Movement

God is doing some great things through the lives of HIS faithful followers! This past Sunday we began a new series - "It Could Happen!" This series is taken from the texts of 1 Peter - we are taking looking at 'HOPE'. Many have come and gone, trying to put and end to Christianity - yet none have been sucessful. I hear of statistics today about a church that is dying. While the world grows in population, the church remains the same size! There is a huge area of concern here, however, we must remember that God is still in control and HIS Bride - the Church is still moving. Sometimes the movement isn't as visible as we would like it. Sometimes the movement isn't the in a certain way we would like it, either. But you need to know...it IS moving. Just this first weekend out of 1 Peter we had the priviledge of watching God work through the service in at least one life. (At least that's all we got to see and hear about!) HIS Spirit is at work among us. This leads us to a question that must be asked: Is God moving in me? If the answer is "No", then why not!? God IS moving - don't you want to be a part of that type of movement? I do! May HE move and have HIS way in our lives as we move (grow) together! God's Blessings you all!

Resurrection Sunday

I have been thinking a lot about Simon of Cyrene and his encounter with Jesus. Mostly because that is what I am preaching on this Easter, but also in part because this encounter just strikes me to the core of my being. There are only a few verses that even mention Simon and his part in the crucifixion story. Here is what I notice...He was 'passing by'...he wasn't a guy who came to watch the freak show, but just happen to be at this place at this particular time. I wonder, did God place him there that day. Then I begin to wonder more...how often am I 'passing by' when God has placed me at a certain place at a particular time for HIS ministry work on earth. In those moments, have I just 'passed by' or have I made the most of those opportunities for HIS glory. Just a thought.

Mark's Gospel is the only gospel to add to this retelling that this Simon had two sons who most likely were men who came to the faith...quite possible because of their father leading them down that road to the cross as he relived it (I think) every day for the rest of his life. Obviously, Simon was changed because of Jesus and HIS life that was 'poured out' for us. Has it changed my life in such a way that the rest of my life I relive it, to live for it! Just a thought.

Spiritual Growth

Our Wednesday Night Class just started a series - "First Steps for New Beleivers." I felt like it was a wonderful topic and discussion; so I walked away very excited about my own personal growth spiritually. It seems to me that so many of us struggle with the correct attitude we need for our spiritual growth to take place properly. I grew up knowing I need to be a man of prayer and a man in God's Word. But so often I found myself 'dutifully' being obedient in my pursiut. Now don't get me wrong - we NEED obedience as fully devoted followers. However, what often doesn't take place is the transition from duty to love (which was my topic of my sermon 'Love's greatest acts - pt. 1)! I think we also tend to struggle with equating physical growth with spiritual. (I.e. ...since I am 45 years old - I am a greater follower than a 28 year old follower!)

We ended our lesson with John 15:7-8 - "I am the vine you are the branches..." We must remain in Christ, allow HIS Word to remain in us and bear fruit so we can reveal HIM in our life(bring HIM glory!) Our growth depends on us - God will always do HIS part - Colossians 1:6 - HE began it (good work) and will continue it to completion!

Empowered!!!

I just spent the last week (Feb 25-27) at Ozark Christian College for the Preaching and Teaching Conference. I heard some great preaching and I came back refreshed. I am excited about what God is doing through many friends and co-laborers for the Kingdom. I have to say my favorite class was a 3 part series on sermon preparation. It was taught by a Chuck Sackett. The whole theme was " 'Empowered...'standing inthe strength of God".

As for Sunday (Mar 2), we had an incredible service. We looked at the widows offering. I talked about 'duty' verses 'love'. How often do we spend time 'doing' because of 'duty' instead of 'living' out of 'love'? Jesus gave us so much to learn from HIS Word - if only we would take time to hear and obey and live! I am excited about what God is doing in ministries around the world. I am thankful that HE has allowed me to be used by HIM for HIS glory!

A "Mountain Top" experience

I have returned from a great weekend! I went to Prescott, Arizona to speak at a High School week of camp at UCYC (United Christian Youth Camp) The theme was on Identity Theft. I was refreshed. There was incredible worship led by the band "DSM" (Do Something Meaningful) You can check out their site at http://www.dsmband.com/ They are very humble guys who serve because of their obvious love of the Master. I meet a lot of teens who were very cool and in love with a Mighty God! The weather was great - 30's in a.m. and 50's in p.m. We really focused on who we are in Christ. The weekend started off with everyone tracing their bodies on butcher paper and then writing on it who they. The stories and words I read brought tears to my eyes. There is a lot of hurt in this world, but God is a healer! Praise God for that. The truth is that we as the church need to be sharing the hope and love - the world is desperately crying for it - though it does not see it's own true needs! God Bless your efforts - never give up!

The Early Church Faith

My 2008 Scripture reading goal is to read the Bible from the Message translation. I have only read the Bible cover to cover in the New International Version. I use different versions to check and read up on but never from cover to cover. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Currently, I am reading the Book of Acts. Everytime I read it - I am amazed at the faith of those written about. I desire that strong, bold faith. I know that what keeps me from type of faith isn't the church, or the Holy Spirit's lack of power (there is no lack!), but the problem all lies within me. Boy I hate even typing that - let alone thinking about it. I must trust whole-heartedly that HIS Power (Holy Spirit's) lives in me. It is not just in me, but it is available to me in every moment of my day.
My favorite time of the day is the mornings at my home while I have a cup (or two) of coffee and spend time enjoying the pages of the great adventures of men and women of God. At this point in my reading - I am really blown away by Ananias' obedience (Ananias from Acts 9, not Acts 5!) It was to him a matter of physical life and death. He went inspite of the risks to obey the Father! Then very quickly in the same chapter (9), we see Barnabas going to bat for Paul and trying to get the other disciples (and Apostles) to accept Paul as a forgiven, changed-by-the-Holy Spirit man.
Can you imagine what our churches could accomplish if we were like Barnabas and Ananias? Can you imagine how welcome other sinners would feel in our churches? I believe this is a call for us all to live the gospel out - the full message of the gospel! I invite you, no I dare you to be a part of this type of adventure! Strong, bold faith living!

Identity in Christ

I know that this is the same day as the other post - don't think that I will get into a habit of this! I just wanted to state that this Thursday (Valentine's Day) I will be flying out to Chandler, Arizona. I will be speaking at a camp for High Schoolers. Their theme this year is "Identity Theft" I am really excited about the opportunity to preach. I want to make myself available to HIM always and serve HIM wherever HE sends. I will be talking a lot about 1. Satan and how he tries to steal Christ Jesus and HIS free grace away from the world. 2. How Satan tries to steal my identity away from me. 3. Who I am in Christ 4. How I fight in the battle against identity theft. Scripture tells us (John 10:10) that the "theif comes to steal, kill and destroy". His sole aim is to destroy the image of God in you and I. Let's make sure that we don't give in but stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ - who is the only way to freedom and salvation!

Pray for me!!!