mobilizing the millenials

New Blog Location

2010-01-08T21:56:00.002-05:00

Visit my new blog www.jeffstockdale.com

Change of Blog

2009-11-23T22:32:00.004-05:00

I am moving my blog from blogspot to a new address...blogspot no longer allows me to post pictures! My new address is www.jeffstockdale.com

Purity and Grace Weekend

2009-11-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Looking forward to “Purity and Grace” weekend coming up January 29-30. This is going to be a wonderful retreat weekend specifically designed for young ladies! Look for details that will be coming out soon! Make sure you mark your calendar now, and ask off work well in advance! I am praying that you make this weekend a priority!

What a great week!

2009-11-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

What an incredible week...

I am always amazed at how God works. This past week has been very fruitful as I have met some pretty amazing people! God has placed in my path several people who are feeling God’s call into ministry! It has always blown away at how God sends young men with calls on their life to be a part of my ministry! God is so faithful! My prayer today is that I would be faithful in teaching these young men! I am also looking for places to use these guys so please pray with me as I look for opportunities for these guys to do ministry!

I am also excited with two very special young ladies (missionaries) that God has placed in my life! Last night a joint mission project with Westside Baptist Church in Jacksonville took place at the Cleveland Arms Apartments. This exposure for our College Students will help us as we plan for a mission project of this magnitude closer to Hibernia Baptist Church. College Students, I am asking that you set the pace and lead! We have great opportunities for ministry very near our church! be praying and thinking about how God can use you!

A more excellent way

2009-11-07T05:53:00.000-05:00

“A more excellent way...”

I am more convinced than ever that we have been placed here to love. The world in which we live is a crazy place, senseless things take place that no explanation other than sin can describe. If there where ever a time in history that love needs to be in the forefront, it is now! Recently I have been doing some soul searching. I have thought about my life, and the people that I have ministered to over the years. I must admit, many times it was hard for me to totally understand the unique call God placed on my life! I also must admit to my self and those I serve that have struggled recently. I have found my self looking for direction...praying for clarity...trying to understand God’s complete will for my life. This struggle has taken a toll on me because my focus has always been my ministry. Because of the struggle, I feel that I have missed some God ordained opportunities. I have realized in many ways I have been going through the motions. In reading Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, God revealed to me a more excellent way. I think that it is so funny how we read passages of scripture for many years and miss the point. God is reminding me as I am writing, that His word is always right on time and that this nugget of inspiration for me is now! Every movement of God has to first begin with God, then it moves into the lives of those who love Him and who are sold out for what He has called them to do! I know now more than ever that God has placed me at this place and point in my life for a reason! I am here to love! He wants me to completely love those who he has called me to serve! This past week, as I resolved to Love the students and people of Hibernia Baptist Church, God began a new work in my life! One that I am eagerly looking forward to the outcome of! I cannot wait to see what God is going to do with the students of Steadfast and Kaleo! I am overwhelmed with the possibilities. In other areas of my life I cannot wait to see how God is going to work in the life of my youngest daughter. She is such a precious young lady and I believe that God is doing a great work in her life, I believe that He is preparing her for a journey that is going to totally rock this world! I am here to love! I realize more than ever that I don’t know as much as I thought I did, that I have to stay clean and close. In getting close, I know that I love the leadership team of both of ministries that God has called me to serve and this morning as I write in Porto Alegre Brazil...many miles away from where God has called me to serve Paul’s words are reverberating through my soul...”Love is patient” I am resolving to be patient with the people that God has called me to serve...”Love is kind” I am resolving to be kind to everyone that I come into contact with. It has taken so many years for me to overcome the need to be a manly man. Who am I?...I have thought much about this question in regards to being kind. I know who I am; I am Hadley, Avery, Ben and sweet baby James’s grand daddy. They look or will look at me the way I want the world to look at me. They look at me with love, knowing that I would do anything in the world for them! They look at me with complete trust, knowing that I would never allow anyone to harm them...they look at me with amazement, no matter what cheesy thing that I may show them. They look at me with eyes of complete love. I have truly learned how to love through the precious gift of my grand children. I want to take this love they have taught me and apply it to those God has called me to minister to. I am making this resolution to love...to protect, trust, hope...to persevere...knowing that Love will never fail. We were placed on this tiny planet in this vast universe to love! I love you...who ever you are...reading this blog. I love my wife, my family, my church and all of those who God chooses to put in my path! Love truly is...the most excellent way! <><

How great is our God!

2009-10-27T08:24:00.000-04:00

How Great is our God!

Overwhelmed I am sitting here thinking about how awesome our God is! “How great is our God...sing with me...” Think about it for a moment! What would happen if we as believers truly believed how great that He really is! Think about the spiritual awakening of Biblical proportions that would take place! I want so badly to be a part of a mighty move of God! I am asking God to do a work in the hearts and lives of students on Fleming Island Florida. I want to see my Jesus high and lifted up! How great is our God! He truly is, He is still able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope for or imagine! He is the King of Kings, always has been and always will be. We simply need to exercise our faith and believe! How great is our God...say it out loud to your self! Do you believe it? Don’t miss any opportunity today to share with those around you how awesome and great our God is! Don’t be one of the 90% that never share their faith! I love you all! <><

Walking with Jesus

2009-10-20T23:26:00.000-04:00

Just a closer walk with thee…

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:9-10

I am finding, as I get older, my desire to be closer to Jesus increases every day! I want to be close to Him! I want to do the things that He wants me to do! I want my walk to be His walk! I have an overwhelming urgency to pray for people, to lift up the names of students before the Lord! I have a desire to share Christ with all that I come into contact with! Have you ever considered the cost of a closer walk? I have! I have decided that walking with Jesus is the only walk! It will cost you everything! Sometimes there will appear nothing to show for it! But the knowledge that your walk and life are pleasing the one who created you should excite you and knowing that your knowledge of God increases should also be a plus! Are you walking with Jesus today? An old pastor friend used to tell me all the time that if you are not meeting Satan every step of the way, you are probably going the same way he is! Walk with Jesus…it will change your life forever! I love you all! <><

Time

2009-10-16T09:59:00.000-04:00

Time...Solomon said “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” Time, a resource that is scarce in the 21st century. Time is something that we cannot create more of, so we must make much of the time that we have! We are living life at a blistering pace...we have so much to do and so little time...so we are forced into the art of priority. Routine task have to be placed in an order of priority. Our daily balance of time has to be in place, we have to have some sort of routine or we wont accomplish the things that need to be accomplished. Prioritizing helps us to best utilize the time that God has given us. How do you plan your day? Are you including time for God in your daily plans. All disciples, or followers of Christ have to make spiritual development a major part of time we spend each day. What are you doing? Take some time to evaluate how you spend time with the Lord each day. How are you doing? Our daily routine must include time in Bible study. Someone asked me the the other day “How much time is enough time?” I believe that it is different for everyone. The point is that we must have some sort of systematic Bible study. We have to be in God’s word...the Bible is how God reveals His directions to us. We also need to spend time in prayer. We need the person to God communication. He wants to hear from us. We are to be anxious for nothing, but in everything we are to make our request of God. We are to make petitions (request) of God with a thankful heart. The God of the universe, loves you! If we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Prayer and Bible Study have to be a part of our daily discipline. What else, what other things must we include. Fellowship with other believers is also an important element! Iron sharpens iron...we help each other when we get together and open up the Bible and share with each other. Publicly reading the Word and praying together the body! The body that I am speaking of is the body of Christ, believers make up the body! We are the Church so by spending time together we strengthen each other How are you spending your time? My prayer for you today is that you make time for God and the things of God. I love you all <><

Impossible

2009-10-12T07:04:00.000-04:00

Billy Sunday said, "We have a God who delights in impossibilities." I love this quote! I like to think about impossibilities! Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could hope for or imagine! The Word teaches us this! What impossibilities are you facing this week? You this morning can approach the throne of grace with confidence knowing that our God is able to overcome any challenge or obstacle! Give God control of your impossibilities this week. Cast your burdens on Him, He is able to shoulder what ever you may be facing! Our God, truly is an awesome God! I love you all! <><

To eternity and beyond

2009-10-04T23:10:00.000-04:00

To eternity and beyond…

I just love the movie “Toy Story”. I am so stoked that it is going to be back in the theater again very soon and that they are also working on a Toy Story three. I am looking forward to seeing it with my grand daughter’s. Every time I watch the movie, I see something in the movie that I must have missed in previous viewings. Each time I watch the movie, it is almost like a different movie because of the new things and thoughts that i now see. The writers of the movie are very creative. I love how they develop the story line and the characters. I love all the characters, but I especially love Buzz! I love his slogan, his theme verse, “to infinity and beyond”.
I have often thought about that very statement. Even though I love the movie that statement is far from being accurate. We as humans cannot understand infinity. Some people like to think they understand infinity, but in reality we were created very finite. Only God is infinite! Our minds are not capable of infinite thoughts. We can only speculate!
So I decided to change the slogan a little! I sure hope that PIXAR forgives me, but since I cannot understand infinity, I looked for something that I can understand, eternity. Jesus says “For God so Loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not parish, but have everlasting life. What is everlasting life? It is something that is eternal, something that last forever! I have been around this world for almost 50 years now. In my journey, I know of only one thing that is eternal. And that is a relationship with Jesus! Only God can offer eternal life. And that eternal life that I am speaking of only begins in a real relationship with His only Son! My prayer for you today is that your slogan also can be “to eternity and beyond…”

Personal Bible Study

2009-09-26T19:53:00.001-04:00

To know that you know

2009-09-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

To know that you know…

In thinking about my life, one of the greatest things to happen to me is my salvation. It is easy for me to see this now! My life has truly been an adventure! In reflecting on my relationship with our creator, it is so easy for me to love Him with all my heart! I really do love Him, these are not words that I just say it is a life that I live. God has blessed me in so many ways. In the world and culture in which we live, it amazes me at the things that I hear coming out of Christians mouths! Sometimes we let circumstances dictate our current way of thinking. We tend to think of the here and now! When things are going bad in our lives it is so easy for us to throw in the spiritual towel and depend start depending on self! It happens all the time! We talk in spiritual speak about our faith, but when our faith is tested, to many times we deal only with what we can control. Can I tell you today that no matter what happens in the world, God is still God! He is large and in charge! He will always be God, He is not capable of being anything else! Nothing surprises Him! Malachi 3:6 says “For I, the Lord do not Change…”. He never changes! He is always God! In the changing world and culture we can take comfort knowing that the creator of the universe will not change! God is consistent and He always has your best interest at heart. He is God.
So today, just know that you know! Take courage and believe that God is exactly who He says He is! Always remember that He is capable of getting you through the tough times that you somehow find your way into I was reminded tonight by my niece, that if we delight our selves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart. Are you able to see that God has a plan? And if you have an element of faith in your life, and believe that God truly is in control, you will know that He is a God that provides for us spiritually and physically. God’s plan for your life is all encompassing! He see’s the big picture and knows all of the trials you are dealing with. I personally believe that for every trial there is a lesson for me to learn. First, I am constantly reminded to depend on God. I must stay clean and close! I have to stay connected to the source. Second, I have to look for His plan for my life! Discernment is imperative here. God is never going to give you more of a load than you can bear. God is not going to ask you to do anything that contradicts His word! He is not going to call you to do anything that will bring questions to your testimony! Our God, truly is an awesome God! I cannot explain why God does all of the things He does, but I know that the God who was capability of creating the heavens and the earth, the God who before the foundations of the world was laid was thinking about me...I know that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than I could ever hope for or imagine! So what can you know today? You can know that God created you for a purpose...God wants you to connect to and wait on Him. He has a plan! I love you all! <><

What a friend we have in Jesus

2009-09-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

“Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”

As a child I remember saying this little rhyme as other children would say things about me or my friends! As badly as I wanted it to be true, it never worked; words do hurt. I believe that words are one of the most powerful forces on the planet. The words that we say can hurt people. As Christians we need to think before we speak. We need to consider others. Jesus left us two commandments, to love God with all our hearts, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In the church today we see and witness all kinds of strife and discord. As a believer, I have personally witnessed some of the hurtful things that people sometimes say in the body. This should never happen. God’s word is very clear on how we are to treat one another. He wants us to “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” We are to be like Jesus, because this is what God wants us to be like. Jesus in His earthly ministry never used words to hurt anyone. We should not use words to heart the people that we come into contact with. Proverbs 16:27 says “A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are as a scorching fire.” We need to think about the words that we say to others, they do hurt; they do have an impact on others. So today think about the words that you use when you come into contact with people that you may not see eye to eye with. Think about how Jesus would deal with these individuals. After you have thought about how Jesus would react, imitate Him. <><

a matter of perspective

2009-09-13T15:47:00.000-04:00

Many times in my ministry I have heard parents make statements like “we did not raise our children to be that way”. I have often agreed with mom and dad as they sat in my office dealing with major issues or a crisis with their child all the while trying to understand where they went wrong. In thinking about this generation of students and often knowing the unreal expectations that parents sometimes put on teens it is no wonder and very understandable that youth may rebel against the things of God! So many times with parents, they turn to God and the Church when they cannot deal with the problems any longer! When conventional worldly reasoning doesn’t work parents throw up their hands and and cry “mercy” to God. In any cases the problems could have been avoided if the parents truly raised their kids in the ways of the Lord. Most of the problems I deal with are because of a relaxed attitude that families have towards the things of God. Parents fail or refuse to see the warning signs that lead to problems until sometimes it is to late! Problems like disrespect! Disrespect tolerated leads to other problems. Our (believing) children are supposed to honor us! This is a concept that teens have a grasp on. They (for the most part) understand the application of authority and order in their lives and are capable of being respectful. Disrespect does not equal honor. If a child cannot honor his/her earthy parents, there is no way they can honor their heavenly father. So early on, when you experience problems you have to deal with them immediately! Parents should help their children develop a biblical worldview which includes respect for the authority in their lives. Parents also early on need to foster and help their children understand the importance of a strong relationship with Jesus and the things of God. For parents this means things like sports and activities have to take the backseat to the things of God! Don’t get me wrong, I do not think that there is anything wrong with sports or activities but I believe that things of God must come first! In most cases, students who are heavily involved in ministry tend to have less problems in relationships with mom and dad! Let them see how important the things of God are to you! Think about it, can your children see Christ reflected through the life you are living? Parents have to be...the parent! I love my children, but I also realize the importance of being a model of responsibility in front of them! I have never really been interested in being my child’s friend! I am a lot more interested in being their parent! What a blessing it has been to raise my three beautiful daughters! It boils down to perspective...what is important to you? If the things of God are high on your priority list, they most likely will be for your children and on the flip side if the things of the world are important to you, they most likely will be for you children! Train them up in the way they should go...and you will never regret it! I love you all! <><

A Hostage situation

2009-09-12T19:47:00.001-04:00

This past couple of moths have been very telling to me as I have been dealing with several families in crisis. Busyness and Activity are destroying the family in this country! So many times well intentioned parents sit in my office because of conflict with their older teens ready to throw in the towel! Students have learned how to hold their parents hostage. In the last month, I have had several fathers tell me that they were willing to live with the turmoil to keep their children from leaving home when they turn 18. These teens have figured out ways to drive a wedge between mom and dad! Their actions and attitudes have caused parents to cower down to their demands! Boy, how times have changed! I think back on when I was growing up. If I would have made demands on my dad, or if I would have threatened leaving home when I was 18 he would have helped me pack before my birthday! Parents...unite! You must come together! You must not let your child hold you hostage! You together in private must agree on how you are going to deal with every situation. And you must let your child know that you are united in your decision. Can I make some suggestions now? Slow things down! Make God a priority in your family! Let your kids know early on in life that you as parents (even in a divorce situation) are going to be united in your parental decisions. Your children need to know that you under no circumstances will be held hostage by any demands that they may put on you! Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old...they will not depart from it! I love you all! <><

The Adventure lives on...

2009-09-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

As I was walking away from Island of Adventures on my last visit this, I noticed a sign over the walkway. It was more of a statement than a sign. The statement was simply this:

“The Adventure lives on”

I love this statement! I was thinking about how Universal Studios intended for this statement to be a reminder of the great times that you have when you visit their theme park. But I cannot help but think about how true this statement is in the life of a Christian. I believe that salvation is the beginning of a great adventure! In living the Christian life, you can expect all kinds of exciting thrills and experiences. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:6 “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I love this verse of scripture because we can see that when God begins a good work He will complete it! Paul was certain of this! I am confident of some things today. I am confident that the awesome work that God started in you will be complete. I am also confident that God has something in mind for all of us as believers! He wants to bless and use us!. He wants believers to experience more than salvation. He has so many blessings for the believer and they are so rich that we are blessed beyond anything we can hope for or imagine. I feel so sorry for those who experience salvation and never go any further. So many new Christians never go beyond this experience. They fail to grow and mature as Christians. When this happens, they do not realize that they are missing out on God’s best for them. Remember, He started a great work in you! The key word is started! Started symbolizes a beginning. The words started, indicates a process that will take place over a period of time. The period of time in this passage of scripture is from the time that the great work begins, until Jesus calls you home or comes back! You have to be part of the process! Don’t miss out on God’s best! Salvation is the beginning…and “The Adventure lives on…”

I just want to praise you...Lord

2009-09-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get overwhelmed and feel that you cannot get close enough to God? Maybe it is because of the situations going on around you. We have all been there at some point on our journey! We all have dark nights of the soul, where events and circumstances bog us down and keep us from true fellowship with our Creator! What is a believer to do? First, you must realize that His love truly is unfailing! Wherever you are in your relationship you must realize God wants what is best for you! He never changes, He is always the same…always Holy. Today you may be feeling 10 million miles away from Him (God)! Can I remind you that it is only one step back? We are to rejoice in the Lord always…He truly is near! Lift your hands to your father…and praise Him for who He is! Thank Him for all that He is doing in your life…and if He is not doing anything…ask Him to forgive and restore you to the relationship that you desire and once had! Then you need to realize that when it is all said and done, the gospel is all we really have! Praise Him today! I love you all!

Go God...Go Team

2009-09-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Well, today an annual ritual begins as people wput on their favorite teams colors and either make the trek to the ball game or to a television set and watch teams of young men in extremely great shape do battle for 60 minutes. Many have been anticipating this day since the middle of last January. We love College football! It helps build relationships as I have seen complete strangers walking through the grocery store and by simply seeing someone wearing your teams colors, you strike up a conversation! We know the stats, the schedules and the scores. We cherish and idolize former greats! We hold coaches in high esteem and the players are loved like family! We spend large chunks of time tweeting, facebooking and emailing our anticipation and our picks for the game of the week! I love college football, but this past week I have been thinking about how much time we spend in preparation for the season. What would happen if we spent this amount of time sharing the gospel! I am not trying to be a kill joy, I love football and will watch games and know that I will have fun and enjoy. I just wish there was some way that we could take the fervor we have for college football and transfer it to our love for the gospel! Some evangelical organizations tell us that 97-98% of evangelicals never share the faith in the Lord Jesus. The gospel is very well known in evangelical circles, but not being shared with a world that desperately needs to hear about its life changing power! What would happen if we anticipated an evangelical season like football season? Think about it! Thousands would go to stadiums excited and looking forward to what God is going to do! Would it not be awesome to see people spend time memorizing scripture like many do stats and schedules. It would be so cool for people to dress up in God’s colors (what ever they are) and strike up conversation with complete strangers in grocery stores! Think about what would happen if we spent the time preparing our hearts and lives for the gospel the way that we do for college football! I was thinking instead of the Bowl Championship Series we could have A Big Caring Service where thousands would spend money buying tickets at the last minute to fly to the game and millions more would gather around their televisions and see a man of God teach and preach the word of God...would that not be cool...? Again I want to emphasize, I am not anti football, I will be pulling for my favorite team but I am going to make a commitment to spend more time with the gospel than I do with college football! I love you all...Go God...Go team!

We have come to worship...

2009-08-28T12:05:00.000-04:00

We’ve come to worship...

In a meeting this past week I had someone tell me that I was to evangelistic. This statement came in a discussion about what God has called each of us to do! This same person told me they did not believe that evangelism was the purpose of the church. So continuing in the conversation I asked this well meaning person what they thought the overall purpose of the church happened to be. There response did not surprise me because many feel the same way, The response to the question was discipleship. Please, don’t get me wrong here! I personally believe that both evangelism and discipleship are very important for the church...but they are not the most important! We were created to worship! The Westminister Shorter Catechism asks the question, “What is the chief end of man?” Many of us know the answer. “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” While this is not a phrase drawn directly from Scripture, the wisdom behind it surely is. The Bible tells us with great clarity that man was created in order to bring glory to God. Thus the chief end of Christians and of the church is to bring glory to God. Our Lord gave us the answer when He told us to “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) By loving our Lord with all of our heart, soul and strength paints a beautiful picture of total devotion. This is true worship, total devotion and surrender to God! I love worship! I love laying it all down and totally surrendering my agenda to be in tune with God and what He wants from my life! We were created to worship! I hope that you are worshiping Him today in everything! I love you all! <><

What is your definition of worship?

2009-08-28T11:18:00.000-04:00

I am doing research for a sermon series on worship and would your input! You can give input in a couple of ways! You can leave comment on this blog post or your can email me at steadfast@me.com

I am going to give all who give input an opportunity at winning a great book "Raising the Bar" By Dr. Alvin Reid. This is a signed copy and brand new book. I will select the winner by utilizing random.org

Looking forward to your input!

Jeff<><

Simple philosophy for student ministry

2009-08-25T13:56:00.000-04:00

A simple philosophy for Student Ministry

In the Student Ministry that I lead we have developed a philosophy of ministry hat is very simple but yet so complex! Our philosophy is “Mission First, People Always and Ministry forever” We are in the business of making disciples! Mission First encompasses the Great Commission! We must never forget what our mission is! The Great Commission is important, but it is not the most important! We were created to worship our Lord! Worship needs to be at the center of our existence! Worship has to be daily, hourly sometimes every minute! I want to constantly be reminded about how awesome our God is. When our worship is right, every other aspect of our life will fall into place! As God’s people, we need to keep the main thing the main thing! The next part of my philosophy of ministry is “People Always”. This encompasses the great commandment. We are simply to Love God and Love People! We need to have a deep love for those we teach and minister to! Our students want to know how much you care for them. By loving them, you earn the privilege to disciple. We have to develop relationships with those we are ministering too! If we are going to shepherd students, we need to know something about them! We need to make every effort to get into their homes, meet, meet their parents. “People Always” means exactly what it says! Ministering to students does not always work on a conventional calendar or time schedule. We must meet students and minister to them where they are! Loving students requires time, patience and desire. In my life, I feel that God has called me to do this (minister to students) the rest of my life. The last part of my philosophy is “Ministry forever”. This encompasses helping students find out where they fit into the grand scheme of things! We must create opportunities for our students to do ministry! We as leaders need to remember that our students are very capable of leading out in ministry! Part of the discipleship process is allowing ministry to take place! Encourage students to be involved in ministry! We must create ministry opportunities! Mission First, People Always, Ministry Forever! To God be the Glory!

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

2009-08-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

by Dr. Bob Moorehead

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed."

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.

The decision has been made. I am a disciple of

Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down,

back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present

makes sense, and my future is secure.

I am finished and done with low living, sight walking,

small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams,

chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position,

promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by

presence, lean by faith, love by patience,

lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace

is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my

road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few,

my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought,

compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back,

diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the

presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy,

ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander

in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until

Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know,

and work until He comes. And when He comes to get

His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.

My colors will be clear.

I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16

What is your favorite Florida Team

2009-08-23T22:37:00.000-04:00

Plugging in

2009-08-23T15:55:00.000-04:00

Here we are on the eve of a new school year...many of you are probably wondering where you are going to plug in! Have you ever wondered what God expects of you? I have! I know that God wants me involved in ministry! I know that He has a plan and purpose for all of us and anything less than our best would be sin! It is easy for us to say that we are striving to please God in everything. It is an accepted Sunday School answer but to often our service and love to God fails to be reflected in our lives! I want you to think for a moment! What are you going to do in the morning when your alarm goes off? Many of you will hit the snooze button and continue to sleep, some of you will immediately get up and start getting ready and many, unfortunately will totally miss God! Can I ask you to maybe try something new? Tonight, as you are setting your alarm, think about how you are going to start your day! Can I ask that before you pick up your phone, or get on facebook; before you send your first tweet or text a friend; before you eat a bowl of Cheerio’s or a pop-tart; can I ask you to spend some time on your knees in prayer? Can I encourage you to pick up your Bible and plug into the word of God! Matthew 6:33 tells us to “Seek first the Kingdom of God...” We need to seek God first! What is God going to do in your life this school year? It will be so much easier for you to know if you are plugged into God! I love you all! <><

When the going gets tough

2009-08-22T18:39:00.000-04:00

“When the going gets tough...his promises are enough...”

Chaos, confusion, confrontation, conflict these are all things that we as believers need to avoid. But do you ever wonder what you would do if you had to face these problems! His promises are enough! We serve a BIG God! We serve a God who is truly mighty to save! We have to stand on the promises! I love the old hymn! Standing on the promises! Our God has given us many promises, so in this blog I would like to take an opportunity to talk about just a few!
First, there is the promise of eternal life...Is this something that we should not celebrate! If you are a born again believer, if you have a real relationship with Jesus Christ eternity is in your future! God’s word teaches us “For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His only Son, so that everyone that believes in Him will not parish but have eternal life”. Eternal life! Think about it! How long is eternity? Can we put any numeric value on eternity? No way! Think about it, you could possibly live 100 years. Think about 100 years in relation to eternity. It does not compute because it is so miniscule. There would be no way to measure it! 100 years on a timeline represented by eternity would be a tiny dot! Believers have the promise of eternal life! Scripture teaches us that our life is uncertain “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that happens for a little while and then vanishes away.” Physically we don’t have the promise of tomorrow! But for the person who has trusted in Christ eternity is in your future!
Second, we have the promise of an abundant life. John 10:10 says “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and destroy. (Jesus said) I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” Are you living the abundant life? I don’t know about you but to me the abundant life sounds pretty good! When I trusted Jesus as my Lord and Savior I experienced the abundant life like never before! He is truly all I need! He will meet our needs! He gives us the promise of an abundant life.
Third, He gives us everything that we need. The little things. He also has created an atmosphere that meets our needs! God thought of it all! 2nd Peter 1:3 tells us “For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called Him by His own glory and goodness.” Our God thought of everything and He has given us everything required for life and godliness! What a promise! We can be imitators of Christ! When people look at us they need to see Jesus! We were created in the image of our heavenly Father. If God has a photo album, your picture is on it. If God had a refrigerator, your art work would be on it! He meets all of our needs, our little needs our big needs, all of our needs!
Fourth, we also have the promise of His presence. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid ore terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We have the promise of His presence! I get excited knowing that I am always standing in the presence of God. The Bible is full of promises that a loving God has for those who follow Him. Embrace the promises and realize that we truly serve an Awesome God! I love you all! <><

The Office Poll

2009-08-21T22:32:00.000-04:00

Who is your favorite Character on The Office?
Stanley Hudson
Michael Scott
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Kelly Hannon
Ryan Howard
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Andy Bernard
Dewight Schrute
Phyliss Lapin
Meredith Palmer
Kelly Kapoor
Creed Bratton
Toby Flanderson

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Power Prayer Teams

2009-08-21T19:23:00.000-04:00

Power Prayer teams!

Over the next couple of weeks schools in our area will be starting back and students will begin a routine that will run its course through the end of May next year! Now is the time to help our students develop a discipline that will help them in their walk! Each week I am meeting with students on different school campuses for the purpose of prayer! The Bible teaches us to pray with out ceasing...we are to in all things pray! The Bible also teaches us to be anxious for nothing and make request of God! Our students need to understand the power of prayer! We need to help them develop a strong prayer life! The best way to learn it is just do it! Appoint a team, give them the resources they need and make it happen! Starting Tuesday September 1st we will meet at 7:05 am at Clay High School and on Wednesday September 2nd we will meet Fleming Island High School at 7:05 am for the purpose of praying. Megan Allen will lead at CHS and Cameron Davis will be leading at FIHS! Make plans on being there and...pray!

Having Vision

2009-08-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

Having Vision...

What is your vision for your student ministry? What are you planning for? To often in this day and time student ministries tend to run week to week, never really thinking beyond next summer or in many cases next week! To many ministries struggle in trying make the plan work, why? I believe it is a lack of vision! Student ministry leaders must know the direction they are headed. Leadership requires a road map that clearly points out the direction your ministry is going. Someone once said “failing to plan is like planning to fail.” In planning, there are several key objectives that cannot be overlooked. First you as the Student Pastor must know the direction you going. You must spend time in prayer, asking God for clarity and direction. Second, you (the leader) also need to spend ample time in the word! I know what you are thinking, how much time is ample time? That depends on you and God! The key is that you must have some sort of systematic study that keeps you firmly planted in the word of God. You also need accountability. There are so many lame student ministries in the world today because of lame student ministers. I have traveled to many states and had the opportunity to see many student ministries. So many of those serving in ministry need to reevaluate their call, and go to work! Student Ministry is not a place to cruise. It is one of the ministries within the church that has a front door and a back door and the clock is always ticking! Your students come in in the sixth or seventh grade and before you know it you are recognizing them in a graduates service. Timing is critical! Accountability makes it easier for you to do the work that god has called you to do! We all need someone in our lives to help us stay on track and to ask us the tough questions. In my life, I perform better when I know that I am going to be held accountable, Vision for student ministry is critical. Andy Stanley says, "Your ministry is perfectly designed to achieve the results you are currently getting." Are you happy with the results you are getting? If not, you must then rethink your vision. Some times God changes our vision or maybe our location. These are exciting times when you can spend time with God searching for direction for your new ministry. In cases where you transition in to an existing ministry, you owe it to those who are serving to allow some time, before drastic changes are made! You must take time and get to know those who are serving and in leadership. You must then begin to develop relationships and also begin to communicate your vision for the ministry. Abrupt changes often confuse students and hurts ministry. I am not against change, I just believe timing is essential. Many times the students are already dealing with enough trauma depending on how close they were with the last minister/leader and how much time has elapsed without leadership. In communicating your vision, you must allow input. Leaders who are in place often times have developed strong relationships with those who you will lead so communicating your vision is critical. Training is essential, your leadership team must know your expectations and you can accomplish this through training. In my current ministry, I looked ahead on the calendar and prayed about the time that I would like to have my leadership plan in place and for the most part I am right on schedule. I am currently in the honing mode, I am making adjustments and I am communication my vision. Vision also requires you to evaluate the people on your team in leadership. Leaders on the team that are not buying into your vision have to be dealt with. Leadership is not always easy and some times to move forward you have to cut personnel who are not moving in the direction you are leading. Having vision for your ministry requires you to keep the overall picture in focus! Over the next several weeks I will address planning and vision. Praying for you all! <><

Friday give away

2009-08-21T09:38:00.001-04:00

LIfe in Student Ministry...A Friday Give Away

Last night I got to spend some time with a wonderful group of people from the Lafayette Association. I had the privilege of talking about Student Ministry to many of the workers from the Churches in the association. On my drive home (about 100 miles) I had an opportunity to reflect on the night and some of the questions that these dedicated workers ask me. I am convinced more than ever that student ministry workers want to deliver the goods! We talked last night about making sure that we keep our ministries all about the gospel! Our students are coming because they want to learn and understand theology and the things of God! We need to utilize all of the tools available to us to reach this generation for Christ. I traveled to this conference to teach and encourage and left knowing that I learned something and was very encouraged.

One of the tools that I discussed at my conference was a book by Dr. Alvin Reid called Raising the Bar. Every student ministry worker needs a copy of this book! It has been out for a while but it is still very relevant! I have a brand new signed copy of the book that I will send to one of the readers of this blog! All you have to do is leave your name on this blog post comment link, then I will enter all names on to random.com and choose a winner! Look forward to hearing from you! Good Luck!

What is your favorite SEC team?

2009-08-20T22:48:00.000-04:00

What is your favorite SEC Team?
Vanderbilt
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Lousianna State (LSU)
Mississippi
Mississippi State
South Carolina
Tennessee

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Won't you be my Prince of peace

2009-08-18T19:18:00.000-04:00

Won’t you be my Prince of Peace…

Peace, many search for peace! To often people search for peace through worldly things because they believe that if they could just get more things, all will be ok! Unfortunately material items may bring you peace for a little while they will not bring lasting peace. New cars get old, new clothes fade, electronics outdate themselves so quickly and it always leaves us wanting more, better, faster, brighter so our quest for peace through things leaves us unfulfilled and weary. The writer of Ecclesiastes realized this in his on personal quest for the good life when he figures out in the very last chapter he simply writes “Fear God and keep His commands.” The Bible teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! Believers need a healthy reverence for God! He is God! To those who truly know Him, they also know that He is true peace! Cease striving know that He is God! Peace! I love you all!

There is a spirit of a storm in my soul...

2009-08-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

I believe everyone has a spirit of the storm brewing in them. Someone once said, you are either in a storm, heading for a storm or coming out of a storm! Where are you today. Scripture teaches us to rejoice in the Lord always...we know this is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes we feel so overcome by the storm that our rational thought process just kind of goes out the window and often we flounder and struggle. We must always remember that our Lord controls the storm! Our God has our best interest at heart, and while we are in the storm you can be assured there is a lesson to be learned. In my life there have been many storms...God has always navigated me through and I have always come out on the other side having learned a valued life lesson. I don’t relish the storm, but I do relish the maker of the storm. He has never left me...or forsaken me. So when the dark clouds began to gather about you, and the wind begins to blow...trust Jesus...don’t dwell on the storm...think about the Son! <><

If your going my way, I'll go with you...

2009-08-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

As believers, we have somehow gotten our priorities all mixed up. The 21st century church has become very proficient at trying to justify God’s existence. We work hard at trying to make God fit neatly into our little lives. We have conjured up all kinds of theories to make our selves feel better about what we do not know, about the Creator of the Universe. Our personal theology in many ways has become very self serving. We gladly follow Jesus until the road becomes rough and then automatically are looking for an alternate route! I listened to well meaning students talk about their “camp high” in speaking of how awesome it was to be with God for the week of camp. Many students felt the overwhelming presence of God during the week. I believe it is because they went to camp with an expectation that God was actually going to do something. I gently reminded them that Christ Jesus is also with us in the valley. His word teaches us that He will never leave us nor forsake us! The Creator of the universe has our best interest at heart even though sometimes we don’t act like it! I was listening to a Jim Croce song this morning and one of the lines of the song stuck out for some odd reason. I have heard this song at least 500 times in my life, but for some reason some words in the song really caused me to think. The song is “I got a name” and the statement that Jim made in the song is “if your going my way, I’ll go with you” I think what really made me think is so often we treat our Heavenly Father this way. We want God to go the way that we want Him to go! We will not say that, but in reality it is the way that we act. What would you do if God ask you to go and do something that you did not want to do? Our Pastor ask of our congregation this morning “What if, God ask you to sell your house, and go to a city where the gospel is needed and start a church?” Would you be willing? It is so easy for us to say that we would really having no intention of leaving what is comfortable to us. Don’t get me wrong, I am not beating up on you in this blog...I just want all of us (me included) to think about the direction that we are going. We need to search out the direction that God would have us to go...and head that way, not questioning God or wondering if this is going to meet the expectations that we have for self. Like the song says “I’ve got a dream” and part of that dream is to head down life’s highway! Can I tell you this morning the journey of life requires a sovereign guide and His name is the name that is above all names. There is power in His name! Ask Him today for direction

Student Ministry and the Church

2009-08-01T15:03:00.000-04:00

We are living in a time where students seem to be leaving the church in droves and not returning. Both traditional and contemporary student ministries in my area have all felt drops in attendance with more and more of the student population choosing not to affiliate with the church. We have heard some national evangelical leaders question the validity or need for strong student ministries siting that society cannot distinguish a difference between students who actively attend church and those who do not. The easy believism of the 90’s has caught up with the church and many students do not see the need or have the desire to plug into ministry. I believe that we are at a critical point and that we need to help our students fall madly in love with our Lord and Savior! We need to invest in this generation of students! We need to let them see Christ in us and see how important a real relationship with Jesus is to us as leaders. For so long we have concentrated on having relationships with students and because of this we have failed to allow students to see what Christ is actually doing in our own lives. This has to change! This generation needs to be challenged. Student ministries must stop coddling students and begin to create an environment where leadership flourishes. We need to expect students to rise up to the challenge and become an active participant in the movement. One of the problems that I see, is there are very few student ministries that are actually challenging students to go to the next level in their relationship with Christ! What do you expect of your students? My prayer for the students that God has entrusted me, is that they genuinely involve them selves in the work of the church! I want them to fall in love with Jesus and because of a real life changing experience I expect them to rise up to what ever challenge that our God places in front of them. Students need to own their faith! It is not enough for them to believe our vision for the church and our student ministry, they need to have input on the direction we are going. In my own ministry we have created a leadership rich environment. I have trained my self to not give students solutions to ministry challenges so quickly. I want the their thought process to engage and want them to develop solutions that will help them in what ever challenges they face. I also encourage dialogue, and I listen no matter how off the wall their response might be. If we expect our students to be leaders in the church ten years from now we have to allow them to have input in the ministry that God has called us to lead. As leaders we must show them that we feel their input is valuable. They need to see the direction that we are leading and then they must buy into the vision. If they do not, you are not leading a movement, you are just doing ministry. So many churches are just doing student ministry. The solution is simple! Invest in students. Look for students who first have a deep love for Christ and give them the opportunity to lead. Let them know how important they are to the Kingdom of God and also let them know how important they are to you and the ministry God has called you to do. I tell students all the time that I cannot do ministry without them! Challenge them! They really want to be challenged! They want to learn the essential doctrines of the church and they also want to have opportunities to serve. Students are looking for a cause, something that they can pour their lives into! As a veteran college and student pastor, I believe our best days are front of us. We have a great group of leaders who are wanting to take the reigns! As student leaders we have to let them learn, let them live, let the love, and then let them Lead! Peace! <><

This is the day

2009-08-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us )rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 NASB)

This is the day the Lord has made. Wow, what a statement the psalmist makes. We need to think about this statement each morning when we rise. We should realize that our creator has given us this day! What is unfortunate is that many people miss God each and every day of their lives. When you miss God, you miss the purpose of the day that He created. I am convinced that each and every day countless people miss the devine purposes that our creator has for us. Why you might ask, because sometimes we are so concerned with the messes we have created and it keeps us from recognizing the real purpose that our Lord has for us. We fail to realize that our God meets our needs each and every day! We fail to see that He meets our daily needs so it makes it hard for us to rejoice in the day! Our lack of faith keeps us from being prepared to realize the blessings that each day can bring. We need to turn from sin and selfishness, and trust the God that created the universe; trust the God that fearfully and wonderfully knit us together in our mothers womb! After we trust, we need to rejoice...look around, we live in a pretty amazing place. We have a lot to rejoice about, so rejoice today! Love God...love people...and rejoice! I love you all!

Opa and Oma

2009-07-25T09:16:00.000-04:00

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. <><

Camp and electronics

2009-07-11T13:53:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-11T12:41:00.000-04:00

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! <><

Where do those golden rainbows end...

2009-07-09T14:04:00.000-04:00

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!

Man what a race!

2009-07-05T06:53:00.001-04:00

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!

Time and Space

2009-07-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

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

2009-07-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

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! <><

Our Mission

2009-07-03T08:58:00.000-04:00

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…

Truth is Timeless

2009-06-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

Truth is timeless…

“This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent-Jesus Christ.” John 17:3 HCSB

In the world in which we live, many people are searching for truth! Absolute truth is something that appears fleeting and hard to grasp. Can I tell you today, that real truth is timeless? John writes, “This is eternal life”! Knowing the true God and knowing His one and only son Jesus is truth. It is an absolute truth! You may say prove it, I can prove it, with my own life. No one can take my experience with the God of the Universe from me! I know what He did and is doing in my life, and there is no power or person that can convince me otherwise! Truth is timeless and we live by faith in the one true and living God who is still able to change lives, who is still able to restore families, who is still able to heal the hurting and comfort the comfortless. Wrap your arms around the truth of a Living God and enjoy eternity…I love you all

Modern day Pharisee

2009-06-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

You have met them, you know who they are...they are in every walk of life, they are members of Churches, they are involved in sports leagues, they work with you, live next to you and are always telling you that you should live your life like they live. The problem with modern day Pharisee’s is that their walk never really aligns itself with their talk! I love the Church, because it truly is the bride of Christ! But the 21st century North American Church has been overwhelmed with modern day Pharisee’s . People who claim a relationship with Christ but show no evidence of a life change! People who for what ever reason want to enforce and impose rules in the name of “proper doctrine” that have no relevance in a relationship with Jesus! Don’t get me wrong here, I believe in the essential doctrines of faith from scripture but I also hold to the great commission and the great commandments! Modern Day Pharisee’s want to talk about how righteous they are, but wont take time to cross the street to share Christ with a lost neighbor. Modern day Pharisee’s are willing to confront the big sin in body (Church), but are unwilling to be convicted about the little sin in their own lives! They are the first to find fault in others but bow up when someone points out wrong in their lives! Jesus spoke of these people when He quoted the Prophet Isaiah in Matthew 15:8 “These people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. They worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commands of me.” The Modern day Pharisee is spewing a gospel that is not the same as our Lords! When Jesus looked at the masses, He was moved with compassion. We need to be moved with compassion and help people to understand systematic theology will not save you apart from a relationship with Christ! The Church needs to be hyper Evangelistic! God uses those who make them selves available! Think about what He accomplished with His first disciples. William Cary said “Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God!” What are you willing to do for Jesus? This is the question that I have for you today! Following Christ cost you everything! But it is worth it! Live for Him today!

Worship

2009-06-09T21:13:00.000-04:00

I will give You all my worship! I will give You all my praise…

I love this song! I often think about the words and think about how to often we fail to think of God when we enter into a time of worship! Notice, that I put the “You” in the line of the song in capital letters. I did this for a reason! He (God) should be the focus of our worship! He (God) should be the focus of our praise! Soon,many of us will gather for a praise and worship service. I want to encourage you to really prepare for worship! Go expecting God to do something truly amazing! It is ok for us to want to worship Him! It is ok for us to expect something good from a time worshiping God. The Psalmist tells us to “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). The worship of God is something that a true born again believer should enjoy! We need to enjoy our relationship with God! We should run to Him ready to worship! I hope that some of you are reading this prior to going to church tonight! Take time right now and tell God how much you love Him. Tell Him that you find pleasure in being in His presence! Tell Him that you expect great and wonderful things to happen in cooperate worship tonight! I love you all!

Bro. J <><

Wisdom and Understanding

2009-06-04T13:40:00.001-04:00

Want to be wise...
“Wisdom is supreme-so get wisdom. And what ever else you get, get understanding” Proverbs 4:7

Scripture teaches us, to revere God is the beginning of wisdom. But I know of many smart people who do not have the peace that goes along with a real relationship with Jesus. So many people allow pride and their own personal agenda to block a true relationship with the creator of the universe. Wisdom alone has no benefit! Wisdom must be accompanied by understanding. Many people have wisdom without understanding. Anyone can read the Bible and formulate an opinion of what it is saying. Understanding comes when the Holy Spirit has free reign in our lives and helps us to apply the wisdom. Make sure you have understanding! Apply what you understand of God to your life and stand by for the journey you are going to begin! I love you all!

Want to be wise...

2009-06-04T12:51:00.000-04:00

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!” (Proverbs 1:7) The Bible teaches this we say that we understand this, but so many times in the modern church we don’t exercise fear when we are dealing with our Lord or wisdom! First, we must understand the word “fear” being used in this text means respect, revered or reverence. This is not the fear as we often equate with our 21st century thought process. We are to revere our Lord! We are to hold Him in high regard and esteem. Somehow the North American Church has been able to compartmentalize God so that He fits nicely in our little lives or so we think. God can not be compartmentalized. He is God! And truly revering Him for who He is...is the beginning of wisdom! He is to be the object of all of our affection! He deserves all of our worship! Draw close to Him today! Let God have total control of your life! Make Him your First Priority, and you will be on your way to true wisdom! I love you all!

a patriates rant

2009-06-02T22:12:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I find my self in a situation where I am not very comfortable with all that is going on around me! This past week has been one of those weeks! I am wondering, what has happened to our country? Have we thrown in the towel! Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the Sovereignty of God and I know He is totally in control. But as a veteran and a patriate I cannot help but be a little melancholy as I see what is quickly becoming of a country that I have defended, loved and supported. Our Government has its hand in everything. What totally blows me away is no one is challenging the fed! The media has been serenaded by the presidents cronies and he is getting the free pass on everything. Lavish date nights at taxpayers expense with thousands of Americans out of work and wondering how they are going to make ends meet! Photo opportunities for Air Force One and the public afraid because of the memory of 9/11 and still this darling of the media is not brought to task! The King of America does as he pleases and if anyone questions his motives are dismissed as a right wing radical. What happened to the balance of power that our country was founded on. Are we afraid to stand up and let our voices be heard? I realize that I am not going to like everything that our government does. But lately, I cannot find anything about our government that I do like! Where is the standard? If I as an average american acted like the government, spending out of control, changing laws to serve my purposes I would be arrested!, If I made a statement like the King’s choice for Supreme Court Justice, I would be labeled a racist. Her statement in my opinion set the civil rights movement back 60 years. What has happened to American pride and ingenuity? The Heartbeat of America is more than bankrupt, it is controlled by an organization that was not designed to run a automobile manufacturer. I cannot believe that the company that built the best cars on the planet is owned by a government that does not know how to do anything but tax and spend. I honestly believe we are seeing the beginning of the end of General Motors. As inept as our leaders are it is a matter of time before we see all of our cars being built somewhere else. We are living in a world where the best and brightest fail to understand the price that was paid for our liberty and freedom. This past week, I attended a Graduation and as the Pledge to our Flag and our National Anthem was being played people continued to carry on conversations and move around. What has happened to our sense of patriotism. Our National pride is at an all time low! So many Americans have a entitlement mindset, they believe the Government will take care of their problems! We need to be part of the solution, not the problem! I am all about less Government! I believe drastic measures need to be taken! As Americans, lets call our government to task! Let us act like the super power that we are. Let us remember that we are a nation governed by the people...for the people! The King needs to realize that he is an elected person and that 2012 is coming. He also needs to understand that never before in the history of our country have we been more polarized, He has been elected to represent all Americans, Why is it, that I don’t feel like he cares about how I feel? I think of the African Americans in my town. He does not understand what they need, and they are so far removed from him...I have much more in common with those Americans then he ever will! I am praying tonight! I am praying that God does not remove His hand from this once great nation! I am praying for our so called leaders...I am calling on them to lead! Unite our country! May God truly bless you all!

Walking

2009-05-27T09:45:00.000-04:00

Walking...

In the city...in the country
we all walk through the world

Temptations haunt us, people daunt us
but our walk continues

People, places attitudes and actions
walk through life...head up, shoulders squared
jaw set...walking

Feeling pressure, receiving platitudes
why do I feel so unprepared, is the walk
worth it, can I make it, where can I turn,
who can I trust

The walk continues, highways, byways, towns, cities...
we walk, constantly move...in motion...perpetual motion

Head Spinning, mind reeling, looking for peace...
peace that comes from not conforming to worldly
patterns...just walking...

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
1st Corinthians 10:13

True Happiness

2009-05-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Read Psalm 1

I want to blog today about happiness! I have met many people who seem to think that happiness some how eludes them. Have you ever felt this way? Scripture teaches us where happiness and hope come from. In Psalm 1:1 we see “Happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers.” We can see that our happiness is determined by the paths that we take. Taking advice from the people of the world may bring happiness for a little while, but true happiness will never come from the world. The happy mans joy comes from the Lord’s instruction (Psalm 1:2). We are to meditate on it day and night! We are to make it a priority! So we know that true happiness comes from the word of God’s instruction to us as believers. Since we know this, why is it that our time in God’s word takes a backseat to all that we have going on in our lives. I heard a missionary from Africa say this morning “American’s have a watch...but no time...! We have allowed our lives to become so cluttered. Sometimes we get so busy doing good things that we neglect the joy that His word brings! Get the clutter out of your life! Do some spiritual spring cleaning! Be like the tree that is planted beside streams of water. This past weekend I took a canoe trip down the Suwannee river and noticed the trees growing out of the banks of this old river. These strong trees have dealt with wind and storms and flooding and yet they hold fast! Strong and healthy. The comparison that we see in scripture likens the believer whom is meditating on God’s word to one of these trees! There is only one way to life and happiness! His name is Jesus! He is truly the way, truth and the life! The path to Jesus leads to life! Are you happy? Turn to the word of God! I love you all! <><

Fruit of the Spirit

2009-05-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

Growing older…but not up

One of the struggles the Modern day Church is dealing with is the issue of Spiritual Maturity. Over the past three decades many people claim to have had a life changing experience and supposedly given their hearts and to Jesus Christ. Don’t get me wrong; I love it when salvation takes place and I make it a point to be a soul winner daily. I believe that as a Christ follower, I have a responsibility to show and tell what has taken place in my own life. As a minister of the gospel, I want to believe the best in people but I must tell you this morning I believe there are many people who know about Jesus, but they don’t know or have a relationship with Him!

How do we evaluate spiritual maturity? In the corporate world employees are evaluated on job performance and in most cases are rewarded or penalized depending on how well they do their job. In academia, individuals receive a grade that indicates the level of knowledge one has after taking a course or class. Athletes and entertainers are evaluated by how well they perform. It seems that every arena in life has a way to evaluate effectiveness except the Church. How do you evaluate ones spiritual growth? This is a question that I have been thinking about and believe we can go to the word of God and set up some benchmarks that will help us maturing believers see how well we are doing!

Galatians 5:22 lays out the “Fruit of the spirit”. I personally believe these “fruits” would be great evaluators and a standard that we should consider. I love the idea of “fruit” and as I started thinking could not help but wonder how people consider fruit. When we think of fruit for the most part we think of it as in an individual piece. I am thankful that real fruit is abundant and available at markets all over the country. Living in Florida and near a railroad I often have to wait for extended periods of time as the Orange Trains roll north with millions of oranges and crates of Orange Juice so that people all over our country can enjoy Florida Oranges. I was driving near Spuds Florida the other day and got behind a truck that had thousands of potatoes freshly dug out of the ground! I am thankful for bountiful harvest.

When we think of the fruit of the spirit, we must realize that there is so much to go around. The actual word “Fruit” or Karpos from the Greek language literally means harvest. It is the bounty received from nurturing the plant or tree. It is perpetual! I am so thankful that a tree or plant produces year after year. So spiritually speaking, the fruits of the spirit are also perpetual! They are the bounty from the harvest and should be possessed by all who call them selves Christ followers. As a believer I am to have affection and good will (love) toward my fellow man. As a believer I will experience joy and a state of tranquility (peace) knowing that I serve a Sovereign Lord. I will have steadfastness and perseverance (patience) and express moral goodness (kindness) and integrity. Believers also will possess an uprightness of heart (goodness) and a genuine conviction and belief in my relationship with God (faith). I will also have a mildness (gentleness) of disposition and learn to control (self control) a sensual appetite.

Against these fruits, the Bible says there is no law. The fruits of the spirit are an outward expression of Jesus living within. This fruit grows and is expressed in any person that willingly dies to what Christ died to so that the Spirit can bring new life. I also want to tell you that the fruits of the spirit are not exhaustive. But all of the fruits are an expression of love.

How do we measure spiritual maturity, I believe it starts with a live and growing relationship with Christ Jesus! How are you doing? Let go of the things of the world and grab hold of the things of God! I love you all! <><

home in heaven

2009-05-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

You have heard it said of places that people visit “it is good place to visit, but I would not want to live there” I have said this of places that I visited! But when it is time to go, I am always ready to get home! In Philippians 3:20 I see the Apostle Paul had figured something out when he wrote “...but our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly await for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” After reading this, I began to think a little differently. Earth, is a great place to visit, but according to the word of God it is not our home. Heaven is home for the believer. I want to put down roots there, in heaven where I am going to spend eternity. Everything here on earth is temporal so striving for worldly accolades and accomplishments are really futile! I want to make an impact on people for the glory of God! Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that being successful is wrong because I really believe that God wants our best. What I am saying is that Earth is a great place to visit, but I would not want to live there! My life on earth is a journey. My journey began when I submitted control of my life to Jesus! He is the way, the truth and the life. No one can enter into the Kingdom of heaven except through a relationship with him. Heaven is an exclusive place. It is not about what you know it is about who you know! Jesus is the only way to a citizenship in heaven. So I want to encourage you to make an eternal difference! Encourage those you come into contact with and you will be putting down roots in your final home! I love you all! <><

Hadley's first solo

2009-05-10T21:14:00.000-04:00

Great Job KP's! So proud!

Oh Lord, that you would send Revival to our land

2009-05-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

Oh Lord, please send revival to our land...

I believe that a revival is getting ready to bust out! I really do! I am praying for a mighty movement of God to take place here in our midst! I am begging God to allow us to reach out into our area and make a impact for the Kingdom. In our Steadfast Worship service last night I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit! As the message was unfolding I could sense young men holding on to what they know, the things of right now, the things that make sense to them. I could sense young ladies who want to make and take a stand for Jesus reluctantly holding on to what appears normal. During our invitation there were 7 young men and one young lady who raised there hands indicating they did not have assurance of eternal life. We need to pray like never before! We need to share the gospel like never before! We need to boldly proclaim Jesus to those in our communities and expect God to show up and show off! This morning as I write this, I cannot help but wonder why this generation is holding on so tight to the things of the world! I honestly see and feel that many mellenials truly want to have the relationship with Jesus but are unsure of what this truly means! The easy believism of the 90’s is behind us. This generation wants to know the why’s and what’s of a real relationship with Christ. Our job and task as people called to work with mellenials require us to spend time praying for those we minister to! They need to know that we truly love them! I want so badly to wrap arms of grace around this generation and tell them the greatest story ever told! I think about the cross! I think about what Christ has done for this generation that God has called me to minister to! I am overwhelmed at the possibilities! I am calling on the called to step up! To love like never before! To tell people about what our Lord has done for you! To let them know how much you care about them! Let them see Jesus in you! I love you all and I am praying for you as you minister to the mellenials! Peace <><

Pray for your children

2009-05-05T07:53:00.000-04:00

I awoke this morning with a heavy heart as I was thinking about the students in our church! I was thinking about the young man from Clay High School who took his life yesterday. I could not help but wonder what would bring a young man who had so much life to look forward to, to this point where he decided that it just wasn’t worth it.
I have been thinking a lot about our students. When they make it to High School sometimes it is hard for us to think of them as children, but they are! I know that they are capable of doing and thinking like an adult, but this transitional time in their lives sometimes proves to be overwhelming! I have the privilege to work with and minister to the greatest generation to ever live One characteristic of this generation is that they are searching...they are looking for significance, trying to figure out where they fit into the grand scheme of things. They are looking at us, checking us out trying to see if our relationship with Christ is real. They watch us to see how we deal with situations and circumstances. How are you doing as your child’s parent?
Many of our students are going through life and they are not being covered by one of the greatest tools that our Lord has given to us! Most go through life with out someone praying for them daily! We as parents need to live our lives in constant prayer for our children! They need to know that they are being prayed for. We need to let them know how much they mean to us! We need to take time to pray for our children’s friends! I don’t have to tell you how quickly our children grow up. In reality we have a limited time to shape their future. I want you to know that I think this is the most important thing that we do as parents!
Sometimes it is easy for us to get caught up in the routine of life and we get so busy providing for and getting through that we miss some of the most important aspects of parenting. As believers we have a responsibility to “train up a child”! This training includes their spiritual development. As your Student’s pastor I want to come along side and shore up the principles that you are already teaching. You may say Brother Jeff, it is to late for us! We have missed the opportunity! I want to tell you that it is not to late! Admit the mistakes you have made to your children and from this day forward make your child’s spiritual development first and foremost!
Pray for your children! Lift them before the Lord now! Involve them in the work of the Lord! Encourage them to be involved in missions and causes that Honor our Lord. Ensure that they are a part of Bible Study! Have a family Bible study! And pray!

Continue walking in the Spirit

2009-05-03T10:42:00.000-04:00

A war is raging...I am not talking about what is taking place on some foreign shore, or in some obscure place I am talking about the battle that we as people face each and everyday! We are at war! Scripture teaches us “For the Flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirt desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.” (Galatians 5:17) In order to understand the battle you have to understand that apart from Christ, we are nothing. We from birth have a sin nature that is totally opposed to the things of God. Many times we think we know what we want! Many time the things of the flesh (worldly things) appear so enticing! Scripture teaches we don’t know what we want so often times we succumb to the things that glitter...we make and choice and take the way of the world! In doing this we step away from a Holy God and suffer separation anxiety because of the absence of Him in our lives! Walk in the spirit! Make God your first priority! Immerse your self in scripture! Spend time asking God to reveal things to you through His word! Pray without ceasing...and make sure that you walk in the Spirit! Find someone who will hold you accountable and walk the walk! If we “delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart!” Are you delighting yourself in Him today? Don’t trust your flesh...it is weak and does not know what it wants! Trust in your relationship with God! He will never leave nor forsake you! I love you all <><

walking in the Spirit

2009-04-30T11:19:00.001-04:00

Walking the walk...

Are you walking in the spirit? Think about it...before you click off this blog and move on to something else, take some time to consider your walk. Are you walking in the Spirit? The Apostle Paul encourages us to “Walk by the Spirit” and he goes on to say “and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) So many believers struggle with “sin” and the word of God teaches us if we are walking in the spirit we will not give in to sin! How do we walk in the spirit? That is a great question, I am so glad that you ask; we walk in the Spirit by immersing ourselves in to the Word of God! The Bible truly helps us to understand the characteristics of Christian living! We are to be mirror reflections of Christ! Others should be able to see our Savior in us! By staying clean, close and continual our lives will be a beacon to those around us who might be struggling with the issues of life. St. Francis of Assisi said “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Walking in the spirit will take you places that you have never dreamed of. I feel compelled to reach as many people for Christ that I can. This may seem overwhelming to some but by walking in the Spirit I can feel confident that our Awesome God is going to use me to do amazing things! St. Francis of Assisi also said “Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Walking in the Spirit is a daily thing! So start walking today! You will be blown away at how God changes the direction of your life! I love you all! <><

We"ve come to worship

2009-04-27T13:31:00.000-04:00

We’ve come to worship...

Yesterday was truly an amazing day for me! I had a great opportunity to worship God! Don’t get me wrong, I worship regularly, but yesterday I worshiped in a completely different way! Our Church moved our evening service to St. Augustine beach and I had the wonderful opportunity to see 27 people profess Jesus Christ in a real and personal way by following Him in believers baptism. I also got to experience the body of Christ fellowship and see the gospel presented while many people gathered around to watch! A lady from Michigan could not believe that we were doing this! She thought it was wonderful to see the Church alive and well! We must always remember that the church is not brick, mortar and concrete nor is it wood and shingles. The Church is a live...it is people who are sold out in a relationship with Jesus Christ! We (Believers) are the Church! I cannot help but wonder what those who gathered around thought about hearing the gospel! My prayer is, that because of what they saw and heard that their lives would be somehow changed forever. We truly serve an amazing God! He is worthy of all of our praises! We can worship Him anywhere! I love you all <><

Graduate Recognition/Reception

2009-04-18T08:52:00.000-04:00

On March 31 during our evening worship service we will be recognizing our Graduating High School Seniors. Special seating will be reserved for our Graduates and parents! Immediately following the Service we are having a Graduates reception in ED III. Parents of Graduates will be able to decorate the tables after 3 p.m. Call the Student Ministry Office if you have questions!

Senior Banquet

2009-04-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

Graduating High School Seniors and Parents are invited to our Class of 2009 Senior Banquet at the Club House on Fleming Island! This will be a great time to honor your graduates! Menu details are being mailed to you! Sign up at www.hibernia-baptist.org

Kristian Stanfill

2009-04-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for some great music? On the Live Love tour I was exposed to a great artist named Kristian Stanfill! I love this CD! It is available on i-tunes! Listen and let me know what you think!

it is a jeep thing, you probably wouldnt understand

2009-04-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

It is a jeep thing! This is a great picture of my Grand Son Ben on his first Jeep Ride! Notice the smile which proves people with Jeeps tend to be happy people! Ben is very happy person!

Florida Super Summer

2009-04-17T22:43:00.000-04:00

shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone this! I am going to do something very special for the 37 person to sign up for Camp! The 37 person to register for camp at
www.hibernia-baptist.org will get to go to camp for half price! Don't tell anyone! Sign up now! Maybe you will be number 37!

Date Night with Ave!

2009-04-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

Last night was one of the most amazing nights for me! I took Avery, my three year old grand daughter out on a very special date! When I arrived to pick her up she was waiting, and was telling me she was ready to go! We first went to Chic-fil-a for a wonderful meal!

Then I waited while Avery enjoyed her self on the play ground!

Then it was off to Dunkin Doughnuts for a treat, and the fun did not stop there we then went to Starkbucks for a coffee!

We finished the evening off at Wal-Mart where every had my buy her a Lighting McQueen and Doc Hudson Car! What a wonderful night!

Youth Evangelism Conference

2009-04-17T12:18:00.001-04:00

I cannot wait until the Youth Evangelism Conference! It is going to be a great event to challenge you as you prepare to go back to school! Sign up early! The cost for the event is $60 which covers your conference, lodging and transportation! You can sign up at www.hibernia-baptist.org The dates for YEC are August 7-8 and the will be held at First Baptist Church Orlando! Invite your friends!

Igniting a Movement!

2009-04-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

Florida Super Summer! The time has come for you (parents & students) to start thinking about what you are going to do this Summer! We will offer several things for you to do this Summer one of which is an awesome camp called Florida Super Summer! The Camp is held at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center near Leesburg Florida.

This years camp is going to be the best ever as over 600 students are already signed up! Dr. Alvin Reid will be our camp Pastor and worship will be led by Jeff Capps and his band! There are going to be all kinds of activities (High and Low ropes, canoeing, sailing, paint ball and organized recreation!) You will not want to miss this camp! Sign up now at www.hibernia-baptist.org. The Cost of the Camp is $275. If you know that you are going to have problems with raising funds please talk with me! We can always work it out! I love you all! <><

SNOW cone!!!

2009-04-17T09:59:00.000-04:00

Everybody loves Snow Cones! I love Snow Cones and on Wednesday Night May 6 we are all going to enjoy Snow Cones! Bring your friends! We are also going to have a pop ice eating contest and the person who eats the most pop ice in three minutes will win a $50 i tunes card! I have heard from some of the guys that our young ladies should not even show up for this event because they don't have a chance! Ladies, the challenge has been made! Can you do it? See you at Hibernia Baptist Church, 7100 Highway 17 South, Fleming Island, Florida!

Generation This

2009-04-17T09:58:00.000-04:00

Generation this…

“And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 HCSB

I am amazed at how many people are not affiliated with any church these days. More and more I talk with people who claim a relationship with Jesus but chose not to join with a local body. Some call this “Generation this” the Churchless Christian. I have been in the ministry along time and over the years I have heard of people leaving the church because of “things” that bother them. Can I remind you this morning, that it is not about us! God did not call us to be happy, He called us to be holy! Scripture teaches us that we need to be concerned about one another. When a person leaves the assembly, an attempt should be made to restore the person to the fellowship in order to promote good works. But then the onus is on the person who left the assembly! We have to get over personal feelings and think about what Jesus did on Calvary’s cross. We are the body! We need to be joined together as the body. We need to work through not run from problems within the church. If you are reading this article this morning and you are a “churchless Christian” can I remind and plead with you to reconsider your stance! Strength comes when the body works together and if you are not doing your part it only hurts you. Let no one ever forsake the Assembly of God’s people! I love you all!

Florida State Parks

2009-04-10T23:00:00.001-04:00

Little Talbot Island...

I have just returned home after a wonderful week in the Real Florida! I want to take a moment and space on my blog to brag a little about Florida State Parks. The men and women that work in the Florida State Park system are second to none! These courteous professionals are always willing to help and inform to insure your stay at any of the Florida Parks is one that you will always remember! I appreciate their dedication to our state and to the individual parks they represent! I am looking forward to many years of camping in the Sun Shine State! <><

Remember the Sabbath

2009-03-28T17:33:00.001-04:00

Remember the sabbath...

I love the word of God because He, a Holy God while inspiring thought of everything! Jesus reminds us in Mark 2:27 “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” God instituted the sabbath to benefit man by giving him a day of rest! We need rest! I love Sunday because I can set aside time and worship with family and friends. Sunday is my favorite day of the week! I am looking forward to this Sunday! It will be my first Sunday at my new Church! I am looking forward to time reflecting and absorbing the word of God. As believers, we need to remember the sabbath. We are to keep it Holy! How are you doing? Is Sunday just another day, or do you make it special? Take time tomorrow to rest, to reflect and recognize where you are in your relationship with Christ and remember the Sabbath...enjoy the Lord...and the rest!

It has to start somewhere...

2009-03-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

It has to start somewhere…

Today is a new beginning for me, as I will officially start my work at Hibernia Baptist Church. I am excited at the possibilities and look forward to what God has for me here! It is the beginning of a journey and it starts today!

Our spiritual journey through life has to start somewhere also! So today I want you as a believer to take some time and pray! I want you to ask God to do a great work in your life! Ask Him to totally rock your world and to reveal through scripture direction and purpose! Focus on what message God may have specifically for you! Every movement of God has to begin first with God, then as we make ourselves available by submitting totally to Him the movement begins in our lives! Can I tell you that when you are on a journey with God there is no telling where you might go! A journey with Christ is truly an adventure you will never forget! Scripture teaches, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) John understood that Jesus always was! He was with God in the beginning and He is seated at the right hand of God right now! We are on a journey! Is God with you? I pray that He is, because HE IS! Take some time today to declare your allegiance to the name that is above all names! Take a stand for Jesus…I love you all!<><

my new phone

2009-03-19T09:16:00.001-04:00

I am loving my new phone! I am so amazed at all of the things it can do! I would probably be totally amazed if I actually opened up the instruction book and really learned about its capabilities. For now I am having fun stumbling across the features! I love it!

follow me

2009-03-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

Follow me….

“Follow me” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”
Matthew 4:19 HCSB

I love to fish! When I used to live at the lake I learned techniques that helped me catch fish! I like listening to fishermen who have perfected techniques that help pull the big fish into the boat! Several years ago I learned that by using a 7 and ½ inch purple worm and casting under the docks on the lake that I lived at would produce fish! The fish get under the docks trying to stay cool! Those purple worms work! Jesus wants to teach us how to fish for people! We have to perfect our techniques! We need to be able to clearly present the Gospel in a way that your fish can see the benefit of a relationship with Christ Jesus! There are lost people all around us, we come into contact with them each and everyday! How are you going to share the Gospel with them? Let God guide you! Let Him help you perfect your technique! God will use you if you are willing to be used! He will also provide the opportunity for you to share with someone the life changing Gospel. Follow Jesus! He will guide you to the stocked ponds where you can catch fish! I love you all! <><

I am the father of a princess...

2009-03-09T15:44:00.000-04:00

The father of a princess...

I am the father of a princess! I never thought about this much until the other night when my youngest daughter Bethany (Boo) was crowned the 2009 Strawberry Princess for Bradford and Union Counties. Her mother and I are very proud of her accomplishments as she did extremely well on her talent and also in the interview process. She is a very gifted young lady! The point I want to make goes out to fathers of daughters! I want to confess that in many ways I have let my daughter down! She has always been a princess, but I have not always treated her like one. It is ashamed for me that it took a beauty pageant for me to realize this! I was as proud of her before winning the pageant but like many dads I did not tell her these things! Take time for your children! Dad's spend the time being the significant male in your daughters life. Help her through the process of growing up. Be dad, don't be afraid to be gentle and loving! Our kids grow up so quickly so today I want to encourage you that in the midst of your busYness carve out sometime for your children! You won't regret it! Let them know how important they are to you and how proud you are of all of their accomplishments! By the way...did I tell you that I am the father of a princess! I love you Boo and I am so proud of you!

Raising the Bar

2009-03-08T14:33:00.001-04:00

Raising the Bar...

I love student ministry! I love the student culture, I love their willingness to learn and go beyond, and I love to see their eagerness to step up and out even in uncomfortable situations. We have before us a generation that is big and bright. Our mission (if we decide to except it) is to challenge the millennial generation in their walk with Christ! The world places academic and physical requirements on this generation everyday and millennials are accustomed to stepping up to the pressure! Colleges and Universities have requirements and make no exceptions in lowering standards to accommodate individuals. In many ways we (the Church) have encouraged students to be successful in life without challenging them in the most important part of their life! We must challenge students in their walk with Christ! We (the church) should also have high expectations for student ministry. My friend Alvin Reid says “It is the job of the minister both to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable” (Raising the Bar). Before us we have the greatest generation that has ever lived and unfortunately we are not challenging them! We (student ministry leaders) have to raise the bar! I am not willing to let a generation slide into the annals of history without the opportunity to possibly ignite a movement and be instrumental in the next great awakening! I want to be used in a great way by God! I want the ministry that I am involved in to make a huge impact for the Kingdom! I believe in young people! I believe that each of them have a driving desire to succeed in life! As a leader in student ministry it is my job to raise the bar! I need to daily challenge students in their walk with Christ! If God has called you to work with millennials you too need to challenge them! They are very gifted and capable of doing many things! We need to challenge them with the word of God! We need to assist them in their transition into becoming responsible leaders within the New Testament Church! How do we do this? By letting them come along side and actually do ministry! We challenge them by making our student ministries a laboratory where leaders are allowed to experiment and give input! Successful student ministry happens when students buy into what you are trying to accomplish! Let us raise the bar! God expects this of us! What are you willing to do for the student ministry at your church? Are you willing to raise the bar and challenge students in spiritual areas of their lives? I would love to recommend a great book! Raising the bar by Dr. Alvin Reid! I love you all! <><

My Princess Boo...

2009-03-08T14:00:00.001-04:00

I am so proud of my daughter Bethany Caroline (Boo) who was crowned last evening as the 2009 Strawberry Princess for Bradford and Union counties at the Annual Strawberry pageant.

Indescribable

2009-03-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

Indescribable...

Have you ever thought about what you toes are doing when your sitting there watching television? Or what about your knees when you are typing on the computer! The answer to these questions are no! You probably don't put a lot of thought into what your body is doing when you are doing things unrelated to the task at hand! Call me weird but I sometimes find my self thinking about these things! Why (a sane person) might ask? I cannot help but be amazed at how God created us! The greatest super computer on the planet pales in comparison to the human body. When God created us He created something that could not be duplicated. God created the one who created the super computer! What does that tell you about God? He is as the Chris Tomlin song says in INDESCRIBABLE! Our God is truly awesome! He is God! I want to challenge you today! I want you to think about what you really think of our creator! As Christians, we are to have a high and holy view of Him! We have to realize that everything that has been created is due to Him!. The Bible teaches us "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." He (God) is responsible for it all. Everything that has been made was made possible because of God. He is indescribable! He totally blows my mind because you see I think about things like where did He get the organic material needed to create the universe in which we live? Indescribable! There is nor has there ever been nor will there ever be anyone like our God! He is God! The great I AM is still the great I AM! What is your view of God? Take sometime today to think about His characteristics! When you do...like me, you will be totally blown away! I love you all! <><

This is the day...

2009-03-06T09:20:00.001-05:00

This is the day that the Lord has made...

I am amazed each day at how God thinks of everything! Each day He gives us exactly what we need! "Give us this day, our daily bread..." God gives us exactly what we need each and every day! We can always count on God ! We need to each day to celebrate God and our relationship with Him! Think about all that He has done for us! Think about the blessings that you have received from our heavenly Father. So many times it is easy to take all of the blessings that we receive for granted! Have you ever considered what a blessing truly is? Think about it, the air we breathe, the sun shine we see and feel and our ability to read this blog are all blessings! God will do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever hope for or imagine! I believe the God of the universe wants us to dream big dreams! I believe He totally wants us to live for Him! Take sometime today and let our Creator know how much you love Him! I love you all <><

Heros

2009-03-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid there was a great television show called the six million dollar man! Steve Austin was incredible! He could run faster, jump higher, see further and could hear conversations a great distances with out any effort! He would always find himself in precarious situations where his remanufactured body would save the day! He was one of my heros! He was honest, strong and determined! I would arrange my schedule so that I could catch the show, even the re-runs! I loved the six million dollar man, his integrity and all around demeanor made me want to be like him.
As I grew older...I realized that I could not have Steve Austin as my hero, I began to realize that he was not real, he was only the idea of a group of writers who had a persona to create with a target audience to appease! So I had to look else where! It was not long after this that I discovered a hero rich environment! They (Heros) where every where! I remember a Hero name Frank Goodlett, one named Herald Rivers, There was Jerry Knight, Dr. Jim Hampton, Bill Morris and Howard Steiner. Heros where all around me!
You might be at this moment trying to figure out where I found all of these heros! I found them at First Baptist Church, Clarksville Tennessee. These godly men had a profound influence on my life! God has used men over the years to shape my life! I love heros of faith who have chosen to live for God!
One of my favorite heros is a man name Jerry D, Moore. This man individually has probably had the greatest impact on my life! He loves Jesus...and he loves me! Brother Jerry is an amazing man with an amazing testimony! God has used him in a great way across sixty years of ministry! Bother Jerry recently retired from the pastorate but that has not minimized his life long pursuit to share the gospel every where he goes! Jerry Moore is my hero because he is so much like Jesus!
Find a hero! I would like to suggest that you go to the hero rich environment! The local Church! I love you all! <><

incredible

2009-03-01T22:47:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a week it has been! This past weekend I took a group of middle school students to the Live Love tour put on by Student Life at First Baptist Orlando! The first word that comes to my mind when thinking about the experience is incredible! First, I want to tell you about the band! Kristian Stanfill (http://kristianstanfill.com/blog/) took 2500 students right to the throne of grace! His song “Lord of all” has to be one of the best worship songs I have ever heard! You need to go to itunes and purchase some of his music! I am looking forward to the possibilities of having him come for some event that we are planning! Then there was Francis Chan (http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/). A wonderful and gifted communicator that automatically connected with students! His message was so rich and relevant and helped me work through some decisions that I an going to be making in my own life and ministry! He also helped me to rethink my view of God! Thanks student life for an incredible weekend of worship! My only regret is that I have heard this is the last year for the tour format! I am going to miss not having this weekend next year! I love you all! <><

Standing on the promises of God

2009-02-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

“When the going gets tough...his promises are enough...”

Chaos, confusion, confrontation, conflict these are all things that we as believers need to avoid. But do you ever wonder what you would do if you had to face these problems! His promises are enough! We serve a BIG God! We serve a God who is truly mighty to save! We have to stand on the promises! I love the old hymn! Standing on the promises! Our God has given us many promises, so in this blog I would like to take an opportunity to talk about just a few!
First, there is the promise of eternal life...Is this something that we should not celebrate! If you are a born again believer, if you have a real relationship with Jesus Christ eternity is in your future! God’s word teaches us “For God so loved the world in this way: He gave His only Son, so that everyone that believes in Him will not parish but have eternal life”. Eternal life! Think about it! How long is eternity? Can we put any numeric value on eternity? No way! Think about it, you could possibly live 100 years. Think about 100 years in relation to eternity. It does not compute because it is so minuscule. There would be no way to measure it! 100 years on a time-line represented by eternity would be a tiny dot! Believers have the promise of eternal life! Scripture teaches us that our life is uncertain “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that happens for a little while and then vanishes away.” Physically we don’t have the promise of tomorrow! But for the person who has trusted in Christ eternity is in your future!
Second, we have the promise of an abundant life. John 10:10 says “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and destroy. (Jesus said) I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” Are you living the abundant life? I don’t know about you but to me the abundant life sounds pretty good! When I trusted Jesus as my Lord and Savior I experienced the abundant life like never before! He is truly all I need! He will meet our needs! He gives us the promise of an abundant life.
Third, He gives us everything that we need. The little things. He also has created an atmosphere that meets our needs! God thought of it all! 2nd Peter 1:3 tells us “For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called Him by His own glory and goodness.” Our God thought of everything and He has given us everything required for life and godliness! What a promise! We can be imitators of Christ! When people look at us they need to see Jesus! We were created in the image of our heavenly Father. If God has a photo album, your picture is on it. If God had a refrigerator, your art work would be on it! He meets all of our needs, our little needs our big needs, all of our needs!
Fourth, we also have the promise of His presence. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid ore terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” We have the promise of His presence! I get excited knowing that I am always standing in the presence of God. The Bible is full of promises that a loving God has for those who follow Him. Embrace the promises and realize that we truly serve an Awesome God! I love you all! <><

Awesome...

2009-02-17T22:38:00.000-05:00

Awesome…

Awesome. From the root word awe which means overwhelming respect, reverence. Awesome is an adjective, which means it is a word that qualifies a noun. So God is qualified by the word Awesome.

Our God is an awesome God! When it comes down to it God is the only thing that it is truly AWESOME. This past weekend on our annual Top of the Mountain Ski Retreat our evangelist and worship leader helped us to realize we use the word awesome without thinking about it. We talk about how awesome our car is; we talk about awesome relationships; we talk about how awesome our sports teams are. We use the word flippantly and before long the word has lost its original meaning. Face it cars eventually wear out, relationships are not always wonderful and sports teams have good years and bad years! But our God never changes! He is God! He has always been God and He always will be God! Anything other than God that we tie the word awesome to really does not compute or compare. God is the only noun that can be qualified by the word AWESOME! I want you to prayerfully consider what I am getting ready to ask you! Can you refrain from using the word awesome to describe anything other than the Holy God we serve? Let us when we use the word awesome can we reserve it for the creator of the universe! Can we reserve it for the God that thought of us before the foundations of the world were laid? Our God…truly is an awesome God! I love you all! <><

are we really evangelical...

2009-02-15T11:46:00.000-05:00

What does the cross mean to you…

Controversy seems to be brewing over theology and beliefs in the 21st century Church. Many Christian brothers and sisters spend hours formulating arguing points to defend their theological viewpoints. Many spend hours debating or developing blogs to baffle friends and rebuke believers who may not hold to their viewpoints. Some even think it is a badge of honor when they are blog blasted for their stated beliefs. There is certainly no problem finding out what evangelical leaders believe with 24/7 updates to social networks and blog sites that are followed by people with like beliefs.
I think that it is important for the believer to have an understanding of theology. We need to know why we believe what we believe so that we can give a defense to non-believers! We are to work out our Salvation. But, (there is always a but) we (believers) spend way too much time arguing with believers and while this is taking place many non-believers are not hearing the good news!
This trend needs to stop! We have to think about the cross! We have to think about the mission! Jesus came so that we could have life! The lost world needs to hear the good news (which by the way is still good news) of Jesus. We should be ashamed not of the gospel but our actions. We spend way to much time trying to convince believers to believe like us and non-believers are wasting away waiting for someone to live, share and show the gospel to them! The gospel, the good news, the eugellion are still important in the life of a believer! Someone once said, “God does not care as much about your ability as He does your availability!” Are you available? Will your life make a difference for Kingdom by being an active soul winner! If you cannot share with a lost world what God is doing in your life you may need to check and see if God is doing things in your life! I love you all, let us tell some people about Jesus today! <><

Faceplant '09

2009-02-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

God on our own terms…

Last night on our Ski retreat John encouraged us to spend sometime with God asking of Him what He expected of us this weekend! I though long and hard and I began to do some critical self-evaluation. I have come to some conclusions. I believe for the most part we want a relationship with God but we want it on our own terms. We want a relationship where we can compartmentalize our relationship! We want God to fit neatly into our little lives so that we can have access to His comfort. For many believers we have kind of hired God out as a consultant! We seek Him and ask of Him but if what He is telling us does not fit into what we actually want we take matters into our own hands! Can I tell you believer that this is a dangerous place to be! We need to seek God! We need to wait on God for direction! He knows the plans that He has for us so how can we find our way on our own? We need to take time to really seek God! What does he want? What plans has He made for you? We cannot approach God on our terms. We have to come before a Holy God in reverential awe! We can approach the Throne of Grace with confidence on God’s terms, not ours! How is your relationship with God? Are you controlling the events of your life or is God? Here on the top of the mountain I want to encourage you to spend time looking to and waiting on God! I love you all! <><

BTW I am writing this blog from the Top of the Beech Inn at Beech Mountain North Carolina. It snowed this morning! Prayer continues to amaze me!

High Flight

2009-02-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earth…

Often late at night while watching television I cannot help but think of a man who impacted my life even though I never met him. His name was John Magee, the writer of one of my favorite poems. As a boy I would stay up late, until the television would sign off because each night I would get to hear “High Flight” recited, right before the National Anthem. I love this poem…it helped me to dream, to feel, the excitement of wonder. It made me feel alive and look forward for the things to come. We have to dare to dream. The Bible teaches us to “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” (Psalm 37:4). What are you dreaming about today? Do your dreams honor our Lord! God has a plan, dream today, reach for the stars, and reach out for God. Dream! I love you all! <><

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air...

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, nor even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
"High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., Public Domain.

Break Free

2009-02-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Are you living free? Do you freely worship God? We are to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. The problem is that many people aren't free! We get caught up in what we believe the requirements of the world are and fail to acknowledge Jesus! We want to encourage Jesus to direct our paths in a way that is beneficial for us. It does not work that way! We are to totally submit to and worship Him! He knows what is best for us! Follow Him and Break Free today! <><

Mission First, People Always...Ministry forever

2009-02-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Philosophy for Student Ministry

A college student recently asked me about my ministry and my philosophy for ministry so I wanted to share these thoughts with you. My philosophy for student ministry is “Mission First, People Always and Ministry Forever”. I believe that for students, if they are going to carry out the mission of the church they must be taught. I believe that students should have hands on experience in ministry. They need to understand the mission. The mission is the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The cool thing about the mission is that it really never changes. I feel that by training students for the mission will allow them to gain hands on experience that will prepare and help them on their walk for the rest of their lives. I also teach students to have a love for people! “People always” encompasses the great commandment (Matthew 22:32-40) because I believe when they (students) have a love for people, the mission is carried out. “Ministry Forever” is where we teach students the Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon! I want students to realize that ministry is what we do! Believers were created to worship God and serve people by exercising their spiritual gifts.

We communicate our philosophy through every written correspondence. We also state this on all of our logo shots and when I teach or preach, I will always mention this! I constantly remind people about our philosophy. This simplifies and streamlines our ministry goals, and allows people involved to understand what you are trying to accomplish. Everything that we do goes back to our philosophy. If what we are planning does not fit into what we are trying to accomplish, we scrap it! I believe in students! I believe that they are able to do far more than most ministers or ministries believe. They are bright and embrace challenge! They are not the “church of tomorrow” they are very much the church of today and ministers and ministries need to allow students to function as a part of the church

Outta Here!

2009-01-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

“Outta Here!”

The improper title to the Kenny Chesney hit sometimes has special meaning for those believers who have to deal with the world! Persecution has finally made its way to the Bible belt! I am hearing stories almost daily from believers who feel they are being persecuted for their faith! Our tendency is to run from the problems! Often we find it much easier to get “Outta Here” and blend in to society! Can I tell you this morning that God calls us beyond! In Matthews’s gospel we find “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Can you believe this? Do you feel blessed when you are persecuted? Truth is, we don’t. To many believers today feel overwhelmed and defeated. When the going gets tough, the tough get Outta here! Matthew is reminding us that when we stand for Jesus, the Kingdom of heaven is ours! Jesus tells us in John chapter 15 “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…” If we truly follow Jesus we are to expect persecution! He told us it would be this way! We are not above our Savior and Master and He endured immense persecution during His ministry! Anytime that you are persecuted for the truth or doing the right thing brings glory to the One who saved us! We cannot run! We have to face the world with the truth of the gospel of Jesus! Stop running and stand for Jesus! I love you all!

Where would I be if not for your grace...

2009-01-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Daniel sang this song at the wonderful concert last night and after he posed the question through this song I could not help but think of anything else. Where would I be…where would you be without the grace of God. I shutter at the thought! My life has been bought and paid for with a price. It cost my Lord everything! Where would I be? I can tell you…I would be separated from a Holy God. My life would be without purpose…I would be doomed! So many people think they are experiencing life! But apart from Christ, true life can never be experienced. Without Jesus, all you have is a temporary existence. The word of God teaches us “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift…” Jesus paid it all! He gave us and is offering you the greatest gift ever offered. He loves and cares for you! If it were not for the grace, we would have nothing! The Bible teaches that if we simply “confess with our mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” It also teaches “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!” Where would you be…if not for His unmerited grace? My prayer for you today is that you have a real relationship with the giver of grace. I love you all! <><

I will sing of the mercies of my Lord forever...

2009-01-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…

I will sing! Have you ever been walking along and find your self just bursting out in song, singing praises to our great God? I do all the time! I just can’t help my self! Sometimes people look at me funny, sometimes they gather their stuff and depart quickly, and sometimes they join in song! Our God is such an awesome God we should gladly lift our voices to Him in song! Even if you are not a good singer, He still loves to hear from you. Psalm 100:1 says “Make a joyful shout to the Lord all you lands.” I want you to notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that you need to make a perfect pitch melody to the Lord all of those people gifted in voice and music. It says make a joyful shout! I don’t know about you, but I believe that I can shout for my Jesus! Make a joyful shout today! I love you all!

Bro. J <><

loving life

2009-01-24T15:02:00.000-05:00

Loving life…

When I was in my twenties, I remember wondering what it would be like to be older…Now that I am closing in on fifty I cannot believe how I am totally enjoying my life. God has been very good to me. I am married to my best friend and I have the greatest job on the planet! I love ministering with students. I believe this generation that I am ministering to is the best and the brightest! I love Ministry. I want to impact this generation with the greatest message ever given! The gospel still matters. Sheila and I have had the opportunity to become a part of the lives of some incredible people! I am loving life! I have two great sons-in-law, and I have three awesome grand children! I am truly a blessed individual! I am looking forward to the next fifty years of ministry! I love you all <><

Off the Florida keys...

2009-01-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Off the Florida Keys…a little place called Cocomo

Have you ever heard of Cocomo, a wonderful and magical place where you can go “to get away from it all?” Have you ever wanted to go to a place like this? To be in a place where you don’t have to worry about what people are doing or saying. A place where you can simply relax and enjoy? In typing the word Cocomo, it became very obvious to me that my computer does not understand my spelling of the word! I could stress over the mis-spelling, and frantically search my atlas for the correct spelling of this little place that the beach boys made famous but it would be a fruitless search! You see Cocomo is a made up place. A mythical place where stress and mental anguish do not exist, a place where everyone is wearing shorts and a tee shirt, everyone has a sun tan, everyone is relaxed! Don’t you wish there were a place like this? I am convinced that American believers have too much stress in their lives! Our Lord and Savior calls us to “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Rest comes in a genuine relationship with Jesus! There truly is a quiet place…it is in the arms of Jesus. Spend some quality time with Him today! I love you all!

Blinded by the lighjt

2009-01-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

Blinded by the light…

“As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.” Acts 9:3 HCSB

A little bit of light goes along way! Think about it, from 37,000 feet above the earth (around 7 miles), which by the way is around the altitude commercial aircraft travel you can see light! I love to fly at night! A little bit of light, car head lights, a front porch light, a bonfire can be seen seven miles above the earth! I often think about the song “This little light of mine.” You may find that kind of weird that I think about that song, but think about it! If I let my little light shine, and you let your little light shine, and all of our friends let their little lights shine! There would be a whole lot of light! In John’s gospel we see that “The light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” Other translations say, “The darkness did not understand or comprehend.” The fact is, that the light of Jesus has never blinded many people! Jesus is the light of the world! Paul experience with the light changed him forever! My experience with the Light made me different! What about you! Do you know the Light of the world? Personally? I pray that you do and I surly do love you all! Now, go and let your light shine!

Approval

2009-01-11T11:46:00.000-05:00

Approval…

Galatians 1:10 “For am I now trying to win the approval of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.”

What do you have to prove? We live in a society were we are always out trying to “pull something off” and get ahead. Many are trying to climb a ladder; trying to make something out of our self. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that God wants us to accomplish certain things, but I also believe many choices we make in life are by our own volition. Many times we fail to go before the Lord in our decision-making process! Have you ever considered what happens when we do this? I guess a better question would be have you ever considered what may not have happened when we do this? Many times we take the creator of the universe out of our decision making process. We feel so strongly about things, so we make decisions never wondering what God would have us to do! In the 21st Century Church we have relegated God into a position that is worthy of our worship, but not worthy to help us with the problems we face day to day. Many times these decisions greatly impact our lives. Some would argue that it comes down to spiritual maturity. What is spiritual maturity? Part of it is caring less and less about what people think about you and caring more about who they see in control of your life. Spiritual maturity comes from having God’s approval. God has to be in the center of our decision making process. He should be the first we go too! I am concerned at the decision making process that takes place in many Christian families. Many times our children do not see us agonize over issues that affect our families and that we take before the Lord. We live in a society where we have made big problems for our selves and we have and a little God! We fail to see the awesomeness of God because we cannot see past our problems or what people might think of us. So many Christians are afraid to risk looking foolish so we internalize and deal with problems without the aid of a loving and caring and BIG God! I want you to consider whose approval you are trying to garner? If it truly is God, our life will reflect it. Think about what problems or challenges you are dealing with. God help you? You had better believe that He still can! He is God and He loves you! Please Him! Look to Him! Don’t worry about what people might think because in the end they will let you down anyway! Besides, they cannot save you! Only God can do that! So go after God’s approval…and do it today! I love you all! <><

The "Flats"

2009-01-11T10:37:00.000-05:00

What a day…

Sitting here today, safely back in civilization, I cannot help but reflect on my day yesterday fishing “the flats” with some great friends. I am not really a fisherman, but I do enjoy being outside and I really enjoy getting away from it all! Riding the air-boat away from the ramp reminded me what it must have been like in old Florida. Twisting and turning through the salt marsh, black needle rush grass and deeper pools beyond the oyster shoals are around every turn. With the air boat gliding across the oyster bars with ease as the sun was coming up across the horizon. Out there, in the salt marsh, the sun does not merely come up in the east; it comes up in the eastern horizon. The colors fill the sky and envelop you…even the western dark horizon is overwhelmed by the warming and colorful lights that a sunrise brings out on the flats. Being out here brings stimulates thoughts of simpler times, when the weight of the world and job seemed not to exist. The flats, and a day spent fishing is therapeutic! It wrestles the troubles right out of your grip! What more could you ask for? A day like this helps you to re-focus and realign your thoughts! What a day…I am very much looking forward to the next time I get to go! I love you all <><

Boldly go...

2009-01-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

Boldly go…

I can remember many a night sitting in front of a 19” black and white television and hearing the words “Space…the final frontier…these are the voyages of the starship enterprise…” Wow, what memories, these guys were boldly going where no man had ever gone before! I can remember wanting to be like these guys, well most of them any way I don’t recall ever wanting to look like Spock or the Klingons! But I did want to Boldly Go… I have realized that in the 21st century I can boldly go where very few have gone! I can boldly take the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ out into a dark and dying world. St. Francis of Assisi says Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. We are to boldly go proclaiming Jesus with our lives! Paul prayed for boldness, in his letter to the Ephesians’ he said, “…Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.” How do we become bold enough in Him? By spending time with Him! A relationship works best when you spend time developing it and learning more about Him! Be bold! Remember, Christ Jesus is in you so be bold and go where very few have gone! Tell people about HIM! I love you all!

P.S. While writing this I found this kind of funny. When I typed the word Klingons it came up as a misspelled word, so when I looked at spelling suggestions the very first suggestion was Clinton! I just thought that this was kind of ironic!

Making the life connection

2009-01-06T07:34:00.000-05:00

Making the life Connection

“In Him was life…” John 1:4

In the culture in which we live today, people are searching for life! American’s are by nature adrenaline junkies, always looking for something faster and more thrilling! We are constantly looking for opportunities to experience the moment! I have found that a close walk with Jesus puts you on the edge! Some Christ followers may think that Jesus is the safe way, I have found that by walking with Jesus puts you right out there on the ragged edge. Life comes from my relationship with Jesus. I love what author and pastor Mark Batterson says; In his book In a pit with a lion on a snowy day he says “Our destiny is determined by whether or not we seize the God ordained opportunities presented to us." God is going to present us little challenges and opportunities along the way in preparation for those huge blessings that He has for us! If we are not faithful in the small things, the bigger opportunities never come! Are you struggling with life? Turn to Jesus! Remember no matter what He has for you it is awesome! Make the real life connection. Turn to Jesus <><.

Just a closer walk with thee

2009-01-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

I can't hear you

2009-01-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

I can’t hear you!

T.S. Eliot said, "For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

What will you say in 2009? Will you use your voice to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ? I am convinced that many CHRIST followers play it safe. Many Christians are afraid to live, afraid to take a chance on Jesus! We have become so comfortable in lives we have carved out and many times are afraid to take a chance on living and sharing our faith with those whom we come into contact with everyday. We need to take the chance, live life, experience the excitement! Don’t be afraid to share the gospel! Count on God to give you the words! Practice with other believers, I like to play role playing role playing games with friends who believe because it helps me in real life situations. Develop a plan, think about people who need the gospel, and count on God. Someone once said, “God does not care about your ability as much as He cares about your availability! Be available and tell people about Jesus. Think about people whom you are going to share with! Get some training and share the greatest news ever delivered! I love you all! <><

BTW! Our Church (Madison Street Baptist Church) is offering evangelism training on March 21, 2009, Make your plans on attending now!