A New Week- A New Possibility

I never get to post on Monday mornings so I figured I would do it tonight (Sunday).  If you have read this blog for any amount of time you know that I am passionate when it comes to telling people about Jesus everywhere I go.  I think I am finally getting comfortable in my Christian skin.  This is a feeling that I have been longing for.  I really feel like I am doing what I was made for.  

Let me explain what I mean by that last statement.  I have always thought that I was good in sales because I have an outgoing personality and I'm good with people.  Necessary if you want to be a successful salesman, right.  But now I realize that God created me this way to be a salesman for Him.  I have these gifts because He gave them to me.  And that is the most humbling part of my job.  You see we work for God first and foremost, what we do to earn a paycheck is just and ends to a mean.  

So the way I see it; this a new week with a new possibility to see what it is God desires from you.  Why did He create you and why did He gift you with your gifts?  If you don't know, then spend some time with Him.  It has taken me almost 37 years to come to this realization.  Remember it's not about you, it's all about Him - for those of us who have called on Jesus to save us.  I pray you will seek why you are here and start living life to your full God potential.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

T.G.I.F.

I don't know if this will shock all of you or not, but I have some news that I think you will find interesting. I have just started The Purpose Driven Life study. Our church did it about 5 years ago and we got the book, but never did it. Lillie was an infant and honestly we just were not plugged in at that time. I am only on day 3 and I can tell already why it was and still is a great tool.

Instantly I was challenged and I dig that. I like for a book to grab you right off the bat. The first 4 words "It's not about you" are just riveting!! How awesome would it be if we all could grasp that idea? How much more would our church's grow, how many people would erase the word "Hypocrite" from there vocabulary, and how much happiness could we spread? Imagine a church where the focus was on other people instead of personal feelings!! We could turn this whole world upside down.

I will be sharing from my journey of this study over the next 37 days. I know a lot of you have already been a part of this study, and if you have anything to share please feel free. You know that y'all can post a comment...right?

On to the title of today's post. No I do not have my days mixed up, I either read this or heard it I can't remember, but I know it's good. Instead of Thank God It's Friday, we can use it as Today God Is First. I can see you smiling now. You (like me) have probably never thought of it that way, but now you will. And just maybe we can start applying this little acronym of TGIF the way it should be used. Do you make God first everyday? Will you commit to start right now? I am.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Recap

I know I have been MIA for a while and I really have no defense. I have just been busy. So let me catch you up on everything since we talked last.

The Casting Crowns concert was awesome. No other words needed. It was more like a worship service than a concert.

Saturday's Wrapping Belton in Love was a great time. We opened up the gym and had kids from the community come in and had games, the Easter bunny, prizes, and the Easter story. Some folks from our church went out and helped people with various projects within the community. It really was a great day.

And Sunday was a great day as we celebrated the empty tomb and a risen saviour. What hope we have.

I trust you are taking the HOPE we have and sharing it with those who need it. Go ahead and tell that co-worker, that family member, that stranger at the gas station. You aren't one of those who is keeping it all to yourself are you? Step out on a little faith and look for the opportunities that God has put into place for you to be so much more than just a passer by. You can be an ear, an extra hand, a smiling face, and encourager, or you name it. Just spread the love! It really is that easy and it is fun and humbling. What are you waiting on...try it today.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Watch The Lamb

For you and me Jesus endured all this...What are you doing in return? Are you doing all you can to show the world that you are a child of The King? Are you living out-loud?

Thank You Jesus!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Thank You

Easter is so much more than the eggs, bunny, and a set of new clothes. It is the debt of sin paid on the old rugged cross by God's only Son. We are truly a loved people because we are His people. We are totally unworthy of His sacrifice and yet He did it because of His love for us.

In light of the above mentioned all I can say is...THANK YOU JESUS!!!

I hope you take time this weekend to reflect on this awesome sacrifice and Praise His Name.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Slow Day

I posted a video from you tube this morning b4 7am and it has yet to pop up. I hope its coming. Y'all have a great day and check back in a little later.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

4 More Days

I hope everyone had a great weekend and this week has got off to a great start for you. I am really getting excited because this Friday night, I am going to the Casting Crowns concert. I was able to go two years ago and I can't wait to see them again. These guys are awesome and they are so much more than just a band. They are youth ministers with a passion that shines through in their music. It is going to be awesome, and being on Good Friday makes it that much better. What a great way to usher in the most awesome time of the year. Hope you are going!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Mission Trip

Do you guys remember last year when I talked about going to Tanzania, Africa with Berea 1st Baptist? Lori and I decided that with all we had going on that it would not be the best time for me to go this year. I so wish I were going. Anyway, they are leaving in the morning for two weeks to tell people about the love of Jesus and to help put roofs on the 10 church's they have planted in the last two years over there.

I may not be there in person, but I will be there in spirit and in prayer. Will you guys join me in daily praying for the people who will be going on this life-changing journey. Thank you in advance for your prayers and I will update you as I hear. One of the pastors that goes on this trip is Matt Lusk's brother-in-law, so hopefully I will get some updates over the next two weeks.

Have a Great Weekend and a Blessed Day!!!

Cyberspace Difficulties

I don't know if it is taking the videos a long time for you to download, but I am having a horrible time. Something is going on in cyberspace. The one by Michael Jr "Oversaved" was supposed to go through last Friday am. Oh well, something ain't right.

The lesson this Sunday that I am teaching is from Genesis 32 & 33. It is about Jacob and Esau's reunion and the wrestling match that Jacob had with God. It is amazing to me how God can take something written so long ago and use for literal application today. That is what I love about the Bible, it is alive. Have you picked yours up lately? If not, get in it and see what the Lord has in store for you today!

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Cheerful Giver

Which one are You?

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Over Saved

A little Friday morning humor for you.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Random Thoughts

Just wanted to hit some randoms this morning.

1. I received this American Family Association Alert from my dad and sister yesterday. Here is the link to get the full story and a list of schools. I didn't see any schools in South Carolina, but there were lots in Georgia. Very disturbing what they are teaching our kids. We need to stay involved and make sure that the schools aren't educating our kids on such matters they have no business. What ever happened to simple arithmetic and reading.
   Friday, April 25, several thousand schools across the nation will be observing "Day of Silence (DOS)." DOS is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools. AFA is joining other family-oriented groups in urging parents to keep their children at home that day if their local school is participating in the DOS project. By remaining silent, the intent of the pro-homosexual students is to disrupt the classes while promoting the homosexual lifestyle. DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots.
   
   
2. The Upward awards banquet was last night and it was awesome. Kudos to all who had a hand in pulling this off. I would venture to say that we had at least 1250 people there. Tony Eubanks (from Clemson University FCA) did an awesome job as keynote speaker and delivered a very simple and fun plan of salvation. The band Changing Ways was great and it was just a wonderful night.
   
   
3. I wish everyone could get it!!
   
   
4. Just got back from aerobics and Kathy Alley is a freak! All I can say about that.
   
   
5. Pray for Will Blackston and his parents Russell and Robin as he will be undergoing some test tomorrow. I'll try to keep you guys updated.
   
   
6. God is in Control and just remember that He has a plan for each of us. Look at this:
   11 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13 "When you come looking for me, you'll find me.
   Jer 29:11-13 (MSG)
   Isn't God good!
   

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Status Quo

Good Morning all. I trust that the Lord is blessing you. Got a few questions this morning. What does your witness look like? What kind of measures do you take to protect your witness? Do you even feel like your witness needs protecting? What exactly does your witness mean to you? Pretty tough questions this morning I know, but I have really been battling this one lately. Or should I say that the Lord has been opening my eyes more and more.

As many of you know I read several books at a time, just to mix it up a bit. I keep un-christian in my car (no I don't read while driving) and the other book I am reading is Lifestories by Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns). Lifestories is a great read and I highly recommend it. Anyway, Mark made a statement that really hit home with me..."before you can realize who you are in Christ, you have to realize who You are not." WOW!! Never really thought of it that way before. That immediately hit home with me and it led me to do a quick evaluation of the status quo in my life.

For me, the closer I get to God and the more time I spend with Him, the more He opens my eyes to the things in my life that I could always reason away. The closer I get the more of me I don't like. It's all about the witness. Its all about everyone else. Its all about letting Jesus shine through you. Its all about Christ being in the center and you rotate around Him.

You are not an addiction beater...Jesus is
You are not the perfect parent...Jesus is
You are not the unconditional lover...Jesus is
You are not __________...Jesus is.

Do you notice the common denominator above; its Jesus, and it always has been and it always will be. So I guess what I am trying to say is if your witness is weak, its because you are weak. You are nothing without Jesus. The quicker you realize this simple truth the greater He becomes in you, and you quickly see the need to move yourself out of the way and let God lead your steps.

I could go one for a while with this one, but I have to go. Ask God to lead you today and if you need it, work on adding more of Jesus to your daily diet, He is the perfect portion.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Lillian Dale Locke

Today is Lillie's birthday. It is hard to believe that she is 5 years old. It is amazing how time flies. I am amazed at the understanding of both her and Sid. Just the other morning I went to wake her up before leaving for work and the first thing she said was "daddy remember to pray for brother today, you know he has a dentist appointment and he's a little scared". Not bragging too much, but a 4 year old saying that 1st thing in the morning...wow. How many of us think of others before ourself. I usually wake up selfish and want to know what I'm going to eat.

I look forward to the years ahead and am so thankful for God's gift of my children. They truly are a gift. Happy Birthday Lillie...I Love You so much!!!

Have a Blessed Day!!!