tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84777765885903270742024-03-05T01:51:44.212-06:00[Decorated Guardrails]def.- 1. a rail that prevents people from falling off or being hit by something; 2. a protective railingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-73840157553408065362017-02-06T11:37:00.001-06:002017-02-06T11:37:57.324-06:00Intentional Parenting For When Your Kid Turns 13In 2013 I read an article by Practical Shepherding that detailed the authors attempt to disciple his son who had just turned 13 by taking him on a short trip. That article stuck in my mind. Shortly after that Carrie and I had a conversation and decided that when our boys turned 13, I would take them on a trip, just the 2 of us. We would go have some fun, but the main goal was for me to have a chance to initiate discussion about how they could be a man that glorifies God. <div>
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I know so many families that have young boys and so I thought it may be helpful if I wrote out my conversation topics. I apologize for those of you who have girls, I don't have any, so this is all written for boys. Maybe my brother-in-law who has 3 girls (one who will be turning 13 here in a few weeks) can take on that topic. </div>
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When your kids are little you have complete control over their lives, but as their teenage years approach, you being to lose control, but if you shepherd them correctly, you will start to gain influence. As my control begins to diminish I am striving by God's grace to increase my influence. </div>
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I have 4 topics I want to discuss with each of my boys:</div>
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<li><b>Protect</b>- I Peter 3:1-7- as men we are called to protect our wives and family. Although he is just entering his teenage years, he is already forming his view of women and his role with them. He can check to make sure doors are locked, that he is looking out for his Mom, that he values the image of God revealed in women. I want to create his instincts to be ready to sacrifice self for people around him.</li>
<li><b>Provide</b>- Genesis 1-2, I Timothy 5:8- Men were made for work, and to care for our families physical and emotional needs. His role right now is to work hard at school, on his basketball team, his chores, etc. He needs to develop a strong work ethic now so that in the future he will have what it takes to support his family and meet their needs. He also needs to recognize that others have more than just financial needs. A healthy relationship is based not on money, but on supporting the concerns, dreams, and details of someones life. This process is something we need to learn before we get into dating and marriage relationships. </li>
<li><b>Lead</b>- Ephesians 5:22-33- we are love our wives and Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. This is sacrificially serving others. Let me just say, this doesn't come naturally, and it is my role as parent to help foster this in my boys. They learn to do this by making choices that don't just benefit themselves. I want to him to lead with confidence, but also with grace and patience. He needs to be able to look at the people around him and be willing to choose what is best for them and not what is best just for him. </li>
<li><b>Be Holy</b>- Proverbs 5- this passage will give me a chance to talk to him about protecting his heart and mind. Our world is full of sexual impurity and pornography. It tells us to satisfy every urge, that nothing is off limits. But God has a different view and commands us to be pure. I want my boys to not only be pure, but to lead the people God brings into their lives in purity as well. </li>
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So tomorrow, Caleb and I will begin our trip. We head to MI to surprise my brother for his 40th birthday. I am completely unequipped to be the parent of a teen on my own, but I am grateful that God promises all the grace I need for every situation. I am looking forward to seeing Caleb continue to grow in grace, and I look forward to this season of life. These topics are meant to start a conversation, they can't be the whole thing. I want him to realize I want to talk about what is on his heart, and I want to help shepherd him into the man God wants him to become. I would appreciate your prayers for the trip!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-91213449954256775972016-10-03T21:55:00.001-05:002016-10-03T22:05:15.416-05:00"dwell"- an unlikely word of encouragement <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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II Peter 3:13- "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (ESV)<br />
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I recently finished preaching through II Peter for our churches mid-week services. As I got near the end of the Epistle, I came to this verse. Since I studied this verse, it hasn't been far from my thoughts. This verse was an unusual source of encouragement to me, and I hope it will be to you as well.<br />
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The word dwells is a pretty common place word, it carries the idea of "being at home." In other words in the new heaven and new earth "righteousness will be at home". Let me explain why this simple thought has encouraged me over and over.<br />
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If I am being transparent, righteousness isn't really always "at home" in my life. It is at war in and with my flesh. I struggle to do what I know I am commanded to do, and I often do what I know I am not supposed to do. When I was a kid I would think of heaven as this amazing place with gold streets, amazing jewels, etc. Then as I got older and understood more about heaven, I would think of heaven as being with Christ, seeing His glory and enjoying His fellowship. But that picture was hard to really relate to. My sin hinders fellowship with God in so many instances in my life that I have a hard time imagining being in the presence of God.<br />
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That is why I love the thought this verse allows me to dwell on (see what i did there =). In the future there will be a time, when righteousness dwells, and I will be there! I will be where righteousness is at home, where it is no longer at war with my flesh, no longer a struggle to do what I know I should do, no longer a struggle to offer God the worship He alone is worthy of.<br />
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So if you are struggling today, be encouraged! God's plan isn't just for this life, He is going to make the next one perfect! In the craziness of this life, let's start the process of letting righteousness be at home today, and look forward to the time when that will be an everyday reality.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-28716347277070026812016-08-19T15:33:00.000-05:002016-08-19T16:29:29.096-05:00The Summer Ministry: A Rearview Evaluation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I begin to do some of the many projects that are necessary each fall, I am often too busy to sit down and reflect on how the previous months have gone. This year the Lord allowed our church to have a summer internship program and I felt it beneficial to make time for evaluation much earlier in my schedule.<br />
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Summer is an amazing time of fellowship and often more laid back ministry. For years I have had a burden to be able to assemble a summer internship program and this past year the church voted to make it a possibility. One of the reasons that I feel so strongly about this ministry is the impact we can have on the future ministries of these college men that spend their summer with us.<br />
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With that in mind, I have 4 observations:<br />
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<li>The future of the church is bright</li>
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<li>having two young men (one a recent college graduate and one heading to his senior year of college) minister alongside me for the past 11 weeks showed me a glimpse of future. During this election cycle, we hear a lot of doom and gloom, and unfortunately this attitude is even present in churches across our nation. I hear comments about how the church is dying, etc. but after spending time with our interns and seeing their heart for the Lord and the church, I am encouraged. My excitement to see the Lord do great things in the lives of young people has never been stronger. The potential impact the next generation can have for the Lord is massive, and I can't wait to watch it. </li>
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<li>Churches need to be investing in practical training for men interested in ministry</li>
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<li>Each week we spent time just taking over practical ministry issues. These meetings revealed to me a need to show our young people a "behind the scenes" picture of how churches work. Our churches tend to emphasize the Sunday service (and we should) but we neglect to explain to people how the rest of the ministry works. If we are going to hand over the keys to next generation, we might want to show them how it works. This training really can't be done in a college setting. It has to happen in the local church. </li>
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<li>Internship programs are a lot of work</li>
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<li>This wasn't a negative! Bringing in 2 people to your ministry who don't know who you are, or what you do, or why you do it, makes for a learning curve. It meant time invested in getting to know them, their background, their personalities, etc. It meant reviewing schedules and event details, etc. I am grateful for all God accomplished in their lives and in our church over this summer. My schedule this summer was more different than it has ever been in ministry. So many things changed, even when I wasn't preaching there others things that needed to be done. But it was one of the best summers of ministry as well. </li>
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<li>Internships were a blessing to my heart as a pastor!</li>
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<li>I can't express how much I was blessed this summer. When I wanted to start this ministry, my goal was to be a blessing to 2 college students, give them practical ministry opportunities, and help them financially with their college school bill. But as the summer moved along, I think I may have been the one that got the biggest blessing. The Lord knew what I needed and used these men to encourage my heart. I was a blessing to hear them preach, or watch them interact with our church people, or to see them observe various needs and them meet them. </li>
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As I sit in my now quiet office, back to the routine of fall, I am grateful for the summer God allowed our church to experience. I can't say that every summer will be as good as this one, or that every intern will exhibit a heart to learn or grow. But I can say that this summer God blessed our church with 2 men that were an encouragement to us. Hopefully we ministered to them as much as they ministered to us. </div>
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On a side note, I am beginning the process of recruiting 2 people for next summer, so if you know somebody pass along the information!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-51630423035657992052016-07-22T12:16:00.001-05:002016-07-22T12:19:13.994-05:00Weep with those who weep......Over the past few weeks, life has been busy. Summer months seem to be crammed full of stuff, fun stuff, but still full. My mind has been wrestling through some current events and so I thought I would write them down.<br />
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On July 5th I watched a video of a black man being shot by a police officer in LA. In the desire for full disclosure, I am a white pastor who lives in a primarily white community. There has been much information given and shared about the events of that day. I teach my kids the value of the police and to respect their authority. But the purpose of this post isn't to discuss who was right and who was wrong. Something over the past few weeks has been resonating in my soul.<br />
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I watched people respond by saying "they got what they deserved" or "don't resist and follow instructions and this won't happen." Both of these statements may be true, but my heart grows heavy with the spirit of this position. I am grateful that God didn't give me what I deserve. If we are really going to be pro-life, we can't just be pro-the lives we like/relate to. We have to value all life.<br />
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Whether you believe in the group called BLM (Black Lives Matter), or if you feel their positions are unjustified, consider this thought for a moment. To these people, they only way that they feel like their position will be heard is for them to do desperate things. What has happened to a group of people, that are created in God's image, who He loves with never stopping love, whom He died to save, that they feel that there is no hope in "the land of free and the home of the brave"?<br />
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We have ceased to weep with those who weep. If we don't understand the issue, we ignore it. If we can't relate to a particular struggle, we often pretend that it doesn't exist. For whatever reason we have lost the ability to have compassion. When I started in ministry, I can honestly say, that mercy wasn't my strong suit. But over the years of sitting with people who are about to die, or with widows, or with families that are being torn apart, God has opened my eyes to my need to show mercy.<br />
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Let me be clear, this issues at stake here are immense and won't be resolved easily. But there is one part of this situation that we can change quickly. We can become better listeners. We can listen to the struggles of people around us without condemning them. We can open our lives to help them, encourage them, support them. This won't fix all the issues, but it will open doors and allow needed conversations to happen. After all, we are to "love our neighbors as we love ourself." Let's start taking small steps of reconciliation instead of complaining that the goal seems to far away. <br />
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A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.- Proverbs 15:1<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-79101609963075316732016-02-15T11:13:00.001-06:002016-02-15T11:25:54.847-06:00The Art of Winning and LosingOver the past few weeks, we have been exposed to various responses to sets of circumstances that often reveal a lot about people. But to me they have reveal less about the participants and more about the audience.<br />
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To recap the situations, we have Cam Newton, after losing the Super Bowl, leaving the press after a few short answers (personally I wasn't offended by this, I dislike all in game and pre/post game interviews). We followed that with Donald Trump in the Republican Debate (since he is in the lead in most polls and to a seemingly large group of conservatives can do no wrong, for the context of this article we will call this winning).<br />
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These instances and others have reinforced in me the fact that we have failed to teach people some basic points of dignity. I see this in the way fans yell, boo, mock, and demean the opponents at games, I see it in the way people are treated in online discussions, I see it in the lack of respect given to others who may disagree with our position. In short we have not learned how to win or lose with dignity.<br />
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The issues with respect for others would hardly be a topic for me to write about if it was only showing up in the context of the unsaved, or unchurched, but the issue is now front and center inside the group of people who call themselves "christians" ("little Christ"). How can we pretend that the Word of God is the supreme guide for all of our faith and practice, and then go out and demean those people that God created in His image? Our country, and more importantly the church, has lost the ability to have dialogue with grace, conversations that help us understand a different point of view, a different perspective. We have bought into the rhetoric that it is our way or the highway, and our passion for our rights, and positions has made those who don't share our view feeling like we don't care or love them. This is the exact opposite of what Paul was living out in Acts, he was willing to give his freedom, rights, and life away if it meant that people saw how much the Gospel was worth, and how much they were loved by God and by Paul. The value of a person isn't defined by their political affiliations or Economic or Social standing. Their value is built in because they are created in the image of God.<br />
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Losing with grace and humility doesn't make you a loser (sorry, Cam) it shows the people around you that you are living for something even bigger. So take some time to teach others by your example the right way to be compete, regardless if you win or lose.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-23248464446063237032015-12-22T11:24:00.003-06:002015-12-22T11:24:45.626-06:00T.A.N.S.T.A.A.F.L.<div class="MsoNormal">
In high school, I had the opportunity to be involved on a
debate team. At one of the events intended to help us be better at research and
delivery we had a session with the title, T.A.N.S.T.A.A.F.L.. It was a fascinating
session! It stands for “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.”</div>
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In much of the political arguments offered today we hear a
lot about what people think they should get for free, college, health care,
retirement, etc. It is always been interesting to me to hear a candidate
actually say how they would pay for the benefits they are proposing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The point of this blog post though isn’t political, it is
spiritual. There are 2 obvious ways this applies to us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Satan offers sin, and sells it as free. Simply
put, Satan says it really isn’t that bad, or it isn’t a big deal. Feel free to do
whatever you want and you will be happy. Anytime we disobey our creator,
savior, and friend there are consequences. These may not be immediate, Adam and
Eve didn’t die instantly, but the consequences were very real. Sin destroys our
peace with God and our relationships with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The second idea would be the other side of the
coin. We want to be holy, spiritual, etc. but we don’t want to put in the
effort. Just like sin isn’t free, neither is holiness. I am not talking about
positional holiness, we get that at the point of salvation, I am talking about
practical holiness. Last night while we are vacationing at Carrie’s parents
farm, I was able to stream the Lions game if my phone was in about a 3 foot
area of the house. I could either choose to remain there and watch the game or
I could move and the steam would freeze. This is how spiritual blessings work.
We can either go to the area that God says He will bless or we can go somewhere
else and not get those blessing. God doesn’t change for us, we change for Him.
But too often we aren’t that motivated to stay there, we get distracted and
chase after the things of this life. I hear Christians refer to the times of
great spiritual blessings as past tense, or even like a fairy tale. We need to
be willing give up the things of this world for the things of the next.
Practical holiness isn’t free but it is worth every penny!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nothing in life is free, so let’s get to work and accomplish
something for the cause of Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-24932254017706417142015-09-18T09:42:00.000-05:002016-02-15T11:21:44.726-06:00What the county parade and my sermon this Sunday have in common<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday night, our church drove 2 floats through our county parade. The first float was for our Awana kids and the 2nd for the Teen IMPACT group. It is something we do every year as an opportunity for the kids to be in the parade and the remind the community of some of the programs that our church offers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year the crowd seemed a little larger than some of the previous years, and the kids were all over the place! It was great to see so many families out and to see them having a great time. It is one of the reasons that we love living in our community so much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I drove the bus down Hwy 62, I watched as people lined both sides of the street having a great time watching the parade and kids were loving all the candy. </span><br />
<br />
Sunday I am preaching from Acts 18:1-17 and as I was preparing for the message this picture and these verses really stood out to me in very personal way:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Acts 18:9-10- Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”</li>
</ul>
<div>
"For I have many people in this city." These words have been going around and around in my thoughts since then. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I thought of the mass of people watching the parade, chasing candy, or just enjoying some fun time together, I was struck by the thought that God was worthy of the worship of their lives. Often I can relate far too well with Jonah, I am more concerned with my comforts and desires than the souls of the people around me. But God see them and has compassion, He loves them, He gave Himself for them. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lord give me eyes to see people as you see them!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-20987249336403731502015-06-28T21:28:00.001-05:002015-07-03T12:08:21.157-05:00Why Are We Angry Over The Wrong Issue?This past week we have heard the results of several court cases and as predicted the response has been varied, passionate, sometimes interesting, and often missed the point.<br />
<br />
I can't resist a blog post on these issues, but my burden isn't for the Supreme Court to honor marriage, or for the government to spend wisely, or for a flag to fly or be put away, but for the church to be reminded for why we are here.<br />
<br />
First, let me say that I am a for guns, freedom, biblical marriage, etc. The problem is that the church today seems focused on the wrong issue.<br />
<br />
Instead of being angry at the future of "Christian America" we need to be weeping for the souls of people. The issue we need to be focused on is that there are people who need to hear the Gospel and we are focused on arguing which flag we should fly or if we should obey / honor the court.<br />
<br />
We often speak of how much Jesus loves us, but we have been horribly inefficient in presenting that love to a lost and dying world. The world hears us argue, defend our rights, even point people to history, but we often forget that we aren't here to be right, honored and loved. We are here to point people to Jesus. If we spent as much time telling people about Jesus as we spend debating all those issues I can't help but we think we would make a much bigger difference for eternity.<br />
<br />
The American church needs to get its focus off the Supreme Court and get it back on what God has called us to do. As we come up to July 4th, celebrate America, but make sure that you remember God didn't ask you to be great American, he called you to make disciples.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-39949484520460336292015-06-11T11:19:00.000-05:002015-06-11T11:19:00.073-05:00Am I a better Christian than I am a __________?Several years ago Tim Tebow was playing quarterback for the Broncos (ok, it was probably more than several). During that time I was having a conversation with some friends and one mentioned that they prayed that he would succeed as a QB. Honestly, I don't care if Tim is ever a starting QB again, but I it got me thinking. Maybe as Christians we are praying for the wrong things.<br />
<br />
Tuesday I drove about 3 hours to a funeral of a pastor friend. Pastor Loren had been a pastor for over 39 years (11 years at his current church). He always pastored in a bi-vocational role. Whether working construction, farming or driving a school bus, he took various jobs so that he could afford to pastor in small country churches. He was a pastor that at 69 years old, finished well.<br />
<br />
In the 4 years that I knew Loren, I learned something, he was a better Christian than he was a pastor. This is by no means a slight to his pastoral abilities, but he wasn't defined by his Sunday occupation.<br />
<br />
Several years ago, after my Tebow conversation, I started a list of names of various people that I know who are in ministry. Some are previous pastors of mine and some are friends, but the list is all people that I know personally. Usually about once a month I open this list and pray for these people. The prayer I pray is simple. "Lord, help them to be a better Christian then they are a (fill in their occupation)."<br />
<br />
I don't pray for Tim Tebow to be a great QB, I pray that he would be a great Christian. As I search my own heart I see this area as a need for myself as well. One of the dangers of ministry is to identify spiritual success with ministerial success. We take group success as personal growth, when the two aren't necessarily connected. With all of the effort we put in to being good at our occupational field are we missing out on investing in the one area that really matters?<br />
<br />
No matter what your occupation, no matter what your pay grade or seniority status, strive to be a better Christian than you are a ___________!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lhN6ud6LAGrIaAXsfRV282J9heYFD1AthdNev5zDaug3Z80BcYu37SrpqpyEkvEbIK8lFcJeiiMuuD_6qAyxyA6ch7EJMVhFzB4eX8BJ1gm7GnXH6tZ8-FrACDsJvPJqBvxQMu-45PFk/s1600/Loren.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lhN6ud6LAGrIaAXsfRV282J9heYFD1AthdNev5zDaug3Z80BcYu37SrpqpyEkvEbIK8lFcJeiiMuuD_6qAyxyA6ch7EJMVhFzB4eX8BJ1gm7GnXH6tZ8-FrACDsJvPJqBvxQMu-45PFk/s320/Loren.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-50650946255575500152015-05-27T13:58:00.001-05:002015-05-27T13:58:30.304-05:00The Only Constant Seems to Be Change!In a few days our church will begin the process of making changes to our existing service times. As I have been working to make the transition as smooth as possible I have had the privilege to speak with several people (both in our church and churches around the country) about church changes in general. As these conversations progressed I noticed some things that were an encouragement to me.<br />
<br />
Anytime an organization makes changes, there are going to be several expected (and valid) responses. From the disdain to the overboard excited, these responses demonstrate that the organization is made up people who have a love for it and want it to succeed. We also realize that no matter how small the changes are, they directly impact someone. If changes are to succeed and become the new normal, we must keep them in proper perspective. With that in mind I have written down some of the statements that have been key to me over the past few months.<br />
<br />
5 things to remember when your church makes changes:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>God didn't bless your church in the past because of its schedule and he won't bless it in the future because of your schedule either.</li>
<ol>
<li>God blesses us based on His good will and love for us, not based on our worthiness. He also doesn't bless our churches because of our service times. Service times are a practical function of your community. What you do during that service is what makes that time significant.</li>
</ol>
<li>The purpose of your churches ministry is to help people learn about God. Sometimes that goal is better accomplished through changes, sometimes those changes are small, and sometimes they need to be dramatic.</li>
<ol>
<li>Over the lifespan of any organization the community around it will change. A successful organization will be adept at making its ministry fit the needs of its present community. This is often done through small changes here and there, but sometimes it needs a dramatic overhaul to get realigned. The fear shouldn't be the changes, the fear should be an organization that doesn't impact and interact with its community. </li>
</ol>
<li>The goal of the church isn't to be relevant. The Gospel is already relevant and always will be. The goal of the church is to glorify God by getting the Gospel to the world, and prepare its people to be better messengers (in both word and actions).</li>
<ol>
<li>The church structure sometimes gets way too much credit and blame. If we have a Gospel that is sufficient for all needs of faith and practice, then the goal of the church is to make us better handlers of it.</li>
</ol>
<li>The process of change is as important as the change itself. The process reveals flaws and defects which should be corrected. If we skip the process we are only making the change less effective.</li>
<ol>
<li>The process of looking hard at what we do, why we do it, and how we can make it better is beneficial to the overall health of an organization. It is the road map that lays out the destination in clear terms and guides to getting there effectively. Skipping steps in the process often means that the process will have to be repeated earlier and more often than necessary. </li>
</ol>
<li>The best thing a church can do is to structure itself in a way that people see less of the church and more of Christ.</li>
<ol>
<li>Ironically, we often want the world to notice our churches, our buildings, our programs. If all they see is us and they don't see Christ, we are giving them a lousy photograph. We are to be a reflection of Christ, we want our ministries to be organized in such a way that we don't distract from the message of Christ. </li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
Seasons of change can bring great blessing if we approach them with the proper perspective!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-12738555207205563812015-05-22T15:51:00.002-05:002015-05-22T15:53:12.247-05:00Community= Church or at least it should!<div class="MsoNormal">
Community- def.- Similarity or identity. Sharing,
participation and fellowship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Community ... it can be hard to define. Community is a
popular concept in our culture right now. But what does community mean? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone has the desire to belong, to be a part of
something. People need a place where they are able to grow, learn, make
mistakes, minister, encourage others and find support. The question then is
where is there a place like that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honestly, far too often, that isn’t a description of the
church, but it should be. A healthy church is one that establishes a safe and
loving community. It is a place where sinners find help, not condescension, and
where people hold people accountable, not from some lofty perch above, but from
right beside them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A buzz word in the church today is authenticity. If we wish
to have authentic ministry, we have to be willing to deal with the tough
issues. Not the issues out somewhere in the world, the issues right here in our
churches, right here in our own lives. We are all struggling sinners in need of
a community of Christians who are devoted to helping each other become more and
more like Christ.<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This is why church isn’t just a service. It is a family. So
when you wake up this Sunday and get ready for church, begin praying for your
community of believers. Pray that Word of God would be more than preached, pray
that it would be practiced. Pray that needs would be met and then go and meet
some needs. This Sunday be more than a spectator, be a part of the community of
believers.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-29781442383814053542015-05-01T13:02:00.002-05:002015-05-01T13:40:33.700-05:00What Northland Means to Me<div class="MsoNormal">
It is hard to quantify how much of an impact Northland has
had on my life, but this is my attempt at it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was first introduced to Northland through the camp
ministry. I attended summer camp there for most of my teen years. I was saved
at basketball camp when I was 14 years old. The youth pastor who had the
biggest impact on me was a Northland grad (Chris Juvinall) and my Associate
Pastor (Jerry Hairgrove) moved to staff on Northland while I was in High
school.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have 2 degrees from Northland, served on camp staff both
as a counselor and program staff. I met my wife there, attended a local church
there for 5 years. But when I think of the impact that Northland had on me, I
tend to focus on the people there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watching people love their jobs, love people, love the Lord
and enjoy life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Doug and Jan Bennett who took me into their campus
family (no relation but since we had the same last name they thought it would
be a good fit), and were a constant encouragement to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To Jim Bennett, who was always the smartest person in the
room, but never acted like it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the Kimbrough’s, I can’t express how much I learned from
them. He was my pastor, teacher, example, but often he was simply an
encouraging friend. If you attended Northland but never got to pray with him,
you missed out. Mrs. Kimbrough was a gracious, loving encourager. One of the
things I miss about going to Grace is hearing her sing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the Janke’s. What an impact they have had on my ministry.
From having him for Apologetics (and a ton of other classes, but this was my
all-time favorite class), to being my Pastor, to small group study in their
home, they opened their lives to my family and my ministry is vastly better for
it. Praying with them, learning from them and with them. The way he valued his
family set an awesome example for my marriage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the Hairgrove’s, these people love serving. I was shown
an example of people who graciously loved people, worked hard and laughed a
lot. The joy they had still impresses me and encourages me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the coaches, Coach Scott for taking time to invest in
someone who didn’t play basketball at college. The Herron’s, learning
competitiveness in the proper context, for valuing hard work, and team work.
For teaching me to understand a game I love and giving me the tools to teach
others to love it as well. For pointing us to Christ and encouraging us to
share the Gospel with our opponents. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Northland taught me the value of discipleship. My life was
touched by the lives of many of the staff and faculty. From sitting in the
sauna with Doc O, breakfast with the Kimbrough family, late night practices,
the logistics of Springfest, camp, lunch bunch with the staff and classes, I was impacted to make more of
Christ in my life. The list of ways Northland impacted me could go on and on,
but let me conclude by saying that God used an out of the way place, started by
a humble man of God, to do a massive work in my life. Words can’t express how
thankful I am for Northland.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-91307765040472289292015-04-10T13:55:00.001-05:002015-09-21T09:37:22.104-05:00How to Make the Hardest Message Your Pastor will Preach EasierToday I went to the hospital to meet with a member of our church, that at this time, looks like his time on earth is coming to an end. Since the Lord moved my family here to minister, I have preached more funerals than I want to claim. Funerals are by far the hardest messages to preach, at least for me. What do you say to the loved ones that sit there grieving? What words can adequately express their pain, loss, fears and grief?<br />
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If you want to make your pastor's message at your funeral easier, I have two suggestions:<br />
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1. Know Christ as your Savior and live like He is Lord.<br />
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As hard as preaching the funeral of friend or family member is, it is immeasurably harder to preach the funeral of a lost person. I take the opportunity to preach Christ, but as I am preaching to the living I can't help think of the eternal condition of the deceased. If you know Christ, boldly live like it, stand firm, be quick to obey the Word and encourage others to obey it. So when the Pastor stands to preach your funeral, he can rest in confidence that the Word of God had taken root in your life and that your eternal state was settled.<br />
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2. Get to know your pastor and allow him to be apart of your life.<br />
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Another thing that is hard at funerals is speak of the details of a life you don't know. Make it a point to get to know your Pastor! Share stories about your life with him, tell him your history, introduce your family, share your success and your failures with him. Let him into your personal life so when he stands to do your funeral, he speaks as more than just your pastor, he speaks as your friend.<br />
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Funerals are hard, preaching funerals is hard, but preaching the funeral of a member of the body of Christ who was my friend, makes preaching the hardest message a lot easier!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-57881207363872050422015-03-30T10:37:00.003-05:002015-03-30T10:56:48.949-05:00My Struggle With SilenceAs a Dad with three young boys, I love silence. I don't hear it much but I love silence, well at least most of the time. During our extended afternoon communion service yesterday I noticed something that showed it self again today as I was praying, it was too quiet.<br />
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When I get silent before God, I am not real patient. As a type A guy, who is a fast talker and quick thinker, silence in conversation often makes me feel uneasy. I have learned over the years to be patient with others during conversation and so I don't get bothered much by pauses in personal conversations. But as we had a corporate prayer yesterday I was reminded that I haven't mastered the ability to master listening in my prayer time. As the auditorium fell silent, I felt my mind asking for a sound, really any distraction. Even this morning as I was praying (the Lord was gracious this weekend, I have a massive cold, but the Lord allowed me the strength to preach a funeral, a wedding and Sunday Services, and sing two specials, but this morning my voice is gone, but it held out and I am praising God for that!) my mind seemed to desire an interruption, something to break the silence.<br />
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This struggle reveals an area of my life that I lack patience in. I am too often in a hurry when I speak to God. I want to praise Him, or maybe even plead with Him, but after I done with that I don't wait for response. I don't wait for God to answer.<br />
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As I write this post, I want to you to know that Pastors struggle with basic growth issues, just like every other redeemed sinner does. I am massive list person, so today I added to my list "prayer time" followed by "sit for 5 minutes in silence and let God speak". I can't tell you how hard that was! I had to keep clearing my mind of the days events and meetings, but God still was kind to me. He reminded me of people who needed prayer, He reminded me of grace that I had been given, He reminded me of grace that I needed for today. Today it was a gentle quietness from God, somedays I need the stern quietness of God to rebuke my sinful heart.<br />
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In a day of noise, music, commercials, media, social networking and more, let me encourage you to make time to stop. Simply stop and be quiet before a holy God who wants to speak to you. If you were still what would God say to you? This question is worth answering!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-63690734447900374972015-03-13T11:03:00.000-05:002015-03-13T11:05:58.518-05:00"truth" is timeless; "right" is notThe title of this post is a chapter title from a a book entitled Worship Like It Matters by a Brett Habing that I just finished reading. I was interested to read the book mostly because for several years Brett was a professor where I attended college, and her was the music director at my church during those years. So I already knew his character and faithfulness to the Lord, and now I would get to read a book that was about a topic he thought was important enough to write a book about. (it was a good read, you should pick up a copy)<br />
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I want to highlight one of the sections he wrote about. In order to do that I am going to quote a section of the book and then make some applications.<br />
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"The Gospel is truth that will never change or lose its power. It transcends all time and culture yet maintains the diverse beauty of God's workmanship. <b>The Gospel doesn't remain despite change; it remains within change, and it never loses its efficacy or integrity. </b>Does that sound like you. or do you feel your way is constantly attacked and threatened? If you hold zealously to tradition, change will threaten you, even if you are no longer right. Your intransigence may eventually cause you to be in the wrong." (pg. 41-42, emphasis his)<br />
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I love the thought he presents here. The Gospel remains within change. The world, the church, families, nations, etc all change, and the Word of God remains constant, powerful and applicable. We tend to have 2 major groups within the church: first group wants change (traditions are meant to be broken) and the second resists change (we have never done it that way before).<br />
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Personally I don't think either of those opinions really portrays what the church should look like. It is our job to communicate the Gospel to a lost and dying world in a way that the world understands and in a way that demonstrates that we serve a holy God.<br />
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We often establish tools and routines to benefit our church and ministries, and after a while they cease to become tools and they become mandates. "We have to do it because we have been doing that for years." Be encouraged that we have tools for a reason, and sometimes we might even find that there is a better tool out there to do the same job. Don't fear new tools, don't despise the old ones, simply be willing to use the best tool for the job wether it is an old one or a new one. Because regardless of the changes that surround it, the Gospel remains powerful and effective.<br />
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I am excited to hear and read of many churches, even ones locally that are shaping their churches to be God honoring and effective in our present world. There is much being done for Christ and I am excited about the future.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-33030014699292847822015-02-23T21:50:00.000-06:002015-02-23T21:50:02.267-06:00Adjusting ExpectationsTonight I was reminded of unfulfilled expectations. Titus (my middle son) ordered a video game from Amazon. I have a prime account and so things normally get here pretty quick, unless you are kid waiting on video game! So it was scheduled to arrive tonight and for whatever reason, it didn't. More than likely it will be here tomorrow, but that is a whole day too long for him =). As he was super disappointed about the lack of delivery, Carrie tells him that next time we order something we will just tell him it will be here in 2 weeks, that way if it comes earlier it will be exciting.<div>
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As I was sitting here thinking about Titus' expectation and discouragement, I was challenged in my own life. We are so used to men failing in fulfilling promises, that we often lower our expectations. That philosophy has expanded and trickled down into our walk with God though. We don't dream big things for God, that way we aren't disappointed when He doesn't deliver. </div>
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Ok, so maybe we don't exactly say it like that, but we live like it. We don't pray like we are praying to a God who LOVES to give good gifts to His children. We pray like we are trying squeeze a raise out of Ebenezer Scrooge. But it isn't just our prayer life that gets beaten down by this mentality. It is our witnessing (what if they get mad?, or what if they ask me a question I can't answer?), our giving (what if I can't pay the bills?, or what if I need that money for me?), our worship (what if serving God doesn't make me as happy as I thought it would?, or what if don't understand part of it?), our service (what if people don't like how I run this particular ministry?, or what if I mess up and miss someone or something?). I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. </div>
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When was the last time that you asked something big from God. Not a pay raise, not a new car type prayer, but a real request for God to do something big. Like praying that God will bring revival to your family, your church, and your community. Or praying that God would use you to lead 10 people to the Lord in the next year, or that God would allow you to support a missionary directly, or that God provide you an opportunity to take a missions trip, etc. When we pray big things of God, we can pray them with excitement, courage, passion and confidence. Why? Because we pray them to a big God who is worthy of the worship that big things give. </div>
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When it comes to our expectations of God, let's make them realistic, make them big!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-9519918476049119032015-02-04T11:27:00.000-06:002015-02-04T15:23:47.574-06:00Why I would Preach the Funeral of a Gay PersonOver the past few days controversy has stormed in our small town and surrounding areas. The charge was made that 2 local pastors, of whom I am not personally familiar, refused to do the graveside service of a gay man. Most of the original article that stirred the waters has since been found to be mostly untrue, but the issue is out there and needs to be addressed.<br />
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Just a few minutes ago our local paper called and they are doing a survey of pastors in our area, we have 70 plus churches in the area. They wanted to know my position and what I would do if I was asked to do the funeral. So here was my response:<br />
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How I choose who I will do a funeral for:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Are they a person? (I don't do animal funerals, unless it is our pet and my kids want one)</li>
<li>Will I have the freedom to preach the Gospel?</li>
<li>Is the purpose of the funeral to glorify God, or glorify man or sin?</li>
<ul>
<li>I don't do funerals where the family wants to glorify sin over God.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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If I choose to not preach a funeral because a particular sin is evidenced in the deceased persons life, which lists of sins would I have to use? I have never preached a funeral for a perfect person before. I have preached the funerals of some godly men, and I have preached the funerals of drug addicts who committed suicide, but they were all sinners. </div>
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As with every funeral our church hosts, I give the same guidelines, we don't glorify the sins of men, we glorify the glory and graciousness of God. It is my desire to minister the Gospel of Jesus to people who are hurting and need him. I can't imagine a more needy place than a funeral of a sinner.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-82738383944078526652015-02-02T12:47:00.000-06:002015-02-02T12:47:28.356-06:00The Language of GratefulnessOf all the issues that the modern church in America is facing, I tend to think one of the biggest is the lack of personal and collective gratefulness. It seems that everyone loves to complain and the church is no exception. We complain about our jobs, house, taxes, spouses, friends, church programs, calendars, struggles, finances and we even tend to complain about other people who complain a little too much.<br />
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With so much conversation fixed on complaining, have you ever wondered what a week would sound like if you never heard one complaint? Since it is impossible to control the speech of others, this gives us an easy out. But maybe we need to ask the question a little differently. What would a week sound like if I never complained? How radically different would your conversations be?<br />
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One quick note before we get too far down this road. Not complaining and being grateful aren't the same things. Not complaining is a good start, but it isn't the ultimate goal (glorifying God is).<br />
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Here are three starting points for a grateful heart and ultimately a grateful life:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Intentionally choose gratefulness</li>
<ul>
<li>Gratefulness isn't our default setting. We are prone to be proud, believing that we deserve better and more. This is are default setting. So if we are going to live a life of gratefulness it will have be done intentionally. When Paul wrote "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" he wasn't saying to be thankful for the good times. His life was full of disappointments, hardships and struggles. He was saying choose to be thankful no matter then circumstance you face.</li>
</ul>
<li>Intentionally communicate gratefulness</li>
<ul>
<li>If we make a choice to be grateful, but we don't express that gratefulness we are missing a major aspect of it. Christians should be the examples of grateful speech. When I talk about grateful speech it needs to exceed the simple sayings of "please" and "thank you." We need to be able to verbally be grateful for other people's service, for areas of growth, for difficult times that God uses to refine us, for circumstances that don't work as we expected them to. When was the last time you told someone how grateful you were for their ministry? or for a trial God was leading you through? Make a commitment to speak words of gratefulness.</li>
</ul>
<li>Intentionally limit ungratefulness</li>
<ul>
<li>Remember the saying "a bad apple spoils the whole bunch"? We can make an intentional choice to be grateful and to speak that gratefulness to others, but if we are surrounded by others who are constantly ungrateful the effect will be minimal. I am not suggesting that you only have friends that do not complain, that would be an impossibility. I am saying that if we constantly listen to complaining, our heart will join the conversation. Lead the conversation to truth and gratefulness, and if you can't do that, join a conversation you can. </li>
</ul>
</ol>
May our lips be full of gratefulness because our heart is full. May the Gospel so change our heart that we no longer live in pride, but may we be Christians who are defined by gratefulness. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-47169655730921218512014-09-05T11:43:00.001-05:002014-09-05T11:43:20.763-05:00The Painful Path to ChristlikenessOver the past several years I have had the chance to interact with many people who have had joints replaced. That procedure is often extremely difficult and painful. Last month I was speaking with a lady that had both knees replaced at the same time and was now back to full strength. I asked her how she was doing and her reply was "it was so worth it!"<div>
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As I was reading my Bible this morning in my office, that statement came to my mind. As people, we are willing to go through great pain and inconvenience to get to a point that is better than where we are presently. My next thought the Holy Spirit gave to me was convicting. How much pain are we as the body of Christ ready to go through to get to a better place than we are now?</div>
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Trust me, I am no masochist. I enjoy avoiding pain. But the modern American church seems to value comfort over growth (I am not talking numerical, but spiritual), peace over righteousness, and unity over truth. </div>
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Let me explain. How many times have we thought, said or heard something close to the following: "I know that they are in sin, but who am I to judge?" or "I know that God isn't please with that, but if I say something it will just make it a bigger deal. Better to just leave it alone" or from a Pastor's prospective "I know that they need confronted about that area, but if I do they might leave the church."</div>
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All of these statements in general demonstrate a real struggle in the church today. Although we are willing to go through great physical pain for future improvement, we seem to lack the desire to do the same spiritually. Why is it that we don't have that desire? Let me make 3 observations:</div>
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<ol>
<li>We don't understand practical sanctification</li>
<ul>
<li>I think the church has a pretty good grasp on the ultimate sanctification. We know that eventually when we get to heaven, we will be free from this sin cursed body and be able to worship God as He is worthy to be worshiped. </li>
<li>The thing we don't grasp well is that God wants to start changing us into His image right now! He wants us to be more like Him on a daily basis. He wants us to put off sin, and put on righteousness. God is glorified when we love what He loves, and hate what He hates.</li>
</ul>
<li>We don't understand what a healthy church really is</li>
<ul>
<li>To most people a healthy church is where people want to attend and feel loved and welcomed. These aren't bad things, they just aren't what necessarily makes a church healthy. </li>
<li>One aspect of a healthy church is that it doesn't tolerate sin. I don't mean that people are perfect, or that you get to a point where you don't sin anymore. I mean a healthy church recognizes people as sinful, and as they sin, works with them to correct that issue and make it right. Basically help the grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. </li>
</ul>
<li>We don't value Christ more than everything else</li>
<ul>
<li>I understand that ministry is a people job. But when people become the center of church and Christ is removed to the secondary or lower position, it begins to fall apart.</li>
<li>We need to love Christ more than our comfort, more than being afraid of standing for truth, more than our preferences. </li>
</ul>
</ol>
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When we begin to grasp practical sanctification, when our churches are truly healthy, and we value Christ more than anything, then our outreach will look different because our churches will be different because the people who make up our churches will be radically different. Pain isn't fun, but the church should eagerly embrace it if it will make us more like Christ. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-77148138863413363302014-08-22T14:21:00.000-05:002014-08-22T14:25:53.790-05:00We Can't Exhaust Grace, But It Seems Like We're Trying<div style="text-align: justify;">
One thing social media has done for the world, and not in a good way, is allow people to speak their minds without having to speak it. As I watch world and church events unfold, I am often unimpressed. </div>
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I am not against social media, I participate in many avenues on it, but I am growing more and more concerned at how Christians, in particular, are using it. We comment and click with seeming impunity. We don't respond to circumstances like Christ would have. I have seen too many posts condemning everything, from the president, to somebody else's church and pastoral staff, to local guy across the road. I have seen attacks, anger, and even flat out lies, all from Christians. We are some of the first people to object to lying, but are also some of the first people to share every article without ever checking it out. If we want to be credible, we have to live credible lives. In a day and age where arguing is conversation, may we as Christians speak the truth in love.</div>
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I don't think that any person can out sin grace (you may have got that from the title). You are always one step from forgiveness and repentance. My concern is that the church today seems bent on seeing if it can out sin grace. We allow so much of this world to dictate who we are, and we allow so little of the Gospel dictate anything.</div>
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As I watch everyone sharing their "Ice Bucket Challenge" videos I am challenged with a simple truth. What if the church was as concerned with the Gospel as they were with social media? What if I started a challenge that said if you don't witness to a lost person in the next 24 hours you had to donate $100 to a Missionary. How viral would that go through the church? From my view, not many would participate. It seems as if the church really cares about peoples health, but doesn't really care about their souls.</div>
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So what do we do to start making corrections? I believe we begin to filter. We don't share anything unless we know it to be absolutely true. We don't demean others in person, so we don't demean them online either. We make the church a haven for the weary and a hospital for the sick. We love the Word more than we love how many people watch our videos, or how many followers we can attract. We intentionally live out the Gospel, and we intentionally speak Gospel truths, because neither happen by accident.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-26207202744237355812014-08-14T14:37:00.001-05:002014-08-14T14:37:14.896-05:00Leaders are CommunicatorsAs I have done several times already, I want to discuss what I am learning. The board here at Mountain Home Bible Church is working through "The Conviction to Lead" by Albert Mohler. Once again it is good to be sharpened. <div>
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Let me start with quoting the book:</div>
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pg. 94- "Convictional leadership begins with a commitment to truth and a relentless desire to see others know and believe that same truth. But communication is a form of warfare. The leader is always fighting apathy, confusion, lack of direction, and competing voices. The wise leader understands this warfare and enters it eagerly."</div>
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He then gives 3 essential hallmarks of powerful communication: clarity, consistency and courage.</div>
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This is a great and simple way of reminding me of making sure that I intentionally communicate truth. In a world full of mixed messages, and subtle hints, we should be a group of clear communicators. Over the years I have been guilty of trying to get to the working before we getting through the communication step. That often, especially in my case, came from a faulty view that communication wasn't working. Communication is working, and it is essential to successfully leading people. </div>
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As Christians we need to know where we are going and intentionally lead people there. In order to do this we will often repeat the same message over and over. Not because we don't have anything else to say, but because we realize that the message we have been given is essential. As the world remains far from God, speaking this message will require courage. </div>
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May we accurately portray the Gospel with intentional communication. Be bold, speak truth.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-89946079441651076412014-07-28T12:09:00.001-05:002014-07-28T12:09:38.859-05:00Living in an Abusive WorldLast week I was reading various sports articles and came
across an article on Ray Rice getting a 2 game suspension. Players are getting
suspended all the time in the NFL, but what stood out to me was what he was
suspended for. He received a 2 game
suspension for knocking out his then fiancé (now wife). To put that in
perspective, Terrelle Pryor was suspended for 5 games for signing autographs
for money while he was in college. Simple math says he could have knocked out 2
women and still got a shorter suspension.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The point of this blog post isn't to rail on the NFL. It
is to simply point out that we live in a messed up world. A world where it is
worse to sign some objects than it is to knock out your fiancé. This messed up
thinking has over time found its way into the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an abusive world, the abusers blame the victims. This
shouldn't surprise us in any way, but what should surprise us is how often that
mentality filters into the church. Our world is full of people who have been
abused either verbally, physically or sexually and the church should be the
place of safety for them. But often it becomes a place of stigma and shame. A
place where not only are they not welcomed and loved, but they are shunned and marginalized.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few simple thoughts on how a church can be a safe haven
for the abused.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Be trustworthy- abuse victims have trust issues,
recognize that and embrace them anyway<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Be their advocate- often victims fall into the
cracks. Either people don’t believe them, or people don’t report the abuse. As
Christians we need to believe and report issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Be patient- the church needs to be ready to
listen when a victim is ready to speak, but they also need to realize that it
takes time for them to do that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Be willing to deal with sin even if it is
costly- one of the major reason abusers are dealt so lightly with, is that most
organizations don’t want a black eye. They are more worried about PR than the
victim, the abuser, or the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We need to be churches that are willing to stand in the
gap for people who have been abused. We need to be willing to love those who
have been traumatized and may not love back. We need to be willing to stand
against abusers no matter how popular or important they are. We need daily grace
so that we can show daily grace to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-82455738217063101882014-07-18T12:00:00.000-05:002014-07-18T12:00:01.092-05:00Leadership Is All About Character<div>
Once again I have been challenged by the book we are working through as board here at Mountain Home Bible Church. "The Conviction to Lead" by Albert Mohler has been a great choice for us. Last Friday we discussed 2 chapters in the book, chapters 9 & 10. </div>
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Here are two of things that stood out to me from chapter 9.</div>
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Page 79- paragraph 1-"As a community of character, Christians are to reflect the moral commitments to which we are called. As Jesus made clear, the moral credibility of the gospel depends on those who have been transformed by the grace and mercy of God demonstrating that transformation in every dimension of life. Within the church, leadership falls on those whose light shines with integrity and power."</div>
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I am reminded of Missionary Ron Goossen and what he said to our church this Spring. "if we are the light of this world, what wattage is your bulb?" Has the Gospel so transformed us that we are different in every area of our life. Is our character demonstrating that transformation?</div>
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Page 80- paragraph 3 & 4 -"We are not perfect, and claims of perfection will only serve to undermine our leadership. We will fail, and we must be answerable for those failures. Our sin will show up in our leadership, usually without delay. Character is indispensable to credibility, and credibility is essential to leadership. The great warning to every leader is that certain sins and scandals can spell the end of our leadership. We can forfeit our role as leader and the stewardship of leadership can be taken from us."</div>
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How credible are we? Maybe as Christians we should ask the question, how credible is the church? In a day filled with scandals, failures, and celebrity pastors, has the message of the Gospel lost its credibility because the representatives of that Gospel have lost theirs? As a pastor I am graciously reminded by God that my position is based on my character and credibility. I don't need to be perfect (good thing!) but I do need to be growing and striving. </div>
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Without character, we don't have credibility, and without credibility we don't have leadership. May we be known as a people of character. People who not only say we love God and His Word, but people who live like we love them! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-48914950754702464532014-07-11T08:33:00.000-05:002014-07-11T08:37:03.796-05:00The Biggest Freedom No One Is Talking About<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is the month of July, a time when Americans in particular
celebrate freedom. We celebrate the freedom of speech, press, religion, guns,
etc. To make sure everyone know how excited we are about those freedoms we host
fireworks displays, parades, and festivals.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the last few years there has been an increase in
talking about standing up for freedoms, Christians have lined up at Chic-fil-a
to buy a sandwich to support the owners right to free speech, they have rallied
around Hobby Lobby and the right to not deny their religious conscience in their
business. More generally, churches today have lined up behind the view of personal
liberty. Nothing is really off limits as long as you are ok with it. I am one
of the first to admit that culture is rapid changing and the church needs to
minister to the culture we live in, but the best form of ministry isn't
imitation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The biggest freedom Christians have is one that no one
seems to be talking about. We have been given the freedom to NOT sin! Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has
set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of
slavery.” As a pastor, father, man, and Christian I cannot explain why people
get saved and then celebrate the ability to go back into the same sins God
saved them from in the first place. It isn't spiritual maturity that gives you
the freedom do whatever, spiritual maturity gives you the freedom to give
everything up for Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the greatest lies the modern church in America has
accepted is that we are free to live on the edge of obedience, on the edge of
worldliness, on the edge of truth, on the edge of sin. We have become used to
hearing statements like these:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can drink as long as I don't get drunk”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can listen to music about sex, drugs, etc. as long as
I don't do that myself”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can attend church when I feel like it as long as I say
that I love attending”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can watch any movie I want, regardless how many times
they curse, the amount of nudity, supporting homosexuality, and the open
mocking of God as long as it is funny or popular.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can wear whatever I want, you can't tell me what is
modest. If people struggle with my attire it is their heart issue, not my
fault.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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We may not always say these out loud, but we say them
with our actions. Why is that we are so willing to cite personal freedom as
permission to live more like the world, and we never want to cite biblical
freedom to live less like it? I would contend that our heart is more wicked
than we would like to admit. No matter your religious training or how long you
have been saved, our heart tends to fall back into pride and self-reliance with
great ease. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today let me encourage you to give up the world for
Jesus. Celebrate freedom by celebrating the ability to not sin. Stand firm
because Christ has made you free!<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8477776588590327074.post-77783268355314641072014-07-03T10:38:00.001-05:002014-07-03T10:38:43.713-05:00Is Anyone Else Tired?<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yesterday I read this verse as part of studying- 2
Thessalonians 3:13 “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”
I happened to be pretty weary as I read it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have just finished a major remodeling job in our
sanctuary, had a week of VBS, and still managed to complete the other tasks
that fall on a Pastor during those times: preaching, hospital visits, board
meetings, etc. It has been awesome to see God work through our church! The
auditorium looks amazing and VBS was great! We had more kids come out than we
planned for, the workers were a big help, and the Gospel was given clearly each
night. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After the craziness of June, both ministry and
personally, I am worn out. As I read that verse my first thought was almost a
complaint. “Lord, there is so much more to be done, why am I so tired? Give me
some more energy to get this stuff done!” As if somehow the Lord owed it to me
to give me more energy, or that the verse somehow offered a promise of never
being fatigued. But as I thought over the verse and allowed the Lord to work it
into my heart, it was a huge challenge and encouragement!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This verse is a challenge to not get tired of doing good.
It isn't that we don’t get tired, we all do. It is challenge of the heart, even
when you are physically exhausted, love doing right. We are saturated by a world
that loves so many distractions and as they see us they should notice what we
love. They should notice that even when we are tired we still do right. How
many times have offered an excuse for a bad response as “I am just tired”? Tiredness
often just reveals more of our selfish, prideful hearts. When the events of
life press on you, love doing right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So today, I am at work, still tired, but excited to do
right (and really looking forward to vacation in a little over a week!). <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12056826219988874989noreply@blogger.com0