Teamwork In Ministry

I had the privilege of meeting with Horizon's Hospitality Team last night and sharing just a little of my heart with them about ministry, touching lives, and making disciples. This team has done a great job and the people on this team are faithful to God, their families, one another and the Kingdom of God. I see in this team and in other teams in Horizon two very important ministry team ingredients. First, the team members understand and seek to practice that the teams purpose and the team's success is greater than their own personal interest. Each team members brings their personal interest to the team and yet realizes that they are to help the team accomplish it's purpose within HCC. Second, These people give of their time and realize that they need to be a responsible team member that follows through with individual responsibilities and team responsibilities for the sake of the team and for the sake of the Gospel. Their are other elements that are positive about this team and other ministry teams in HCC, but these two are very important and are being fleshed out by the Hospitality Team. I thank God for the team members and how they are helping make disciples.

The Symbol For Christianity

The Gospel Is Ultimate Victory

"The gospel is the ultimate story that shows victory coming out of defeat, strength coming out of weakness, life coming out of death, rescue from abandonment. And because it is a true story, it gives us hope because we know life is really like that." King's Cross, Timothy Keller, p. 230

The Word, Then Go

...the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins... Luke 3:2b and 3a

John heard from the Lord and then went out. Many of us go without hearing from the Lord. As a matter of fact in the American church only 3 out of 10 of the leaders in a given church spend time with God. Place ten leaders in a room and ask who is spending regular time with God in prayer, reading Scripture and and seeking to hear from God and maybe three will will own up. The others will have numerous excuses and even downplay the time they need to be spending with God. I know this because I meet with pastors regularly and because I have experienced it myself as a leader. Leaders and followers of Jesus going out before hearing from God. Preachers (myself included) preaching without hearing from God (spending time with God). Team Leaders leading not yet hearing form God. Parents seeking to parent and raise children without a word from God. How needy we are to hear from God. How dry and parched our souls because we are in need for a word from the Lord. It will come if we will spend some time in the wilderness. God is speaking, moving, working, preparing and when we will take some time to slow down and take a stroll in the wilderness we will hear from Him. The wilderness does not have to be the wilderness. The wilderness can be anywhere you can slow down physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and hear from God as you pray, read his Word, have your devotional time and hear from God. This morning my wilderness was on the back porch, at times it is in the blue chair in the family room, it occasionally is at a local park, or in a night walk, or early morning hours of sleeplessness when I get out of bed and listen. Please, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, the local church, yourself and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ ask God to forgive you and then empower you so that you will discover the wilderness. Spend time with God.

When John heard, he went out. The Word came and he went. As John spent time in the wilderness God was preparing others, the way, the circumstances and John so that as he went out others were receptive. This is absolutely beautiful. WOW. Look at Luke 3 The people are inquisitive, they are curious about the message and the man. They have questions that are seemingly sincere and their hearts are stirred. God is at work. John spent time with God, God spent time with John. God did His thing in the hearts of people and as John steps out he steps into God's work, because of the wilderness time. Spend time with God and step out. Step out in His power with His message of hope. God is moving right now in the hearts of people and in the circumstances of their lives. His message of hope is simmering in their lives and you have the opportunity to cause a stirring of questions that can lead them to accept God's love. What an opportunity. Experience the wilderness and go. The Word, Then Go.

Life

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Jesus As A Teen

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house? 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:41-52

Hope

Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach. The Lord of The Rings Triology

The Bond

"What binds [Christians] together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything else of that sort. Christians come together ... because they have been saved by Jesus Christ .... They are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus's sake." D.A. Carson

Bless Children

The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. Mark 10:13-16

Speak No Evil

"Talk low, talk slow, and speak less." - John Wayne "Bite your tongue before it bites you." - The Eating Deacon

Hope

Discovery

The more I discover God the more I realize with great pain, sorrow, joy and hope that my discovery is of God and by God and that God is far greater than even my discovery which leads me to bow my head and raise my hands in victorious humility. Thank God.

Self In Christ

The more we get what we now call "ourselves" out of the way and let Him (Jesus) take us over, the more truly ourselves we become ... our real selves are all waiting for us in Him .... The more I resist Him and try to live on my own, the more I become dominated by my own heredity and upbringing and surrounding and natural desires. In fact what I so proudly call "Myself" becomes merely the meeting-place for trains of events which I never started and I cannot stop. What I call "My wishes" become merely the desires thrown up by my physical organism or pumped into me by other men's thoughts .... It is when I turn to Christ, when I give myself up to His personality, that I finally begin to have a real personality all of my own .... [Nevertheless], you must not go to Christ for the sake of [a new self]. As long as your own personality is what you are bothering about you are not going to Him at all. This is a C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity

No Religion At All

The renowned British minister Dick Lucas once preached a sermon in which he recounted an imaginary conversation between an early Christian and her neighbor in Rome. "Ah," the neighbor says. "I hear you are religious! Great! Religion is a good thing. Where is your temple or holy place?" "We don't have a temple," replies the Christian. "Jesus is our temple." "No temple? But where do your priests work and do their rituals? " "We don't have priests to mediate the presence of God," replies the Christian. "Jesus is our priest." "No priests? But where do you offer your sacrifices to acquire the favor of your God?" "We don't need a sacrifice," replies the Christian. "Jesus is our sacrifice. " "What kind of religion is this?" sputters the pagan neighbor. And the answer is, it's no kind of religion at all. King's Cross, Timothy Keller p.48

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

Traveling - Away From Blogging

I will be traveling some the next 11 days and will not be posting. Have a good one.

From The Calendar

"...Spend plenty of time with God; let other things go, but do not neglect him."
Oswald Chambers

The Patience Prayer

God, please give me patience... and I want it right now.

Growth

"When you are through changing, you're through."

Go For It

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
Wayne Gretzky

Good Question

Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?
Martin Lutheer King, Jr.

Problems Are A Sign Of Life

"There is only one group of people who don't have problems and they're all dead. Problems are a sign of life." Norman Vincent Peale

If problems are a sign of life, there are days that I am REALLY ALIVE.

You Choose

We all wear one. We all choose one. You choose.

We Do Not Understand

Joy... until we face sorrow.
Faith.. until it is tested.
Peace... until faced with conflict.
Hope ... until confronted with doubts.

From The Calendar - Prayer

The desire to pray can be a prayer itself.

Joshua 1:1-9

1Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, 2"Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3"Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4"From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6"Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7"Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

What Faith Can Do - Kutless

An Interesting Spin

New Year's Resolutions For You and Your Church

The following is from Church and Culture


It’s that time of year again.

We’re going to lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt, stick to a budget, stop smoking, save for the future and spend more time with family.

We make resolutions because we want to bring change to bear on our circumstances. We want to improve ourselves and our quality of life. And the top resolutions, for most people, tend to revolve around the same three poles: money, health and family.

But what would a set of New Year’s resolutions look like for you and your church, your role as a leader, or simply as someone who wants to live a life of strategic Kingdom investment?

Though many more could be added, here are fifteen to consider:

1. Pray more.
So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
2. Invest in my spiritual gift(s).
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (I Timothy 4:14-15, NIV)
3. Get more intentional about evangelism.
I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (I Corinthians 9:22, NIV)
4. Care for myself spiritually.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12, NIV)
5. Make the tough decisions I know are best.
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. (Acts 20:22-24, NIV)
6. Confront debilitating patterns of sin.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)
7. Do the hard work needed to build community.
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. (Matthew 18:15, NIV)
8. Keep in touch with contemporary culture.
From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders…All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. (I Chronicles 12:32, NLT)
9. Quit comparing myself to other Christians, other leaders and other churches.
Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, “Master, what’s going to happen to him?”
Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You—follow me.” That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you?” (John 21:20-23, Msg)
10. Read more.
Timothy, please come as soon as you can…When you come, be sure to…bring my books,… (II Timothy 4:9, 13, NLT)
11. Prioritize my family.
A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife,…attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? (I Timothy 3:2-5, Msg)
12. Refuse to use ministry to satisfy my personal ambition.
Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. (Jeremiah 45:5, NIV)
13. Love people, not just crowds.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. (I Corinthians 13:1-3, Msg)
14. Be more open to change.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19, NIV)
15. Stay focused on the vision.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising 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, NIV)

James Emery White

I Am The New Year

I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
I am the New Year.
I am your opportunity to forgive others and yourself and move into new and wonderful relationships.
I am your “do over”.
I am your new chance.
All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have -- these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong new purpose.
I am the new year.
I am your opportunity to renew you allegiance to God who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

What will the new year bring?

What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Resolution Of Resolutions

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." - Abraham Lincoln

Christmas

Christmas Everywhere

Zechariah Speaking About His Son

76 “And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Luke 1:76-79

These are powerful words. May I as a father speak to my children and about my children with powerful words from the Father in heaven.

What Is Christmas All About?

Luke 2:1-20

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Christmas Line

Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

This Is Christmas

Thanksgiving Thoughts

You never really know how much your life counts in the lives of others and how much others count in yours until stories are told.

I am thankful for my children. Time flies.

I am thankful for Ruth. I am so glad she agreed to lead music at camp Chaparral in the summer of '88.

I have some good friends.

The Macy's Day parade was sweet. NYC was so much fun. I am glad we came across the band in the subway. Their CD is great. Fred's was just the right atmosphere.

The weekend was difficult for some people and we all need to remember that while counting our blessings we are to pray for those who are saddened and seek to encourage them.

I need to be more giving.

I need to slow down in some areas of life and up the tempo in others.

I am glad my son is able to work at the Christmas Tree Lot. He enjoys it and it is helping him learn about work and finances.

My daughter is smart and is doing well at GMU.

We have two nice looking Christmas Trees that are ready to be decorated.

I am thankful our neighbors allowed us to use her dryer. Look forward to repairing ours.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Break

I am taking a recess for the Thanksgiving weekend. I hope you have a beautiful time offering thanks to the Lord Almighty over the weekend.

Make The List

Psalm 150:6

This Guy Was Funny And Right On

Article - Get Off The Donkey

Thankful - Mary Mary

Effective Organizational Leadership

"Effective leadership is about treating people the right way by providing the direction and encouragement they need to be their best." The One Minute Entrepreneur, p.91

Good LIttle Book

This is a good little read as is The One Minute Manager.

The One Minute Entrepreneur

Remember And Tell

Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May his miracles have a deep and permanent affect upon your lives! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did. Deuteronomy 4:9 TLB

An Old Cowboy

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry. As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"And what was his reply?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that he didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said he'd never been in this church."

Arabia - Good Article

Arabia - Go There

Psalm 100:5

The Ress

Without Jesus' resurrection there is no good news at all. John Stott said, "Christianity in its very essence is a resurrection religion. The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. If you remove it, Christianity is destroyed."

Raised With Christ, Adrian Warnock, Page 19

The Desert Song

Three

Thrive On Three: Celebrate, Connect, Contribute

Horizon Community Church wants you to grow in your relationship with God. We believe that if you will Celebrate God (worship God regularly), Connect with Others (be in regular contact and community with other followers of Christ in a local church) and Contribute to Ministry (meet your neighbors, through a party, be missional, give financially, lead or serve in a ministry, share Jesus with others as you invite them to be a part of Horizon) you will experience a more full and meaningful life. Let's start thriving. Let's begin Celebrating God, Connecting with Others and Contributing to Ministry. Thrive On Three.

100:1

The Symbol For Christianity

Opportunity

O Lord, what an amazing opportunity you have spread out before me - a chance to make a difference for you in a desperately hurting world. Help me to see the needs you want me to see, to react in a way that honors you, and to bless others by serving them gladly with practical expressions of your love. Help me be Jesus' hands and feet, and through your Spirit give me the strength and wisdom I need to fulfill your plan for me in my own generation. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Out Live Your Life, Max Lucado, Page 8

100:4