2009-What a Year!

I have been hearing and reading all about 2009 and what a year it was. It’s everywhere this time of year…the good; the bad; and yes, the ugly. Well I decided to do some reflecting on 2009 at Beulah (as best I could with 6 months tenure)…and what a year it’s been! Beulah lost two dearly loved members to death in 2009: a patriarch and a youth, and celebrated four births this year. One member transferred to another UM church, while six persons transferred to Beulah from other churches. We celebrated fifteen baptisms in 2009, taking place here in the church, at a pond, and at another UM church. That translates to 18 professions of faith in 2009, which equates to 24 new members this year. In December our monthly worship attendance reached an all time high (for the records I have) at 171. Our average worship attendance for 2009 now stands at 130, a gain of eight over 2008. However numbers do not tell the entire story…in 2009 Beulah voted to become a single-point charge, bucking the trend in our conference of yoking churches together. Beulah received a new clergy family in July and then, while many churches are cutting back and turning inward, voted to build a new parsonage and a storage building: a project valued at over $230,000. Say what you want about 2009…but I say satan has no power over us; God still moves among us; and Beulah is on fire for Jesus…Praise His mighty name! I can't wait to see what God will do in 2010.

Who Is My Brother?

Here's Tuesday's post.

I was involved in a conversation earlier today that repeatedly touched on community. One question I walked away with is how do we, Christians, accurately define community? I think too many churches define community as the body of believers in the church. And all too often that community looks very much like us. So where does that put those who don’t look like us…or think like us? Do they have a different or separate community of their own? Should we even broadly define community as persons with common interests, policies, or beliefs? Isn’t that limiting God’s notion of community (I know we are very good at limiting God, but should we do that)? If we define community as a specific tribe (denomination) doesn’t that limit God’s idea of community…after all, God had twelve tribes. Isn’t this the same issue the Church faced in the first century…gentiles and Jews…male or female…slave or free? Seems to me all are God’s children (at least that is how I would interpret God’s view of humanity), and any time we redefine community to be something less than ‘all’ we are building walls…walls that God never intended to be built. Unless of course, God did not mean to include everyone when John wrote, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). Don’t mistakenly define our community as those who “believe in him.” God has clearly defined it as “the world.”

Job Security...of sorts!

This text was written for posting on Monday, but our internet service has been down and was just recently restored…so better late than never!
I am grieving today and God has shown me where the pain comes from: it’s the finality. At 7:00 this morning our daughter Samantha left for California with her Prince Charming. They’ve been married for over a month now and I knew this was coming, but when they left here with their pick-up loaded full of her stuff…even the stuff that has been stored in our garage since she left for college, it hit me: my little girl’s gone…that and the fact that California is a long, long way from Sumner, IL (way over 2 hours!). Many of you know me…I welcome change; I think change is essential, but the finality is hard. It is one thing to change with the safety net of going back if it doesn’t work out…but she’s not daddy’s little girl anymore; never will be. She now has someone else to call when her car is making a noise; someone else to ‘fix’ her problems; someone else who loves her at least as much as I do: bottom line is I’ve been replaced…at least part of me has. But that’s okay…I guess…I have four other girls and the youngest will probably not ride into the sunset with her Prince Charming for another 18 to 24 years. And who knows, maybe then it will be time for a fat boy!

Good Reading!

Do you read your Christmas cards? Not just look at them…but read them…the words. I don’t get too excited about cards cause they are so expensive and are generally sent to those who know Christ, but some are really neat and could be a tremendous evangelism tool. I have shared my view on Christmas with some of you before…how it pales in comparison to Easter. Well, yesterday I received a Christmas card that says it so well. It reads, “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.” What a great card to send to someone who is more in relationship with the world around them than they are with the Savior (or to anyone!). My prayer for every person who reads today’s blog is that you will come to know the full extent of God’s love for you. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with one eye on the baby and one on the resurrected Christ. Merry Christmas!

The Perfect Gift

It’s Christmas Eve-eve and I’ve just read a devotional on gifts and giving from “God is in the Small Stuff at Christmas.” Now, suddenly my thoughts have turned toward gift-giving. No…I am not one of those husbands who would dare give his wife an ice scraper, batteries, and assorted candy bars from Casey’s (you see, anyone can learn from experience if they pay attention)! It’s just that our culture has elevated gift-giving to its highest form at Christmas. And why shouldn’t we? Christmas is when God gave the Greatest Gift ever to us. If we are created in His image, shouldn’t giving gifts to those we love come naturally? Yeah, I think so, but are you showing the love of God in your giving? If so, Bruce and Stan suggest your gifts will 1) be exactly what is needed; 2) be a gift they weren’t expecting; 3) involve a sacrifice. After all God's Gift to us meets that criteria. In the book, Harlan Miller offers this reasoning, “Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmastime with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words.” He may be on to something.

Love Came Down

I have been chasing my tail again…there are so many things going on in our lives and the life of the Church the weeks before Christmas. Last week the girls had their school program up at Petty and I must say they did an impressive job…not just my kids (though they were), but especially the third and fourth graders who did an extraordinary job of singing Handel’s Messiah (no, they did not use flash cards, they sang it!). There was also the (final) two days of work to pull off the Live Nativity…but you’ve already heard all about that. And then the Beulah family grew last Saturday morning with the birth of Hadlie Mae Scott. Perhaps the celebration of a birth is just what we need to celebrate THE birth! A miracle in itself, the birth of a child reminds us of what happened so long ago, only it took place in a stable…a dirty, smelly stable with the animals kicking up dust and…well you know why it was smelly. That is the scene our Redeemer chose to arrive in; not the sanitized view most of us hold in our minds of the manger scene. Knowing this causes a great truth to resonate with me even more: God loved us…loved us enough to endure what we don’t even want to think of…loved us so much that he sent his only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Praise God for His love made know thru Christmas.

He Was Here!

So here’s a quiz for you…What do you get when you add two days of work, over fifty volunteers (my estimate), musicians galore, dozens of animals, gobs of cookies and over 1350 visitors? Yeah, you guessed it; you get the 2009 Live Nativity at Beulah UMC. This was my first time here, as either a helper or a spectator, and it was impressive…very impressive! Now, I want you to know it wasn’t the 3 miles of luminaries, or the cutouts, or the live animals, or the scenery, or the music, or the cookies, or even the fellowship that impressed me…though each of those were certainly impressive…I was impressed by the spirit of the event, because that spirit was holy. From the beginning of Friday to the late hours of Saturday (or was it the wee hours of Sunday?) there was a powerful presence of God’s Holy Spirit moving among us. I have attended live nativities before and I’ve worked at some…but I have never felt the presence of God so real among the workers and visitors as I felt here at Beulah. Now it could just be that I was more receptive to the Spirit’s leading this year (I think being here at Beulah does that to a person!)…but early on I sensed a Spirit of purpose and surrender that took our feeble efforts and used them to point to the One whose birth we were honoring. Great job Beulah…I cannot wait to see what next year brings...I'll try to get pictures up soon on the website.

The Silent Monks

Are you stressed yet…frustrated…depressed? It seems ironic, doesn’t it, that during this season of hope so many people end up feeling hopeless? Add to that our confusion…even Christmas confusion. Did you know that Scripture never says “the lion and the lamb” will live/eat/lie together? Check it out; it’s the wolf and the lamb (Isaiah 11:6 & 65:25)! Say what you want, many people struggle this time of year…and what might be a quick fix for our condition? Well, we are told to make music in our hearts to the Lord and I am one of those who believe that laughter is great medicine…so with a Christmas theme, here’s something that is good for what ails you…musically speaking (or not!). Thanks to one of my readers who sent this to me yesterday…take six minutes and enjoy the whole thing…if you’ve not taken a vow of silence, you might even want to sing along! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSk8h1oG8nY

Too Busy to be Blessed...Never!

I’ve been busier than a…well, I’ve been busy. So many things going on this time of year, but the demand on my time has largely come from me trying to manage my blessings! Last Saturday, along with 20+ others, I worked on the luminaries for the Live Nativity…some three miles of them I was told. What a blessing to have that time of fellowship and accomplishment with others. Sunday morning worship was a tremendous blessing…Beulah’s Children’s Christmas program was, I’ve been told, the best one in years. I don’t know about that, but it was great! The singing…the speaking parts…the message…all done with precision and the end result was powerful! Then Sunday evening I was blessed with a wonderful compliment when someone told me I was a “great fit” for the church here. Wow! Then on Monday I attended a meeting…now I will confess that it is rare that I am blessed by a meeting, but this was a district youth leaders meeting. What a blessing to meet with others who want to equip and encourage the youth in our churches. The economy may be lagging, the weather gloomy, the outlook bleak…but our God still sits on the throne and walking with Him the future looks bright...and the blessings abound! Now I gotta go make room for more blessings…covenant group today.

I Love Decorations!

I’ve had several people ask me how decorating your home with Christmas decorations can be more dangerous than riding a motorcycle…well here’s the answer. Thanks to a great friend who understood my sentiments and sent me this picture. I realize the guy isn’t very bright for using that short of a ladder, but I just want to know who the jerk was who, rather than setting the ladder back up, decided to take the picture…think it was his wife?! (Actually this IS a decoration that a homeowner put up and was later advised by the local police to take down...he did after a 65 year-old woman ran up and climed the ladder to save the decoration hanging from the gutter! How clever...but stupid joke.) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Lord, Send Me Someone Rude!

Did you read yesterday’s devotion in the Upper Room? (Here’s a link to read it: http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=12&day=8&year=2009&x=105&y=11 ) Rather stinging isn’t it? I will confess that I am constantly juggling thoughts and tasks in my mind, so much so, that at times I forget what I am doing. It also seems that daily I run across people who are short or rude to me in some way or another, and while my practice is to pray for them…silently…it never crossed my mind that they might need someone to talk to! And while it only takes a moment to ask someone about their day, what a gift and witness in our busy world it is to give someone your time! Jesus said others will know we are his by our love (John 13:35), what better way to express love for someone than by caring for them! It’s too easy to silently pray for someone and it’s even easier to snap back at them. Besides, neither of those are a witness for Christ, let alone a bold witness. But to care enough to ask them if they’re okay, or if they’re having a bad day…in our day and age that is a bold witness. So here’s my prayer for each of us (including myself)…that God would put in our paths someone who is struggling and desperately needs someone to care for them, and then I pray that the Holy Spirit would give us the boldness to be a caring witness for Jesus Christ.

I Must Be Getting Old-er

I recently had a revelation. Last Friday evening I watched the final episode of Monk. I don’t watch much television…never have…but sometimes a character connects, or something, and you look forward to getting in their head. Perhaps I liked Monk because we are so much alike…perhaps it was the witty writers…at any rate the show struck a cord with me. It was the one television show (along with the news of course) that I tried to make time for. However, that has little to do with my revelation except that it was while I was watching the final episode of Monk that I realized how much I had become my father. I remember him sitting in his recliner watching the Dallas episode, “Who Shot JR?” How repulsive! It’s not that I hate my dad or anything like that, but I do remember his fascination with the series and how he absolutely could not miss it…especially that episode! To compound my revelation, I recently caught part of a show called “Crazy Christmas Lights” on one of those home improvement channels and I began to ponder just what 50 thousand twinkling Christmas lights might look like on a parsonage…too scary! I am not sure if my fascination was with the three months time investment it took to prepar the display, or the computer driven animation complete with synchronized music, or with the danger of the task (did you know decorating your home in an extreme fashion is more dangerous than riding a Harley…or any motorcycle!), regardless, my dad showed up again…if I start fertilizing the yard, someone please kick me!

Pearl Harbor Day

There is way too much swirling around in my head this morning. First of all is the snow. There’s not much…just about right…just enough for Anna and I to start our morning with a rousing rendition of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Well, rousing might be overstating it, but we did give it our best until we realized we couldn’t finish the first verse…so we hummed a bit longer and with smiles on our faces went to breakfast. It was there the radio reminded me that today is December 7. The “day which will live in infamy,” as Roosevelt called it, is now better known as Pearl Harbor Day…and while still observed, it seems with time to be slowly slipping from our collective memories into history. Regardless of your age, if you have the time I would recommend a few minutes visiting this link. You’ll find historic photos of the devastation which was wrought upon our military base in the Pacific, along with photos of the monuments that our nation has erected in honor of the fallen. http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS329US329&q=dec+7+1941&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=yBkdS6-sOY2yNrTb2PMC&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=7&ved=0CCMQsAQwBg
I bring this up, not because I fear we will forget, but because I wonder what we’ve learned.
As for Anna and I…we will not let this tragedy destroy the spirit of the season…so now, I gotta find the words for “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!”

The Fourth Wise Man

I’ve shared this before, but I ran across this devotion again and thought it might help us as we journey toward Christmas:
The Gospels do not tell us how many wise men, or magi, journeyed to Bethlehem following the star. Popular tradition holds there were three—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. But there is also a tradition of a fourth wise man, named Artaban. As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl of great price as gifts to the newborn King. On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler. If he stayed to help, however, he would miss the rendezvous with his friends. He stayed, and the delay caused him to miss the departure of the caravan. Now Artaban was alone and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the desert. So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies, although it saddened him that he King would never have this precious gem. He journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late. There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod’s command that the male children should be slain. Artaban took the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village where he stayed. Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King. For 33 years Artaban searched in vain and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place. Artaban hurried toward Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save a man called Jesus, for something told him he was the King of kings he has searched for so long. Just then, a young woman who was being dragged along the street toward the slave market, called out to Artaban, pleading for help. With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel, the pearl of a great price, for her ransom. Now all of the jewels he had intended to present to the King were gone. Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to take place, he was broken hearted when he saw there was nothing he could do to help Jesus. But then something remarkable happened. Jesus looked down toward Artaban and said, “Don’t be brokenhearted, you’ve been helping Me all of your life. When I was hungry, you gave Me food. When I was thirsty, you gave Me drink. When I was naked, you clothed Me. When I was a stranger, you took Me in.” Some say Artaban never found Christ. Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.

Started My Journey

What a horribly cold and damp evening last night was…one would think winter is here. About the only thing a night like that is good for is sipping hot tea/chocolate/coffee (you choose) and a good…no a great movie. Seeing as how Jill was gone and Christmas is now only 22 days away, I decided the time was right to watch “A Christmas Carol,” last night…specifically the 1984 version with George C. Scott playing the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dickens’ tale has been told and re-told way too many times (and a new animated version comes out later this month) but none can match Scott’s performance…at least in my humble opinion (though I will also say the 1951 version with Alastiar Sim runs a close second). Now days, I am no longer scared and have nightmares from the scenes with the ghosts, but I do see the significance in Dickens’ story and how it might be even more relevant in our day than it was in 1843…I guess that is why we call it a classic (and perhaps the classics should be reinterpreted every few years). Regardless, this morning I am tired, but I have now officially started my pre-Christmas ritual of ‘getting in the spirit’…now I just gotta figure out which box I packed “It’s A Wonderful Life” in!

Surrender is Key

Repeatedly in Scripture we are told “to let Jesus to carry our burdens” (Matthew 11:28), to “worry about nothing” (Matthew 6), and now as we read continue reading thru the New Testament, Peter tells us to “cast all your anxiety upon Jesus, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). These are great bits of wisdom, but why is, at least the Western world, we seem so consumed with worry…I am speaking of the Church as well as the unchurched. It seems we need a certain amount of worry/stress in order to function! In the book, “God is in the Small Stuff at Christmas,” the authors suggest we replace the worry in our lives with worship. What great advice that ought to be easily accomplished…when we are overwhelmed by events that seem out of control we need to remind ourselves that God holds sovereign power over the circumstances that swirl around us…and if we will slow down and look to Him, submit to Him, even though the waters may run deep, He will lead us thru them to the other side…if that thought does not cause one to worship our Creator and Savior, then I am not sure anything will! Remember though, He will not rescue us until we call out…and he will not lead us safely to the shore if we insist upon swimming toward deep water…we must first surrender.

Where's HIS Place?

I was recently given a small devotional called “God Is In The Small Stuff At Christmas.” Little did I know I would soon be needing it! While enjoying the pleasant weather over the Thanksgiving holiday, my lovely bride suggested that I put up the outside Christmas lights. Now, you need to know that I despise outside Christmas lights…it’s not that I’m a Scrooge (really, I’m not!)…but lacking any intrinsic value to the holyday, they seem to represent the first step on that slippery slope that inevitably leads to a mentality of out-doing the neighbors and a total commercialization of the season! Do I believe that? Not really, but they are a lot of work and cost money that might be better spent elsewhere. So I am reading this little book and Bruce & Stan (the authors) point something out to me…something I knew, but I guess I needed to hear. “God is more concerned about His place in your heart than about the decorations in (or on) your home.” Sometimes we do miss the obvious! All the lights in the world will not save your soul, yet too many believers have their attention focused on the lights instead of on the Savior. If you believe decorations add to the holyday, then decorate…but not until Jesus is the focus of the celebration in your heart (after all, that’s where the real celebration takes place!). And for those who argue for strict authenticity in the celebration of Christmas…I guess they would have us spend the day living as homeless outcasts in a barn filled with animals…that’s fine, but make sure first that Jesus is the focus of your heart.

God's Will Be Done

Well, Thanksgiving is over and the shopping season has now begun. Depending upon where you get your information, I’ve heard forecasts that spending this year will be up 3 to 5% and I’ve also heard it will be flat (I understood that to mean no measurable increase). I would interpret that to be good news…but then, I do not work for Madison Avenue. If I may interpret, maybe the economy has not worsened since last year, maybe we are tired of spending for the sake of spending, or to impress others…maybe we are not as concerned with “keeping ups with the Jones” as we have been in years past. Maybe, just maybe, more people are coming to the realization that there IS a reason for this season, and it's not the doorbuster specials! I am not implying that as a nation we are experiencing revival…oh, that that should happen! But I am saying that we all have a God-sized void in our lives, and filling it with all sorts of stuff just leaves us feeling as empty as before. Perhaps people are finally realizing that! God is moving in our church, community, nation, & country. Sometimes it seems undetectable, but nevertheless, God is moving and our movement is towards Him. Pray that His will is accomplished this season of Advent…both for the Christian and for the non-believer. That might be the greatest gift you could give someone!

Give Thanks!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving…a uniquely American holiday. I find it disheartening that in the 21st Century United States many people jump from Halloween to Christmas with no concern for Thanksgiving. They surely have forgotten how the pilgrims, in search of freedoms (I know they were religious, but lets forget that for the moment), were very nearly wiped out that first winter by disease and lack of supplies. Nevertheless, in the fall of 1621, 53 of the original 102 emigrants who stepped off the Mayflower, along with 91 Indians gave thanks to God for his provision of wildlife and the harvest. Regardless of which traditional account you have learned, we all know these pilgrims experienced a tough time and this harvest they praised God for was meager at best. Now, flash forward to today: we live in a land of bounty and want for nothing…yet our praise is muffled by cries for more. I am reminded of the praise song by Don Moen, "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart" and I wonder just how grateful we truly are. It seems true…the more men have, the less they need (or want) God. I pray you have a truly grateful Thanksgiving Day with family & friends. Maybe this link will help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBpv-ZzcQD8

Praise God! Again!

I apologize for not posting last Friday...I was so busy, but it paid off. I have had a super-stupendous weekend…if that is such a word. Friday evening I went to Crossville UMC for a revival service led by old friends of mine, Richard & Susan Rhodes, and Joe Palisoc (they are actually not that old…), and the Spirit fell! This was my second night with them last week as I went back to Sesser for revival services on Tuesday night. Then on Saturday afternoon, our daughter, Samantha became the bride of Sgt. Michael Gripp and yes, they are a lovely couple…if she would hyphenate her name, it would be Quick-Gripp (I thought that was ironic but few others saw the humor). And on Sunday we had 188 in worship for our Back to Church Sunday…that is approximately a 25% increase, just because we chose to be intentional about inviting others (I wonder how many would have shown up if everyone invited someone?). The number is really impressive when you count those missing due to illness, traveling, or previous commitments…we would have easily had over 200 in attendance. The only way to top off a weekend like that is to celebrate 5 baptisms on Sunday evening…so that is what we did! Did I say it was super-stupendous? Praise God, we have been truly blessed here at Beulah, still it is far short of what God intends for us to do…or rather I should say it is far short of what God intends to do thru us. Pray that His will continues to be revealed and accomplished in Beulah UMC and in the lives of those worshiping here…while I try to get down out of these clouds!

God Doesn't Disappoint!

Today is such a cold and dreary day…I know it’s that time of year, but I am never really ready for it. Cold, damp, dark… it is no wonder many people struggle with depression this time of year. Add to that the holiday shopping season which promises fulfillment in all kinds of toys that many cannot afford, along with a false sense of happiness on the faces of so many, and more and more people of all ages and backgrounds experience unfulfilled dreams that in effect cripple them. Some of them come to the church looking for answers and fulfillment, but unfortunately too many churches are operating outside the power of the Holy Spirit, lacking any power or hope at all, and it just deepens their depression. Remember God doesn’t disappoint (oh, you might think he does for a time, but just wait for the blessings of God’s will to occur in your life and see if it wasn’t greater than what you asked for). And if people are being hurt by a church doesn’t it reason that God is not there? I know those are hard words, but think about it a minute. Our God is a healer, yet too many people come out of churches hurt, crippled, or humiliated. Is that of God? I don’t think so. That is satan at work in a church and it’s sad to say, but in too many churches satan would be more comfortable (and welcome) than Christ.

He's Talking!

What would you do if God spoke to you? I am not speaking of your conscience or a moral urge to do something right…but God spoke to you…what if it was audible? What would you do if God spoke to you and the message was unbelievable? What if God spoke to you and asked you to do something you knew you could not ever do…what then? What if someone’s life depended upon it…would that make a difference? One of the disorders of the Church universal today is that we have the faith (or fear) to think satan can attack us and cause us harm, yet we lack the faith to believe that God’s power works in ways foreign to our “normal” views and customs (which reminds me of Patsy Clairmont’s book, “Normal Is Just A Setting on Your Dryer!”). Read Scripture…repeatedly God uses things like a burning bush, a donkey, angels, prophets, and signs & wonders to ‘speak’ to his followers, but for some reason we do not expect, or will not allow, God to communicate to us that way. What if we did? What would our world look like? More smiling people…churches full…no more hurting? I am not exactly sure, but we have the opportunity to find out. God has spoken to us…all of us…and told us to witness to everyone about Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8). Need a reason beyond that? Next Sunday is Back to Church Sunday…who will you invite?

Our Call to Action

Last night I attend a United Methodist Men fall rally at West Salem with several of the men from Beulah. It was one of those events that is designed to be a shot in the arm for men. This was a good time…I got to see several men I have met over the years and several of my pastor friends. However, the shot in the arm came from Fred Bishop. Many will know Fred either thru his son, Shane Bishop, a former pastor here at Sumner & Beulah, or thru his ministry, “No Greater Love.” Most notably, No Greater Love sponsors trips to Mardi Gras and the Indianapolis 500 and other events that attract many people in order to share our witness to Jesus Christ. I was reminded at the rally just how edgy and uncomfortable some people can be with sharing their witness. I know not everyone is called to be a street preacher in New Orleans or Indianapolis, but we are all commanded to be his witness…even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 & Acts 13:47). So, as we find ourselves this week inviting people to attend church with us, who have you shared Christ with? It’s not a suggestion that we may or may not act upon. Or maybe, the conviction of the Holy Spirit has fallen upon you and you’re thinking of attending Mardi Gras…let me know and maybe we can go together! But in the meantime know that if God calls us, he equips us…and if the Spirit provides the conviction, he’ll also provide the power.

I'm A Man; I'm A Woman

So, some of my favorite television commercials are the Mac/PC spots by Apple. They are so good the concept has been copied for years by many different products; including faith…I just love them. However, I just found the very best spoof yet! Check it out and let me know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGVMG0EBDus

Holy Synergy!

We are experiencing synergy here at Beulah. You know, it’s the interaction of elements or conditions whose total effect is greater than the sum of all the individual elements. Actually, some will call it synergy, but I would call it the Holy Spirit of God. When the Spirit is involved in something…nearly anything…the total of what the Spirit does far exceeds the sum, or even the expectations of those involved. Ruth Graham said it well, “By unexpected means God frequently makes possible the impossible by motivating the unmotivated! Here at Beulah, we have had visitors nearly every Sunday, we have more baptisms scheduled soon, we are getting ready to celebrate Back to Church Sunday, and Advent/Christmas is coming. I believe God is getting ready to do a mighty work here at Beulah. I shared last Sunday that I really wanted to set a goal for Back to Church Sunday’s attendance…but God spoke to me and said that I didn’t yet know what He was going to do. I’ll confess that I would have calculated an increase of 10 or 15% raising our attendance to 160 or so, but God impressed on me that we should have over 200 in attendance every Sunday. God then said to me, this church was built to hold 300…why isn’t it full? My heartfelt response was that we must lack passion...after all he has provided everything else we need. So here’s my prayer for all of us currently attending Beulah; that God will give us a passion for the lost, a holy boldness in our witness, and the desire to follow wherever the Spirit leads. Amen.

The Victory is Ours!

Yesterday several of us celebrated Melissa’s 16th birthday. That was a tough day for me. I never had the privilege of meeting Melissa, only those who love her, but it hasn’t yet been four years since we lost our daughter Emily and that pain lingers just below the surface…I think it always will. However, what caught me off guard was Bella’s request following the balloon release at the cemetery to visit her mother’s grave…because she missed her. Out of the blue it was like being hit by a mortar right in the chest. Twila Paris recorded a song way back in 1984 (my how time flies!) that is not only one of my favorites, but a classic Christian song called, “The Warrior is a Child.” If you’ve never heard it, she sings of a victorious warrior with battered and dented armor who is really just a child who cries when he’s alone...who when he falls down, he runs back to the Father who strengthens and cares for his child warrior. Jesus never told us it would be easy…he never said there would not be battles to fight…he never implied that we would not be wounded in the battles…but he did assure us of the victory. "Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:55-57). I do not know your battles, hurts, or wounds, but I know the One who is able to see us through every battle victorious. Do you know him?

Veteran's Day 2009

Today we honor the Veterans who have served our country and preserved our freedoms. Praise God for each one…I say that with mixed emotions. On one hand, I believe the sacrifice that many have made over the years has truly made a difference…in attempts to stop evil in our world…in attempts to free oppressed people…and in my life, in the freedoms that I enjoy today. On the other, there is no such thing as a just war…there always have been, always will be those unjustified causalities of war. It is one thing to rout the radical tyrants of history, it is quite another to, even mistakenly, take the lives of the innocent…and war, being what it is, always claims the lives of innocent children, women, and men. I am not sure a justified response to violence is violence. I realize that at times it is the only response left, but that does not justify it. Don’t misunderstand me…I do not have the answers. It is often too simplistic to quote Scripture and say "we are to turn the other cheek," or "love your enemy (Matthew 5)" but I have yet to find anyone who, after a war, truly believes that killing was the answer. What I do know is this: many today, including myself, enjoy great freedoms that have come at a high price to a few. Whether we agree philosophically is not the point…we owe a dept of gratitude to all who served when called. Let me say Thank You to all the veterans!

Watch Your Step!

Today I’ve been in conversation with a person who is trying to help someone understand the love of God. While that sounds simple, it’s not always an easy task. Especially since the person has become firmly entrenched in a legalistic understanding of the Bible. I understand Scripture, as Wesley did, through the lenses of tradition, reason, & experience. That is the famed Wesleyan quadrilateral (the Bible, tradition, reason, & experience) that scholars speak of which forms our faith. And like it or not, each of these impact the other. We cannot, try as we might, understand Scripture apart from traditions that we have learned over the years…and quite often multiple traditions inform us. We cannot understand the simplest of Scripture verses without dipping into the reservoir of personal experiences we’ve endured…good or bad; we all have personal and shared experiences. And we cannot understand Scripture without it being reasonable or logical (not that we can understand the mind of God)…still, try as they might; I fail to see the logic behind being a suicide bomber! Likewise our traditions, reason & experiences each lack understanding without Scripture. It’s when these four things are not held in tension (with Scripture being primary of course) that we find people on theologically thin ice, practicing rejection and hatred rather than love and forgiveness.

Are You Kingdom Building?

Okay…so I’ve caught those subtle hints about not posting everyday…and yeah, I do have thoughts every day, but honestly some of them you would not want me to share! But now things are better…charge conference is over, Praise God! I have figured out (hopefully) the problems with some audio files on the sermon page…and while I am struggling with why my radio laptop will not record correctly with the audio system here at the church…in time it will be solved (again…hopefully). So with those struggles behind me, here goes. Leonard Sweet, a great visionary of our day, recently observed, “If Jesus is the human face of God, then is not the Bible God’s Facebook?” He is so much more clever than I am! But, while I admire Leonard, I am a much more practical person…so here’s my observation: if we are God’s hands and feet and mouthpiece, what opinion of Jesus Christ do people get after they’ve been in contact with us? Let’s be practical…and real. How are you, God’s messenger to a lost world, how are you sharing (dare I say witnessing) Jesus to others? Think of it this way…if you were the only one God had chosen to let others know of Jesus and his saving grace…how large would the Kingdom be? Are you doing your part? Think about it…God has gone to great lengths to give you certain gifts, both natural and spiritual…to give you certain friends, co-workers, family members…are you bringing those two together for the glory of God? What ya waiting for…the rocks to cry out?

It All Points To Jesus!

What’s your passion? No, this is not a trick question, I am just wondering what it is that drives you. What is it that you live for? Sports…family & friends…music…prayer…games…learning (how weird is that!). There is no wrong answer…I’m not taking names so I can condemn you for not saying Jesus…unless of course Jesus is your passion! God created all these things, yeah, even those things that satan corrupts…God created them. In fact, I believe God created them for our good…so what is your passion? Movies…guns…fishing…let’s be honest. I think God wants us to have a passion (perhaps even one other than Jesus). The reason I ask is because, as a follower of Jesus Christ, all we are, all we do, is supposed to point toward Jesus. He does not want, nor intend to be a two-hour topic on Sunday mornings. He wants to be your Lord…24/7/365. If that is true (and I confidently believe it is) then our passions should also point to Jesus. They may take the long route to arrive there, but he is the final destination…the focus of our lives. I believe Christians have a responsibility to witness to their faith (Acts 1:8…“you will tell others” (emphasis added). I also believe God wants us to enjoy life…as he defines it…but whether we do or not, we will be his witnesses. So, what’s your passion…food…reading…jewelry…Harley’s? Does it point to Jesus?

Forgotten God

I rarely do this, but I have found a book that every believer should be reading. Forgotten God by Francis Chan, sub titled, Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit, published by David C Cook. Francis is a pastor in Southern California and yes, out of the charismatic movement, but you still should read this book! In fact every charismatic, every evangelical, every conservative, every liberal needs to read his book (no, I am not getting royalties from it). He simply, reasonably, and biblically supports the reasoning for, and activity of, the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and how, in our enlightened day and age, we have strayed from the interaction that God intended for us from the beginning. It is an easy read; it’s one of those that I couldn’t put down. Get it (or ask to borrow my copy)…you will be blessed!

Surrendering the Future...Moment by Moment!

Let me continue thoughts from my last blog, because it has provoked several conversations between myself and others. When I speak of surrendering our lives or our will to God, that does not necessarily mean to give God our perfectly planned future…that is to say, it means exactly that, however God may not make it perfectly known to you that he wants you to be a missionary to Africa or a waitress in Lawrence County (whatever your future). While God does sometimes work in that way, more often his Spirit wants us to surrender the moment and begin a journey. Remember Abraham? God told him to pack up and go to a strange land…no indication of the final destination…no route to follow…no hint of how long the journey would take. God called Abraham to trust him that moment and to take a step. The Spirit often calls us to trust him in the moment. Has he ever called you to help someone? Did you? Has he ever called you to witness to someone? Did you? Has he ever called you to love someone or pray for someone? Did you? Has he ever called you to an altar? Did you go? These are moments of surrender that we must experience before the Holy Spirit can, or at least begins to, work thru us. Too many people in the church today have invited Jesus into their lives…they intend to maintain control, but Jesus can come along. The problem with inviting Jesus into your life is that he has promised us the Holy Spirit to guide, counsel, and strengthen us. The Spirit can get in the way big-time! And without the Spirit controlling us, we will never live the life God intended us to live.

Go Ahead-Surrender!

As I read my devotion this morning it reminded me of a song. I’m not a gambling man, but I’ll bet you’ve heard it, “Somewhere in the Middle.” Casting Crowns sings it and it’s from the immensely popular “The Altar and the Door” cd. There is a line in it that I was reminded of this morning (there are actually several good lines; if you’re not familiar with it you should listen). “Just how close can I get, Lord, to my surrender without losing all control?” Doesn’t that sound just like us? We all know that Christ calls us to surrender…surrender our lives…surrender our will…to surrender to him and to the perfect plan of the Father. If we read Scripture at all we’ve heard that…but our goal is to inch to the point of surrender…to feel surrender…to look as if we’ve surrendered…without losing our control. We want to control everything. We want to control our lives and the lives of others…we want to control our present and our future…and unfortunately some think we can control eternity. However, salvation comes at a price…we are to trust Jesus Christ and that means turning control over to him. Seems to me if we spent the same energy on surrender that we spend on controlling, our world would look very different. Just feeling content would change many people…we might even call it heaven on earth!

Blessed Again!

Another great weekend…first, on Saturday I was blessed to lead a class on preaching for certified lay speakers. The blessing was to meet so many more gifted laity involved in our churches and their dedication. I said it to them and I will say it again…there has never been a major revival that was not laity-led. The clergy have a part to play, but it was the laity who sparked and carried the fires of revival. I believe that will also be the case for the next great revival we are to experience…the laity will be the driving force leading it. Then on Sunday we had "Trunk or Treat" here at Beulah UMC. What a joy to have so many children (of all ages) participate and for so many adults who want to see the light of Jesus Christ shine at a time that is darkened by evil in our world today. With communities sponsoring ‘haunted’ events, it is a blessing to have a safe place to show children the love of Christ. As individuals and as the church we ought to be taking every opportunity and exploring every avenue to shine our light for Jesus Christ. We know others are constantly watching us and we never know when something we do will resonate with them, winning a soul for the Kingdom. I experienced the presence of the Spirit this past weekend, and I pray you did too.

For The Beauty of the Earth

Busy, busy, busy…I know that is a phrase most everyone understands. I’ve almost caught up from being sick and out of commission for two & a half days last week and I realized this morning I almost missed something. This weekend, whatever you’re doing…STOP. Take a drive somewhere and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation! I went up to Petty School this morning for parent-teacher conferences (don’t ask) and between raindrops I noticed the glorious colors of the trees. I don’t know how it looks where you are, but here in the Wabash Valley today the colors are surely at their peak. So inspiring is the foliage at the Red Hills State Park I very nearly burst into song! “For the beauty of the earth, for the glories of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.” Pierpoint must have been looking at the fall fiolage when he penned those words. Okay, I did burst into song, but I forgot the third phrase and that caused me to come back to the church and look it up. God’s creation is gorgeous…too bad it takes the changing of the season to remind us of its beauty…but praise God, I didn’t miss it! Don’t you.

"Forgotten God"

As many of you know, I believe that unless the Holy Spirit is working thru us as believers, we are absolutely impotent. Don’t believe me just look at the Church in America today. Scripture tells us we will receive power when the Spirit comes upon us (and I conclude that indicates we will lack any resemblance of supernatural power in our lives without the Holy Spirit). ALL power comes from the Spirit and ALL power is for the glory of God. In his book “Forgotten God” published by David C. Cook (which I cannot recommend to you strongly enough), Francis Chan states the obvious. The sole purpose of our lives is to glorify God. Everyone would love to be filled with supernatural power from the Holy Spirit…but why? Why do people pray for healing? Why do people pray for traveling mercies and prosperity? Why do people pray for anything…too often with selfish motives…and why are these prayers at times not answered? James 4:3 tells us, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” Chan writes, “Our desire to live should be for the sake and glory of the God who put us on this earth in the first place” (pp84). I am sorry to tell you this (not really!), but God is not concerned with our selfish desires and petty whims. Until we purpose our lives to glorify the Almighty alone we will not realize answered prayer, we will not experience healing, and we will not know the power of God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us…working thru us. Figured it out yet…it’s not about you…it’s about God.

He's Still God!

I have listened and re-listened to Dr. Robinson’s address at Forged In the Fire…if you haven’t, I hope you will soon, it’s at the end of yesterday’s blog…and she repeatedly compares conditions in John Wesley’s day (late 1700’s) to conditions in our day and it would seem we haven’t learned a thing! The almost-Christian, the struggle with money, the poor and oppressed, effectively sharing the Good News and more…we struggle with these issues, believers in Wesley’s day struggled with these issues, followers in Jesus’ day struggled with these issues…what’s going on? Have we learned nothing? Are we so focused on self that we are rendered ineffective? Are we so distant from the Holy Spirit that we are impotent? Can we really expect to do anything about these things…after all Jesus told us that the poor will always be with us…or are we making great strides for the Kingdom unable to fully recognize the progress this side of eternity? This very well may be one of those glass half-full/half-empty situations. I don’t know the answer, but I do think that we must quit the gloom and doom talk and begin to speak life over our churches and those around us, believing that God wants us to move forward. Seems too many churches (of many denominations) are hopelessly stuck, struggling just to survive. We have access to the greatest power in existence yet we lack the faith to believe that God can work in our world.

I Am Alive!

Okay, I have survived…although I once thought I had died and gone to…as Anna puts it…the bad place! I did not have the flu, but did get an ear infection and a sinus infection, which in combination knocked me on my rear for three days…but I am better now. Not yet 100%, but better. And I will confess that at least a portion of my ailment resulted from the fact that I was not able to attend Forged in the Fire on Saturday. It bummed me out, ‘cause I was looking forward to the workshops, the preaching, the teaching, and the fellowship with people I call brothers and sisters and friends. It did delight me to hear the conference was great, but I squealed with joy like a five year-old girl when I saw that I was able to listen to the main speakers on the conference website. Praise God for our technology. So, having listened to two of the presentations, I commend each of them to your listening. There is good stuff here and we need to invest ourselves in stuff like this if we are going to be successful in reaching a lost world with the good news of Jesus Christ. Oh, we could brag…last Sunday we baptized another young adult who professed Jesus as her Lord and Savior…we could except there are countless others out there waiting for someone to tell them about a crucified and risen Savior who can not only knows their pains and loneliness…His greatest desire is to enter into a relationship with them! Take the time to listen to these:
Dr. Robinson’s address:

Dr. Paul Nixon’s address:

Bishop Palmer’s closing message:

Whatever It Takes!

I have recalled something about living in the country since we’ve come to Beulah. This is neither an indictment of past churches nor an endorsement of Beulah…merely an observation. Come harvest time, it is understood that one does whatever it takes. If it requires working late, you work late. If it requires extra help, you get help. If one must do without until the harvest is complete, you do without. (While this attitude sounds good, it can also translate to a reliance upon self rather than God if not kept in perspective.) I raise this because Jesus spoke to a chiefly agrarian society: fishermen, shepherds, owners and workers of vineyards and olive groves. When he stated “the fields are ripe for harvest” (John 4), those who were listening knew the physical implications of such a statement (even if they failed to see the spiritual implications). Implications that I am not sure we understand today. Regardless of whether it’s because we live in a technical or industrial age or not, it’s time to get to work! The harvest is ready, and redemption is near (Luke 21). Have you done what it takes? Worked late; secured help; done without? We need to adopt that “whatever it takes” mindset when sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, realizing we have a limited amount of time to work the fields and bring in the harvest.

Does It Represent You?

I read the following devotion recently and wanted to share it with you…not because Beulah will soon begin building a new parsonage, but because I think God expects this from us all the time.
In a particular church they experienced such growth it demanded they enlarge their facilities. It represented quite a step of faith. After much planning, praying, and working together, they decided on a new church building. It would be adequate for their expanded ministry. It was an exciting moment as together they began raising funds for this multi-million dollar project. The pastor and board made their projections, along with an appeal to the congregation to share in this need b sacrificial giving. Everyone was challenged to be part of this expansion project. After the service was over a lady came to the pastor personally and handed him a check for $50, asking at the same time if her gift was satisfactory. The pastor immediately responded, “If it represents you.” There was a moment or two of soul-searching and she asked to have the check returned. She left with it. A day or two later she returned to make an appointment to see the pastor. This time she handed the pastor a check for $5000 and again asked the same question, “Is my gift satisfactory?” Again the pastor replied, “If it represents you” As before, the truth seemed to be sinking deep into her mind and after a moment or two she asked for the check. Now the pastor was beginning to get a bit worried. Perhaps he had been too bold and had offended her. He also wondered if she would ever return. About two weeks later there was a phone call at the church office asking for another appointment with the pastor. It was the same woman. As before, she came in with a check in hand and a big smile on her face. This time the check was for $50,000. As she placed it in the pastor’s hand she said, “After earnest, prayerful thought, I have come to the conclusion that this gift does represent me, and I am happy to give it to the church for our building project.

Money and giving are touchy subjects to many people. Why? Giving and living are two things that go hand in hand in the Christian lifestyle. The Bible talks about sacrificial giving as well as cheerful giving. Just one question: Will your giving this week really represent you?

Treating Symptoms or Diseases?

Well, yesterday I completed my clergy sexual ethics training for the quadrennium (sigh). I realize its value and I believe it is necessary in our day and age (sigh again), but I am saddened when I think of the resources and time that the Church spends which is not directly related to carrying out the Great Commission. I know we live in litigious times, and I also realize that some clergy are sexual predators, but I also believe that should we (the Church) ever decide to become the people that God calls us to be, many of the struggles we and the world faces would cease to exist. I’ve said this before: if you want to end pornography, abortions, even murder…then we need to introduce people, even clergy persons, to Jesus Christ. He is the answer to their issues; he is the one who convicts; he is the one who heals. We can treat symptoms and people will likely feel better…for a while, but if we want people to experience healing, we’ve got to treat the disease! Oh well, enough preaching…I just wanted you to know I’m back wrestling with charge conference forms, bulletins, and looking forward to Forged in the Fire! I pray you will consider attending with me.

Wow!

It just seems to get better and better! This past weekend was another Spirit-filled time for me. Saturday was a long day, but we had a camp meeting and were able to accomplish 90+% of the work for next year’s Junior High Alive camp at Beulah Holiness Camp in Eldorado. Then Sunday we had communion and two more people joined the church. That’s a big deal, but it’s even bigger when you realize that these two adults bring with them five children! Then, just when I think nothing can top this…our district had the instillation of our new District Superintendent, Cindy Jones. Now the service was good…the music was good with a large variety…but the preaching was great! Bishop Palmer once again challenged the congregation gathered to “make the main thing the main thing!” I expect you will be able to hear his sermon on the conference website in a few days. We got home last night about 8:00p and I must confess that I was exhausted. But I’ll also tell you that I would not wanted to have missed a minute of this past weekend. I can only wonder how the Spirit’s gonna top this…of course Forged in the Fire-Phase 2 is coming soon!

You're Invited!

Someone saw either on the website or in our bulletin about Back to Church Sunday and I was asked just what it is (yeah!). In short it is a special opportunity for you to be the church…a Sunday for each of us to make an all out effort to invite someone you know who doesn’t regularly attend a service (but probably has been in a church before) to attend worship with you at your church. Now, I have resisted the urge to give you statistics about how people will generally respond, so that I might say it really says something about the state of the church that we must have a ‘special’ day to do what we are supposed to be doing each and every Sunday! Jesus Christ has called us to be his witnesses (Acts 1:8), but if less than 2% of us will invite someone to worship with us in a given year (sorry, putting a sign in your yard saying, "You're Invited!" doesnt count), does it surprise you that the church is facing a crisis? But let’s forget the organized church (denominations like the United Methodist Church), what about the general decline of Christianity in America? If 98% of all church-going people won’t invite someone to attend services at their church (isn’t that safe?), I do not for a minute believe any are sharing their testimony/witness with others in the workplace, or at school, or in the community! Back to Church Sunday is not a gimmick or program…it’s the chance for us to actually live out what we profess to believe…and we should celebrate it every Sunday!

The Word for Us!

Praise God for Bishop Gregory V Palmer...for sending him to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and for his prophetic words offered to the churches of the IGRC. I just listened to his sermon preached at the installation of the Mississippi River District Conference Superintendent Gary Wilson. Church, you need to hear this! Every person in our conference…every person in every denomination needs to hear this! I could rehash it for you (and some of his points I would love to share with you), but it will impact you much better if you hear it yourselves. Take the time to listen, it is worth every moment. Here's the link to his sermon titled "Body Building."
You can find several other sermons of Bishop Palmer at the conference website (www.igrc.org) and you can hear him in person this Sunday, October 4th, at Mt. Vernon First UMC as he brings the message to our district as our new Conference Superintendent is installed. Hope you will be there...I will!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

Have you noticed the change? It’s the weather I’m speaking of this time: the cooler mornings and shorter days. Here in the country the change of season has been quite pronounced. The bean fields neighboring the church have been harvested; the trees behind the church surrounding the prayer path have hints of yellow, red, & brown. I guess it won’t be long until the snow flies! There is a change that many can experience in their spiritual walk as well. We find ourselves drifting from our routine, be it prayer time or Bible reading/study, because of time constraints or any number of outside influences. Most of you know that I am “Mr. Change is Good” but you also need to know this. We are to “set our minds on things above.” Don’t let satan trick you into thinking you don’t have time for a daily devotion or prayer time or Bible study, or that it’s not that important…that’s exactly what his goal is. In the midst of constant change, whether it’s the seasons, stages of life, or change in the church, there are some things that must remain unshakable in our lives and one is our personal time with our Creator. If we neglect our time with God, the change we will notice is a lack of relationship where once we had a cherished friend.

Cockleburs & Doctrine

We have told the girls since we moved here to stay away from the sheds, the machinery, the fields…to stay in our yard because of the many dangers ‘out there’…whatever those dangers may be. Last evening when I got home Jill told me that earlier in the evening Anna came running into the house screaming that Bella was going to die. Shortly behind her was Bella screaming at the top of her lungs that she had been poisoned and was going to die. After she finally calmed them both down, Jill asked them what was going on, to which they replied that Bella had gotten poison all over her. Jill looked at Bella only to find cockleburs all over her pant legs. They were sticking her and somehow she or Anna concluded (or someone had told them) that cockleburs were poison. It was funny to me, and Jill even said she had to smile when it happened, but it reminds me that we will sometimes get all excited over some little thing, giving the wrong impression to others. This is especially so with new believers. There is an issue or doctrine that we either struggle with or feel passionately about and we let on as if that is the only doctrine central to the faith, instead of the side issue it really is. Like Bella and Anna, some new believers might become traumatized when they first encounter it, but let’s face it, many of our self-expressed doctrines are much like cockleburs: they are a gift from God, deserving our attention, and at times a nuisance, but they are not poison!

We Gotta Focus!

My bubble was burst Sunday afternoon as I realized (again) that we are engaged in a war and some (perhaps many) of us do not really know the rules of engagement. I attended a workshop for rural churches that was little more than people whining about other people in their church or community and why they won’t come to their church. I am sorry…I don’t think God ever intended for us all to go to your church (or to mine). We need to focus on the task at hand: preaching Christ crucified. Too often we think we are competing with school, ballgames, television, social clubs, civic organizations and even other churches. One person shared a story of how one church in a town attracted all the youth and then finally another church started a youth program. The first church was so thankful because it couldn’t handle all the ‘church kids’ who showed up, let alone go after the unchurched in the community! It’s okay to try new things, we all should be changing with the times, but we need to remember that our God is bigger, more powerful, and more enticing than any program or organization the human mind can contrive. If we will preach Christ crucified, God will draw people to himself…people of all ages. If we will not be His witnesses, it doesn’t matter what we do…or how many people attend our church…we will fail.

Our God is an Awesome God!

I’ve said this before…and I will proclaim it until the day I receive my reward…God is good! This has been one of those days that blesses the soul. Earlier today I had a committal service for a woman who came back ‘home’ to be buried beside her husband and parents after she had lived all of her adult life out of state. This evening we had a wedding rehearsal for a young couple whose wedding I have the privilege of performing tomorrow. Then on Sunday morning the church will receive two new adult members on profession of faith…it’s back out to the pond! God is so good that I am not sure I can fully comprehend how good God really is. I say that because we, okay, I all too often sell God short. I can conceive of good things and they routinely fall way short of the good that God has in store for me. For instance, for God to allow me to experience the ‘cycle of life’ is such a privilege and the fact that God allows me to play a small part in the celebrations…whether celebrating a faithful life, consecrating a marriage, or performing a baptism…it is just awesome. Rich Mullins was right; our God IS an awesome God! Praise his holy name!

The Father of All Lies

Last night during Bible study we had a good discussion about the god of this world. For those of you who weren’t there or who were there, but maybe didn’t get it, I want to reiterate some of the things that were said. First, satan is the god of this age, not of this world. To call satan the god of this world is to give him recognition and power he does not deserve. Yahweh is Creator and God of this world…it is His alone. He is the one who cast satan from the heavens and allows him to operate here on God’s earth (Isaiah 14). Secondly, we need to realize that satan is absolutely powerless over us. I’ve said this before, “Greater is he who is in me, than he who is in the world.” Then you ask, “Why is it satan troubles us so?” The answer is that he is the father of lies…and we are possibly the most gullible creatures God ever conceived. Not only can and does satan trick us, too often we so want to believe his lies! Finally, the question of evil surfaced, “Why would God allow satan (evil) to operate in our world?” Let me restate this carefully. Evil is nothing more than the absence of God. Just as darkness is defined as the absence of light, and cold defined as the absence of heat, evil is simply the absence of God. If you agree that we (humanity) were given a free will by God, and acknowledge that we (humanity) at times will choose options contrary to God’s will, then are we not the ones responsible for evil? We hate accountability and want to avoid responsibility, but aren’t we the ones to blame for evil? The good news is that there are those of us who do choose God’s will (or at least we try to) for our lives…and a little God goes a long way!

What If We Did Our Part?

I received a blessing yesterday (Tuesday) when I went out to the Wal-Mart distribution center with a church member to pick up items that were donated to local food pantries like Sign of the Kingdom and other agencies to help those struggling in today’s economy. We only received 6 pallets of food, which is less than a drop in the bucket (or more appropriately ocean) when compared to the tons and tons of food at the center, but praise God they give! I have seen some companies that destroyed food, unwilling to donate because of possible litigation, afraid someone will misuse the product and injury or illness results. My blessing came from the knowledge that if we all would give…just a little, we could meet most every need. God doesn’t ask that you or I do it all alone…we are all to pitch in and do our part. I think this is the reasoning behind the tithe. First of all, let me say that God doesn’t need our money, he already owns it all, but in order to teach us stewardship and the exponential effect of working together, God gave us the tithe. When we all tithe, that is give 10% back to God, the church has more than enough resources to meet the needs that come to us. In fact, if we all tithed, and if churches worked together, I am one of those who believe the Church could put the government welfare agencies out of business…and we should if I understand God’s intention for the church in reading the Acts of the Apostles. What do you think?

Praise Jesus!

Praise God for the mighty ways in which He works! Jesus said in John 12:32, “If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me." Beulah takes this text seriously and while Christ was speaking of his own crucifixion, we also understand it to mean that others will be attracted to Christ because we lift him up. Yesterday morning, when I got out of the house and realized it was so damp and gloomy, I actually said to myself, “What a good day to sleep in and miss church…attendance will surely be off today.” Oh, me of little faith! I believe God is trying to tell me something, or at least get my attention, because when worship was over we experienced what I understand to be a record for worship at Beulah with 155 in attendance. However, that fact is dwarfed by the fact that the Spirit moved in such a mighty way! In so many ways I felt the Spirit, beginning with the prayer at the altar, continuing in Ollie’s song, and concluding with some of your remarks after the service. So, I just want to offer you advance warning of the Spirit’s presence next Sunday…we have another family joining the church with two adult professions of faith and baptisms…come prepared to meet God, He will be here! Oh, by the way, in addition to those who were here, I noted eleven “regular attendees” who were not here for some reason or another (hope they didn’t mistakenly think it would be a good day to sleep in).

GoD and DoG

This video doesn’t change my stance on whether or not animals go to heaven, however Wendy Francisco gives us (okay me) an opportunity to realize that all creation (even dogs) are created in the image of the Almighty…and at times they surely do a better job of imitating God than we do! As you watch it, please don’t gloat, I don’t think I’ll change my position anytime soon…she could be wrong, but I don’t think so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Ouch!

Here’s something I read and wanted to pass on…I’ve intentionally left out the church name and denomination. At a Sunday morning service (perhaps in your church), a man wearing a very large hat was seated in the very front pew! An usher hurried from the back, moved to the man and discreetly asked him to please remove his hat. The man replied, “No, thank you.” The usher almost ran to the head usher, who in turn, after being made aware of the situation and response, made his way to the man with the same request of the man and received the same answer. About that time the president of the women of the parish arrived to overhear the conversation of the head usher in regards to the rude man in the front row. She offered to be of assistance. She made her way to the front of the church, leaned in and as graciously as she could, she asked the man to please remove his hat. She received the same dismal response, “No!” Finally, only two minutes remained before the opening hymn and the senior warden (doesn't this person sound welcoming!) of the parish was summoned. He had the solution! He carefully tip toed up beside the man and reached out to grab the hat, but the man saw him and his tactic in time, and was able to nimbly dodge and the hat remained firmly in place. Now the service was about to begin. As the opening hymn began and the choir made their procession into the church, the man stood with the rest of the congregation, removed his hat and did not put it on again until the service concluded. Afterwards the four frustrated persons waited for the man at the rear of the church. The senior warden approached him and said, “Sir, about the hat. Perhaps you don’t understand, but in our church men do not wear hats at worship.” The man replied, “Oh, but I do understand. In fact, I’ve been coming to this church regularly for over two years and I’ve never met a soul. But this morning I’ve met an usher, the head usher, the president of the church women, and the senior warden, thank you all.” Ouch! Another reminder to do what we know we should do in church!

I've Felt It!

Have you felt the Spirit move lately? I have! I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at the Fall Festival last Friday night and Saturday. I found myself conversing with complete strangers there who sensed it too…now I have new friends. Then Sunday with Gerson & Betsy Tejeda sharing their ministry with us I felt its presence. Sunday evening in a videotaped message of Bishop Violet Fisher many of us felt the Spirit move in a powerful way! I’ve spent Monday & Tuesday in Springfield at the final session of the Congregational Development Leadership Institute and God’s Spirit was present there in a powerful way. Even on my ride home Tuesday, I was overwhelmed by the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit in my car with me. I guess the point I am trying to make is that if you expectantly search for the Holy Spirit, you will not be disappointed. However, if you do not actively search hoping to finding the Spirit active, you will miss it. Even great revelations will be missed if you aren’t expecting. Yeah, we are temples in which God’s Holy Spirit resides, but that does not automatically guarantee an awareness on our part. We must seek, and when we do Scripture repeatedly tells us we will find (Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7 to name just a few). So have you felt the Spirit move lately? If not, why haven’t you been expecting?

PRAISE GOD! (I feel better now)

Is it me…or is satan the prince of darkness and of persistence? I mean, there are so many distractions to continually deal with, even in the church…Fall Festival, float for the parade, parsonage committee, meet with the District Board, CDLI homework, audio for website, pictorial directory…the list goes on and on. This stuff is all good, but it’s not the Main Thing! Then you add family and personal distractions…some days I just want to scream! But then I remember a saint who once told me that when the Spirit builds a fire…that’s when demons show up with their water buckets. So I scream out: PRAISE GOD! There is a fire here at Beulah (must be hotter than I first realized!) cause satan seems to be working overtime. What a privilege to be a part of God’s plan and see his hand move! My prayer is that we (each of us) would be given strength to stand firm against the enemy; a determination that would cause satan to scream; eyes to see the needs of those around us; a holy boldness in sharing our faith with every person we encounter; and that God would use us to encourage those believers who satan has beaten down and distracted from their calling…Lord, help us to keep the Main Thing the main thing! Amen.

Name That Tune!

As I read the devotion today on the Upperroom.org (you can connect to this from our homepage… just click on the Daily Devotion link on the menu), I immediately connected with the author’s image that a band playing together equates to them having a conversation. When it sounds good, they are listening to and talking with one another. When it sounds bad, it is as if they are having an argument. My thoughts immediately drifted to the tones coming from some churches. Sadly, instead of emanating angelic tones employing others to join them in singing the chorus of Handel’s Messiah, many churches sound much like an orchestrated fight! Squabbling and fussing, struggling for power and prominence; it’s no wonder the Kingdom is not being advanced! The author goes on to quote Psalm 18:21, “What you say can preserve life or destroy it.” Church, those are true words on a personal and even more true a corporate level. There are spirits that have been crushed by churches who do not consider that others are watching, or listening to them. I come across them all the time…"I won’t go to church because of what I saw years ago"…the story is too familiar and distressing. If we will not learn to harmonize here on earth, we may well find that we have not been invited to be a part of God’s heavenly choir.

The Real Difference Between the Sexes!

An email today from a friend whose daughter had a baby reminded me of the on-going discussion (yeah, it’s really an argument) with someone I love and respect about the differences between men and women. Brad Stine, a hilarious Christian comedian, might just sum it up best...I love this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDrOUjfrMRo

Thanksgiving...Already!

I love this time of year…it’s cooling off slightly and you can anticipate the change in the air. Fall is a gorgeous season that is climaxed with harvest time: a reward for our efforts and an indication of God’s faithfulness. I think my favorite American holiday is Thanksgiving. It is unfortunate that Madison Avenue has decided its greatest attribute is to be the start of the Christmas shopping season, which actually seems to begin these days in mid October…but that’s okay. Thanksgiving cannot be contained in only one day…if it is, you’ve missed the point. Thanksgiving is not a day or a season…it’s an attitude…a lifestyle. Psalm 95 says we are to "come before the Lord with thanksgiving." Why? Not because of the bountiful harvest, but because “the Lord is a great God!” Psalm 100 says we are to “shout for joy” as we “enter his gates with thanksgiving.” Again, why? Because “the Lord is good and his love endures forever!” We are to be thankful, not because of what we’ve accomplished or what God has given us…we are to be thankful because God is good…because he loves us…who we are or what we have has absolutely nothing to do with it. Last night the men’s group did an exercise where they wrote down all the reasons each person had to praise God for. I missed most of the meeting because of a meeting, but if we would all work a little harder recognizing our reasons for praise, there would be a lot less grumbling and discontent in our world.

Praise God!

Want to remember what’s really important in life? Check out this newscast from WKRN in Nashville. It was sent out on a prayer blog that I am a part of; Claire’s dad is a member. It reminded me of how our thinking is often skewed by insignificant stuff…and that so many things we take for granted are the things that are most dear to us. Put up with the commercial and get ready to prioritize some things…also know that Claire is proof that God answers prayer!

Here's a new link to the video at WKRN: http://www.wkrn.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4095679&at1=News&h1=Franklin%20teen%20hit%20by%20car%20released%20from%20hospital&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=&rnd=83937593

To Know Him & Make Him Known!

We are reading thru the New Testament, a chapter a day, and I gotta tell ya…I just love Paul. In his writings several things become apparent: his burden for the souls of the recipients of his letters (or for that matter of all people); his dedication to the cause of Christ (at any cost); his fervent desire to spread the gospel (in your face!); and his ability to address both doctrinal & personal issues with tact (at least most of the time). I long to be like Paul. Fact is, I am much more like Peter…now to have many of Peter’s traits would be a tremendous honor…but I’ve mastered his least desirable traits: stumbling along like a bull in a china shop with my foot in my mouth, focused on what I want or think is right instead of what God wants. The good news is that I know it’s not about me or my abilities; it’s about Christ and his love for me and for you. You see it’s true; Christ’s power IS made perfect in my weaknesses (2 Cor 12:9). So as I journey thru this life, trying my hardest to grow in my relatinship with Christ, becoming more like Jesus, often times looking less and less like him, it’s good to know that God has given me wonderful examples (like Paul & Peter) to spur me on…'cause that’s all I really want to do: help others to know Jesus.

God Still Moves!

What a weekend! On Saturday we had a Back to School Luau, and over 40 students showed up along with the Spirit of God! On Sunday, in addition to our morning service, we had a baptism at a local pond and the church along with the Spirit of God showed up! Then we returned to the church for a Singspiration service and guess what…the Spirit of God moved! There is really nothing quite like what happens when the church (the people) find themselves on the same page, not only with each other but also with God. And while the Spirit has been moving in our midst for a few weeks now, it takes our surrender to feel it. Last night, because of the inspiring music, the heartfelt testimonies and praise, and the prompting of the Spirit, another person has asked to be baptized and join the church. Reminded me very much of Acts 2:43-47, which I will summarize: “Day after day they met together, broke bread, and shared happily and freely while praising God, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.” Now, while we will get pictures on the website soon and recall what a blessing it was to experience this past weekend, God calls us to move forward…to focus on our future…to what lies ahead. And while we may not know the details of that future, I do know it includes two things: sharing Jesus with others and glorifying God. And when we do those two things, God still moves.

Watch This!

Here’s something that has been around for awhile, and true or not it’s worth the few minutes to watch it and the hours it will cause you to re-examine your witness for Jesus Christ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piuoGb-Nhfw

What's Next?

Okay, I am trying to get back on track (ever heard that before!?) again (no, really). Last week was a busy one…we said goodbye to a patriarch of the church; Hannah left for college; I locked horns with the copy machine; school started for Anna & Bella; Jill was gone three nights… then to top it off, the church office was remodeled. Wow! While it was a mess, it was well worth the trouble! If my surrounding has anything to do with my productivity or wisdom…hang on! Unfortunately, I doubt if there is any correlation between the two. One thing that does affect our productivity (as a Christian) is attitude. I am not much into texting, IM, Facebook or Twitter...I simply prefer other methods of communication. However, with two daughters in college (away from home) and working with youth I have learned that it is up to me (not them) to adapt and use whatever methods they prefer if I am going to be relevant to them. If I don’t, guess who gets left behind! The same principle applies to church. If a church will not adapt and use communication methods that those outside the church recognize and use, guess who gets left behind. This has absolutely nothing to do with our message...it's our methods. Music is probably the hot button of all times (and there are many more), but how many unchurched (or churched people for that matter) turn on the radio so they can listen to organ music? You may prefer it, and that is okay, but know that it is not a 'holy instrument!' As I understand history, at first the church resisted the organ & piano because they were the instruments of choice in saloons and brothels...now we want to fight when someone doesn't want to use them! Too many churches have become irrelevant to their communities and they wonder why. Christ died for the sins of all the world for all of time…seems like such an important message ought to be presented with relevance. Meanwhile, Jill's installed a webcam on the home computer so she can make video calls and see her girls…what’s next?

Stop It!

So as we are reading thru Romans, we’ve hit a snag…anyone surprised? We really didn’t get very far either! Romans 2:1 in the NRSV starts off, “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are (you gotta hate it when Paul says that!), when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.” Now, that language seems to me to be both plain and an accurate translation from the Greek. So, what’s going on? Are you perfect? So why do we judge others? I made the statement, and I stand by it: Some church folks are some of the most judgmental people I have ever met! HELLO! Did you judgmental church people ever read Romans 2:1? Forget the rest of the letter or even the book…this is all we really need to know. Unless you want to condemn yourself, do not judge others…period. This is not holding someone accountable. This is not looking for fruit in their lives. This is not even encouraging someone to a higher standard. This is judging someone when we do not know the facts…this is holding someone to a standard that we ourselves will not agree to…this is condemning someone for something we see as less than righteous. Someone stated it well…we have become the Old Testament nation of Israel whom we condemn because they have turned from God...except we don’t even realize it. Yeah, I know you're thinking this is for everyone else in the church, but here’s something you might want to remember: “There but by the grace of God go I.”

Gail Bennett: 1924-2009

Today we said goodbye to a patriarch of Beulah UMC. Gail Bennett was a fundamental person in the life and work of Beulah UMC for many, many years. As I write this, I fully realize he was not the person responsible for the church, nor for our faith here at Beulah…he simply did what he understood as the call of Christ on his life for the Kingdom. Just by doing that, he made a tremendous impact on the Church, on the community of Sumner, and on the lives of countless people in the surrounding area. So I am wondering, who will fill that void...who will be the next Gail Bennett at Beulah, or in your church? Who is that person who desires nothing more than to do the will of God…so much so, that many lives will be changed for the Kingdom? We need them…Beulah needs that person and the world needs those persons, desperately. And wouldn’t it be something like a miracle…a burning bush incident...if 6, or 10, or 20, or 50 people felt convicted to be that person, at the same time, in the same church! The Church might actually shake the foundations of this world instead of our world shaking the foundations of the Church. What about you? There are people who need you to focus solely on the will of God in your life…for their sake.

Can You Handle It On Your Own?

One of Satan’s favorite strategies…and one of his most effective…is to whisper, “Don’t call, don’t ask, don’t depend on God to do great things. You’ll get along just fine on your own.” And to Satan’s credit, we swallow the bait! The truth of the matter is that the devil is not terribly frightened by our human efforts and credentials. But he knows his kingdom will be shaken to its foundation when we lift our hearts to God. God desires our praise, but the only way fresh praise and honor will come from our lips is if we keep coming to Him in times of need and difficulty. That’s then God will show himself strong on our behalf, and that’s when we will know God has responded on our behalf. Aren’t we all prone to be a little cocky, thinking we can handle life on our own? But just let trouble surface, even the smallest of troubles, and how quickly we sense our inadequacies. Trouble can be one of God’s great servants because it reminds you and I just how much we continually need the Lord. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The best style of prayer is that which cannot be called anything else but a cry.” Have you cried out to the Lord today?

Living on the Edge

Max Lucado, in his book “When God Whispers Your Name,” offers us this thought.

I like the story of the little boy who fell out of bed. When his mom asked him what happened, he answered, “I don’t know. I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” Easy to do the same with our faith. It’s tempting to stay where we got in and never move. Pick a time in the not too distant past. A year or two ago. Now ask yourself a few questions. How does your prayer life today compare with then? How about your giving? Have both the joy and the amount increased? What about your church loyalty? Can you tell you’ve grown? And Bible study? Are you learning to learn? Don’t make the mistake of the little boy. Don’t stay too close to where you got in. It’s risky resting on the edge.

So what about you? Have you moved from the edge? It is a ploy of Satan, to think we just need to be involved in church. Jesus never asked us to be religious…He’s asked us to be in relationship with Him and with those around us. Unfortunately, a relationship that is not growing is dying.

Willing to be Like Jesus?

One of you was able to better articulate for me an element of last Sunday’s sermon. God is looking for a willingness (on our part) to engage in the ministry of Jesus Christ. God places before us so many opportunities for ministry. And whether they are new or familiar, general or specific, ordinary or unusual, God requires willing participants for these opportunities to become effective ministry. It doesn’t matter who God is trying to reach: a stranger or your neighbor; it matters not what the need is: hunger or healing; God needs us (believers) to be a part of the program. Amazing isn’t it? The all powerful Creator of the universe has chosen to work (or not to work) thru people like you and me! You’ve heard it said, “You might be the only Jesus they will ever see”…that is much more than a saying, it is a truth. That doesn’t mean we are as good as, or perfect like Jesus, but we are willing to go help others in his name instead of hiding behind the cross. So whether it’s visiting, praying, anointing, feeding, smiling, or helping in some tangible way, has someone looked at you and seen Jesus today?

The Fourth Wise Man

The following I've taken from "Moments for Pastors" by Robert Strand. It's too good not to share.

The Gospels do not tell us how many wise men, or magi, journeyed to Bethelehem following the star. Popular tradition holds that there were three--Caspar, Melichior, and Balthasar. But there is also a tradition of a fourth wise man named Artaban.

As Artaban prepared to set out and follow the star, he took with him a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl of great price as gifts to the newborn King, whenever He was to be found. On his way to join the other wise men, Artaban stopped to care for a sick traveler. If he stayed to help, however, he could miss the rendezvous with his friends. He stayed, and the delay was just enough to make him late for the caravan's departure. Now Artaban was alone, and he needed transportation and supplies to cross the desert. So he sold the sapphire to purchase camels and supplies. He was saddened because the King would never have the precious gem. Artaban journeyed onward and reached Bethlehem, but again he was too late. There were soldiers everywhere to carry out Herod's command that the male children should be slain. Artaban took out the brilliant ruby to bribe the captain and save the children in the village where he was staying. Children were saved, mothers rejoiced; but the ruby, also, would not reach the King. For 33 years Artaban searched in vain and finally found his way to Jerusalem on the day several crucifixions were to take place. Artaban hurried towards Calvary in order to bribe the Roman guard with the precious pearl and save the man called Jesus. Something told him this was the King of kings that he had searched for all of his life. Just then, a young woman was being dragged along the street toward the slave market. She called out to Artaban, pleading for help. With only a slight hesitation, he gave the last jewel for her ransom. Now Artaban had none of the precious gems he had intended to present to the King. Reaching the place where the crucifixions were to occur he was brokenhearted when he saw he could do nothing to help Jesus. But then something remarkable happened. Jesus looked over toward Artaban and said to him, "Don't be brokenhearted, Artaban. You've been helping me all your life. When I was hungry, you gave me food, when I was thirsty, you gave me drink, when I was naked, you clothed me, when I was a stranger, you took me in." Some say Artaban never found Christ. Others say he was the wisest of the wise men.

They're Out There!

Great job, you are the church! I wasn’t conducting a grand social experiment or anything…just looking for a garage to change my oil and making observations, but you came thru! Not only did several of us have conversation (much, much more than was posted here), you recommended to me several oil change places, with one in particular getting several recommendations! I’ve got to tell you that boosts my confidence in you…and it was already pretty high. When approached by a seeker you are ready, willing, and able to offer direction. I have no doubt that you will respond with even more enthusiasm to someone looking for a church…they’re out there! In addition, we’ve looked at something with ‘new eyes.’ When a stranger comes to town, how do we (the church) appear to them? And it’s not always the new person in town…too many people who have lived here all their lives drive by our churches each day and never see them. Sure, everybody knew of these garages and what they offered…but not one of them advertised oil changes in the yellow pages or on their signage. How do we effectively convey to those seekers and indifferent people what we have to offer? Sure, a personal recommendation is by far the best…but what about those we are not acquainted with…they’re out there!

Still Looking!

What a busy day I had yesterday…run, run, run. I did some visiting and got lost only once. Well, I really didn’t get lost (this is my feeble attempt to reinforce my alpha male status)…I just made a wrong turn…and it was one of those that just as soon as I committed myself to the turn I knew it was the wrong way. Nevertheless, I did some visiting, became reacquainted with someone I knew whose grandfather is in the church, and as she said, "It is a small world!" I then met someone who is interested in becoming active in the church (yeah!) but is having difficulty discerning God’s call on their life. From there I set out to find a garage to change my oil. This seems like an easy task, but it turned out to be a chore which reminded me that folks who are searching for a church should not have to work at it…we (the church) ought to be advertising and jumping up and down to attract people to us. Perhaps the biggest reason we need to be visible is that if a first-time seeker finds any difficulty in finding us, or the times of our services, they stop seeking. Unfortunately, while I know I need my oil changed, they are not yet convinced they need the Lord. I know you’re thinking what with the phonebook, church signs, & everybody knows where we are...that should be enough for a new person to find us. You would think so…but I thought there would be at least one place to have your oil changed in Lawrence County…I’m still looking.

Please Don't Send Me to Africa

So I was talking to someone about missionaries and I jokingly made my standard remark about not wanting God to send me to Africa…the folks at Sesser had heard that repeatedly…thinking everyone has heard the song, “Please Don’t Send Me to Africa.” Well, this person doesn’t have a clue…so I am wondering how many people I have said that to that haven’t heard this musical masterpiece? John Wesley Hardin wrote a song…strike that, it was Scott Wesley Brown, a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, who wrote the song that spoofs our willingness to serve the Lord. Wasn’t John Wesley Hardin a criminal in the Wild West? Regardless, like most spoofs there is an element of truth in his song…seems to be a huge element in this song…you decide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITmHLf1DB_0

Fear Not; They're Not the Enemy

It should not surprise me or anyone else that some folks will do anything to try and help others…except introduce them to the Savior. I am not sure why they are hesitant…some of these are church going people…some are not…but they think if we will simply meet physical needs it’s enough. It is not! Some day we will all answer to the Almighty and we believers will be held accountable for those times we failed to share the gospel with someone, for whatever reason. I must also say I have been surprised by the response of some folks when I have shared Jesus. Recently a person ‘bout ran over me to get to Christ! There are many folks out there seeking something much greater than themselves…someone who can take ease their pain or offer hope. Some have been hurt, or turned away, by church folk. They are looking, not for religion, but for relationship. It is up to us, you and me, to introduce them to the One who longs to be in relationship with them. Don’t allow Satan to trick you into believing they are the enemy…he is.
Okay, here’s one for "Rain Falls," Need to Breathe singing one of her (and my) favorite songs “Washed by the Water” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EWkTqHAAT8 Enjoy!