Timely Message for us all

There has been so much written about the Connecticut school shooting that I do not want to be redundant.  But strangely a couple of weekends ago at our church, a talented film producer had put together a short film on the loss of the Innkeeper's family had to endure because of  his allowing the Savior to be born at his Inn.

What we do not realize is that millions of children two years and younger were killed by a mad man king just out of his fear of Jesus.  Have you ever thought of  those children lost to an insane king?  The best way to grasp this in light of the children lost in Connecticut is to know that they are playing in heaven along those millions lost over 2000 years ago.

Please watch this message and film as I know it made me realize the events surrounding the early years of Jesus.  Link on the link and have a blessed day of thankfulness for your children.  No matter what their age might be.

 Click on this link:    InnKeeper

Christmas Depression is Real

Experts say that Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression. They claim that the suicide rate is higher during December and early January than any other month and we need to understand that Christmas depression should be taken quite seriously. 

Depression right after Christmas day can be triggered by a multitude of things, such as losses, failures, finances, and loneliness as these elements are exacerbated this time of year. People who have had death in the family or have experienced divorce or the loss of a child are more prone to depression, especially during any holiday season.

It can be especially difficult to cope with a Christmas  depression because everyone else seems so joyous, and so for you to reach out feels more awkward.  We don't want to bring down those around us, we don't want to feel "different" or alienate ourselves, and we don't want to draw attention to ourselves either.  We tend to disassociate ourselves from our own feelings and ask ourselves self defeating questions.  We wonder what's wrong with ourselves and why we can barely drag ourselves out of bed and become functional human beings.  On top of our feeling sad and dysfunctional, we feel out of place everywhere  and somehow cannot validate our feelings.

Not all holiday depression has anything to do with loss or failure or death, or even anything obvious. Sometimes people tend to just get depressed around the holidays. Yet those without an obvious “reason” feel that they really shouldn't be depressed and are least likely to reach out for help. It’s as though people who have experienced trauma in their life have more of a “right” to experience holiday depression than those who appear to have everything that could need or want.  If you are a Christ Follower you become so critical of yourself and think, “I’m happy to celebrate the birth of Jesus, so why do I feel this way?”

The onset of Christmas depression can sneak up on you in numerous forms. You may simply start to feel more tired than normal or start sleeping through the alarm. You may have procrastinated on holiday shopping, even when those events that require your participation are only a few days away. You may start to feel randomly irritable, or snap at people without provocation. You may start to feel disconnected with the world and withdraw from those around you, even children. These are all signs that you are experiencing at least some form of holiday depression, and warning signs that you may need help in dealing with whatever is making you feel this way.

If you are alone at this Christmas season and you realize that you are coming down with holiday depression, reach out to someone by phone, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a professional, just call someone. This is so important. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you.  A bad moment (even a really long one that last several weeks) does not have to ruin a future. Unfortunately people who find themselves depressed and do nothing about it are prone to staying depressed, maybe for the entire winter or even consider checking out on life.  Living in depression can interfere with job performance, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting ability, self care, and even the ability to take care of the dog or cat. It can lead to losses of very important things if the depression becomes serious enough.

I know about this as I have experienced it in the past, so I encourage you to know the signs and do something about them by reaching out.  If you see someone else depressed this season, you should reach out to them.  Just let them know you care and offer suggestions for things to do to keep them away from depression.  Your friends need you and it’s not for money or just a passing, “Merry Christmas”.  

Even if you know first hand that you are loved by the Creator, do not feel ashamed that you are having these feelings.  They are real !  So one way to get you through this season of your life is to go help at  homeless shelter or food kitchen.  You will not feel alone when you see the appreciation on the faces of many who do not know that they have any hope. It is a great way to get through depressing times this Christmas!



Particularly this Christmas Season demonstrate your caring!

Reflections of Christmas this Morning

Luke 2:11 "This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!"

As I start this special morning of Christmas, I sit here quietly staring at the lighted Christmas tree with mixed emotions. The emotions I am supposed to have are those of joy and peace and good will to all.

But before any of the presents are opened, I realize that there are some traditions that just cannot be repeated. As my mind flashes back to my childhood days, I recall getting up and running to the Christmas tree to see the Lincoln Log set under the tree with a log house already built.

Soon my mind flees to the Christmas mornings of my children when they would awaken to the whine a new puppy or some other special gifts. If they chose to sleep in too long on Christmas morning, I would go to the kitchen and begin to bake cinnamon rolls. Naturally, I had to make a lot of noise to wake them from their slumber. It is those joys of Christmas mornings that are now just memories.

As tears flow down my face, I think of the people to whom I can never again wish Merry Christmas because they have gone on to be with the Lord. If I keep this going, I know I will be depressed for the entire day. I truly can understand how depression around this time of the year can take place, especially if a person does not have a relationship with the Savior. Then I get a great Tran Siberian Orchestra CD and has the special  some "Someday".  Watch the DVD  TSO-Someday   And I started to cry again.

Even though all these events are in the past, the Lord gently reminds me that Christmas is not about me. I refocus on the Savior who gave up Heaven to communicate directly to me. He loved me so much that he gave everything for me.

During your quiet time this morning, thank the Lord for giving you this day to celebrate his coming to earth for a relationship with us. Thank Him for family, friends, and loved ones with whom we come in contact with each day. Give your children a hug and tell them you love them, no matter what their ages.

Call those who cannot be near you this Christmas. Since the Lord demonstrated His love for you, take the time to create new memories that reflect the Lord’s presence, even if it is banging on the pans to get the kids up to celebrate this day. When cleaning up all the paper and ribbon, pause for a moment to smile and remember that this was not about you, but about the Lord and the ones near you.

In that joy, you will find peace and love to carry you into the New Year.

Merry Christmas!

Then God Shows Up!

This past weekend I was witness to something that many of you who are involved in a Sunday service have experienced.

The Sunday service involved a lot of variations in every aspect of the service which included the Tech Team, Sound Team, Lighting Team, Pastors, Audience and Praise Team.  We were excited about what God was going to do as we arrived at 6:30 a.m. for our first service at 10:00 a.m.

Like we had experienced most weeks the rehearsal did NOT go well.  Timing was off and whatever could go wrong, went wrong.  Tension arose in the room and then our wise Worship Leader just said "Stop!  Let's pray."  Throughout the auditorium people were on their knees and bowing to ask God to show up and take us out of the problems and to move in and take over the services.

We finished rehearsal and thought that God was going to have to show up and remove our simple frustrations so that He could be glorified because rehearsal did not go well.

With the first drumbeat at each service God showed up!  I mean he really showed up.  Praise was everywhere, tears were flowing, and 41 people accepted the Lord in baptism as well as about that many more giving their lives to Christ and are now learning more about their decision and walk with the creator of the Universe.

In the service there were prayers for healing, for financial miracles, and for reconciliation. Before our eyes on stage we saw God show up in a BIG way.  It was no longer our performance but it was how the Spirit moved in each service.  We could have sung out of key and it would not have made any difference.

If you get out of the way in your life you will see where God shows up every time at just the right time.

But I will say it is hard to sing when tears are flowing down your face, so I know for sure that the Lord showed up in my life at just the right time.  I just had to get out of the way.

Have You Checked Your Box?

A few weeks ago I heard someone tell me that they were fasting.  It was at a meal and I heard the “pity me” story of what they were giving up in order to be obedient to God.

They quoted Daniel fasting and named a diet just for this fast like Daniel did.  I asked, “Why are you fasting?  Is it to punch your card for church that you completed a fast?  Was it to draw closer to God?  Was it to lose weight? (I’ve heard that before also)  What is the real reason for fasting?

Let’s look at Daniel 1: 1-16 to discover why Daniel and three friends began the fast.  Another fast,  is also  described in Daniel 10.  The bottom line was that Daniel did not want to defy Mosaic law and eat the food which was offered by the king since it was taken from gifts to idols.   So the purpose of the fast was to edify God.  Daniel did it without complaining and the result of the fast was God being glorified.

So many churches have cards in the back of the seats in which you check off a box to show an accomplishment or a commitment.   I grew up with boxes to check for Attendance (I had seventeen years of perfect attendance and the pins to show it), Bible reading, serving, singing, and the list goes on and on in many churches.  So for many people fasting is just another box to check.

Are you checking boxes for the Lord or are you giving, fasting, serving, and loving others because you are passionately in love with the Creator of the Universe and want to see the Lord glorified in and through your life?

Take a look at your mental attitude and why you do anything that helps someone else.  Are you just checking a box so you can be in approval before the Lord?  Or are you just doing these things BECAUSE you love the Lord? 

In everything you say and do, make it to glorify the Lord and not yourself.  It is tough to accomplish but when you work for the Lord you are not checking a box because all the boxes were checked when you gave your life to the lord and followed his Son as a Christ Follower.

 

So throw your pencil away and just get to serving, giving, fasting and loving others.  It pleased God when Daniel did it as he was blessed in everything that he did  and you will be blessed  when you do things without thinking about checking boxes.

Are you like a Pumpkin?

Are you like a Pumpkin?  Wouldn't you like to be?

Being a Christ Follower is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes all the dirt off you.  Then He cuts open the top and scoops out all the yucky and awful messy stuff inside.  He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, unforgiveness, and anger.  Then with His artistic hand He carves out a unique smiling face and puts His light inside of you (the pumpkin) to shine for all the world to see.

The only difference is that a regular pumpkin will rot in a very short time when carved by men.  Yet the pumpkin that God craves in you will never rot but shine in all situations and the light inside will never go away.  Even when life is rough and the darkness that we encounter daily, His light is still inside and can shine right through any darkest hour.

Now crave a pumpkin for your kids with a new attitude that gives light and not dark evil that the world wants you to celebrate.  Talk to your kids about this parable whereby you can show God's love while simply carving a pumpkin.

Hey God! Surprise!

In listening to a message yesterday the main topic was about Joesph and Forgiveness.  Now if anything could go wrong in a persons life it had to be Joesph.  In Genesis Joesph had dreams about ruling over his brothers and family to which his brothers came to hate him.  So they plotted to kill him but sold him as a slave into Egypt.  Then he was falsely charged with rape and jailed for 22 years.  During that time he still interpreted dreams for a baker, candlestick maker, and the Pharaoh which put him in into the Vice President position of the whole world.  It had been about 30-40 years when his first dream came true because Egypt had food and Israel was starving.  It was his brothers that came to beg for food.

 Yet do you think God was surprised when Joesph was sold into slavery, when he was wrongly thrown into jail?

If God was like us, he'd say, "On no, I had these great plans but now Joesph is heading to slavery.  What am I going to do?"  Or "He has been charged with rape and did nothing but run away.  Now what am I going to do?"  Instead God took the situation that took place on earth and made it into something that built Him up to be more than the God of Creation.

Joseph could have remained angry at his brothers and would have been justified to just send them back to their land.  Instead he forgave them, clothed them, and brought the entire Israel nation to Egypt to survive.  God's plan for the Israel nation to survive and thrive could not have happened unless Joesph had been sold into slavery and gone through what he endured.

Yet in our lives we often get angry at our experiences and blame God for family troubles, incest, job loss, and a number of other events that take place in our lives.  Instead we need to turn MORE to God and forgive those people.  Funny thing is that people who hurt us go on like nothing happened.  It is us who harbor the hurt and anger which in many cases will go beyond the grave of the other person.  So forgive yourself and then you can forgive others.  It is then that God can do something with your life.

Now the Pastor who was preaching this sermon chose early in his life a direction that included drugs, alcohol, sex, drug dealer, and pimp.  It was on a bed in a hospital that he recalled something that he was taught at an early age about the love of God.  His life had been hard and he had endured the childhood agonies we would never wish upon anyone including our family.  Yet God's plan had always been in place for this young man.  God was not surprised but overjoyed.

In giving his life to the Lord unconditionally, he was healed with no drug withdrawals and began a hunger for the best relationship possible with the creator of the Universe.  During this month of Pastor Appreciation I am proud to call this man my pastor and friend.

Chris Stephens walks the walk and talks the talk whereby he was dealt some bad hands like Joesph and yet the Lord continues to raise up his words, experiences  and life to drive people like me to improve my relationship with the Lord.

So today Chris,  thank you for being the man God made you so people like me can continue to learn how to give our lives away.

Oh ya,  God was not surprised 35 years ago in a hospital bed in Chattanooga so He will never be surprised at you and what you are capable of in your life.

There's at Least One Inside All of Us

In the past couple of weeks I have been exposed to some awesome talent in two young men.  These men are writing songs and the music for these songs.   I have heard some of their old stuff which was powerful years ago and now they are working a Christmas CD that will be published in a few weeks.

They put in long hours in the studio to take their creative juices and produce a fantastic sound.  As I heard one of those songs I found myself singing the chorus as it had a great message and rang true in my life.  One song, "I Wish it Was Christmas" held me in front of the speakers in the studio until the last note.

Now I can not write music, but over the years I have learned that everyone has a song within them.  Something you are thinking just keeps coming up in your head.  You should write it down.  As for me I gave something I wrote down years ago to the writer of this group to see if he can put music to the words.  I gave him liberty to adjust the rhyme but he is keeping the theme, "It's Not About Me".  

Beginning in 1998 I began writing a book on Romance.  It took me until 2004 to complete this 240 page book but "Romantic Games Adults SHOULD Play" has been copyrighted but never fully published.  For me, if it never does publish then so be that.  But I have sent the book to male friends of mine who say they do not have a clue on how to be creatively romantic to their wives.  The book elevates women to much more than objects where romance in a creative way which can be inexpensive and yet build esteem in their spouse rather than objects you see on adult sites. 

Your life experiences means that you have at least one book inside you also.  With electronics today you can jot down thoughts and put them in a file and then you can take a little private time to assemble them into a book.  People who may be experiencing an issue you have overcome would like to read how you conquered the issue.

I use this illustration often on the subject of using your life experiences for others.  Look at Acts 8:26-40  Philip met the eunuch who was having trouble understanding what he was reading.  The Spirit told Philip to go near the chariot yet he could have passed by and not  stopped.  But Philip had the experiences to help this man.  And did just that.  

Your experiences you have endured - both good and bad - are opportunities to help people who need you to get them from doing harm to themselves and others.  Do not hate what you have endured as the Lord WILL give you an opportunity to help someone who may not be as strong as you are.

So write that book that is inside of you and that song that is in your heart.  Everyone has at least one inside themselves.  Others will benefit long after you have left this earth.

Hold Us Together!

In today's world we are seeing so much anger between people and the love that our nation should have has turned to seeing relationships lost.  In listening to a caller on the radio this lady said that her father quite talking to her the day she said she had a different opinion about the political leader of the country.  She went on to say that her father told her yesterday that he was writing her out of his will unless she agreed to vote a certain way.  She's 28 years old.

What ever happened to FREE SPEECH?  I have heard recently of injury threats to local and state politicians which in most cases is just local talk but the reality is that we have lost our desire to be ONE NATION, under God.

Persecution is alive and well not only in the world but here in the US.  During this political season we accept words which we know are not true and learn to hate just because a political party of candidate says we are to hate.

There is a verse in the Bible that tells about what is taking place today.  Matthew 10:21 - “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.  Is that next?

There was a song I was listening to today which spells out what we need right now:

Jesus said,
It don't have a job, don't pay your billsWon't buy you a home in Beverly HillsWon't fix your life in five easy stepsAin't the law of the land or the government
But it's all you need
And love will hold us togetherMake us a shelter to weather the stormAnd I'll be my brother's keeperSo the whole world will know that we're not alone
It's waiting for you knocking at your doorIn the moment of truth when your heart hits the floor
And you're on your knees
And love will hold us togetherMake us a shelter to weather the stormAnd I'll be my brother's keeperSo the whole world will know that we're not aloneThis is the first day of the rest of your lifeThis is the first day of the rest of your life'Cause even in the dark, you can still see the lightIt's gonna be alright, it's gonna be alright
This is the first day of the rest of your lifeThis is the first day of the rest of your life'Cause even in the dark, you can still see the lightIt's gonna be alright, it's gonna be alright
Love will hold us togetherMake us a shelter to weather the stormAnd I'll be my brother's keeperSo the whole world will know that we're not alone
Now listen to the song:  Hold Us Together
There are storms coming, so how do you want to weather them?  Alone or with someone?  I think the answer is obvious.  But you have to start by not judging everything someone else says and love them where they are today.  

I thought that was Free Speech meant.

Getting Beyond the "Devils Music"

I recall that years ago when Rock and Roll was just hitting the stage and radio in a big way most people in the church called it the "Devil's Music".  Living in a strict family and ultra conservative community, adults were quite vocal about your hair length, beard, and the music you listened to. If you had the volume in your car too loud, people would actually come up to your car at a traffic light and tell you to turn it down because it is the Devil's music.  In fact our town counsel actual passed an ordinance where you could be arrested for playing music too loud.  (One of many old laws that got removed when I became Mayor of my home town.)

To us the strange hypocritical mindset was that these good Christian people loved their Country music that sang about cheating on their wives, drinking, and gambling.  To them, that was OK.

Along the way young people found a Christian artist, Larry Norman, who was breaking the mold and radically introducing rock & roll as Christian songs.  The link is just one song which was written to answer our elders thought that hymns and a little Southern Gospel were the only music allowed in the church. 
Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music

Last weekend we attended Elevation Church in Charlotte and experienced about 2000 people in worship with about 2/3 being under 30.  The music rocked and the church had ear plugs available because the worship experience was like a rock concert with the lights and sound you would find at a rock concert.  The difference was everything was in praise to the God of the Universe.  It brought back memories of the start of Christian worship that was on the edge many years ago.  The say the least, I was all over this experience and found a closeness to the Lord because I was worshiping with everything I had..

Afterward I got to thinking, our churches are dying all over American because young people are leaving in droves.  The message of Christ's love for us never changes but our methods MUST change to reach the NEXT Generation.  We require the young people to learn the old hymns and gospel music that is over 40 to 100 years old.  There is nothing wrong with them but they may not be relevant to the Next Generation.  so they leave as soon as they are away from home.

Listen to groups like, Fireflight, Disciple, 12 Stones, RED, Illia, and the list goes on and on.  The point being it that if we are to reach the next generation and for the church to continue, we must get excited about what Christian music this next generation is listening to and not just dismiss it as irrelevant or crazy loud music or the Devil's music.

If fact if you focus on the words you will find a power equal to a song like "Amazing Grace".  Then from that you will understand why we need to worship with the music of the next generation.

Some Christians are Stupid

A little over a week ago a young 19 year old man from our church was hit by a car and sustained critical head trauma.  His Mom who is a single mother called on people in our church and another support group to be at the hospital.

The young man and his mother had discussed some time ago about a living will and he said, "If I am in an accident and can not be healed, do not let me live as a vegetable."   this is a conversation that most parents and children never have.  In fact many husbands and wives never talk about such things.

Now you have a mother who is trying to honor the wishes of her son and going thru the pain and heartache of decisions that need to be made.  But well meaning friends told this mother to not allow the machines to be disconnected and if she does so, she is killing her son.  These well meaning Christian friends were just stupid to lay such a guilt trip on this mother.

Everything that happens in this world is for a reason and this young man made a great impression on those he came into contact with during his 19 years.

So when the machines were disconnected this young man went to be with the Lord.  The the story does not end there.  This young man lives on as he was an organ donor and immediately his kidneys saved two other people.

So well meaning Christians are many times just Stupid to say things that tear down the emotions of other Christians rather than build them up and comfort people.

Therefore, discuss a living will with your family and learn of their wishes.  This is not just for grandma and grandpa but for every member of the family.  We are less than one minute away from meeting the Creator of the Universe.  So the decisions about your faith and family should take a high level priority.

Then make sure no one ever puts you down for decisions made.  You just need to be loved on and love on others.

Hard to Go to Hell

Our pastor uses the term "We're making it hard to go to Hell in East Tennessee".  Now I hear that phrase often and have given lip service but never really stop and think about what that means.

Our society has diluted  the concept of Hell and use statements like, "A loving God would never punish His people and send them to a place like Hell".  We analyze so many things to diminish God preparing a place like Hell.  Also we think there will be a last minute opportunity to accept Jesus just before we die.  So to think that a place is being prepared for Satan and his angels has lost its meaning.

Today I heard Bill Weise on "23 minutes in Hell" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBB9YYIZoMg&feature=related  which has me thinking again of the statement our Pastor uses.  Even though this link is 44 minutes long, it is powerful testimony.

What does it take to keep people from Hell?  When you hear this man's experience, it has given a whole new idea on why it is so important to "Make it Hard to Go to Hell from East Tennessee" or any other place in this world.  I get it.

Listen to the entire link and see if there is not someone who you want to live forever in the presence of God and not Satan.  Show them this video and then start a discussion.

Playing God?

Well this may be off the wall, but I have a concern that we are experiencing people playing God.  I recall when I was young that I learned of cloud seeding.  If you are not aware of cloud seeding it is the government flying in an area and depositing silver iodine into the air.  The results are suppose to be to bring rain to drought areas.  They even tried this to put out forest fires in the past.   But it was not that successful.  

During the past few years since hurricane Katrina I have watched the pattern of hurricanes changing.  A tropical storm develops in the Atlantic Ocean and is heading straight for Florida.  As many of you are aware a hurricane develops out of a low pressure area.  Suddenly a HIGH pressure ridge comes in from the west and your will see a hurricane make a sharp turn and is pushed by the high pressure away from the coast line.

In 1985 only two of eleven hurricanes did not make landfall.  You can check each year and you will notice something has changed.

So has the High Pressure we are experiencing been caused by people playing God and thinking they can control weather?  As two more storms develop today in the Atlantic, watch them to see how they will turn before the the current weather changes in the middle of America.

My only thought is, "God will not be mocked."  As we move away from God we will see less and less of His blessings.

Just my dreaming thoughts.

Some Day There'll Be a Rainbow

We are experiencing dry hot weather here in East Tennessee right now, but as I got ready to get into my car, I saw a spider's web as it glistened in the sun.   As I walked by it, I saw a rainbow of colors throughout the web from the dew.  As I stopped a moment I was amazed that the color pattern in the web was in a rainbow pattern.

In our small group a few weeks ago we discussed rainbows and the way God left us with a reminder of His connection with us.  Our discussion was light hearted as we discussed what the colors mean and the other colors found in the Bible.   One thing is consistent from a rainbow.  A full rainbow has many colors within it but our naked eyes can only see seven colors but in those seven colors they blend together to give us a picture to what God said that started with Noah and continues with us today.

"And God said: 'This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

"'I set My RAINBOW in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the RAINBOW shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The RAINBOW shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.' ” (Genesis 9:12-16, NKJV throughout)

The real issue is not that there will never be a flood like the one Noah experienced but rather that the rainbow is a reminder that God made a Covenant with you and me because he loved us!  Even in our darkest days know that a rainbow will come to remind us of God's love.  

This came again to me in the rainbow this morning and then while listening to an online Hawaiian radio station at 3:00 a.m. HST (Hawaiian Time) I heard this song which re-enforced my rainbow this morning. (God's cool like that to give us nudges all around us.)  We just need to take a moment and look.  

Take a moment and click on the link to hear the song  Another Rainbow.  It says a lot about looking for another rainbow no matter what is going on in your life.

If you ever get to a waterfalls during the day, move around until you see a rainbow. Then remember God's Covenant.   Even though our friends in Florida are trying to get out of excess water from storms and the people in the West are fighting the fires, know that a rainbow in your life will come.  

It's God's Promise.

Switching Churches

Below are my thoughts in red to the LifeWay research.

Here are the top ten reasons LifeWay Research found why people switch churches:

 
1. The church was not helping me to develop spiritually. (28%)  Not the church’s responsibility but is resolved in small groups.  Growing larger and smaller at the same time keeps people around for more than seven years.
2. I did not feel engaged or involved in meaningful church work (20%)  Maybe the church does not communicate opportunities to be involved.  People get involved with things they become comfortable and learn not to do not fear the work in the church.  Commit to everything else but the work of the Lord.
3. Church members were judgmental of others (18%)  We are all sinners and fail each day.  Focus on the Lord and not on people to find ways to help others understand and love people where they are today in life.  We have not walked in their shoes so when point at others you have three fingers pointing back at you.  Try it.
4. Pastor was not a good preacher (16%)  Pastor’s dynamics for presenting the message is known at one month as it is in six years.
5. Too many changes (16%)  Excuse - since every day of our lives we encounter change but this excuse is just that an excuse.
6. Members seemed hypocritical (15%)  See # 3
7. Church didn’t seem to be a place where God was at work (14%)  Seeing life change is evidence of God at Work.  Having one child giving their life to the Lord is important but not the call of the church as commanded in Matthew. 
8. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement (14%)  This happens more than we like because it is a slippery slope that usually takes seven years to develop and mature.
9. Pastor was judgmental of others (14%)  Pastors can “play” to the big givers and stay away from others then in small groups talk down other churches. Members, and pastors.
10. Pastor seemed hypocritical (13%) As a youth I heard the singing group, “Happy Goodmans” and helped them break down after the show.  They had a great testimonial but as I was loading equipment in the bus one of them was smoking a cigarette and dropped a box on his toe. (No correlation)  He let out with a string of curse words and everything he had said on stage was gone.  It is a shame but pastors can be caught up in the same situation of not living what the preach. 

Don't look for an excuse to move from one church but evaluate if the church where you are serving is meeting the vision of the church which brought you to a local church in the first place.  The vision should be to reach the lost and not just be a social setting to show off your outfits.

Jump in to the cause or find a place where the reasons for leaving do not creep in.  Leave because you are being called to do more for the Lord so you can be blessed by the departing church and experience the vision found in Matthew 28.

Remember the Good Times - Father's Day

Psalms 4:1-4 “My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding. What they are teaching you is good, so remember it all.

When I was only a little boy my father would teach me many things by saying, "Remember what I say and never forget it”. 
With Father’s Day approaching, there are so many emotions that swell up within me. The first emotions are the memories of my childhood and the training I received at my father’s side on the farm. 

He was a strict and serious man from the depression era who wanted his children to learn to survive and love life. After hearing some quartet music recently, it reminded me of some more important lessons learned during my childhood. Dad’s activities in the church included teaching, leading and particularly singing in a quartet. 

Listening to the blends and recalling his bass voice in several quartets brought reminders of pride and awesome respect that I had long forgotten. It was this silent training by example that taught me how service to the Lord can be the most rewarding experience of our lives. 

Isn’t it interesting how once our fathers have passed from this world we recall so many things we have wished that could be said to them?  One year after my father had passed away, I wrote him a three page letter to just say what was on my heart.  

Yet in reading the letter again today, I feel like I could just write him another letter to catch up on what has been happening in my life. He became a close friend to me before he passed away. His wisdom in times past was like that spoken in the scripture above. 

The second emotion is that of my life and what my children have learned from me. They know of the many mistakes I’ve made and I see them working hard not to duplicate issues from my past. But the most important words I relish today from my children are, “I Love You”. 

As we approach Father’s Day, how are you remembering your father?  Is there strife or pain from years ago? Can you focus on the positive training you received from your father?   If alive, when was the last time you called and said, “I Love You”?  

The best encouragement I can offer is to build a renewed relationship with your father. Love him wherever he is in the journey of life. Enjoy being with him as often as you can. The Lord gave me the time with my father to have a great relationship and build wonderful memories. 

Maybe the Lord is giving you this year to build a renewed relationship. We are all children of God, so why don’t we recall the words of wisdom in today’s scripture?

Smile! Think about the good times with the person you call father.  Make more memories that will last in your children and their children for generations to come.

Ever Changing Cloud Characters

Yesterday before dawn, we were on our way to church from the mountains to the city of Maryville and as the dawn broke we could see the sun lighting up the skyline.  As you could see the gold and orange lining on the clouds, my eyes began to see characters in the formations of the clouds.

I could see a duck that looked like it had raised itself out of the water with its wings flapping.  Then in about five minutes the cloud changed to where it was a dog's head from a side view but as the sun rose into the clouds there were two holes in the clouds and you could see the bright eyes of a monster staring at us. 

But that was not the end of it.  It changed from the eyes to a dragon  to later seeing a dragon breathing fire out of the side of its mouth (check out the picture below).  Watching the road was becoming a challenge but we safely made it to the church parking lot and as I scanned the sky one last time before the sun revealed it brilliance, I found a peaceful kitten's head as it appeared to be looking out of the clouds to see what fun it could have for the day.

Have you ever taken the time to watch the clouds for the formation of characters or are you just too busy to ever see anything more than clouds?  Life is ever changing and we have to learn to believe that God is in control and only wants the best for us, even when we are going through hard times.  I figure, I'll only know the answers when I see God face to face but I don't think it will matter then.  So don't blow it here on earth or you will never find the answers in a heaven less eternity. 

At that moment yesterday as I walked through the parking lot, I thought of Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

In your busy day you need to take a moment and be still to see and listen to what God is showing you about His creation.  You have been given sight to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, touch to know the varieties of textures and a mouth to keep shut so you can realize what blessings you have individually and what blessings the Lord has given each one of us in our nation.    A great way to really have peace is to find a place where you can use your senses WITHOUT the noise and commotion of the day. 

You will find that something as simple as a could character can make smile thought your entire day.



Take a close look at the sky and see how many characters you can find.  I found four in this photo.





The Life Roller Coaster

Have you ever had hours, days, weeks, or a period of time when you are on top of the world?  Everything is falling into place and life is peaceful, serene, and full of joy. 

Well my grandmother said to always look out when you are on top of the world because a hill is just on the other side.  My expereince is that this is very true.  As soon as you are enjoying everything life has to offer, you are hit with a life issue, job issue, or personal relationship issue.  What is really bad is that if you get all three at the same time.  How do you cope?  What do you do to get going back up to the top of the life roller coaster?

Then I stop and think.  "I love roller coasters and the effect is just the opposite of life.  With great anticipation we work our way to the top of a hill then hold on tight as we go screaming down the other side and throughout the ride." 

Why might that be that we are so pumped "after" we get to the top?  Could it be that we trust the manufacturer of the roller coaster and that the car will stay on the track?  In putting your trust in the workers and the mechanic that inspects the coaster every morning, you jump on the ride for about 3 minutes of adventure. 

Yet we never look at life that way, but should.  There are forces of evil at work who want to tear us down each and every day but the creator of the Universe is the one who blesses our lives and gives us the most important things a person can have.  We plan out our lives with what we think should take place and we start seeing results (going up the hill of the roller coaster).  But when we start down a hill in life we want to get angry, hurt, sad, frustrated, and so many more negative feelings.  Now this is all natural for everyone I know. 

As you mature in life you can look back and see how the Lord has carried you through the lows and cheered you on during the highs. Recall the poem, "FootPrints"?  http://llerrah.com/footprints.htm

I admit that it is difficult to deal with those ups and down but know that there will be another high to go up and another loop you will encounter.  Life is like the roller coaster ride.  Enjoy the ride and let God take care of the lows in your life. 

The Holy Huddle?

This past week our church experienced Mother's Day with Baby Dedications, great music (I was in the Praise Team), an outstanding message and 55 people giving their lives to the Lord in baptism.  In my excitement I posted a Rick Warren Twitter quote.  "The church that isn't passionate about growing, is saying to unbelievers "You can go to hell!"
Then I got some responses from friends who think it is not about the number of people being saved as it is about making disciples of people.  Focus on the few and teach them the depths of Christianity.  In fact one person said that our church is not seeing real growth which is a win for the Devil. 

Here's my candid opinion regarding church growth.

While I agree that just getting people to make a decision is not the end all that you find in some TV only programs, I believe the church of 2012 MUST reach those far from God with today's technology and with a plan! 

I am tired of those who criticize God's church because they feel "closer to the Lord in training and discipleship" than us who are giving our lives away every day to see people give their lives to the Lord.

You may ask, "So your church has a plan to make disciples of people?"  

From my observations almost all large contemporary churches have detailed plans for growing new members.   Our church plans for "after decision" time are seen in the results we experience.

For 2011:  443 baptisms; 66% of 4200 people are in small groups getting that discipleship; several in depth training programs that are part of a new Christians understanding what it takes to be a Christ Follower; 646 new people are serving others in the church; giving increased by 11.5% for the year in a time of recession; and 14 mission trips throughout the world as well as being a major player at KARM (Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry).

For those people who want to criticize something they do not understand I only ask that you find a church that is growing and check out their full growth plans that are all inclusive which DO make disciples from new believers.  It is not the staff that is getting people to become believers but the people themselves who are chasing after the Lord everyday and bringing their family and friends to a relationship with the Lord and not a religion.

Maybe if you still think that we should not be passionate about growth, check out Acts 2:41- "That day about three thousand took Peter at his word, were baptized and were signed up".  Acts 2:47 - "Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved". (The Message)

As for me and my family we want to make it hard to go to hell from East Tennessee not turn inward  just watching people go to hell and not care because we are building disciples.  (A holy huddle?)

Just my thoughts!

How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go

Below is a blog from The Gospel Coalition which mirrors my feelings on what the United States is talking about today.  Why do we have to take sides for the sake of politics?  I love my friends who chose any alternative lifestyle and do not judge them for their lifestyle.   

Please read all the blog below and understand that we are to hate the sin of everyone around us but love the sinner.  There is no bias in that or political sides to be taken.  Just love the people around us but you do not have to love what the Bible says is sin which goes far beyond the subject of today.    If it were the case to not love the sinner because of their choices, then I know I would not be loved except by God. 

How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go

Just once, I’d like to see a TV interview go more like this:

Host: You are a Christian pastor, and you say you believe the Bible, which means you are supposed to love all people.

Pastor: That’s right.

Host: But it appears to me that you and your church take a rather unloving position when it comes to gay people. Are homosexuals welcome to come to your church?

Pastor: Of course. We believe that the gospel is a message relevant for every person on the planet, and we want everyone to hear the gospel and find salvation in Jesus Christ. So at our church, our arms are outstretched to people from every background, every race, every ethnicity and culture. We’re a place for all kinds of sinners and people with all kinds of problems.

Host: But you said there, “We’re a place for sinners.” So you do believe that homosexuality is sinful, right?

Pastor: Yes, I do.

Host: So how do you reconcile the command to love all people with a position on homosexuality that some would say is radically intolerant?

Pastor: (smiling) If you think my position on homosexuality is radical, just wait until you hear what else I believe! I believe that a teenage guy and girl who have sex in the backseat of a pick-up are sinning. The unmarried heterosexual couple living down the street from me is sinning. In fact, any sexual activity that takes place outside of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife is sinful. What’s more, Jesus takes this sexual ethic a step further and goes to the heart of the matter. That means that any time I even lust after someone else, I am sinning. Jesus’ radical view of sexuality shows all of us up as sexual sinners, and that’s why He came to die. Jesus died to save lustful, homo- and heterosexual sinners and transform our hearts and minds and behavior. Because He died for me, I owe Him my all. And as a follower of Jesus, I’m bound to what He says about sex and morality.
Host: But Jesus didn’t condemn homosexuality outright, did He?

Pastor: He didn’t have to. He went to the heart issue and intensified the commands against immoral behavior in the Old Testament. So Jesus doesn’t just condemn adultery, for example, as does one of the Ten Commandments. Jesus condemns even the lust that leads to adultery, all with the purpose of offering us transformed hearts that begin beating in step with His radical demands.

Host: You say he condemned adultery, but he chose not to condemn the woman caught in adultery.

Pastor: That’s right, but He did tell her to “go and sin no more.”

Host: But who are you to condemn someone who doesn’t line up with your personal beliefs about sexuality?

Pastor: Who am I? No one. It’s not all that important what I think about these things. This conversation about homosexuality isn’t really about my personal beliefs. They’re about Jesus and what He says. I have no right to condemn or judge the world. That right belongs to Jesus. My hope is to follow Him faithfully. That means that whatever He says in regard to sexual practices is what I believe to be true, loving, and ultimately best for human flourishing – even when it seems out of step with the whims of contemporary culture.

Host: But you are judging. You are telling all the gay people watching this broadcast that they are sinners.

Pastor: I’m not singling out gay people. I’m pointing to Jesus as the answer to all sexual sinfulness.

Host: But you are referring to gay people. Why are you so focused on homosexuality?

Pastor: (smiling) With all due respect, you are the one who brought up this subject.

Host: Are you saying that you can’t be gay and Christian?

Pastor: No. I’m saying that you can’t be a genuine Christian without repentance. Everyone – including me – is guilty of sin, but Christianity hinges on repentance. We agree with God about our sin, and we turn from it and turn toward Jesus. When it comes to Christianity, this debate is not about homosexuality versus other sins. It’s about whether or not repentance is integral to the Christian life.

Host: But do you see why a homosexual watching this might think you are attacking them personally? You’re saying that something is wrong with them.

Pastor: I think Jesus’ teaching on sexuality shows us that there is something wrong with all of us – something that can only be fixed by what Jesus did for us on the cross and in His resurrection. That said, I understand why people might think I am attacking them personally. Most people with same-sex desires believe they were born with these tendencies. That’s why they often see their attraction as going to the very core of who they are, and so they identify themselves with the “gay” label. So whenever someone questions their behavior or desires, they take it as an attack on the very core of their being. That’s usually not the intent of the person who disagrees with homosexual behavior. But that’s the way it is perceived. I understand that.

Host: If it’s true that a person is born with one sexual orientation or another, then how can it possibly be loving to condemn one person’s orientation?

Pastor: Well, we really don’t know for certain about sexual attraction being innate and set from birth. All we have is the testimony of people who say that they’ve experienced same-sex desires since childhood. Christianity teaches that all people are born with a bent toward sin. It’s possible that some people will have a propensity toward alcohol abuse or angry outbursts, while others may have a propensity toward other sins. Regardless, Christians believe people are more than their sexual urges. We believe that human dignity is diminished whenever we define ourselves by sexual urges and behaviors. Consider this: married men are sometimes attracted to multiple women who are not their wives. Does this mean they should self-identify as polygamists? Not at all. And surely you wouldn’t consider it hateful for Christians to encourage married men not to act on their desires in an effort to remain faithful to their spouses. It is the Christian way, after all.

Host: No, but it still seems like you are telling people not to be true to who they are.

Pastor: It only seems that way because you believe sexual desire reflects the core of one’s identity. It would help if you and others who agree with you would understand that in your putting pressure on me to accept homosexual behavior as normal and virtuous, you are going to the very core of my identity as a follower of Jesus. The label most important to me is “Christian.” My identity – in Christ – is central to who I am. So I could say the same thing and call you intolerant, bigoted, and hateful for trying to change a conviction that goes to the core of who I am as a Christian. I don’t say that because I don’t believe that’s your intention. But neither should you think it’s my intention to attack a homosexual person or cause them harm merely because I disagree.

Host: But the problem is, your position fosters hate and encourages bullying.

Pastor: I recognize that some people have mistreated homosexuals in the past. It’s a shame that anyone anywhere would mock, taunt, or bully another human being made in God’s image. That said, I think we need to make one thing clear in regard to civil discourse: To differ is not to hate. I hope we can still have a real conversation in this country about different points of view without casting one another in the worst possible light. The idea that disagreeing with homosexual behavior necessarily results in harm to gay people is designed to shut down conversation and immediately rule one point of view (in this case, the Christian one) out of bounds. As a Christian, I am to love my neighbor and seek his good, even when I don’t see eye to eye with my neighbor. Furthermore, the picture of Christ on the cross dying for His enemies necessarily affects the way I think about this and other issues.