jonathangoss.com

Jesus didn't trust...

2012-02-07T10:59:00.002-06:00

At the very end of John 2 we find these words: "but Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew human nature."

If not careful you can read right over those words. If you do then you are missing the true love of Jesus and the intimacy that Jesus has and desire for each of us.

This passage isn't speaking about a person or just one group of people. Jesus is referring to use all. he knows our human nature...

But!

He loves us anyway!

But!

He died on a cross for us anyway!

But!

He endured it all for us anyway!

Why?

Because we are loved with a love that can only come from Jesus!

This passage has knew insight for me today. The desire seen through these words of the true intimacy that Jesus pursue with you and me.

New Blog address

2012-01-31T17:11:00.002-06:00

www.jonathan-goss.com

As Your Guest...

2012-01-30T17:41:00.003-06:00

If I go as your guest next weekend to worship

would I see life change taking place?

What would I see? What would I experience?

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person by

changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know

God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Romans 12:2

Do You Really Trust God...

2012-01-27T08:44:00.002-06:00

Who do you trust?

What do yo trust?

Why don't you trust?

Why don't you trust God?

Do you trust God?

All God Questions but what's your answer?

I have found that the only way to get over the fear or lack of trust is to Trust!

I know this is a on going struggle and a right foot, left foot sort of thing.

A Journey!

But

Do you really trust God? I mean really?

So when are you going to Trust...

Blind...

2012-01-25T13:29:00.002-06:00

8 yrs ago I would have never captured

this amazing seen painted by God.

But now after being gone for several years

I see these mountains in a different way.

OK go ahead and say it, "Ahhhh" Lol!

This past weekend I had the opportunity

to spend time with a mentor that has been pouring into

me for over 18 yrs. I took the time to share

with him about my blind experience. I mentioned

the fact that I wasn't sure if it was age or being gone.

Over the next few minutes he opened up and poured into

me about how getting older the things that seemed to be important

would change. You start to see and even smell things differently.

Have the things that once were important to you changed?

At the Core...

2012-01-24T10:53:00.002-06:00

Your Core Value?

What Drives You? GO...

2012-01-20T07:51:00.003-06:00

Check this out!

What's the driving force behind why you do what you do?

What's your passion?

I love Jesus... Comment please!

2012-01-17T13:20:00.002-06:00

(Click on picture link for video)

Had chance view this video this past weekend!

Seemed to get a lot of feedback!

So, Comment! Go....

My Girl!

2012-01-13T13:15:00.005-06:00

12 yrs ago today my life forever changed. I never knew I could love something so much until God loaned you to me forever how long He allows me to be your dad.

From the 1st time our eyes met and your little fingers wrapped around mine you've had me. Your brother jokes and says, 'you are dad little girl and get whatever you want' but the truth is that's no joke. It's the truth! :-)

You are growing so fast and can't figure out were the years have gone.

I am so proud of you and love you so very much! I can't imagine life without you! You are and always will be dad little girl!

Happy Birthday my little girl!

I luv u!

Dad.

Forgive! Ouch!

2012-01-12T10:01:00.002-06:00

This past Sunday morning I sat in front of my computer

and typed out these 3 words, I Forgive You!

I looked at these 3 words for moment and then prayed.

Hit send and it was done.

I did this not because I was being eaten up inside or becoming bitter.

In fact nothing like that was going on at all.

I had forgiven along time ago

and moving forward.

So then why? Why? Leading up to Sunday

I had been spending time looking

at life of Joseph and one particular passage

just kept eating at me.

'But don't be upset, and don't be angry with

yourselves for selling me to this place.' Gen. 45:5

There it was - Joseph set them free! He released them!

Not that this was some revelation to scripture

but

I realized even more the depth of the meaning forgiveness!

So what about you?

Anyone you need set free?

Anyone you need to seek forgiveness from that could set you free?

God's Not Blind...

2012-01-11T13:26:00.002-06:00

Did you know God's not blind?

Proverbs 5:21 says, 'For the Lord sees clearly what

a man does, examining every path he takes.'

Wow, not only is God not blind but He tells us

that His vision isn't even fuzzy. 'The Lord sees clearly,'

Not only does He see clearly but He examines.

What would change if this passage was implanted on your mind

to lead you through the day?

Move from here to there... How Big?

2012-01-09T13:35:00.002-06:00

Give the last time you prayed a mountain moving prayer? Have you ever?

Do you even remember the mountain that moved?

Just how big is your faith....?

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,

'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

(Matthew 17:20)

The Forgotten Book! A Must Read!

2012-01-03T16:52:00.002-06:00

Taking in the book of Proverbs through January this question keeps coming up.

Is this the forgotten book?

I mean do we kind of just take it for granted or look over it.

After reading the 1st three chapters

I have come to the realization that so much of the

pain, hurt and just messed up situations

that people are experiencing right now could

either have been prevented

can be worked through

by applying Proverbs to our lives.

So, Let me challenge you! No, let me maybe

introduce you to the Book of Proverbs.

Let God speak!

You listen!

Whatever Your Circumstance...Close2011Must!

2011-12-31T18:14:00.003-06:00

(Click on Link) This is for you! '

This is not the End'

But...

A New Beginning!

God promises it will be Alright!!!!

Some Favorites!

2011-12-27T19:24:00.004-06:00

The Day After...

2011-12-25T21:41:00.002-06:00

What are your plans for December 26?

Share...

A Tree! A Gift! The Greatest...

2011-12-20T20:41:00.003-06:00

Setting in front of my tree in my new home in a new place...

Just got home from eating with some amazing friends

and couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the Love.

God has blessed my family in so many ways this year.

I am amazed by the King of kings.

When's the last time you had your breath taken away by God?

Did you stop and say thank you?

I wish I had more time to...

2011-12-09T11:22:00.003-06:00

I wish I had more time to...

Parenting, Naked, Don't Forget To Laugh...

2011-12-08T11:54:00.003-06:00

Parenting is just hard! And sometimes we as parents are just clueless and suffer from brain freeze as my Meredith (11) would say. (She's joking of course!LOl!).

I recently started laughing out loud as I started think about a time in my childhood. This memory has brought a lot of laughter over the years to my family. Especially to my mom and I.

It was bath night. Now you as parents know how hard bath nights can be at times. Lol! And this night was one of those nights for my mom. She had just got me in the tub when I jumped out and headed down the stairs and out the front door. She chased after me down the steps, out the door and around the house. Now take a moment and let this sink in. Naked boy, being chased by mom, outside around house. This continued for about 5min. Mom says it hit her if I just stop and wait on him he has to come around. Well needless to say I got more than a bath that night! :)

Love you mom!

All this to say, 'Sometimes you just have to stop and laugh as a parent!' It's a marathon not a sprint.

Any brain freezes lately as a parent?

Any clueless moments?

What have you read lately to grow you as a parent?

Family 1st In 17 Yrs...

2011-12-07T12:25:00.003-06:00

Well for the first time in 17 yrs.

we did not decorate the house for Christmas on Thanksgiving.

In fact this is all we have up!

We are getting ready to move next Friday (12/16)

so we decided to wait until we are in our new house

to decorate for Christmas.

The family is so excited to get into our new home

and

put the family Christmas touch on it.

What do you do for Christmas when it comes to decorating?

How long have your decorations been up?

How long do you leave them up?

People Change When They Find Out...

2011-12-06T07:18:00.002-06:00

Last week I was out doing a little Christmas shopping for Susan when it happened.

I walked into this story and somehow got into this conversation with this dude about God and what I do for a living. It was like someone just turned a switch on. I mean this dude totally changed his wording when he found out I was a Christian. He went to the next level when he found out I was a minister. Started speaking like in another language. He was using God bless you like ever other sentence. (Which I have been forever messed up on ever since I saw statistics from insurance companies a few years ago. Insurance companies reported that God Bless you at the end of a message on a answer machine meant usually 99.9% of the time that the claim they were calling on was a false claim. That forever messed me up! LOl! So anytime I hear God bless you I think fake. I know! I know!)

This dude even used 'Go in Peace'

Don't get me wrong! I want people to know I am a Christ-Follower! And I want them to experience life change through Jesus Christ. But, well I think you know what I mean.

I mean the same can be said for us as Christ-follower. We do one thing on Sunday but on Monday we are someone totally different.

Who are you? Do people change for you?

Conversational Piece...

2011-12-01T11:03:00.003-06:00

I love finding things that open

up doors for conversation

with strangers.

Being intentional about community

and relationships were the Gospel can be shared.

This has become my latest conversation piece.

My Hello-Somebody watch! I am constantly

being asked about it. This has been opening up amazing

doors not only about Hello-Somebody but about Jesus.

So, what if anything do you do to be intentional about

relationships?

Relationships that allow you the chance

to share the life transformational relationship you have with Jesus!

Are You In? Halo? Maybe Now?

2011-11-30T07:01:00.003-06:00

Are you In?

It has taken me awhile to buy in

to all the hype.

But after this video (Click on Picture)

And

Seeing this haircut! Lol!

I might just be in now!

Still struggling with the whole Bronco/Florida

thing. LOL!

What If You Only Had One Verse From The Bible...

2011-11-29T07:20:00.002-06:00

What one verse would you want?

Here's mine:

"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." -Colossians 3:10

Now yours? GO...

2011-11-25T13:27:00.003-06:00

Why black friday when you have these 2things?

LOl!

Did you join in black friday?

If so,

What was the best deal you got?

Could you have gotten the same deal online?

Happy Thanksgiving From The Goss Family

2011-11-24T13:37:00.003-06:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year as a family!

One of those many things is all of you!

Thank you for all your prayers

and support, especially this year.

We serve amazing God!

Who has blessed way beyond

what we could have dreamed

or imagined!

Champion!!!!!

2011-11-21T12:25:00.003-06:00

This past weekend was spent

as a family

on the soccer fields.

As a result

one of the 2 kiddos

playing this weekend came out

A Champion!

Family, Refrigerator, Turkey, & Pie...

2011-11-16T14:42:00.004-06:00

This great art work

on our refrigerator

at this moment.

Top - Meredith work

Bottom - Caleb work

What's on your refrigerator at this time?

Every Knee, Every Tongue, & Maybe Even The Crowd Will Cheer...

2011-11-15T07:25:00.003-06:00

Make sure you listen for

the crowd cheering and getting

louder toward the end of the prayer!

Notice the close of the prayer -

In who's name?

JESUS!

Goss Family Big Announcement...

2011-11-14T09:13:00.002-06:00

Family Theme Song...

2011-11-01T10:09:00.002-05:00

This has become our family theme song!

Lol! (Make sure click on pic)

Burnt Offerings, Sacrifices, or Obedience...

2011-11-01T09:12:00.004-05:00

What do you think when you hear the word obedience?

What comes to mind when you think about what it means to obey?

Well check this out!

“What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."

-1 Samuel 15:22

How do you feel now?

You May Need This...

2011-10-28T09:14:00.003-05:00

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ,

no matter how difficult a week you have had,

no matter how dark the streets you have walked,

no matter how tired you are right now.

no matter how many times you've turned away this week,

May you find strength,

and

the answer in these words form Paul,

why?

We should never let anything

keep us from surrendering to

The Lordship of our Father!

'For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' -Paul

Repent if needed!

Flee Temptation!

Stand Firm!

Rise Up!

Fight!

Take Courage!

Fear Not!

For You! For We! A child of the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

Neighbor, Driveby...

2011-10-27T07:33:00.002-05:00

How would you like to be a neighbor?

How do you driveby this and not stop?

Jeep Light, Ipod, Hurt, The Search...

2011-10-24T07:25:00.004-05:00

It's 10pm and I'm pulling the jeep into the yard.

I have the lights wide open.

The whole family in the yard.

Why?

Meredith has lost her Ipod.

For the next hour or at least it seemed.

We search.

The next morning.

Back in the yard again.

We searched her room.

We searched the house.

We searched the yard again for 100x

We searched the bushes.

No ipod.

All this really has me thinking though.

All this for a Ipod. I know the money but for a ipod.

It will soon pass away but life now that is something else.

I will have to say this has really bothered me!

All this work for a stupid ipod.

Then it hit me!

It wasn't about the ipod.

It's about Meredith.

And for a 11yr old girl to lose her ipod.

WoW! Watch out. LOL!

How God's heart must hurt for lost people. (You know 'lost' God's word not mine!)

His desire for lost people to be found.

And He has asked us to join Him in the search.

But, How hard are we really searching?

How hard?

How hard are you searching?

Ezekiel 34:16 says,

'I will search for my lost ones

who strayed away,

and

I will bring them

safely home again.

I will bandage the injured

and

strengthened the weak.'

It's Out & Guess Who's #1 Again...

2011-10-20T11:46:00.002-05:00

Enough Said!!!!! LOL!

Food, Christmas and Watches...

2011-10-12T10:43:00.004-05:00

Check this out...

My family loves watches.

Well the kids and I do.

Here's a cool organization that most of you are probably already aware of ...

but maybe one of you is not.

Need a Watch?

Someone is going hungry...

Still Taken Back...

2011-10-11T11:42:00.003-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Atlanta www.catalystconference.com with some great friends and 13,000 church leaders.

This week as a reflect back I am still taken back by one of the speakers Katie Davis.

Her story of 'Being Present' is just incredible.

The desire to be obedient to God's call and know His purpose!

You can listen to a little of Katie's story by just clicking on the above picture.

Oh to walk in the Will of the Father! Are You?

In or Out! With or With Out You...

2011-10-05T11:26:00.003-05:00

A lot of you remember U2 song, 'With or Without You'. Here's a brief excerpt from Randy Frazee Book 'The Heart of The Story'...

'This U2 song still warns each of us today. In the New Testament part of God's story, God gives us another promise when he declares, 'I will build my church.' He doesn't say, 'I might build my church, or I hope to build my church. He declares a nonnegotiable truth. He will build a church that will demonstrate the good news that everyone in the human family - all races, all colors, all nationalities - is included in the perfect community he is forming. And he will do it with or without you.' - Randy Frazee

I believe this bring up a deep question to ask - You In or Out?

2011-10-04T10:31:00.005-05:00

I heard yesterday that Record sales haven't been this high since 1984.

Just seems impossible based on dominance of downloads today.

Why would anyone use records today? I released while listening to this report that I have never owned or bought a record. 41 yrs. and never owned a record. Lol! I guess it is really true when they say it all just comes back around, but records, really?

Do you still use records? Are you one of the ones driving up record sales this year? If so, Why?

The Heart... Get the book!

2011-09-26T10:20:00.005-05:00

I'm really excited about the book I am reading right now. So much so that I thought I would go ahead and share it with you to day and encourage you to add it to your library. It's By Randy Frazee entitled, 'The Heart of The Story - God's Masterful Design To Restore His People'.

It contains quotes like the one below:

"Authentic love and community require both parties to choose each other," -Randy Frazee

"However, the tabernacle represented much more than just a fancy place to worship. Through its construction, God wasn't just building a sanctuary; he was building a nation. He needed to know if the Israelites would obey him completely, and he needed a place to stay that reflected his power and majesty" - Randy Frazee

I have provided you a link that will take you straight to Amazon:

Sinners...

2011-09-23T10:29:00.003-05:00

Excited to tell you about a one day seminar that will take place tomorrow Saturday Sept 24) on the Campus of Milligan College. 'Eats with Sinners' Check out this link - if you are in the area you don't want to miss this I promise!

David And Ants...

2011-09-21T10:15:00.004-05:00

I mentioned yesterday that my kids love to share sermon illustrations with dad. A few night ago Caleb came over to me and said, 'dad, you remember that boy David that killed Goliath? He was what? 12 at the time when he did that right. He was small but strong because of God right? Well I wonder if that is the reason God gave us ants. You see dad, ants are so small but so strong and determined so maybe God gave us ants to remind us of what he did through David when he killing that giant. He is reminding us that He will give us the strength we need.

Comments Please!

Dumb It Down...

2011-09-20T09:38:00.003-05:00

A common phrase in our house hold especially among our kids. Now some of you are gasping for air at this time because of that statement so breath and then read on! Lol!

It all started with Meredith (11) she was sharing with me what she thought would be a good sermon Ill. (She loves give me ILL.) after sharing she asked if it was dumbed down enough. She went on to ask, 'Why do we make church so confusing and hard for people to understand? You know dad, it's really easy to understand when you think about it!'

I have been chewing on that comment for awhile now needless to say. When did it become confusing? Why do we make it so hard? The easy answer would be to blame it on satan but is it really that easy to explain.

So, How about you? Are you making it to hard? Confusing?

What I'm Learning From My 11 yr Old Girl...

2011-09-14T08:27:00.003-05:00

Each day I'm reminded and hit head on with the reality of how fast our kids grow up. With that being said I sometimes become over whelmed with all the things I feel left to teach my kids. The more I feel the need to teach the more I realize I am actually the one learning.

What I'm learning from my 11 yr old:

1. I am clueless - Lol! I really am!

2. She knows more about relationships and the need to network!

3. Wish I had half her ability on a computer/ipad!

4. She really does want me around and my advise. Just in her way not mine!

5. I am clueless!

6. How to Love Jesus! Really love and not carry what others think!

7. She is a walking reflection of me! What I see in her good or bad is me! Wow!

8. Never realized I could love something as much as I love her! (My Kiddos!)

9. I am clueless! Lol!

10. How much I need our mornings together as I take her to school!

Morning add on: How to tie bow in 11 yr old hair at stop sign before driving onto school campus. LOL!

Do You...

2011-09-13T12:38:00.001-05:00

'radiate God's Love? Have you authorized the Holy Spirit to work through you? The moment you become aware that the Holy Spirit is living in you, and that you are living in His love, you will be surprised by all that happens because you will become a walking revival!' -Mattheus van der Stenn

Revival: restoration to life, consciousness, vigor, strength - An Awakening!

How did you walk today?

Misdirected Courage!!!

2011-09-12T09:20:00.003-05:00

Have you ever thought as a Christ-follower that your courage could be misdirected at times? In Mark 10:13-14 we see a interesting dialogue take place between Jesus and the disciples over children.

13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.

All of a sudden we see the disciples have courage. Jesus was being overwhelmed with parents bring their children to Him. I envision like a mob atmosphere here and I believe the disciple were becoming afraid for Jesus life. I think they actual thought they were doing the right thing. Jesus had been teaching them to have courage and these men started to apply that teaching to their lives. They took action to protect Jesus.

But, it did not take long for the disciples to realize that their courage had been misdirected and they were actual protecting the wrong thing for they quickly experienced Jesus in His anger toward their action.

So often I think we do the same thing as followers of Jesus Christ. We are acting with courage in what we believe is accordance to God desire but really a misdirection problem. Why? Because we are looking at the situation through our lenses and not through the Son of God's lenses. We take up courage an try to protect but so often fail to protect what is so close to the heart of God.

When Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.'" -Matthew 22:36-39

We see here into the heart of God! What is dear to our Heavenly Father. Love Him! Love People! Focus your courage on that! We spend so much energy taking up courage and try to protect what we believe to be the things of God but really 2 thing we should focus our courage on! Love Him! Love People!

Take Courage today - Love God! Love People!

Are you misdirecting your courage? How courageous have you been about your Love for God?How about your Love for people?

So long ago but like yesterday!

2011-09-09T12:48:00.003-05:00

All across the country remembrance will take place for the 10th yr of 911. Just like so many other major events in history the question is asked. Do you remember what you were doing when you first heard?

I was just getting back from praying with a group of students and preparing to head into the office when I cut on the TV for a few moments. What was meant to just last a few minutes turned into hours. Hours edged in my memory forever!

So, do you remember? What, When, Were, How?

Teeth, Deodorant, Not!

2011-09-07T10:20:00.004-05:00

This morning while taking Caleb and Jenna to school I asked him if he brushed his teeth. He answered, 'No'. I then proceeded to ask him if he put on his deodorant. To which he replied, 'No'. He then went on to say, 'That's ok dad it's going to be a great day anyway.' Lol!

Well maybe a little to much TMI today but he does have a point. (Not saying brushing of teeth an deodorant aren't important) LOl! But sometimes we get all messed up over even less than bad breath or body odor! Lol

What's got you all out of sorts today?

Life might really stink right now!

Maybe try applying some of Caleb's advice to life, 'That's OK, it's going be a great day anyway!

Church, Smart phones, Ipad, The Book!

2011-09-06T09:04:00.005-05:00

This past weekend we had the chance to worship at an amazing church surrounded by mountains in Glen Lyn Va. Even before you enter the church for worship the beauty around outside will burden your heart for the things of God. If you are visiting or live in the Glen Lyn Va. area then you need to check out Glen Lyn Church of Christ! Amazing worship, preaching, youth - This weekend especially I believe maybe more than any other church showed the beauty of grace, mercy and healing through their services.

Ok so here's my question for you on this Monday:

This past weekend what did you take with you to worship?

Your smart phone or ipad or The Book (Bible)? Maybe you used all 3 in worship?

I used my smart phone for the text and my ipad for notes (connection problems with the pad)!

Opinions on this?

Kids, God's Word, And Proverbs

2011-08-31T12:54:00.002-05:00

What are you using to get your kids into God's word! How are you doing at using your time wisely to accomplish this task?

A Trip! A Plane! An a Sunrise...

2011-08-30T09:57:00.002-05:00

Love to hear form you about a defining moment in your life with God? What impact has it had on the people around you?

Goss Family Update!

2011-08-29T08:14:00.002-05:00

Below you will find the info mentioned in the video:

August 23, 2011

After meeting with the WRCC Eldership on Monday, and at their request, it is with a heavy heart that I am resigning as your minister. I strongly feel that WRCC has a lot of potential to reach the lost. Our greater Greenville community needs us. So with that, I encourage you to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with our community intentionally! Unfortunately, your leadership and I do not share the same vision to accomplish this mission. Therefore, at the request of the elders, my resignation is effective today.

For God’s glory, be bold and never compromise the Truth of God’s Word!

Jonathan Goss

Shorts, Shirt, Awkward!

2011-08-22T11:12:00.003-05:00

Last week Meredith started middle school. Along with everything else she had to have one of the items was the dreaded PE uniform. lol! As I was helping Meredith get hers I couldn't help but think back to my PE days. LOlLOl! Yes I started laughing out loud as I paid for them. And yes Meredith was embarrassed. lol! Problem with the stories I remember - I can't or shouldn't post on my blog. LOL

Do you remember your PE uniform? Remember your PE days?

That Felt Good! Exciting times!

2011-08-18T08:08:00.002-05:00

I love discipleship but nothing compares to disciplining your own children!

Make sure you check out this resource. Great children ministry tool as well as for parents.

www.thebaptismbook.com

Kindergarten, 3rd grade and 6th Grade! WoW

2011-08-17T08:32:00.005-05:00

Well here we go! Another year of school has started and the house is finally empty. I can't believe how fast time has gone - today more than ever makes me see the need to even be more intentional with my kiddos!

This morning was a time of reflecting back to the start of school for me. I remember just moving to Eden NC. and starting 4th grade at Central elem. I had Turner for a teacher. I lost a bet with her and had tell the other 4th grade classes the Steelers were the best. I was a cowboy fan at the time. (Wow that hurt!) I remember the next yr driving across town to the middle school and thinking this school looks so old. I could go on but tell me:

What do you remember about you first day of school?

Family Vision!

2011-08-16T11:06:00.002-05:00

Evangelism, Lost, Scarecrow, Lion And A Tin Man!

2011-08-15T07:14:00.004-05:00

When Caleb was around 4 years old we couldn't get him away from watching "The Wizard of Oz". He loved the move and wanted to watch it over and over again. So needless to say I have seen the movie a lot.

In the Book 'Enjoying His People' Gary Johnson compares the scarecrow, lion and tin man to the reason why we don't share the gospel today. Thought I would share:

'Three reasons why we don't share our faith our faith with the lost. Like the scarecrow, we think we do not know enough. Like the lion, we fear rejection or failure, and so we lack courage. Like the tin man, we do not have a heart for the lost - we simply do not care about them.'

Puts a whole slant on 'The Wizard of Oz'! Just like something final had to give away for each of these characters and change had to take place so I believe the same is true for us when it comes to sharing our faith.

The scarecrow, lion and tin man knew they had a weakness and they admitted it and attacked it so in the end to change to place. So must be for us. Something has to change!

We need to ask hard question like - Are we reaching out to the lost? Are we being intentional about developing relationships with lost people? When was the last time you shared your faith an led someone to Christ? When was the last time you baptized someone? Would you even know how to lead someone to Christ?

Tough questions but are questions that have to be asked so change can take place. So we move to care about lost people the way God cares about lost people.

Angel! Sweat! Strengthen...

2011-08-11T10:09:00.003-05:00

As I prepare to leave in a few hours bond for Peterstown Wva. for Susan's grandmother funeral my mind keeps going back to Luke 22.43.

Jesus has gone out to pray for He knows the time is getting near when he will be betrayed and lead off to be crucified. I can't even imagine the intensity that must have been in Jesus prayer. The Spiritual battle that's taking place even now as Jesus prays to His Father. And right there in all that stuff these words just jump off the page but at the same time I winder how many of us have actual just read over them and missed this so powerful text.

In Vs. 43 it say, 'Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.'

Did you catch that? Wow! In a time of such distress and God sent a angel.

No matter what you may be going through today or will go through I think these powerful words we need to edge in our minds. God our Father in our times of need can and will send down an angel to strengthen us.

1Yr. 3 Yr. Bible! Any!

2011-08-11T09:25:00.002-05:00

Do you use a bible reading plan? If so, What are you using or have used?

A Tool For Parents...

2011-08-10T09:03:00.002-05:00

What other tools have you found helpful in the discipleship process for parenting?

Thanks, Shoes, Park!

2011-08-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

Piggyback Monday...Comic Relief!

2011-08-08T06:47:00.001-05:00

Things may not always be as they seem. Lol!

Salvation, Plunge, Disciple!

2011-08-04T07:31:00.003-05:00

www.thebaptismbook.com

What resources have you found helpful for Discipleship, Salvation for kids and students?

Brother VS. Sister!

2011-08-03T07:17:00.003-05:00

This summer has provided us a lot of opportunities to spend time together as a family. One of those opportunities provided a chance for Meredith and Caleb to duke it out. Lol! They both enjoyed this opportunity! I think maybe to much now that I have time to look back on it. lol

All throughout the summer it seems like I have been lead back to this one common theme. Unity!

Jesus prayed in John 17:23, 'I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.'

This thing of Unity is a big deal!! So big that Jesus stress that the world will know you sent me through the unity of believers.

In Acts 2 we see, 'All believers were together and had everything in common.' and in Acts 4 we read, 'All the believers were one in heart and mind.' We see Paul address this in Colossians 2:2, 'My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love.

Unity, United such powerful words!

So how do you think the church is doing on this one? How are you contributing to the unity of the church?

Go Home Before...

2011-08-02T07:04:00.003-05:00

If you take some time to read through Deuteronomy you will eventually run across Deuteronomy 20:8 which says, Then the officer will also say, 'Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.' You find this passage tucked in with other passages concerning regulations about war.

It's also interesting that earlier on in the passage we see this statement, 'Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today!' So God seems to be making a big thing out of this idea of fear and trust in Him! He seems to be saying if your going to battle for me then don't be afraid! What has really drawn me to this passage is the part though that God seems to be saying don't be afraid but if you are then go home, before it spreads. In other words I don't want your fear around the rest. Although I think we all know how fear can spread I don't think we take it as important as God.

So let's now go back to this idea of standing firm against satan that I blogged about last week. God has not only called us out to stand firm against the devil but not to fear the devil when we stand. But this leads us back to that idea of going home so it doesn't spread. Could it be that fear is leading people away from standing firm! This would lead us to believe that through this passage that fear is contagious and it is to be rooted out!

That sounds easier said then done - satan and not to fear right! Well that's what God says, but why? Because God says in Deuteronomy 20:4, 'The Lord your God is going with you! I will fight for you against your enemies and I will give you victory?' We can stand firm without fear because God is doing the fighting and because satan has already lost.

Are You afraid? Did you ever thinking your own fear could be leading others to fear?

ROOT OUT FEAR TODAY!

Monday Morning Comic Relief...

2011-08-01T06:55:00.002-05:00

Posted this picture Friday on Twitter but though I would share it again today with a little background behind the picture. Every time Jenna goes swimming she has to go to the bathroom. Friday was no different. Jenna kept coming to us while at the beach needing to go to the bathroom so Susan just told her to go in the ocean. lol!

Later on in the day I found several setting with Jenna in the ocean, couldn't resist the thought! lol

My mind admittedly flashed back to a trip with my parents. I was around 9 (Caleb age) when mom had to go bathroom really bad. We were out on the Blue Ridge Parkway were restrooms can be hard to find at times. Dad just pulled over and mom went to bathroom beside the car. Lol! It was dark out at least until a car drove by and their headlights - well you know! lol!

Ok so here we go - name the weirdest place you have gone?

Thank YOu Mom!

2011-07-29T04:31:00.002-05:00

We live in a culture today were it seems like everyone thanks there mom. A athlete does something and they give a shout out to mom. A actor wins award and thanks mom. A musician wins award and they thank mom! I love you mom and so on. Now don't get me wrong - I love my mom dearly and so thankful for to God for putting in my life a woman of Godly influence! But! Why don't we hear thank you to dad? Now we may hear one snuck in form time to time but really were is dad?

I believe all this stems from the incredible vacuum we have in our culture today with dad missing in action. This is especially true in culture when it comes to our sons (young men). Don't agree with that statement then go out and try and find discipleship for a dad and son! They are almost none existent and the ones you do find or at least most are not even culturally relevant today.You see discipleship material for moms and daughter and even moms and son but dad is missing even in the discipleship material.

The alarm has been sounding now for awhile but when are we as a church community going start to answer the call? I think we react to this alarm the same way we react when we hear a fire alarm go off in a public place. Oh that's just test. A nagging sound but no real meaning!

I am convinced that one ways we can turn our culture toward Christ is through our dad's! Disciplining our dad's and then those dad's disciplining dad's. What a Influence DAD can have on the culture!

As you read this I am spending the day with my kids at the beach. And there is no other place I would rather be. You see it took me a long time to wake up but I did wake up and the fact is if I'm not disciplining my children then how in the world can I disciple God's children. This passion has moved me to work in my own personal life developing relationships with dad's were I can learn form them and maybe I can bring something myself to the relationship (Discipleship).

I don't know about you but when my children receive that award I want to here them say, 'I just want to thank my Dad and Mom!' Or 'I am a Christ-follower because of the influence of my dad!'

What influence are you having as a dad? What influence are you having on other dad's? Do you have a dad mentor?

If I Wasn't A Preacher...

2011-07-28T06:20:00.007-05:00

I have always been fascinated with extreme sports! I guess that's why I am drawn to the Xgames. Tonight the kiddos and I will be drawn to the TV to watch Xgames 2011! It has become a tradition in the family! The kids and I go back and forth with each other - 'Would you do that?' They always ask me, 'Dad, if you weren't a preacher would you do that for a living!' Lol!

Which extreme sport if any would or have you tried?

Flee or Stand... Firm, Temptation, Satan

2011-07-27T06:57:00.003-05:00

Recently while recently listening to Chuck Booher in this message:

He makes a statement that has been ringing in my ear loud in clear. 'Jesus called us to flee temptation but to stand firm against temptation and so often we have that backwards.' I think that one statement speaks so loud to so many of us today and I no for myself I have been guilt! So often we try to fight off temptation we even put in spiritual disciplines into our life to make us stronger against temptation. But Jesus never called us to fight temptation. Over and over again we see the idea of fleeing from the temptation but standing against the devil and he will flee.

God's word tell us that even the demons shutter at the name of Jesus! Satan is scared to death of God and we have to realize that God has already won so we don't stand firm in our might but we stand firm in God the winner.

Look what it says here in Eph. 6:10-11, 'A final word: be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil.'

When tempted run like never before and never look back but stand firm against satan.

Are you running or standing today? Are you running at the wrong times and standing against the wrong things?

Sand vs. Water And The Church!

2011-07-26T06:21:00.006-05:00

Let me start by saying, I love the Church! I love the thought of the community (church) sharing life together in meaningful ways. Key there Meaningful. I mean going past the small chatter that takes place on Sunday morning and moving our relationship were we are sharing our lives as a community of believers.

Joe Ellis describe it this way: 'Pour grains of sand into a bowl and they touch one another, yet remain apart. This is a description of human community. Pour drops of water into a bowl and they flow together, each partaking of characteristics of every other drop until they are one. This is koinonia.'

As the Church I believe God is calling us out to develop relationship that like Joe Ellis describes - drops of water. We flow together through love, accountability, a common desire to grow as a authentic community of believers. Deep trust and friendships are nurtured, flowing in one direction drawn to Jesus Christ.

What are you doing to develop meaningful, life transformations relationship in the Church? Are you intentional about putting substance into your relationships when it comes to the community believers?

Monday Comic relief!

2011-07-25T06:54:00.003-05:00

How are you staying cool this summer?

Family Tradition!

2011-07-22T06:55:00.004-05:00

I heard once that it was never to late to start a family tradition. So, that's what we did last year with my mom and dad. We met @dollywood @pigeonforge. Tomorrow we are meeting them again but this time my sister and her family are joining us. Pumped out of my mind to spend a with my family like this!

What tradition have you started recently? or maybe been doing for years?

Agony of Defeat ... But Did You Know?

2011-07-21T06:14:00.003-05:00

Recently, I ran across the story behind the downhill skier seen in the opening segment of the old show The Wide World of Sports. The show would always begin with the slogan 'the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.' http://youtu.be/P2AZH4FeGsc The familiar image of the Downhill skier shown at the beginning would actual represent the part of the slogan 'the agony of defeat'.

As the skier began his descent, all appeared well. Then for no apparent reason, the skier wipes out. You see the skier go off the side of the ski run. What they don't tell you in the clip is the skier chose to change the direction. He actual chose the fall. It seems the surface of the ski run had become too ice, and he knew that if he didn't choose to fall, he would end up way past the safe landing area. His life would be endangered as well as those watching live.

Changes sometimes need to take place in our lives. Making these changes can be painful, but if the change is not made it could mean spiritual or even physical death.

We can experience in our walk with Christ the 'thrill of Victory' or 'agony of defeat'.

What change do you need to make? Have you made a action plan to see the change is carried out?

I See God Like This...

2011-07-20T06:54:00.005-05:00

What is your Vision of God? Sounds like a easy question but before you answer my advise - give it some thought!

So often people ask, 'What is God's vision for my life?' or 'How do I know God's vision for my life?'

Could it be that the answer to these questions and so many more might actual lie in the answer to this one

question.

So, What is your Vision of God?

Ready or Not Here We Come...

2011-07-19T06:59:00.002-05:00

My kids love to play hide and go seek! They will play it for hours and sometimes it takes them forever to find someone. Lol!

Yesterday while traveling back for Atlanta I saw a billboard which read - "See you in church - God" we all know and have seen these signs. The strange thing about this one was that no one had bothered to cut the tree limbs down in front of the billboard so you could hardly see what it was saying.

Kind of like the Church sometimes. We will say ready or not here we come but then fail to go look for them. We wait for them to come to us like they are hiding anyway. Sometimes my kids will do that as a joke when playing hide and go seek. They will send people to hide and then go off and not look for them.

The Church (us) called to go not wait and when we wait the gospel fails to be seen through the tree limbs of culture.

When you get up in the morning do you think through a plan for the day to be intentional about sharing the gospel? Do you strategically put yourself throughout the day in places that give you the opportunity to rub shoulders with lost people?

Wake Up! Do You Remember?

2011-07-18T06:55:00.003-05:00

Most of you are probably aware of the last shuttle mission that launched last week and during that mission on day 5 in the morning the crew was awaken by Matthew West "More". www.nasa.gov…

This morning on the alarm for me: "I Will Always Love You"

What song woke you up this morning?

Should The Church...

2011-07-15T06:33:00.001-05:00

Let's just toss it out there - Should the Church take time to Heal? I have been working through this question for quite awhile now.

In my own personal study the Church we see in God's word. We see no picture of the Church taking time to walk through a season of healing. Although it's not a image given of the Church all to often I hear from a Church leader, 'Well we are in a season of healing.' Healing from what? I realize and have even heard the terrible stories that have taken place in the Church or to the Church but Healing I still struggle with.

So here's my struggle with the heal idea for the Church. We have no record in History of someone who was crucified and then taken down from their cross alive. We see through history that crucifixion was always permanent.

So if the Church is made up of Christ-Followers. And we as Christ-followers are called to take up our Cross!

Luke 9:23-24 says, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his daily cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for me will save it.'

Luke 9:62 says, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'

We see no turning back! You see here's my problem with the whole healing idea - If the early church in Acts is the image God has given us for His church and we never see the church healing then why do we think it is ok! Why do we think it is ok as minister's to be labeled as the minister that helped us heal! Or they are perfect for us right now as we go through this time of healing! I mean the early church was persecuted beyond anything we have ever endured at least here in USA! ( By the way i have never heard mention of the church in India healing. The church in Japan! The church in Haiti!

In fact in studying the early church we see the more struggle the more it advanced and God blessed and it grew! You never see the church in acts retreating, healing or stagnate but a living organism advancing and moving forward! We see the church on Mission - Matthew 2819-20, 'Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'

Thoughts Please...

Cry! Do Something!

2011-07-14T08:08:00.002-05:00

When will it stop? When will we get series? Monday I heard it again - I heard that another church was closing it's doors. This seems to be a common theme. Every week I am hearing about a church struggling or closing. I know the argument that we are in a spiritual battle. I know that satan is the enemy but are we using that as a crutch. Are we using that as a feel good so as to keep from looking at our own fault in all this. As I heard Monday about another church closing my mind went to this video put out by Darrin Patrick awhile back http://youtu.be/XnN2PrIQijw.

Yesterday, I was reminded of another statistic. George Barna's reported that in today's typical congregation, approximately 44% of all adult American who participate in church life are unconverted.

In other words these are the people in church who would consider themselves as active participants in church activities and the ministries of the church. While they may consider themselves as active the truth is they have never allowed themselves to experience a life changing, transformational experience in the presence of the God.

I know, I know this is not a new problem but just because it is a old problem doesn't mean we should expect it or be complacent to it.

Yesterday I touched briefly on desire as being one of the gages in determining God's calling on your life to be a leader in God's church and I for sure don't have the answers but let me Just ask:

When is the last time you couldn't sleep because you hurt for the church? I mean you literally got sick to your stomach because you saw the state of the church and you new more could and should be done? Do you fall into the group of 44% who have yet to experience life change through Jesus Christ? Are you trying to lead God's church while living in the 44%?

I Think I Can! I Think I Can! I Am!

2011-07-13T08:03:00.002-05:00

A common question I have been asked over the past few months - How do I know if I am called to lead in God's Church? Here's a few helps I have found in working through this question.

1- Potential: Has anyone ever mentioned to you that they see leadership potential in you. Has it been brought up just once or has it been an ongoing theme in conversations with other leaders or mentors. God may be putting these people in our lives to stir us onto leadership.

2 - Desire: Something burning from deep inside. You find yourself laying awake at night thinking about what can be down through God's church. You have a burden for the need and you can't hold back any longer.

3 - Skill: As we say on the BB court - You have skill. You actual have the skill to be a leader in God's church. You have the skill to communicate the gospel clearly. You have the skill to show compassion and mercy while also holding to the truths of scripture. As you look back on life experience you can see how God has been shaping your skill level to such a time as this.

4 - Character: (Let me say, I believe this to be the most important!) You may have the other three but not living a life style that reflects Jesus Christ in your life. I think one of the best indicators to recognize this lifestyle and question to ask. Am I barring fruit?

Galatians 4:22-23 says, 'But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.'

Galatians 4:24-26 goes on to say, 'Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.'

Do you feel called to lead in God's church?

I Need Your Help! One Word Faith!

2011-07-12T08:18:00.003-05:00

What word would you use to describe faith? You can't use faith! lol!

Overwhelmed- Life or Death?

2011-07-11T10:56:00.002-05:00

Last week I spent the week with Meredith and Caleb in Cincinnati attending the @gotonacc. Awesome week of worship, speakers and conversation. The week also offered up some great teaching moments with my kiddos.

One of those moments centered around the homeless. It was the first time Meredith and Caleb had been around so many in need or at least the 1st time they were in tune with it. ( Blog for another time) - Meredith seemed to be overwhelmed with the need and fear started to set in. At night especially walking or driving through the city she seemed to become overwhelmed with fear. This all came to ahead and opened up some great conversation between Meredith and me.

Preaching on the Life of Daniel and some of His friends and the whole obedience thing has really lead me lately to think about this life or death thing and the call from God for us to be all in. Meredith through the week was able to face her fear head on and although she is only 11 she had the chance to witness the love of His servants as they ministered to the homeless.

In Hebrews 11:35b-40, 'But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.'

Have you Thought about the life or death thing? Every felt so overcome by fear being in the place God has called you?

Write this down... A Must!

2011-06-29T08:35:00.003-05:00

It's always the leader - Ken Blanchard http://youtu.be/dS0cpKj1bLY

Why I Love!

2011-06-28T09:17:00.002-05:00

This is why I love being a Dad! Well alot of reason's why I love being a dad but this one - Well you know if you area parent. Caleb brought this to me this past weekend. A little late for Father's day. Lol< blown away by how much Caleb knows about me. Scary!

What have your children done for you lately that just - well you know?

Yes! Make Time!

2011-06-24T16:56:00.006-05:00

Dad's whens the last time you planned a whole day with your Kid(s) without a reminder from mom? Whens the last time you planned a whole day without mom help? When last time you spent a whole day with your kid(s)? I had the amazing opportunity to spend the whole day with my kiddos. A few years back I made the decision that I was no longer going to allow anything to come between spending time with my kids. I even went a step further and started carving out strategic times to spend with each one on one dates and group dates. Today was one of those group days. Planned out and spent the whole day with my kiddos. Today consisted of Dunkin donuts, Movie- Cars2, McDonald's and Playground = Priceless! Now I am so ready to preach this weekend!

Hey Preacher - if your going to love God's children then you better be loving your children first like God! (If your going to love the church like Christ loves the church then you better be loving your Bride like Christ loves His!) Had add that!

Hey dad's stop what you're doing now and spend sometime with your kid(s).

2011-06-23T10:02:00.002-05:00

In Numbers we see a time Balak tried to get Balaam over and over again to curse Israel. Finally we in vs. 24 we see all this come to head. The more I reflect on this story the more pumped I get. Balaam finally realizes the determination and resolve of God to bless Israel. We see Balaam in this passage actually ask for the blessing of God to fall upon Israel and to curse everyone else who curses God. When King Balak hears this blessing from Balaam and the curse he flies into a rage. He sends Balaam away shouting in anger and says, 'I promised you richly, but the Lord has kept you form your reward.'

This next part is were I want to just stand up and say you rock Balaam! "Balaam say, Don't you remember what I told your messengers? I said, Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.' I told you that I could say only what the Lord says! Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future."

Keep your your money - and as a matter of fact let me tell you what God is going to do to you!

We are powerless! We are called to say what only the Lord says!

Do we dare have the boldness of Balaam?

Vision from Heaven! Not!

2011-06-22T08:28:00.002-05:00

One of the walls in my office looks like this today. Doing some fall planning along with taking a look at 2012. In the back of my mind the past few weeks as been those words 'without vision they will perish.' Vision? Any Vision? I'm sure we all have our opinions and ideas about vision and casting vision but this hasn't been on my mind because of vision.

In Acts 26:19 we read, 'I obeyed that vision from heaven.' Although Paul is speaking of a literal vision - an encounter with Jesus should not our reaction be the same! Wait maybe Paul is onto something here! Before we start to seek, or cast vision maybe just maybe we should experience an encounter with Jesus first. A encounter with Jesus so I may say, 'I obeyed that vision form heaven.'

Last time you encountered Jesus before you started working or casting vision?

What's Up!

2011-06-21T08:25:00.002-05:00

What's up @woodruffroadcc this summer - 6wks of summer camp on WRCC Campus!

What going on in your world this summer?

As Zealous! What would that look like?

2011-06-20T08:17:00.002-05:00

In Numbers 25 we see the people of Israel have done it again. They have succeeded in making God angry. They turned their worship from God to other gods. They defiled themselves in sexual behavior with woman God had forbidden them to be with. God burned with anger and commanded Moses to issue the following command, 'Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the Lord in broad daylight.' As Moses was giving God's command we see a man take a Midianite woman into his tent right before the eyes of Moses and everyone else. We see people all around weeping because of God's anger and command and this guy just keeps sinning! WOW!

I love what we see next! Not sure if Moses was just in shock or what but we see no reaction form Moses. We actually see Phinehas son of Eleazar who reacts. This dude jumps up and goes after this guy in his tent. Phinehas thrust this spear all the way through this man's body and into the woman's stomach. Ouch!

Scripture reads that the plague against the Israelites was stopped because of this act. God says, that because of Phinehas action His anger has turned away form the Israelites. Why? Well it says, 'By being as zealous among them as I was.' Num. 25:11, What if God could say that about you - 'as zealous...'

What would that look like? What do you have to do right now for God to say, 'As Zealous...'

Window Open or Closed?

2011-06-10T07:15:00.002-05:00

When you pray do you pray with the window open or closed. If you look into the life of Daniel we see this man of amazing faith and at the center of his life - PRAYER! He had this habit each day of praying in front of a open window. When we read Daniel 6:6-15 we see that the king makes this crazy law that he is the only one people can pray to. Daniel had to make a decision to follow a man made law or keeping praying to God. He chose to keep praying.

It's interesting to see that not only does Daniel continue on in his prayer life but he continues to do it in front of the open window. This is without a doubt my favorite time in the life of Daniel. Why? Because, not only did he continue on with his prayer life he refused to do it in hiding. Prayer was a way of life for Daniel and he wasn't going to let anything come between him and communicating with God. It was obvious to everyone that knew Daniel that he was a man of Prayer.

How important is your prayer life to you? Do those around you know that you are a man/woman of prayer? Window open or closed?

Want To Make God Famous?

2011-06-09T09:49:00.001-05:00

I ran across this little verse the other day in Psalm 118:23 'This is the Lords doing, and it is wonderful to see.'

What is God doing in your life right now that you know is His doing? No other way but God?

Compromise! Yes or No!

2011-06-07T09:25:00.004-05:00

If you haven't already your probably going to face a time when someone in authority over you wants you to compromise your convictions concerning your belief system and relationship with God. It might come from a boss who insists you to lie about something. Could be a professor who insist you give a certain answer. Whatever it may be or may come from it will come and when faced with a demand to compromise, you'll probably answer in one of two ways: You'll cave in and do what your told out of fear, or you'll get angry and rebel.

Over the next several weeks were gong to look at a man who did neither. Although I'm sure he felt Surrounded just like we do at times and no way out he continued to show respect to those lording over him, but he also refused to compromise. Daniel took a stand on his faith.

When was the last time you had to take unpopular stand for something you new was right? How did you respond? How did it work out?

Holy,Holy, Is The Lord God Almighty!

2011-06-06T13:44:00.003-05:00

Wish I could say, 'Yep I got it all together, I have this dad thing dad pat.' Truth is I spend most of my time looking at how bad I am blow it. Looking for a glimpse of hope to hold onto.

Yesterday I caught a glimpse of that hope - while going to get lunch Meredith (11), Caleb (8), and Jenna (5) started singing Holy, Holy, Holy I the Lord God Almight! It's in those times I think Ok it's going to be ok!

What do you hold onto?

Kids Ask The ?

2011-06-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

So here's the question Meredith asked me today out of the blue - "Dad, why would people who have been married for 8-12 yrs and said they love each other all of sudden say they want to divorce? Dad why would you do that? That seems just stupid? Out of the mouth of a young lady!

Ok Go? Answer?

Taking The Plunge! Share!

2011-06-03T09:14:00.003-05:00

I personal believe ever children/kids ministry needs this! Seen a lot of Kids stuff on baptism down through the years but without a doubt this Rocks. You can offer a "what we believe" class for kids with the "Taking the Plunge!" and even follow that up with the next book "I took the plunge now what?" If you haven't checked this out - you need too!

www.thebaptismbook.com

Hanging at church...

2011-06-02T11:52:00.002-05:00

View from my desk today. Kids first day out of school brings back so many memories. My kiddos are hanging with dad today at church. I've spent hours hanging with my dad at church. Church has been my play house all my life and I can't imagine it any other way.

In fact, Confession time - I would leave a window at church unlocked so I could get in at anytime. Just in case a group of us wanted play capture the flag.

I value the fact my parents taught me that church wasn't just apart of my life but is my life.

So, is church just something you do or apart of who you are?

Remember and Obey...

2011-05-24T08:49:00.002-05:00

Don't know about you but in my own life I live off of reminders. In fact this morning I had a text from Susan reminding me of something.

In my devotional time this morning I ran across this passage in Numbers 15:37-41, 'Then the Lord said to Moses, Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt that I might be your God. I am the Lord your God."

All throughout the history of Israel we see God giving them reminders. But what really caught my eye, 'You will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desire and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do.'

Wow, talk about in your face! I don't want to be prone to do anything but to grow in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 'as you (I) are prone to do.'

Just a reflection back on the amazing time God gave the Church to remember how much He wants this relationship with us this past weekend. And how He fills our cup to overflowing when we are reminder through communion of His unfailing love. So thankful that we have more than a tassel to remind us. Wow! We have His son!

Let's be reminded of that today before your prone to do!

Her Day!

2011-05-23T08:55:00.003-05:00

It's been said that your birthday is the day when everyone celebrates you being born. So today we celebrate and thank God for giving Jenna to us!

She has asked for her birthday to get her other ear pierced (She has only on eof her ears pierced). For most of you that means nothing - for some you know what that means. lol! We'll see tonight if she'll go through with it! lol

Under or Over...

2011-05-20T09:48:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was Jenna field day at school - here's a few picture of the under-over relay. So funny to watch as they tried to remember if it was their turn to go over or under. I wonder how we as adults would do at this game. Could we remember what's next under or over! Lol!

Would You? Must Watch!

2011-05-18T14:48:00.002-05:00

How long would you wait in line for a burger? Would you wait in line for a In-N-Out burger?

Ate at one over a year ago in Cali - good burger but don't think I would wait in line for this one.