I want to try and get some good parenting info out for everyone. I am going to attempt to make Friday's, "Father's Fridays," and Mondays, "Mother's Mondays." Friday and Monday will be family oriented blogs. I have been thinking about this for about two weeks.
Well, here goes the first one.
I was in a small group Bible study with several folks who are older than me this week. I know them all well and know their families. I asked this question of them, because I have been struggling to help several families in a certain situation.
I asked, "How do you deal with the stress of unsaved children?" Here are their answers.
1. Be there for them always. Show unconditional love.
2. Release them to God. You can not attempt to control their lives, that will drive them away.
3. Witness to them. Don't be shy about Jesus Christ.
4. Live the life. Make sue they can observe your faith and good deeds.
5. Never give up.
6. Gently influence. Don't beat them over the head with religion.
7. Never underestimate a grandparent's influence. People remember special things from grandparents.
This is not my advice, but the advice I gained from several good friends. I really liked what they had to say. By the way, this is the great kind of conversation that you can glean from in a Small Group at First A/G. Get in one!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Hygge Realized!
Today I am leaving town to go pick up some brand new coffee house furniture. This is the day of small beginnings but it is a step toward our greater goal of a coffee house ministry. It is a step toward the greater goal of loving people in a very relational way.
Wednesday Night Live
Last night was a real treat. We had some battles, but let me give you some cool notes.
1. I was able to practice with a High School student who is helping with worship. Last night sounded awesome!!! Then a electrical connection in my electric guitar broke and we had to make some changes. Worship on Wednesday is getting a lot better very quickly.
2. I was very excited about the message for last night. It really builds a great foundation for allowing God to use every part of your life.
3. My wife was nearly hit in a car accident on the way to church when a man ran a stop sign. She said it was like God physically slowed him down, even when he was not even looking in Stephanie's direction to know the impending danger. We are extra grateful because this week we just paid our vehicle off and have been very excited about it. An accident would have been a real downer!
4. Then, when my wife arrived at church we ran into a major problem because Elizabeth made a major potty training error. It was a few minutes before Stephanie was scheduled to teach her class and she had no clothing for our girl. Into the bathroom walks Ann saying, "Hey Steph, my daughter Kelly told me to bring you this bag of hand-me-down clothing tonight for Elizabeth. Do you want me to bring it in now or after service?" Well, our child was soon dressed and in her own class.
God had some special plan for last night. I don't know all of what that plan was, but he is working. After the Bible study we had a great time of prayer and made some special commitments to God.
1. I was able to practice with a High School student who is helping with worship. Last night sounded awesome!!! Then a electrical connection in my electric guitar broke and we had to make some changes. Worship on Wednesday is getting a lot better very quickly.
2. I was very excited about the message for last night. It really builds a great foundation for allowing God to use every part of your life.
3. My wife was nearly hit in a car accident on the way to church when a man ran a stop sign. She said it was like God physically slowed him down, even when he was not even looking in Stephanie's direction to know the impending danger. We are extra grateful because this week we just paid our vehicle off and have been very excited about it. An accident would have been a real downer!
4. Then, when my wife arrived at church we ran into a major problem because Elizabeth made a major potty training error. It was a few minutes before Stephanie was scheduled to teach her class and she had no clothing for our girl. Into the bathroom walks Ann saying, "Hey Steph, my daughter Kelly told me to bring you this bag of hand-me-down clothing tonight for Elizabeth. Do you want me to bring it in now or after service?" Well, our child was soon dressed and in her own class.
God had some special plan for last night. I don't know all of what that plan was, but he is working. After the Bible study we had a great time of prayer and made some special commitments to God.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Hygge
This weekend we hosted Missionaries Nolan and Hannah Tarantino (click on their names for the link). They are going back to Europe in January. Our church took up just over $300.00 in an offering for them. We added a bit to that and are excited to bless them.
While visiting with them I learned a new Danish word, "Hygge" (Hoo - ga) It means, "to be in friends companionship or just relaxing, taking care of yourself and whoever is with you." ( from a dane ) Nolan and Hannah described it as a Danish word with no single English equivalent. It is the word used to refer to the companionship and conversation you have over a cup of coffee. A certain kind of atmosphere, honesty, conversation and friendship. Check out this definition from Hygga house. I think they do home decorations and decor, but they really caught the idea well on this web page. A similar link is Hygga.com, a furniture manufacturer.
I think our church needs a lot more Hygge. Thursday morning I will go to Chesterfield and pick up the first installment of some brand new coffee house furniture that we are going to use in the lower level to create some "Hygge."
Today Pastor John and I also scheduled our lower level kid's ministry rehab project which will start on August 27th. We will renovate the nurseries and kids church rooms, replacing some very old carpet. We will need a lot of volunteer help!!!
If you are a Dane and have any further definition of this word let me know.
While visiting with them I learned a new Danish word, "Hygge" (Hoo - ga) It means, "to be in friends companionship or just relaxing, taking care of yourself and whoever is with you." ( from a dane ) Nolan and Hannah described it as a Danish word with no single English equivalent. It is the word used to refer to the companionship and conversation you have over a cup of coffee. A certain kind of atmosphere, honesty, conversation and friendship. Check out this definition from Hygga house. I think they do home decorations and decor, but they really caught the idea well on this web page. A similar link is Hygga.com, a furniture manufacturer.
I think our church needs a lot more Hygge. Thursday morning I will go to Chesterfield and pick up the first installment of some brand new coffee house furniture that we are going to use in the lower level to create some "Hygge."
Today Pastor John and I also scheduled our lower level kid's ministry rehab project which will start on August 27th. We will renovate the nurseries and kids church rooms, replacing some very old carpet. We will need a lot of volunteer help!!!
If you are a Dane and have any further definition of this word let me know.
Monday, June 25, 2007
A Lesson Learned
This is from a life-long friend. I thought it made a great devotion!
"I helped my dad take a 200 year old log cabin down a couple of years ago near Fulton. It was on a french trading route a very long time ago, most likely 200 years ago. So, we took it down and have been rebuilding it on his land. So, I have been helping him with that and some other construction projects every now and then.
Two weekends ago I helped him on a Saturday morning, and he asked me if I needed to be paid and I said "no, that's OK, I am picking up some eggs, vegetables, etc from him so that would be enough " So, I went along and then we found ourselves running short on cash.
Today I worked for my dad helping him install a wood plank, tongue &groove floor, in the log cabin he is building on his land. We spent about 7 hours moving boards, sanding, and installing part of the flooring. He did not exactly ask me today if I wanted to get paid, he simply said here is your pay for today and two weeks ago. So, we now have money. I did not need to mention to him that we were short on cash, I think they figured that out already from when I asked if he had some work I could help with.
So, what did I learn??? I learned that if my father offers to pay me I should accept. It is a free gift from my father, that I really did not need to do any work to receive. I could have simply asked. Some of what caught my attention was that my dad is a carpenter, and would help me if all I did was ask with no need to work for it.
Reminded me in some ways of what the Bible says about our Heavenly Father. We do not need to work to receive gifts from God. We may ask freely. Now, my dad does not just give to me every time I ask. There are times that he knows it would be better for me to NOT receive a free gift. Although, it really is a gift because he is teaching me something important about being responsible and thinking about how my decisions will affect my life and those around me.
Does that make sense? I thought it did, maybe explained a little differently would be better. Oh Well."
That is a great experience with a dad, and a great perspective on God's grace to us. Thanks for letting me post your experience.
"I helped my dad take a 200 year old log cabin down a couple of years ago near Fulton. It was on a french trading route a very long time ago, most likely 200 years ago. So, we took it down and have been rebuilding it on his land. So, I have been helping him with that and some other construction projects every now and then.
Two weekends ago I helped him on a Saturday morning, and he asked me if I needed to be paid and I said "no, that's OK, I am picking up some eggs, vegetables, etc from him so that would be enough " So, I went along and then we found ourselves running short on cash.
Today I worked for my dad helping him install a wood plank, tongue &groove floor, in the log cabin he is building on his land. We spent about 7 hours moving boards, sanding, and installing part of the flooring. He did not exactly ask me today if I wanted to get paid, he simply said here is your pay for today and two weeks ago. So, we now have money. I did not need to mention to him that we were short on cash, I think they figured that out already from when I asked if he had some work I could help with.
So, what did I learn??? I learned that if my father offers to pay me I should accept. It is a free gift from my father, that I really did not need to do any work to receive. I could have simply asked. Some of what caught my attention was that my dad is a carpenter, and would help me if all I did was ask with no need to work for it.
Reminded me in some ways of what the Bible says about our Heavenly Father. We do not need to work to receive gifts from God. We may ask freely. Now, my dad does not just give to me every time I ask. There are times that he knows it would be better for me to NOT receive a free gift. Although, it really is a gift because he is teaching me something important about being responsible and thinking about how my decisions will affect my life and those around me.
Does that make sense? I thought it did, maybe explained a little differently would be better. Oh Well."
That is a great experience with a dad, and a great perspective on God's grace to us. Thanks for letting me post your experience.
A Family Tradition
We have started a family tradition of going to the donut shop on my day off. We have made some good new friends and great memories!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Helpful Hints
Hey blogging world. I purchased this effects pedal a few weeks ago. I am happy with it so far. I have read the entire instruction manual and have learned to save new settings. Please comment on any other helpful hints in using it. It is a Digitech RP 2500.
New Something Cool!
This week I will begin adding video to the blog. It's a new feature for blogger. If you learn something new that would help out post a comment.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Make a List
While talking with some friends I was reminded of the necessity of lists.
When I was in High School I could never remember the important Bible verses that I needed. So, I created several topical lists and put them in my Bible. In one Bible I wrote them in with a pen. In another Bible, I permanently taped in typed lists. I placed these lists on the back of the front cover.
Let me offer you a few of my lists.
About Starting a Relationship with God
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
John 3:16-17
Romans 10:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
About Getting Baptized in Water
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 8:36-39
Romans 6:1-4
Matthew 28:19-20
About a Daily Quiet Time With God
Matthew 6:6
2 Timothy 2:15
Things God Promised (This list could go forever.)
Romans 10:13 - Salvation
James 1:5 - Wisdom
Philippians 4:19 - Supply
James 5:15 - Healing
Matthew 28:20 - Jesus Presence
1 John 1:9 - Forgiveness
John 14:27 - Peace
About the Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:2
John 14:16-17
John 14:26
John 16:7-9
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:4
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 19:1-7
1 Corinthians 12 and 14
What Happens When a Believer Dies?
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Separation at death
Job 21:26 - Our bodies decay.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Believers bodies will be resurrected.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - When our bodies are recreated
What will Eternity Be Like?
Revelation 21-22
If you have a list you want to add, try adding it as a comment. If you want to add a Scripture to a list, let me know in a comment. Remember to keep your list short. These are not intended to exhaustively cover any subject, but answer some of the most common questions that you hear. If your list is too long it will cease to be a good quick reference tool.
When I was in High School I could never remember the important Bible verses that I needed. So, I created several topical lists and put them in my Bible. In one Bible I wrote them in with a pen. In another Bible, I permanently taped in typed lists. I placed these lists on the back of the front cover.
Let me offer you a few of my lists.
About Starting a Relationship with God
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
John 3:16-17
Romans 10:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
About Getting Baptized in Water
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 8:36-39
Romans 6:1-4
Matthew 28:19-20
About a Daily Quiet Time With God
Matthew 6:6
2 Timothy 2:15
Things God Promised (This list could go forever.)
Romans 10:13 - Salvation
James 1:5 - Wisdom
Philippians 4:19 - Supply
James 5:15 - Healing
Matthew 28:20 - Jesus Presence
1 John 1:9 - Forgiveness
John 14:27 - Peace
About the Holy Spirit
Genesis 1:2
John 14:16-17
John 14:26
John 16:7-9
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:4
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 19:1-7
1 Corinthians 12 and 14
What Happens When a Believer Dies?
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Separation at death
Job 21:26 - Our bodies decay.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Believers bodies will be resurrected.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - When our bodies are recreated
What will Eternity Be Like?
Revelation 21-22
If you have a list you want to add, try adding it as a comment. If you want to add a Scripture to a list, let me know in a comment. Remember to keep your list short. These are not intended to exhaustively cover any subject, but answer some of the most common questions that you hear. If your list is too long it will cease to be a good quick reference tool.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Unbelievable Praise Report!
On Sunday morning in the early service we prayed in small groups of 4 or less for someone we know who needs Jesus. God answered my prayer today!
If God answers yours this week please comment on this posting!
If God answers yours this week please comment on this posting!
The Not So Easy Road
When we feel we have direction from God we often assume that the road he has given us will be easy. Often it just the opposite. Here are two examples from the Bible.
First, in Genesis 26 God tells Isaac to go to Gerar to escape a famine in his region. While there, he encounters disputes (26:20) and opposition (26:21) and finally finds a place of rest (26:22). Second, in Genesis 32 God directs Jacob back to the region where his brother has been living. Esau had wanted to kill Jacob! God's direction was not easy for Jacob to follow.
Not all of God's paths are easy, but his paths are correct. I am excited about the direction the Lord is taking me, but I know that there will be difficult times on the way to his goals. Pastor Gary Brothers from Cape Girardeau, Missouri taught me a new saying a few months ago, "new levels, new devils." With every new accomplishment in God's plan new difficulties arise.
I think people long for the good old days because there are no new devils in the land of, "Good Old days." There are no new dividends either. There is a sense of inflation in the spiritual economy of my life. Yesterday's spiritual earnings will not buy the loaf of bread and gallon of milk I need today!
When God gives you a new direction and a fresh vision be excited. Then beware! With new levels, come new devils. Don't be afraid of them, just be ready for them. Remember, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37).
First, in Genesis 26 God tells Isaac to go to Gerar to escape a famine in his region. While there, he encounters disputes (26:20) and opposition (26:21) and finally finds a place of rest (26:22). Second, in Genesis 32 God directs Jacob back to the region where his brother has been living. Esau had wanted to kill Jacob! God's direction was not easy for Jacob to follow.
Not all of God's paths are easy, but his paths are correct. I am excited about the direction the Lord is taking me, but I know that there will be difficult times on the way to his goals. Pastor Gary Brothers from Cape Girardeau, Missouri taught me a new saying a few months ago, "new levels, new devils." With every new accomplishment in God's plan new difficulties arise.
I think people long for the good old days because there are no new devils in the land of, "Good Old days." There are no new dividends either. There is a sense of inflation in the spiritual economy of my life. Yesterday's spiritual earnings will not buy the loaf of bread and gallon of milk I need today!
When God gives you a new direction and a fresh vision be excited. Then beware! With new levels, come new devils. Don't be afraid of them, just be ready for them. Remember, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom. 8:37).
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bible Reading with Gabe
Today I sat down during my lunch break to grab some extra Bible time. My son Gabe sat next to me on the couch (My office is 16 blocks form my house). I decided I would read out loud for him. After a few minutes he began (without any provocation) to repeat what I was reading.
I slowed down. We read about one page of Genesis together today. It was amazing to hear him verbalizing the Scriptures at 4 years old, even though he can not yet read.
Let me take this time to encourage you to do two things.
First, make sure you read to your kids. Reading is Fundamental has information about the necessity of family involvement in reading. If you only watch T.V. and play video games with your children they will be far lees likely to succeed in School. My hunger for knowledge was fueled by a father who built a wall of bookshelves in our home and then filled them with great books. On those shelves were two sets of encyclopedias, an encyclopedia called How it Works, dealing with mechanical engineering. There was a 54 volume set by J. Mordimer Adler called, "The Great Books," which covered all the major works of the Western world. When I graduated from my Master's program I took what little money I had left and purchased that set for myself. You need to read with your kids.
Second, with a regular reading plan in place for your children, begin reading the Word of God to them. As a child my mother would read The Living Bible to my brother and me as we were going to sleep at night. We were very young. However, I still remember hearing some Bible stories for the very first time when my mother read them to me straight from the Bible.
All four of Gary and Brenda's kids graduated college. Two of us continued beyond college. I love to read my Bible, I am on my 14th time through it. These accomplishments are due, in part, to the fact that we learned to like books very young.
I slowed down. We read about one page of Genesis together today. It was amazing to hear him verbalizing the Scriptures at 4 years old, even though he can not yet read.
Let me take this time to encourage you to do two things.
First, make sure you read to your kids. Reading is Fundamental has information about the necessity of family involvement in reading. If you only watch T.V. and play video games with your children they will be far lees likely to succeed in School. My hunger for knowledge was fueled by a father who built a wall of bookshelves in our home and then filled them with great books. On those shelves were two sets of encyclopedias, an encyclopedia called How it Works, dealing with mechanical engineering. There was a 54 volume set by J. Mordimer Adler called, "The Great Books," which covered all the major works of the Western world. When I graduated from my Master's program I took what little money I had left and purchased that set for myself. You need to read with your kids.
Second, with a regular reading plan in place for your children, begin reading the Word of God to them. As a child my mother would read The Living Bible to my brother and me as we were going to sleep at night. We were very young. However, I still remember hearing some Bible stories for the very first time when my mother read them to me straight from the Bible.
All four of Gary and Brenda's kids graduated college. Two of us continued beyond college. I love to read my Bible, I am on my 14th time through it. These accomplishments are due, in part, to the fact that we learned to like books very young.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Hangin' With David and Erica
We have some friends in Jefferson City that we have been visiting. It is so cool to see how our families are growing. I went to high school with Erica. We have known each other for 20 years. Wow, now I feel old.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cool Comments
I received an e-mail from a frustrated individual who likes listening to the messages online from First AG.
I like being able to listen to your sermons. But I am running out of things to listen to. This is my 2nd time through them all.
I am listening to the Product of Power right now and I am getting a lot more out of it then what I had before. It is like eating leftovers, and there always better the 2nd day! I really like the scripture that tells what we need to work on improving in our lives. Goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
I have written these things down and am going to see what I can do to improve them.
Talk to you later
It makes me more excited to preach and study for messages when I know that their effectiveness goes beyond the 35 minutes of church on Sunday!!!
I am still working on updating the audio player.
I like being able to listen to your sermons. But I am running out of things to listen to. This is my 2nd time through them all.
I am listening to the Product of Power right now and I am getting a lot more out of it then what I had before. It is like eating leftovers, and there always better the 2nd day! I really like the scripture that tells what we need to work on improving in our lives. Goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
I have written these things down and am going to see what I can do to improve them.
Talk to you later
It makes me more excited to preach and study for messages when I know that their effectiveness goes beyond the 35 minutes of church on Sunday!!!
I am still working on updating the audio player.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Some Goals
As you can see I have not posted for almost a week! Here is what has consumed my time.
First, I am trying desperately to get our audio sermons to post on the First AG website. I spent all of Tuesday trying to get the taped recordings to record properly on my computer. Now I still need to post them. The recording software we are using is about to drive me crazy and I am three weeks behind on sermons. If it is worth preaching, it is worth podcasting! I am determined to get weekend messages on the web site every Monday! That is goal #1.
Second, I have been working hard to replace some equipment in the office. We are not capable of buying the kind of copier I eventually want. The copier I would like would replace our network printer, fax machine, scanner, and copier. It would also have some sorting, stapling and binding capabilities. We have the greatest message in the world, its should be presented in the greatest way possible. Well as of this morning we have a new printer since the old one died. Sandy and I read some scriptures, said ashes to ashes, and that old thing is gone! That is goal #2.
Third, we are buying new sound equipment for the sanctuary. You may not know it, but the main speakers don't really work at all right now! God blessed us with a gift of $1,000 recently that is dedicated to the sound ministry. When people come to church they should see up-to-date quality in the building and worship services. I am still reviewing some new quotes today. That is goal #3.
Fourth, we have committed to purchase coffee house furniture for the building. One desire of mine is to have such great fellowship at church that everyone wants to come early, not five minutes after the service starts! One step is to create a gathering place in the church that is quality. Did you know that we have a couple that is ready to lead the coffee house ministry, and God has graciously sent us an architect who has helped to design several full service coffee houses! Church needs to connect people to God and then to God's people. We hope to get the furniture in by the end of June. That is goal #4.
Fifth, I would like to post on the blog daily. I am currently learning the methods necessary to post on my blogger site from my cell phone! Sounds crazy right? But what a great opportunity. I should eventually even be able to post pics from my phone with text on the blog. As God speaks to me through things I see and lean, I want to share them with you. Jesus had his disciples walk with him for three years. I want to do what I can to invite you to walk with me! That is goal #5.
I have a few other goals, but I am out of time for now. Please keep your church staff in prayer. We need the Lord to multiply our time and efforts. We need the Lord to keep us healthy. If you have any great ideas let me know. We need to let God use our gifts and ideas together for the violent advance of God' s kingdom of peace.
First, I am trying desperately to get our audio sermons to post on the First AG website. I spent all of Tuesday trying to get the taped recordings to record properly on my computer. Now I still need to post them. The recording software we are using is about to drive me crazy and I am three weeks behind on sermons. If it is worth preaching, it is worth podcasting! I am determined to get weekend messages on the web site every Monday! That is goal #1.
Second, I have been working hard to replace some equipment in the office. We are not capable of buying the kind of copier I eventually want. The copier I would like would replace our network printer, fax machine, scanner, and copier. It would also have some sorting, stapling and binding capabilities. We have the greatest message in the world, its should be presented in the greatest way possible. Well as of this morning we have a new printer since the old one died. Sandy and I read some scriptures, said ashes to ashes, and that old thing is gone! That is goal #2.
Third, we are buying new sound equipment for the sanctuary. You may not know it, but the main speakers don't really work at all right now! God blessed us with a gift of $1,000 recently that is dedicated to the sound ministry. When people come to church they should see up-to-date quality in the building and worship services. I am still reviewing some new quotes today. That is goal #3.
Fourth, we have committed to purchase coffee house furniture for the building. One desire of mine is to have such great fellowship at church that everyone wants to come early, not five minutes after the service starts! One step is to create a gathering place in the church that is quality. Did you know that we have a couple that is ready to lead the coffee house ministry, and God has graciously sent us an architect who has helped to design several full service coffee houses! Church needs to connect people to God and then to God's people. We hope to get the furniture in by the end of June. That is goal #4.
Fifth, I would like to post on the blog daily. I am currently learning the methods necessary to post on my blogger site from my cell phone! Sounds crazy right? But what a great opportunity. I should eventually even be able to post pics from my phone with text on the blog. As God speaks to me through things I see and lean, I want to share them with you. Jesus had his disciples walk with him for three years. I want to do what I can to invite you to walk with me! That is goal #5.
I have a few other goals, but I am out of time for now. Please keep your church staff in prayer. We need the Lord to multiply our time and efforts. We need the Lord to keep us healthy. If you have any great ideas let me know. We need to let God use our gifts and ideas together for the violent advance of God' s kingdom of peace.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
New Reading
I have been reading more lately and have a couple new pics for you. First is, "Leadership Next" by Eddie Gibbs. If you wonder what I am thinking sometimes this book may explain things to you. Also, I have read a bit of , "Off Road Disciplines" by Earl Creps. It is worth looking at also. When I finish it I will give you a better review.
There are two things that are essential to understand regarding reading. If you are a Christian who hates reading you will have trouble. If you want to hear from God you need to read the Bible. Second, if you are a Christian that is leading anything you need to read the Bible and other inspiring thins as well. Reading good material will motivate you if you are an unmotivated leader. Then it will give you substance in your leadership. Finally, it will inspire you to great character in your leadership.
Leaders are learners.
There are two things that are essential to understand regarding reading. If you are a Christian who hates reading you will have trouble. If you want to hear from God you need to read the Bible. Second, if you are a Christian that is leading anything you need to read the Bible and other inspiring thins as well. Reading good material will motivate you if you are an unmotivated leader. Then it will give you substance in your leadership. Finally, it will inspire you to great character in your leadership.
Leaders are learners.
Don't Miss the Picnic
This Sunday is our church picnic. It starts at 3:00 p.m. We will eat at about 4:00 p.m. Pastor John has some fun water games planned.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
A Big Adventure
This summer is going to be a big adventure.
I am excited about teaching again for Missouri Baptist University at their St. Clair, Missouri extension. Class starts June 26th. I am excited about youth and kids camps. Check out the links! I am also excited about attending General Council. It can be a very motivating and encouraging time. We are also working to get our church in the Washington Town and Country Fair Parade. So, we gotta' build a float some time. Finally, we are working on several fundraising projects. One for missions, one for a benevolence agency in town and one is a benevolence project for an individual in need.
Please keep Stephanie and I in prayer this summer. Our kids are older and need more attention than ever. Stephanie is going to work kids camp and go to Gen. Coun. with me. We need health, strength, and we need God to multiply our time.
I am excited about teaching again for Missouri Baptist University at their St. Clair, Missouri extension. Class starts June 26th. I am excited about youth and kids camps. Check out the links! I am also excited about attending General Council. It can be a very motivating and encouraging time. We are also working to get our church in the Washington Town and Country Fair Parade. So, we gotta' build a float some time. Finally, we are working on several fundraising projects. One for missions, one for a benevolence agency in town and one is a benevolence project for an individual in need.
Please keep Stephanie and I in prayer this summer. Our kids are older and need more attention than ever. Stephanie is going to work kids camp and go to Gen. Coun. with me. We need health, strength, and we need God to multiply our time.
Treat
Today I had the treat of meeting Harold Wright. He was the pastor of First A/G from 1969 to 73. He currently lives in Peirce City which is between Monett and Joplin, MO. It was neat to talk with him about how Washington, Missouri has changed and how ministry was in the early days of this church.
His son is a pastor in Joplin and I met him four years ago. He toldme a lot about living in Washington as a boy, but a lot of his memories were scattered. A few months ago I found old record keeping documents that recorded the weekly offerings for the church. It is amazing that people survived in those days at all. God is faithful and meets our needs.
Praise God for people who worked hard so that we can enjoy some of the benifits of a great church for us and for our children.
His son is a pastor in Joplin and I met him four years ago. He toldme a lot about living in Washington as a boy, but a lot of his memories were scattered. A few months ago I found old record keeping documents that recorded the weekly offerings for the church. It is amazing that people survived in those days at all. God is faithful and meets our needs.
Praise God for people who worked hard so that we can enjoy some of the benifits of a great church for us and for our children.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Opportunity
Today Pastor John and I went to a pastor's meeting. They heard about the testimony from Sunday and asked me to share it with all the pastors. The giving at First AG is not just about money. We can change the world step by step, bit by bit, pastor by pastor, and one christian at a time. What you do at First AG really matters in places you could have never realized!
In Service for the Lord
Often you will hear me say that our Christian walk is far more than sitting in the worship service once a week. We are not called to warm seats on Sunday morning. However, that message is sometimes taken in a way that indicates that I don't think attending church is important.
Here are some reasons why it is important to faithfully attend church.
1. With 365 days of the year, you only get 52 chances to worship together.
2. Giving God the first fruits of your week will bless the rest of your week. In the first few hours of the first day of the week you should be in church.
3. This is your chance to hear a word form the Lord through your local pastor who knows you and prays for you personally.
4. Other believers, especially new believers, need your encouragement and example in church attendance.
5. Other believers of all kinds need your friendship and example in worship. (Note: If you have heart for worship and want to be an example believer you can not sit in the back row!)
6. The Sunday you miss will be the Sunday Pastor Paul says something crazy!
No matter who you are, or how you are involved, or not involved in church, the Lord needs you on Sunday morning, not mention that we all need the Lord.
Here are some reasons why it is important to faithfully attend church.
1. With 365 days of the year, you only get 52 chances to worship together.
2. Giving God the first fruits of your week will bless the rest of your week. In the first few hours of the first day of the week you should be in church.
3. This is your chance to hear a word form the Lord through your local pastor who knows you and prays for you personally.
4. Other believers, especially new believers, need your encouragement and example in church attendance.
5. Other believers of all kinds need your friendship and example in worship. (Note: If you have heart for worship and want to be an example believer you can not sit in the back row!)
6. The Sunday you miss will be the Sunday Pastor Paul says something crazy!
No matter who you are, or how you are involved, or not involved in church, the Lord needs you on Sunday morning, not mention that we all need the Lord.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Planting Seeds
Sunday we took up an offering for the church in new Haven which is renovating the upper floor of their building. We received $600 in the offering. I will deliver it on Tuesday.
As we took up the offering I told the church that we are planting seeds. When you sow, you will reap. We prayed in faith that God would honor our sowing into a sister church's building project. Someday soon we will be in a building project and will need miracles of provision from the Lord. If you will be a part of a miracle of provision for others God will give miracles of provision when you have a need.
So how fast and how faithful can God be to meet your need? Yesterday after service we received $1,000 for the purchase of coffee house furniture that we have been looking at for a month. Wow! When we sow and give to the needs of others God meets our needs.
As we took up the offering I told the church that we are planting seeds. When you sow, you will reap. We prayed in faith that God would honor our sowing into a sister church's building project. Someday soon we will be in a building project and will need miracles of provision from the Lord. If you will be a part of a miracle of provision for others God will give miracles of provision when you have a need.
So how fast and how faithful can God be to meet your need? Yesterday after service we received $1,000 for the purchase of coffee house furniture that we have been looking at for a month. Wow! When we sow and give to the needs of others God meets our needs.
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