Thursday, September 27, 2007
Men's Retreat
In a few short ours we leave for Men's Retreat. I am looking forward to this weekend greatly. A lot of worship, basketball, great food, and seeing many friends. I may post a note or two on the trip, but I can't be sure to have time. If not I will talk to you Monday.
Our First E-Newsletter
Our first e-newsletter when out today. It looks really cool. In the future we will do an even better job since we have one under our belt. In the future we will also be able to collaborate more.
If you are a ministry leader and want your info in the e-newsletter let me know! I can put an unlimited amount of info in the e-newsletter, including pictures. If you have been failing to place stuff in the monthly letter because it is too small, have no fear of space. This baby can handle what you need to get out.
Finally, if you are reading the blog and you would like to start an e-newsletter for your church let me know and I can help you.
If you are a ministry leader and want your info in the e-newsletter let me know! I can put an unlimited amount of info in the e-newsletter, including pictures. If you have been failing to place stuff in the monthly letter because it is too small, have no fear of space. This baby can handle what you need to get out.
Finally, if you are reading the blog and you would like to start an e-newsletter for your church let me know and I can help you.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A Day Late
I have been working all day on finishing things in the nursery and toddler church rooms. I thought it might take an hour or so, but it took all day! We have a guest speaker tonight so I am relieved for that.
I will try to get a post or two in tomorrow and catch everyone up on some thoughts this week.
Oh, tomorrow I will send out our first e-newsletter, so sign up tonight!
I will try to get a post or two in tomorrow and catch everyone up on some thoughts this week.
Oh, tomorrow I will send out our first e-newsletter, so sign up tonight!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wake Up early
In the last five days I have been waking up extra early. Not completely of my own volition. However, it has given me a lot of time for reading the Bible. It has been great to read my devotions with a bit more meditation time. When I am rushed it is hard to get anything out of my quiet time with God.
Ben Franklin said, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." True, and the Bible principal is that we are to give God the first part of what he has given us. That includes your time, your day, and your week. Wake up and give God the first part of every day. On Sunday, the first day of the week, get up and give him the first fruits of your week.
There are a few morning killers. Staying up late to "fellowship" with church friends often ends in no God time. The 10:00 news and other late shows kill your morning. If you are not a morning person here is how God can set you free. Get up tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. Then tomorrow night at about 9:00 p.m. God will set you free! You will know his working in your life, the initial physical evidence is speaking with a slur, and occasionally, in a mighty move of God you may experience fire (or the feeling of fire) in your eyes. So, lay down and go to sleep.
Ben Franklin said, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." True, and the Bible principal is that we are to give God the first part of what he has given us. That includes your time, your day, and your week. Wake up and give God the first part of every day. On Sunday, the first day of the week, get up and give him the first fruits of your week.
There are a few morning killers. Staying up late to "fellowship" with church friends often ends in no God time. The 10:00 news and other late shows kill your morning. If you are not a morning person here is how God can set you free. Get up tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. Then tomorrow night at about 9:00 p.m. God will set you free! You will know his working in your life, the initial physical evidence is speaking with a slur, and occasionally, in a mighty move of God you may experience fire (or the feeling of fire) in your eyes. So, lay down and go to sleep.
Good Monday
Yesterday was a great day! Attendance was down in the 10:15 service, but it was up in 8:30 service. Both services had a wonderful sense of God's presence. My family went to Cedar Crest Manor for our monthly nursing home service. All three of my kids sang this time! Elizabeth really likes to sing. She has the melody to Amazing Grace down pat, but not the words. It was one interesting rendition. Then we went to Wal-Mart for supplies so we don't starve. While the kids and I waited for mom to finish at the chek-out line I taught them Paper, Rocks, Scissors. It was fun.
As we left Wally-world I was beat. My feet hurt and I was starving. Pulling out of the pariking lot Pastor John called and asked if we could work on the nursery bathroom, it needs to be done, so I checked with Stephanie and she was like, "You gotta' get that done!" So, we worked till 11:30 p.m on that. I am tired but happy.
As we left Wally-world I was beat. My feet hurt and I was starving. Pulling out of the pariking lot Pastor John called and asked if we could work on the nursery bathroom, it needs to be done, so I checked with Stephanie and she was like, "You gotta' get that done!" So, we worked till 11:30 p.m on that. I am tired but happy.
Friday and Saturday
Friday and Saturday were packed but fun.
Friday is my day off. It was hot and the kids were tired of our house and the back yard. So, after our weekly visit to the donut shop, we headed into St. Peters to the mall. We took the kids to Toys-R-Us, that took 80 minutes! Everyone learned to use escalators without the help of mom or dad! Friday night we went to our small group and I took a friend for his first time.
Saturday I woke up early and drove to Steelville, MO to do some leadership training, primarily focusing on discipleship. The Pastor is Jerry Beers, and he has a great story and ministry. He grew up in Steelville and is now back home as Pastor. He knows everyone in the entire town, I think! Because of that he gets loaded with funerals. It is like he is pastoring the town, or the unofficial municipal chaplain. We had a great time together. When I returned home I went to worship practice and then, straight home to take the boys fishing. It was a beautiful ending to a busy day.
Friday is my day off. It was hot and the kids were tired of our house and the back yard. So, after our weekly visit to the donut shop, we headed into St. Peters to the mall. We took the kids to Toys-R-Us, that took 80 minutes! Everyone learned to use escalators without the help of mom or dad! Friday night we went to our small group and I took a friend for his first time.
Saturday I woke up early and drove to Steelville, MO to do some leadership training, primarily focusing on discipleship. The Pastor is Jerry Beers, and he has a great story and ministry. He grew up in Steelville and is now back home as Pastor. He knows everyone in the entire town, I think! Because of that he gets loaded with funerals. It is like he is pastoring the town, or the unofficial municipal chaplain. We had a great time together. When I returned home I went to worship practice and then, straight home to take the boys fishing. It was a beautiful ending to a busy day.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Good News
Monday I was able to make a new friend, Mark. We prayed together and he has made a serious re-dedication of his life to God through Jesus! He was at the bible study last night. Dylan Glasteter, who leads The Attic Youth Ministry spoke on, "taking a Stand for God," and it was a very good message. Mark and I are planning on going to our Small Group Bible study on Friday night together. We are studying Heaven this Friday.
As I am writing Mark is already helping the church by doing some painting. Last night we prayed about his business finding more work and this morning he has already received a call for a job!
God always seems extra good when you are involved in leading people to him! If you are not leading people to Jesus, then Christianity is just boring.
As I am writing Mark is already helping the church by doing some painting. Last night we prayed about his business finding more work and this morning he has already received a call for a job!
God always seems extra good when you are involved in leading people to him! If you are not leading people to Jesus, then Christianity is just boring.
Comentary on the News
OK, this is a bit dangerous for me to do but I think I will try a little commentary on a few news reports I have heard today.
First, I received an e-mail yesterday regarding Reverend Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest for 20 years. She became a Muslim last year, but still considers herself a Christian as well. What really got me was the response of her Bishop, Vincent Warner, who accepts her as both an Episcopal and a Muslim and thinks the possibility is exciting.
Then I heard a report today that the leader of the Anglican church is meeting with the bishops of the Episcopal church. The meeting may result in a split, the American churches leaving the church of England (Anglican church) over a disagreement on gay marriage.
Second, I watched reports about the Jena 6. Here are a few thoughts. What kind of wicked people produces teens who hang nooses in trees as a threat to their fellow classmates? What kind of wicked people produce teens take the law in their own hands and beat a classmate? What kind of wicked people fail to punish their youth for threats of violence, and the violence that it creates! As far as I am concerned, the school and the local authorities should have charges the students with hanging ropes with a crime, and students who beat up other students at school should be charged with crimes as well, maybe not murder! But it is assault. One of the reasons that school violence is so rampant is that it is not treated. It is a public school. If you beat or threaten people in public, then the public authorities should arrest you! Giving students a week of vacation (that is what we called suspension when I was in school) is foolishness.
Here's the commentary. We are the richest country in the world. There is a large contingency of people who consider us to be a Christian nation. We send out more Christian missionaries than any other country on the globe. But we are perhaps the most wicked nation in the world at the same time!
We need to pray for our country. Pray for moral fortitude in the face of sexual perversions. Pray for racial peace and equal treatment in the courts. But then, let's do something about our nation. Befriend a homosexual. Show them the love of Jesus and the kindness of God who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should be saved. Get out of your racial bubble and make a new friend that is outside of your ethnic background. When we get to heaven there will be people, who Jesus saved, from every tribe, tongue and nation.
The greatest way to beat evil is not protest, though protest does bring needed attention, the greatest way to beat evil is through the love of Christ being made real through the love and friendship of people who know him as savior and Lord.
First, I received an e-mail yesterday regarding Reverend Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest for 20 years. She became a Muslim last year, but still considers herself a Christian as well. What really got me was the response of her Bishop, Vincent Warner, who accepts her as both an Episcopal and a Muslim and thinks the possibility is exciting.
Then I heard a report today that the leader of the Anglican church is meeting with the bishops of the Episcopal church. The meeting may result in a split, the American churches leaving the church of England (Anglican church) over a disagreement on gay marriage.
Second, I watched reports about the Jena 6. Here are a few thoughts. What kind of wicked people produces teens who hang nooses in trees as a threat to their fellow classmates? What kind of wicked people produce teens take the law in their own hands and beat a classmate? What kind of wicked people fail to punish their youth for threats of violence, and the violence that it creates! As far as I am concerned, the school and the local authorities should have charges the students with hanging ropes with a crime, and students who beat up other students at school should be charged with crimes as well, maybe not murder! But it is assault. One of the reasons that school violence is so rampant is that it is not treated. It is a public school. If you beat or threaten people in public, then the public authorities should arrest you! Giving students a week of vacation (that is what we called suspension when I was in school) is foolishness.
Here's the commentary. We are the richest country in the world. There is a large contingency of people who consider us to be a Christian nation. We send out more Christian missionaries than any other country on the globe. But we are perhaps the most wicked nation in the world at the same time!
We need to pray for our country. Pray for moral fortitude in the face of sexual perversions. Pray for racial peace and equal treatment in the courts. But then, let's do something about our nation. Befriend a homosexual. Show them the love of Jesus and the kindness of God who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should be saved. Get out of your racial bubble and make a new friend that is outside of your ethnic background. When we get to heaven there will be people, who Jesus saved, from every tribe, tongue and nation.
The greatest way to beat evil is not protest, though protest does bring needed attention, the greatest way to beat evil is through the love of Christ being made real through the love and friendship of people who know him as savior and Lord.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
New Sermons
Hey friends I have posted a bunch of new sermons on the First A/G site. Check it out. The first three of the Back to School series have just been posted.
If you know anything about audio files and editing them let me know. We want to improve this part of our web site. It needs some very special attention.
If you know anything about audio files and editing them let me know. We want to improve this part of our web site. It needs some very special attention.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Watch Your Mouth!
Today in my devotional reading of the Bible I read the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-24. I have always been a bit confused by this story in one aspect.
God told Balaam to go with Balak, but sent him with a warning. So, he got the go ahead from God to go, right? Why then does he send an angel that threatens him with his life and accuses him of taking a reckless path, when God said he could go?
Here is what I learned today:
1. When God says, "you may go," it is not a blank check to do what ever you want. There are situations when God will tell you to go a certain direction in life that is unconventional or a bit dangerous. In those cases we need to realize that we need to tread very lightly and carefully. We have to recognize spiritually dangerous situations. Evangelistically dating is one of those situations, witnessing at a bar or pub, doing an outreach at a Mardi Gras festival, or taking a job for a company that is linked to or produces some product that may be on the edge of questionable. God may say go, but he still may have some strict stipulations.
2. When you think you have a word from God, you better make sure it is from God!!! Balaam had motivating factors that I think made him want to go, even though God initially said, "Don't go." There was a monetary pay-off for going. He was being hired by the most prominent man in the area. He was being let in on an issue with the highest level of national security interests. Balaam was predisposed to go and curse Israel because of the benefits he would receive for the job. God needed to get his attention and he did with a talking donkey and an angel in his path!
When you think you may have a word from the Lord to share with a person, you may not be sure enough to share it yet! Before you open your mouth, you need to know what God has given you to say, down to the word. Don't run up to people telling them you have a word from the Lord and then try and figure out what it is. If the Lord has a word for you to share you will not be confused or searching for the words to use. Perhaps you need to slow down, wait on the Lord a bit more and then share a more precise word. Balaam was on a reckless path (22:32) because he was not really prepared to say exactly what God wanted him to say.
Maybe we as Christians living in an age of grace need to remember that God was ready to kill Balaam because he was not paying attention to God closely enough in his prophetic ministry. Perhaps we pray and ask God for an answer that we like, because we really want to do our will not his will. The Lord loves us and wants the best, perfection, for us.
God told Balaam to go with Balak, but sent him with a warning. So, he got the go ahead from God to go, right? Why then does he send an angel that threatens him with his life and accuses him of taking a reckless path, when God said he could go?
Here is what I learned today:
1. When God says, "you may go," it is not a blank check to do what ever you want. There are situations when God will tell you to go a certain direction in life that is unconventional or a bit dangerous. In those cases we need to realize that we need to tread very lightly and carefully. We have to recognize spiritually dangerous situations. Evangelistically dating is one of those situations, witnessing at a bar or pub, doing an outreach at a Mardi Gras festival, or taking a job for a company that is linked to or produces some product that may be on the edge of questionable. God may say go, but he still may have some strict stipulations.
2. When you think you have a word from God, you better make sure it is from God!!! Balaam had motivating factors that I think made him want to go, even though God initially said, "Don't go." There was a monetary pay-off for going. He was being hired by the most prominent man in the area. He was being let in on an issue with the highest level of national security interests. Balaam was predisposed to go and curse Israel because of the benefits he would receive for the job. God needed to get his attention and he did with a talking donkey and an angel in his path!
When you think you may have a word from the Lord to share with a person, you may not be sure enough to share it yet! Before you open your mouth, you need to know what God has given you to say, down to the word. Don't run up to people telling them you have a word from the Lord and then try and figure out what it is. If the Lord has a word for you to share you will not be confused or searching for the words to use. Perhaps you need to slow down, wait on the Lord a bit more and then share a more precise word. Balaam was on a reckless path (22:32) because he was not really prepared to say exactly what God wanted him to say.
Maybe we as Christians living in an age of grace need to remember that God was ready to kill Balaam because he was not paying attention to God closely enough in his prophetic ministry. Perhaps we pray and ask God for an answer that we like, because we really want to do our will not his will. The Lord loves us and wants the best, perfection, for us.
Monday, September 17, 2007
A Good Day
Today has been a very good day. I have had some real God things happen. It always great when you learn that God has been answering a persistent prayer request you have been praying, you just didn't know it! I am very excited. I may tell you more latter, or if you are at church later this week you may just find out!
This Saturday I am doing some teacher and leader training at Steelville A/G. They have a great Pastor who has become very encouraging to me. He has a beautiful testimony of how God brought him back to his home town to pastor a church.
Next week is men's retreat and I am very excited about going this year. We leave on Friday at noon, September 28th. We can still register more men, so invite someone, especially if they are not saved!
This Saturday I am doing some teacher and leader training at Steelville A/G. They have a great Pastor who has become very encouraging to me. He has a beautiful testimony of how God brought him back to his home town to pastor a church.
Next week is men's retreat and I am very excited about going this year. We leave on Friday at noon, September 28th. We can still register more men, so invite someone, especially if they are not saved!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Favorite Movies
Hey gang, I thought I would post a simply useless entry today. It has nothing to do with my request two days ago. I thought it might simply help you to know me better.
So, what are my favorite movies in no particular order?
1. The Fugitive
2. U.S. Marshalls
3. The Princess Bride (One of the few movies I own.)
4. The Bible (I love Gen. 1-11 and this covers that portion of Scripture.)
5. Mcclintock (A John Wayne Movie)
6. The Cowboys (Another John Wayne Movie)
7. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (One of the few movie sets I own.)
8. The Sixth Sense
9. Emma (The only period piece movie I like so far.)
10. Return to Me (The only chick flick to make the list.)
I don't buy movies. Why buy a movie to watch it over and over again? Memorize the really great parts and take the thing back to the rental place!
I don't do rated R movies. People (lots of Christians and pastors) say, I love Braveheart, The Patriot, or Saving Private Ryan. I say, if its not fit for a 17 or 18 year old then why is it fit for me? It also saves me from filling my mind with nudity and violence.
I once read a book with journal entries of WW I veterans that was compiled to be a documentary on the war. My brother had to read it for a college history class. The descriptions were so vivid that it made me in awe of what those men had to endure. I guess that 85 years later we are so illiterate as a nation that we have to watch pictures of violence to get the idea conveyed because Americans can't read, and maybe can't write anymore.
So, what are my favorite movies in no particular order?
1. The Fugitive
2. U.S. Marshalls
3. The Princess Bride (One of the few movies I own.)
4. The Bible (I love Gen. 1-11 and this covers that portion of Scripture.)
5. Mcclintock (A John Wayne Movie)
6. The Cowboys (Another John Wayne Movie)
7. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (One of the few movie sets I own.)
8. The Sixth Sense
9. Emma (The only period piece movie I like so far.)
10. Return to Me (The only chick flick to make the list.)
I don't buy movies. Why buy a movie to watch it over and over again? Memorize the really great parts and take the thing back to the rental place!
I don't do rated R movies. People (lots of Christians and pastors) say, I love Braveheart, The Patriot, or Saving Private Ryan. I say, if its not fit for a 17 or 18 year old then why is it fit for me? It also saves me from filling my mind with nudity and violence.
I once read a book with journal entries of WW I veterans that was compiled to be a documentary on the war. My brother had to read it for a college history class. The descriptions were so vivid that it made me in awe of what those men had to endure. I guess that 85 years later we are so illiterate as a nation that we have to watch pictures of violence to get the idea conveyed because Americans can't read, and maybe can't write anymore.
Building Project Pics
Steph and I finished up some things this morning so that all the rooms will be ready to use tonight. Here are some pictures.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
God @ the Movies
I am working on a possible sermon series, "God @ the Movies." It seems that many people today get their views on God from popular movies and music than from church. I am not only talking about people who do not attend church, but people who do attend church. So, let's look for God in the movies!
Please comment on this entry with your ideas. Let me know about times when you were watching a movie for entertainment and all of a sudden, perhaps not the intent of the movie maker, you found a great God principal or truth.
One of my personal favorites is at the end of a beautiful mind. "You are all my reasons..."
This summer in The Bourn Ultimatum Jason finally remembers that he really did buy into Treadstone when he shot and killed an unknown subject for no apparent reason. The depth of his evil nature, choosing to be a killer, hits him full force. It reminded me of my own recognition of my sin nature and the realization of my own choice to be depraved.
Let me know about your God moments while watching movies. Yours could be from old classic movies or from more modern movies. Either way movies impact our thinking and our view of reality. Movies like Forest Gump (baby boomers), The Breakfast Club (gen X), and The Matrix (gen Y) have planted seeds that are forming the philosophies of generations.
Please comment!
Please comment on this entry with your ideas. Let me know about times when you were watching a movie for entertainment and all of a sudden, perhaps not the intent of the movie maker, you found a great God principal or truth.
One of my personal favorites is at the end of a beautiful mind. "You are all my reasons..."
This summer in The Bourn Ultimatum Jason finally remembers that he really did buy into Treadstone when he shot and killed an unknown subject for no apparent reason. The depth of his evil nature, choosing to be a killer, hits him full force. It reminded me of my own recognition of my sin nature and the realization of my own choice to be depraved.
Let me know about your God moments while watching movies. Yours could be from old classic movies or from more modern movies. Either way movies impact our thinking and our view of reality. Movies like Forest Gump (baby boomers), The Breakfast Club (gen X), and The Matrix (gen Y) have planted seeds that are forming the philosophies of generations.
Please comment!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Reflections on Sunday
Yesterday was a good day. A few people were missing due to sickness and travel. We had some very good experiences in worship yesterday. As we worshiped I prayed earnestly about what the Lord wanted to say to people in that service. It seemed that in the second service the Lord was encouraging some people. Often we get into frustrating situations that seem to drag on forever. We have faith for God to mend things and work on our behalf, but it seems to take so long. While we are waiting we need encouragement.
I received one of the best cards of encouragement yesterday! One of the items mentioned was, "I am also glad that you stuck with your decision on the small group issue. We love our group and are very thankful for the time to spend with them." If you need encouragement from an in-person, living, friend, then you need to be in a Small Group.
Let me just add a few words of inspiration regarding Small Groups.
1. The heath of our Small Groups is the health of our church!
2. If our Small Groups grow then the church grows. If they remain static, the entire whole will remain static.
3. The people in a Small Group this year have developed a greater love for the church because they have had such great fellowship.
4. There are multiple ways to build our Small Groups. Groups may grow bay adding to that group. Or, the group network may grow by adding new groups that meet the needs of a new set of people who have not been in any group so far. If you feel the Lord tugging your heart to lead a group, then I can't wait to talk to you!
Well, that is enough reflecting for now. Have a blessed day.
I received one of the best cards of encouragement yesterday! One of the items mentioned was, "I am also glad that you stuck with your decision on the small group issue. We love our group and are very thankful for the time to spend with them." If you need encouragement from an in-person, living, friend, then you need to be in a Small Group.
Let me just add a few words of inspiration regarding Small Groups.
1. The heath of our Small Groups is the health of our church!
2. If our Small Groups grow then the church grows. If they remain static, the entire whole will remain static.
3. The people in a Small Group this year have developed a greater love for the church because they have had such great fellowship.
4. There are multiple ways to build our Small Groups. Groups may grow bay adding to that group. Or, the group network may grow by adding new groups that meet the needs of a new set of people who have not been in any group so far. If you feel the Lord tugging your heart to lead a group, then I can't wait to talk to you!
Well, that is enough reflecting for now. Have a blessed day.
Back in Blog-Land
Well the last two weeks have been very interesting.
On August 26th we began tearing up the old nurseries in our church to remodel them. There were several problems that needed to be solved in the remodel, including creating more space for tour toddler children's church, Jungle Jam. I probably put in 100 hours that week. We determined that we spent 20 plus man-hours in the crawl space over 4 days of work repairing some problems we had with the plumbing for the nurseries.
Then, last week I only worked two days in the office and took some much needed time off with my family. We went to a tractor and steam engine show with my parents. The kids had a great time and we were able to catch up on much needed sleep. I may post some pictures of the work project and the tractor show when I have more time. I am currently trying to catch up and clear my desk and mail box. The e-mail box is clean! just finished (12:06 .pm.).
On August 26th we began tearing up the old nurseries in our church to remodel them. There were several problems that needed to be solved in the remodel, including creating more space for tour toddler children's church, Jungle Jam. I probably put in 100 hours that week. We determined that we spent 20 plus man-hours in the crawl space over 4 days of work repairing some problems we had with the plumbing for the nurseries.
Then, last week I only worked two days in the office and took some much needed time off with my family. We went to a tractor and steam engine show with my parents. The kids had a great time and we were able to catch up on much needed sleep. I may post some pictures of the work project and the tractor show when I have more time. I am currently trying to catch up and clear my desk and mail box. The e-mail box is clean! just finished (12:06 .pm.).
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