7/25/09

Opa and Oma



This past week God treated me to a wonderful experience! I had the opportunity to visit in the home of a a bonified world war two veteran! What an experience to hear him talk about the challenges that life dealt him and how he overcame the challenges. He personifies the builder generation. Born in the Piedmont of North Carolina, joining the U.S. Navy in 1943. At 83 years old, as I waited in his family room while his wife (Oma) retrieved him from the back yard on the 95+ degree Florida July afternoon, he was outside working on a project. He came into the house and immediately excused himself as he went in the bedroom to change his shirt.
As I waited Oma brought me some pink lemonade engaging me in conversation with a slight German accent. My mind began to wonder as I thought about her journey to this country. I could not help but wonder about what she had left behind. One of the standout characteristics that I immediately recognized was the mutual respect that this couple had for each other. They listened not only to me, but to each other and it was easy for me to see the complete and comfortable love they had for each other. It was also evident to see the love they had for their children and grand children. Sitting in their home, I felt like I belonged there. I felt like part of the family.
As Opa began to talk about the war I could not take my eyes off of him. World War two came alive, it was as if I stepped out of the 21st century and back to a time of intense struggle. His character came out trough the words he was speaking. I could tell that he was a man of resolve, he had dealt with struggle. The word quit was not part of his vocabulary. As men began to return home after the war, Opa’s job was still critical to the Navy. So as thousands of men were being released from active duty and starting their pursuit of the American dream he (Opa) continued to serve. His decision to stay on in the Navy was not because he wanted to, but by the time he was released, all of the jobs had been filled so his period as a civilian was short lived as he returned to the Navy after unsuccessfully trying to get into the newly formed USAF.
In 1963 Opa retired from the Navy, giving 20 years of his life serving the country that it easy to see that he loved. During his Navy career, he changed jobs becoming an aviation electrician. This move would later determine his job after the Navy. He became an journey man electrician as a Civil servant at NAS Jacksonville working on Navy aircraft.
It was during a work day where he was required to rewire some old aircraft that would be refurbished and given to countries in South America that he became unhappy with the job he was doing. After questioning his superior, he made the decision to leave his job and pursue something else. This hard working man had become disgusted with the bureaucracy so walking away from a lucrative job even though he had a family (for children) and mortgage was an easy thing for him to do. He had confidence in God and his work ethic.
While attending a family reunion back in North Carolina, he met some people that would give him advice that would serve his family well for the next 30 years. He took all of the money that he had saved, around $2000 dollars, took his pick up and rented a trailer and made a trip to North Carolina and loaded $1600 worth of furniture to return to Florida to begin his business. He would set up under an Oak Tree on the side of Highway 21 selling furniture to people who passed by. His success would finally move him into a permanent business on US 17 North just south of Orange Park. My wife and I bought a couch from him in 1987 and I had no idea that 22 years later I would be sitting in his living room.
Opa and Oma could teach my generation many things. The first thing we could learn is the love they have for each other. Politeness and genuine love is so evident when the talk to each other. Oma patiently waits while Opa tells a story. He is the head of the family and at 83 he is not afraid to make decisions and take control of any situation. He is passionate about his faith, family and friends.
As I write this blog, I must tell you that I feel blessed by simply spending an afternoon with him. In the world that we live in, with email, internet and cell phones. I feel sorry for our current situation. We have somehow missed the struggle which I believe is the medium which honed a generation that could face any challenge and overcome any obstacle. There are not many of these guys left around to tell the story. I am so glad that God directed my path to cross Mr. Lamar Weaver’s. I am a better man because of it. <><

7/11/09

Camp and electronics


I am sitting in my home office thinking about the events of the coming week! I love camp! In years past I have experienced God in super-natural by taking groups of hungry students away from their everyday environment and exposing them to the power of unrestrained worship! Something happens when you get students together around the word of God and you teach to transform. I have no doubt that the same thing (a movement of God) will take place this year! I am looking forward to hearing from God! I am looking forward to the Salvation that I know will take place! This next week, the students from my church along with about 20 other churches will gather at camp in central Florida at a place called Lake Yale! Please pray for these students as well as thousands of other students whom each year attend summer camp! As I am sitting here I am getting tweets, text and emails about my previous blog post! Apparently I have sent some mixed message about electronics at camp, so I wanted to take an opportunity to clarify.

I have had many people (parents) question me in the past two weeks about whether or not I would allow electronics (ipods, mp3 players, portable DVD players and cell phones) at camp. I realize there are several schools of thought on this matter and I certainly do not want to hurt anyone's feelings on how I feel about this! perceived problem I have always allowed students to bring these devices with the expectation that they would utilize them in an appropriate way! I know that I will use my blackberry and ipod! I love having my mac with me because I love technology and the convenience of having information at my fingertips! I have embraced it and technology is very much a part of the culture in which they (students) live! So I allow them to bring these things and count on their maturity to use these devices in a way that honors God! I have very high expectations for our students and for the most part, they never really disappoint! In allowing students to bring electronic devices, I encourage them to leave them in their rooms during worship and team time! I am not opposed to students using their device as an electronic Bible! I love having the word of God always at my fingertips and sometimes I even use my phone (gasp) to preach from! I have been ministering to students for many years and believe me, there are far more important battles to fight than this one! So students from Hibernia, you can bring your electronics, please don’t disappoint! I love you all <><

Distractions


Distractions...the devils tool

Distractions, everyone deals with them! They keep us from being what we could be; they take our focus off what is important; cause us to stumble and become overwhelmed; they cause us to throw in the towel and just give up! I am convinced that distractions are the things that keep the 21st North American Church from ministering to and seeing a mighty movement of God take place! When we (the church) are focused on internal issues our external vision becomes clouded and we cannot see the possibilities that God has for us on the horizon! Scripture teaches us that without vision, people parish. Never before in the history of the church have we seen so many people fall away and become distracted! Our mission (because of distractions) has become flawed and we are failing to teach and utilize one of best and brightest generations to ever have lived! Just this morning as I am writing this note, my phone has rang, I have received numerous tweets and text, and my mac updated it self requiring me to have to restart my computer, which made me save the document and allow it to happen! I can see that you are thinking...you did not have to answer the phone, or accept the tweets and text...you certainly did not have to update your mac at that exact second which brings me to my point! We are distracted...we (or at least I) allow things around me to take my focus off the important things in life! We allow distractions to pull our focus off the object of our being! We were created to worship God and so many times because of external distractions we are not completely able to focus in on Him! The bible teaches us that if we delight our selves in the Lord, that He will give us the desires of our hearts! I am convinced today that many believers are so overwhelmed with the distractions of life that a real and intimate relationship with God is non existent! We (believers) are so busy being all things to all people that we are able to accomplish many little things with minimal significance and miss out on the God sized things that are of maximum significance for the kingdom! The 21st Century North American Church has a major case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We want to major on the minor things and the major things like the gospel, and discipleship fall to the way side. Talk to any ADHD Church in America and they will tell you the Gospel and discipleship are of the utmost importance but in reality so many times they keep the church from accomplishing the non-significant man created task that are always present! So many times these well intended distractions keep us from doing what we were created to accomplish! We need to focus! Focus on the things that our Lord says were important! I believe if we are faithful in the main things, our ministry to the lost world will abound! So today, take some time! Turn off the television and cell phone, step away from the computer and pick up your favorite bible and read! Concentrate on the words, ask God for revelation...ask Him to speak to your heart and accept the transformation that begins to take place! If know one else tells you, I am telling you it is alright to step away from the demands that people place on you! It is alright to turn off the technology and bask in the presence of a Holy God! Focus today, don’t let distractions keep you from being what God intends for you to be! I love you all! <><

7/9/09

Where do those golden rainbows end...


Where does those golden rainbows end…

Frosted Lucky Charms, I have heard that they are magically delicious! I remember watching those commercials as a kid and always thinking, and yes sometimes even looking for the illusive rainbows and dreaming! Wow, what I could have done with the pot of gold! In Tennessee there are lots of rainbows (I see a lot in Florida also) so I would strike out after a good rain and make my way to toward the base of the rainbow. But I never seemed to make it; all I would get from the ordeal was wet! Why is it that we seem to always chase the rainbows end when Our Lord and Savior is always there reaching out with forgiving hands ready to allow us into His presence with uplifted hands and pure hearts! I have figured it out! I really have! The golden rainbow is coming into the presence of God in worship! That is why I was created! To worship the One and only God of the Universe, who was there in the beginning, who is the great I AM, who is the Alpha and Omega the only beginning and the only end! He truly is the “Author and Finisher of our faith.” The rainbows end at the feet of Jesus…and then true life begins! Cease striving, and know that He is God…(Psalm 46:10) I love you all!

7/5/09

Man what a race!


Thinking back on the race at Daytona last night and all I can come up with is one word! WOW! I am a huge Tony Stewart fan! Tony showed grace in his post race interview! I am sure now that he has had time to review the finish that he no longer feels bad! KB villain persona is serving him well! I am very thankful that he is ok, but I loved the outcome of the race. I really liked watching the race with my son-in-law and grand daughter! What a Forth!

7/4/09

Time and Space


Time and Space…

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1

Time and space, two things that we humans think we have an unlimited supply of but in reality both can become so illusive and short. This morning I want to discuss both time and space in detail in hope that we can walk away with a much better understanding of our Creator. Space, unlimited in grandeur and vastness is something that we truly have more of than we know what to do with! Space is unlimited but we humans are limited! God created us in a limited fashion; our fragile existence cannot truly experience space! God created us specifically to live in an atmosphere that is perfect for us! We say that we have conquered space…but have we really? We can only see so far and travel away from earth is even more limited! We humans are very limited. We don’t have the capability to understand how God truly created it all! Time, a continuum constantly moving! It is impossible to delay the next second, minute, hour or day! Time is moving no matter how much control we think we have over the events of our life! We live by day timers and PDA’s we plan and prepare only to change and alter our plans so that we believe we have some semblance of control! Our problem is not time or space, its control! God ordered everything! What gives us the right or motivation to want to change it? It is a control thing!
We have to understand that only God is really in control! In the beginning that means before time God was already here! God created, He brought order by creating the “heavens” and the “earth”! Time and Space, we may never truly understand it…but we can give total control to the One who created it! Let Him have control today! I love you all!

Who is this King of Glory


I was listening to this song this morning when my mind began to wonder, and I began to ponder this question that Mac Powell has asked through this song probably millions of times! I believe that it is a question that must be considered by people today! Who is the King of Glory? Have you ever considered the impact that Jesus has had on the world! I know personally of the impact that He has had on my own life! Who is He, he is either the Savior of the world or the greatest sham artist that has ever lived! What are you going to do with Jesus? Having faith in Jesus for me is easy because of what He has done in my life! Every time I open the word of God, His word is revealed through the pages of His holy book! I was talking with a student yesterday who is doubting their faith! This person believes that the Bible is just a book! Can I tell you this morning, it is way more than a book! It is alive, it is the written revelation from our Lord and Father! Who is this King of Glory, He is God! He is still large and in charge, He is sovereign and in control of this universe! Our society stresses the need to coexist with other religions and I agree! We have to coexist with those who do not know our Savior! But in the process of coexisting we must be all about the gospel! What am I going to do with this Jesus, I am going to boldly proclaim Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Share your faith in the living Savior today! I love you all! <><

7/3/09

Our Mission


What is our Mission? Take sometime to think about what your answer should be! Pray about what God would have you to do! What does God expect of us? These are questions that I have been thinking a lot about lately. These are questions that I believe we need to answer. First I believe that our mission is simply the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). We are to make disciples! We are to baptize the people who become disciples. We are to teach those whom we baptize the things that Jesus taught us from His word. The second thing is that we are to love God and love people this the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37; 39) We simply need to love God above all because He is our all in all! If we love God and love people, it will help new believers in their process of becoming an obedient follower of Jesus. When they see Jesus in you, it will help them to fall madly in love with Christ also. The answer to the third part of this is in you! If we follow the Great Commission and love God and People like the Great Commandment says we will be motivated to do ministry! When we do ministry we must remember what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Romans. In verse 3:10 we see the triple negative (In KJV) “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one:” So when we are doing ministry we need to look at people through the eyes of Christ! His sight is not clouded by predetermined thoughts or prejudged attitudes. He simply looked out over the masses, and was moved with compassion! When we look at lost people, we need to be moved with compassion. We need to meet peoples spiritual needs the way that Jesus did. The Great Commission and the Great Commandment should motivate you to do ministry. They should motivate you to fall in love with the Savior of the world! Today I want to encourage you to look at the people that you come into contact with, with the eyes of Jesus. It will change the way you see them! I promise! I love you all…