Three

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 NLT

Matthew 5:1-11

1SEEING THE crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him.
2Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
4Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!
5Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!
6Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!
7Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!
8Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!
9Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
10Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
11Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.

New Series Begins This Weekend

Life's Healing Choices:
Freedom From Your Hurts, Hang-Ups, and Habits
10-4 Admitting Need - The Reality Choice
10-18 Getting Help - The Hope Choice
10-25 Letting Go - The Commitment Choice
11-1 Coming Clean - The House Cleaning Choice
11-8 Making Changes - The Transformation Choice
11-15 Repairing Relationships - The Relationship Choice
11-22 Maintaining Momentum - The Growth Choice
11-29 Recycling Pain - The Sharing Choice

Living a happy and healthy life is a choice. A choice that you can make. Regardless of what you are struggling with - whether it's emotional, financial, relational, spiritual, or some addiction that hurts you and others - the principles that lead to a happy and healthy life are the same, and the choices are yours to make. During this series we will discover Biblical truths that lead to healing, health and happiness.

A Day Of Revival - Courtland Baptist Church

I had a great time Sunday, 10-4-09, with a fun and joyful church. Courtland Baptist Church in Courtland, VA allowed me the opportunity to worship and learn about leadership with them on a beautiful fall day. We had a God time.

The morning worship services were well done and the Spirit of God was evident in the 8:30 AM Contemporary Style and the 11:00 Traditional Style worship services. Much prayer, preparation and people entering worship with positive attitudes helped all in attendance experience God's love and power in a very real manner. May you and I move beyond just praying and seek to encounter God and live out that encounter in our daily actions. May we lean into God and verify our prayers as we live in expectation. Thanks to the Praise Team and the Choir for leading in worship via music. Thanks to the pianist for leading in worship through piano solos. Kudos to the children for leading in worship at the 11:00 service. Lord I lift your name on high. Sweeeeet stuff.

Lunch at Whitley's Barbecue - For you country Courtland folk, enough said. That cabbage was yummy. Thanks Darren for the lunch and encouraging conversation.

A "Shout Out" to all who attended the 5:00 PM leadership gathering. Lead with diligence. Ask yourself this question on a regular basis: What am I doing to help business? You and I will be better leaders if we ask this questions regularly and seek to answer it in simple ways that make a huge difference in the local church and in the Kingdom of God.

Fellowship Dinner - Baptist know how to cook and eat. :)

The evening service was smokin', pun intended. Tommy is one crazy old man. I liked the idea and will offer my prayers and life to God as a fragrant incense. All the music was rockin', please do not tell anyone. We do not want word to get out that God is moving in Courtland Baptist Church and lives are being changed as the people in Courtland Baptist magnify the Lord and exalt His name together. Just Kidding. For God's sake and the sake of people who need Jesus Christ tell everyone you come across this week and if you do not come across anyone this week tell the tree in your yard. O magnify the Lord with me, and Let us exalt His name together. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3 (NAS). Remember, we are in this together.

By the way Courtland peeps. If you're ever in the Chesapeake area please give me a call and buy me some lunch. Look forward to it. Be cool.

Criticism

Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember- the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.

Good Article - Make the Most...

Make The Most Of Your Time At Work

Obey And Act

And to expose our hearts to truth and consistently refuse to obey the impulses it arouses is to stymie the motions of life within us and, if persisted in, to grieve the Holy Spirit into silence.

A.W. Tozer

Three

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

"I spent years asking God to be a part of whatever I was doing. When I read the book of Acts, I see people privileged to be a part of what God was doing." Francis Chan, Forgotten God

God is moving and working. May you and I join Him.

Sucess - Very Good Thoughts

Definition of Success

Worth Doing Right

Great Brief Blog.

The Final 10% AKA going the extra mile.

A Good Way To View The Bible

Thinkin' About Ministry - 7

Seven Practices Of Effective Ministries

1. Clarify the Win. Define what is important. What is the organization’s purpose. Leaders and people working/serving in the organization need to know what a “win” is.
2.Think Steps, Not Programs. Before you start anything, make sure it takes you where you want and need to go in order to “win”. Think process. Processes within programs.
3. Narrow the Focus. Do fewer things in order to make a greater impact. Less is more. Focus, focus, focus.
4. Teach Less for More. Say only what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Not everyone has to be in the know. Not everyone has to give permission.
5. Listen to Outsiders. Focus on who you are trying to reach, not who you’re trying to keep. Information from those not yet in organization is needed and can be used to help make improvements.
6. Replace Yourself. Learn to hand of what you do. Develop people. Develop leaders. Train others. Give permission within perimeters of “win”.
7. Work On It. Take time to evaluate your work, and to celebrate your wins. Analyze and improve. Personal improvement and organizational improvement is a must. Allow Teams to evaluate and improve.

The above are taken from 7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, and Lane Jones.

Three

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

It is better to have one person working with you, than three working for you.

"We should not only use all the brains we have - but all that we can borrow." Woodrow Wilson

Crowd Or Cross

Solid Foundation

24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." 28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:24-29

Change - Well Written

Great post at Serious Times

Three - In Honor Of Labor Day

In all labor there is profit; but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

Work is not a four letter word.

Work hard, play hard, rest hard.

How To Handle Anger - Good Article

How To Handle Anger

The Morning

He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day. - Bunyan

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will offer my prayer to You and watch for the answer throughout the day. Psalm 5:3

Philippians 2:1-11

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Focus

God has a natural law in force to the effect that we are conformed to that which we center our interest and love.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Three

Help others up when they are down and out.

Make me a blessing;

Out of my life may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing,

O Saviour I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Matthew 9:35-38

Invite

Supreme Blessing

The supreme blessing that God desires to give us is Himself. Larry Crabb

This was posted by a long time frined on Facebook.

The Christian Life

The word "Christian" means different things to different people. To one person it means a stiff, upright, inflexible way of life, colorless and unbending. To another, it means a risky, surprised-filled venture, lived tiptoe at the edge of expectation.... If we get our information from the biblical material, there is no doubt that the Christian life is a dancing, leaping, daring life.

Eugene Peterson, Traveling Light - Taken from The Unexpected Adventure

Jonah - Interesting

The Book Of Jonah

The Book of Jonah at Bible Gateway

FUNNY

Frienship

Came across this recently in an office somewhere.

"Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead; do not write them on their tombstones, speak them rather now instead." Anna Cummins

This is a good word. Think of a friend in your life and call them right now with a word of encouragement to them that is about them. Take time to give your parents, your children and others an uplifting word to them that is about them.

Great Article - Forgiveness

How To Forgive Somenone Who Has Hurt You

Pretty Good

Jonah 3 - The God Of Second Chances

1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: "By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish." 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

A Good Word - Very Real To Me

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. II Timothy 1:15-17

Three

In taking revenge a man is equal to his enemy; In passing it over he is superior.

To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish; a man with good sense holds his tongue.
Proverbs 11:12 TLB

Learn, grow, mature, and move forward.

A Prayer In The Right Direction - Accepting Jesus Christ

Dear Jesus, I admit that I have sinned. I have done harmful and hurtful things to others and to You. Please forgive me. I believe that You are the Son of God and that You became a human to be a bridge from God the Father to us. Because of You, my sins can be forgiven and I can be adopted by God. Jesus, that is my desire. Please forgive my sins and become the leader of my life. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving me. And thank You for what you have in store for my life. Amen.

A Prayer In The Right Direction - Courage

Dear God, give me courage, for perhaps I lack it more than anything else. I need courage before men against their threats and against their seductions. I need courage to bear unkindness, mockery, and contradiction. I need courage to fight against the devil, against terrors and troubles, temptations, attractions, darkness and false lights, against tears, depression, and above all fear. I need Your help, dear God. Strengthen me with Your love and Your grace. Console me with Your blessed Presence and grant me the courage to persevere until I am with You forever in heaven.

A Prayer In The Right Direction - Pretty Encouraging Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me, and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over, and give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that don't believe, and I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they will be out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it in Jesus' name. Amen!

Go Young

Serious Times Interesting thoughts about the church growing old.

For SCC - New Series Song - Good Stuff

Oh Yeah!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Third Day

Lost Hope

When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord. My earnest prayer went to you in your Holy Temple. Joshua 2:7 TLB

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion—For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well; Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Refrain

Transformer

And so, dear brothers, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice, holy - the kind He can accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this to much to ask. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you. Romans 12:1-2 TLB

Ouch, But True

When the story of your life isn't going your way, ask "What's God doing here?" -Paul Miller, A Praying Life

This was taken from a friend at FB.

Friends

True friends are those who, when you've made a fool of yourself, don't think you've done a permanent job.

Never criticize or condemn - or it will come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. Luke 6:37 TLB

The Picture Says It All

Local Call

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and worked east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued by a sign which read: "$10,000 a minute." Seeking out the Pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The Pastor explained that the golden phone was, in fact, a direct line to Heaven and if he paid the price he could talk directly to God. The man thanked the Pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, Greensboro, Tampa and all around the United States, he found more phones with the same sign and got the same answer from each Pastor.Finally, he arrived in Texas. Upon entering a church in Dallas, behold, he saw the usual golden telephone. But this time, the sign read: "Calls: 35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the Pastor."Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone. I have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but, in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads 35 cents. Why?" The Pastor, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in Texas now... It's a local call."

Three

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry, be happy.

If we fill our hours with regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, we have no today in which to be thankful.

Healer

Check this out. Powerful Story and Song

Freedom - Luke 4:14-19

14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed,

19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Luke 4:14-19

Freedom - Galatians 5:13-15

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13-15

C-KID & M-FUGE SCHEDULE 2009

C-KID SCHEDULE
OpeningDay
Registration 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Dinner 5:30
Opening Activities 6:30
In Room 10:15
Lights Out 10:30
Day 1- Day 3
Breakfast 7:30 am
Quiet Time w/Church Group 8:30
I Can’t Wait . . . 9:00
Bible Study/Recreation 9:30
Recreation/Bible Study 10:50
Lunch 12:00 pm
Track A 1:15
Track B 2:45
Hang Time 4pm
Dinner 5:30
Worship 6:30
Church Group Time 7:30
Party 8:30
In Room 10:15
Lights Out 10:30
ClosingDay
Breakfast/Quiet Time 7:30 am
Load Buses 8:30
Bible Study 8:45
Closing Celebration 9:15 am
Churches Depart 10:15

M-FUGE SCHEDULE
Opening Day
1:00 - 4:00pm Registration
5:00pm Dinner
6:30pm Opening Night Activities
11:00pm In Rooms
11:30pm Lights Out
Full Days of Camp 1, 2, and 4
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am
Quiet Time / Bible Study
9:15am The AM Show
10:00am Ministry Sites
3:00pm Hang Time
5:00pm Dinner
6:30pm Worship
8:00pm Church Group Devotion
10:00pm Night Life
10:30pm Hang Time
11:00pm In Rooms
11:30pm Lights Out
Full Day of Camp 3(for a typical Monday – Saturday camp this would be Thursday)*Morning Schedule is the same as Full Day Schedule
3:00pm Extended Free Time in the City
9:00pm Worship
10:15pm Church Group Devotion
11:00pm In Rooms
11:30pm Lights Out
Closing Day
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Quiet Time / Bible Study
9:15am Closing Celebration
10:30am Leave for Home

5:45 and 8:45 AM

This morning students and adults left at 5:45 AM for Mission Fuge (M-Fuge) in Philadelphia, PA. They were excited and ready to get to Philly. Please be in prayer for the group this week. Visit M-Fuge for the schedule and what ministry will be taking place during the week.

Children and adults left at 8:45 AM for Centri-Kid (C-Kid) in Lynchburg, VA. They were excited and ready to begin a fun and Christ filled week at C-Kid. Visit C-Kid for more info.

Please pray for both of these groups. Pray that they all will be drawn closer to God. Pray that they will grow in their relationship with God and that they will better understand God's love for them and how important they are to God and others.

Freedom - Word Of God

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. Luke 4:18-19 (Jesus)

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13-14

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:16-22

Happy 4th - Freedom

Def. of Freedom

Synonyms of Freedom

Three

Gentle words bring life and health; griping brings discouragement. Proverbs 15:4

Learn to say kind things - nobody ever resents them.

Smile at someone today and say, "hello."

24/7

The true calling of a Christian is not to do the extraordinary things but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. Dean Stanley

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:17

A Thoughtful Laugh

A Long Life

The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time but using every hour for the highest ends. So be it this day. - Charles Spurgeon

God's Workmanship

Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." – Ephesians 6:1-4(NLT)

Graduation - Milestones

My daughter graduated from High School on 6-12-09. Very exciting day. I asked her how it felt to walk into the large convention center with everyone cheering and standing in honor of the grads and her answer was, "Like a star." She had a good day. So did her parents, brother, Aunt, and friends. I remember her Pre-school grad. We have a pic of her in her cap and gown. Cute as can be. Her pic on this post is beautiful as can be. I remember Ruth, my wife and her mom, helping her accept Jesus Christ. The baptism, the summer camps, the spiritual growth times. I remember her friendships formed. New friends, summer hang time, summer trips to the lake and beach with friends. I remember her 5th grade ceremony. To Middle School, High School, dating privilege's, driving privilege's, staying out late privilege's. I remember her studying hard and late into the night. I remember her soccer days. She was good. Her band days. She was good. Chorus, Dance Team, SCA, Honor society, Homecoming Court, One grade to another and then walking the stage. One guy who walked the stage with he class had been in High School for 7 years. Known as a friendly have fun kind of guys he finally graduated and when his name was called the whole class of over 450 students erupted into huge applause and loud cheering. It was sweet.

Milestones - 1. a stone functioning as a milepost. 2. a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc.: Her getting the job of supervisor was a milestone in her career. Above are some milestones in my daughters life. They are important to her, her parents, her brother, her relatives, and her friends. Milestones help us remember, rejoice, mourn, and look ahead. They are markers of life. They do not necessarily guide us but they do remind us of where we have been and in what direction we are going. A friend recently said, "Today's decisions become tomorrow's reality." On a boat one time with a friend doing some offshore fishing the Captain showed me some pre-GPS ways of navigating. One of the ways was to look back at the wake of the boat occasionally to be certain the boat was keeping a straight line. It was pretty cool how far we could see back and that the line told us we were on course. Milestones are not where we are going, but they are an indicator of decisions that become reality and where we are headed. In life we all have some milestones whether we note them or not. We are currently living milestones whether we realize it or not.

As a pastor or church leader I like to see people accept Christ, follow through with baptism, begin to worship with others regularly, begin forming new and helpful relationships in small groups, begin Scripture reading, prayer time, note taking, forming new life patterns, helping others accept Christ and walk with God and then one day being able to look back and see the milestones of God's work in their lives. Beautiful Milestones of redemption, grace, righteousness, miracles, friendships, and on and on.

Milestones - 1. Today's decisions become tomorrow's reality.

There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. Genesis 35:7

Computer Prayer

Dear Lord,
Every single evening
As I'm lying here in bed,
This tiny little prayer
Keeps running through my head:
God bless all my family
Wherever they may be,
Keep them warm
And safe from harm
For they're so close to me.
And God, there is one more thing
I wish that you could do;
Hope you don't mind me asking,
Please bless my computer too..
Now I know that it's unusual
To Bless a motherboard,
But listen just a second
While I explain it to you,
Lord.You see, that little metal box
Holds more than odds and ends;
Inside those small compartments
Rest so many of my friends.
I know so much about them
By the kindness that they give,
And this little scrap of metal
Takes me in to where they live.
By faith is how I know them
Much the same as you.
We share in what life brings us
And from that our friendships grew.
Please take an extra minute
From your duties up above,
To bless those in my address book
That's filled with so much love.
Amen

Graduation - Keep Learning

Always Be A Student

Keep on learning, (graduate's name),
Though your graduation's done;
Your whole life's an education
That has only just begun.

Your diploma is the first big step,
For knowledge is the special key
To winning what you want in life
And being who you want to be.

If you'll always be a student,
You'll find the secrets to success
And travel on the golden road
To peace and happiness.

By Joanna Fuchs

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Provers 19:10

Randy Forbes - USA Judeo-Christian Heritage

The Beach

I went to the beach yesterday afternoon for my first time in '09. My son and a friend of his and mine went with me and we had a good time with other friends in the sand and surf. As I came off of the parking lot and over the dune to see the beautiful blugreenish ocean with nice little swells I felt relief come over my shoulders, mind, and even my soul. It was good to enjoy the sand, surf and sun. It was relaxing and challenging to walk into the water paddle out and start trying to catch the first wave of '09. For a lurfer (a person learning to surf) the water and waves were nice. Good sets, not to mushy and just the right size for an inside lurfer. As I sat in my chair looking over the vast water and as I floated on my board in the water looking to the horizon while watching for swell to form I could not help but think how big God is and how small I am, yet the big God I worship know my name, my weaknesses, my strengths, my concerns, my joys and my hopes. He knows me. That is good news. He is real, personal, and involved. That brings relief. It also makes me desire to invite others to Him just as I often invite others to the beach.

P.S.

At the end of the day my son and I took a few minutes and shared God's message of hope with our new friend. In doing so we found out that he had accepted Christ a few years ago by some others friends sharing with Him the message of Good News, the Gospel. CooliO.

Three

Let the honor of your neighbor be as dear to you as you own.

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Luke 10:27

3

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

“One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go, and duct tape to make them stop.”

SCC - 5-24-09 - Message Brief

How To Win Over Temptation

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:12-16

1. Be Realistic - You will be tempted
2. Be Responsible - Do not blame God or someone else for tempation coming your way
3. Be Ready - Be aware - The Mechanism Of Temptation:
•Desire
•Deception
•Disobedience
•Death
4. Be Refocused - Look at God's good gifts
5. Be Reborn - Accept Jesus Christ and live in His power

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day

Grilling. Parties. Going to the beach. Having fun at the pool. Working in the yard. Having fun and enjoy a three day weekend. Memorial Day weekend is enjoyed by many in various ways. It seems to mark the beginning of the summertime fun in the area where I live. As a child, teen and even college student I do not recall thinking about Memorial Day weekend very much. I just went about my day and weekend and "did my thing". As a young adult in ministry and even more recently I have new appreciation for Memorial Day and it involves more than enjoying a three day weekend. Actually a four day weekend for many because they take off from work on Friday. Being a part of Sunday morning worship experiences where people offer prayers of thanks for freedom, where people may wear their military uniform and for 15 years living in a area with a high military presence Memorial Day is actually becoming Memorial Day to me and my family. Having watched many war movies with my son (who really likes war movies) for many years now helps me be more thoughtful and thankful for people who serve in the military and for people who have died while serving in the military. Having visited the Arlington National Cemetery with a young Coast Guard man who has relatives buried there has helped me become more thoughtful and thankful for freedom. Standing at the cemetery and gazing across the well groomed lawn dotted white with reminders of life and death I was moved to remember, to give thanks, to ask God for forgiveness for taking life for granted and to live not just be alive. This weekend for me and my family will be fun. We will celebrate my sons B-day, we will enjoy some water sports, we will enjoy good food, we will enjoy friends and "No school on Monday". I will seek to remember. I will be grateful for freedom, I will thank God for salvation, hope, freedom, meaning, purpose and I will remember His goodness, His grace, His working in my life. I will remember and live. I hope you too will take some time to remember. Be thankful, speak to your friends and children about the God given priveledge and responsibility of freedom in the U.S. and freedom as a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember.

9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." 11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. Deuteronomy 4:9-11

Rut

The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions. - Ellen Glasgow

Just For Fun

Good Stuff

Go over to Rob Edwards at robedwardslive for some good blog updates from a conf. he is attending.

Truth and Secret

If it's not truth, keep it a secret. - Eddie Heath

Three Questions For Church Leaders

1. If you weren't on staff at your church, would you worship there? I think we've all served at churches that we wouldn't worship at. (I know I have). And many times we are in the process of transitioning them into a church that we'd love to attend. If you're in that position right now, this is still a great question to ask. Why wouldn't you want to worship there? And what is keeping other people away from the church that you serve?

2. If you didn't know ANYTHING about Jesus, what would you know about him after a normal weekend at your church? Think about your service yesterday. If you didn't know squat about Jesus yesterday morning; what would you know about Him or think about Him today? This is a question that we need to ask each and every week. How does your church communicate Jesus?

3. If you had a loved one who didn't know Christ, and they had one week left to live, would you take them to your church or another? In this last question, it goes one level deeper. How's your church doing at communicating the main message? Truthfully; would you take your dying unsaved mother to a service at your church or another church across town? How clear is the gospel presented in your church?

Craig Groeschel, Lifechurch

Just For A Laugh

While shopping in a grocery store, two Baptist church ladies happened to pass by the beer, wine, and liquor section. One asked the other if she would like a beer. The second good Baptist sister answered that, indeed, it would be very nice to have one, but that she would feel uncomfortable about purchasing it. The first sister replied that she would handle that without a problem. She picked up a six-pack and took it to the cashier. The cashier had a surprised look, so the good Baptist sister said, 'This is for washing our hair.' Without blinking an eye, the cashier reached under the counter and put a package of pretzel sticks in the bag with the beer. 'The curlers are on me.'

Way To Go

During the month of May speak as many encouraging words as you can to family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and people who serve you in local stores. May is a beautiful month in America as Spring really arrives and the summer months of fun approach. Children celebrate moving from one grade to another, many weddings are celebrated in May, College Graduations are celebrated, High School graduations are celebrated or are just a few weeks from being celebrated, Mother's Day is celebrated, and nature celebrates green and numerous other colors as flowers are planted in yards. So lets make May "WAY TO GO" Month. Let's celebrate one another and lift one another up. I know all is not perfect and life is hard at times. That is exactly why we need a "WAY TO GO" month. Move away from sarcasm, and cynicism and into encouragement. So plan on speaking words of encouragement, mailing words of encouragement, emailing words of encouragement, facebooking words of encouragement, twittering words of encouragement, sending pictures out that are encouraging, and catching someone doing something right or the right thing and say, "Way to go." Here are just a few statements that you and I can use to practice "WAY TO GO".
Job well done. You look sharp. Way to go. That is awesome. You are awesome. Happy anniversary. Thanks for being my friend. I love you. Let me buy you lunch. Way to go. Excellent job. Congrats. That is a nice _________. You are one smart kid. Great catch. Great shot. You gave it your best. Let's shoot some hoop. Let's play catch. Let's get some coffee. Let ________________. Way to go. You have pretty eyes. Great report card. You are now a Junior (whatever grade) and that is sweeeeet. Way to go.

National Day Of Prayer

I participated in the National Day of Prayer yesterday by praying throughout the day, viewing the Washington DC gathering via webcast and by attending a gathering in Downtown Portsmouth, VA. At the Sunrise Financial Ministry Team meeting the NDP was spoken about briefly by those attending. Prayer... America's Hope was the theme for this years NDP. I hope and pray that we who are followers of Jesus Christ will continue to pray fervently as many did yesterday. My we commune with God in times of quiet and solitude and converse with God about life, holiness, grace, truth, family, friends, revival, the Kingdom of Heaven and life here on earth. May we seek to be in tune with God throughout the day. May offer ourselves to Him in our daily routine so that routine is no more because we begin to understand that God is not routine. He is powerful, wonderful, real, mighty, and routinely unroutine. May we draw near to God. May we humble ourselves. May we pray as a group of ladies did in Southern California, "God, make up there come down here." (See John Ortbergs book, God Is Closer Than You Think). As an American, I am blessed to live in a country that recognizes prayer as an important part of it's fabric. I am grateful for the NDP and and the gatherings that took place throughout the country. However, may we continue in prayer. May we flesh out our prayer for peace, prosperity, helping the poor, being kind, and recognizing God as God and not we as God. May we walk the talk. May the rhetoric have results as I move beyond myself and as you move beyond yourself and into the glorious Kingdom of "God, make up there come down here."

Some History

1775 - The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer

1863 - Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.

1952 - Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman (82-324)

1988 - The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May (100-307).
Fun Facts
1) The President of the United States has called for a National Day of Prayer every year since 1975.
2) There have been 134 national calls to prayer, humiliation, fasting and thanksgiving by the President of the United States (1789-2008).
3) There have been 56 Presidential Proclamations for a "National Day of Prayer" (1952-2008).
4) Gerald Ford (1976) and George H. Bush (1989-91) are the only U.S. Presidents to sign two National Day of Prayer Proclamations in the same year.

Faith And Action

2:14-18a - Now what use is it, my brothers, for a man to say he "has faith" if his actions do not correspond with it? Could that sort of faith save anyone's soul? If a fellow man or woman has no clothes to wear and nothing to eat, and one of you say, "Good luck to you I hope you'll keep warm and find enough to eat", and yet give them nothing to meet their physical needs, what on earth is the good of that? Yet that is exactly what a bare faith without a corresponding life is like - useless and dead. If we only "have faith" a man could easily challenge us by saying, "you say that you have faith and I have merely good actions. Well, all you can do is to show me a faith without corresponding actions, but I can show you by my actions that I have faith as well."
2:18b-23 - To the man who thinks that faith by itself is enough I feel inclined to say, "So you believe that there is one God? That's fine. So do all the devils in hell and shudder in terror!" For, my dear short-sighted man, can't you see far enough to realise that faith without the right actions is dead and useless? Think of Abraham, our ancestor. Wasn't it his action which really justified him in God's sight when his faith led him to offer his son Isaac on the altar? Can't you see that his faith and his actions were, so to speak, partners - that his faith was implemented by his deed? That is what the scripture means when it says: 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.'
2:24-25 - A man is justified before God by what he does as well as by what he believes. Rahab who was a prostitute and a foreigner has been quoted as an example of faith, yet surely it was her action that pleased God, when she welcomed Joshua's reconnoitring party and got them safely back by a different route.
2:26 - Yes, faith without action is as dead as a body without a soul.

James 2:14-26 Phillips Translation

Fun Time Greeting And Sharing

On Sunday morning, 5-3-09, Sunrise's Service was "The Family That Plays Together Stays Together". I was able to ride around on a 4-Wheeler as I greeted people on the parking lot. Man, what fun. People loved it. Smiles, smiles and more smiles as people pulled onto the parking lot for the service. This is the way to greet. I may have to hit up our leaders for a golf cart or a Sunrise ATV.

During the service we had all types of visuals in order to help relay the message and lead people to live the message. The Jeep was super dee duper cool. People were surprised and woke up when they saw the Jeep in the Auditorium. This is great fun. Many people helped and went the extra mile on Saturday and Sunday so that people would hear and see the message of hope found in Jesus Christ and God's Living Word.

An Article About Trust

Bank On Him

Wait

Don't be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted and courageous. Yes, wait and He will help you. Psalm 27:14 TLB

WAY TO GO Sawyers

Your story of racing made a difference in people's lives and in the Kingdom of God. Thanks for your time and for making a difference. It is a pleasure to serve Jesus Christ with you. WAY TO GO.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

WAY TO GO to Rob Everitt, Wally Allen, Norman and Janet Tucker and Ozzy Perez. Your go for it attitudes, time and service made a difference in people's lives and in the Kingdom of God.

We Shine - Steve Fee

SCC'S band rocked this song for the 5 minute countdown this past Sunday. WAY TO GO GLARE. You guys brought glory to God and encouraged people to worship with their lives.

No Swine Flu Here

A Time To Rejoice

1 all the people assembled with a unified purpose at the square just inside the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey.
2 So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. 3 He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
6 Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
11 And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” 12 So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.
Nehemiah 8:1-12

Prayer of Nehemiah

4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said,
“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. 8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’ 10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
Nehemiah 1:4-10

Psalm 32:1-2 The Living Bible

What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.

So Cool

http://naldzgraphics.net/inspirations/45-breathtaking-and-powerful-movie-posters/

Transformed Lives

Somewhere around 1950 a church in Alabama decided to hold what they called a “tent revival.” So they rented a vacant lot downtown Anniston, Alabama, put up a tent, and planned a series of “revival” services.
Across town there was a couple who’d had a rough go of it—J. D. and Maude. It was the second marriage for them both. On a survey Maude would have checked “Christian,” but she hadn’t darkened the door of a church in many years. She loved J.D. but found it hard to live with him. He had a good heart but rough language, crude manners, and an affinity for alcohol. He’d left school after the 6th grade, was 18 when the Great Depression hit in 1929, and had hoboed, partied, and fought his way across the south. J. D. had a gold tooth near the front which took the place of a tooth knocked out during a fight.
Then, somebody in that church that had decided to have a tent revival invited J. D. to church. Since his friend invited him, and since going to a tent wasn’t exactly like going to a church, J. D. considered it. When he mentioned it to his wife she thought it couldn’t hurt. So they went. And something happened. That fire-breathing, pulpit-pounding, Bible-waving preacher spoke of sin and salvation in language that a man with a sixth grade education could understand.
J. D. and Maude kept going back and then after the service one night J. D. couldn’t sleep. In the middle of the night he called his brother-in-law who was a pastor and that pastor with big hands, broad shoulders and a tender heart drove over to his house and they talked about what it means to be saved, to be changed, to become a follower of Jesus. They knelt in the living room of 200 East 30th Street, Anniston, Alabama, and J. D. threw himself on the mercy of God. He prayed through his tears for God to forgive him and change his life. God answered his simple prayer and J. D. became a moral, ethical, loving, devoted follower of Jesus. He was radically changed.
This “transformed lives” thing is personal for me. The pastor with the big hands, broad shoulders and warm heart who drove over in the middle of the night and prayed with J. D. was Barto Mason, my uncle. J. D., the man with the rough history whose life was transformed, was my father. Maude was my mom. That was a decade before I was born. It frightens me to think of who, what, and where I’d be had my father not had a life-transforming experience of Jesus.

This is from Travis Collins, pastor of Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond VA and author of Directionally Challenged and Tough Calls.

Tough Calls - Book

Almost finished reading Tough Calls by Travis Collins. It is a good read. Full of great stories, thoughtful counsel, and sound leadership principles for living with and making tough calls. I recently met Travis in the Hampton Roads area. I knew he was a sharp cookie within the first few minutes of our meeting one another. I had no idea he would bless me as he has with his words about the church being a mission outpost, a bit of his fathers story and Tough Calls. Thanks Travis.

Bunch Of Pastors

I met with the group of guys today that I powwow with about three times a year. We were encouraged to come together via The Spence Network. We gather to encourage one another, pray, pray for one another, learn from one another and others and grow in our leadership character and qualities. These guys are good leaders. They care for people. They are always learning. They have a good understanding of their weaknesses and strengths. They know to play to their strengths. These men want to see people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and become followers of Jesus Christ. Good days and bad days are a part of their stories. Good decisions and not so good decisions have been made by these fellow leaders. Growing, learning, improving, evaluating, collaborating, teaching, training, developing are all of part of these leaders lives. It is refreshing to hear from them and to share with them. Today we played a little catch up and shared message ideas so that we can become stronger faith leaders and better life change communicators. It was a good time. It was a growth time. The peach cobbler rocked.

The Church Is A Mission Outpost

Jesus, His Church, Mission Outpost

In those forty days between his ascension and his resurrection we have very few of his (Jesus) sermons recorded. Two of them were about his followers going into the whole world with a mission. The first occurred in Galilee on one of the mountains surrounding the Sea of Galilee. Matthew recorded that scene. Jesus said to his followers, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the world.” The second was immediately before he ascended. That is recorded in Acts 1. Jesus said, “Go down the mountain and stay in Jerusalem. Just wait. In a few days you are going to be bathed with the Spirit that I’ve been telling you about. And you are going to receive such power when that happens that you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus was ensuring his legacy. He was ensuring that his teachings and his compassion for the poor and his passion for people who are spiritually lost would be carried lived out by the church in the world.

Jesus didn’t found a retreat center. He founded a mission outpost. Retreat centers are great. But they are very different from mission outposts. I googled “retreat center” recently and the descriptions were similar. Here are a few:
Surrounded by lush green fields, relaxing streams and breathtaking sunsets, your experience at the Walking on Water Retreat Center will be harmonious and unforgettable. Our retreat center is a place to escape and enjoy and let your creativity soar. A great place to escape and just have some fun with your friends.

Those could be the mission statements of a lot of churches! A lot of churches have chosen to be retreat centers. But I don’t believe for a minute that Jesus intended to found retreat centers. Jesus wanted to found mission outposts! Mission outposts were and are those places where Christian missionaries go and plant themselves among people who are far from God and/or in great need. They are inconvenient and dangerous. They require an appreciation and understanding of the local culture and language. When I googled “mission outposts” I found stories of heroism and adventure. Like Frederic Baraga, “The Snowshoe Bishop” who came from Europe to establish a mission outpost in the harsh lands around Lake Superior in the early 1800’s to evangelize the Ojibway Indians. From his mission outpost he risked his life and nearly died more than once, but by the time he did breathe his last on earth he had baptized four thousand Native Americans.

See the difference between retreat centers and mission outposts?
A retreat center mentality builds walls.
A mission outpost mentality builds bridges.
A retreat center mentality wants guards.
A mission outpost mentality wants scouts.
A retreat center wants watch dogs.
A mission outpost wants search dogs.
A retreat center mentality says “the world out there is bad and we need to isolate ourselves.”
A mission outpost mentality says “God is just as interested in ‘out there’ as He is our sub-culture in here.”
A retreat center mentality fears being impacted by the culture out there.
A mission outpost mentality wants to impact the culture out there.
A retreat center mentality gives awards for the most congenial.
A mission outpost mentality gives awards for the most courageous.
A retreat center mentality’s theme song is “Kum Ba Yah.”
A mission outpost mentality’s theme song is, “Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go.”

Don’t get me wrong. People in a mission outpost depend on each other and help each other and, yes, love each other. When one is wounded the others help patch him or her up. The camaraderie in a mission outpost is deeper and more sincere than the shallow niceness of a retreat center. But the people of a mission outpost know that the place exists not for them, but for the people around them.

This information is from Travis Collins who is pastor at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond, VA.

No Perfect People Allowed

This coming Sunday SCC will address the topic "My family is perfect. LOL." This title has generated a buzz and people are interested in this topic. It seems to me people are interested because we know the sentence is not true and we like to laugh. We are going to have fun learning just how we drive one another batty. Batty is good because then the grace of God can and will abound. Batty is good because we then can admit to own own battyness and allow others the same opp. When we do this we can begin to experience the grace of God more than we can imagine and grow in a healthier relationship w God, self, and others. The potential for you and I to grow in healthier and more meaningful relationships is mammoth if we will apply what is going to be shared this coming Sunday, 4-26-09. Admit you are Batty. Don't' down other Batties. Allow God to work in your life and change for His sake, yourself and healthier relationships.