some scholars might have you to think that they did not have anything important to do, except sit and watch. Dangers were around every rock so constant attention to detail was needed to insure the safety of the flock. These men had spent hundreds of nights just like this one. I can imagine them looking into the heavens when what appears before them but an angel of the Lord. These sheep farmers had most likely never seen a Heavenly Host, so they did exactly what you or I would do in a similar situation; they fell to the face, scared to death.

And the Angel speaks, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people: today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the City of David…” I’ll bet the Shepherds needed some good news. “Don’t be afraid, listen we are here to tell you the best news that you have ever heard. This news is not only for Kings and Royalty, this news is not only for the middle class and blue collar workers, this news is not only for black people, white people, Jews or Greeks, it is for everyone! Even you Shepherds. Even you who think no body even knows of my existence.” I know that on that first Christmas night, a memory was made. I’ll bet those Shepherds never got over the Angel, the Heavenly Choir or the Star. I’ll bet those tough Shepherds never got over the Baby they found wrapped snugly in cloth and placed in a feeding trough. Christmas memories, the promise of Peace and Hope! I want to encourage you during this Christmas season to make some memories…I love you all <><

Red sky at night, sailors delight...

Red sky at night, sailors delight…

Recently on a camping trip I had an opportunity to share a saying that I had been taught as a little guy with my grand daughter Hadley. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning…red sky at night, sailors delight. This biblical truth that our Lord taught us still gives us an opportunity to teach future generations. Hadley now looks to the evening sky, hoping that she will see tints of red, wishing for sailors delight! Unfortunately, we all have to face storms in life. We are all going to face challenges. Being prepared for the challenges will determine how you come out of the storm. As a leader, I have many times faced challenges. Part of being prepared for challenges requires a real relationship with Jesus. A long time ago, I decided to trust Jesus. I know, no matter the outcome, that God has my best interest at heart. In life I prepared by giving control of my life to Christ. I wanted to please my Savior more than the people I come into contact with. God has been so good to me! Through storms and sunshine I have truly experienced delight. I try (daily) to delight my self in the Lord. By doing this, I get to experience delight in my relationship with Hadley, Avery and Ben. My prayer for my grand children and anyone reading this blog…is that you experience the love of our Savior! I love you all! <><

two gourgeous girls

Now that's what I am talking about...

Give me wings...

Give me wings…

I am a man who loves freedom! I love getting away and camping by the beach. I am convinced very much that less is definitely more. This past summer we spent 10 days in the Florida Keys with a 20’ travel trailer and a back pack full of books. Leaving behind a three thousand square foot house full of every convenience known to man, we sat out on an adventure that I had wanted to take since being a child! I always wanted to drive down A1A and US 1, traveling down the old Dixie highway. Sitting on long key, looking south I quickly realized that I had become a slave to stuff! All of the things I counted on to make me happy kept me locked in a geographic location and kept me from experiencing life and beauty. Looking out over the beauty that God created, I knew how blessed I really was and that I have way to much stuff. I also realized that I don’t need most of the things that I have. Don’t get me wrong, I like my things, but I now know that my relationship with God is the most important. My relationship with Christ is freeing. He has freed me from sin, from self. He has given me wings to fly beyond limitations and failed expectations I had placed on my self. I have learned how to be happy. I have learned that I can buy books at Goodwill or on ebay. I am extremely happy with my 10 year old car that has 208,000 miles on it, at almost fifty I have began freeing my self from things that enslaved me before. I don’t need much and I now look for opportunities to get by without things the world puts such a emphasis on. Don’t be afraid to fly beyond the boundaries the world places on you, and do not be afraid to dream…<><

Mind Pictures

Though it all looks the same, so much has changed

Have you ever thought about mind pictures? Before you click off this blog take a second to consider what I am talking about. I love the Christmas season. Christmastime has a way of conjuring up mind pictures for me. I can sit on my couch or in my office and I can close my eyes and see pictures from my past. These pictures don’t really exist for anyone else, but for me they are very real very vivid. These mind pictures bring up feelings, sights and smells from times past. Our minds do such a great job at storing these beautiful memories. One of my favorite lines in a Christmas song is “though it all looks the same, so much has changed”. This is such a true statement. I have learned in life that you really can never go back. Every time I go to my childhood home I like to think about how much things are the same. In reality, nothing is the same. I have changed so much from the person I used to be. Mind pictures allow us to hold on to a past, because in our minds everything still looks the same and nothing has changed. My prayer today, is that you exercise your mind, and take sometime to go back, and remember. But let me caution you, don’t get stuck in the past. I love to think about the past but I so love being in the present! In the past there are many things that are missing from my life. In the past I would be missing a wonderful wife, beautiful daughters and the joys of my life…my grand babies. My prayer on this dismal north central Florida day, is that those I love are busy creating mind pictures, and that I am on their canvas! I love you all! <><

Steadfast Student Ministry

Student Ministry…

I wanted to take up some server space to just talk about the Steadfast Student Ministry Leadership Team. They are truly the greatest on the planet. Not only do they have a love for students, they are dedicated and love their church and Savior. I have been doing student ministry for many years and never before have I had such a great group of friends who love the Word of God and have a love for the students we are teaching. This side of heaven we will never know the impact that you all are having on the students at Madison Street. I love you all and appreciate you all so much! I wanted you to know that I am especially praying for you and your families during this Christmas season!

Soli Deo Gloria

The Spirit of Christmas…

I love this time of year; I love the decorations, the presents, and the excitement! All of these things flood my memories of Christmas’ past. I remember a certain Christmas in the early 70’s. My dad was not one to really go out for all the Christmas hype but for some reason this certain year he went all out! He purchased a solid white Christmas tree. He decorated the tree with little partridges and pears, and blue Christmas balls. There was not a light on the tree, but on the floor in front of the tree there was a rotating color wheel that cast different colors as they passed by the light! That had to have been weirdest tree I think I have ever experienced. You might be thinking that I could have chosen a better way to frame the sentence before this one but I cant. You did not see this tree you experienced it! It was kind of frightening, little birds and miniature pears hung in intervals. It made me want to get out a shotgun and go hunting. The color wheel just spinning and as each color passed the light the tree would take on a new look. When the blue light would illuminate, I remember getting the feeling of cold, even though the living room would be warm and temperate the casting of blue sent shivers down my spine. When the red light shown, I would get the feelings that I was in a furnace room, or hell a cold sweat would develop and I would squint my eyes! The red cast was very frightening, and gave me no warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings. The green light would bring feelings of loneliness. I would feel alone and kind of blue even though the light was green. A finally there was the orange light, when it would shine, it turned my mothers living room into a construction zone, kind of like driving in a construction zone at night and seeing the orange hue illuminating the room. I was so confused, one moment I would feel cold, the next hot, the next lonely and then on guard. I think my dad’s tree caused me to have issues! The tree must have bothered my mom also because as far as I can remember we only used that tree for a couple of years. I love Christmas memories; these memories are part of who I am! Our God did a great work before the foundations of the world was laid. He thought about me and He thought about you! He had a plan. Part of that plan was a baby born of a virgin and placed in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. I love to celebrate the birth of our savior. His birth brought the promise of life. Without our Lord’s birth, there would have been no ministry or Calvary. Because He lives and was born, we truly can face tomorrow. Soli Deo Gloria! I love you all <><

Blessed are the...

Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth…
Matthew 5:5 (HCSB)

Continuing our study on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, verse 5 brings us to a Christian Characteristic that many need to work on! Gentleness or meekness is a value that is possessed by people who have lots of self-control! People who posses this characteristic have no anger or a vengeful spirit. In the Beatitudes we see that they all start the term “Blessed”. This literally means “congratulations to” so verse 5a is really saying “Congratulations to the gentle”. The word inherit often relates to entrance into the promise land. So Jesus is telling us in verse 5 this: “Congratulations to the gentle, for you will enter the promise land”. Jesus is helping us to see that the gentle, not the strong, aggressive or harsh will enter heaven! Are you gentle? How do you deal with those that you come into contact with? My prayer today is that God helps all Christians to understand the virtue of gentleness! I love you all! <><

What are you going to do...

What are you going to do?

It is the time of year where people begin to think about what they want to accomplish in the year to come. Many begin to take inventory of their lives and try and figure out how to make things better! I love to look a head, I am a planner by nature and love to dream and think about possibilities that God routinely lays in front of me. One of my friends once gave me a bumper sticker that said “Obstacles become opportunities with God”. There may be things you are facing in the New Year that may be overwhelming you! Can I tell you that our God is still an awesome God! His word promises us that He is never going to leave us or forsake us. Have you considered what you are going to do in the New Year? Can I make some suggestions?

§ Pray! Ask God what He wants to accomplish through you in the New Year. Let Him know of your availability. Someone wrote, “God does not care about your ability as much as He cares about your availability”. Be a willing vessel for God to use.
§ Plan! Make a plan, and stick with it. If you are planning on starting a diet or exercise program make sure that you think through all of the possibilities. So many times we think about something and set out to do it putting little thought into how we want to accomplish this task. We need to plan, research, set goals and time lines. Don’t get discouraged.
§ Prepare! The best-laid plans are dismal if you are not prepared for the outcome. If you are going to start an exercise program, consider your current health and abilities. Maybe you should get a physical before undertaking such a challenge.

What are you going to do in the New Year? I love you all <><

The Christmas Sweater

Wow, I have just completed Glenn Beck's book "The Christmas Sweater" and want to encourage all of you to read it! It is one of the best books on forgiveness and making our way through the storms of life that I have ever read. I have literally not been able to put the book down today. Glenn has a deep understanding of storms and I love what he says in the very last chapter. He says "At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, but in doing so, sometimes we miss the real meaning of the season. It is what the infant, boy and then the perfect man did at the end of His ministry that makes the birth so special. Without His death, the birth is meaningless." What a wonderful book with many twist and turns that I never anticipated or expected. It is a wonderful novel and I would encourage and highly recommend you read! I love you all! Jesus is the reason...<><

A profound statement

The other day while I was camping with my 4 1/2 year old grand daughter, we were talking about knowledge. In a profound statement, that could only come from the brilliant mind of a little one she said this, "Grand daddy, all I know is what I know!" She has figured it out! She knows that she does not have to baffle people with her brilliance! She realizes that what she needs to know, she knows! Her mind is always working! She never forgets anything. I have read that a person will learn 90% percent of the things they will learn in life in the first five years! Can I tell you that as I write this blog, I cannot wait to see what God is going to do in the life of a brilliant 4 year old! <><

College Students and MSBC

I love the College Students at Madison Street Baptist Church! They are truly an exceptional group of young men and women whom I believe truly want to serve Jesus! The Connection on Wednesday nights is truly becoming one of my favorite worship times during the week! I want to encourage you guys! The sky is the limit! God has a plan and you a very much a part of His plan! Let Him use you...on campus...at work! I love you guys very much! See you Sunday!

The Shack

I am currently reading Wm. Paul Young’s book “The Shack”. I must tell you readers that there are many parts of the book that do not represent true biblical theology. The book is beautifully written and very easy to read however the way the trinity is handled is somewhat disturbing and un-true. Since the book is an enjoyable read, my fear is that people reading it might believe the theology and start believing the Bible to be something other than the inspired word of God. The God that I serve deserves all of my glory! I do believe that God wants me to ask Him the hard questions, but I do not believe that I can ask him in a flippant disrespectful way no matter how bad I am hurting. If you read this book, I want to caution you to read it understanding that it is a work of fiction. You must use discernment and know that the Trinity of the Bible is not portrayed the way that Young describes them. I will admit that there were some intriguing and enjoyable paragraphs in the book, but overall it does not hold true to what scripture teaches. Readers beware!

Blessed are...

Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Jesus in continuing His Sermon on the Mount and now shifts and talks about those who mourn! Many who read this passage may miss His real meaning. Those who mourn is referring to those who are repentant! He is talking about people who grieve over their lost friends! He is talking about people who are broken and have responded humbly to His grace. God is near those who are broken hearted! It is when we humble ourselves that we are closest to God. The people of God’s Kingdom are humble, not arrogant! So He is telling us in this verse “Blessed are those who are humble, those who desire for their friends to know Me and those who are broken, because you are going to be comforted.” I love the song that says, “I stand in awe of you, Jesus”. I know that is how it is going to be! When I see Him, I am going to stand or fall in awe of Him! What can I learn from this verse? I can learn that if I am humble I will be comforted. When I am humble, my life will be different! When I am humble, God is going to be near…I love you all!

Blessed are the...

Blessed are the poor in spirit…Matthew 5:3

Not long ago I did my daily devotionals on the Beatitudes from Matthews Gospel. The poor and spirit was the first one that I wrote about. I reread this passage again today and realize that there is so much more that can be said on the subject. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? I want you to know that compared to Jesus, we are all poor in spirit. Sometimes when we approach the Creator of the Universe with a haughty and arrogant attitude. God is telling us that we need to humble our hearts before we approach Him. He wants us to realize that without Him we are in poverty. As I read this I could not help but wonder do lost people with a lot of material things realize that they are really in poverty? Of course the answer to the question is no, they are lost and do not realize this. Have you ever considered the cost of following Jesus? It will cost you everything! A totally surrendered follower of Christ can be blessed because they are poor in spirit. By giving it all, you gain eternity and the Kingdom of heaven. Have you given it all up for Him today? I love you all!

Happy Birthday

I would like to take one moment of time on this busy Monday and be very thankful for the wonderful wife that God has given to me! As we are 28 and 1/2 years into a wonderful marriage, I could not think of anyone that I would have wanted to spend that much time with! I love you, you are wonderful and I could not do the things that I do without you! Thanks for being my cheerleader, friend and partner! I love you so much! My prayer for you today is that you experience the love of our Savior and that you have a wonderful birthday! Outback tonight!!!! I love you!

A Christmas Rant...my first of many I am sure

A Christmas rant…

I love this time of year! Christmas always has and will be the most important holiday for me! I like to think back on them and reflect at how good God has been to me. God never changes! He is as good to me now as He was to me when I was a little boy living in Fort Stewart Georgia. I will never forget the Christmas that I got a Big Bruiser wrecker truck! I remember thinking that it just can’t get any better than this! But it did! God blesses me more and more each year! I have learned that I have to choose to be blessed! It all comes down to my attitude. So many people get caught up in all the business of Christmas and truly miss out on the blessings that God willingly pours out on us! Think about what Christmas represents! Jesus! He is the one and only reason for this season! Some can create different events and call them what ever they want. Others can debate over the fact that December 25 really isn’t Jesus’ birthday! I am choosing to celebrate Christmas! I am choosing to proclaim Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I am choosing to celebrate His saving grace! I am choosing to greet the people that I meet with a hardy Merry Christmas! Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! I love you all! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

I love this time of year! I love all of the hoopla that goes along with Christmas! Think about it…other holidays get one day, but Christmas is a season. On black Friday when almost every other human being on earth was out trying to find a bargain, I was pulling Christmas decorations out of storage. As I was bringing 30 years worth of accumulated ornaments down to the living room I could not help but think about Christmas’ past…there was the Christmas of ’68 when an ice storm prevented my parents from making it down to “the house” (my grand mothers) to bring my Christmas gifts. I will never forget my grand mama making her way to Orange’s grocery to purchase something for Christmas morning, so that I would at least have a gift. I remember the biscuits and chocolate gravy…I remember making the trip to the coal pile for a bucket of coal for the furnace. Even though we were snowed in, I remember the Christmas magic! A tender Tennessee Christmas. Then, there was the Christmas of 1978. I was in love and I remember all I wanted to do was spend time with this girl named Sheila…even if it meant I had to spend time with this guy named Billy (my soon to be father-in-law) and his entire family (16 brothers and sisters) at a place called spout springs. Christmas of 1980 will always be very special to me; Sheila and I (married now) spent our first Christmas together. I remember decorating our first tree together. We were building traditions and making history…only we did not realize it! It was the beginning of something wonderful, something timeless. I remember Christmas of ’82 was celebrated early. I only had a certain amount of time before my ship would be underway for “West Pac” a deployment made by all West Coast US Navy Ships. It was our first Christmas with our new baby (Emily). The hardest thing that I ever had to do was leave on December 16 to fly back to California. I knew my babies first Christmas would only be something that I would hear about from others who shared it with her. Sheila did a great job making Christmas special, even though it was two weeks early. Then, there was the Christmas of ’84 in North Carolina, our second child (Ashley) there to celebrate with us. Christmas in the low country of North Carolina, I will never forget friends and a family, a time to reflect on what we truly believed in. Christmas of ’90 I was underway and in a foreign land, I will never forget talking to my wife from Toulon France on Christmas Eve. I will never forget the lonesome overwhelming feeling that consumed my body. This was not right, I was supposed to be with family, I was supposed to be with my babies, I was supposed to be watching them as we decorated the tree and listened to Randy Owens sing “Christmas in Dixie” or “Christmas Winn Dixie” as Emily would say. I remember wanting so badly to be home, that Christmas day passed without me even being thankful for a Savoir who gave His life so that I might live! Christmas of 1992 was very special, another babies first Christmas (Boo). God had blessed us with another little girl. Christmas for me at that time was all about my little girls. Each of them special, each of them growing and dreaming of the things they would accomplish. We would sit and listen to Christmas music for hours and I always so enjoyed decorating our tree. Then there were all of the Christmases in Panama City, each one special, and each one adding to our tradition. Christmas of 2000, a new millennium and more opportunities to feel and express the love of a Savior! God allowed me to give away a daughter in 2002 and gain a son. Brian joined us as family the Christmas of ’02. Christmas of ’04 brought us another baby (Hadley), only this time the baby was a granddaughter…it was so nice to have little ones around again and even nicer in ’06 with the addition of another grand daughter (Avery) and life was getting better and better. Traditions were being made and life was grand! Another son-in-law (Jason) in 2007 and I am so looking forward to Christmas of 2008 and being able to share it with my first grand son (Ben). God has been so good to me across the years. Christmas memories reverberate through my life! I love this time of year; it truly is the most blessed of times! I am looking forward to many more traditions that will be made and memories that will be cherished!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11 KJV

Thankful

I am so thankful for my family! Sitting around the living room tonight, God reminded me how blessed I really am! I have beautiful grand children, wonderful sons-in-law, and three incredible daughters! I also have a beautiful and wonderful wife! Thank you Lord for all that you have blessed me with!

A Spiritual Eye Exam

A Spiritual eye exam…

“…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:2a HCSB

The older I get the more dependent on my glasses I become! I was thinking this morning that I really need to make an eye exam to get the proper prescription instead of these drug store glasses that I normally wear. I need to be able to see! My job depends on it because I have to read so much, my site is very important! As I was thinking these things, I could not help but think that the 21st century church is in dire need of a spiritual eye exam. The Bible teaches us that we are not to conform to the patterns of the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds! We know this, but the problem comes in when we develop the wandering eye syndrome. It is so easy for us to look into the world and see things that pull our eyes off Jesus! We forget that He is the “source” and “perfecter” of our faith! When we take our eyes off Him, our source sometimes has a way of changing! We start believing in self instead of the savior! Sometimes we develop the lazy eye syndrome, we try and keep our focus with one eye while the other lazily looks around at all the things going on! Can I tell you that you cannot have one foot in the church and the other in the world! It never works! How are your spiritual eyes this morning? Can you see the things that Jesus wants you to see? Turn to the great physician this morning and tell Him that you want a spiritual refraction to correct your spiritual vision! Turn to Jesus…He truly is the source of our faith! I love you all!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

November 12, 2008

Many people today are searching for the right way. I am here to tell you that Jesus is truly the only way! Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Look full in His wonderful face, as I was thinking of this song the other day during my quiet time I could not help but think about what it means to “look full in His wonderful face”. Jesus has a way of changing the way that we see things! When we turn our eyes on Jesus, it helps us to…

Keep our eyes off SELF

Scripture teaches us to “Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding! In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path”. When our eyes are on Jesus we cannot concentrate on the problems and situations that seem to develop around us. To experience true peace and joy, we are going to have to turn our eyes on Jesus! We are going to have to focus on what He wants, not what we want! When we look at self, we internalize. It becomes easy to be selfish, and think solely on our own issues. We need to be selfless, thinking of others…We need to be imitators of Christ! Our lives need to reflect Christ!

The bible teaches us to Love God and Love people! Scripture also teaches us not to think to highly of ourselves. We need to trust God, He knows us, the bible says “Lord you have searched me and know me…” We have to turn our eyes toward Jesus and keep our eyes off self! Think about this, if you merely pretend that you enjoy God or love Him…He knows. You cannot fool Him. He knows exactly how you feel about Him. Many people try and make a big deal about their relationship with God and unfortunately the relationship is sham! We are going to talk most about the object of our affection. Can I ask you a question? What are you talking about?

Tell God how you feel! We sometimes get so caught up in self, that we think that the same God that created the heavens and earth cannot deal with our little problems. Can I remind you, He is God and He can deal with anything. If we turn our eyes on Jesus, we are going to have to stop lying to Him and telling everyone that He is the most important thing in our lives and make Him the most important thing. It will require change; following Jesus will cost you everything. Is it a price that you are willing to pay?

We need to get real, and realize that He already knows how we truly feel about Him. He is God! So today, if we were to turn our eyes upon Jesus, many would have to apologize for the way that they have treated Him! He knows, and I believe that He wants to be in a real relationship with all of us. I believe that revival could breakout if we simply would trust instead of acting like we trust! If we turn our eyes upon Jesus, we are going to Keep our eyes of self. If we turn our eyes upon Jesus, we are going to…

Keep your eyes off STUFF/SIN

The Bible teaches us to flee…to run away…“Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith love and peace along with all those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2nd Timothy 2:22) The Bible also teaches us “Therefore submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Turn your eyes upon Jesus…keep your eyes off the stuff, the sin that so easily entangles us. Think about it, we are all capable of doing wrong. For all have sinned…we all fall way short of the Glory of God!

Flee from youthful passions. Some scholars believe that Timothy was around 40 years old when Paul wrote this letter. Forty years old in 21st century America is not exactly what most would call youthful! The older I get, the more I like being considered youthful. Pursuits of passion pursuits of pleasure or power are things the Bible warns us that we are to flee from. We are to flee, to run…to get out of dodge! We are to

Pursue righteousness
Pursue faith
Pursue love
Pursue peace

We can turn our eyes on Jesus when we keep our eyes off stuff. We can keep our eyes off sin when we pursue God with a pure heart! God also wants us to…

Keep your eyes off SITUATIONS



We are to turn our eyes upon Jesus, and keep our eyes off of situations. So many times situations dictate our response. We are to always be ready to give an account for the hope that we have. How do we do this? By turning our eyes on Jesus, and keeping our eyes of the situation. So many times we get caught up with all that is going on, and we fail to wait on God. Many times, God may be trying to direct us, but because our vision is so clouded by the situation that we cannot see or hear how to overcome. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face…and the things of this world will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace…

I envisioned this the other day. I thought about the words, and I began to focus on Jesus…and guess what? The things in the periphery, the things going on around me became strangely dim. I could focus on my Lord. The white noise of life was overcome!

Turn your eyes on Jesus today! I love you all!

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

You cannot go back and change a past that you created…

But you can be at peace!

Peace…illusive peace…scripture teaches us “Blessed are the peacemakers because they will become the sons of God!” I have purposed and determined to be a peacemaker!

I am determined through dialogue and discourse to disarm and defuse situations that are not peaceful.

I want to be known as a “Son of God”

I want to bring comfort and reconciliation, I want to be a medium of grace, I not only want to live and exude peace I want to be known as a person of peace…

Real peace comes when men sent from a Holy God, sit down at a table of negotiation and search from the scriptures for solutions…

Men who stand on their convictions but also listen and learn from others ideals!

I believe that there can be peace without compromise…

Peace comes when people discuss peace, maybe agreeing to disagree, maybe by giving up something little to gain so much more

Peace, also known as grace truly is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!

Peace needs to be on our radar; Simon Peter encourages us to keep our love for one another at “Full Strength”! Peter realized that “Love” or “grace” or “peace” covers a multitude of sin. Real peace will help us to see other people the way God sees them. Love always covers our (believers) shortcomings!

My prayer is that when people look at me they look through the eyes of love!

Peace…

Christmastime on Bearwallow

Christmastime on Bearwallow…

Cold, brown, bleak…dampness
The smell of wet leaves, wood smoke, coal soot
Trees…the bare branches moving in the cool air
Frost on the windows…behind the windows soft lights from lamps on end tables
Warmth from a gas stove…warm socks on wood floors…a ten year olds dream
Wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen…iron beds…mattresses to soft…wardrobes with secret drawers. A pocket knife, colored lights on a fresh cut cedar that does not fit well in the stand…simple ornaments, each one having a specific and special meaning…conjuring thoughts of Christmas’ past
The here and now…grand children…children…family and friends, a season of joy, a season of hope! A love for God and a love for people…memories that transport you back to a place and a season…Christmastime on Bearwallow…

A spiritual mirror

Looking in the mirror

Calling yourself righteous and claiming to be a Christian and in a real relationship with Jesus would be like being at a worship service or Bible study and looking in a mirror and seeing a righteous person…but, if the same person leaves the worship service or bible study and goes out into the world and gets involved in things no Christ follower has business being involved in, and then looks into same the mirror, what do they see? Do they see a righteous person? Of course not! The Bible teaches us that we have deceived our self! I believe that many claim to be a part of the church and today find them selves in this predicament! A righteous man will not forget that he is righteous! He will not forget what he looks like in the spiritual mirror! A righteous man is a hearer of the word, which progresses toward being a doer of the word! When you look into the spiritual mirror what do you see? More importantly, when Christ our Savior looks at you what does He see?

Absolute truth

Absolute Truth


What is truth? How do we define truth? I believe that truth is a word that has been watered down a lot lately? Is truth relevant?
Does truth depend on the individual or the circumstance? Or is it an Absolute, something unchanging, something real, something that can be measured! When we testify in court, we are to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Why do we think this is different when we are dealing with God, or God’s people? Scripture teaches in Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” To often today, we compromise the truth, to satisfy someone else! So concerned about pleasing man, wanting to gain approval! So many times, we turn the situation around to fit our own needs! We manipulate the truth! When we do this we fail to realize, what we are doing to God! I honestly believe that our manipulation of the truth hurts God! I know that when my children did something that was wrong, it hurt me! I can only imagine what it does to God, when we as His children repeatedly do things over and over again. Let me ask you a question? Do you tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? In all circumstances, in all situations…or do you compromise the truth! Are you living a life that is pleasing to Him? Are you going in the right direction? Close your eyes and spin around 10 times and then stop the direction that they think is north. It doesn’t matter what direction you think north is, it matters which way the right direction really is! Which way are you going? My prayer for you is that you totally sell out? Stop trying to please others! Try pleasing the creator of the universe! He is the way (the only way) He is the truth (Absolute truth) and He is life! Without Him, we would be nothing! If there were any other way to heaven, I would throw every bible that I own away, and I would never preach or write again! But since He is the only way! I am going to proclaim Him from the Mountaintops; I am going to shout His name in the streets! Because His name is above all names! The world needs to hear, they need to see, and understand! Do you know the Truth? I pray that He has set you free!

Without faith, it is impossible to please God!

Without faith it is impossible to please God!

“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” Heb 11:6 (HCSB)
There is something about a wood fire…
In my life many memories can be rekindled, by the smell of wood smoke. Memories around campfires with people that I love, memories from the past…a charcoal fire, I can remember sitting around them over 40 years ago…times change and my body changes, but the smell of the fire remains the same…
Scripture teaches that without faith, it is impossible to please God! We say we have faith…but do we?
Do we have faith in what we believe, or do we have faith that Jesus is who He says He is? It is easy to boast about our faith, boast about being a Christian or boast about being a part of a church! It is easy to say that we love Jesus more than anything, we can write it on our Facebook page, blog about our love and faith…but I want you to consider today that when it comes down to it, our faith is all that we have!
I have often said, you have to stand for something or you will fall for everything! What are you standing for? Are you standing for Jesus? I love the Apostle Peter! He is one of my favorite Characters from the Word of God! I believe that there is a little Simon Peter in all of us! Impetuous, Zealous, fervent! He was a hard charger, a man of action, someone who loved God. I am going to ask you a question, so I want you to be ready to answer…think about the question that I am going to ask! It is not a trick question, I want you to think and answer! Can we agree that Simon Peter was a believer? Can we agree that Simon Peter loved Jesus? What did our Lord say about him? He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas”, (Which means Rock) (John 1:42) He said, “…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 16:18) Jesus knew Peter, Peter knew Jesus! I want to remind you that without faith, it is impossible to please God! Is your life pleasing God? Are the things that you are currently involved in bringing honor to God?
READ ALL JOHN 21!
There is something about a charcoal fire, a wood burning fire, and the smell of the smoke…Let us set the stage and see what was taking place here in scripture. John 21 is an epilogue, a final statement from John the beloved. John is writing these things from a first hand experience. He knew Jesus and Peter; he was there when these things took place. First of all, when did this take place? I believe that it was about 2 weeks after Jesus was crucified. Is this important? You better believe that it is because Peter must have been carrying this agonizing sense of guilt and shame! We go back to the night that Jesus was betrayed! Jesus said, “Tonight all of you will run away because of Me…” Peter told Jesus “Even if everyone runs away because of You, I will never run away!” Peter goes on to say, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny you! Peter being arrogant and prideful told Jesus “I am ready to go to prison with you and death!” Then in the Garden, it is Peter who pulls his sword and cuts off the ear of the High Priest servant…Jesus is arrested, and all of the disciples scatter…Peter hangs close, following the mob that is taking Jesus to the High Priest…We now find Peter, standing by a fire in the High Priest Courtyard. He is warming himself by a wood fire; the smell of charcoal is in the courtyard. This is the place where Peter denied our Lord three times. Scripture teaches that on the Last time, he cursed and swore that he did not Know Jesus. Then the rooster crows…
Scripture teaches that Peter wept bitterly…he realized that he had denied Jesus. He realized that his prideful zealousness had caused him to do the very thing he said was impossible. Peter, who loved Jesus…Peter who knew Jesus…Peter who claimed to have rock solid faith, denied Jesus. Without faith, it is impossible to please God! So here we are standing on the seashore late in the afternoon! Pacing, impatiently waiting. We see seven fishermen waiting on the resurrected Lord. They have been waiting for sometime, Peter probably pacing up and down, weighed down in guilt, a broken man. His impatience comes to a head, he makes the statement I am going fishing…the others tired of waiting says we’ll go also. They get into the boat, and fish…impatience turns into frustration…they fish all night, these professional fishermen and catch nothing. The sun comes up; they are about 100 yards from shore. This time of the year there is probably a mist rising in the warming morning air off the cool water. They smell the smoke of the wood fire. And someone calls from shore, “Men…you don’t have any fish do you?” Their answer is short, probably muffled in anger and frustration. “No!” Without faith, it is impossible to please God! I believe there will be a time when we stand before God, I hope that He never makes that statement to us; we are called to be fishers of men. “No we don’t!” “We have been fishing all night long and we have nothing to show for it!” “Cast the net on the right side of the boat…” Scripture teaches that a great catch was made. At this point John tells Peter…”it is the Lord!” Peter has been here before, he remembers the all night fishing trips with Jesus were the nets were filled with so many fish, and they tore. He had been here before, on that stormy night when Jesus walked out to them across the raging seas, remember, he took the steps toward Jesus, and did all right until he looked at the storm and not the Maker of the storm! Peter, ridden with guilt from his denial, grabs his coat and jumps in to swim…He had to get to Jesus. He was not going to wait for the boat. Arriving on the beach Peter notices the fire; he notices the fish and the bread. The boat now arriving, Jesus tells Peter to bring some more fish…Peter hauls in the net and scripture teaches there were 153 large fish…without faith; it is impossible to please God. I want you to realize that God all ways meets our needs! He does to the excess! Jesus, who tells us all to preach the Gospel to the entire world, first invites us to breakfast. Then Jesus serves the men! He now reverts back to Simon, not Peter…we know these are the same people, but Jesus calls him by his given name, before he became the “Rock Man”. “Simon, son of John…do you love (agape) me more than these?” (Speaking of the other disciples) Peter responds, “Yes Lord, you know I love (phileo) you!” “Feed my lambs” Jesus told him. “Simon, son of John…do you Love (agape) me?” Peter responds “Yes Lord; I (phileo) love you.” “Shepherd my sheep.” Jesus ask a third time “Simon, son of John…do you love (phileo) me?” Scripture teaches that Peter was grieved, which literally means pained, he was hurt, cut to the quick, his pent up guilt and pride would surface no more. He was broken before a holy God! Peter responds, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love you!” Peter understood at this point, that Jesus did know everything! He knew that his faith before had been in self, now his faith was totally dependant on God! What kind of faith do you have? Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We are standing before a Holy God this day, and I want to remind you that He knows everything! So the question is not do you have faith in God but what does God know of your faith? Peter said that he was willing to go to prison, that he was willing to die for his faith, but we know what happened there! I said at first there is a little Simon Peter in all of us, can I tell you that it is easy to say we believe and walk through life under our own power. Lordship comes from giving everything up for God. Oswald Chambers said of God “All He wants from me is total surrender”. He understood that we must abandon self, and take a hold of Christ! Where are you this day?

There is something about a wood fire…

Waiting on the rain

Waiting on the rain

Illusive rain, weatherman promises it, skies cloud up and offer it…no rain

Our life is fair to partly cloudy…promises of rain…waiting on the rain

Cool, cleansing, carefree…rain

One of the problems living in the sunshine state…guess I’ll have to move to Seattle

Remeber when

Remember when…

I used to be your hero
When everything I did caused you to smile

Innocent walks, rides in the country…ski ball

How I long for those days again…a return to innocence and great expectations, what does life hold…what direction will I choose

How I long for those days…

Remember when

Everything we did mattered, driven by purpose, pursuing hope, living life with excitement and gusto!

I so long for those days….

Choices

The Choices we make

Every day’s a day we make them
Always before us, always waiting to be made

They affect us sometimes in ways that we did not intend!
Does anybody really set out to make bad choices…of course not!

We have all made them…we all wish that there were a time when we could take them back…but that’s the problem

Once we’ve made and acted on them, they are made

We can change the circumstances of our choices…we can fix the problems we have created…so be the opportunity cost for choices…

Surprise

I wonder if some Christians will be surprised? Think about it, I wonder if some will make it to heaven and find out that God did love the world. He died for the whole world! People from other races and nationalities will also be worshiping the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We American's sometime think that we have a corner on Christianity. Heaven is a place where all believers will worship! Remember, the narrow gate leads to life! One of the saddest things in the bible is that only few will enter by it! Don't be surprised! I love you all!

Little Ben

Ben, little Ben. What a wonderful baby. Handsome smile, eyes of wonder, taking it all in, not missing a moment, or movement. What has God planned for this wonderful baby boy...I cannot wait to see...

Key Essentials for impacting your community for Christ

Impacting your community for God

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Key Essentials for impacting your community for God!

Power, in the culture in which we live, people are searching for power! The millennial generation puts a great deal of hype on power…Money, status, and material things often keep us from being what God truly intends us to be! I want to propose to you, that in order to understand true power…you have to be in a real relationship with Jesus Christ. It has to be a real relationship!
I know that there are many people who know about Jesus! Jesus asks the question of His disciples over in Matthew Chapter 16. He asked them “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” It was a valid question 2000 years ago; it is a valid question today! If I were to walk the streets of any town USA today and ask the same question, I would probably receive the same answers the disciples received so long ago! Many people think that Jesus was a good man.
For year’s people have talked about how good Jesus is, but they fail to realize that He is not only the Son of the Living God, He is God! Jesus goes on in His questioning, He makes it personal. He asks the question “Who do you say that I am?” If I were to walk on any campus, and ask students, what would their answer be? What would you answer be? What are you going to say? How would it be with you, if you were to stand before the judgment throne of God, what would your answer be?
Jesus is asking, “Who do you say that I am?” If you are going to impact your community for God,
if you are going to impact your city, your school, your church for God you are going to have to answer the question that Jesus asked. Who do you say that He is? In thinking about you, I began to think about Characteristics that we must possess in order to impact our community for God!
I began to think about how the Holy Spirit could use us to be witnesses in our community.
So I have come up with six characteristics that will help you impact your community for Christ!
The first essential is…Dream Big! The Sky is the Limit! Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God wants you to prosper. He wants you to dream big! (We are to have a confident expectation) He wants us to do great things for His Kingdom. He wants us to be part of the movement. The great Evangelist D. L. Moody wanted to be a part of a movement! One night the young evangelist heard Henry Varley say, “It remains to be seen what God will do with a man who gives himself up wholly to Him.” And from that day on D. L. Moody wanted to be that man, and the world did marvel to see how wonderfully God used him. He has plans, sovereign plans, and you are a part of those. He has tailor made plans for every one who knows Him as Lord and Savior. If you choose or have chose to follow Him, He wants you to dream big. The sky is the limit. No limitations can be placed on God. He wants you to succeed! He really does, He knows you better than you no your self! DREAM BIG! I think about being part of the movement, to see Christ glorified on School Campuses, all across the State of Florida, all across this nation, the world! To see Him High and lifted up! Shining in the Light of His Glory. Jesus said “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto my self.” Our Goal is not to draw people to our churches, because the church cannot save people! If we are going to impact our community for God, our goal is to draw people to Jesus! Dream Big! God does not have little plans for you; He has plans to prosper you. To give you HOPE and a FUTURE! Set Goals, Dream, He has expectations. Dream Big.

The next essential characteristic we need to impact our community for Christ is to Work Hard! He wants us to work hard. There are so many people with so many needs, God wants his people work hard. Don’t confuse this! The Bible teaches us “It is by Grace you are saved, through faith, and that not of your self, so that no man can boast.” Salvation is a gift of God. You don’t have to work for salvation. Jesus; has already taken care of that. It is a gift, freely given. But He does want us to work. He doesn’t want us to get saved and cruise. We need to sing like we are saved! We need to smile like we are saved! We need to smell like we are saved! We need to search like we are saved! He wants us to be like Him. (Ephesians 5:1) He wants us to reach out, to offer hope to the hopeless; he wants us to encourage those who are down and out. He wants us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He commanded us.” Work Hard! Do what is right! Everyone can have an opinion, but God needs to be the one who gets His way. Don’t be lazy! One of the biggest problems for professional ministers today is that they are lazy! Work for Jesus! Remember what He has done for you! We are to submit to Him! (Lordship) let Him be Lord! We have to instant in season as well as out of season. (Be Ready) We need not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. How does Jesus expect us to do this…by spending time reading His word? By spending time praying! By spending time involved in the work of His church. (Missions)(Campus Clubs) If you spend time in prayer and study, you will be motivated to work. Work hard!
The next essential characteristic is to Get It Done! “Don’t put off till tomorrow, what can be done today” God wants us to Dream Big, He wants us to Work Hard, and He wants us to get it done! I don’t know how many times God impresses something on me to do.
And sometimes, I let it slide. Put it off. There are people reading this blog that are having a difficult time. There are people who are reading this blog that are putting spiritual decisions off. Today you need to get it done, and make the decision! You need to choose!
So many times in many of our lives we put off things that God impresses on us to do. Maybe it is talking to a friend, or sharing your faith with a family member and we put it off. We look for the opportune time can I tell you this? There is no time like the present.
Get it done! You’ll feel better! Get it done! It’s the right thing to do. “But be doers of the word and not hearers only. If you are only a hearer you are deceiving your self! Dream Big, Work hard, Get it done and
Play Fair…God wants us to play fair. In life, in the things that you do, in the people that you come into contact with, play fair.
Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children (2) and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” God is fair. God is just. If we imitate God, we are going to be fair and just. To many Christians are not playing fair. They are cheating people. Taking advantage of people. Play Fair. Do what is right.
Could you imagine Jesus taking advantage of someone? Of course not! He is Fair, He wants us to play fair, to be real, to daily evaluate our lives and search for those things that are not fair or real and quickly make corrections. Do what is right! Dream Big, Work Hard, Get it done, Play Fair and…
Have Fun…It is ok to have fun! It is ok to laugh. Being a Christian is loads of fun. I love to have fun; I love to be around fun people. By the way Jesus came so that we could have life. The Bible tells us this; he came so that we could not only have life, but an abundant life. I don’t know about you, but an abundant life sounds pretty fun. Think about it. An abundant life! A life that is full of joy and peace and love. Have fun, smile every once and a while. Christians have what the world is searching for. We must never forget this; we have what lost folks are searching for. Have Fun! It’s ok.
Dream Big, Work Hard, Get it done, Play fair, have fun and finally…
Make a difference…In someone’s life! Make a difference for the Kingdom of God. What are you doing that is significant for God’s Kingdom? Anything? Are you making a difference in someone’s life? Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (21) I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained by the law, Christ died for nothing.” Make a difference! Do what is right! Live for Christ!

What will your answer be? Who do you say that Jesus is?

I love you all!

Wonderful Grand daughters

Beautiful smiles,
open arms
reaching, grinning, happy
Characteristics of my grand daughters
unassuming, always ready to make my day...

Pure, lovely, wonderful
these precious little girls

what an impact they have made on their grand daddy!
I love them so much!

The Gospel and lifestyle

Addicted to lifestyle…

I have been in ministry for a long time and lately I cannot help wonder why we (believers) are not making headway in winning new converts to Christ! The message of the gospel is timeless, but times change! I believe today that we must do a better job at getting the gospel message to the masses, how do we do this? By stepping out of our comfort zone! We have become too comfortable with where we are in life! Can I preach to you a little this morning? I often tell people that if I could give them five minutes of my life with Jesus, they would never give it back. I believe this! Christ Jesus made a difference in my life! If you cannot tell people about the difference that Jesus made in your life, then what good are you to Jesus? He died (according to the scriptures) on a cruel cross so that believers can live! What is your excuse? Are you actively sharing your faith with the people you come into contact with? Or, are you addicted to lifestyle? Tell someone about Jesus and the difference in your life today! I love you all!

You say you want a revolution...

I believe in America…even though our country is extremely polarized and McCain and Obama are making promises they can never keep. I believe in America, we must overcome, we must find resolve, we must dig deep and rekindle our patriotism, which has moved into a dormant phase, and America has become a cemetery of hope!
At some point in our history we have developed a culture of losing. America, whom at one point could overcome any obstacle. In our short history as a country we during times of trouble have sat down at the table of discussion and developed plans that help us overcome any problem that our nation faced. We were a family, we had each others interest at heart and we had each others back! We are Americans! Even though our political views may be in opposition we would table personal agenda’s and look for common ground. Selfishness and unwillingness to agree on major issues have forced us into a political gridlock that hurts everyone in the long run!
Morality and ethics have become a distant memory as people are trying to get the entire pie other than just one piece. Where will it end? Corporate greed and crooked politicians has left us with no consensus on where we are as a nation. We are not sure on the direction that we are heading. Something has to give.
I am proposing complete political and educational reform! “You say you want a revolution?” We need to throw the bums out! Democrats and Republicans who have had their hands deep in our pockets for way to long and we need to put a stop to it! As for education, we are doing a horrible job at educating the future because we have taken the competitive spirit that made our country strong and replaced it with low expectations. Something really needs to give. Minimum requirements are to low and our future is routinely losing against other nations.
I realize that pride comes before a fall and believe this may be the reason that we are in the position we are currently in. I also believe there is a good pride…the pride that causes you to well up when you see old glory or hear our national anthem played. America, we truly need to love her! We need to look back to the foundation of this republic and dream! We need to dream and put into place a mindset that will benefit future generations. We need to turn to a Holy and Sovereign God and ask Him to restore us. America…more than anything…we need to pray!

Significance

Significance (October 3, 2008)

It was the best of times…it was the worst of times. At age 48, quickly approaching 49…my mind and body sometimes feels like Charles Dickens quote in the beginning of “a tale of two cities.” This morning I thought about my life! I reflected on how God’s hand has constantly directed the events that have played out in my life. I am beginning to realize that I am on the backside of life. I am not ready for retirement, not ready to look for a cane and a good whittling knife, but I do find my self more and more desiring to hang out with the old guys at down at Hardee’s in the morning. Do you think about your life? I loved Bob Buford’s statement in his book “Half Time” where he wanted to turn success in to significance! The Church needs to be significant in today’s culture! We need to reach out like never before! God has placed expectations on each of us! He has directed us to “Go therefore and make disciples…” We need to be about God’s business! We need to tell more people about Him, pray more and be significant! I want my grand children to be more significant than successful! Success is fleeting; significance is eternal. Are you making a difference for the Kingdom of God today! I love you all!!

Spiritual Lethargy

Spiritual Lethargy (October 2, 2008)

Time…a precious resource. Something that we often squander! Overwhelmed, over worked and over challenged. We live in a weird time! The world is constantly throwing things at us! Satan loves it when we are busy and burdened! We (believers) know that we serve the King of Kings and the Lord or Lords! We are people of faith. The problem is that much of the time we are not sure of what we believe in! Lethargy has entered the North American Christian Church. The church is experiencing spiritual lethargy. God’s word teaches us to “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.” We can overcome the sluggishness! God wants us to succeed! The Apostle Paul instructs the church at Colossae to “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of time.” What can we do to make the most of time? I believe the church needs to wake up! We need to realize the most effective tool that Satan has is to clutter and busy up the lives of Christians. We get tired and turn to self! Wake up! We must count on the God of the Universe! Are you spending the time that God gives you wisely? Take time today to talk with God! I love you all.

Bro. J <><

Spiritual Heritage

A spiritual heritage…(6/10/2008)

“We have become an object of reproach to our neighbors, the source of mockery and ridicule to those around us.” Psalm 79:4 HCSB

I recently heard that Tom Cruise is supposedly being called the “Christ of Scientology”. Higher ups in Scientology are convinced that in the years to come that he will be worshiped like Jesus all over the world. They feel that he will become a prophet for their religion. I wish to make this statement this morning; I will never worship him or anyone like him! As a matter of fact, I will never again go to any movies or watch any TV that he has anything to do with! I am also going to make this statement! In 50 years no one will remember him! He is just a man involved in a cult and because of his notoriety he pushes an agenda that is irresponsible and false! Jesus’ life literally changed history! Think about it! For over 2000 years He is remembered as God’s one and only Son! He is more than that though; in John’s gospel we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God! He (Jesus) “the Word” was in the beginning with God! He will always be remembered! In His word we can see that every knee is going to bow and every tongue is going to confess that He is God! I somehow doubt that this will ever be the case with Tom Cruise. Scripture teaches that we (the church) have become an object of reproach (discredit) to those around us. The world makes fun of us because of our beliefs! The church takes a beating almost every night from the late night shows that so many people watch! Can I tell you today, that Jesus is still Jesus! His word is still the only absolute! Let the world see Jesus (the one and only Messiah) through you! I love you all!


Bro. J <><

Pura Vida

Pura Vida…(4/10/2007)

“Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4 HCSB

Pure life! Many of us dream about the “Pure life”. Something about changing the latitude that changes the attitude. Costa Rica is one of the most wonderful and beautiful places that I have ever visited! Its diversity attracts families to its shores looking for the pure life. This paradise of tropical jungles is home to unique species of flora and fauna for family travelers. Rich in culture and tradition, Costa Rica offers life and sunshine for anyone who has time to kill and doesn’t mind getting away. The problem is that we cannot always get away! Jesus offers “Pura Vida”. Scripture teaches “life” was in him. Since He created all things, He is the Fountain of life! He is the life giver. The Greek word for “life” is Zoe, and the Zoe being spoken of in John chapter one has exclusive reference to a spiritual life! So through His life, we can experience a spiritual life. The Greek word for “light” is “Phos” and it is not being used in a spiritual sense. What does this tell us then? It tells us that each person has been given the light, but not all will accept it. Light is the revelation of who Jesus is! He is the light of men and only in Him is the “life”. Are you experiencing “Pura Vida” with Jesus? Ask Him to give you life and light today! I love you all!

The invitation

The invitation…

I really looked up to my grand mother! She was an intriguing person I very much wanted to be like! She knew all of the trees of the forest, and she could name all of the birds and tell you of their habits. She could even throw an apple core through a hog wire fence at 50 paces. She was an amazing person. On the wall in the living room of my grand mama’s house hung an invitation. It was an invitation to President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. How she got it I will never know other than the fact she was an amazing person. Recently I thought about that invitation and why it hung on her wall for so long. My grandmother and John Kennedy were in two different worlds. He was very rich she was very poor. He was Catholic; she was quasi Church of Christ and Free Will Baptist (what a strange combination) He was a Yankee and She was a Southern Lady so why this invitation was so important to her I have yet to figure out. My Grandmother did not attend the inauguration. There would have been no way for her to afford it. But she cherished the invitation anyway because it was an important event; she had faith in the office of the President of the United States of America. We too have been given an invitation…it is from the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It is an invitation to spend eternity with a Holy God. It is an invitation to experience heaven here, and in the here after. Jesus is calling! Will you accept the invitation that will totally change your life? I sure hope so. I love you all!

This old House

This old house! (September 30, 2008)

A creaking house reminds of familiarity…things that we know, things that we feel…settling…a history of a family…a reminder of times, events and memories…a reminder of the relentless motion that is always progressing…new progressing towards old; old…settling into the memory of all who inhabit her

This old house, every creak, crack, crevasse, crease and caulk…has a life of its own, a story to be told! Time passes, challenges, obstacles, and opportunity; opportunity for new, legacy, something to be remembered, and then forgotten, fading into the white noise of life

With every creak and groan, it brings reminders of a distant past…