No Static

"In Christianity God is not a static thing...but a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama. Almost, if you will not think me irreverent, a kind of dance." - C.S. Lewis

Thrive On Three

A friend of mine, Greg English, and I be believe that if you will Celebrate God (worship God regularly as an individual and with a group of people), Connect with Others (be in regular contact and community with other followers of Christ in a local church who encourage you to live for Jesus) and Contribute to Ministry (give financially, lead or serve in a ministry, share Jesus with others and invite them to become a follower of the Way and then help them grow in their walk with God) you will experience a more full and meaningful life. You can Thrive.

He and I have been serving Christ for a combined 45 years. After a great deal of reading Scripture, books about spiritual growth, observing people, interviewing followers of Jesus Christ, discussion between he and I, and a field test we concluded that if people who accept Jesus Christ and begin to follow Him will practice the Three they can and will have a meaningful relationship with God and others. Thrive On Three is about walking with God and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Start thriving. Begin Celebrating God, Connecting with Others and Contributing to Ministry.

God On The Go Through Philip

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. Acts 8:26-40

I Dare You To Move

Go There

When God places something on your heart that will honor Him and bless others go there. How To go there: Prayer, planning, preparing, waiting, moving, learning, counselors, friends, overcoming hurdles, personal growth, morphing, overcoming your fears and simply going there. No wonder people stay where they currently are. If God has placed something on your heart that will honor Him and bless others go there.

Is Death The End?

Clock Or Compass?

Article: Life By The Clock or Compass?

Live!

May you live all the days of your life. - Jonathan Swift

A Poem I Will Often Read At Funerals For Follwer's Of The Way

What must it be like to step on shore and find it - heaven;
To take hold of a hand find it - God's;
To breath a new air and find it - celestial;
To feel invigorated and find it - immortality;
To rise from the care, the loneliness and turmoil of earth into one unbroken calm;
to wake up and find it - GLORY.

1st Quarter Is Almost Over

The year 2011 marches (pun intended) on as we spring into Spring. The first quarter of the year is coming to and end and it is time to step on the scale and weigh in on the progress you wanted to make in your personal growth for the year 2011. Taking a very brief walk down memory lane this week and seeking to remember what good and God things you wanted to happen in your life will be very beneficial to you and others in your life. Push the pause button and allow your self a brief time of evaluation. What did you want to see happen in your life? What improvements did you want to make in your life? What books have you read? What Scripture have you memorized? Do you need to stoke the fire? Are you moving towards some of your New Year Resolutions? Have you forgotten your New Year Resolutions? These are just a few questions to help you begin thinking about the 1st quarter evaluation which can spring you into the 2nd quarter of 2011 with new "pep in your step". So step on the scale, weigh in and move forward with a renewed zeal and prayer for strength.

Moses Parts His Hair

A Glimpse

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

What Are You Screaming?

I saw a Cardinal earlier this week that was red as red could be. He was screaming, "I am a creature of God." What are you screaming?

Burn For You - Steve Fee

Good Communicators

Good Communicators

Great blog about being a good communicator. James White is a very good leader and communicator. His blog is worth looking at weekly.

You Don't Have To Hide - Joy Williams

You Don't Have To Hide, Joy Williams

Give it a listen.

Fears And Doubts

Some say if only my fears and doubts will leave then I will go to work. But instead you should get to work and then your fears and doubts will leave. D. L. Moody

Walk Towards God

My Thoughts About Lent

Wiki About Lent

Ash Wednesday, Madigras, Lent, Holy Week, and the Passion of Christ are in the news and on some people's mind these days. Over the past five years or so I have had some good and interesting conversations and discussions with friends, family members, colleagues and church members about Lent. I have even been asked if I participate and others have shared with me how they plan to participate.

So I must say, I think lent is a little ridiculous. Actually, I think it is absolutely preposterous. Yes, I am aware that this is "out there" for some and may cause your heart to stir and may even lead you to become a little bothered. Good. Now that the blood is pumping and the mind is stirred please read on.

This Blog is about hope so I must explain myself a bit. It seems Lent was started with good intent and yet "the drift factor" has occurred. Lent seems to have been a time for people to draw near to God and dwell on God and His love, sacrifice and power as Easter Sunday approached. The conversations and discussions I have been involved in are about giving up Coke, electronic devices, chocolate or even a fav TV program or other trite aspects of life during the 40 days of Lent. "The drift" factor has definitely taken place and therefore I do not care for Lent. Well, I guess I do like Lent if we as followers of the Way would seek to live it daily. Not the practice of giving up Coke, electronic devices, a TV show or even a favorite candy bar, but Lent in the sense that we draw near to God, dwell on and seek to walk in God's love, sacrifice, grace, holiness, and power on a daily basis as we follow Jesus Christ. Lent is a seasonal practice for many Christians yet it needs to be a daily expression for all followers of Jesus Christ. I do know a handful of followers who practice Lent in its full intent during the season, but I also know that they practice Lent in it's intent all of the time. So they are Lented followers (in it's full intent) all of the time. I mean they fast, pray, give, serve, read Scripture, love people, struggle with God, love God, converse with God, are Kingdom oriented and seek to live in Christ 23.5/6.3 (No one is perfect).

So I say, "forget Lent, the season." Enjoy your Coke, enjoy your candy bar, enjoy the TV show, use the electronic device in Christ. "In Christ", if not in Christ then move away from these things. I mean, I like my Dr Pepper, but if I drink the Dr. as much as I would like to there would be so much more of me (weight) than there should be. Catch the meaning. It's not just about health by the way, it's about "In Christ" which is "For Christ" which is "About Christ" which is "Of Christ". The early Church had a mantra long before Lent came along, "Jesus Christ is Lord." They got Lent without Lent, because they walked in the power of God and gave themselves fully to God.

So let's get the lint out of our pockets, purses, pillow cases, dryer vents and socks and get the Lent out of our lives so the Christ of Lent, the Christ of hope can increase in our lives and we can then experience His power in and through us which will bring others to Him. After all, Lent is about focusing on God and when we really do that others will be drawn to Him.

Galatians 2:20 NLT

Hosea 6:6 - The Living Bible

I (God) don't want your sacrifices - I want your love; I don't want your offerings, -I want you to know me .

There Will Be A Day - Jeremy Camp

The Ress and Early Christianity

The only possible reason why early Christianity began and took the shape that it did is that the tomb really was empty and that people really did meet Jesus, alive again.

N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God

Good News

The Good News of John, Chapter 20

Hope - Christ Was Raised

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
I Corinthians 15:17 The Apostle Paul

The Symbol For Christianity

Missional Church - Timothy Keller

What Is Bigger Than Your Fears?

To The Ends Of The Earth

To The Ends Of The Earth from Drew Cline on Vimeo.

Your Life Matters

Your life matters
You were created as one of a kind
The mold was broken after you were born
Your life matters

There’s no one else like you
There’s no one else meant to do the things that you were meant to do
Your life matters

You were brought into this world for a purpose
You were brought into this world to touch someone’s life
You were brought into this world to share your special gift
Your life matters

To find your purpose you must search
You must try new things
You must not give up
Because your life matters

You must have faith, as faith will guide you
You must trust, trust God to help you find your purpose
Because your life matters

No purpose is too big or too small
Because your purpose is needed
Because your life matters

Without you someone will be hurt
Without you someone will be sad
Without you someone will fall
Without you a life will not be touched
Your life matters

So put on that smile
Strap on your armor of strength
Get your shield of faith
And go find your purpose
Because your life matters

By Andrea Williams

In Memory Of Aunt Billye

I received word this past Monday morning that a dear relative passed away earlier that same morning. I remember Aunt Billye as a strong, fun, lively, gracious lady. She was kind, considerate, smart and had a "git ur dun" mindset. She and Uncle Tommy were fun people to be around and many family members enjoyed staying in their home for holidays we celebrated together. I especially remember her Red Velvet cake. I can taste it now. I mean, super"D"delicious, melt in your mouth Red Velvet cake. As I look back I am surprised that we did not have family feuds over slices of the cake. I guess miracles really do happen, and who knows Jesus Christ Himself may be enjoying a slice in Heaven as I write. I thank God for Aunt Billye, Uncle Tommy and their family. May Aunt Billye rejoice in Heaven and may her loved ones experience the peace and comfort of God.

A Beautiful Obituary

Billye Joy Nethery Landers, 82, went home to her Lord and Savior Monday, February 28, 2011.
Billye was born October 14, 1928 to Gladys and Emmitt Nethery in Maybelle, TX. She graduated from Vernon High School in Vernon, TX. She met and married the love of her life, Paul Thomas "Tom" Landers July 9, 1947 in Abilene, TX. They moved to Clyde, TX in 1968. She was a devout Christian and long time member of the Elmdale Baptist Church and subsequently the First Baptist Church in Clyde.
Billye was a homemaker until her two girls were grown and then she was a rural route postal carrier in Clyde for many years. She was a charter member of the Ladies Friendship Sunday school class at First Baptist Church at Clyde. She was a steadfast and faithful volunteer at the Clyde Public Library for many years.
She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her life was a fulfillment of Titus 2 and Proverbs 31. She was a true example to the younger women in her life whether they were her own daughters, granddaughters, great-daughters or just women in her life. She was truly a faithful servant to her husband. She" spoke with wisdom and faithful instruction was on her tongue" Proverbs 31:26.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Emmitt Nethery and brother, Eldon Nethery.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Paul Thomas "Tom "Landers, daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and Randy Chlouber, daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Barry Johnson; three grandchildren, Jennifer Boles and husband James, Michael Chapman and wife Jamie and Jeff Chlouber; and eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Caitlynn, Logan and Quentin Boles, Mica, Miette, Ellie Chlouber and Abigail Joy Chapman; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Tommy "Oily" Henderson, bother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Annette Frazier as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive visitors Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:30 PM at Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde, TX. Billye's life will be celebrated Thursday at 2:00PM at the First Baptist Church in Clyde with a graveside service to follow.

The Symbol Of Christianity

Worship Through the Scriptures

The scripture references are there for informational purposes only. Do not read them. All scripture taken from the NIV Bible. Included at the bottom of this page is a link for a PowerPoint presentation of these verses. The idea is to project them on the screen as the verses are being read. Also included are the image files for use in MediaShout or other worship software.

One: ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (1 Chronicles 16:29)

Two: You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Nehemiah 9:6)

One: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:2)

Two: Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; (Psalm 95:6)

One: Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. (Psalm 96:9)

Two: Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. (Psalm 99:5)

One: Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 99:9)

Two: Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)

One: The Lord will be awesome to them the nations on every shore will worship him, every one in its own land. (Zephaniah 2:11)

Two: Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:23)

One: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Two: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, (Hebrews 12:28)

One: Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

Two: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8)

Both: Come! Let us worship the Lord!

Taken from www.nailscars.com

This Is The Message Of Hope In Christianity

Redeemed - How I Love To Proclaim It!

1. Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

Chorus:
Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

2. Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

3. I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

4. I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Where Were You

"Where were you Lord
When my heart was breaking in two?"
"I was there", the Lord said,
"Holding it together for you."

"Where were you Lord
When fear showed its face to me?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Protecting you from its grasp and keeping you free."

"Where were you Lord
When circumstances turned my joy to pain?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Those were my tears you felt, not tiny drops of rain."

"Where were you Lord
When my eyes were blinded and I could not see?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Guiding you where you needed to be."

"Where were you Lord
When I thought for me death would be best?"
"I was there," the Lord said
"Giving you purpose. Giving you rest."

"Where were you Lord
When storms of life encircled me?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Surrounding you with my arms and holding you next to me."

"Where were you Lord
When confusion came and I didn’t know what to do?"
"I was there," the Lord said
"I placed peace inside of you."

"Where were you Lord
When around me my enemies did swarm?"
"I was there," the Lord said,
"Protecting you from harm."

"Where were you, my child
When I called out your name?"
"I was busy and didn’t hear you Lord,
I’m sorry and ashamed."

"Your repentance has been heard,
I forgive you," said the Lord.
"It is the heart inside I see.
When your in need just call on me."

" I’LL BE THERE," said the LORD.

Good Stuff

The Symbol For Christianity

Matthew 8:23-27

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

The Essence Of The Church

"The essence of the church is relationships forged around the risen Christ for the purpose of spreading the good news." Under The Radar, Easum and Tenny-Brittian