Well the date is set, pre-op done, co-pay paid and now all I have to do is wait. Have you ever had to do something that you didn’t look forward to? Well, that’s the way that I am, I’m really not looking forward to this at all. I’m not looking forward to the operation, to the recovery process or to anything that is or could be connected to this, although I know that it is necessary and that everything will be alright, but I’m just ready for this to be over with. I am scheduled for surgery Monday, November 30 at 7:00am in Lubbock. Just be praying for us, pray for the surgery, which will take about 3 hours, pray for the recovery and the recovery time. Your prayers are something that we need and cannot do without. We love all of you.
Speaking of prayers, we have some very important dates coming up, November 18-22. Desert Reign will be here for Revival. Please be in prayer for this, pray that the Holy Spirit will have freedom to flow, pray that the lost will be brought in and convicted of their sin. Pray for our church to be revived and rejuvenated, pray for the member of Desert Reign that God will use them in a mighty way. Pray for good offerings to come in and bless Desert Reign, when you come on a love offering it is a risky thing, but we need to give as the Lord leads. This is the first revival that we have had in several years and we need to have a great turnout, be here, be present and bring family and friends, invite everyone that you can. Remember Revival starts this Wednesday at 7:00 pm, services will be Wednesday through Saturday at 7:00 pm, and Sunday Morning at 10:45 am. Make an effort, not excuses; I’ll see you here for revival!!
We will continue to look at intimacy with Jesus this week. I will attempt to finish my sermon from last week, I got a good start on it, began to explain it but just ran out of time, this week I will recap last weeks and get into the rest of week one. This is an exciting and eye opening study, I just pray that you get as much out of it as I am.
In HIS Service, Bro. Randy
P.S. We really need help on Wednesday nights, if we don’t get some help quick we may not be able to continue having Kidzone, and that would be a shame. We have had a number of children saved because of Kidzone and the efforts of the adults involved. Please pray about it. Thank You.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
JESUS & GENGHIS KHAN
While we were in Denver for Becky’s check-up, which by the way went very well. She is still in remission and the doctor cut her treatment time down and if everything holds, it will be cut down even more in three months. Praise the Lord!!
While we were there we went to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to see the Genghis Khan exhibit. Genghis Khan is called the world’s greatest conqueror; he lived in the 13 century and conquered half of the known world. While he is known as a ruthless Mongol warlord, he is also revered as an innovative leader and statesman who brought unity, stability and much more to his people. When he would conquer a people, he would kill their leaders, kings and those in control and then incorporate the fighting men into his own army. He would let them worship however they wished, treat them well, divide the spoils of war with them and in return they were loyal to him. His advisers were made up of men from many religions, including Christian. He would also take a wife from every land that he conquered; as a result he had a lot of children. They estimate that one in every 200 men have DNA from Genghis Khan, his sons and grandsons ruled for century’s after his death. Genghis Khan insisted on everything being written down, he understood the importance of a written history. Also all of his laws were written down, including his rules for living, including “love your neighbor as yourself,” sound familiar?
While Genghis Khan conquered lands and people, Jesus conquered sin and death, He never married or had children, therefore his DNA isn’t sprinkled all over the world, and yet He is known all over the world, and had been for over 2000 years. He never attacked other people or countries, conquered lands or cut any ones head off, but He did, and has, and does touch countless lives everyday. While Genghis Khan thought it was his destiny to rule the entire world, Jesus knew it was His destiny to die for the entire world, to die for your sins and mine. Jesus knew without a doubt that He was to die so that we may live; He knew that it was God’s will. Jesus said in Mark the He would be killed, and on the third day be raised again. Jesus knew, Genghis Khan just thought. Do you know that you are saved, or do you just think you are?
While we were there we went to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to see the Genghis Khan exhibit. Genghis Khan is called the world’s greatest conqueror; he lived in the 13 century and conquered half of the known world. While he is known as a ruthless Mongol warlord, he is also revered as an innovative leader and statesman who brought unity, stability and much more to his people. When he would conquer a people, he would kill their leaders, kings and those in control and then incorporate the fighting men into his own army. He would let them worship however they wished, treat them well, divide the spoils of war with them and in return they were loyal to him. His advisers were made up of men from many religions, including Christian. He would also take a wife from every land that he conquered; as a result he had a lot of children. They estimate that one in every 200 men have DNA from Genghis Khan, his sons and grandsons ruled for century’s after his death. Genghis Khan insisted on everything being written down, he understood the importance of a written history. Also all of his laws were written down, including his rules for living, including “love your neighbor as yourself,” sound familiar?
While Genghis Khan conquered lands and people, Jesus conquered sin and death, He never married or had children, therefore his DNA isn’t sprinkled all over the world, and yet He is known all over the world, and had been for over 2000 years. He never attacked other people or countries, conquered lands or cut any ones head off, but He did, and has, and does touch countless lives everyday. While Genghis Khan thought it was his destiny to rule the entire world, Jesus knew it was His destiny to die for the entire world, to die for your sins and mine. Jesus knew without a doubt that He was to die so that we may live; He knew that it was God’s will. Jesus said in Mark the He would be killed, and on the third day be raised again. Jesus knew, Genghis Khan just thought. Do you know that you are saved, or do you just think you are?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
It seems like every month this is a health update column, but that’s ok. There are those who receive this who want to hear the updates. We are still in a wait and see mode with my prostate, so I decided that while I was waiting I might as well get my carpal tunnel fixed, so I did. The stitches are out now and things are looking good, the pain is gone and as soon as the soreness is gone everything will be good. I am still working on losing weight, so far...drum roll please...30 pounds!!! I am well on my way to being a smaller version of myself. Becky is still doing good, still doing her treatments at home. We will be going to Denver this month for her 6 month checkup.
Hey we have something exciting coming up called “Breaking The Barrier”. This will take place in November, watch for all of the details.
This is for all of the men, we need to get rid of the old slab on the North side of the church. Brotherhood will meet out here on Saturday, October 10 at 9 am to break it up and drop it in the pit. We will have some heavy equipment to help with the heavy work, but we still need you to help. Come on guys, let’s ALL come out to work at God’s house. Who knows, maybe the ladies will come and cook us some lunch, you just never know.
I hope that you will attend the Red Fork Annual Meeting, it is in Quanah this year. The early session is at 4:00 pm, supper is at 5:30 pm and the Evening session is at 6:15 pm. This is always great and I hope the you will make an effort to attend.
I haven't said much about the Namibia Mission Effort lately, but I want to remind you to be in prayer for the Mbalantu people. We need to be raising more money for mission trips, and I need you to be praying about going to Namibia Africa to tell these people about Jesus. There will be 4 trips in 2010; Feb. 2-12, June 7-18, Aug. 2-13 & Nov. 1-12.
Please pray about going, raising more money for those who will go, for those who do go and for the Mbalantu tribe.
Hey we have something exciting coming up called “Breaking The Barrier”. This will take place in November, watch for all of the details.
This is for all of the men, we need to get rid of the old slab on the North side of the church. Brotherhood will meet out here on Saturday, October 10 at 9 am to break it up and drop it in the pit. We will have some heavy equipment to help with the heavy work, but we still need you to help. Come on guys, let’s ALL come out to work at God’s house. Who knows, maybe the ladies will come and cook us some lunch, you just never know.
I hope that you will attend the Red Fork Annual Meeting, it is in Quanah this year. The early session is at 4:00 pm, supper is at 5:30 pm and the Evening session is at 6:15 pm. This is always great and I hope the you will make an effort to attend.
I haven't said much about the Namibia Mission Effort lately, but I want to remind you to be in prayer for the Mbalantu people. We need to be raising more money for mission trips, and I need you to be praying about going to Namibia Africa to tell these people about Jesus. There will be 4 trips in 2010; Feb. 2-12, June 7-18, Aug. 2-13 & Nov. 1-12.
Please pray about going, raising more money for those who will go, for those who do go and for the Mbalantu tribe.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
MARRIAGE
You know marriage is what you make it. I read a story about a man whose lawn mower broke, instead of repairing it and mowing the lawn, he always found other things to do. Watch a game on TV, play golf, go fishing or whatever. One day he came home to find his wife sitting in the middle of the yard with a pair of sewing shears clipping the grass, obviously trying to make a point to her husband. He went into the house and came out and handed her a toothbrush and told her to be sure and sweep off the driveway when she was finished mowing.
The doctor told him that he would walk again, but he would always have a limp.
OK maybe that wasn’t true, but here are some Actual Classified Ads...
• From Minnesota: "Adolph, please come back home. The children miss you, the lawn hasn't been mowed in three weeks, and the garden needs a worm like you. Your loving wife, Gretchen."
• From North Dakota: "Wanted: Husband for beautiful eighteen-year-old blonde. Must have income to support her in style she believes she was born to-including minks, caviar, and diamonds. Applicant please write 'Desperate Father, Box 44.'"
You know that marriage is when a man and woman become as one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger…..”
Following an especially angry argument, Uncle Ted and his wife went to bed not speaking to each other. Needing to arise early the following morning, Uncle Ted left a note on his wife's bedside table that said "Wake me at six."
An exasperated Uncle Ted awoke at ten the following morning and rolled stiffly out of bed to see a note on his bedside table: "It's six! Get out of bed!"
Maybe this is a humorous look at marriage, but we can all use a laugh.
The doctor told him that he would walk again, but he would always have a limp.
OK maybe that wasn’t true, but here are some Actual Classified Ads...
• From Minnesota: "Adolph, please come back home. The children miss you, the lawn hasn't been mowed in three weeks, and the garden needs a worm like you. Your loving wife, Gretchen."
• From North Dakota: "Wanted: Husband for beautiful eighteen-year-old blonde. Must have income to support her in style she believes she was born to-including minks, caviar, and diamonds. Applicant please write 'Desperate Father, Box 44.'"
You know that marriage is when a man and woman become as one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger…..”
Following an especially angry argument, Uncle Ted and his wife went to bed not speaking to each other. Needing to arise early the following morning, Uncle Ted left a note on his wife's bedside table that said "Wake me at six."
An exasperated Uncle Ted awoke at ten the following morning and rolled stiffly out of bed to see a note on his bedside table: "It's six! Get out of bed!"
Maybe this is a humorous look at marriage, but we can all use a laugh.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
50 & A HEART CATH
Tuesday, August 11. As I am writing this, it is my birthday. I know that we all have them, some admit it more readily than others, but we all have one every year. Not only is today my birthday, but I am also turning 50, now there is something that you only do one time, at least I’m pretty sure that’s right. So here I am thinking about turning 50 and I feel like it’s no big deal. It’s just another day, another year, nothing to worry about. All I have to worry about is….is…..well the phone rang and I lost my train of thought. I guess that whatever it was I thought that I had to worry about; I don’t have to worry about now. They say that the memory is the second thing to go; I don’t remember who they are, or what the first thing is. All I know is that my memory is as sharp as….as...a...Well Friday I have the heart cath, they are going to go in and look to see if I have a heart. Becky wasn’t happy with just the pictures, she wants them to go in and look (does he really have a heart?). By the time that you are reading this it will all be over and done with. Thank you for your prayers and love. Continue to pray for us, this is just one hurdle in this race we have been running. Continue to pray for Becky, her cancer continues to rear its ugly head and say hello, she continues treatment, as she will for the rest of her life.
Wednesday, August 12. Well I survived, my birthday that is, all’s well that ends well. We had Amy, Zach, Zoe and my mom over and I got to cook outside. Had a good time and I didn’t blow my diet too bad. Turning 50 didn’t hurt too much.
You may have noticed something new. We decided to name our outreach program CONNECT. We believe that this will draw more interest and people than Outreach in the Park. This is one of our biggest outreaches of the year, and we need you to be using this fantastic outreach tool. Invite all of your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, people you don’t like and don’t know. Please invite everyone you can to the park on September 5th, for free music, food and fun.
For more info om my heart cath, check out my blog; www.randalwilson.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 12. Well I survived, my birthday that is, all’s well that ends well. We had Amy, Zach, Zoe and my mom over and I got to cook outside. Had a good time and I didn’t blow my diet too bad. Turning 50 didn’t hurt too much.
You may have noticed something new. We decided to name our outreach program CONNECT. We believe that this will draw more interest and people than Outreach in the Park. This is one of our biggest outreaches of the year, and we need you to be using this fantastic outreach tool. Invite all of your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, people you don’t like and don’t know. Please invite everyone you can to the park on September 5th, for free music, food and fun.
For more info om my heart cath, check out my blog; www.randalwilson.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
TURNING 50!!!
A medical update for those of you who are concerned, my stress test showed that the lower part of my heart is not getting enough blood flow, so on Friday I will have a heart cath and if necessary a stint put in. This must be done before they can do anything on my prostrate. Over the next couple of months or so I may be missing some Sunday’s, just so you know I will not miss anymore than I have to. I want to ask you to be faithful to coming to church when I am not here. All too often when the people of the church know that their pastor will be gone they make no effort to be in church. Please do just the opposite. Make every effort to be here and continue supporting the church. Let whoever is filling in for me see what kind of people we have here at Carey, let them be amazed how many people we have. And continue to pray for Becky and I, remember, she still has cancer and some days it is more than she can take. And now with me having cancer also it will be extra hard on her, so say an extra prayer for her. I want to say thank you to everyone who gave to us in the love offering. It was totally unexpected and a blessing. I pray that God will bless you 100 fold, you are the best!
Well I turn 50 on Tuesday, and I have heard people talk about falling apart when they turned 50. Well at 49 I was diagnosed with cancer and possibly a blockage. 50 will be the year of better health and less weight. 50, now that’s going to be the year when I’m thinner, healthier and better looking….well I’ll be 50 anyway. A half a century old, good thing Paul Harris isn’t on the radio anymore I never would here the end of it. Just think, 50 isn’t old if you’re a rock. Well enough of me making fun of myself. Turning 50 doesn’t bother me, I SAID, TURNING 50 DOESN’T BOTHER ME!! (I’m not sure I heard that!) Just think 50 is nothing compared to Methuselah, or a turtle, or eternity. It’s just a drop in the bucket.
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 (ESV)
When you read this verse you see that 50 years in God’s eyes is not much time, I’m only getting started good.
Well I turn 50 on Tuesday, and I have heard people talk about falling apart when they turned 50. Well at 49 I was diagnosed with cancer and possibly a blockage. 50 will be the year of better health and less weight. 50, now that’s going to be the year when I’m thinner, healthier and better looking….well I’ll be 50 anyway. A half a century old, good thing Paul Harris isn’t on the radio anymore I never would here the end of it. Just think, 50 isn’t old if you’re a rock. Well enough of me making fun of myself. Turning 50 doesn’t bother me, I SAID, TURNING 50 DOESN’T BOTHER ME!! (I’m not sure I heard that!) Just think 50 is nothing compared to Methuselah, or a turtle, or eternity. It’s just a drop in the bucket.
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8 (ESV)
When you read this verse you see that 50 years in God’s eyes is not much time, I’m only getting started good.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Storms of Life
The storms of life come quickly! They are unexpected most of the time, coming with little or no warning. Even when we do see them coming, it always seems to be more severe than we thought it would be.
That’s the way it was Wednesday evening, we heard it thunder, heard it beginning to rain, heard the wind pick up, then we heard the tornado sirens going off. We thought that we might leave but the wind was so strong we knew that we couldn’t. The wind at the airport was recorded at 102 mph, straight line winds. We lost out TV and the internet so we couldn’t check on what the storm was doing. We called Jody in Amarillo and he said that channel 10 was saying that police cars were being pushed around, tornado sirens were being blown over and a motel roof had collapsed. It turned out that the roof of the Childress Inn blew off and hit El Sombrero and then hit and damaged the Days Inn. Not only did the roof blow off but the front wall on the same rooms fell in, trapping some people inside, hurting several. Damage was reported all over town, no one prepared for this storm, no one said, “O I know that this storm will hit on Wednesday evening and do all of this damage so I better go and cut these tree limbs off so that they won’t break and work on my neighbors roof so that it won’t blow off in my yard. That way I’ll be prepared when this storm hits. Nobody knew that that storm would hit at that time on that night and be that bad. Some experts might have given warning right before it hit, but that still did not give time to prepare for it.
Nobody knew, except God! This did not take God by surprise, He knew who would be without power and who wouldn’t, He knew who would have damage and who wouldn’t, He knew that my roof was going to leak, even if it is only a year old. He knew!! He also knows what storms you are going through in your life, and just like last night, He will see us through.
When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me); When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me);When the world is tossing me, Like a ship upon the sea, Thou Who rulest wind and water, Stand by me (stand by me).
“Thou art with me.” Psalm 23:4
That’s the way it was Wednesday evening, we heard it thunder, heard it beginning to rain, heard the wind pick up, then we heard the tornado sirens going off. We thought that we might leave but the wind was so strong we knew that we couldn’t. The wind at the airport was recorded at 102 mph, straight line winds. We lost out TV and the internet so we couldn’t check on what the storm was doing. We called Jody in Amarillo and he said that channel 10 was saying that police cars were being pushed around, tornado sirens were being blown over and a motel roof had collapsed. It turned out that the roof of the Childress Inn blew off and hit El Sombrero and then hit and damaged the Days Inn. Not only did the roof blow off but the front wall on the same rooms fell in, trapping some people inside, hurting several. Damage was reported all over town, no one prepared for this storm, no one said, “O I know that this storm will hit on Wednesday evening and do all of this damage so I better go and cut these tree limbs off so that they won’t break and work on my neighbors roof so that it won’t blow off in my yard. That way I’ll be prepared when this storm hits. Nobody knew that that storm would hit at that time on that night and be that bad. Some experts might have given warning right before it hit, but that still did not give time to prepare for it.
Nobody knew, except God! This did not take God by surprise, He knew who would be without power and who wouldn’t, He knew who would have damage and who wouldn’t, He knew that my roof was going to leak, even if it is only a year old. He knew!! He also knows what storms you are going through in your life, and just like last night, He will see us through.
When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me); When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me (stand by me);When the world is tossing me, Like a ship upon the sea, Thou Who rulest wind and water, Stand by me (stand by me).
“Thou art with me.” Psalm 23:4
AUGUST NEWSLETTER PASTOR'S PEN
Is it August already? It is hard to understand, but the older you get, the faster time goes. We just started summer and now it’s almost over, school starts back on Monday, August 24. We are about to enter into all of the fall activities, didn’t we just have all of those, have we had Easter yet, wait, this is August, see what I mean? We will have another Ice Cream freeze-off on the 2nd and let the 35 and under crowd compete, of course anyone can bring ice cream. We are also having a sandwich supper before the ice cream. And then on the 9th we will be showing Faith Like Potatoes, an inspiring true story of a rugged South African farmer, Angus Buchan.
We have our service at the Childress Healthcare Center on Sunday the 16th, Jimmy McClain spoke in July and did a great job, thank you Jimmy. By the way, if you would like to speak just let me know.
As most of you know, I have prostate cancer and as I am writing this, I am not sure what is in store for me. As I am writing this I have not seen the surgeon yet so I don’t know when my surgery will be, but it should be some time in August. Keep Becky and I in your prayers, there are a lot of things to consider with this surgery and none of them sound like much fun. But there is one thing that I know, God still sits on His throne and none of this took Him by surprise. We are still in His loving care, He watches out for us. He is our shepherd; He leads us to the quite waters to drink so that we will remain calm. He beds us down in fields of green grass so that we will have plenty to eat and be able to sleep in comfort. His rod and staff are there to help show us the way and to protect us from the enemy. And when we walk through that cold dark valley called the shadow of death, we don’t have to have fear because He is there. Why does He do these things? Because He loves us and because He wants to restore our soul for His name’s sake. Amen.
We have our service at the Childress Healthcare Center on Sunday the 16th, Jimmy McClain spoke in July and did a great job, thank you Jimmy. By the way, if you would like to speak just let me know.
As most of you know, I have prostate cancer and as I am writing this, I am not sure what is in store for me. As I am writing this I have not seen the surgeon yet so I don’t know when my surgery will be, but it should be some time in August. Keep Becky and I in your prayers, there are a lot of things to consider with this surgery and none of them sound like much fun. But there is one thing that I know, God still sits on His throne and none of this took Him by surprise. We are still in His loving care, He watches out for us. He is our shepherd; He leads us to the quite waters to drink so that we will remain calm. He beds us down in fields of green grass so that we will have plenty to eat and be able to sleep in comfort. His rod and staff are there to help show us the way and to protect us from the enemy. And when we walk through that cold dark valley called the shadow of death, we don’t have to have fear because He is there. Why does He do these things? Because He loves us and because He wants to restore our soul for His name’s sake. Amen.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
FAITHFUL
One of the most tragic events during the Reagan Presidency was the Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, in which hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. Many of us can still recall the terrible scenes as the dazed survivors worked to dig out their trapped brothers from beneath the rubble.
A few days after the tragedy, I recall coming across an extraordinary story. Marine Corps Commandant Paul X Kelly, visited some of the wounded survivors then in a Frankfurt, Germany, hospital. Among them was Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton, severely wounded in the incident. Nashton had so many tubes running in and out of his body that a witness said he looked more like a machine than a man; yet he survived.
As Kelly neared him, Nashton, struggling to move and racked with pain, motioned for a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a brief note and passed it back to the Commandant. On the slip of paper were but two words -- "Semper Fi" the Latin motto of the Marines meaning "forever faithful." With those two simple words Nashton spoke for the millions of Americans who have sacrificed body and limb and their lives for their country --
those who have remained faithful.
J. Dobson & Gary Bauer, Children at Risk, Word, 1990
Are we “forever faithful” or conveniently faithful? Are we faithful to God no matter what or just faithful when it’s convenient? Do we remain faithful when temptation strikes, when we are alone, when no body will know but us? Do we remain faithful when our friends or coworkers are around and we think that we have to save face? Or do we find ourselves doing the same things that we promised ourselves and God we would not do? We must be faithful all of the time, no matter what. No matter what someone else says or does, we must put Jesus first...always. Revelation 14:12 says, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (NIV)
We must remain faithful to Jesus!!
A few days after the tragedy, I recall coming across an extraordinary story. Marine Corps Commandant Paul X Kelly, visited some of the wounded survivors then in a Frankfurt, Germany, hospital. Among them was Corporal Jeffrey Lee Nashton, severely wounded in the incident. Nashton had so many tubes running in and out of his body that a witness said he looked more like a machine than a man; yet he survived.
As Kelly neared him, Nashton, struggling to move and racked with pain, motioned for a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a brief note and passed it back to the Commandant. On the slip of paper were but two words -- "Semper Fi" the Latin motto of the Marines meaning "forever faithful." With those two simple words Nashton spoke for the millions of Americans who have sacrificed body and limb and their lives for their country --
those who have remained faithful.
J. Dobson & Gary Bauer, Children at Risk, Word, 1990
Are we “forever faithful” or conveniently faithful? Are we faithful to God no matter what or just faithful when it’s convenient? Do we remain faithful when temptation strikes, when we are alone, when no body will know but us? Do we remain faithful when our friends or coworkers are around and we think that we have to save face? Or do we find ourselves doing the same things that we promised ourselves and God we would not do? We must be faithful all of the time, no matter what. No matter what someone else says or does, we must put Jesus first...always. Revelation 14:12 says, “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.” (NIV)
We must remain faithful to Jesus!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
BEING FAITHFUL
Fred Craddock, in an address to ministers, caught the practical implications of consecration. "To give my life for Christ appears glorious," he said. "To pour myself out for others. . . to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom -- I'll do it. I'm ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. "We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking $l,000 bill and laying it on the table-- 'Here's my life, Lord. I'm giving it all.' But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $l,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor kid's troubles instead of saying, 'Get lost.' Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ isn't glorious. It's done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it's harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul."
When does it seem to be the hardest to be faithful? It is in the everyday living for Christ; in our everyday walk with the Lord is when we tend to let things go. When we get tired of the grind, when we start feeling put out or left out, when it seems that others have a glorious walk with the Lord and all we have is struggles. Everyday, every moment of everyday we are required to be faithful, not following religious rules, but looking for opportunities to put a quarter or fifty cents down here or there. Looking for ways to be a good and faithful servant.
This doesn’t happen by accident, it has to be intentional, it has to be something that we watch for, and it will not happen just on Sunday morning, as a matter of fact it happens very few times on Sunday morning. But it will happen the rest of the time; it will happen a lot more often than you think if you are looking for it.
Look for times when you can show Christ to others, to your wife, your husband, you kids, family...total strangers.
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
When does it seem to be the hardest to be faithful? It is in the everyday living for Christ; in our everyday walk with the Lord is when we tend to let things go. When we get tired of the grind, when we start feeling put out or left out, when it seems that others have a glorious walk with the Lord and all we have is struggles. Everyday, every moment of everyday we are required to be faithful, not following religious rules, but looking for opportunities to put a quarter or fifty cents down here or there. Looking for ways to be a good and faithful servant.
This doesn’t happen by accident, it has to be intentional, it has to be something that we watch for, and it will not happen just on Sunday morning, as a matter of fact it happens very few times on Sunday morning. But it will happen the rest of the time; it will happen a lot more often than you think if you are looking for it.
Look for times when you can show Christ to others, to your wife, your husband, you kids, family...total strangers.
And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
VACATION
Summer time is such a great time, kids are out of school, more daylight hours, and a chance that you might get to go on a vacation. My idea of a vacation is a cabin up in the mountains, away from everyone, just the mountains, creek, fish, cool days and cold nights. A place that we have always enjoyed going is the Continental Ranch up on the Continental Divide above Creede in Colorado. The cabins only have electricity for a couple of hours in the evening and then the generator is turned off. After that it's coal oil lamps, you have a wood (and coal) cook stove to heat and cook on. The cabins have 2 beds, a table and chairs and the stove, complete with the outhouse out back. Have you ever had someone throw rocks at the outhouse while you are inside?
The cabins aren't rented any more, and it's a shame, it was a great place to go to rest, relax, go trout fishing. One of the interesting things about this place is that Becky and I both went there as kids. Becky's parents were good friends with John Albert and Margie Dabney who owned the ranch, and it was a real working ranch. I'm not sure how my parents found out about the place, but we went there, and Becky and I think that we may have played together as kids. She says that she remembers playing with some kid from Texas, and his mother had church on Sunday morning....could be, seems to fit. Anyway, this was one of our favorite vacation spots as kids and as adults, our kids love it as much as we do.
A vacation is supposed to refresh you physically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually. All too often we have to return home from vacation so we can get some rest. So I have to ask...
What is your ideal vacation? Let's hear from some of our readers.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
FAITHFUL
Sunday's @ 10:45 amAn elderly preacher was rebuked by one of his deacons one Sunday morning before the service. “Pastor,” said the man, “something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There’s been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he’s just a boy.”
The minister listened, his eyes moistening and his thin hand trembling. “I feel it all,” he replied, “but God knows I’ve tried to do my duty.” On that day the minister’s heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign.
After everyone else had left, that one boy came to him and asked, “Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher—perhaps a missionary?”
Again tears welled up in the minister’s eyes. “Ah, this heals the ache I feel,” he said. “Robert, I see the Divine hand now. May God bless you, my boy. Yes, I think you will become a preacher.”
Many years later an aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. He had added many souls to the church of Jesus Christ, reaching even some of Africa’s most savage chiefs. His name was Robert Moffat, the same Robert who years before had spoken to the pastor that Sunday morning in the old Scottish kirk.
Lord, help us to be faithful. Then give us the grace to leave the results to you.
What does it take for us to be faithful to the Lord in every area of our life? For most of us it would be easier to go out in a blaze of faithful glory than to be faithful day in and day out. To be faithful in all of the small areas, the small things in our life, seems like a huge challenge. But if we look at it day by day, moment by moment it isn't so big. It’s like playing baseball, when you are up to bat; you are watching one pitcher throw one ball. But if you are trying to bat and you have 50 pitchers throwing 50 baseballs all at once...you will get hurt. Live for Christ right now, be faithful right now.
BEING FAITHFUL
Sunday's @ 10:45 am“His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
Matthew 25:21
What do you think Jesus meant by “good and faithful servant”? What does it mean to be good? What does it mean to be faithful? What does it mean to be a servant? Was Jesus just talking about money here, or was there something else, some other meaning in this? And what does He mean by “Come and share your master’s happiness”? This month we are exploring all of this and much more. We began this last Sunday and we will continue fir the next few Sunday's.
Faithful, is it a word that we use too freely or a word that we don't use enough. I think that it means more than we thing it does. Be here every Sunday at 10:45 am, let's discover God's Word together!!
I understand that during the summer we do things with the kids and we are gone from time to time, but I believe that we all need to be here for these messages.
By the way, when you do get to get away for those few Sunday’s with your family to do some fun things, let me know what fun things you did. It’s always more fun when you get to tell someone. This is Summer, make the most of it, spend time with your family, go to the park, go fishing, go on a picnic, whatever it is that you can do as a family, do it, have fun, be refreshed. Come to God’s house, be really refreshed, body, mind, soul and spirit. Remember, I love you and God loves you, that makes two who love you. How many more can you think of?
Matthew 25:21
What do you think Jesus meant by “good and faithful servant”? What does it mean to be good? What does it mean to be faithful? What does it mean to be a servant? Was Jesus just talking about money here, or was there something else, some other meaning in this? And what does He mean by “Come and share your master’s happiness”? This month we are exploring all of this and much more. We began this last Sunday and we will continue fir the next few Sunday's.
Faithful, is it a word that we use too freely or a word that we don't use enough. I think that it means more than we thing it does. Be here every Sunday at 10:45 am, let's discover God's Word together!!
I understand that during the summer we do things with the kids and we are gone from time to time, but I believe that we all need to be here for these messages.
By the way, when you do get to get away for those few Sunday’s with your family to do some fun things, let me know what fun things you did. It’s always more fun when you get to tell someone. This is Summer, make the most of it, spend time with your family, go to the park, go fishing, go on a picnic, whatever it is that you can do as a family, do it, have fun, be refreshed. Come to God’s house, be really refreshed, body, mind, soul and spirit. Remember, I love you and God loves you, that makes two who love you. How many more can you think of?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
“WHAT IS FREEDOM?”
As I prepared the sermon for this week, and I looked up all kinds of really cool scriptures on freedom, and I researched the freedom in our own country, I had to stop and ask myself if I really knew what freedom was.
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (ESV)
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV)
What freedom? We will answer that in a moment? But first I have another question for you.
What is Freedom?
Well this being July 5th, it’s only right to start with this.
Freedom; a country's right to rule itself, without interference from, or domination by, another country or power.
Psalms 119:45
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)
We are free because God made us free!
What is Freedom?
Freedom; a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions.
If we are truly free in Christ, are we free to live and act as we choose?
1 Peter 2:16
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (ESV)
What does a servant do? Anything that the master tells them to, they do whatever the master says. This verse says do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, or as a cover-up for sin. Before we are saved we live in sin, we do things that God says are sin and we don’t worry about it, but after we are saved we should be conscious of sin. If we are truly in tune with God and His Word, the Holy Spirit will prick our hearts when we are doing things we should not be doing. But the trouble is that way too many Christians want to be saved and still live like the lost world. They have convinced themselves that it is alright to run around doing the same things and acting like those people who are not saved, and it doesn’t work.
If we are truly free, then what are we free from and what are we free to?
What is Freedom?
Freedom; release or rescue from being physically bound, or from being confined, enslaved, captured, or imprisoned.
John 8:34-36
“Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV)
So if Freedom is release or rescue from being physically bound, or from being confined, enslaved, captured, or imprisoned. Then we must know what bondage is, we must know will enslave us. Jesus said that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
How do we become enslaved to sin after we are saved?
2 Peter 2:19
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (ESV)
They who? The ones who are not saved, the ones who are lost and going to Hell, and they want you to go right along with them. These people are the very ones who will tell you how wonderful their life is and how much fun they are having, what the honest truth is they are in bondage to sin.
“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
You know that Lord told me something a while back, He said, “It’s what we get used to that we accept.”
What does that mean? If we hang around something long enough, no matter how bad it is, no matter how repulsive it is, we will begin to look at it in a more and more approving way. And soon we will be trying it and doing the very thing that we disapproved of. Why? Because we got used to it and accepted it, and now we try to justify it and we will use God’s holy Word, even if we have to pervert it, to show that we have the freedom and the right to do as we please.
One of them that I hear a lot is, “Well I don’t thing that God will sent me to hell for it, do you?”
Let me ask you this, Do you think that this is something that God will allow into His perfect Heaven? Look at the consequences of you actions.
How do we become enslaved to sin after we are saved?
“Are you staying sober?” “Most if the time.” That means “When I’m not partying.”
“Are you staying clean?” “Pretty much.” That means when you can’t find a fix.
“Are you staying faithful to your spouse?” “Yeah, sure.” That means only when there is a chance of being caught.
“Are you still cheating on your taxes?” “Not so anyone would notice.” That means you are hoping that the IRS doesn’t notice.
Are you getting the drift? “For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
What is Freedom?
Freedom; the ability to exercise free will and make choices independently of any external determining force.
People believe that they should be free to do whatever they wish, and God should’nt interfere, that nobody should ever tell them that they are wrong. Did you know that many people who call themselves Christians, would rather have a pastor who will make them fell good, than one who will point out sin. But when you stand before God, and are judged by God, which one would you rather have?
James 2:12-13
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (NIV)
Galatians 5:13-15
“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. 14 For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. 15 If you bite and ravage each other, watch out— in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?” (MSG)
Jesus said in
Luke 4:16-21
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (ESV)
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (ESV)
What freedom? We will answer that in a moment? But first I have another question for you.
What is Freedom?
Well this being July 5th, it’s only right to start with this.
Freedom; a country's right to rule itself, without interference from, or domination by, another country or power.
Psalms 119:45
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)
We are free because God made us free!
What is Freedom?
Freedom; a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions.
If we are truly free in Christ, are we free to live and act as we choose?
1 Peter 2:16
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (ESV)
What does a servant do? Anything that the master tells them to, they do whatever the master says. This verse says do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, or as a cover-up for sin. Before we are saved we live in sin, we do things that God says are sin and we don’t worry about it, but after we are saved we should be conscious of sin. If we are truly in tune with God and His Word, the Holy Spirit will prick our hearts when we are doing things we should not be doing. But the trouble is that way too many Christians want to be saved and still live like the lost world. They have convinced themselves that it is alright to run around doing the same things and acting like those people who are not saved, and it doesn’t work.
If we are truly free, then what are we free from and what are we free to?
What is Freedom?
Freedom; release or rescue from being physically bound, or from being confined, enslaved, captured, or imprisoned.
John 8:34-36
“Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV)
So if Freedom is release or rescue from being physically bound, or from being confined, enslaved, captured, or imprisoned. Then we must know what bondage is, we must know will enslave us. Jesus said that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
How do we become enslaved to sin after we are saved?
2 Peter 2:19
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (ESV)
They who? The ones who are not saved, the ones who are lost and going to Hell, and they want you to go right along with them. These people are the very ones who will tell you how wonderful their life is and how much fun they are having, what the honest truth is they are in bondage to sin.
“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
You know that Lord told me something a while back, He said, “It’s what we get used to that we accept.”
What does that mean? If we hang around something long enough, no matter how bad it is, no matter how repulsive it is, we will begin to look at it in a more and more approving way. And soon we will be trying it and doing the very thing that we disapproved of. Why? Because we got used to it and accepted it, and now we try to justify it and we will use God’s holy Word, even if we have to pervert it, to show that we have the freedom and the right to do as we please.
One of them that I hear a lot is, “Well I don’t thing that God will sent me to hell for it, do you?”
Let me ask you this, Do you think that this is something that God will allow into His perfect Heaven? Look at the consequences of you actions.
How do we become enslaved to sin after we are saved?
“Are you staying sober?” “Most if the time.” That means “When I’m not partying.”
“Are you staying clean?” “Pretty much.” That means when you can’t find a fix.
“Are you staying faithful to your spouse?” “Yeah, sure.” That means only when there is a chance of being caught.
“Are you still cheating on your taxes?” “Not so anyone would notice.” That means you are hoping that the IRS doesn’t notice.
Are you getting the drift? “For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
What is Freedom?
Freedom; the ability to exercise free will and make choices independently of any external determining force.
People believe that they should be free to do whatever they wish, and God should’nt interfere, that nobody should ever tell them that they are wrong. Did you know that many people who call themselves Christians, would rather have a pastor who will make them fell good, than one who will point out sin. But when you stand before God, and are judged by God, which one would you rather have?
James 2:12-13
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (NIV)
Galatians 5:13-15
“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. 14 For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. 15 If you bite and ravage each other, watch out— in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?” (MSG)
Jesus said in
Luke 4:16-21
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (NIV)
FREEDOM
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Did you know that this is the first line of the Declaration of Independence? Do you know what the second line is?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Do you know what the last line of the Declaration of Independence reads?
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Now did you notice what these three lines have in common? Let me give you a hint; Nature's God, Creator, protection of divine Providence. All three on these lines mention God, when people talk about the separation of Church and State, what they mean is that they don’t want the Church to influence anything that the nation does. But it’s too late; God has been influencing our country from the very beginning. Most of our founding fathers were Godly men. Did you know that the preamble to every state constitution mentions God? 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that by doing so meant high treason against the crown. Signing it did not mean that we were free; we were still in war with Great Britain. After the Declaration was written and approved it was sent to the printer, many copies were made and sent out, including to General George Washington who read it to his troops with the British troops not far away. Every where it was read crowds in many cities tore down and destroyed signs or statues representing royalty. An equestrian statue of King George in New York City was pulled down and the lead used to make musket balls. Our freedom wasn’t free, Thank God for it.
Did you know that this is the first line of the Declaration of Independence? Do you know what the second line is?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Do you know what the last line of the Declaration of Independence reads?
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Now did you notice what these three lines have in common? Let me give you a hint; Nature's God, Creator, protection of divine Providence. All three on these lines mention God, when people talk about the separation of Church and State, what they mean is that they don’t want the Church to influence anything that the nation does. But it’s too late; God has been influencing our country from the very beginning. Most of our founding fathers were Godly men. Did you know that the preamble to every state constitution mentions God? 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that by doing so meant high treason against the crown. Signing it did not mean that we were free; we were still in war with Great Britain. After the Declaration was written and approved it was sent to the printer, many copies were made and sent out, including to General George Washington who read it to his troops with the British troops not far away. Every where it was read crowds in many cities tore down and destroyed signs or statues representing royalty. An equestrian statue of King George in New York City was pulled down and the lead used to make musket balls. Our freedom wasn’t free, Thank God for it.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
FATHER'S DAY
Linda Anderson wrote An Open Letter to Family Men in Daily Bread, in 1989. It is worth sharing worth you.
An Open Letter to Family Men: She was blond and beautiful, with azure eyes and a tumble of tawny curls. At three years of age, she would climb into her daddy's lap, snuggle up with a wide, satisfied smile, and purr, "This is my safe place!" And so it was. Dads, husbands, YOU are the "safe place." You are our protector and provider. And when you gather us for a time with God, we need a safe place. A safe place, not a lecture. A safe place, not a sermon. A very human dad/husband who simply cares about God and us. We don't need or even want a "spiritual giant." We just want you. And we need a gathering time (phone unplugged) where it's safe to say to each other, "How are you and the Lord getting along?" "How can we pray today?" We need a safe place to cry laugh, sing, rejoice, challenge, share, and sometimes not to share and have it be okay. We need a time with you that's relaxed--unstiff, when we can pray honestly, in simple sentences, from our hearts. Unfixed. Unrigid. Unroutine. Unshackled. We need a place where irregular opinions are respected, and where God has the last word. We need a gentleman leader, not a general. Gracious. Relaxed. Human. A family shepherd who exhibits not infallible authority, but a thirst for God. Every day? Not necessarily. Often? Yes. Long? No. Where? Anywhere. How? Sense where we're at, and zero in. We may need heavy-duty confessing to each other and to God...silent prayer...exuberant praise (try sing-a- long tapes)...Bible study. But not every time. Thanks for listening, Dad (Husband). Remember, we need you. Your family.
Today we are honoring our dads, we are also having a Baby Dedication Service, this is another way to honor dads. We learn so much from our dads, children learn what a man is, boys learn what they are supposed to act like, girls learn how a man is supposed to treat them. A dad’s role is very important and the best thing that we can do for our children and grandchildren is to show them what a Godly man looks like. What do you say guys, are you up for the challenge?
An Open Letter to Family Men: She was blond and beautiful, with azure eyes and a tumble of tawny curls. At three years of age, she would climb into her daddy's lap, snuggle up with a wide, satisfied smile, and purr, "This is my safe place!" And so it was. Dads, husbands, YOU are the "safe place." You are our protector and provider. And when you gather us for a time with God, we need a safe place. A safe place, not a lecture. A safe place, not a sermon. A very human dad/husband who simply cares about God and us. We don't need or even want a "spiritual giant." We just want you. And we need a gathering time (phone unplugged) where it's safe to say to each other, "How are you and the Lord getting along?" "How can we pray today?" We need a safe place to cry laugh, sing, rejoice, challenge, share, and sometimes not to share and have it be okay. We need a time with you that's relaxed--unstiff, when we can pray honestly, in simple sentences, from our hearts. Unfixed. Unrigid. Unroutine. Unshackled. We need a place where irregular opinions are respected, and where God has the last word. We need a gentleman leader, not a general. Gracious. Relaxed. Human. A family shepherd who exhibits not infallible authority, but a thirst for God. Every day? Not necessarily. Often? Yes. Long? No. Where? Anywhere. How? Sense where we're at, and zero in. We may need heavy-duty confessing to each other and to God...silent prayer...exuberant praise (try sing-a- long tapes)...Bible study. But not every time. Thanks for listening, Dad (Husband). Remember, we need you. Your family.
Today we are honoring our dads, we are also having a Baby Dedication Service, this is another way to honor dads. We learn so much from our dads, children learn what a man is, boys learn what they are supposed to act like, girls learn how a man is supposed to treat them. A dad’s role is very important and the best thing that we can do for our children and grandchildren is to show them what a Godly man looks like. What do you say guys, are you up for the challenge?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
ICE CREAM FREEZE-OFF 09
We had our Ice Cream Freeze-Off on Sunday Evening June 14.
Only those over 35 could compete, in August those 35 and under will compete,
maybe in September we will have a Freeze-Off Championship,
taste good to me...I mean sounds good to me.
Thank You Amy and Zach for opening up your newly remodeled home for this.
Only those over 35 could compete, in August those 35 and under will compete,
maybe in September we will have a Freeze-Off Championship,
taste good to me...I mean sounds good to me.
Thank You Amy and Zach for opening up your newly remodeled home for this.
Good Ice Cream for all
Eat that ice cream
And the winners are...Kay 1st, Becky 2nd and Juanell 3rd....
maybe we were the real winners!!!
Open your eyes Becky!!!
Hello Colt
Open your eyes Becky!!!Hello Colt
RELAY FOR LIFE 09
Relay for Life
We held the 2009 Relay for Life on June 5, here are some pics...The first one is Mary Jane and Becky carrying the banner for the Survivors lap.
The Carey Baptist booth, thanks to Morris and Carolyn Daniel
Great Food, enjoyed by eveyone!!
Bouncers by Buncha-Jumps of Childress
Jerry, Mary Jane and Zoe
Carolyn & Morris
Slinky????
Zach ran the race....fought the good fight....finished the race.
Another successful Relay for Life. Thank You Carla and Kristy for all of your hard work. You are great Captains.Tuesday, June 16, 2009
FATHER'S DAY COOK-OUT
Father's Day is Sunday, and here at Carey Baptist Church we honor our dads.
So we are having our second annual Father's Day Cook-out following morning worship.
As always make sure that dad is comfortable, let him wear his t-shirt, shorts, flip-flops and bring his lawn chair, whatever it takes.
We will be cooking in stlye
Be here on Sunday, June 21 for hamburgers and hotdogs, food, fun and fellowship.
Father’s Day is June 21st, and we will be honoring our dad’s in a special way again this year. As always this is “Bring Your Dad to Church Day,” but we are making it even more special. Let dad come to church in his t-shirt and shorts, bring his lawn chair, kick back and relax. And following church we are having a cook-out honoring dad. There is no charge and there will be plenty of food for the entire family. So join us on Father’s Day and “Bring Your Dad to Church.” See you on the 21st!!!!
9:45 am for Bible Study and 10:45 for Worship & Food Following
PASTOR'S PEN
The Pastor’s Pen is back by popular demand!!!! OK, so it’s only been gone for a couple of weeks, and only 2 people asked me about it, but it’s back. Now what shall we talk about? We could talk about Father’s Day next week, we need to be collecting some money for the food, just like we did last year, we will have hamburgers and hotdogs, just like last year. We need to be inviting family and friends, just like last year, we are expecting a large crowd, just like last year, we fed well over 100 last year. What’s new this year? We are having a Baby Dedication Service on the same day, so it will be an even more special day. And just like last year, make sure that dad is comfortable, t-shirt, flip-flops, shorts, lawn chair….comfortable!
What else should we talk about? How about prayer, it will be one of the points in my sermon today.
How important is faithfulness in prayer? Dr. Wilbur Chapman often told of his experience when, as a young man, he went to become pastor of a church in Philadelphia. After his first sermon, an old gentleman said to him, "You're pretty young to be pastor of this church. But you preach the Gospel, and I'm going to help you all I can." Dr. Chapman thought, "Here's a crank." But the man continued: "I'm going to pray for you that you may have the Holy Spirit's power upon you. Two others have covenanted to join with me in prayer for you." Dr. Chapman said, "I didn't feel so bad when I learned he was going to pray for me. The 3 became 10, the 10 became 20, and 20 became 50, the 50 became 200 who met before every service to pray that the Holy Spirit might come upon me. I always went into my pulpit feeling that I would have the anointing in answer to the prayers of those who had faithfully prayed for me. It was a joy to preach! The result was that we received 1,100 into our church by conversion in three years, 600 of whom were men. It was the fruit of the Holy spirit in answer to prayer!"
Martin Luther said, “Pray as if everything depends on God, then work as if everything depends on you.”
What else should we talk about? How about prayer, it will be one of the points in my sermon today.
How important is faithfulness in prayer? Dr. Wilbur Chapman often told of his experience when, as a young man, he went to become pastor of a church in Philadelphia. After his first sermon, an old gentleman said to him, "You're pretty young to be pastor of this church. But you preach the Gospel, and I'm going to help you all I can." Dr. Chapman thought, "Here's a crank." But the man continued: "I'm going to pray for you that you may have the Holy Spirit's power upon you. Two others have covenanted to join with me in prayer for you." Dr. Chapman said, "I didn't feel so bad when I learned he was going to pray for me. The 3 became 10, the 10 became 20, and 20 became 50, the 50 became 200 who met before every service to pray that the Holy Spirit might come upon me. I always went into my pulpit feeling that I would have the anointing in answer to the prayers of those who had faithfully prayed for me. It was a joy to preach! The result was that we received 1,100 into our church by conversion in three years, 600 of whom were men. It was the fruit of the Holy spirit in answer to prayer!"
Martin Luther said, “Pray as if everything depends on God, then work as if everything depends on you.”
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Kwai Chang Caine Dead
For those of you who remember the 70's, you know who Kwai Chang Caine was. He was the character that David Carradine played in the series Kung Fu. When David first got into the role he knew nothing about kung fu or the Shaolin, Kwai Chang was a Shaolin priest.
While filming the series his interest grew in these, he learned kung fu and studied to be a Shaolin priest, although the temple was long gone. He immersed himself in this form of Eastern religion.
David Carradine hung himself in his hotel room in Bangkok Thailand, and is believed to have committed suicide. It said Carradine was in Bangkok to shoot a movie and had been staying at the hotel since Tuesday.
David was looking for something more than himself, he thought that he had found it in Eastern religion, which left him empty and longing.
Jesus is the only one who can fill that longing in our souls. I wish that he had turned to Jesus, I'm sure that he was devoted, I'm sure that he was committed, I'm sure that he was sincere, but He didn't know Jesus.
Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. John 14:6-7 (ESV)
Anything else leads to a sinners hell.
What are you following?
While filming the series his interest grew in these, he learned kung fu and studied to be a Shaolin priest, although the temple was long gone. He immersed himself in this form of Eastern religion.
David Carradine hung himself in his hotel room in Bangkok Thailand, and is believed to have committed suicide. It said Carradine was in Bangkok to shoot a movie and had been staying at the hotel since Tuesday.
David was looking for something more than himself, he thought that he had found it in Eastern religion, which left him empty and longing.
Jesus is the only one who can fill that longing in our souls. I wish that he had turned to Jesus, I'm sure that he was devoted, I'm sure that he was committed, I'm sure that he was sincere, but He didn't know Jesus.
Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. John 14:6-7 (ESV)
Anything else leads to a sinners hell.
What are you following?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
SPRING-TIME IN TEXAS
Spring-time in Texas, unlike any other. You see things in this part of the world that you don’t see any where else. The different colors of trees, mesquite and cedar, make a pretty mix in the fields, these same trees make it hard to gather cattle. Where a hot day can mean a just a hot day or severe storms that afternoon or evening. In our part of the world you are as likely to see storm chasers as tourists, kids going to prom in a tractor as a truck, car or limo. You are as likely to see cowboys with spurs on as you are kids wearing jerseys. You are as likely to see a frog as you are a snake, weeds as grass. You may see a drought and a flood in the same week. What I’m saying is that in many ways we are just like any other part of the United States, but in some ways we are unique. We may have more churches per capita than some big cities, but that doesn’t mean that sin is extinct here. Satan is very much at work here, in ways that we cannot even imagine, messing up peoples lives, killing, stealing and destroying everything and everyone he can. We still must face the onslaught of evil everyday, just when you think that you are special you find out that you aren’t. The sin may be subtle and it may be in your face, but know for sure, it is there. We can whitewash it all we want to, but it doesn’t change it, it is still sin. The world calls it exaggerating the truth, God calls it a lie. The world calls it an alternate lifestyle, God calls it homosexuality, a sexual perversion. The world calls it having an affair, God calls it adultery. The world calls it living together, God calls it fornication. The world calls abortion a choice, God calls it murder. The world calls it partying, God calls it drunkenness.
It doesn’t matter how the world tries to whitewash it, sin is sin, and sin is offensive towards God. It is up to us to stay away from and out of sin. We are the ones who must remain righteous before a righteous God, He will not excuse our sin nor will He make excuses for us. We must make a conscience effort to stay away from sin, to keep ourselves pure before a holy God, no one else can do it for us. We must stay in His holy Word, be in prayer, and be in church where we can be fed and encouraged.
It doesn’t matter how the world tries to whitewash it, sin is sin, and sin is offensive towards God. It is up to us to stay away from and out of sin. We are the ones who must remain righteous before a righteous God, He will not excuse our sin nor will He make excuses for us. We must make a conscience effort to stay away from sin, to keep ourselves pure before a holy God, no one else can do it for us. We must stay in His holy Word, be in prayer, and be in church where we can be fed and encouraged.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A.A.A.D.D.
Here it is! Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better, even though I have it!! Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys. Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.... Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!
OK, I don't really have A.A.A.D.D., but some days I think that I might, I just can't remember for sure. Truth is this was just for fun. Hope it made you laugh. Have a grat day.
OK, I don't really have A.A.A.D.D., but some days I think that I might, I just can't remember for sure. Truth is this was just for fun. Hope it made you laugh. Have a grat day.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
REMISSION!!
REMISSION!!
Well, Becky and I went to Denver to see her doctor and get a 6 month check-up on her cancer. We flew to Denver on Friday in the middle of a blizzard, long rough flight, in Denver it was snowing heavy, large wet flakes, but in Greeley it was only rain. Denver actually had a large amount of snow fall. By Sunday it was clear and warm. Ellen told us to bring our winter clothes, but Monday and Tuesday it was in the 80’s, sure am glad I had my warm winter clothes on. ;)
We saw the doctor on Tuesday and she said that Becky was in remission but she would have to continue treatment twice a week. Remission, what a good word, remission with maintenance treatment, that's OK. We must do the maintenance treatment because this cancer returns easily and the doctor said that it could return in 3 days, 3 months or 13 years, but that it will return. So we are alright with maintenance treatment. The doctor also wrote a letter for the insurance company to see if we can get a treatment box in our house, that would save us 500 miles a week. But whatever, I do know this, I thank God and REMISSION is a great word!!!!!!
This month we have been giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, our goal was $650, and as of Sunday we have given $800. All of this money goes to our missionaries to help them in their work. I love it when we go over our goal. Today is Cooperative Program (CP) Day. The Cooperative Program is what the Southern Baptist Convention uses to support it’s missionaries. There is no other program like it in the world. When you give to the church, we send 20% of all undesignated offerings to the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (SBTC), our state convention, in turn the SBTC sends 55% of all undesignated money to the CP. It all works because we all work together. Read the insert, it explains it all better than I can. Today's sermon is on giving, the suggested topic for CP Day. See if you can learn anything new about giving today.
Well, Becky and I went to Denver to see her doctor and get a 6 month check-up on her cancer. We flew to Denver on Friday in the middle of a blizzard, long rough flight, in Denver it was snowing heavy, large wet flakes, but in Greeley it was only rain. Denver actually had a large amount of snow fall. By Sunday it was clear and warm. Ellen told us to bring our winter clothes, but Monday and Tuesday it was in the 80’s, sure am glad I had my warm winter clothes on. ;)
We saw the doctor on Tuesday and she said that Becky was in remission but she would have to continue treatment twice a week. Remission, what a good word, remission with maintenance treatment, that's OK. We must do the maintenance treatment because this cancer returns easily and the doctor said that it could return in 3 days, 3 months or 13 years, but that it will return. So we are alright with maintenance treatment. The doctor also wrote a letter for the insurance company to see if we can get a treatment box in our house, that would save us 500 miles a week. But whatever, I do know this, I thank God and REMISSION is a great word!!!!!!
This month we have been giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, our goal was $650, and as of Sunday we have given $800. All of this money goes to our missionaries to help them in their work. I love it when we go over our goal. Today is Cooperative Program (CP) Day. The Cooperative Program is what the Southern Baptist Convention uses to support it’s missionaries. There is no other program like it in the world. When you give to the church, we send 20% of all undesignated offerings to the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention (SBTC), our state convention, in turn the SBTC sends 55% of all undesignated money to the CP. It all works because we all work together. Read the insert, it explains it all better than I can. Today's sermon is on giving, the suggested topic for CP Day. See if you can learn anything new about giving today.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
How to install a home security system...
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and your NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads: "Hey Bubba, Jim Bob, Duke and Slim, I went for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside till I get home."
Billy
I guess this is one way to secure a house. Jesus said in Matthew 12:29-30 “Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (ESV)
We need to make sure that Jesus is Lord and Master of our house, our physical and our spiritual house. We need to make sure that we are working to gather with Him, gather the lost by telling them about Jesus, gathering together with other believers, doing God’s work. Right after this Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV) Let’s make sure of our deeds and our words.
1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and your NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads: "Hey Bubba, Jim Bob, Duke and Slim, I went for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside till I get home."
Billy
I guess this is one way to secure a house. Jesus said in Matthew 12:29-30 “Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (ESV)
We need to make sure that Jesus is Lord and Master of our house, our physical and our spiritual house. We need to make sure that we are working to gather with Him, gather the lost by telling them about Jesus, gathering together with other believers, doing God’s work. Right after this Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37 (ESV) Let’s make sure of our deeds and our words.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
reFuge
Greeting Church Family!!! For the past 6 weeks on Wednesday nights we have been talking to our students about purity in all areas of their life. This month we are taking 9 students to Dallas for a Saturday night conference, which hits on purity and then in the middle of the month we are wanting to do a purity ceremony with our students. Please be in prayer, as this decision to remain pure for teenagers isn't one that is easy to keep or one to be taken lightly. We have an amazing group of kids, and know that these will be incredible events!! Thank you for your prayer!! Amy & Zach
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
THE STRESS DIET
Do you ever find your self under a lot of stress? Well if you do, I have found a diet that is supposed to take the stress away, try it, I’m sure it works.
THE STRESS DIET
BREAKFAST
½ grapefruit
1 slice of whole wheat toast
8 oz skim milk
LUNCH
4 oz lean broiled chicken breast
1 cup steamed zucchini
1 Oreo cookie
Herb tea
MID AFTERNOON SNACK
Rest of package of Oreos
1 quart of Rocky Road ice cream
1 jar Hot fudge
DINNER
2 loaves garlic bread
Large pepperoni & mushroom pizza
Large pitcher of Coke
3 Milky Way candy bars – Snickers (optional)
Entire frozen cheesecake eaten directly from the freezer
Now I’m not too sure that this diet would work for me because I don’t like grapefruit...or cheesecake. OK, maybe this isn’t a real diet, but this is the way that some people are with their spiritual life, they start off with good intentions, but because they don’t devote every part of their life to Christ, it becomes too difficult for them and they fall back into their old lifestyle. I know that you do great in this area of your life, right?
THE STRESS DIET
BREAKFAST
½ grapefruit
1 slice of whole wheat toast
8 oz skim milk
LUNCH
4 oz lean broiled chicken breast
1 cup steamed zucchini
1 Oreo cookie
Herb tea
MID AFTERNOON SNACK
Rest of package of Oreos
1 quart of Rocky Road ice cream
1 jar Hot fudge
DINNER
2 loaves garlic bread
Large pepperoni & mushroom pizza
Large pitcher of Coke
3 Milky Way candy bars – Snickers (optional)
Entire frozen cheesecake eaten directly from the freezer
Now I’m not too sure that this diet would work for me because I don’t like grapefruit...or cheesecake. OK, maybe this isn’t a real diet, but this is the way that some people are with their spiritual life, they start off with good intentions, but because they don’t devote every part of their life to Christ, it becomes too difficult for them and they fall back into their old lifestyle. I know that you do great in this area of your life, right?
THE CENTER OF OUR FAITH
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-2:5
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (ESV)
A collage drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trapdoor and announce, “I descended into hell!” A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through. The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was much heavier took his place.
When the new actor announced, “I descended into hell!” the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge. But as he plunged, he became hopelessly stuck half way down. No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend any further. One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: “Hallelujah! Hell is full!”
Do you remember the old “Peanuts” cartoon in which Lucy says to Charlie Brown, “I would have made a great evangelist.”
Charlie Brown answers, “Is that so?” She says, “Yes, I convinced that boy in front of me in school that my religion is better than his religion.”
Charlie Brown asked, “Well, how did you do that?” And Lucy answers, “I hit him over the head with my lunchbox.”
4 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Salvation;
1. We are one in our need of Salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (ESV)
2. There is just one means of Salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
John 3:3
“Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (ESV)
3. There is just one way to be Saved.
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father" except through me.” (ESV)
4. There is just one Salvation. (The Cross is the center of our faith.)
1 Corinthians 2:2,
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
2 Corinthians 5:15
“and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (ESV)
Robert Ingersoll was a noted infidel from the state of Illinois. He would preach all across the Midwest on subjects such as, “Why I Am So Sure There Is Not A God,” “The Mistakes Of Moses,” “Why Only A Fool Would Believe In Hell.” In turn he would build up straw men and proceed to tear them down. One night in a midwestern city after Ingersoll had supposedly exploded any possibility that there might be validity in the Christian faith, he offered a challenge to his audience. He spoke something like this, “I am aware that many Christians come to hear me speak. I would like to ask who in this audience tonight after I have spoken would still claim to be a Christian. After hearing what I said tonight, is there anybody here who will testify, ‘I still believe’?” not a soul stirred. Ingersoll put his hands on his hips and laughed uproariously. He offered the challenge the second time. “Isn’t there even one Christian here who will stand tonight and say, ‘I still believe after hearing the great Ingersoll’?” nobody responded. Again, Ingersoll laughed. He offered the challenge a third time. This time from one of the back rows of the theater two teenage girls stood and began to move out of the row and slowly down the aisle singing, “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross, life high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss.” As they walked, others slipped out from their rows and followed them until ultimately almost the entire audience was standing as one great throng in front of the stage singing in Ingersoll’s face, “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus.”
Romans 9:27
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”.
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out”.
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (ESV)
A collage drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trapdoor and announce, “I descended into hell!” A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would open, and the character would plunge through. The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was much heavier took his place.
When the new actor announced, “I descended into hell!” the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge. But as he plunged, he became hopelessly stuck half way down. No amount of tugging on the rope could make him descend any further. One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: “Hallelujah! Hell is full!”
Do you remember the old “Peanuts” cartoon in which Lucy says to Charlie Brown, “I would have made a great evangelist.”
Charlie Brown answers, “Is that so?” She says, “Yes, I convinced that boy in front of me in school that my religion is better than his religion.”
Charlie Brown asked, “Well, how did you do that?” And Lucy answers, “I hit him over the head with my lunchbox.”
4 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Salvation;
1. We are one in our need of Salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (ESV)
2. There is just one means of Salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
John 3:3
“Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (ESV)
3. There is just one way to be Saved.
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father" except through me.” (ESV)
4. There is just one Salvation. (The Cross is the center of our faith.)
1 Corinthians 2:2,
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
2 Corinthians 5:15
“and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (ESV)
Robert Ingersoll was a noted infidel from the state of Illinois. He would preach all across the Midwest on subjects such as, “Why I Am So Sure There Is Not A God,” “The Mistakes Of Moses,” “Why Only A Fool Would Believe In Hell.” In turn he would build up straw men and proceed to tear them down. One night in a midwestern city after Ingersoll had supposedly exploded any possibility that there might be validity in the Christian faith, he offered a challenge to his audience. He spoke something like this, “I am aware that many Christians come to hear me speak. I would like to ask who in this audience tonight after I have spoken would still claim to be a Christian. After hearing what I said tonight, is there anybody here who will testify, ‘I still believe’?” not a soul stirred. Ingersoll put his hands on his hips and laughed uproariously. He offered the challenge the second time. “Isn’t there even one Christian here who will stand tonight and say, ‘I still believe after hearing the great Ingersoll’?” nobody responded. Again, Ingersoll laughed. He offered the challenge a third time. This time from one of the back rows of the theater two teenage girls stood and began to move out of the row and slowly down the aisle singing, “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross, life high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss.” As they walked, others slipped out from their rows and followed them until ultimately almost the entire audience was standing as one great throng in front of the stage singing in Ingersoll’s face, “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus.”
Romans 9:27
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”.
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me”.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out”.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
LEADERS AND LAUGHS
To be a good leader you must learn how to deal with difficult people and resolve conflict constructively. And there is often more than one way to do it. Former basketball coach Bobby Knight, who is less than a stellar example of public relations, told that a few years ago when Indiana was playing Michigan State, a man sat behind his bench and heckled Knight all game long—chewed him up one side and down the other. At the end of the game, Knight turned around and said to the lady who was sitting next to the man, “Does he belong to you?” She ducked her head and said sheepishly, “Yes.” Bobby then responded, “You could do so much better than him.”
The next year when the two teams were set to play again, Knight checked on the heckler and discovered that he was an economics professor and a one-time interim president of the opposing university. Knight invited the man to visit with the team prior to the game. After the visit, Knight handed the man several pieces of candy and said, “Here, chew on this rather than me. That way we’ll both enjoy the game better.”
Remember, some people are like sandpaper, the more they rub on you, the smoother you get, and the more worn out they get.
And now, just for laughs; Bloopers...
In an Ohio paper: "The operator of the other car, charged with drunken driving, crashed into Miss Miller's rear end which was sticking out into the road."
The Harrah, Oklahoma, News ran an article about the Folderol String Band, which was to entertain at a barbecue. The story explained, "These true sons of the Southwest have twanged their music all over Oklahoma and have been asked more than once to leave the state."
From the Jacksonville, Florida, Times-Union: "The sewer-expansion project is nearing completion, but city officials are holding their breath until it is officially finished."
And finally…
Real estate ad in program of The Barn Playhouse, New London, New Hampshire: "For Sale. Business site in large city. Busy intersection with traffic light out of order. Just the right spot for doctor or lawyer."
It’s always good to laugh.
The next year when the two teams were set to play again, Knight checked on the heckler and discovered that he was an economics professor and a one-time interim president of the opposing university. Knight invited the man to visit with the team prior to the game. After the visit, Knight handed the man several pieces of candy and said, “Here, chew on this rather than me. That way we’ll both enjoy the game better.”
Remember, some people are like sandpaper, the more they rub on you, the smoother you get, and the more worn out they get.
And now, just for laughs; Bloopers...
In an Ohio paper: "The operator of the other car, charged with drunken driving, crashed into Miss Miller's rear end which was sticking out into the road."
The Harrah, Oklahoma, News ran an article about the Folderol String Band, which was to entertain at a barbecue. The story explained, "These true sons of the Southwest have twanged their music all over Oklahoma and have been asked more than once to leave the state."
From the Jacksonville, Florida, Times-Union: "The sewer-expansion project is nearing completion, but city officials are holding their breath until it is officially finished."
And finally…
Real estate ad in program of The Barn Playhouse, New London, New Hampshire: "For Sale. Business site in large city. Busy intersection with traffic light out of order. Just the right spot for doctor or lawyer."
It’s always good to laugh.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
“MONDAY MORNING CHURCH”
Acts 2:41-47
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (ESV)
Bruce Larson wrote a book about missions in his church, and the first person that he mentioned was a woman who sacked items in the grocery store. She said that she prayed for everybody who walked through the line and whose groceries she sacked. She took this as a ministry for God and an extension of the kingdom of God. Too many times when we think about ministry, we think about the people we pay at church, or the person who hands out bulletins, or teaches a class; in a sense, that is ministry, but it is in-house. What we need is to get people to say and be, in reality, God’s people out in the marketplace. Every Christian needs to feel that he or she is a missionary and has a calling to the place where they work or live or spend their leisure time.
As we begin tonight to adjust our aim for visitation, we are joining in with FBC and Calvary to reach every home in Childress by Easter 2010. We will start our part on March 8, when we will do a blitz with as many people as we can going from door to door. But we need everyone who can to meet at Donny and Trica’s tonight so that we can all know what we are doing and how. All too often we have the attitude that it isn’t our job; that it belongs to someone else, but if you read the pastor’s pen this morning, you know different.
Lloyd Ogilvie tells of going to the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California, and finding that inwardly the church was strong with lots of people coming, but no real vitality. He took his leaders on a retreat to answer his four questions:
1. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
Verse 42, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
1 Timothy 4:6-8
“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (ESV)
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:3-4
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (ESV)
Romans 8:5-6
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (ESV)
Romans 8:7-8
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (ESV)
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV)
2. WHAT KIND OF CHURCH DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THOSE KINDS OF PEOPLE?
Verse 46-47, “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (ESV)
3. WHAT KIND OF LEADERS DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THAT KIND OF CHURCH?
Verse 43, “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”
Who are the leaders? The leaders are the deacons, and those who are in a possession of leadership.
It takes leaders who are not afraid to make the tough decisions, to do the things that may not be popular.
4. WHAT KIND OF STAFF DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THOSE KINDS OF LEADERS?
1 Timothy 6:11-12
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (ESV)
These four questions changed Lloyd Ogilvie’s church, answering these four questions can change our lives and our church.
One of the problems with American Christianity is that we have come to think too much of the church as an institution. That is, it is something I go to with a leader to listen to. But the church needs to be seen as a mission. It is a body of Christ working out in the world.
The question is, “Where is the church on Monday?” It is down on the car lot, it is at school, it at the store, it is wherever you are, wherever you are working.
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Sermon outline on 2/24/2009
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (ESV)
Bruce Larson wrote a book about missions in his church, and the first person that he mentioned was a woman who sacked items in the grocery store. She said that she prayed for everybody who walked through the line and whose groceries she sacked. She took this as a ministry for God and an extension of the kingdom of God. Too many times when we think about ministry, we think about the people we pay at church, or the person who hands out bulletins, or teaches a class; in a sense, that is ministry, but it is in-house. What we need is to get people to say and be, in reality, God’s people out in the marketplace. Every Christian needs to feel that he or she is a missionary and has a calling to the place where they work or live or spend their leisure time.
As we begin tonight to adjust our aim for visitation, we are joining in with FBC and Calvary to reach every home in Childress by Easter 2010. We will start our part on March 8, when we will do a blitz with as many people as we can going from door to door. But we need everyone who can to meet at Donny and Trica’s tonight so that we can all know what we are doing and how. All too often we have the attitude that it isn’t our job; that it belongs to someone else, but if you read the pastor’s pen this morning, you know different.
Lloyd Ogilvie tells of going to the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California, and finding that inwardly the church was strong with lots of people coming, but no real vitality. He took his leaders on a retreat to answer his four questions:
1. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
Verse 42, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
1 Timothy 4:6-8
“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (ESV)
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:3-4
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (ESV)
Romans 8:5-6
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (ESV)
Romans 8:7-8
“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (ESV)
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (ESV)
2. WHAT KIND OF CHURCH DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THOSE KINDS OF PEOPLE?
Verse 46-47, “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (ESV)
3. WHAT KIND OF LEADERS DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THAT KIND OF CHURCH?
Verse 43, “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”
Who are the leaders? The leaders are the deacons, and those who are in a possession of leadership.
It takes leaders who are not afraid to make the tough decisions, to do the things that may not be popular.
4. WHAT KIND OF STAFF DOES IT TAKE TO PRODUCE THOSE KINDS OF LEADERS?
1 Timothy 6:11-12
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (ESV)
These four questions changed Lloyd Ogilvie’s church, answering these four questions can change our lives and our church.
One of the problems with American Christianity is that we have come to think too much of the church as an institution. That is, it is something I go to with a leader to listen to. But the church needs to be seen as a mission. It is a body of Christ working out in the world.
The question is, “Where is the church on Monday?” It is down on the car lot, it is at school, it at the store, it is wherever you are, wherever you are working.
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Sermon outline on 2/24/2009
"GO AND TELL"
How important is it that we tell others about Christ? Jesus said in Acts 1 for us to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, that means here at home, and in all Judea, that means here in Texas, and Samaria, that means in the United States, and to the end of the earth, this means, well you know what this means. Did you realize that the Great Commission given to us by Jesus is not a request? If it were a request then we could just say no thanks. Did you realize that he did not say that some have this gift and some don’t? If He did then we could just say, it’s not my gift. He didn’t say if you feel like it, go; or if you think about it go, He simply said GO. He said in Mark 16:15, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (ESV) Jesus said to GO into all the world. It is every Christians job to tell about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. Maybe you are being called to go to Africa on one of the mission trips during the next 5 years, maybe God is calling you to go somewhere else in the world on a mission trip, maybe you are being called to do mission work here in the United States, but one thing that I do know, you are being called upon to tell others about Jesus. And I also know that the best place to begin is with your family and friends, why is this the best place to start? Because these are the ones that you care for the most and if you can talk to those who know you the best about Christ, you can talk to anyone. This may sound strange but our loved ones are sometimes the hardest ones to talk to, we don’t want them to think less of us, or we don’t want them to laugh at us. But if we allow them to go to Hell without telling them about Jesus, they will think less of us and they won’t be laughing. I want to encourage you to tell others about Jesus, by the way, we have visitation tonight. We will not be going out tonight to visit, we will however be getting ready for our big push, on March 8, time changes and we will begin to a big push to reach every home in Childress. On March 8th we will go to one of the apartment complexes and knock on every door, and we need you help to do this. Our goal is to reach every home in Childress county, along with the help of First and Calvary, by Easter 2010.
“WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HEAVY”
GALATIANS 6:1-5 & PSALMS 55:22
Galatians 6:1-5
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” (ESV)
Psalms 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (ESV)
A seminary professor used to say to his students, “Young men, be kind to everyone because everyone is having a bad time.”
Hard times are a part of life. We all have burdens and heartaches; we need to learn what to do with them. The scriptures tell us:
1. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHOULDERED.
Some burdens we must carry, some we are responsible for.
Galatians 6:5 says, “For each will have to bear his own load.”
Some loads we must carry alone.
But the mistake we make all too often is that we try to carry all burdens alone.
2. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHARED.
Some burdens are too much for us to carry alone.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens”
3. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHIFTED.
Some we cannot begin to carry.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”
Some say Christianity is nothing but a crutch – yes, but who not limping?
I don't believe that we have to carry any burdens alone, Jesus said in Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." (ESV)
He is always there to help us, to help carry our burdens or to carry us if He needs to.
Cast your burdens on Him today.
Sermon outline for 2/24/2009
Galatians 6:1-5
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.” (ESV)
Psalms 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (ESV)
A seminary professor used to say to his students, “Young men, be kind to everyone because everyone is having a bad time.”
Hard times are a part of life. We all have burdens and heartaches; we need to learn what to do with them. The scriptures tell us:
1. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHOULDERED.
Some burdens we must carry, some we are responsible for.
Galatians 6:5 says, “For each will have to bear his own load.”
Some loads we must carry alone.
But the mistake we make all too often is that we try to carry all burdens alone.
2. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHARED.
Some burdens are too much for us to carry alone.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another's burdens”
3. SOME BURDENS ARE TO BE SHIFTED.
Some we cannot begin to carry.
Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”
Some say Christianity is nothing but a crutch – yes, but who not limping?
I don't believe that we have to carry any burdens alone, Jesus said in Hebrews 13:5
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." (ESV)
He is always there to help us, to help carry our burdens or to carry us if He needs to.
Cast your burdens on Him today.
Sermon outline for 2/24/2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
BURDENS OF LIFE
We all face burdens, heartaches and hard times in life. But what do we do with them, how do we face them, how do we respond to them? We as a church and as individuals are having to deal with the death of a young man, this is a heavy burden to bear. You expect your children to grow up, get married and have children, the last thing you ever expect to do is to have to bury them. We are all saddened in this loss. We all have things happen to us that burden us down, so what should we do with those burdens? Sunday we are going to learn what the Word says as I preach a sermon titled, "WHEN LIFE GETS TOO HEAVY."
Be here Sunday, I believe that this is sermon that will help all of us, no matter how heavy our load is.
See You Sunday!!
Be here Sunday, I believe that this is sermon that will help all of us, no matter how heavy our load is.
See You Sunday!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
MARRIAGE & ROMANCE
If you were to ask men and women what it means to be romantic you would get a number of different answers. I am sure that you would get more blank looks from the men than the women.
If you asked the married couples here what the most romantic thing that they have ever done (honeymoon doesn’t count), the wife can tell you, the husband will think about the monster truck rally, or the tool exhibit, or whatever.
So often marriage partners start out sizzling with passion and then dissipate into mere roommates. A loss of romance doesn’t need to occur, yet in so many marriages, it does. The heat of passion and all displays of tender giving seem to vanish, and we accept it as normal, saying, “That’s just the way it is.”
Does marriage have to degenerate into such a sad state of affairs? No! God has a much different desire for marriage. In His plan, the romance continues throughout marriage. In fact, it builds and grows into a loving and passionate marriage that is even more wonderful in its latter stages than in its beginning.
You know there are several things that can kill romance in a marriage.
Sin
Romance dies when one or both persons become so wounded and disillusioned with a spouse that they become calloused. Sin and harsh actions are unrepented of until the wounds of sin have removed all feeling.
Proverbs 18:19
“It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.” (NLT)
Age
Romance dies when a person focuses on the outer beauty rather than on the inner beauty of his or her spouse. Outer beauty degenerates over time; age takes its toll on every person. It doesn’t matter how many face or body lifts a person has, or how much a person attempts to keep in shape through proper exercise and diet, age causes fading of physical beauty. Unless you continue to see past the wrinkles around your beloved’s eyes and gaze into the full depths of your mate’s soul, you will feel less attracted to your spouse, and with a lessening of attraction, you are likely to express less romance.
Forgetfulness
Romance dies when couples forget the preciousness of their mates. Spouses all too often come to take each other for granted, and they lose sight of just how special they are to each other. Romance requires intention, care and focus. It requires that each person remembers why you feel in love in the first place.
Laziness
Many people recite vows to “love, honor and cherish” a spouse, and then they proceed with their marriage without a good knowledge of how to keep them. Love must be shown. Honor must be expressed. Cherish is an attitude that must be displayed. Passionate marriages are so by design and intent. Romance is a discipline.
So how do we keep the romance alive in our marriage?
Song of Solomon 7:11-12
“Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages. 12 Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom-- there I will give you my love.” (NIV)
1. Men are expected to be Romantic.
2. Men are capable of Romance.
3. God desires for men to be Romantic.
Remember guys, be Spontaneous and do the Unexpected
If you asked the married couples here what the most romantic thing that they have ever done (honeymoon doesn’t count), the wife can tell you, the husband will think about the monster truck rally, or the tool exhibit, or whatever.
So often marriage partners start out sizzling with passion and then dissipate into mere roommates. A loss of romance doesn’t need to occur, yet in so many marriages, it does. The heat of passion and all displays of tender giving seem to vanish, and we accept it as normal, saying, “That’s just the way it is.”
Does marriage have to degenerate into such a sad state of affairs? No! God has a much different desire for marriage. In His plan, the romance continues throughout marriage. In fact, it builds and grows into a loving and passionate marriage that is even more wonderful in its latter stages than in its beginning.
You know there are several things that can kill romance in a marriage.
Sin
Romance dies when one or both persons become so wounded and disillusioned with a spouse that they become calloused. Sin and harsh actions are unrepented of until the wounds of sin have removed all feeling.
Proverbs 18:19
“It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.” (NLT)
Age
Romance dies when a person focuses on the outer beauty rather than on the inner beauty of his or her spouse. Outer beauty degenerates over time; age takes its toll on every person. It doesn’t matter how many face or body lifts a person has, or how much a person attempts to keep in shape through proper exercise and diet, age causes fading of physical beauty. Unless you continue to see past the wrinkles around your beloved’s eyes and gaze into the full depths of your mate’s soul, you will feel less attracted to your spouse, and with a lessening of attraction, you are likely to express less romance.
Forgetfulness
Romance dies when couples forget the preciousness of their mates. Spouses all too often come to take each other for granted, and they lose sight of just how special they are to each other. Romance requires intention, care and focus. It requires that each person remembers why you feel in love in the first place.
Laziness
Many people recite vows to “love, honor and cherish” a spouse, and then they proceed with their marriage without a good knowledge of how to keep them. Love must be shown. Honor must be expressed. Cherish is an attitude that must be displayed. Passionate marriages are so by design and intent. Romance is a discipline.
So how do we keep the romance alive in our marriage?
Song of Solomon 7:11-12
“Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages. 12 Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom-- there I will give you my love.” (NIV)
1. Men are expected to be Romantic.
2. Men are capable of Romance.
3. God desires for men to be Romantic.
Remember guys, be Spontaneous and do the Unexpected
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