Pastor Lee's Thotful Spot

Did you recognize Memorial Day?

2009-05-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day is about recognizing those who have given their lives for the service of the United States of America. It is a sad striking fact but too often Christians fail to acknowledge enough the sacrifices that have been made for the freedom to believe what you want. Their have been more martyred for their faith in Jesus in the last 100 years than in the last 1900 combined( The Lions Den by Nina Shea) There are missionaries like Vijay Kumar who publicly stoned by Hindu extremists in 2006 for Christian preaching. 3 missionaries murdered in Turkey who worked for translating the Bible. Mushtaq Gill , a Pakistani Christian murdered in February 2009 on the outskirts of Faisalabad because he refused to convert to Islam. They join the saints of Hebrews 11 in the great cloud of witnesses.

The next time you are discouraged because it is raining on Sunday and you might have to get a little wet to get out of the house and actually make it to worship, remember the lives of these who gave their all. We are so blessed. I thought yesterday as we celebrated what has become just another day to be out from work, that we have been given a freedom to enjoy cooking out, enjoy being with friends and enjoy the pleasures this land affords us.

When our 16 year olds are not told what this day really means then we fail to carry on the tradition of honoring the martyrs for our country and their faith. The unpopularity of a crucified Jesus is causing quite a storm. Not only did men and women die in service to their country but Jesus died as our Savior. The message is being watered down to be more palatable to the unbeliever but the removal of the cross always renders the message ineffective and mediocre at best. Christianity therefore is wounded in the very place it should be exalted.

What makes people drop out of church

2009-05-27T13:05:00.003-05:00

# 3 What makes People Drop out of Church

I heard a humorous story that has significance as to why people drop out of church. “Bob, why don’t you play golf with John anymore?” asked a friend. “Would you play golf with a guy who moved the ball with his foot when you weren’t watching?” Bob asked.
“Well, no“, admitted the friend. “Neither will John” , replied Bob.

Why do people drop out of church usually is because of “People”. People will not speak, do something to cause a lack of sincere gratitude, people will forget someones accomplishment. But most of the time people will leave church because of another person. They may be hypocritical, or probably the reason people affect others leaving the most is their lack of genuine spirituality. People think they can spot a phony (even they may not be) and they will use that as their reason for leaving the church. People use email and get a wrong picture of what someone said and they leave the church. I can tell you as a Pastor the most troubling thing is when people leave the church or go to another church and the reasons are frivolous. A Pastor worth a grain of salt will not just take that casually sitting down. It hurts, it stings, it makes you feel all of the worthless feelings there are out there. You know what would be wonderful, but I know it will never happen, is for all the people who leave their primary church for some reason all of a sudden say - "You know what?! I am going back to my church. I was wrong to feel that way", and return. Never happened in 30 years of my ministry and the reason is “Pride”. Pride will not let us go back.

Not only people, but problems make people drop out of church. There are more Baptists sitting on a couch on Sunday mornings than there are in church. Of the 15 million unchurched, there must be half of them Baptists. I can say that because I am one. No church is perfect . But neither is your marriage, neither are your kids , neither is your job , neither are your health care professionals. None of us are perfect. Slowing down and taking a deep breath and saying, before I judge the other guy I am going to take care of my own back yard.

Lastly, the reason people leave churches is a Personal lack of Accountability. We are going to be in eternity one day and face the judgment of God and getting ill and out of sorts with the church and not taking personal responsibility, will cause a huge embarrassment one day when we face the Lord. We should do “all we do to glorify God”. It is about Him, not People, or problems, but Him. When we get our eyes on Him we function as a healthy church.

Why people Come Back to Church

2009-05-13T16:55:00.001-05:00

# 2 Why People Come Back to Church

Last week we talked about Why People Change Churches. This week we are going to talk about Why People Come Back to Church. First of all let me give you some interesting statistics. It is reported that 88 % of 18 year olds upon turning 18 leave the church. That is a staggering statistic but It is a fact filled with truth. When the church stays bogged down and is not proactive in reaching out to people in more ways than just hanging a shingle out and saying “Ya’ll Come”, we will find ourselves seeing more and more or less and less, because people are dying off in the average church faster than new converts are being brought in. We are missing a generation of people in our worship services and it is not surprising. I have happened to visit some churches that I was sure if I lived in that town I wouldn’t be attending church there. Yet in some churches when there is an attempt to reach out to the Youth and the young families new ideas are brought in that bring insecurity out of the church members who have been comfortable and don’t want any of this new change .

It is also reported that there are approximately, 15 million unchurched people in this country. This represents people who may have grown up in church but have never really grown if they are saved or people who left the church in rebellion and wanted to sow some wild oats and do their thing. The fact is if were to Pray, visit and burn with passion for people as we should we could hopefully impact these folks to the point they see a return to Christ honoring worship services. Preaching that is filled with some fire and the joy of the Lord on the people. That is why people come back to church. They want relationships with others. They want realness. They want to be in an environment where they are welcomed and made to feel like they are somebody because they are. They are so much of a somebody that Jesus came to deliver them from separation for God.

Some churches are so legalistic the Apostle Paul wouldn’t be allowed to enter much less Rahab the harlot. We must be a place in churches today where Christ is honored and not the other way around. I am not talking about the guys standing behind the pulpit who “smooze” people and try to get people to think all they have to do is just “Be Happy”. When the truth is this world is not a very happy place . This world is filled with people searching for truth. They are bright , educated people who believe they can make it own their own to Heaven if need be. The harvest plenteous but the laborers are few. We reach people as we first build relationships with them and point them to Christ.

Why are People Coming Back to Church? They are searching for truth and are finding it in some places to be quite available you just must teach and preach the Bible. I heard a saying a long time ago about the Bible that has stuck with me over the years, this book will Keep you from sin and sin will keep you from this Book, the Bible. Come Back to Church you’ll be glad you did!

Why People Change Churches

2009-05-13T16:48:00.003-05:00

Three Part series: Why People Change Churches, Why people come Back to Church, What makes People Drop out of Church

# 1 Why People Change Churches

To begin a very serious but common practice in churches it would probably do us well to understand the humor in it all. I love the story of the man who was stranded on a deserted island. He had been there for years when one day a boat came and rescued him. While surveying the way he had managed to stay alive and what he had built with his own hands the Captain noticed his thatch hut house and he said he built that first. What is that other building and he said well that is my church I attend. Really the Captain said , so what is that other building? He said oh that is the church I once attended until I got mad and left. The reasons people leave a lot of churches is about as relevant as that humorous story. This column does not allow us the time or space to mention all the reasons people change churches. I have heard my fair share of the whys people leave and to be totally honest over 31 years of being a pastor I have never had someone leave because the Pastor or church was liberal Theologically or corrupt in it’s preaching. I have had everything from not liking me the preacher to someone didn’t speak to me. Not liking the Pastor or someone not speaking to you is somewhat serious but Pastors are not perfect and neither or people and neither is the one doing the leaving. I have more admiration for people that don’t fit into the statistic that one in six people change churches each year than I do for the person that ups and jumps to anther church only to find it has many of the same problems just different that the ones they just left the other church to avoid.

People change churches and almost always try to put a spiritual twist on the whole situation to make it sound as though they are in touch with God somehow more greater than anyone else and they have to move or be judged. They don’t like the music, they don’t like change, they don’t like the building or they don’t like the fact the church is growing. Believe it or not the number one reason people have left a church I have been the pastor of is they didn’t want to be in a big church. Our church had grown and it was getting to big for them. Tat is strange when in Acts the Bible states the Lord added daily those that were being saved to the church and on one day over 3000 joined the church. Talk about losing your identity. I have never heard anyone say, this is the church where I attend and I am going to make it the best church it can be and get involved in the church to make it better instead of complaining. To find something wrong in a church is not difficult. We have our struggles and the obvious answer might be well just let the ones go that want to leave and they won’t cause a problem anymore. I don’t believe that is what pleases the Lord. People have left a church I have been the Pastor of because they didn’t want to borrow money and be a part of a larger church only to go down the road and join a church that has a bigger building some else has paid for and they gloat the church is debt free. They just got in on the sweetheart of a deal. Talk about have your cake and eat it too.

Sometimes there are situations where people could justifiably change churches. Immorality, unethicalness and the like but still people don’t Have to leave. God may be calling that church to fast and pray and become the church and come out stronger than before. Be careful before you leave a church for another one, I have always found God is trying to teach me something and He is trying to get my attention most of the time, because Pastors sometimes want to change churches too. You aren’t the only one. Surely there is a church somewhere who will appreciate me.

We have way to many casualties of battle and the world is looking at us and saying if this is what church is like I want nothing to do with it. The only ones who can change that are you and me.

What should we do.....

2009-02-27T10:29:00.003-06:00

I am at home and I click on my email and see I have "367" spam messages. Personally I usually look to see if I recognize names in the spam section before opening the site. As I scroll down looking I notice not one not two but about half a dozen times the same spam is showing up. It is a site that says something like this, "Russian Brides". I was not expecting what I was about to see. It wasn't nudity but it was as close as you could get legally. I immediately hit the delete forever button I have on my computer. I got to thinking and I know how Satan works. Are you quick to hit the delete button or.....

When times are rough in your home life, guys, do you feel you have a right to just tease yourself with these sites that satisfy a visual sinful lust that attacks us all. When you are alone in a hotel do you say to yourself - Hey no one will ever know and look at the ads and follow it up with a search of the Internet for other more provocative sites. I am finding that more and more of us Christian young men and men are falling prey to suggestive emails initially but which leads to much more. We are victims of the justification for ourselves and so we give ourselves a free pass. Hey I deserve this or that because of my circumstances.

I have always felt strongly about two things only because when growing up I saw just the opposite of what was right when it comes to how you should treat women and especially if it applies to your wife. I have, I mean zero tolerance, for a man who will hit his wife. That is the most atrocious thing a man can do (women should not hit men either by the way). I also have no respect for men who look at pornography and call it a need. I have had two youth pastors in the last 31 years I am aware of who actually told their wives that they had to have the pornography to satisfy their needs physically. Ladies if that is the case, you need to pray, and give the ultimatum it is either me or the screen and if you choose the screen that means the highway until you get help and "change" happens.

This is a "loaded gun" we are playing with and we think no one should speak out boldly and call men to righteousness and name the sin and call for change. The only way we are going to see homes restored is for us to stop the sin of lust and change to love for God. It is all about how much I love God. It is not about how much I love my wife even. How much I love God determines how I treat my wife as a Queen or not. Now, is it easy not to give into temptation. No. We all battle the daily barrage of television, the Internet, the printed page and so much more, but a real man for Jesus will stand up and be counted as a man that will not give in. I, you, our brother, could fall tomorrow if it were not for the powerful grace that we have to have to say no to temptation. Say no if you have been saying yes. Clean up your mind with Bible verses, read it, clean up your computer and press the delete for ever. If you don't you are a two timing weasel, that is in danger of the justice of God if you don't change. My "Russian Brides" site is deleted every time now that I know what is happening. How about you. REAL MEN LOVE JESUS. I speak the truth in love.

Is the Message Clear?

2008-12-01T06:57:00.000-06:00

When you hear your pastor speak on Sunday do you go away with a clear understanding of what you just heard? Do you see the passion in the reflections of the voice and do you see the word pictures that are trying to be drawn? Is the message clear and do you go away with something you feel like you can use to help you in your daily walk in life? If you answered no to any or all of these questions then we aren't doing what we should be doing as teachers and preachers of the Bible. The Bible is clear and is to be proclaimed with passion and sincerity (and with urgency, I might add).

Who among us knows when the last opportunity to hear the truth of a message will indeed be the last? Therefore it is critical that we don’t take for granted when we listen or when we speak, and especially that the messenger be in tune with the Lord when he speaks. There are many distractions when it comes to giving and receiving the message the pastor wants to give. I’m sure I have not always been crystal clear with the intent in a point I was trying to make. Then there is the fact that we have four or five hundred different people listening, and each brings their own set of circumstances to the table as they listen. Therefore, once again, the message must be made clear enough so that even a child can understand it.

I remember going to the Georgia Dome and hearing Billy Graham. Our daughters had been prepped to understand that we were going to hear a man whom many respected as one of the great teachers and pastors of our time. We sat high in the "crow’s nest" (so to speak) and heard Billy Graham speak on the subject of Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree to see Jesus. It was one of the most simple messages I had ever heard but he made it so intriguing. When the time came for the invitation and all who wanted to receive Christ were given the opportunity to come forward, they came by the thousands to the front. They stood there and he led them in a prayer for salvation and material was given to them and they were given church information etc. My daughter, who was about six years old at the time, turned to me and whispered in my ear during the quietest point of the invitation as people were coming from everywhere in that huge dome, "Daddy, I bet you wish that many people would come forward when you preach". It was humorous and we all laughed at the thought. But just think about what just happened. A simple message was delivered in the most understandable manner possible, and thousands responded to the call to salvation.

The truth is that we as pastors have the greatest opportunity – today like never before – to proclaim the message of hope and assurance to all who come to our churches. The listeners have to listen for the message and the preacher has to preach with sincerity that comes across to the listener as pure and passionate. Here is the message, and especially at this time of the year: Jesus came into this world as a baby in a stable setting, lived a perfect life for 33 years, was crucified, and died and rose again. He did this so that all who believe and put their trust in Christ will have salvation and live for Him and bring others to Him as well. That is the message, plain and simple: Jesus is the way to eternal life.

Extreme "Nation" Makeover

2008-10-21T17:17:00.004-05:00

By now everyone has heard of the hit television show, Extreme Home Makeover. Whole communities work together to provide a new home for a family in need. It is amazing to watch the cast and crew of the show as they rally the town, the builders and each other, in order to complete the project within seven days. Then, when it's time to bring the family home, all those people get the chance to celebrate the accomplishment together. Even viewers feel they have a chance to participate in the celebration. It is an emotional and moving experience one feels right there in your living room.

Imagine what could possibly happen if a community of believers, called the church, or a nation that is going through a financial meltdown and trying desperately to recover, would come together somehow to change the world for the better. The church especially, since I am a pastor, has not always done it's part in the "makeover" that needs to take place. However, I for one want to get up from my comfortable couch to say I will help make a difference. I care for you personally just like the people who are helping build a home for a needy family. I want to help build a life on the foundations that will last for years and eternity. The foundation, our nation and we the people need, is a spiritual transformation. Remember when 9/11 happened, this nation united. Churches were filled for several Sundays like never before because we had experienced a crisis of unprecedented proportion and we were bound to come together and rise above the smoke and the rubble to become a better nation and a better people. It takes a spiritual makeover, though. I hear the pundits on news channels going at it from several different perspectives and they are really missing the boat. Until an inward transformation takes place, an outward one isn't going to happen.

A farmer asked his vet to come out to check on his favorite, but ailing, bull. After checking the bull's vital signs, the vet reached in his black bag and pulled out a rather large pill. He forced open the bull's mouth and crammed the pill down his gullet. Suddenly, the bull jumped up and took off like a banshee, jumping every fence in his way. The vet exclaimed, "Well, looks like your bull is healed!" The farmer replied, "Now give me one of those pills". "For what ever for? " asked the vet. The farmer exclaimed, "Now I have to catch him."

There is a lot of talk about "Change" from both candidates seeking the presidency and by the time election day comes they will have offered every family in America a lush lifestyle sitting on the beach and never working another day, a pie in the sky for everyone. The promises keep coming but I hope and pray that we understand an Extreme Nation Makeover and more importantly, an individual personal makeover only comes from one individual at a time, making a spiritual change through Jesus Christ and there is no other way to build your life.

Take your medicine as prescribed…

2008-09-25T14:06:00.003-05:00

I was reading an article in the September issue of Reader's Digest and a study concluded that nearly 30 % of us stop taking our medicines before we should. Playing Doctor can be dangerous. The article is exactly right in that we need to follow our prescribed medicine plan. Unless it causes us a reaction negatively, we should follow the prescribed course.

When I look at this Biblically it is important that the Christian take their spiritual medicine appropriately. So what is the spiritual prescription God gives Christians? I am so glad you asked.

Seek Him with all your heart -- Matthew 6:33. Seeking His will, seeking to know Him intimately by having a love relationship with Him; that is Biblical.
Pray regularly -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The Bible actually says “Pray without ceasing.” I told a college age group I was speaking to recently that I had a real problem following through with praying without ceasing. One young lady said to me at the next meeting, “Pastor, see how I pray for you?” She had written my name on her sandal so every time she took her sandals on and off she would pray for me. What a wonderful idea! God knows I need all I can get, any way I can get it.
Fall in love with His Love letter to us, the Bible. The Bible is what we must stand firm on. A few things about the Bible. It is:

Reliable
Readable
The authority for our Faith and Practice
The inerrant Word of God, we have God’s Word to us in the Bible.
It is corrective. Hebrews 4:12 It is good to read nice verses about love, joy and hope. But there is also correctiveness in the Bible.
It is applicable to today’s Christian
It is powerful
It gets to the heart and soul of the matter and a person.

The Prescription: the Bible should be taken daily and followed accordingly. It should be trusted to heal the spiritual dilemma of mankind. A steady diet of the Bible will produce a Christ likeness that is what He wants.

Come and hear and listen to the Word of God taught from the pulpit ministry of Pastor, Dr. Lee Singley, each and every Sunday at 9:30 or 11 am. God Bless!

The Power of the Church

2008-09-21T19:49:00.001-05:00

I am so proud of our President for his stand on religious freedom around the world. While in Beijing, China, President Bush attended worship services at a state sponsored Christian Church. Yes, it was a government registered church but it was a church of worshipping people. The children's choir sang Amazing Grace and an American President was there to participate. Several years ago had I even hinted at that this would be a possibility I believe we all would have said "not in this lifetime". However, it did happen and Amazing.

If that church has problems like we all do. I mean all churches have some type of problems. When you leave our church, that is not perfect, you can go down the street and there will be another church that is not perfect and it sure won't be if we join it, because we are people and people are not perfect. I wonder if that church has problems with space, the kind of space problems like where to put people. We have that problem. Since we are in a building program it causes people to get nervous and squeamish and not sure if they want to be a part of a big church. I have seen it happen for years in other churches when churches begin to expand. I wonder if that church has the right Pastor. Since it is a state sponsored church it may very well not have any say in the matter but if it did does everyone like the Pastor? I wonder if that church has the problem of constantly maintaining the buildings and cleaning the floors and making the essentials available for every child and teenager who comes in the door. I wonder if that church has the problem of gossip? Surely not in a church where there is no freedom of speech anyway they probably don't know what gossip is.

The plain truth of the matter, one in six people in America change churches every year. One in six! I have a feeling you can't do that in China. The church of America has been altered to a level of modernism and a lack of commitment. The church in China, the real churches that meet underground and are probably the most biblical founded, are just glad to be assembling together "as the manner of some is and so much more as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 We really have reduced the power of the church in America from "220" power capabilities to "110" power output. We are shopping around to find the best fit for our needs and the problem is the Bible never calls us to shop for a church to meet our needs but if we were faithful to serve in a unified spirit we would charge the gates of Hell and have demons shaking in their boots. Instead we struggle with tithing and "I can trust God with my soul but not my wallet". If everyone in the average church would tithe there is absolutely no telling what could be done to grow the Kingdom of God. We are playing games with church and the Rapture is on our heels. We are jumping around from here to there and trying to find a place to have needs met and the Great Commission is left undone and no one is fulfilling it.

The Power of the church is in the hands of the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ who hold up the hands of their Pastor like Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses. Where there is unity and love within the body and these believers are doing all they can to reach people for Christ before it is too late. I have seen way too much already of people who call themselves committed and are not. I'm committed to my wife and that means I am staying with her til we die. I am committed to my church to the day we die and I will do all I can to reach people and if it means doing the thing that shakes some "Baptists" up like risk taking Faith so be it.

The problem as I see it is, we don't believe God. If we believed God there would be a sense of urgency, To all our endeavors. To have Power in a Church only comes one way but by "Prayer and Fasting". Matthew 17:21

Have You Ever Asked, "Why?"

2008-09-18T08:02:00.004-05:00

Have you ever asked “Why”?

Of course you have. The words may not have come out of our mouths, but we have asked that question, as hard as it is to admit. “Why,” why did this or that happen? Why did my baby die so young? Why did I lose my job? Why are gas prices so high? Why doesn’t God do something about it? Why, why, why??

The 20th of September is a big day for our family. It is the day our little granddaughter came into this world. The “why” is, "Why did she have to come at 24 weeks and experience the difficulties she had to endure?" She never came home from the hospital. She was taken to Vanderbilt from Huntsville Hospital, which has a fine medical NICU, I would have you know. We were treated so wonderfully there and they deserve your support. We wanted her to live, but she didn’t. After nearly six months, she passed from this life into the very presence of God; whole and not hurting, and we will see her healthy for the first time when we get there ourselves.

Is it wrong to ask, “Why?” When John was in prison in John 4 he asked for messengers to go and ask Jesus if He was the One, or if should they look for another. Obviously, being in prison and Jesus experiencing His own problems with the Pharisees, John wanted some assurance. Basically, he was asking, “Why?” Why did Adam and Eve sin and send us on this downward-spiraling situation that seems hopeless at times?

Let me give you the good news -- I can’t stand the negative anymore:

"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4, NKJV)
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37, NKJV)
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)

When we celebrate the life of little “Tori” Wilhoit on Saturday, we will not be sad. I refuse to give into the thoughts of death and denial. We are looking for a better day and it is coming in the near future (John 14:1-6) He is coming, just keep looking up!

A little girl was missing from the presence of her parents, so they went upstairs and found her kneeling at her window with it opened and a suitcase packed full of clothes beside it. They were bewildered and they said to her, "Honey, what are you doing?" She said, "Well, I heard you talking about Jesus coming and that He is coming very, very soon so I wanted to be ready when He came." That is exactly how the believer must live. We may not have all the answers, but we know the One who does. We may have tough days now, but the Bible says, "Joy comes in the morning." There are going to be the tough times, but I'd rather be on His team when it looks like we are losing than to be on the devil's team knowing he is going to lose.

Is Faithful Involvement in Church that Big a Deal?

2008-08-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

There are as one old preacher put it, speculators , spectators, agitators, gravitates but what the church needs is Faithfulness. Why go to church is one of the questions being asked by not just the people outside the church but many inside the church and especially young people. I could make this a short article with one smooth stroke of the pen and just give you the verse that answers the question and move on. Hebrews 10:25, "Forsake no the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is but so much more as you see the day approaching."

That could be faithfully interpreted that the local "ecclesia" the church is a meeting place for people of faith and that with the approaching return of Jesus for His bride we should be in the church faithfully worshipping , studying and praying more than ever before. I have some to understand that it is not as much a conviction as it used to be . The importance is gone. The seriousness with which the verse speaks of the return of Christ soon is not there. You know by now after reading some of my articles I enjoy humor and this subject reminds me of the little girl who had listened for what seemed like an eternity to her as the preacher was preaching and she turned to her mother and said, "if we give him our money now will he let us go". Church has become one of the things that is not high on the priority list of many believers. At least if you go out and ask people do you believe in Jesus and have you accepted Christ they would answer in the affirmative but when you ask them do they have a church where they regularly attend church that is a different story.

Is faithful involvement in church that Big a Deal? It is if you want to obey the Bible. It is if you want to do as the early church did and meet regularly to learn , study and worship. It is if you want to make friends with other believers. It is if you want to have spiritual needs prayed over and a place to unload the cares of this world. It is if you have a Pastor you can share your heart with and let them pray for you. It is if you want to teach your children the Bible and have them grow up learning the truth of the Bible and teach them how to live and make godly decisions. It is if you want to do what God says, "Forsake not the privilege to assemble together…."

Weighing In on Beliefs

2008-05-30T09:18:00.002-05:00

I began a new series of messages at our church, called “Do We Really Know What We Believe?” The purpose of the study, in my mind, is to take the Scripture and dissect the verses and principles and let them dictate exactly what we believe. One of the reasons for this is that in our culture there is a prevailing attitude that what is right to one person is not necessarily correct for another person. “Cultural Relativism,” as it could be called, is permeating our society. It is even alive and well in the political arena. I am personally deeply concerned – not that someone agrees with me, but agrees with truth. Truth never changes. There are some candidates that are “pleading the Fifth” and choosing not to make a decision one way or the other on some issues. By not deciding, they have already declared their conviction.

When Jesus came to this world, His greatest threats were not to Him personally. He could move in and out of towns and never be caught until He was ready to reveal Himself as the Messiah. The problem then is still the problem today: people of the culture are hesitant to say what is absolute or not. After 9/11 there was a groundswell of faith, and believers came out of the woodwork. Now the culture, from music to television to celebrities and, sadly, some Christian organizations, has not lived up to truth and the world is once again saying, “Well, it may be right for you, but that’s not necessarily what’s right for me.” Sadly, Christian leaders have chosen immorality over Godliness, acceptability over Truth, and success over what is right. I am not at all suggesting that I am a sinless saint myself (that’s not what this article on Beliefs is about). However, there are core values and beliefs that drive our actions. My core values and beliefs do not drive me to call myself right if God’s Word says something is sin.

The recent hoopla over movie stars and their “misfortunes” is quite harmful to the younger culture. They see a slap on the wrist for a young celebrity and can’t rationalize how the celebrity can get off so easily, yet they themselves must pay a more severe penalty for the same or lesser offense. They don’t see the cultural relevance behind the scenes. Money, fame, and prosperity are not bad, but not believing in Truth is. Being popular or not doesn’t make the person. Someone has well said, “Character is what is done when no one is watching.”

I understand the article today and the blogs on my church web site are not always popular. I really want to be accepted as much as anyone, but I don’t want to sacrifice Truth on the altar of acceptability. When situations are evaluated correctly, there can be fun had by all. I’d venture to say that more fun is to be had when right choices are made. Think about it… What do you Believe?

Kicking Off the Summer

2008-05-21T05:05:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the official start of summer with the arrival of the month of June! Be safe, be witnessing, and be here – some great days are definitively on the horizon. Not only have people moved into our area (within a two- to three-mile radius of our church), but other churches have gone through major building and remodeling of their buildings, as well. I am not including ours in that mix yet, but hopefully soon, and in the Lord’s timing we will see “Building By Faith” off and moving! The Building Committee is still at work. May I also report to you that soil samples have been taken, the preschool building is getting a thorough remodeling, and every inch of property is being used.

Vacation Bible School is the single most effective tool of Evangelism, still today. Join every way you can in helping to make a difference in the lives of boys and girls. Unfortunately, sometimes we shoot for numbers of salvations, when the numbers we impact are far greater, and when the seed is planted, God gives the increase. The dates are June 9-13, from 9:00 AM – noon. See Chad Ortner or Beth Griggs to help make a difference and have some fun while you’re at it.

Madison Baptist Association News: Many in our church probably are not aware that I serve as Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the Madison Baptist Association. With that position I am a part of the leadership team that looks into matters as tasked by the Association. I enjoy serving and helping any way I can, and all of you, our members, know your pastor to be very conservative. Unfortunately, our committee made a recommendation and I made a motion to “clarify and enhance” an already established practice within our Association. Some people on the outside looking in only got half the picture so, I was labeled… I made a motion to add that the “Senior or acting Senior Pastor” should only be a man. Some interpreted we were condoning that ladies in other positions could be ordained pastors, just that ladies could not be ordained Senior Pastors. This is far from the truth!

Whether you realize it or not, we have six churches in the Association with ordained female pastors serving in some capacity. I have never, in 30 years, had a lady ordained in any role of pastor in a church I have led or served in. Not even ladies serving as Deacons, and we have churches in our Association which practice this as well. Our intent was not to make it permissible for ladies to be ordained, but to clarify, as we were asked to do by the Executive Committee. It was going to happen eventually; that a church in our Association would call a female “Senior Pastor.” (Ephesians 4:11-16) The word we added to protect, by the way, was the very word that was used to cause a variety of interpretations.

To our church family and those who have heard people “talk” outside the church (which is called “gossip” in the Bible), this is a good lesson in Biblical reconciliation: go to the person you have a problem with, or maybe heard something about, before making too many comments. Feathers are hard to pick up after a wind storm. I must add one comment: this is not negative toward ladies serving in churches - God forbid! Were it not for some of you ladies being leaders in most churches, there would not be much accomplished that the entire church receives credit for. But it is specific in Scripture that the office of Pastor is for a God fearing, humbled man of God who understands, in my opinion, that it is only by the grace of God he is what he is, anyway.

June 1st in the 11:00 AM service, our students will be moving back to the sanctuary on a regular basis! If you have enjoyed being at the 9:30 service, June 1 would be a good time to consider doing so again if you’d like, as to even out the attendance in both.

Regarding last weekend's yard sale, thanks for all who have helped to raise funds to move our current office building to another location on our property. We appreciate you serving so well. The unofficial results of our garage sale to relocate the church offices are continuing to come in. I say “continuing,” because a van and a camper are still on the auction block. As of today we have approximately $4,000, without the two large items.

Finally, thank you for your patience, your prayers, and your service in my absence while in the hospital. I am not completely well and further tests are needed, but I am better than I was. I was severely dehydrated and still have stomach nausea, so pray for us daily.

What does a Christian home look like?

2008-05-06T15:12:00.002-05:00

A Christian Home is important. A Christian home can be a single-parent Christian home. It can be a home where Mom and Dad are both facilitating the growth and maturity of their children. The Christian home today has many challenges, however. The culture alone causes the homes of our country function unlike any home of 25 or 30 years ago. Every culture comes along with its new challenges. I'm sure that the homes of 25 or 30 years ago were like nothing the 1920’s and 1930’s families had ever seen.

The fact is, either our homes change our world, or the world changes our homes.

The wonderful news is there is always hope. The bad news is Satan never stops trying to do whatever he can to destroy the Christian Home. Then there are homes where the name of Christ is mentioned infrequently if at all. I remember an old saying that really does work. “A family that prays together stays together”. “A family that worships together is more likely to stay together.” “A family that reads the Bible stays together.” The homes of our city and county are worth more value than we see being placed on them.

One of the problems is that we parents today are either not getting our children trained or we are simply failing to step up to the plate and take responsibility for our roles as parents. I realize there are times children can become unruly even children from God fearing homes and you may want to pull your hair out but there is no quit in parenting. One tired mother opened the front door to her home to find a young minister from the neighborhood who said, “I’m collecting donations for the new children’s home we’re building. I hope you will give what you can.”. “To be sure “ said the beleaguered woman, “I’ll give you two boys, two girls or one of each”. While that may be a little humorous it is not far from the truth. Children every day are abandoned, abused and neglected.

I remember in college hearing a speaker make a statement I found hard to believe at the time. It was during the cold war and he said the communist had a motto, “Give me a child until he is one to five years of age and he will be a communist the rest of his or her life." If the communists can have that much effect on a child’s life, I know a Godly mom and dad and the power of the life-changing Christ can change the hearts of children to want to know Christ. I find it true more and more. The children that are in Sunday School, Church, Sunday night choir, Wednesday activities at the church are the ones who come earlier than others realizing they need to accept Christ as their Savior.

What does a Christian Home look like? One that honors God and loves him with all their heart, soul and spirit.

It's Been a While!

2008-04-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

It sure has been a while since we last spoke, or I blogged and you read my writings, “Oh you know what I mean”. It seems like forever ago. I sat down in my office at my computer and I have some time that I haven’t had in about six months. It really seems weird or different somehow because it feels like I’ve been on a trip and have just returned. It feels like I went to sleep and woke up and now I’m back in reality. It really feels strange. I love my daughter Melissa and our son in law Josh so much . They are the ones that must feel like they have been in a cave somewhere and all of a sudden walked out and here we are again. Savannah our granddaughter… what can I say about her? She is super fantastic in every way, what a blessing to have her in our lives. I just like to look at her and stare; watch her every movement and then just enjoy her affection to “Pap Paw.” She can have anything she wants!!! (Right now, anyway!)

When I wake up from this last six months I am thankful for my wonderful church family. No one has been as gracious as you have. Some of you have done nothing, you thought, but by just being there you have helped us cope. Some people don’t understand if they are not here on Sunday I actually do miss them . I physically look in every way I can to find out why they were not here. Sadly, when I look at pictures some people are not here any longer and that makes me hurt on the inside. They are loved, you are loved but maybe something has gotten in the way. It’s been a while but I will be checking and trying to locate out missing persons in our fellowship. Our teachers are and should be doing that, our Deacons are and should be doing that. Our staff is, and should be doing that. And I know I have to delegate but I miss some of our people and when you love your church it is difficult to see one missing. I know what is happening, someone says, “It’s been so long. My presence doesn’t matter”. It matters for my benefit and yours. You get blessed by the word and music and I get blessed by having the opportunity to minister to you and see you and hug you and let you know you are special. Just because you are you.

Wow! Time flies. The Scripture has it right: it moves fast James 4:14. I was talking with someone the other day and they said they would be 50 this year and I thought, “I’m 50 and will be 51 in July.” Wow! Now I know some of you don’t believe that because I don’t look it…..Careful, I can see and hear you in there. Yet I don’t feel 50 or 51 for that matter. I feel like I am about 40 or about to turn 40. So it must be true the new 50 is the old 40. I look in the mirror though and things change. I say to myself, “You’re 50”. I told Karen and you may have heard me say it, I want to totally enjoy the next 20 years until that age that everyone talks about even the Bible talks about: 70. I pray I get there if the Upper-Taker doesn’t come first but I hope I make it as far as God want s to use me for Him. I want to be found faithful until He says your time is up. Did you hear about the lady in a boat, the other day cruising on the water and all of a sudden a stingray jumped out of the water and hit her and killed her instantly upon the force of impact? That might happen one in a billion times. Yet it obviously was her time to leave this world.

Enjoy today! Let God’s promise of I will never leave you or forsake you be your fuel that keeps you going. He is faithful and He will be a faithful companion all the way til the “stingray” comes or whatever it is He is faithful. It is only that I know what I know that has sustained me through such great hours of pain, anger, disappointment, disillusionment, tears, why, and all the other. Life is very short. For our precious Victoria Leigh Wilhoit it was less than six months, who knows how long it will be for you or me or a special friend or a loved one or the next person you meet? I was driving down the road the other day and a man’s picture advertising his business is located on a bill board. Several days earlier I recognized him as the man on the billboard but this time hi picture was in the obituary. His picture is still up on the billboard but he isn’t here. I talk a good talk about this enjoying every moment and being happy but I must admit it is hard at times still. I haven’t arrived I guess is what I am saying. But I do know the answer and in fact my devotional thought I was reading this morning was exactly what I am dealing with. It talked about to find contentment is to find Intimacy with God. I can fight against trusting Him by self sufficiency, anger, fear or what ever it might be but the bottom line is we need intimacy with God and the more I love Him and the more I place my trust in Him the more I am able to heal.

It’s been a while, but hopefully I’m back to writing, sharing, and encouraging you (and me!) along the way. God Bless and have a great day!

The Real Hero's

2007-10-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

I was scanning through my favorite "Preachers" magazine the other day, simply entitled "Preaching". Like sports fanatics and "HGTV" nature lovers, we Pastor's have our favorite magazines suited just for us, to help keep us informed and on the cutting edge of new ideas etc.

On my journey through each page I discovered a unique central message that if not intentional, very subliminally came through loud and clear. There was the same general theme throughout. IN conference advertisements, Christian cruises, Gospel singing concerts, universities without fail, every announcement had the pictures of the speakers, the singers and the school presidents highlighted like Christian superstars. Every famous preacher you could imagine was highlighted.

I had never noticed it to the extreme and extent I noticed it this time through. I then "thot" about our own church newsletter and there too you will see the pictures of myself and our staff and my lovely wife is featured with me.

Let's be honest and clear. I really don't believe there is a selfish and prideful; motive in any of the advertisements. I know there is none on our part and our Church newsletter. In fact, it is difficult to get people to feel like their picture is worth a thousand words and agree to have it published. Usually, even my wife and I included, we are not happy at all with something in our picture whether it be our appearance or whatever the reason. You know, things like gray hair, a big nose or no hair at all, whatever it might be we usually hate to see ourselves pictured with all these flaws. But pictures help increase the likelihood a person wanting to purchase a book or attend a conference will do so if we put our pictures out there for all to see. "Look at me, I'm smiling, happy and successful, come to my conference and you can be too".

Once again, only each person knows their own hearts and motives, but i wonder how much is done out of pride and a desire to see ourselves in limelight. I sincerely said something to someone the other day that I mean with all my heart. Whether we have 30 or 700 people or 3000 people in our church , God help me to love people, preach the Word and don't quit. Never succomb to the flesh and remaindifferent in mind and body.

I remember seeing one speaker I won't mention, who is a dynamic and wonderful preacher. When he first came to the church I was Pastor of, over 20 years ago. He came for a generous love offering we would receive at each service . That's the problem wtih love offerings there is a little offering and alot of love. Every speaker and Pastor deserves to be compensated. Every waitress is worthy and deserves fairness when it comes to their tip. Every worker is worthy of his effort. But this same speaker today when I called and asked about his coming, he said" well you know things are different now and I can't come for less than 1500. I looked at his picture in the magazine. When I looked at his picture in the magazine I honestly prayed for him. That God would bless Him his ministry opportunities, his family and that he would bless all his other ministry opportunities , for his family . I pray for his family that he would be strong and holy and not ever succumb to temptation.

I remember hearing the story of a famous popular Revivalists hearing the story told of a famous preacher and revivalists . He had seen over 1000"s and he was a popular revivalists. He He had seen 1000's in his meeting He had seen 1000's in his meetings and hundreds saved at each . God truly had his hand an his life he was holy and climbing the denominational ladder.In my opinion he was succumbing to the temptation to not live holy in Christ Jesus.

I remember hearing the story told of a famous and popular Revivalists. He had seen thousands at his meetings . God truly had his hand upon him and one town he was holding a meeting and through out town there were billboards that said "so and so" is coming to town. The blessings seemed to be empty this week though, no one came forward . He was curious as to the reason, then he discovered large bill boards with his picture and announcing his arrival. There is your problem you have lifted up a man and not the Lord God.

Stand Up for Jesus

2007-10-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend at the Emmy Awards, so-called and self-proclaimed comedian Kathy Griffin, receiving a Emmy trophy, began to lambaste and take the opportunity in front of a national audience to say some disrespectful, degrading things about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let it be known at the outset here that Jesus doesn't need for me or anyone else to stand up for Him. He is perfectly capable of standing on His own but the reason I am firing back and outraged is because, were her comments changed to say anything about Mohammed, or Allah or Hinduism or Buddha. The reason why she didn't speak of any of them in particular is there would be a riot and cars would be set ablaze, people would be hurt or killed, death warrants sworn out for the perpetrator. But when it comes to Christianity it is an easy target because we preach Christ and Him crucified and resurrected and the only one who can forgive sin.

It should be pointed out Kathy Griffin is a former Catholic and from what I understand even some Catholics are not happy with her tirade. The fact of the matter she is not going to make one iota of difference in who Christ is, the truth of Christ for salvation or the reason we worship on Sunday. But I am a believer and if someone uses God's name in vain it offends me. If they use it around my wife or children I let them know I don't appreciate it. If someone uses language that should never had been allowed on television 25 years ago, then it is time to speak up. The time has come for the "redeemed of the Lord to say so". In our wonderful country she is allowed to say anything almost that she wants. I am allowed to refute her ranting as hate speech and disgusting just as much however.

She has referred to Jesus as dead so He would not do anything about her ranting anyway in past comments. She has referred to Christians believing in fairy tales, but so do children she says. The point of all this is that in some twisted way Kathy Griffin thinks this will revive or bolster her career.

Here is what Kathy Griffin said without the specific wording that is offensive and slang and something that we do not use in our everyday language at our house. Upon receiving the Emmy and holding it in her hand she said: "I guess hell froze over. A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know no one had less to do with this award than Jesus. So, all I can say is, s*** it Jesus. This award is my god now," she concluded. Earlier this year she described herself as a "complete militant atheist." In June she was quoted in a homosexual magazine as saying, "If you don't believe in God, even though you don't try to inflict your atheism on anyone, people get furious. And yet we have to listen to everybody's God this and Jesus that. I'm sorry it bothers you that I don't believe in God. I don't care what you believe in. Whatever."

To be quite honest in America she can say what ever she likes even if it were vulgar and rancid. I am more concerned for her soul than I am about making a point that I am offended. I am not sitting in a corner crying because someone has attacked the Lord. They have been doing that for thousands of years now. My point is had it been any other so called religion we would have had riots and bedlam in the streets.

The Kathy Griffins of this world will always be there. I am concerned with Christians carrying their Bible and living godly and not giving the unbelieving world an opportunity to see a double standard or double talk in the Christians life. We have for too long sat back and are taking it as it comes and thinking, "well I'm going to Heaven no need in getting so engrossed in all this". I am writing this article on Sunday morning and no doubt there will be Christians sitting at home this morning or working in the yard or just using Sunday the Lord's Day as their day. No wonder when the car doesn't leave the driveway the neighbors wonder whether we believe what we say we believe or not.

This is not going to change the fact that Jesus is the Lord and Savior and He is returning soon, real soon. But it does mean I am going to speak up, stand up and rise up when my Lord is attacked. God help me never to be like Peter at the betrayal, at the crucifixion and be silent and say that I don't even know the man.

Live to Be 100

2007-10-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

It is very rare that someone lives to be a 100 or more but there are a small percentage of our populace that have graced the century mark. I would hope that if God gave me the grace to live that long I would be able to fend for myself at least, that would be my prayer. The other side of the equation is no one is going to live life as we know it forever.

There is coming an end to this life and each person will live forever somewhere -- II Cor. 5:8. We work at living longer and longer. We take medicines and vitamins and exercise more and more to gain a few more days of life. I don't know about you but the thot of being with the Lord and not having the things of this world to bring us down is sounding better all the time. However, it is a thing only the Lord knows regarding our time to live and our time to die -- Hebrews 9:27.

An irate subscriber stormed into a newspaper office waving the current edition, asking to see "whomever wrote the obituary column." When referred to a young reporter, he yelled, "You can see I am very much alive, and you've put me in the obituary column. I demand a retraction."

Replied the reporter, "I never retract a story. But I tell you what I'll do. I'll put you in the birth column tomorrow and give you a fresh start."

The only fresh start that we as believers can ever hope to receive is the new life found in Jesus. Even then there are times in this world that we are drug down with so many encumbrances it is difficult to continue on at breakneck speed.

When a grandmother was in her late eighties she decided to move to Israel. As part of the preparations she went to see the doctor and he gave her a clean bill of health and all her charts. The doctor asked her how she was doing, so she gave him a litany of complaints, this hurts, that's stiff, I'm tired, slower, etc.. He responded, "Mrs. Siegel you have to expect things to start deteriorating. After all, who wants to live to be 100?" The grandmother looked him straight in the eye and replied, "Anyone who's 99."

Questions to Ponder

2007-10-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

It seems like forever since I have communicated a devotional thot with you and so I must ask you to forgive me for not doing so. It has been rather busy for several weeks in a row that I have put other things in front of my daily devotional thot. But come to thinking of it, none of you even emailed to say you missed it, so, if you did, you need to let me know and if you didn't, my email receipts will tell the story. Anyway, enough of that. I have been thinking about questions. Some people ask a lot of questions about life, about things that happen in a person's life and much more. Here are a few to consider:

* When an agnostic dies does he go to The Great Perhaps?

* Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called "rush hour"?

* Do you think David Copperfield has ever locked his keys in his car?

* Can atheists get insurance for acts of God?

* If a #2 pencil is the most popular why is it still #2?

* Isn't it strange that people who laugh at fortune tellers play the lottery?

* If Practice makes perfect, and nobody's perfect, why practice?

* Why is there always one in every crowd?

* If all the world is a stage, where does the audience sit?

* How do you know when it is time to tune bagpipes?

Just a few questions that make for deep thinking. Sort of the way the Bible says that people outside of faith in Christ think we are foolish. The word foolishness in the passage in Corinthians is the Greek word "moros" where we get our English word 'Moron". So the world thinks we are morons for believing and confessing Christ and believing all we do about the Bible and it's truths. But I have always wondered like the question I posed above, how do atheists claim acts of God and claim there is no God.

Have you ever wondered what will be placed on your head stone? Some of us have already made it clear to our families what we want to be placed there. Some are still thinking about it or don't want to think about it. It really doesn't matter but we all are going to face that fate one day. We are born, we live and we die. Unfortunately that is the facts as they really are. Reminds me of the woman who meant to call a record store, but dialed the wrong number and got a private residence instead. "Do you have "Eyes of Blue" and "A Love Supreme" the lady asked the person on the phone. "Well no," answered the puzzled homeowner. "But I have a wife and eleven children." "Is that a record?" she asked, all puzzled herself. "I don't think so," replied the man, "But it's as close as I want to get."

Some people will miss Heaven by 18 inches. From the Head to the Heart. Atheists can't believe in God because their head says no. Their heart probably says something different, but in most cases we will never really know.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2007-10-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

I am sure you are well aware by now that I enjoy watching college football. The rivalries and the atmosphere of cheering for your favorite college team is second to none. I have always loved any kind of football even the NFL but the outrageous salaries and the off field shenanigans has made it not what it used to be for me anyway. There are some "purists" still playing in the NFL but so many are attracted to the fame, attention and money. While College is still somewhat protected it is good to see young people disciplining themselves and preparing their bodies to out muscle out wit or out score their opponent ultimately to be the best they can be.

It is unique how so many people get so involved in a football game and forget some of their actions are questionable at times. Compare football, even college football to the excuses you hear why people don't come to church. For example:

· Every time you go they ask you for money.

· The people who sat near and around you weren't that friendly and you hardly knew them.

· The seats were too hard and not very comfortable.

· The coach never came by to speak to me.

· The referee made some decision I could not agree with.

· I was sitting with some hypocrites- they came only to see what others were wearing to the game.

· Some games went into overtime, and I was late getting home.

· The games are scheduled when I want to do other things.

· My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.

· Since I read this book on sports, I feel I could coach as good as those coaches we have.

· I don't want to take my children, because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.

· The parking was awful… I had to walk six blocks to the stadium.

· Nobody came up and introduced himself to me …very impersonal, and too loud.

· It's always too loud and people are always standing up and not letting me see the game.

· It's always too hot or too cold in the stadium.

Should I keep going or does that about say it all? What if we took on our church responsibilities as serious, the same way we attend and root for our favorite team, hobby or other activities we are involved in. I spoke to the Youth last night and challenged them to be sold out to Christ and live a dedicated, consecrated, all out Christ like life. We have lowered our standard of living to accommodate and go along and get along to get many times more numbers and I'm all about reaching more, but not at the cost of consecrated living.

Jesus didn't prick His finger and have blood drawn for our sins, He went all out because He loved us that much. What drives us to our consecrated living, "Love for Jesus."

Keeping Things Light-Hearted

2007-10-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

We live in a day when, if we knew all the facts, "stress" is probably the number one health threat to the American citizen. Proverbs tells us, "Laughter is like a medicine," that means it is good for you. I am the worlds worst at being lighthearted. I know I tell some great jokes when I am preaching , Ha Ha. But really I am a usually more serious minded person and always have been. I love it when people send me emails and humorous stories. I love reading Readers Digest humor sections although I let my subscription run out because that was all I seem to be reading. The fact is we don't laugh and we don't let ourselves laugh enough. We put at the top of our mind and prioritize all the negative, difficult, problematic things we deal with or worry about what we might have to deal with when life is dealing us new problems every day.

Now don't misunderstand me, I am in no way suggesting we "laugh off" our problems or situations we deal with. But if you had known me years ago you would have seen a worrier, a stone faced serious , seemingly unhappy , Pastor. I internalized things much worse than I even do still yet today. You know what that is called, not believing and following Proverbs 3:5-6. It says some positive things to do to keep a sweet and congenial spirit at all times.

Trust in God- Hey, my problems are His problems as my Father.
Trust whole heartedly- Don't try and fake trusting because everyone knows when we are faking a smile or whatever.
Don't prop yourself up with your own reasoning- I think I have a wealth of experience to give and I do, but I also have a bunch of baggage that if left unclaimed will drag me down. Leave your baggage with the Lord.
My understanding- My understanding is based on my limited knowledge, experience and leaves out the supernatural; act of almighty God. Someone was doing a heroic, great thing the other day, and they will be doing it for a long time to come. Without any complaining whatsoever. God saw their need and sent someone to help carry their load. I was able to just sit back and watch God do something just because He through the Holy Spirit used someone else that He talked to, to bless a faithful servant. Don't get me started because I could start preaching now.
In All- well, I am so thankful God put this in the Bible, there is nothing too big for God if He said "all". Had He said take your needs for today or take your physical problems to me every night and I will see what I can do then we could not have so much hope but God said the faithful, obedient, trusting servant and child of His has to give him all things to handle for us.
Ways- I have a bunch of things that sometimes I don't think I need to bother God with and if my children did that it would make me mad and frustrated that they didn't come to me with a need. I wonder what God is saying when we categorize what we take to Him and what we think we can handle ourselves. We need rain desperately, when you come to church on Sunday get ready because we are going to cry out to God for rain, make sure you bring your umbrella.
Acknowledge- "yada" in the Hebrew and it means assuredly acknowledge God.
Him- not our abilities or our gifts but acknowledge Him. It is time we as God's church start not just be spectators but start actively engaging the Word of God and making it a apart of all that we do and are.
Direct our paths- We have done some camping over the years and done some hiking on trails. We got lost or turned around once and it sure would have been nice to have God say turn here, take a left here and stop here and go right. When spiritually He is wanting to do that very thing for us each day of our lives.

Laugh and think of something that brings a smile to your face. Want one of my jokes? Okay, I'm glad you asked. I received this one this week form a member. A father and son were shopping and doing their best to get everything on the list that obviously the wife and Mom had given them to pick up. They were in the frozen food section when someone overheard the Dad say to the son, "You know, if we really mess this up, We'll never have to do this again". Have a great day.

Junk E-Mail

2007-10-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

I am sure that if you have a computer you receive some mail we all call "Junk E-mail". It is everything from offers to get free money, to have your horoscope read to government grants with no strings attached. There is so much to offer you on "junk email' that every single need we have could be solved by answering all these emails. But that is really not true. There is only one source that makes sure the Christian has all of his needs met and that is our Heavenly Father. You name it and He will provide.

Of course all of us have what we call needs that are really wants and when our so called needs are not met we think God is not listening or doesn't care when He certainly knows what is best for His children. I usually take a glimpse at emails and <Delete> 99 % of them right on the spot. The computer and internet is a wonderful invention and one that our work and workday most likely depends on to be effective in this modern world of science and new inventions. My fear is at times that I might not have the necessary equipment or the updated version or the tools necessary to be effective.

The junk mail and computer and internet has also become a stumbling block to many people and many believers looking at things they should not be involved in. It is happening all to often if it happens one time to church leaders and pastors. The internet filth is not limited to any area or group or part of the country. It is everywhere and it can come at you from every angle. You can innocently search for a sight on the internet and be shocked to discover it is a sight altogether different and has an evil twist to it.

In one church I was the pastor of a dear wife and mother that had begged her husband to stop looking at video pornography and computer sights that were not godly. He was ensnared like a drug addict is snared by cocaine. One day I took a Deacon with me and we visited the young man who by the way had two beautiful small boys. They were just toddlers. We went in the home and guess where we found the man, on the computer in the living room. His wife had made him move it out into the living room for accountability sake. I had arranged our visit with his wife but he did not know we were coming. His wife said she had found video tapes he hid all around the house. I prayed and sought the Lord as to how and jolt this man into reality that his family was being torn apart by this filth. I had seen this happen all to often in the many years of being a Pastor and saw it growing up and it tore my parents apart.

I asked him why he was doing this. He denied he was doing any such thing. That he had gotten rid of all the tapes. I had his wife bring us one she had recently found just that morning. "Let's put it in and watch it. My Deacon friend and I are here and if you think this is good enough for you then let us watch it with you." He was shocked. "Oh, please don't Pastor, Please don't" I put the tape in and played about 45 "seconds" of the lewdness and crudeness he had been feeding on. It took 30 plus days to get those images out of my mind. Just think what a daily diet of this corruptness was doing to him. Sadly, he divorced his wife and moved in with another man who left his wife for an adulterous relationship.

Be careful and abstain from the very appearance of evil my friend. The trap is set and we are to run from the temptation, the Bible states.

What Matters Most of All

2007-10-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

I have been amazed and excited about our church for some time now. I am amazed that we have seen a growth of some 400 people over the course of the last three years. I have been even more amazed at the offering growth almost twice what it was three years ago. Without harping or ranting and raving about attendance or giving people have seen, I hope the pure motives within the church and the staff that we have assimilated to the point we understand we all have one commission and one calling to enlarge the Kingdom of God. When I think of 400 plus people coming over the past four years it is simply a God thing. It really boils down to how much we care. Do we care enough or could we care even more and no telling what might God entrust us with?

For example, on a routine visit to a busy Bellevue Hospital. A charity case if you will. A drunken homeless man had slit his throat and died. Then came the visit to the morgue by the Pastor. The derelicts name was misspelled on the hospital form, But then what good is a name when the guy' s a bum. The age was also incorrect. He was 38 not 39 and looked twice that. Somebody might have remarked, "What a shame for one so young," but no one did. Because no one cared.

The details of what had happened in the predawn of that chilly winter morning in New York were fuzzy. The nurse probably shrugged it off. They had seen thousands and were sure to thousands more.

His health was gone and he was starving. He had been found lying in a heap, bleeding from a deep gash in his throat. His forehead was badly bruised and he was semiconscious. A doctor used black sewing thread to suture the wound. Then the man was dumped in a paddy wagon and dropped off at Bellevue Hospital where he languished and died. But nobody really cared.
A friend seeking him was directed to the local morgue. There among dozens of other nameless corpses he was identified. When they scraped together his belongings, they found a ragged, dirty coat with .38 cents in the pockets and a scrap of paper in the other. All his earthly goods. Enough coins for another night in the clubs and five words, "Dear friends and gentle hearts." Almost like the words of a song, some one may have thought.

Which would have been correct, for once years ago this man had written the songs literally made the whole world sing. Songs like, "Camptown Races", "Oh Susanna", "Beautiful Dreamer", " Jeanie with the light brown hair," "Old folks at Home," "My Old Kentucky Home," and two hundred more that have become deeply rooted in our rich American heritage. Thanks to Stephen Collins Foster. The question is do we care enough to show hospitality to strangers. I said it yesterday and I'll say it again, "The world does not care how much we know until they know how much we care."

Changing the Culture

2007-10-10T09:10:00.000-05:00

I was watching Larry King Live on CNN the other evening and heard Bill Maher talk of his beliefs and total disregard for religion, as he called it. He went on to talk about a documentary that will be coming out next Easter dispelling the so called truth of Religion. The documentary traveled to all the religious hot spots, Vatican city, Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock where Mohammed is purported to have flown off into Heaven. I am sure he covered Baptists and Bible believers because he went on to speak how no one can know where they are going or what will happen after they die. He looked at Larry King and said, "I don't know what happens when I die and no one else does either."

This used to be a non issue. Yes, there have been people who have always questioned the truth of the Bible and the existence of God but there is a platform now like never before. There is the internet, television, radio, talk shows, pundits and skeptics and lifestyle groups who are determined to not let anyone challenge their right to do and think and challenge even our right to disagree with them by making Christians appear foolish and ignorant. They have the monetary resources to get their message out. Believers have the proof of lives changed.

There need not be fear in the camp because someone dares to call our faith a hoax and our belief false and phony. The greatest defense for our Faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world is changed lives. Perhaps that is why the culture is shouting so loud to be heard is because there is not enough change agents in the world. Are we making a difference or are we simply maintaining our position and not reproducing our selves in others as the Great Commission states we should be doing. We are too weak in our fervency to stand for our faith. Leon Walters said, "Lord, give the determination and the tenacity of a weed".

My prayer: "God give us faithful, bold and conscientious believers who not only have eternal life but know how to live their lives so that others will want what they have because it is so life changing, they are drawn to Christ". We need plumbers, engineers, construction workers, business men and women, doctors, lawyers, Pastors, dentist, truck drivers, stay at home moms, computer scientists, factory workers and grocery store workers who are committed to sharing their faith to change the world.

Remember this as you face this week and all of its challenges, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Cool in the Desert

2007-10-10T05:38:00.001-05:00

Boy, has it been hot lately.

Now if you know me then you know I enjoy the warm weather but do not like the cold weather. Each person has his or her favorites. Of course we all would love it to be spring or fall year round but that is not likely to happen. There has also been a lot of talk about Global warming and that we are entering a critical phase and it is in our hands to control. While it may be true we are depleting our air and oxygen supplies with gas fumes, I am not personally convinced we are about to see the earth go into oblivion just yet. I understand however that just as much as anything else in the Bible we should take care of and keep it the best we can, this creation God has blessed us with.

Sometimes we are like the two guys who meet in the middle of the desert. One was carrying a car door, and the other an umbrella. The one with the car door said to the guy with the umbrella, "Why are you carrying that umbrella around, it isn't going to rain in the desert?" To which the guy with the umbrella replies, "Yeah", but it keeps me out of the sun! By the way, why are you carrying around that car door, you don't even have a car to go with it". The guy with the car door days, "Yeah, well at least if I get too hot from the sun I can just roll down the window!"

Anger is a deadly character trait.
Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Fret not in any way to do evil.
Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.
Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.
James says be swift to hear and slow to be angry.

Keeping our cool is not always easy. For some of us the nagging thing that we have to continually work on just like everyone who lives has something to deal with is the anger bug. Anger is something we most likely all fight or have fought at times. Of course Jesus and His Temple experience where He turns over the tables and the money changers is used by many to say, "see even Jesus got angry". Jesus spoke probably pretty loudly when He said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer but you have made it a den of thieves." Mark 11:17 I preach and I get loud most of the time but it doesn't mean I'm mad or angry, it means I am passionate about what I am saying. You can be passionate about something without being sinfully angry.

Be Cool. There will probably come sometime this week you will wish and pray someone would be patient with you. When cool heads prevail much can be thought through and problems solved. I know of a church where a business meeting became unlike anything that would please the Lord. A man stood up and the veins in his neck were pulsating and he fell over after his tirade and was later pronounced dead. Anger is not something to be played around with. You and I both want kindness and courtesy then give it and you will get it.

Is Contentment Really that Difficult?

2007-10-10T05:36:00.000-05:00

Is it really so difficult to be content and happy with things and people and just get along with others? That is a rhetorical question, but a real one nonetheless. I mean think about it. I have come to learn that I really make things so difficult for myself because I expect things to be different than they are. I expect people to act differently than they do. I expect everything to run smoothly and it doesn't. Then there is another way of thinking about contentment that some people have, which is just be satisfied with what you have. While that is a part of the big picture it still doesn't explain the whole scene.

When we think of being creative our intuitive juices start flowing to come up with the newest and the best and reach someone no one else has ever captivated before. When it comes to being confident we can strut with the best of them because after all we are somebody too. When it comes to being competent we are the best at what we do because we work hard to make sure of it. But this other "C" word called Contentment, now that is a different story. Let's list some things that mean we aren't content rather than the things we should do to be content. Here we go:

The work day is going to happen every day just like it has for the last several years so just let it happen
School starts at 7:45 am and there is no stopping it so don't gripe that it is too early, everyone has to do it
There will be until the day you leave this world be someone who doesn't like you (Don't hate them for it or you will be as bad as them, just realize I am going to do to others as I would like to have them do to me)
There will always be the "X" factor that challenges our contentment, everyday in many ways
Contentment that is really contentment always includes the Lord in our plans
Contentment is being satisfied you did a great job if you get a large tip or a small one
Content that you are pleasing yourself, your family, your Lord
If we lash out, we aren't content
If we curse the day or the pitfalls of life, we aren't content
Contentment is not becoming passive
Contentment doesn't mean we are door mats for others to abuse

We recently told you in church of a friend of ours who has all the "toys" and the means to enjoy them. We also told you that what makes our friend different is if he didn't have all those things he would still be humble because he is humble and he has those things. He gives more away than I could ever hope to think about giving. He is a down to earth kind of guy who loves Jesus and his family and his friends. Nothing seems to shatter his approach to each day.

Paul chose an interesting phrase in Philippians 4:11 ".I have learned." what it means to be content. Contentment is a process. For some it takes longer than others. If you want to be content, be a fast learner because Contentment is where there is Joy.

The Cause of Pain

2007-10-10T05:31:00.000-05:00

Pain is not fun at all. When something hurts in our body and it is a severe pain especially it makes us miserable from top to bottom. It seems we can't do anything without the pain influencing what we do and how we do it. The other thing about pain is it is noticeable no matter how hard you try and fake it. People can tell.

A little girl went up to her mother one day while holding her stomach saying, "Mommy, my stomach hurts." Her mother replied, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something inside it!" She then prepared a bowl of soup.

Later that day when the Pastor and his wife were over for dinner. The pastor began to feel bad. Holding his head he said," I have such a terrible headache!" The little girl looked up at him , giving him the sweetest smile that any little child could give. Then she said, "That's because it's empty, you have to put something inside it!" Careful, I heard those laughs out there. What a cute story about how pain hurts.

Not only does Pain Hurt. But Pain helps. Last week we celebrated the Lord's Supper at our church on a Sunday morning. What a wonderful service it was because we had a drama to go along with it entitled the "Living Lord's Supper". It brought to life the night Jesus broke bread with His disciples and told them a traitor was among them and of His impending death as their leader. Inthis situation Pain helps. Were it not for the Pain and the suffering of Christ on the Cross we would be utterly hopeless. Our destiny would be sure and it certainly would not be with the Lord.

Pain can also not only help but Pain can also help and it can also bring Hope. Because Jesus suffered on the cross you and I do not have to. I don't believe we fully grasp the fact that unless we go out into the highways and byways and compel them to come in we are not giving or spreading Hope to the Hopeless. The Lord never one time said, " Let them come to you." Just create this Holy Huddle and they will come.

In fact that is the exact opposite of what He instructed us to do. He instructs us to be on the offensive and reach out to those who come in our path with the Gospel of the good news of Christ. Pain binges hurts, pain helps, and pain brings hope. Pain also can honor God.

Over and over again the scripture is replete with those who have suffered for the name of Christ and time after time they honor God with a testimony to HIS faithfulness. God loved us enough He sent His best. Not a substitute so the real thing would not get hurt or suffer pain or be dishonored but Christ was in pain so we might be pain-less. He bore our sins on the Cross. "Oh, what a Savior".