2011- Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2011! Man, it sure seemed to come quickly! Were you ready for it? What kind of plans are you making? What personal changes are you resolving? How do you feel about your life in light of this New Year?

At our house as a part of our Christmas tradition, we watch ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’ Both Debi and I tear up at the all important messages of the movie. It helps us to remember that in spite of disappointments, heartaches, and the fatigue of the past year, we are still important to many people. Sometimes the thought that we are important to others escapes us and we feel less than important in this life.

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” Clarence Oddbody

"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence." Clarence Oddbody

These quotes from the movie challenge Debi and me and should you too. You see what Angel Clarence Oddbody knew from a heavenly perspective is that each of our lives are significant! God created you, knew you in your mother’s womb, and planned your life to have significant impact on others. We are here by design not accident and have an important role to play in the lives of others that only we can accomplish!

You have to remember that our lives will impact millions/billions of people and future generations to come! That decision you make today will not only impact you and those around you now but many in the future to come.

As we enter 2011, let us live significantly not selfishly bearing in mind that our lives immensely affect the lives of others!

Church Attendance Optional!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.

Hebrews 10:25

Now days, church attendance is becoming optional. You can have a 'streaming' experience online, watch religious TV programs, and chat online with believers all the while not having to leave the comfort of your home.

So much for 'assembling together!' We are promoting more and more isolation.

What keeps you from coming to church on Sunday. There are many excuses and I have heard too many of them. Some are legitimate and some just outright frustrate me.

For instance, have you ever let discouragement keep you from attending church? Don't let discouragement keep you away from your spiritual family! You need their love and support, to hear them say, "We made it, and by God's grace you can too!"

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." This word "forsaking" is taken from three Greek words which could be translated "out," "down," and "behind." They describe someone who feels left out, spiritually and emotionally down, and far behind everyone else. The moment you feel like that Satan whispers, "Just stay home from church today, you don't need to go down there with all those good people."

If Satan can isolate you from other believers at the very time when you need them most, he can rob you of God's blessing! Sure you can stay home, read your Bible, turn on Christian radio and television, but surrounded by your spiritual family you'll get answers, experience joy, and receive encouragement you can't find anywhere else.

On any given Sunday, Church is the last place the devil wants you to go especially when you're feeling low. He knows if you go, you'll be touched by the presence of the Lord and be able to crawl out of the hole he's put you in.

Debi and I often say that attending church on Sunday is like having Thanksgiving and Christmas meals together. It's a special time.

Let’s not allow any excuse to keep us from the joining with our family on Sundays.

Confidence in 2011

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends. Debi and I did! This year we celebrated with Debi’s family as our sons and wives were not able to be with us. We all are truly blessed by good families and great friends.

This week will lead us up to New Years. I know many of you will have plans and some will be making New Resolutions. Many embrace a New Year as a year of fresh and new beginnings. We all have had victories and maybe some defeats in 2010. But the good news is this year is over and the new before us!

George Fredrick Handel was a harpsichordist. He was on the verge of bankruptcy and had suffered a stroke on his left side, and temporarily lost the use of four fingers on his right hand. To him life had become one big rut, and he didn't know how to break out of it.

A friend gave him an idea for a dramatic musical. In just 25 days, George Fredrick Handel, the man who'd decided that his life was over, created the 260-page masterpiece known to us as Handel's Messiah! I imagine your heard it over the past two weeks! There have been YouTube videos of groups singing it in malls and food courts!

Are you overwhelmed by some things that happened in 2010? Are you losing heart and fearful of the future? In a rut? God knows the way out. Talk to Him!

Getting out could begin with a decision to
(1) forget your past,
(2) confront your fears, and
(3) seize your God-given opportunities.

Do that, and your best days are ahead!

Let’s embrace 2011 together with faith in God!

Merry Christmas to all-

A Pastor's note to Vine Fellowship last week-

Dear Saints,
What a great weekend last week with the Christmas Store Outreach and then the service on Sunday. There was a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. How pleasant and good it is when church members dwell in unity together. We are a church at peace with God and one another.

The theme of peace runs all through the Christmas story. Peace on earth and good will to all men. Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. To know Christ is to know peace with God and it enables one to be at peace with others.

For 20 years I have conducted a Christmas Eve communion service. It is not a service but an intimate time when you can come with your family, receive communion, and then I personally pray over each family while they are kneeling at the altar. We will do it again this Christmas Eve from 6pm to 7pm. It is a drop in time and you are free to leave after being served communion. I trust you will be able to join with us.

Debi and I wish you and your family a Christmas of peace and joy. Debi and I love you and enjoy serving you here.

Merry Christmas,
David and Debi

Young Communicator- Amazing!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.
Can't see video- click 'The Story of Jonah' above.

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake



If you can's see video, click here.

Loyalty Won’t Keep Them!

ATTENDANCE IS DOWN!

These words pierce any pastor’s heart! In my 20 years of pastoring The Vine Fellowship I have seen the attendance grow and decrease. You always get questioned (and question yourself) when the attendance is ebbing but not when it is growing. Former members point to the decline as some sort of justification for their leaving or the fulfilling of their prophecy of ‘bad things to come’ they slammed you with as they left.

Pastors maintain an optimistic outlook of the church and God’s people. We work hard to be faithful and loyal to the flock that God has entrusted to our care in His Kingdom. We give people the benefit of the doubt, love them when they are unlovely, support them and the decisions they unwisely make, and serve them without reservation.  Imagine our hurt and disappointment when they decide that they don’t need you as their pastor anymore and move on.

I have found that loyalty doesn’t keep them nor does serving them 24/7.

1. In my years of service to the Saints: I have tended to families whose children have committed suicide.
2. I have sat by the beside of a dying member with their spouse until he took his last breath in the early morning.
3. I have helped keep marriages together that were being devastated by the infidelity of a spouse.
4. I have intervened in the physical abuse of a spouse only to be threatened by the abusing spouse myself.
5.  I have tended to families who loved ones passed away on Christmas Eve, took food to them and did the service the day after Christmas while missing much of my families Christmas celebrations.
6.  I have supported a fearful wife as only God and I could as her husband was on a ventilator close to death.
7. I have given large amounts of benevolence money to members. One time I found out that one member was using it to pay her cable TV bill!
8.  I have helped members move, cleaned their homes, repair and paint their homes, and mow their yards.
9. I have suffered ridicule for ‘not being there for them’ when I was trying desperately to be there for my own family.
10. I have become all too familiar with hospitals, funeral homes, morgues, crime scenes while caring and serving 24/7.
11. Etc. etc. etc. (Pastor, you can add to this list.)

What is significant about all the above situations is they all eventually left the church.

I was loyal to them. But, I found that these situations did not endear loyalty to me and the church. I discovered people could walk out of your life as if these never happened and forget you gave yourself unreservedly for and to them.

But having said all that, I would accept them back, be loyal in my care and love of them, and not hold their leaving against them.

Is that wrong? To paraphrase Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington’s comment about how baseball goes, ‘That is just what baseball do,’ I would say, ‘No, that is just what pastor do!’

I will never lower my expectations of being loyal and serving God’s people, and I will always hope they will reciprocate in kind.

I am eternally optimistic!!!

Attacks via the Web

I live in sports Mecca- Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, TCU, and a host of other teams! One thing around here is the fact of life that the fans are not silent. They are very vocal. In fact I have learned this, ‘If you're not being booed, you've got to ask yourself if you're in the game.’

It is no different in the ministry! The ‘fans’ will let you know their feelings! We all have seen the websites and blogs branding many Christian pastors, writers, teachers, singers, etc. as heretics. Some of my favorites have been accused in this modern day witch-hunt under the banner ‘contending for the faith.’ I search Google often to see if I have been included in their number. I guess I would wear the branding as a distinction of honor!

Even Facebook has become a vehicle to attack His Church- it amazes me the tools and fools Satan uses to achieve this sort of ungodly work. I know a Pastor that had whole threads on Facebook devoted to him in an attempt to character assassinate him and the work of God in his life and church. What should have been settled in private is now open to ridicule, humiliation, and defamation by immature people. As Executive Director of Liberty Fellowship, I am afraid that I am hearing about this way too often nowadays! Pastors everywhere are being victimized. The pen (Facebook) is becoming mightier than the sword!

As a Pastor I have had my fair share of personal attacks and criticism over the years. What continually amaze me are the ones who generally foster this contemptuous behavior. My brother in law reminded me one time, ‘People are going to blow in, blow up, and blow out.’

And therein lays the rub, the attacks generally come from those that at one time were the most loyal, supportive and vocal people. ‘This is the best church!’ ‘You are a great pastor.’

But then something happens and they are no more. Hurt people hurt people. They often times hurt to try to get even. Other times they strike out to try to prove they are right.

Regardless the dynamics and the reasons, their embittered souls take delight in demeaning others and the church. It is a kind of narcissistic gratification!

A vain man through pride causeth debate, And with the counselled is wisdom.

Proverbs 13.10 Young's Literal Translation

To be a coach, player, president, or a pastor takes one with tough skin. In fact, it takes rhino skin!

What do you do in times of vicious attack?

1. Don’t be amazed but be assured the attacks will come.
2. Don’t be amazed as to whom they come through.
3. Remember to pray for them and their hurt
4. Remember pride is at the source of their contention.
5. Don’t let your pride lead you to retaliation.
6. Humble yourself before God and pour out your complaint to Him.
7. Don’t read their Facebook (blogs, websites)!
8. And, finally, don’t be surprised by what new device Satan may use next to attack you and God’s church.

To my Pastor friends that must endure the unending scrutiny and silliness of men be assured of my prayers. If you need someone to talk to, call me or email me. My sympathetic ears are yours!

My Favorite Commercial of All Time!

Is it wrong for a former Drill Sergeant turned Pastor to enjoy this commercial so much?

Nope, I love it on so many levels!!!!! Hahahaha!

Does a former Drill Sergeant make a terrible Pastor?

can't see video click here

20th Anniversary Celebration Video

If you can't see video click here.

20th Anniversary at The Vine Fellowship

Today marks a Vine Fellowship sponsored celebration of my pastoring here for 20 years. Little did I know when God called me to ‘pastor the people he would send me’ here in Arlington that I would be here 20 years. I am a plodder, long termer, and a finisher (probably from my marathon running days)!

As I reflected this week on this milestone accomplishment in my life and ministry, I thought of the many joys, a few heartaches, and numerous accomplishments. I do have regrets and if I had it to do over would be much wiser in my decisions and pastoring skills.

For instance, one do over was during a time when the church was packed out with new people attending every Sunday. I had been healed of ‘spinal stenosis’ in both my upper neck and lower back. I had been told I needed surgery and would never run again nor play tennis, etc. My wife had to dress me, sleep escaped me, and the pain was excruciating! But, it was the Sunday after my healing and in an overwhelming emotional response I went down to a visiting guest speaker and danced a little jig with him. The next week, a lot of those visitors were gone never to return. Guess I offended people with my celebration. (So did David when he danced before the Lord!) Go figure!

Another time was when I was talking to a member who was upset with me. I asked him to come in to see me and let’s not have this discussion over the phone. He declined and then I did a big piece of stupid by saying ‘If you were a man you would come in to see me!’ I lost both he and his wife and finally experienced their unbridled anger in my office. Ouch! (Only share these openly so you Pastors won’t do them!)

There have been heartaches that besides my loving faithful wife Debi standing by my side, I endured alone. The funeral of one of the men instrumental in my coming here, a loyal supporter and constant encourager was very hard for me. None knew of my heartache as I said goodbye to him and felt alone and now very vulnerable. Another time was when a leader moved away. He was the best encourager that I had and ‘had my back.’ It was a dark day for me when he left.

Disappointing was the fact that the church never grew to be a mega church (after all success is built on the attendance of your church, right?) I endured others who felt they could pastor the members of The Vine better than I could and unwittingly help establish other churches in the area.  Members that I had cared for through the years decided that they could find a better Pastor or church, and again I help make other churches ‘successful’ by sowing people to them.

But, God has given me many more glorious memories than regrets! I have led many people to Christ, seen marriages restored even in the devastation of adultery and bitterness, seen families healed and restored, seen members mature in their faith, helped many through the loss of loved ones, sat at the bedside of dying members, seen members pursue a calling in the ministry, seen countless verifiable healings by the power of God, have received much encouragement and support from the Vine members, and seen many volunteers serve God and this church.

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Ps 78:70-72 NIV

Would I serve here had I to do it all over again even knowing what I was going to experience these 20 years. You betcha! I would do it without a second thought! 

Thank you Vine Fellowship for making these the best years of my life. I love you all!

(I also want to thank the love of my life, my greatest encourager, my soul mate, my faithful wife Debi for helping along this journey. I love you dear, you’re absolutely wonderful! Yes she is!)

Atheist Song - First hymnal for Atheists

Poor atheist, they really don't have anything (or anybody) to sing about!

Too funny, hahahaha!

Click here to view video.

Church Planting Made Easy!

this is a great parody of our times!

 Hope you enjoy this, I did! hahaha

click here to view video

Your Yankee Bias is Showing!

(this email sent to TBS Sports on their coverage of the playoffs)

Yep, I'm from Texas. And yes, I love the Texas Rangers and I am so very proud they are in the playoffs.

What I don't like is having to listen to the obvious bias of your sports announcers towards the New York Yankees. For the last 4 games we have been subject to disdaining remarks and no confidence on your part towards Texas as a contender for the World Series. It is as if we are not a legitimate team in comparison to the Yankees. Why can't you guys just say something positive about the Rangers without one of you making a follow up remark questioning our ability! We wouldn't be here if we weren't good and a serious contender!

One of my friends posted this comment, "These (TBS) announcers sure do sound depressed, I'm not sure who wants the Yankees to win more the announcers or the Yankees themselves!"

Another friend states concerning the bias, '"We listened to the radio announcers while we watched the game. Much better coverage." Another friend tried that but said the time lag made it hard to watch TV and listen to the radio.

So you have the coverage tied up and we have to watch you. But please, spare us the bias and cover the game and the teams fairly. You will help the game and your future as a network that we here in Texas will choose to watch or not.

Your call, please make the right one on this!

Go Rangers,
David Kerr

Texas Room

Texas Room

Debi and I are in Scotland. We came over on Sept 27, 2010 to spend a late vacation with friends and a ministry we support here in Scotland.

The picture above is the Texas Room at the Overtoun House in Dumbarton, Scotland. It is run by our friends Bob and Melissa Hill. We decorated this room with things we brought over from Texas.

The Texas Room along with other rooms will help in the vision for the ministry:

Care for Young Mothers

Specifically we will be providing care for young mothers in crisis with a residential facility, which
will include nurturing, and training for life. These services will be comprised of training in life skills such as mothering and childcare, health and hygiene, job training, conflict management, and social responsibility. Our hope is to prepare them for their future life within the broader community and equip them to be responsible citizens. Local churches will help provide caring structures to ease their transition back into the community.

Women in Crisis

We will also provide for the short term care of abused women within our community in support of the current social work programmes. This would, in effect, be an emergency based provision
of love and care, as well as protection for these women while they await sheltered accommodation provided by the local authority. These facilities will house both the women and their children. It is our hope to work alongside local churches and social work to provide continuing support for these women within our communities.

The Vine Fellowship is delighted to fund and equip this room to be a place where the needs of women and young mothers can be provided.

Thanks to Bob and Melissa for the opportunity to provide for and serve this great ministry.

It is not the critic who counts...

It is not the critic who counts,

nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbles,

or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the Arena,

whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood,

who strives valiantly…

who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions,

who spends himself in a worthy cause,

who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,

and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails

while daring greatly,

so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls

who have known neither victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt



Count your...

Count your blessings instead of your crosses,

Count your gains instead of your losses,

Count your joys instead of your woes,

Count your friends instead of your foes,

Count your smiles instead of your tears,

Count your courage instead of your fears,

Count your full years instead of your lean,

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean,

Count your health instead of your wealth,

Count on God instead of yourself.

What I Learned From Weight Watchers

"But you don’t look like you need to lose weight," said Kay as she sized up the man she had just hesitantly and cautiously let in the door to the Weight Watchers center so early on that January morning. I had arrived early for my first meeting and registration only to find that the meeting time had changed and I was way too early. Kay was in the process of opening for the day when I surprised her by knocking on the locked door.

I responded to her, "I have some weight that I want to lose but more significantly I want to get control over my out of control eating." I was out of control because of a series of events that had occurred in years past. I found I was a compulsive eater without self-control. I ate too large of portions. I ate to handle stress in my life. And I had a ‘pastry demon’ that I didn’t want to live without!

So Kay signed me up! That was January 29, 2010. I am now 30 lbs lighter and have achieved my goals of self-control and portion control. I am now at the weight that I want to maintain for the rest of my life! I am also now a lifetime member of Weight Watchers!

Here’s what attending Weight Watchers did for me:
1.It gave me the tools, instruction and accountability to achieve my goals.
2.I learned portion control and the valued ‘point system.’
3.I was accepted into a group that had common goals. (Even though I was a man! ‘Men!’ I heard often as my weight declined almost every meeting!!!!)
4.I stayed with my points daily.
5.I rarely used any of my weekly bonus points.
6.I used the WW iPhone app continuously with nothing going in my mouth, bought at the store, or ordered at a restaurant without first checking the points beforehand.
7.Followed guidelines in ‘Eat This Not That’ books, website and app to help make food choices.
8.Restaurant meals were preplanned. Most of the time I determined what I was going to eat in advance of going. As a pastor, I eat out a lot. For instance during last year’s Mission Conference I ate in restaurants 7 days in a row, twice on a couple of days and gained no weight!
9.I have a ‘pastry demon’ meaning I love desserts. I limited my eating of them and followed the ‘3 bites rule’ to be satisfied. I used WW Ice-Cream sandwiches often as a reward.
10.94% Fat Free Kettle Pop-Corn saved me many a night before bedtime so that I didn’t go to bed hungry. Mini Caramel Rice Cakes helped also.
11.I found a new appreciation and delight in eating fruits, especially oranges.
12.My exercise included treadmill work and weight training.
13.I had an encouraging, fully engaged spouse to walk through this with me, thank you Debi!

What I am doing now is maintaining the weight I lost! It has become a lifetime goal to stay at this weight. I still follow the portion control, only eat when I am hungry, and have the ‘points system’ in my mind at all times. It has reminded me that I am in control of what I eat; not my spouse, not the cook, not the restaurant.

‘A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.’ (Pro. 25.28 ESV)

I have finally rebuilt my walls destroyed by years of a lack of self-control!

Are You Obdurate?

I came across a great word the other day. It was used in reference to current politicians who are out of touch with the voters and refuse to acknowledge and respond to their wishes. People currently are rejecting obdurate politicians and voting against them!

ob•du•rate
1. unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.
2. stubbornly resistant to moral influence; persistently impenitent: an obdurate sinner.

Synonyms 1. hard, obstinate, callous, unbending, inflexible. 2. unregenerate, reprobate, shameless.
Antonyms 1. soft, tractable. 2. humble, repentant.

It is a word that can define pastors, church members, staff members, employers and employees, children and parents, husband and wives, and those who fail to respond to constant pleas to change their lives and behavior.

I twittered this thought the other day, ‘If God doesn't fit your lifestyle maybe you ought to change your lifestyle to fit His Word!' One who would reject this and scoff at it is being obdurate!

This word really captures the atmosphere of our present society and how we relate to each other and to authority in general.

"God gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He shall exalt you." Jas. 4:10.

How does one keep from obduracy?
1.Refuse to be stubborn.
2.Realize you can be wrong.
3.Admit when you are wrong.
4.Stay humble.
5.Stay repentant.
6.Ask for forgiveness.
7.And above all, approach life with flexibility instead of rigidity.

Your choice- obduracy or humility!

Law of the Garbage Truck

Today is take out the trash day at our house- how significant is that you might ask? Read on...

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right.

Pray for the ones who don't.

If God Started Tweeting-

Great comic about God tweeting!

A Rant by David W Kerr

Why Don't Liberals Get It? I am so tired of  the Liberals (politicians, hollywood, president Obama, etc) just ignoring plain simple facts as if they can close their eyes/ears and pretend these things aren't happening.

The picture below is not pretty, it's tragic. Read Alisha's story! (I generally don't read Time, but thanks to them and Jodi Bieber for the truth!)

Aisha, 18, was dragged from her home by the Taliban after running away from her husband. Despite her pleas that her in-laws had been abusive, that they had treated her like a slave, that she had no choice but to escape, a Taliban commander said she must be punished, lest other girls in the village try to do the same thing. Aisha's family members carried out the punishment: her brother-in-law held her down while her husband sliced off her ears and nose, then left her to die. She is now hidden in a secret women's shelter, where she was taken after receiving care from U.S. forces. Read more: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2007161_2170316,00.html#ixzz0vdb2xa3a

Are Liberals really that stupid? The Taliban are atrocious in their ways, defeat them! Illegal aliens are just that, illegal, deport them and don't make laws supporting them! Mosque (a Muslim temple) near site of 911 is an affront to human decency, don't let it happen! Arizona has a right to fight illegal immigration and shouldn't have to fight it's own liberal government and the liberal courts! Abortion IS the killing of a human life, not a fetus, stop the genocide in our own great country! Hamas is a terrorist organization; and you will not make 'peace' with Muslims unless it is on their own terms, totally subjugated and defeated! Practicing sharia law in the US is an affront to our Constitution!

These things are self evident and so easy to understand that even a caveman can! Hey Liberal, what's your excuse?

(this is my personal rant and does not reflect the opinions of my staff, church, family, fellowship, etc.)

Can You Take a Break From the Lord’s Work?

The findings have surfaced with ominous regularity over the last few years, and with little notice: Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.

read article here

What do you think?

True Meaningful Lasting Friendships

We hear a lot about friendships- What is BFF? (Best Friends Forever) How do we establish long lasting friends? How many friends do you have on Facebook (can you really have 4,000 friends!)? How many really true friends can one have? Why isn’t this a friendly church? Plus there are many more questions regarding friendships.

The subject came up at an emerging leaders meeting at the Liberty Fellowship conference a few weeks ago. How does LF help one to establish true lifelong friendships? It was evident to those there that many in LF had true lasting friendships. That is a fact but how they were formed became the topic of discussion. I will use Debi and me as an example.

Some felt that the strong friendships we had were formed in a later era (can’t believe I wrote that) when many of LF were in Liberty Bible College. It is true that we began many great friendships there. We all had many things in common as we were going through the same difficult times going to school and trying to make a living. Many of us shared meals and helped each other; so it was during these testing times we became friends.

But, as Debi pointed out to the group, the true lasting friendships were developed after we left Bible School. We made an effort even though separated by distance to develop those friendships to what they are today!

Yes, ‘to have friends one must show himself friendly,’ but to have deep lasting friendship one must sacrifice to develop it. It costs time, money, blood, sweat and tears! If you are not willing to go after it, it will not happen! No one can help you make friends. It is up to you and you alone!

Debi said that developing a friendship is like courting. You have to select someone to develop that friendship with and then spend time with them to see if it is a fit. You may click together, you may not! Admit it, you may not have the same DNA fit! No condemnation! Just keep trying until you feel it is a fit. Then, pursue it at all costs!

Hints,

Find someone that you can relate to, it may be same interests, same age children, sports, etc.
Find someone that will be concerned for your soul!

Find someone that will stick closer than a brother!

Find someone that will invest sacrificially in the relationship.

Find someone that will be there for you. 24/7 availability!

Find someone that you can pick up with at the same spot as the last time you were together even though separated by time and distance.

Do fun things together. For instance, after a LF Summer Conference some of us would go to the Smoky Mtns. to camp together. Yep, sit around a camp fire, eat smores, play card games, and see each as we really are i.e., without makeup, smelly, etc.

And, then you be that someone for others!

Remember, at best, you may be only able to develop 2 or 3 deep personally satisfying friendships (friendships that are not hampered by time, distance, etc). If you are married, this will be in addition to your spouse (that is to be your first most important and satisfying true friendship period; click here for previous blog on your spouse being your best friend).

Photographer Wedding Hazards!

can't see video- click here.

For My Sweetheart on Our Anniversary...

I know I'm a blessed man

every time I look at you...

After all, how many men

                            have the joy of starting

and ending each day

by holding their sweetheart

             in their arms?

How many men

                          get to go through life

with a woman by their side

who is as strong, capable, and intelligent

as she is beautiful,

                inside and out?

How many men

know in their hearts

that they have the sweetest, most loyal,

most wonderful wife

                                in the whole wide world?

I'll tell you how many...

just one.

ME.

Happy 39th Anniversary my dear Debi, I love you!

Too Good Not to Share!

Samar Hajj, who is coordinating the trip was quoted as saying; “We are all independent women who believe in breaking the siege on Gaza.”

Good food for thought! They better think about that or lose their dependant heads!

--

Where 2% Milk Comes From!

Well, that clears that up!

Tough Love

"Most people nowadays think it improper to discipline children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have had one of 'those moments.'

Since I'm a pilot, one thing that I have found very effective is for me to just take the child for a flight during which I say nothing and give the child the opportunity to reflect on his or her behavior.

I don't know whether it's the steady vibration from the engines, or just the time away from any distractions such as TV, video games, computer, IPod, etc.

Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our flight together. I believe that eye to eye contact during these sessions is an important element in achieving the desired results.

I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique............. "

Memorial Day- A Time to Remember!

This Memorial Day please remember those that gave of themselves so that you could have a day off and party with friends.

After all, that is what this day is all about - remember!

Best Friends Forever

One hears a lot these days about ‘Best Friends Forever’ or BFF. It is an endearing term and speaks of one’s relationship with someone else. That is great!

However, it is usually used by women expressing themselves and their special relationships. (I can’t imagine a man using this phrase towards another man. Ouch!) And what I have noticed is that it is generally never applied to their husbands!

Friends are great to have and build good wholesome relationships with, but the problem with friends of this order is that it is at best temporary. What I mean is that conflict can arise, a move occur, another replaces that friend, etc. and that BFF is no longer.

But, with one’s spouse your relationship is forever. Regardless of conflict, stress and other issues, they remain the one true friend that you have. I am a firm believer that the one BFF relationship you should work on and count dearest is the one with your spouse.

Your spouse should be your best BFF; your constant and preferred companion!

Mine is! Debi, you are my Best Friend Forever!

My Birthday Today- Thoughts on Growing Older!

Any hope for mind over body?

Remember Your First MP3 Player?

Churches Going Under!

With the statistic of 7 churches closing daily in the US, I made the comment to the congregation this past Sunday, "Debi and I have spent the past 20 years here at the Vine trying to keep the doors open!" lol, of course I was kidding.

What can close the doors of churches?

1. No new converts! Most of the church growth in America is transfer growth! We Pastors pat ourselves on the back and shout church growth forgetting that our church grew at the expense of another church losing members. We need to get back to the basics and win souls!

2. Bad financial decisions. Debt! Our desire to build bigger and better is killing us. Read below:

‘It's happening to virtually every church,’ says Rev. Grainger Browning, senior pastor at Ebenezer AME Church. He is not talking about conversions to Christ or acts of kindness. He is talking about church foreclosures. A growing number of churches in the US are facing foreclosure, particularly as the economic depression continues and donations have decreased. Many churches, like individuals and families, took advantage of cheap loans, gambling on a good real estate market. Statistics indicate that the number of churches facing foreclosure has tripled since December 2007 and more than 100 churches have declared bankruptcy in the last twelve months.

3. Immorality of the Pastor! Need I say more?

Don't become a casualty and statistic!

What’s Happened to the Great Commission?

Mt 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Ac 1:6-8
So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

These are the wonderful and matchless words of Jesus. Here in these words are the strategy and call of His church until He returns. These are His methods and desire for His church. Many have preached on them but too few have actually put them in to practice! Some are hold up in their 'Jerusalem' and just concentrating on building there to the exclusion of the 'Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth.' We stress bigger, better, and larger at home and have a minimal effort globally, if at all.

Less than 15% of evangelical churches have some viable form of a global missions program. And yet with just that 15% we are making some Kingdom advancements! Just think how this could all be ended and Jesus returns if we were all on board.

We have it all backward:
1. Looking to build at home instead of putting money and personnel into the Global cause.

2. We respond to a Global disaster with money thinking that qualifies as a missions outreach. It placates our consciences that tell us we are not doing the right things.

3. We build bigger and better buildings that get foreclosed on in down economic times.

4. We are suspicious towards the appeals to help starving children thinking it’s a sham and only stuffing someone else’s pocket.

5. We may have great leaders and communicators in the church today but they have no vision for Global outreach and are content to let the 15% struggle along to accomplish the task.

6. Leaders investing in their own personal lives and locality rather than investing in the Kingdom advancement.

Herein is the problem. I always taught in Bible College that the key to a successful Missions program in the local church is the Pastor. If he wasn't on board fully, the efforts of the church would be minimal. Here is the formula- pastor + no Global vision = no missions!

Mt 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Forgive us Lord Jesus for not doing what you commissioned us to stay here and do. Honest, we really do want you to return for your Bride even though we tarry and are busy just adorning ourselves.

My Most Extraordinary Wife!

I have been reflecting on the most extraordinary wife of all time! My wife Debi!

Proverbs has something to say about an amazing wife and mother, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” " Prov 31.28-29; (read 10-31).

With this in mind I decided to tell the world what I think about Debi and what I have discovered over these 39 years of marriage:

Her demeanor- she remains constant in her outlook on life. She is not a fair weather type of person that fluctuates often and you never know what you are going to get from one day to the next or, one minute to next for that matter. Her disposition is rosy all the time! Her outlook on life is bright.

Her friendship- She is not a fair weather friend either; when she is being dissed, criticized, rebuked, ignored, others preferred over her, she remains friendly no matter how she is being treated.

Her faithfulness- She honors her word, she honors the Lord, she honors me, and she honors her friends. There is no disloyalty to any and she doesn’t treat others how they deserve to be treated even when they have hurt her and been disloyal. She remains true to her beliefs and doesn’t change just to be part of an ‘in crowd!’ She has not broken her ‘vows’ before God, me and others.

Her character- she doesn’t smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs, chew, curse or run in a pack of girls that do. She doesn’t use coarse language, jesting or crude joke telling. She is never rude, condescending, belittling, or makes jokes about other people. She’s not promiscuous and doesn’t chase after other men’s buns or even talk about them! She is Godly, pure, wholesome, and is the happiest person I know in this life without all the above.

Debi is truly a woman to be admired and followed as an example. She is a great life coach for our daughters (by marriage). Others who are truly wise and teachable will follow her example while only fools will use as an excuse “Well, I am not a Debi Kerr,” to continue their ruinous lifestyles and attitudes.

Debi, I admire you and I am so thankful that best of all, you have stayed with me all these years! You are simply an amazingly awesome woman! You really do surpass them all!

I love you, David

Perspective on Life and Death

If you don't see video go here to view it. The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Production on Vimeo.

I have friends that have been healed of cancer, please join with me in praying that Zac Smith will be added to that list of cancer survivors!

THE KNOTS PRAYER

Dear God,

Please untie the knots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind.

Erase the will nots,
may nots, and
might nots that find
a home in my heart.

Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots
that obstruct my life.

And most of all, dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind
my heart and my life all of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.

Amen.

History Made! at the Vine Fellowship

Well, it is official! We had 18 people baptized this past Sunday (2/14/10)(we had planed for 21 but a few didn’t show up). Nevertheless, history was made with the baptisms here at the Vine. It was a great time in the baptismal. It was great to see all the children and youth plus some adults following the Lord in water baptism.

Thank you for the encouraging words concerning the sermon on the Philippian jailer. He had others locked up but he himself was a prisoner to the illusion of reality. His world came shaking down with the earthquake that brought the prison walls down. That day he and his family came to know the Lord and were baptized. This sermon was a great lead in to the baptisms we were doing. Plus, we had someone come to the Lord that day! God is good!

Nascar driver Jeff Gordon was baptized in October 1994. He had won his 1st two Winston Cup races, which were great thrills; but following his baptism, he said “This is the happiest day of my life.”

Why is baptism so significant for the Christian? Baptism is a lot like a wedding ring. Baptism is symbolic of the washing away of our sins. It is also symbolic of a new way of life. It has been said that Baptism is to the Christian faith what the wedding ring is to a marriage. It is a symbol. "Like the wedding ring, baptism draws a mark on the ground between the past and the future. Like the wedding ring, it says, "From this day forward, I stand with God."

What Men Mean...A Translation Guide

Men don’t always say what they mean or even know what they mean – below is a translation for wives and women in general:

When a man says “IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO EXPLAIN”
He means: "I have no idea how it works"

When a man says "TAKE A BREAK, HONEY. YOU ARE WORKING TOO HARD’’
He means: "I can’t hear the game over the vacuum cleaner"

When a man says ’THAT’S INTERESTING DEAR.’
He means: "Are you still talking?"

When a man says: "IT’S A GUY THING"
He means: "There is no rational thought pattern connected with this, and you have no chance at all of making it logical"

When a man says "CAN I HELP WITH DINNER"
He means: "Why isn’t it ready yet?"

When a man says "UH HUH, SURE HONEY,” or “YES, DEAR"
He means: Absolutely nothing – It’s a conditioned response.

When a man says "YOU KNOW HOW BAD MY MEMORY IS."
He means: " I can remember the theme song to ‘Hogan’s Heroes’, the phone # of the first girl I ever kissed & the vehicle identification numbers of every car I ever owned – but yes, I forgot your birthday"

When a man says ’OH, DON’T FUSS, I JUST CUT MYSELF. IT’S NO BIG DEAL"
He means: "I have probably severed a limb, but I will bleed to death before I admit I’m hurt, so get over here and help me!"

When a man says ’I CAN’T FIND IT.’’
He means: "It didn’t fall into my outstretched hand, so I’m completely clueless"

When a man says “I HEARD YOU.”
He means: "I haven’t the foggiest clue what you just said and I am hoping desperately that I can fake it well enough so that you’ll not spend the next 3 days yelling at me."

When a man says "YOU KNOW I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE ELSE"
He means: "I am used to the way you yell at me and realize it could be worse."

When a man says "YOU LOOK TERRIFIC!"
He means: "Oh please don’t try on one more outfit, we’re late and I’m starving."

When a man says "I’M NOT LOST. I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE.’’
He means: "No one will ever see us alive again."

When a man says “I don’t think I can go today.”
He means: Shopping is NOT a sport, and no, I am never going to think of it that way.

When a man says, “I don’t remember saying that.”
It’s because he means: “Anything I may have said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all past comments become null and void after 7 days.”

When a man says, “that’s not what I meant.”
He means: “If something I said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, I meant the other one.

If your husband says, “honey, what color is this?”
He means: ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. I have no idea what “taupe” is.

Hope this helps!

Six Months Later!

We've all seen the JK Wedding Entrance Dance. Now let's see what happens 6 months later!

Can't see video, click here.
Awesome!!!!

Beware of Terrorist Groups in Church

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whomever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!

Inarticulate Generation!

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Thanks Brad- if you can't see video click here.Thanks to brad!

Drew Brees Faith

On to the Super Bowl 2010! Go Saints!

Signs of the Times!

Add this to earthquakes, wars... come quickly Lord Jesus!

Do You Enjoy Counselling?

One of the joys of pastoring is counselling. I could relate to this 'Closer To Home' cartoon below.

As a pastor, do you enjoy counselling?

Music of Possibilities

Patrick Henry Hughes and his dad- American heros!
If you can't see this video, click here.

Please Lord, help me not to complain about life!

Brit Hume's Advice to Tiger Woods- amazing!

I did not jump on the bandwagon of using this blog to excoriate Tiger Woods. I preferred to pray for him, his wife Elin, and family. My prayers for him can be summed up by what Brit Hume said last week on Fox.

If you can't see the video click here.

Brit Hume, amazing man, amazing boldness! Thank you Brit!

God's Wife?

New York City: It's a cold day in December. A little boy about 10-year-old was standing before a shoe store on Broadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?"

"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.

The lady took him by the hand and went into the store, and asked the clerk to get a half dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel.

By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she then purchased him a pair of shoes, and tying up the remaining pairs of socks, gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"

As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's wife?"

Survivor- Outwit-Outplay-Outlast

Sunday, Jan 3, 2010, I began a series titled 'Survivor.' We will be discussing how to overcome the challenges of life. We will not only talk about keys to physical survival but also spiritual survival.

(if you can't see the video, click here)

Heb 10:36-39 TMB
But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy. But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.

We are told not to give up in life. Following God's plan is the way to win at this game of life.

Survive- to remain alive or in existence; live on; to function or prosper despite hardship or trauma, persevere.

Thrive- to make steady progress; prosper; to grow vigorously; flourish.

Join with me as we not only survive in in this life but by God's help learn to thrive! May 2010 be a year of progress and prosperity!

Building Well In 2010

This video is for all those pastors of smaller churches who are building what no one else will see - God does - so continue to build with excellence! You are not invisible! Your labor is not in vain! God bless you in 2010!


If you can't see the video then click here.