Thriving or Just Getting By?

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

In Romania, after communism fell, we in the west became aware of the many orphans there who were basically warehoused in huge orphanages. They were vastly understaffed. So the babies, while they had most of their physical needs looked after – food, shelter and some hygiene, were very seldom picked up and snuggled or played with. Many of them had what doctors aptly call “failure to thrive syndrome.” They may have been many months or sometimes even years old, but they still looked and acted like newborns. What they did not have is family. Or even a sort of surrogate family who would encourage growth. Many people in North America saw these helpless children on the news and decided that they would adopt one.

Christians can be the same – we might be born into new life with Jesus, but if we are left on our own, we can have that same “failure to thrive syndrome” in our spiritual lives.

God's cure for "failure to thrive syndrome" is Christian fellowship!

The early Christians could not even conceive of a Christian outside of a Christian community. They knew the vast richness of joining with others!

Is the church necessary? You bet, that's where you will find the largest concentration of Christians to fellowship with. Not in Walmart, not on your boat, not on the deer stand, not in front of the TV or at the movies or parties, etc!

Too many Christians are satisfied with a mediocre Christain experience!

Your call: thrive or just get by!

HOW DRY IS IT IN TEXAS?

It's so dry in Texas that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling,

the Methodists are using wet-wipes,

the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks,

and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.

Now that's dry!

From Nan, with love!

While in Pensacola last week, I had the great opportunity to celebrate my birthday (May 10th) with a great friend, Nan Weaver. She wrote the following poem for me:

Today May 10th is my B-Day and David Kerr’s
He was born a he and not a her
I know that Debbie is glad of that
For he is her cool cat.

Today is young, but he is not
I used to be in the same spot
I’m not wearing depends
But it is right around the bend
So beware my friend.

As we celebrate this day together
I trust we will be friends forever
May your day be great
So continue to celebrate!

Thank you Nan, you are an amazing woman!
---

Nan's book, 'Little Arms, Big Heart,' is an amazing read of how she overcame life's setbacks!

"Little Arms, Big Heart" presents the amazing life story of Nan Weaver who overcame a disability from birth and lived life to its fullest. The book is packed with inspiring stories from her life, her husband's life, and the lives of her children and grandchildren. As a strong believer she offers words of encouragement and hope to those who face difficulties throughout their lives. She writes with emotion and passion to motivate others to reach beyond their limitations and be an overcomer."

Get it from her website: http://littlearmsbigheart.com/ Or click here to get it from Amazon. I have it on my iPad2 (Kindle app)!

Destiny Rambo McGuire: Old Lady Grace

Destiny sang this a couple of times last week at Jeff Ferguson's WOW Conference hosted by the Vine Fellowship.

This is an awesome song on God's Wonderful and Amazing Grace!

Showcased at the Nashville Dinner Theater April 11, 2011

Can't see video, click here.

Hail or Hell ???

Living in Texas I believe in Hail? Why? I have experienced it firsthand! I have held softball size hail in my hand (yes, I was foolish and ran outside to pick one up as others fell around me leaving divots in the ground!). I have had to replace my roof twice as well as our church's roof. I am a believer!

I am also a believer in another kind of hell! I have not experienced it and really don't plan to! I do believe those who have described it, personal accounts from the Bible of those there and what they are experiencing, and how those there don't want any of their loved ones to follow them there. (Lk 16:19-31, notice red letter words!) Hell was designed for the Satan and those that want to follow him there! Their choice!

Much has been discussed recently about Hell with the publishing of Rob Bell's bold book 'Love Wins.' The discussion has been on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, videos, Fox News, Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and now the cover of Time Magazine. I could add my 2 cents worth, but choose not to as there are those that have done a most adequate job. Check this link for a good overview and thoughts,....

I do believe the Bible, Jesus' frequent discussion of hell, the Revelation account of the end of all things, so just so you know, I believe in a literal Hell! I believe in personal salvation through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. To accept His atoning sacrifice gives one heaven and to refuse it gives one hell! That is the impetus for my preaching and going into all the world to share this glorious gospel!

I am not moved by other's arguments or opinions! We as Pastors are to be good communicators and what we say people should be able to understand it, not cause confusion by it. Maybe sometimes our sound speech is not clear! Titus 2:1, 7-8.

Here is a cute story that my friend Carrie Sims Burnett recounts regarding her son Cade:

When the Arlington sirens went off yesterday we drove to an undercover place for car shelter and Cade was terrified! Later to find out this morning as to why he kept saying he hated "the devil." He thought Hell was coming instead of Hail!! He thought the devil was coming! poor baby! LOL..

Don't be caught misunderstanding the difference between Hail and Hell!