Wow, I just have this feeling that God is about to show up and show out. That feeling has been consuming me here lately and I am happy to see the excitement spreading. I believe that if we truly seek God's will in everything, He will direct our paths. We have some great people in our church and I feel like we are really just on the cusp of busting loose. So hang on, pray for the naysayers, and believe that with God....all things are possible!! He can soften the hardest of hearts and he will raise up people to support. We serve a mighty God and He still sits on the Throne, Amen!!
So praise him today and everyday for his many blessings and his unfailing love.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Almost Over
I had a bittersweet Saturday. On one hand I'm relieved that Upward is over, but on the other I will miss it. It made for a long Saturday being at the gym from 8:30 - 5:30, but it was worth it. Now I will be able to get caught up on the honey do list, which now looks like the dead sea scrolls.
We have two more functions with Upward this week and I pray that God will have His way and move in both of them. Tuesday night we have an appreciation supper we are hosting at church for the coaches and referees. Thursday night is awards night at BHP High School. This is a great time for the kids and parents and I look forward to this night. We have a lady who can dribble 8 basketballs at once and through her presentation share the gospel in a unique way. It should be a great night.
Right now, the wife and kids are just looking forward to having me back in the family lineup on Saturdays. It was a great season and we are looking forward to the planning of next years season already. Y'all pray.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
We have two more functions with Upward this week and I pray that God will have His way and move in both of them. Tuesday night we have an appreciation supper we are hosting at church for the coaches and referees. Thursday night is awards night at BHP High School. This is a great time for the kids and parents and I look forward to this night. We have a lady who can dribble 8 basketballs at once and through her presentation share the gospel in a unique way. It should be a great night.
Right now, the wife and kids are just looking forward to having me back in the family lineup on Saturdays. It was a great season and we are looking forward to the planning of next years season already. Y'all pray.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Job
Two weeks in a row and no Super Cool Person, I can feel your disappointment. I have good intentions, but I am, at heart a slacker. I had a talk with Dodd yesterday and we were talking about his new quiet time adventure into the book of Daniel. It got me thinking so I started the book of Job last night. I know why God lead me there now. You see I've been thinking a lot lately about cheap grace, and how we continue to sin and say God's grace is sufficient and the debt has been paid,so.......I can ask for forgiveness and keep on sinning.
Back to Job, here was a man who lost everything and yet he still gave God the glory and praise. Wow, I would like to think that my faith would be strong enough to not even question God, but the reality is that I would. Can you imagine loosing everything and saying that the Lord God giveth and He taketh away, and falling down and worshipping? What a great story of dedication and trust in the Lord. I have a study bible and the foot notes directed me to 1 John 3. It deals directly with the call to be perfect and to get away from the cheap grace mindset. Take a look:
7 So, my dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. 8 Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways. 9 People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. 10 Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test.
1 John 3:7-10 (MSG)
That is as straight forward as you can get. Would you pass the test? God does forgive us of our sins, but it is a relationship and if we truly love God then we will want to do all we can to be more like Him daily. Are you striving to daily die to self? Paul said it best in Philippians:
13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Phil 4:13 (MSG)
I hope everyone has a great weekend and whatever happens try to be like Job and give God the glory in everything.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Back to Job, here was a man who lost everything and yet he still gave God the glory and praise. Wow, I would like to think that my faith would be strong enough to not even question God, but the reality is that I would. Can you imagine loosing everything and saying that the Lord God giveth and He taketh away, and falling down and worshipping? What a great story of dedication and trust in the Lord. I have a study bible and the foot notes directed me to 1 John 3. It deals directly with the call to be perfect and to get away from the cheap grace mindset. Take a look:
7 So, my dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. 8 Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways. 9 People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. 10 Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test.
1 John 3:7-10 (MSG)
That is as straight forward as you can get. Would you pass the test? God does forgive us of our sins, but it is a relationship and if we truly love God then we will want to do all we can to be more like Him daily. Are you striving to daily die to self? Paul said it best in Philippians:
13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
Phil 4:13 (MSG)
I hope everyone has a great weekend and whatever happens try to be like Job and give God the glory in everything.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I'm so Excited
I am really excited about some things that are coming up. It has really been a good week and I can't get past the movie I watched Tuesday night. I love the movie Facing the Giants. I said it yesterday and I'll say it again.......RENT IT OR BUY IT. To answer the comment Kyle Payne left, yes I sobbed like a baby, this is one of the most powerful movies I have ever watched. Good news for all you BHP peeps, I talked with T. Dale and we are gonna be showing this on a Sunday night at Belton 1st within the next month. I am really not at liberty to say right now, but we have some upcoming things that are gonna blow your mind. God is definitely moving, not only in our church, but in our community. Whew, I am really pumped.
I also need everyone to pray like crazy for this Saturday. It is our last Upward game and the last few Saturdays the devil has been showing up. Please pray for a wonderful day and that everyone there will just have fun and be relaxed. This week at practice the plan of salvation was presented to the players, so pray for those kids who may be considering a decision. We have such a responsibility as adults, and I pray that we give the kids an example they can learn from.
Thank you God for those who read this, for the opportunities you give us, the direction in which you are leading, and for the provisions you have provided. Thank you most of all for loving us and sending Jesus to build a bridge. Stand up in each of us daily and give us the strength to.........REPRESENT.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I also need everyone to pray like crazy for this Saturday. It is our last Upward game and the last few Saturdays the devil has been showing up. Please pray for a wonderful day and that everyone there will just have fun and be relaxed. This week at practice the plan of salvation was presented to the players, so pray for those kids who may be considering a decision. We have such a responsibility as adults, and I pray that we give the kids an example they can learn from.
Thank you God for those who read this, for the opportunities you give us, the direction in which you are leading, and for the provisions you have provided. Thank you most of all for loving us and sending Jesus to build a bridge. Stand up in each of us daily and give us the strength to.........REPRESENT.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
FCA
Last night I had a wonderful time. I went to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet. My really good friends Matt Lusk and Matt Wurst invited me. I didn’t have the privilege of an FCA program when I attended BHP, but I had often heard of it. Honestly I didn’t know that much about it, but I figured why not go, after all they had free food. Not just any food mind you, Lazy H barbecue showed up. MMMM, I love me some Q.
After seeing what I saw I now have a deeper appreciation for this ministry. That’s right it is a ministry and not a program. I will say I had no intention of shedding tears when I left the house, but Matt Wurst made me cry. He shared his story of his first FCA camp and how several people walked the aisle and accepted Jesus. I, like Matt get very emotional when I see the Lord move or simply just hear about it. Matt is the kinda guy that you just know; from the first time you meet him, that he gets it. A lot more than me I sometimes think. Needless to say we are very fortunate to have a man of his character in our community and so heavily involved in the lives of our high school students.
You can check out the FCA here www.fca.org. They really do have it going on and I would like to urge everyone to get involved either financially or by volunteering.
I also watched Facing the Giants last night and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was. Rent it today if you haven't seen it already, you will surely receive a blessing.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
After seeing what I saw I now have a deeper appreciation for this ministry. That’s right it is a ministry and not a program. I will say I had no intention of shedding tears when I left the house, but Matt Wurst made me cry. He shared his story of his first FCA camp and how several people walked the aisle and accepted Jesus. I, like Matt get very emotional when I see the Lord move or simply just hear about it. Matt is the kinda guy that you just know; from the first time you meet him, that he gets it. A lot more than me I sometimes think. Needless to say we are very fortunate to have a man of his character in our community and so heavily involved in the lives of our high school students.
You can check out the FCA here www.fca.org. They really do have it going on and I would like to urge everyone to get involved either financially or by volunteering.
I also watched Facing the Giants last night and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was. Rent it today if you haven't seen it already, you will surely receive a blessing.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Videos
Yesterday was a good day. I had the opportunity last night to hang out with Bart Boatwright. He was putting together the Upward year end-video and I was hooking him up with some music. We are so fortunate to have someone like Bart who pours in countless hours to produce a 6 minute video. Did, I mention he has over 1.5 hours of video to go through and try to pick out a video of almost every team and somehow not leave anyone out?
It got me thinking on the way home about my "life-end" video. What will it look like when we stand before the throne and our life is played back and we are held accountable? And what will be held accountable for? I believe it will be for the things we did not ask for forgiveness. Because the bible is clear that God does forgive us as soon as we ask for it, but it may also be the sins we keep committing after we have asked forgiveness. It also may hold the people we encounter on a daily basis that we feel the pull to talk to, but walk right past.
We have no way of knowing right now, and I may be way off on this one, but I really just wanted to get you thinking about your video. Think about it.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
It got me thinking on the way home about my "life-end" video. What will it look like when we stand before the throne and our life is played back and we are held accountable? And what will be held accountable for? I believe it will be for the things we did not ask for forgiveness. Because the bible is clear that God does forgive us as soon as we ask for it, but it may also be the sins we keep committing after we have asked forgiveness. It also may hold the people we encounter on a daily basis that we feel the pull to talk to, but walk right past.
We have no way of knowing right now, and I may be way off on this one, but I really just wanted to get you thinking about your video. Think about it.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, February 19, 2007
The Weekend
Man, was Winter Jam great. I was so excited to get to go and more importantly I was glad that my 6 year old son (Sid) got to go. We had a wonderful time and it was packed. We heard some great tunes, got to jump up and down, and saw a lot of people get saved. I won't lie, I was a little apprehensive about taking Sid with me, simply because of his attention span. Yes he napped for a few minutes, how I don't have a clue......it was loud!! It was good to see him singing along with the songs and talking about the videos to the particular song. We have the Gospel Music Channel, which shows Christian contemporary videos, and we watch it a bunch. Just like his old man, he loves Steven Curtis Chapman and that is all he has talked about since Friday night. Anyway, Saturday morning before Upward, Sid told me how much he enjoyed Winter Jam and thanked me for taking him with me.
Wow, I am constantly amazed at Sid's awareness and comprehension. For a six year old he says and does some things that blow my mind. I love my boy so much and I try my best to tell him daily, and with God's help I look forward to raising him up to become a great man of God with a heavenly purpose.
His faith is just like Dale's sermon yesterday.......SIMPLE. We, as parents can learn a lot from our children, but I believe this is the best lesson. We don't have to complicate things, and if we can ever see things as simple as our children we will surely be blessed.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wow, I am constantly amazed at Sid's awareness and comprehension. For a six year old he says and does some things that blow my mind. I love my boy so much and I try my best to tell him daily, and with God's help I look forward to raising him up to become a great man of God with a heavenly purpose.
His faith is just like Dale's sermon yesterday.......SIMPLE. We, as parents can learn a lot from our children, but I believe this is the best lesson. We don't have to complicate things, and if we can ever see things as simple as our children we will surely be blessed.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Winter Jam
No, this isn't a new jelly by Smuckers! This is the concert event of the year in which the Sid-man and I will be attending tonight. Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, and a few more performers will be hitting the stage at the Bi-Lo Center tonight in Greenville. I am so excited to see Steven and Jeremy, I have heard they are both great in concert.
I have yet to hear any updates on Sabra, but please continue to pray. Also be in prayer for any lost teens tonight who may be at the concert. Pray for their salvation.
Too excited to write anymore, sorry for such a down week as far as the blogs go. I'll do better next week. Have a great weekend and invite someone to church this weekend.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I have yet to hear any updates on Sabra, but please continue to pray. Also be in prayer for any lost teens tonight who may be at the concert. Pray for their salvation.
Too excited to write anymore, sorry for such a down week as far as the blogs go. I'll do better next week. Have a great weekend and invite someone to church this weekend.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Prayer Request
I need everybody who reads this to pray for a friend. I'm gonna let my cousin Meleah Bell Thomas tell you who and whats going on. Meleah left this comment yesterday and I figured I would just include it today so you could join us in lifting up Sabra in prayer.
Hi all--I am posting this Urgent Prayer Request here in hopes that many people will see it and stop and pray. Please pray for Sabra Bratcher Bowen and her family. Sabra had to have an emergency c-section yesterday and ended up having a hysterectomy due to severe bleeding. The baby is fine but Sabra is in ICU and the Dr. says there is nothing more they can do medically--besides pray. Many people know Sabra's Dad Ronnie Bratcher. Daughter Leila goes to WEE school in the 2 year 3 day class. Sabra is a teacher at Honea Path Elem. We all know the power of prayer and I hope you all will pray for this entire family. They really need it right now.
Thanks in advance for your prayers in this matter and thank you Meleah for sending out this request.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Hi all--I am posting this Urgent Prayer Request here in hopes that many people will see it and stop and pray. Please pray for Sabra Bratcher Bowen and her family. Sabra had to have an emergency c-section yesterday and ended up having a hysterectomy due to severe bleeding. The baby is fine but Sabra is in ICU and the Dr. says there is nothing more they can do medically--besides pray. Many people know Sabra's Dad Ronnie Bratcher. Daughter Leila goes to WEE school in the 2 year 3 day class. Sabra is a teacher at Honea Path Elem. We all know the power of prayer and I hope you all will pray for this entire family. They really need it right now.
Thanks in advance for your prayers in this matter and thank you Meleah for sending out this request.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day
I had several calls yesterday wandering if I was still alive. I was having a valley day! I’m better now, but sometimes I have a down day and I don’t feel like putting on a happy face for y’all. I apologize, but I am human.
I would like to tell you that everyday is like St. Valentines day around the Locke household, but that would be a lie. We have bad days along with the good ones. And I believe that you do grow stronger in the valleys and like the post a few weeks back; without the valleys we can’t reach the mountain tops.
I am truly blessed this morning to have a beautiful wife and two wonderful kids, but more importantly than my family is this guy named Jesus. Just like Cynthia said a few blogs back, Jesus is our valentine every day. Jesus loves us in the valleys and on the mountain tops. That is why we have such a reason to celebrate; He genuinely loves us, in spite of ourselves.
Our lesson coming up this Sunday; to which I am teaching, is based on John 4:5-30. The woman at the well, and she found her valentine and couldn’t keep it a secret. She ran through the streets telling everyone. Jesus was awesome in this story (He’s awesome all the time) because he chose a woman of her stature to reveal Himself to. Wow. No big conference called with dancers and a big feast, but a woman of lowly stature. That is what rocks about Jesus, He was a normal person. This has been the theme in the study so far in the book of John. Jesus seemed just as normal as you and I while here on earth. He created the earth and could have at the simple request commanded anything to happen, but he remained humble and so patient. The reason is because He loves us so much that He would face the cross to see us solidify our place with Him for eternity. Jesus, I love you and I am forever grateful for how much you love me. Thank you and I am sorry for daily letting you down. Happy Valentines Day.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I would like to tell you that everyday is like St. Valentines day around the Locke household, but that would be a lie. We have bad days along with the good ones. And I believe that you do grow stronger in the valleys and like the post a few weeks back; without the valleys we can’t reach the mountain tops.
I am truly blessed this morning to have a beautiful wife and two wonderful kids, but more importantly than my family is this guy named Jesus. Just like Cynthia said a few blogs back, Jesus is our valentine every day. Jesus loves us in the valleys and on the mountain tops. That is why we have such a reason to celebrate; He genuinely loves us, in spite of ourselves.
Our lesson coming up this Sunday; to which I am teaching, is based on John 4:5-30. The woman at the well, and she found her valentine and couldn’t keep it a secret. She ran through the streets telling everyone. Jesus was awesome in this story (He’s awesome all the time) because he chose a woman of her stature to reveal Himself to. Wow. No big conference called with dancers and a big feast, but a woman of lowly stature. That is what rocks about Jesus, He was a normal person. This has been the theme in the study so far in the book of John. Jesus seemed just as normal as you and I while here on earth. He created the earth and could have at the simple request commanded anything to happen, but he remained humble and so patient. The reason is because He loves us so much that He would face the cross to see us solidify our place with Him for eternity. Jesus, I love you and I am forever grateful for how much you love me. Thank you and I am sorry for daily letting you down. Happy Valentines Day.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Reflections and Request
What a great weekend!! Upward was very good on Saturday, and yesterday was unbelievable....Dodd is really turning into an awesome teacher and Dale was stepping on toes again. I love it when he does that. Yep, it was a very good weekend.
I am truly blessed to have so many great friends and I love each and every one of them, but we have a brother in need of some serious prayer this morning. Frank needs all of our prayers right now. I'm sure he will talk about it on his blog, but please pray hard for Frank. He is really going through a medically tough time right now. Pray for him to lean on God and trust that the Dr's are just the messenger, but God is the divine healer. And no matter what, God is in control, and all things happen according to His will. Frank we love you and we pray for you and your family.
I'm having one of those morning when my brain is faster than these fingers and I can't keep up. So I'm going to leave you with a simple request..........pray today. Not only for Frank, but for our country, our leaders, your friends and family, and most importantly that God's will be done in all the above mentioned.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
I am truly blessed to have so many great friends and I love each and every one of them, but we have a brother in need of some serious prayer this morning. Frank needs all of our prayers right now. I'm sure he will talk about it on his blog, but please pray hard for Frank. He is really going through a medically tough time right now. Pray for him to lean on God and trust that the Dr's are just the messenger, but God is the divine healer. And no matter what, God is in control, and all things happen according to His will. Frank we love you and we pray for you and your family.
I'm having one of those morning when my brain is faster than these fingers and I can't keep up. So I'm going to leave you with a simple request..........pray today. Not only for Frank, but for our country, our leaders, your friends and family, and most importantly that God's will be done in all the above mentioned.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Super Cool Person
With no Super Cool Person last week, I decided to bring the heat this morning. I have chosen the best Super Cool person. This man has really been an influence and an inspiration to me and to countless others. He is none other than our friend and pastor......T. DALE LYNCH.
For the past ten years he has been a rock at our church and in our community. Dale is the type pastor who really cares and for this we are truly blessed. Here he is, in his own words.
Favorite food? Prime rib
Favorite thing to do? Spending time with my wife, Harrianne
What do you want to be when you grow up? Older!
Favorite TV show and movie? CSI Miami, Uncle Buck
Favorite music? Variety of Christian music and beach music
Favorite place on the planet? Beach
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Ireland
Favorite sport @ team? Furman Paladins
Family info (Husband, Wife, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Wife of 30 years-Harrianne, Son, Berry-25, Banker in Atlanta; Son, Adam-25, Graphic Designer in Greenville; Pet, Pepper-14, cockerpoo
Best friend? Harrianne
What are you afraid of? Being late for anything
When did you get saved? October 19, 1971-when I was 16 yrs old-radically changed my life!
Church background? Joined New Zion Baptist Church in Lake City, SC when I became a
Christian, served on 1 church staff and pastor of 3 different churches since 1981. Presently, pastor of the Belton First Baptist Church where it is my honor to serve with the best staff and the greatest people in the world!
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Jesus Christ, He is second to none, not even Harrianne
What has been a defining moment in your life? My call into the pastoral ministry-I discovered my purpose.
Dale we love you and appreciate your leadership at Belton's 1st Baptist. Thank you so much for who you are and for allowing us a look in this morning. I can't wait to see where God is leading us!! I'm glad you are our pastor and such a vital part of what God is doing. We haven't arrived, but I feel that we are growing and becoming more Kingdom Minded as a church, daily. Thank you for being a constant.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
For the past ten years he has been a rock at our church and in our community. Dale is the type pastor who really cares and for this we are truly blessed. Here he is, in his own words.
Favorite food? Prime rib
Favorite thing to do? Spending time with my wife, Harrianne
What do you want to be when you grow up? Older!
Favorite TV show and movie? CSI Miami, Uncle Buck
Favorite music? Variety of Christian music and beach music
Favorite place on the planet? Beach
A place you want to visit b4 checking outta here? Ireland
Favorite sport @ team? Furman Paladins
Family info (Husband, Wife, kids, pets, parents, and siblings) Wife of 30 years-Harrianne, Son, Berry-25, Banker in Atlanta; Son, Adam-25, Graphic Designer in Greenville; Pet, Pepper-14, cockerpoo
Best friend? Harrianne
What are you afraid of? Being late for anything
When did you get saved? October 19, 1971-when I was 16 yrs old-radically changed my life!
Church background? Joined New Zion Baptist Church in Lake City, SC when I became a
Christian, served on 1 church staff and pastor of 3 different churches since 1981. Presently, pastor of the Belton First Baptist Church where it is my honor to serve with the best staff and the greatest people in the world!
Who has been the most positive influence in your life? Jesus Christ, He is second to none, not even Harrianne
What has been a defining moment in your life? My call into the pastoral ministry-I discovered my purpose.
Dale we love you and appreciate your leadership at Belton's 1st Baptist. Thank you so much for who you are and for allowing us a look in this morning. I can't wait to see where God is leading us!! I'm glad you are our pastor and such a vital part of what God is doing. We haven't arrived, but I feel that we are growing and becoming more Kingdom Minded as a church, daily. Thank you for being a constant.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
I Have a Cold
Alright, I really feel like poo-poo and I am not going to blog long. I am actually going to the Dr. this morning, I never go to see the needle slinging men/women in the white coats. I just don't have time right now to be pitiful. Men are the biggest, baddest creatures until we get a cough, or stump our toe. Why is that? I don't know!!
Anyway, y'all have a good day. See you back here in the morning.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Anyway, y'all have a good day. See you back here in the morning.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Wilderness
I am in desperate need of heat! My wife rules the thermostat with an iron fist. You have a $500.00 natural gas bill and all of the sudden blankets take on a whole new meaning. Seriously she keeps the thermostat on 64. That’s right, 64 degrees!!! I literally have on a stocking hat right now inside while I’m typing. If I could type with gloves on I would. I cut it up to 65 one morning and got in some big trouble.
We keep the heat turned way down to avoid another $500.00 gas bill. One of the bad parts of living in a 80 year old house. It's a solid house, but not the best insulated and the thought of giving Piedmont Natural Gas that much cash scares me. This could be said of church’s today. Not with the heat bill, but with change. We get scared to change the way it has always been, because we don’t want to upset the ebb and flow of the business called church. Somebody tried something once and maybe it caused a lot of discomfort, so we better not try anything like that again. There is no room for this mindset in the church, we are to be Kingdom Minded, and if we get focused on the Kingdom then nothing else really matters.
I’ve got to tell you I am really getting excited about where God is leading us and I can’t wait to get there. I want us to adopt a theology that says we aren’t going to shut up, back up, or let up, until we get called up, Whatever it Takes!
We started a study by Max Lucado on the book of John this past Sunday, and I love it. I have never really payed that much attention to John the Baptist prior to this study. I knew that he baptized Jesus and all, but never really looked at him until this past weekend. John the Baptist (turns out did a lot more than just baptize Jesus) he was on a mission from God. He knew exactly what he was doing and who he was doing it for. Look at these verses:
19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said: "I am' The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD, as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 "It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
John 1:19-27 (NKJV)
We are called to partner with John and be that voice crying in the wilderness. Our wilderness is the whole world in which we live. I would like to ask you a question, when is the last time you invited a friend to church? Make a commitment today to ask one person to come this Sunday to Sunday School and stay for preaching. It’s not that hard, you just open up your mouth and say would you like to come to church with me. Pick them up if you have to, don’t let anything hinder you. I am looking forward to moving our class to the sanctuary, lets fill it up this Sunday. It takes all of us and we can make a difference. With God all things are possible and we know that He is on our side, so what is stopping you…..just do it!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
We keep the heat turned way down to avoid another $500.00 gas bill. One of the bad parts of living in a 80 year old house. It's a solid house, but not the best insulated and the thought of giving Piedmont Natural Gas that much cash scares me. This could be said of church’s today. Not with the heat bill, but with change. We get scared to change the way it has always been, because we don’t want to upset the ebb and flow of the business called church. Somebody tried something once and maybe it caused a lot of discomfort, so we better not try anything like that again. There is no room for this mindset in the church, we are to be Kingdom Minded, and if we get focused on the Kingdom then nothing else really matters.
I’ve got to tell you I am really getting excited about where God is leading us and I can’t wait to get there. I want us to adopt a theology that says we aren’t going to shut up, back up, or let up, until we get called up, Whatever it Takes!
We started a study by Max Lucado on the book of John this past Sunday, and I love it. I have never really payed that much attention to John the Baptist prior to this study. I knew that he baptized Jesus and all, but never really looked at him until this past weekend. John the Baptist (turns out did a lot more than just baptize Jesus) he was on a mission from God. He knew exactly what he was doing and who he was doing it for. Look at these verses:
19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said: "I am' The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD, as the prophet Isaiah said." 24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, saying, "I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 "It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
John 1:19-27 (NKJV)
We are called to partner with John and be that voice crying in the wilderness. Our wilderness is the whole world in which we live. I would like to ask you a question, when is the last time you invited a friend to church? Make a commitment today to ask one person to come this Sunday to Sunday School and stay for preaching. It’s not that hard, you just open up your mouth and say would you like to come to church with me. Pick them up if you have to, don’t let anything hinder you. I am looking forward to moving our class to the sanctuary, lets fill it up this Sunday. It takes all of us and we can make a difference. With God all things are possible and we know that He is on our side, so what is stopping you…..just do it!!
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Pursuit of Happiness
Hope everybody had a good Monday! Mine was not that bad and I am looking forward to a great Tuesday. You just never know what is coming in the moments ahead. Case and point, yesterday I was driving home and jamming out to a little Third Day and my phone rings. It’s Amy (my crazy sister) and she and a friend (Lisa Whatley) were stumped on the title of a movie. So who better to call than her big bro, because……well I have been known to remember a lot of useless info. The question was the name of the movie that Will Smith recently starred in. To easy…..everybody knows this one (hello it just came out around Christmas) The Pursuit of Happiness. We talked briefly and we hung up. Well I got to thinking (which usually hurts) about those words….The Pursuit of Happiness.
How many people do you know who are searching for it and are looking in all the wrong places, only to come up more desperate and upset than they were before. What exactly does happiness look like? It seems that it is gone as soon as you get it. I would like to tell everyone that I am constantly happy, but that would just be a lie. I do have hope, and this hope I have leads to happiness. The only times that I am truly happy is when I am walking in His will. The thought of walking in God’s will, can stump a lot of people, because its not like God audibly talks to us or sends us letters, does He. Well I think that we are more apt to hear from Him when we are walking with Him everyday of every week, not just on Sunday mornings for two hours. God desires a relationship with us, and if you have a relationship with a human that you invest only a few hours a week, you won’t be in it too much longer.
God doesn’t require our very best, because our best can’t even compare. He just wants us to be willing. Willing to pick up the phone and tell a friend going through a rough time, you are praying for them. Willing to be nice to strangers and help them out when they need it. Willing to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and most of all, willing to be used by Him! Then and only then will you set out on the Pursuit of Happiness.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
How many people do you know who are searching for it and are looking in all the wrong places, only to come up more desperate and upset than they were before. What exactly does happiness look like? It seems that it is gone as soon as you get it. I would like to tell everyone that I am constantly happy, but that would just be a lie. I do have hope, and this hope I have leads to happiness. The only times that I am truly happy is when I am walking in His will. The thought of walking in God’s will, can stump a lot of people, because its not like God audibly talks to us or sends us letters, does He. Well I think that we are more apt to hear from Him when we are walking with Him everyday of every week, not just on Sunday mornings for two hours. God desires a relationship with us, and if you have a relationship with a human that you invest only a few hours a week, you won’t be in it too much longer.
God doesn’t require our very best, because our best can’t even compare. He just wants us to be willing. Willing to pick up the phone and tell a friend going through a rough time, you are praying for them. Willing to be nice to strangers and help them out when they need it. Willing to listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and most of all, willing to be used by Him! Then and only then will you set out on the Pursuit of Happiness.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Numbers
OK, I’m back and I can say that I did have a post for Friday, but my computer crashed prior to publishing and I didn’t have time to redo it. You see some of us have to work for a living. Last week was very trying for me. It was so busy and I am glad it’s over.
The post that I did last Friday was not a Super Cool Person, it was on numbers. You see, at work we had inventory last Thursday and Friday. As most of you know I am an outside salesman for a plumbing company. That’s right, I sell toilets and pipe for a living. I have some pretty good job security if you know what I mean. Back to the numbers thing. We have almost 8500 different items that we count once a year. That is a lot of plumbing products. It is almost overwhelming, and it takes all hands, but as I was counting some copper fittings Friday night (while Lori and a good many of my friends were at T. Dales 10 year anniversary party at church) I realized how wonderful our God is.
At last count there were a little over 6.5 billion people on this planet we call home. And our heavenly father knows every one of us. He not only knows us, but he hears our prayers and knows our hearts. Let that sink in for a minute…..6.5 B B B Billion souls!!!! I have a hard time listening to Lori and giving her my attention after a long day, and yet God not only hears us, but He loves each and every one of us.
It is impossible for us to imagine what God is like, the bible tells us that His ways are not like ours, and for that I am thankful. I’m glad that he is never too tired to just talk with me, or listen to me complain, or hold me when I can’t go on. He really is what we all need and it is when you realize that, that life takes on a whole new meaning. It is then that we realize what a gift we received at Calvary so many years ago. It floors me when I think that this gift of eternal life is only a request away. There is no list of deeds to be performed, only a simple plea to be forgiven and that’s it. We indeed serve a wonderful heavenly father!
I would like to give a shout out to T. Dale for his leadership and faithfulness to Belton 1st for the past 10 years, Dale, you da man. I hope everyone has a great Monday and if you are given the opportunity to make a difference, just do it.
Also I would like to say how refreshing it is to hear a NFL coach and owner give all the glory to God on national TV after the winning of the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy; the Colts head coach, said last night after winning the game that he was glad to see Christian coaches win, and that you can win while doing it the Lord’s way. Wow, that’s great.
Have a Blesses Day!!!
The post that I did last Friday was not a Super Cool Person, it was on numbers. You see, at work we had inventory last Thursday and Friday. As most of you know I am an outside salesman for a plumbing company. That’s right, I sell toilets and pipe for a living. I have some pretty good job security if you know what I mean. Back to the numbers thing. We have almost 8500 different items that we count once a year. That is a lot of plumbing products. It is almost overwhelming, and it takes all hands, but as I was counting some copper fittings Friday night (while Lori and a good many of my friends were at T. Dales 10 year anniversary party at church) I realized how wonderful our God is.
At last count there were a little over 6.5 billion people on this planet we call home. And our heavenly father knows every one of us. He not only knows us, but he hears our prayers and knows our hearts. Let that sink in for a minute…..6.5 B B B Billion souls!!!! I have a hard time listening to Lori and giving her my attention after a long day, and yet God not only hears us, but He loves each and every one of us.
It is impossible for us to imagine what God is like, the bible tells us that His ways are not like ours, and for that I am thankful. I’m glad that he is never too tired to just talk with me, or listen to me complain, or hold me when I can’t go on. He really is what we all need and it is when you realize that, that life takes on a whole new meaning. It is then that we realize what a gift we received at Calvary so many years ago. It floors me when I think that this gift of eternal life is only a request away. There is no list of deeds to be performed, only a simple plea to be forgiven and that’s it. We indeed serve a wonderful heavenly father!
I would like to give a shout out to T. Dale for his leadership and faithfulness to Belton 1st for the past 10 years, Dale, you da man. I hope everyone has a great Monday and if you are given the opportunity to make a difference, just do it.
Also I would like to say how refreshing it is to hear a NFL coach and owner give all the glory to God on national TV after the winning of the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy; the Colts head coach, said last night after winning the game that he was glad to see Christian coaches win, and that you can win while doing it the Lord’s way. Wow, that’s great.
Have a Blesses Day!!!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Jesus and Snow
I am amazed at how clean the Belton area looks under a blanket of snow. It is bright, white, and looks good. I think this is how God views us from Heaven once we have asked Jesus into our heart. Jesus is pure and without sin and he covers us like a blanket of snow. I am truly thankful for the love of Jesus, and for the snow to remind me of that.
Hate it couldn't be longer, but I've got to get to work. We are starting inventory today and short of death there are no excuses for missing it. Everybody be careful if you have to leave your home. Bundle up and stay warm.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
Hate it couldn't be longer, but I've got to get to work. We are starting inventory today and short of death there are no excuses for missing it. Everybody be careful if you have to leave your home. Bundle up and stay warm.
Have a Blessed Day!!!
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