Pastoral Ponderings

Amazing Frisbee (and Basketball) Shots!

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002-06:00

Laura's Testimony

2011-11-29T06:31:00.000-06:00

Child wayward? Don't accept guilt that's not yours! God knows how/when to ‘close the deal’ with your child. Don't worry-Pray!

I know this is long for a blog- but I felt Laura's testimony that she gave at Vine Fellowship on 11/27/11 needed to be shared in it's entirety!

God 'closed the deal' with Laura!
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My name is Laura. Many of y’all know me, I've been going to this church for most of my life. Even though I'm not quite sure where to start, this is my story. And like all stories, mine starts at the beginning. It is somewhat of a long story, but bear with me. I really think it's worth listening to.

I was the victim of abuse around age ten. For years I buried those memories deep down in my mind and repressed any thought of it. I became so confused about what happened, the details became so blurry that I eventually had myself convinced that I must have made it up. At that point though, my family had already found out. I was thirteen years old. The cat was out of the bag and I had no idea where that cat even came from. Unsure of what to do, I sat through years of therapy and counseling, listening but not listening. I would tell the doctors I was fine, that the abuse had no affect on me, because I couldn't pin down what had happened. To this day, I can't know for sure what exactly it was. But it did happen. And it did affect me. It's something that with God, and my counselours, and family, I'll have to keep working on, so I can get closure.

I was put on and taken off of medications, taken to therapist after therapist. I'd began cutting myself because I was so emotionally shut down inside, pain was the only sensation strong enough to make me feel awake, like I wasn't just sleepwalking. It as wrong. And it was stupid. I regret it. But at the time I didn't know what else to do. The counseling wasn't working so I was put into an outpatient treatment program. While I was there my family found out the truth. Once they found out about the abuse and the cutting, I fell into such a suicidal depression that I had to be hospitalized. After that I spent a few weeks in outpatient therapy, then continued to try meds and be seen by councilors. None of it helped.

This was probably the second darkest time of my life. I was seeing counselors, I was attending church and bible studies, making decent grades. I had lots of friends and a busy social life. I did art and played piano. On the outside I probably looked like an exceptional young lady. But I wasn't, During this time I fell into drug abuse. I would overdose on any prescriptions, over the counter medicine, or street drug I could find. I felt so broken and empty inside. So completely hollowed out. That I was taking anything I could get my hands on and holding on for dear life. For a while I began eating way too much and gained a lot of weight. And when I saw what I had done I became disguested wih myself. The pendulum swung the other way and I began starving myself, denying myself any food, drinking more energy drinks and coffee than any body should be able to handle, working out till the point of passing out. When I did eat I would take one look at myself and immediately go to the bathroom, to force myself to vomit.

I was still going to church, I was still going to school. But by now I was so desperate, so spiritually exhausted, that I felt completely dead inside. I started trying to find value in myself through relationships with men. I would compromise myself if he would just flatter me, tell me I was beautiful, feed me what I wanted to hear. Even though I never believed them, I feel like I fed myself off of the attention, grasping at yet another empty promise of the world to feel whole again.

We serve an amazing God. It's only by his grace and love that I am not dead, six feet underground. I'm not working a corner, I'm not strung out on drugs, riddled with diseases or living on the streets. Through everything I've been through and everything I've done our God has refused to let me go. He blessed me with the perfect people in my life to surround me and lift me up. When I was at my lowest points, when I had nothing left, God gave me those people to show me Jesus's love. To be that voice in my ear saying the pain would one day go away. To hold onto me while getting me to hold on just a little bit longer.

Then came the darkest point in my entire, young life. About three months after my seventeenth birthday, I found out I was pregnant. The father was an older guy who had been in and out of my life for years. He cared about me, but our relationship was very sick. We both used it as a crutch. I was young and scared, I didn't know what to do. After we finally told my parents, I immedately started trying to find a way to get an abortion. I spent nights online finding laws that would let me get around parental consent laws. I had meetings with lawyers set up through a foundation that was specifically set up to give underage girls a way to get abortions behind their parent's backs. I know now this wasn't the answer, Abortion is wrong. There is nothing our God can't redeem you from. His love for you and his love for that baby will cover all of your faults.

But maybe you've already had an abortion. If you did you need to know, there is no condemnation on you. Not from this church, not from me, not from God. He loves you. He loves that child that he's holding in heaven right now. He understands, and he forgives you. All he's waiting for is for you to turn to him and ask him to restore you. He'll do it! All you have to do is whisper that you wanna come home and our God will move heaven and earth to pick you up and bring you home. All you have to do is ask. There is a perfect love that will cover all flaws, all mistakes. It's waiting for you.

My parents fought me hard about the abortion. I became so angry that I lashed out at them when all they were trying to do was love me, and fight for my life and the life of their first grandchild. The father of the baby fought at first but eventually resolved himself to what would happen. And even with all these people fighing me, I was stubborn and hardheaded, and made the appointment. Me and the father snook out of our houses that Saturday morning. We took a taxi to the clinic in Fort Worth. As we got out, there were protestors. People screaming and holding signs of condemnation and rage, that we were terrible people, that we were going to hell. I'll never forget that moment of despair. I was so angry, so helpless, so broken down. I didn't feel like I had any other choice. I wanted to scream at them and swear and tell them that I knew it was wrong but what choice did I have! I'm only seventeen and I've been through so much and I can't be a single mom! But I hunched down behind the father, avoided their glares, and managed to make it inside.

The small, dark waiting room was packed with other women, some with their partners, some with a friend. There was a tension, a darkness in there that I won't forget. It would be occasionally broken by nervous laughter or someone trying to encourage another girl, but the atmosphere was heavy. I sat with quin and shakily worked through the paperwork and talked wit the receptionist, then I waited.

It seemed like forever before they finally called my name. My heart dropped through my stomach. The woman calling me was the doctor who I'd seen before for the sonogram. She'd hiddn the screen and coached me on what to tell the lawyers and the judge so they'd let me get the abortion. She was rough and impersonal, and she never actually gave me the counseling that I was supposed to tell them I'd recieved. She took me to the room and set up another sonogram, and I asked her what was wrong, why I was the only one called back. She stared at the sonogram, took measurements, then had her supervisor come and do the same thing. They both were staring at the screen for a while, confused. I felt sick and begged them to tell me what was going on.

It turns out, that the measurements said my baby was too big. He was bigger than the measurements they had on record from last time said he should be. He should have only been about fourteen weeks, but the measurements were reading sixteen and a half weeks. Remember that number. At this point, the clinic could no longer legally perform the abortion and I was stunned. I heard the doctor in the other room mumble about the funding they were probably losing over some faulty equipment.

When me and my mom went back to my regular doctor a weak or so later, I made sure to look at the sonogram and ask about the measurements. That day, a week or so after the last sonogram, the measuremeants said the baby was right at sixteen weeks old.

This is when I began to get that deer-in-the-headlights feeling. I could feel the ground shifting and crumbling under me and deep down I began to understand that there was a God, and he was way bigger than me. He loved me. He wasn't going to let me destroy myself. He wasn't going to let me destroy the life that he'd placed inside of me. He loved us both so desperately that he was going to do whatever it took to save us both from myself. I began to feel like one of those supervillains at the end of a scooby doo episode, with my evil schemes undone over and over again, and all I could do was angrily shake my fist while I was being dragged away.

The pregnancy was long and hard. I'd finally hit the point of surrender, but hadn't reached the point of restoration. I was so ashamed that I hid it from anybody I possibly could. I anguished over the thought of people finding out that I was pregnant because I'd worked so hard at keeping up somewhat of a good front for so many years. In my mind, my entire world was gonna come crashing down. I no longer cared about school, about friends, about family. I was going to be responsible and take care of the baby, but I didn't feel like I loved him. I was angry a him for destroying the semblance of a life that I had. I would never hurt him, but I resented him deeply.

By the grace of God I was able to graduate high school on time. Me and miranda, my best friend, gradutated together. She'd been there for me through everything, the good and the bad, and was a huge part of finally making me understand I should keep the baby. And on august the 19th I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy, Jesse Dwayne Irons. My whole family, and the father, and Miranda, and my friend nick were all at the hospial that night (mostly in the waiting room, of course) waiting with me and encouraging me. When he was born it meant everything to have them there to celebrate with me. I felt surrounded by love and for the first time in so many dark years, I began to feel a glimmer of hope.
T
his is where my story starts to turn around. This is where, strangely enough, my story stops being about me. This is the point where my story becomes about you. You need to know that we serve an amazing God. His love for us is more than we will ever be able to grasp. It's so perfect, and so boundless, that each and every one of us is his chosen one, his personal favorite. Listen to that, because this isn't something you can take lightly. You are GOD'S PERSONAL FAVORITE. You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Fearfully fashoned after his own form and placed center stage in a marvelous creation as all of heaven watches you with baited breath to see what you'll do. All of creation is captivated, with rapt attention as God longs for you, persues and chases you. They're waiting to see when you'll turn to him. They're totally captured in the ultimate romance between the perfect God, and the single object of his boundless grace and affection. You. There's only one question. When's it gonna happen? When are you, the chosen one, going to let your creator rush to you and hold you close to him and lavish his love on you like he's been waiting to do your entire life. When's it gonna happen? And when are you going to help his other chosen ones do the same?

I am a beautiful creation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given me an amazing life to live surrounded by some of the most incredible people alive that he loves just as much as he loves me. I am not broken. I am not defeated. I feel like a pheonix rising out of the ashes. With my God behind me no one can be against me. No weapons formed against me will prosper. Our God is great and good. God knows the plans he has for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future, And it's going to be beyond your wildest dreams.

I'm going to do great things with my life. Next year I'm gonna start studying graphic design at the Art Institute in Dallas. For my 18th birthday, I want to get some sleeve tattoos on my left arm where the scars are from the self abuse. Not to cover them out of shame, but to change them. To take something ugly that was meant to destroy me and make it into something beautiful that will be used for the glory of God. Eventually me and my bestfriend would love to open a tatoo parlor. I wanna specialize in tatoos for people who have suffered from self injury and turn it into a ministry, to let them know that it doesn't matter how ugly the scars from the past are. Our God has a hope for you, and a future for you, and it is going to be beautiful beyond your imagination.

So I want you guys to watch me. Not because I'm awesome or because I want the attention. But becase I am a true cinderalla story, a true example of the marvelous works of the wonderful God we serve. Some of you may not have the best view. You may not see me as clearly as the friends that have been there for me, that have had to physically hold me up on nights where I was too high and drunk to walk and could barely speak. Maybe you won't see me as clearly as my family who's been there on the long nights where I've been awake, depserate and broken, where they held onto me while I was shaking so bad I felt like I would break apart. You may not get to see as much of me as they do, but watch anyway. Because We serve a powerful God, we are his favorites, and he's going to use us for marvelous, marvelous things. It's going to be a beautiful life, and I can't. wait. to see.

Originally, this was where my testimony ended. I felt revived and blessed and happy, full of joy for the first time in forever. I was so hopeful for where I was headed and what I would be able to do with my life. I'd begun to see that my life wasn't really about me, but about reaching out to others. I turned eighteen, and got the pheonix tattoo that I wanted. The monday before my 18th birthday, I was hanging out in Arlington with my friends Tobi and JJ, playing with the stray dog we found at the park. While me and Tobi were walking around I got a call from my friend Chelsea asking if I'd been on facebook lately. When I said no, she responded with, "I'm so sorry to tell you this, but your friend Dana died in a car accident." This was the beginning of a huge downward spiral for me. It took hours for the news to sink in. At first I didn't really know what to think, I was in shock. But once it really hit I was devastated.

Me and Dana didn't hang out much after I moved but we used to live on the sae block. We had all the same friends and ran into each other all the time. Me and her dealt with a lot of the same problems in our past, and struggled with most of the same issues. She was always trying to reach out to me and make sure I was ok. She was one of the main people telling me that I should keep my son instead of getting an abortion, and promised to be there for me every step of the way. She was a big part of my decision to keep him, and she continued to keep in touch. We'd run into her the week before at iHop where she worked. It just didn't seem real that she was gone.

Once everything really sunk in I started to fall back into depression. I kept thinking, me and her messed up in all the same ways, did most of the same things. Howcome I kept getting more chances and she didn't? Why is it that she's gone and I'm still here? It didn't seem fair. I couldn't stop questioning why I was still alive and such a beautiful, sweet girl was gone. Seeing all her grieving family and friends at the funeral only made it seem more senseless and tragic than ever. I remember being at JJ's the day it happened, and we were sitting in the garage when her mom came home. They lived across the street. We could hear her mother crying all the way inside his house. It was heartwrenching. It seemed like nothing would be the same in that neighborhood again.

That friday was my birthday. I celebrated with close friends and my family. The next morning I went with Joe and his friend Austin to the funerals. The first was for the twins, Stephen and Michael Eckel, who'd passed away. Then we went to Dana's. My brother flew in from the military base in Arizona. It was a really sad day. Overall, with Danielle, Michael, Stephen, and the most recent death, Christian, we lost four amazing young people in that car accident.

I eventually stopped thinking about it. But it never lasted. Every time I saw her picture or a wall post on facebook all the same thoughts came back. Why her? Why was it that she got taken, and I was always given one more chance. Over and over. I couldn't make it make sense to me. We basically lived parallell lives, dealing with almost every same issue and problem and person. But right as I was getting my life straight and finding new hope in my life, hers was taken away.

Then something else happened, something that shook me up more than anything in my short eighteen years. A few weeks ago I was raped by a guy I used to know. He just showed up at my house while nobody was home. Afterwards I didn't know what to do. I spent the next few nights away from home, completely beside myself, not knowing what to do. It was a long time before I could even spend much time at my own house. I still can't be there long without shaking or crying or freaking out in one way or another. I have these horrible nightmares literally every time I go to sleep. I haven't had a good night's sleep and haven't felt safe since it happened. It's gotten so bad that I considered moving out, it didn't matter where, I just wanted out of that house.

So honestly. I'm not doing so good right now. But Pastor David and my dad have been reminding me that I need to stay strong. I recently got a tattoo on my collarbone that says Stay Strong, and it's a constant reminder that I can't give up now. The things that happened almost stopped me from getting up here and speaking to you guys. It didn't seem worth it anymore. Then I was reminded by people close to me that if I let the devil take this away from me, I'm letting him win. I spent most of my life in the dark, hiding everything. It's about time I start being honest and I start telling my story. Everyone has their own story, their own struggles. If my story can help even one person, then it's worth it. I've been in some pretty dark places in my life and if I can help even one person not have to go there, or help them know that there really is a way out, I'll be happy. We really do serve an amazing God, and he's pulled me through more than my share of mistakes. There's nothing that He can't bring you out of, and you'll never run far enough away that he isn't right behind you, waiting to bring you home. You just have to reach out for help.

I remember a quote a teacher of mine had on his wall, about how, you can't solve your problems with the same mindset that you created them in. It takes another perspective, a new look at things. It may even take someone else for you to lean on. But whether you do it alone or with help, it can't happen without God.

I guess I've said all of this, to say that there's no hole God won't pull you out of, and no dark period of your life that won't pass. If you sit and wallow in your own despair and tell yourself you can't do it, you're just prolonging your own misery. Don't be the one that's gonna sit there, not help yourself, not ask for help, and possibly drag others down. Reach out for someone, and for God. That's what our ministry team is here for. That's what this entire church is here for. It doesn't matter where you are or what kind of trash you're currently surrounded by. There's hope, there's a way out. You just have to look.

To Succeed - Overcome Fear!

2011-11-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1.7

The poet wrote: ‘There was a very cautious man who never laughed or played; he never risked, he never tried, he never sang or prayed. And when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied; for since he never really lived, they claimed he never died!

If you never really try and overcome the fear of trying/failure; you will never have really lived!

A Woman's Simple Request!

2011-10-25T19:15:00.000-05:00

Ouch men, can you relate to that!!!!

Shake It Off and Keep Going On!

2011-10-07T07:56:00.000-05:00

Not original with me but worth repeating and living! Author unknown to me.

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for ...hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from God.

Simply Amazing!!!

2011-09-26T13:09:00.001-05:00

Rhema Marvanne, 8 years old!

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/RhemaFan

Can't see video of Rhema, click here.

Self-Portrait Mania

2011-09-14T05:54:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed the trend to take self portraits, no matter how unflattering they represent the shutterbug? You see them posted everywhere! Well it is easy to do, it is so simple that even monkeys can do it!

To capture the perfect wildlife image, you usually have to be in exactly the right place at precisely the right time.

But in this instance, David Slater wasn’t there at all and he still got a result.

Visiting a national park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, award-winning photographer Mr Slater left his camera unattended for a while.

It soon attracted the attention of an inquisitive female from a local group of crested black macaque monkeys, known for their intelligence and dexterity.

Fascinated by her reflection in the lens, she then somehow managed to start the camera. The upshot: A splendid self-portrait.

Yes, that's how easy it is to be a photographer!!!

Planting Now to Reap Later!

2011-09-09T15:20:00.000-05:00

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.

Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Every day, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes.. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

What language do you speak?

2011-08-22T10:01:00.000-05:00

A Swiss man, looking for directions, pulls up at a bus stop where two Americans are waiting. “Entschuldigung, koennen Sie Deutsch sprechen?” he asks. The two Americans just stare at him. “Excusez-moi, parlez vous Fracais?” he tries. The two continue to stare. “Parlare Italiano?” No response. “Hablan ustedes Espanol?” Still nothing. The Swiss guy drives off, extremely disgusted.

The first American turns to the second and says, “Y’know, maybe we should learn a foreign language.” “Why?” says the other. “That guy knew four languages, and it didn’t do him any good.”

The Mentors in My Life

2011-08-02T06:06:00.002-05:00

There has been a lot of discussion on mentoring, coaching, Fathers, Apostles, etc. I have thought about this subject for many years and watched the trend both in the Church and society at large. I have come to some conclusions for myself and this is not necessarily for others. Each person must decide.

I had one earthly father, James Donald Kerr. I thank the Lord for him. He helped bring me in to this world, provided for me, loved me, and was an encouragement to me. I learned much from him as I watched him be a faithful husband and father. I am proud to be my Father’s son!

I have one Heavenly Father as Jesus taught us. He is my ever present help, supplier, comforter, and lover of my soul. He does not disappoint nor is He disappointed in me. He delights in me and rejoices over me. His love is not based on my performance and is true regardless of the situation. About Him I could write volumes (oh wait, there already have been many!).

I have Liberty Fellowship that is a group of men and women whose lives are built on relationship with each other and a passion for Jesus, period. We do not ‘Lord it over’ each other or command loyalty to a natural person or organization! We are there to encourage and support one another in this life and are learning the value of ‘Better Together.’

I have had four mentors in my life. A mentor is a trusted counselor guide, tutor, or coach. Note the word trusted. A mentor is not a forced ecclesiastical hierarchal role but one that is built on a trusted relationship. It may be short lived and for a season or it may be long term.

The mentors in my life are Eddie Emmert, Don Hickman, Bob Bishop and Harry Huff.

Eddie Emmert was the man that was instrumental in my coming to the Lord and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. He taught me the love of God and demonstrated it to me. He taught me to love the Lord Jesus passionately and walk in an intense personal daily relationship with Him. He taught me perseverance in difficult times and how to lean on the Lord in them.

Don Hickman taught me the importance of prayer and the power of God operating in one’s life. He taught me what it was to walk ‘in the Spirit’ and His power. He taught me that everyday was an adventure with Jesus. Through him I saw people healed, delivered, and walking in victory. Even though he was a retired Navy chief, He was bold like a lion and gentle like a lamb. Through him I learned what it meant, 'you shall have power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you!'

Bob Bishop taught me about character, a good name, and a love for the world. He was not just my boss but a trusted mentor. I watched and listened to him intently. He was a man of peace and sought peace in relationships. His name was an honored name and his character above reproach. He taught me about seeking wisdom in all situations through prayer. He tried to teach me patience (something I am still working on) as he was a patient man. And, he taught me to love God’s world and humanity. He taught me to love and care for missionaries. And last of all, he trusted me and had faith in me.

Harry Huff is my wife Debi’s father. He has taught me about character displaying the qualities of honesty, truthfulness, and steadfastness. He is an eternal optimist exhibiting much joy in all situations. He has also taught me it is more blessed to give than receive and has continued his commitment to missions giving to this day. He is a Father to me now that mine is gone. I love him as a son.

I also need to thank many friends over the years that have impacted my life. Some are still active and present in my life and others aren’t. But please be assured that your love, support and correction is still appreciated and remembered.

All these have shaped my life and are shaping my life! To all, I honor you and I am so very thankful you are (were) there for me. God bless you all!

You Ain't Never Been To Texas!

2011-07-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

Can't see video, click here.

Why I Do Missions!

2011-07-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

If you're interested, you will do what is convenient; if you're committed, you'll do whatever it takes.

-J Assaraf

I attended Liberty Bible College for pastoral ministry. Little did I know how my world view would change at my first Missions conference. That is where I first met and heard Wayne Myers. My life's direction changed in that meeting! World Missions=The Father's Heart!

Upon graduation I journeyed with my wife Debi and two other great couples to Scotland. A thriving church was planted. I returned back to work as Assistant Director of Globe under the direction of Bob Bishop. I travelled extensively to churches promoting world missions. Many didn't have a missions vision or it was minimal at best. During these times I was making observations that guided me and the establishment of a 'Missions minded church' that I now pastor, The Vine Fellowship. Our vision statement...connecting to God, other Christians and the world defines who we are as a church and guides where we invest our time and finances.

Rescue the perishing, don't hesitate to step and help! Pro 24.11 TMB

Three things guided me these 20 years here: 1. An annual Missions Conference; 2. Involvement of the members in World Missions; 3. Care for the Missionaries during the conference.

1. Annual Missions Conference- This is what I consider the highlight of our year. We have a set date for it every year. We establish a theme, hang banners, invite missionaries, hold a 4 day conference, do Faith Promise giving, and enjoy the results. The Sundays before and after the conference are always given to Global Missions messages. I understand thoroughly that the Pastor is THE KEY to a successful Missions vision in his church. No vision + no program + no involvement=no heart of the Father demonstrated! I do not delegate missions to another!

2. If you relegate your Missions program to a budget item then your people will not have a heart for it nor be missions minded. We stress to our members that we focus on reaching the world through support of world missions. Through the missionaries we preach the love of Jesus, help feed hungry children, send students to school, teach people how to grow their own food, raise up and train indigenous pastors, plant churches, and train more missionaries to go out and do the same. We believe in and support world missions. Our people are directly involved by prayer, provision, and participation. We keep the missionaries and their respected needs before the people via Sunday, small groups, Bulletin boards, and prayer for them being incorporated on our published Church calendar. We give them the opportunity to be personally involved with a missionary through their giving. As Wayne Myers said, "Do your giving while your living that way you know where it is going!" Their participation is by attending the missions conference, meals and fellowship with missionaries, and short term trips to visit them.

3. Our care for the missionaries when they are at our Missions Conference can best be described as doting! We are compassionate, sensitive and caring to their needs. We make sure their time with us is a stress reliever not a means of added stress. We are light hearted, fun loving with them. We encourage their laughter and do fun things with them: we give them 'fun money' as they arrive to spend on what they want while with us, we take them shopping, do lunches and dinners with them and our staff, visit places around the area i.e. Dallas Cowboy Stadium, Dallas Aquarium, Ft. Worth Arboretum, Ft. Worth Cowtown, etc. We take them to game places i.e. Alley Cats, Dave and Busters, and give them game tokens and play Laser Tag, etc. When they leave we give them a generous honorarium!

But probably the biggest thing that our church does is consider the missionaries true heroes of the Faith! Standing ovations, cards of appreciation, hugs, and tears are demonstrated to them and for them! We love our missionaries!

The Vine Fellowship is committed and we do whatever it takes! Shouldn't we all???

Tennis Entertainer- Mansour Bahrami

2011-07-12T06:00:00.004-05:00

Thank you Tim for this video- amazing!

Can't see video, click here

Knowing To Do Good and Not Doing It = Sin!

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

I enjoyed watching Novak Djokovic's tap his racket in appreciation for a good shot that Rafael Nadal made during the finals of Wimbledon yesterday. That is what gentlemanly tennis players do to show they acknowledge what a good shot an opponent has made. Even when you are winning, you still take time to acknowledge the efforts of others! I play with a guy who hardly ever acknowledges any good shot or barely shakes your hand after winning or losing a set. His rudeness is his problem, but it did get me to thinking.

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17 (New King James Version)

If you look at the passage in the Bible, you see that this sentence comes at the end of the paragraph about planning what you will do tomorrow. As James highlights the need to turn every day over to God, he reminds us that God has a positive agenda for our lives. God has not simply told us what to avoid, He has told us and modeled for us what we should be doing.

The puritans classified all sin into 2 categories. There are the sins of commission. The things that we do that we aren’t supposed to do. When we commit a sin, when we do something that is wrong, it is a sin of commission. But from James 4:17 and others they recognized that there are also sins of omission. These are the good things that we know we should do but we don’t do them. When we don’t do something that is right, we commit the sin of omission.

So in any given day and any given opportunity, we must respond accordingly:
1. If we need to give someone a cup of cold water, we do it.
2. If we see someone worthy of praise, we do it.
3. If someone has done a great thing, we acknowledge it.
4. We congratulate others. To keep quiet is rude and sin!
5. We don't withhold encouragement for a job well done or shot well made! I think you get my drift!

(Here is a thought provoking question for all you Facebook peeps- Is failing to congratulate or acknowledge a birthday or make comments on Facebook sin?).

I tweeted this the other day, 'A wrongdoer is often one who has left something undone, not always one who has done something.'

Jesus told a story about a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He was robbed and beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Before long a priest came along and saw him lying there. But there was temple worship to be done, and the priest had an appointment to meet. Besides, he could walk past and not break any of the 613 laws, but if he helped the injured traveler, he would become ritually unclean and not be able to participate in temple worship. Realizing it, he walked on by. A Levite was the next to pass. He was in a hurry to get to worship also, and if he helped, he might not make it in time, so he moved over to the other side of the road. The third to come by was a Samaritan. If Jesus were telling the story to us today, He might use a gang member or an illegal alien for the last one to walk past. To the Jews that Jesus was speaking to, a Samaritan was a nobody, somebody to be avoided. But to the injured man that Samaritan was a savior. He cleaned the crime victim up, took him to a holiday inn, paid for his room and came back to check on him. The point that Jesus was making when He told that story was that the person who was being obedient to God wasn’t those guys who were in such a hurry to get to a worship service. The one who was obedient to God was the one who understood the second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Who was right in this story, it was the one who knew to do right and did it. Those who knew to do right and didn't were wrong and guilty of sin!

So, this thought process has made me keenly aware that I need to practice blessing others with a 'Thank you,' 'Great job,' 'Congratulations,' etc. For me to withhold that, it is sin.

How about you? It is sin for you too!

Today is Our 40th Wedding Anniversary

2011-07-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

Today is the day- 40 years ago I married my best friend, my last girlfriend. She agreed to be my princess, mine tomorrow and the day after that, forever! I find great delight in her and her only. Every day is a new discovery of how unique a creation God made her. She remains the best marriage manual a man could read; turning every page is full of exhilaration, excitement and passion. She lavishes me with her love.

Debi, thank you for these wonderful years, may God grant us many more! I love you!

David, your knight in shining armor.

Countdown to Our 40th Wedding Anniversary- July 3rd

2011-07-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

Dedicated to the woman I love, Debi! I dellght in her!

'There's something in the way she moves,
or looks my way or calls my name,...'

view video here

James Taylor
There's something in the way she moves,
or looks my way or calls my name,
that seems to leave this troubled world behind.
And if I'm feelin down and blue,
or troubled by some foolish game,
she always seems to make me change my mind.
And I feel fine any time she's around me now, she's around me now
almost all the time.
And if I'm well you can tell she's been with me now,
she's been with me now,
for a long, long time,
and I feel fine.
Every now and then the things I lean on lose their meaning, and I find myself careening,
into places that I should not let me go.
She has the power to go where no one else can find me,
yes and to silently remind me,
of the happiness and good times that I know.
But I said I've just got to know that...
It isn't what she's got to say,
or how she thinks or where she's been.
To me the words are nice the way they sound.
I like to hear them best that way,
it doesn't much matter what they mean.
Well she says them mostly just to calm me down.
And I feel fine any time she's around me now,
she's around me now,
almost all the time.
And if I'm well you can tell that she's been with me now, she's been with me now,
quite a long, long time.
Yes and I feel fine.

The Joys of Growing Older

2011-06-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have noticed a trend as one gets older. I don’t know if it will happen to you this way, but here is the progression of events:

1. You hear often about aches and pains that you have, ‘Well, at your age you can expect that!’

2. You start receiving multiple AARP letters and applications in the mail. (How did they know?)

3. Then you start receiving mail for retirement homes in your area. (How did they know?)

4. Then you receive mail for assisted living care. (How did they know?)

5. Then mail for nursing homes. (How did they know?)

6. But today was the clincher! I received a ‘free pre-paid Cremation offer!’

It looks like someone is tracking my life and already has me with one foot in the grave! Ouch!

Again, how do they know?

Sometimes We Have to Laugh at Ourselves!

2011-06-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

can't see video, click here

In Honor of Wimbledon!

2011-06-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Great song about Isner and Mahut's Marathon tennis match last year at Wimbledon!

can't see video, click here

An Example to Follow!

2011-06-10T07:12:00.000-05:00

We need this example in our everyday lives and our churches! Know anybody who needs your help?
Don't see video? click here

Sign of the Times!

2011-06-08T05:59:00.000-05:00

Can you say 'snap!'

Thriving or Just Getting By?

2011-05-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-05-19T06:00:00.004-05:00

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!

2011-05-17T13:00:00.003-05:00

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

2011-05-11T07:58:00.000-05:00

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 ???

2011-05-02T05:00:00.005-05:00

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!

Body as a Temple!

2011-04-25T09:05:00.000-05:00

Can you relate?

Sunday's Here!!!

2011-04-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Can't see video? click here

Jeremy’s Empty Easter Egg

2011-04-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Jeremy was born with a twisted body, a slow mind and a chronic, terminal illness that had been slowly killing him all his young life. Still, his parents had tried to give him as normal a life as possible and had sent him to St. Theresa's elementary school. At the age of 12, Jeremy was only in second grade, seemingly unable to learn.
His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises. At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher.

One day, she called his parents and asked them to come to St. Teresa's for a consultation. As the Foresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don't have learning problems. Why, there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students!" Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."

Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Foresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read or write. Why spend any more time trying? As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, "here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared with that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy." From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy 's noises and his blank stares.

Then one day he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loudly enough for the whole class to hear. The other children snickered, and Doris's face turned red. She stammered, "wh-why, that's very nice, Jeremy. Now please take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller!" The children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises. Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them.

That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy 's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs. In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that spring is here. "A small girl in the first row waved her arms. "That's my egg, Miss Miller," she called out. The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and turns into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too" little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine."

Next Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that the moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom. "My daddy helped me!" He beamed. Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy 's, she thought, and, of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents. Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another.

Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "but Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty too!" Time stopped. When she could speak again. Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh yes!" Jeremy exclaimed. "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then his Father raised him up!" The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.

Three months later Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, ...................all of them empty.

Jesus is alive for evermore! Happy Resurrection Sunday to all my friends!

I Really Love MY Job!

2011-04-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

I will never complain about my job again even though I can't wear flip-flops to work! How about you?

Can't see video? click here!

Old Age Speak!

2011-04-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

Old age has it's own language I am finding out! Consider the following:

ATD -at the doctors.

BFF -best friend fell.

BTW -bring the wheelchair.

BYOT -bring your own teeth.

FWIW -forgot where I was.

GHA -got heartburn again.

IMHO -is my hearing aid on.

LMDO -laughing my dentures out.

OMMR -on my massage recliner.

OMSG -oh my! sorry, gas.

ROFLACGU -rolling on floor laughing and can't get up.

TTYL -talk to you louder.

Can you add any? Please do....

The Bible is Our Headlights

2011-04-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Ps 119:105 NIV

The word of God is very important in the life of a Christian. The verse above speaks volumes as to the purposes of the Bible for our daily lives. I like the Message Bible’s rendering of this verse:

By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. Ps 119:105

Several years ago, I was travelling home at night along Kelly Elliott. I began to notice that the headlights of my car seemed to be growing dim. I went a little further, and they went out all together and my car came to a stop. There I was on Kelly Elliott without power sitting in the dark without my car headlights. It was at that point that I realized how very important headlights are on a car. I could not see the road ahead of me. The road had become completely dark. Fortunately I could not move forward because to do so would have imperiled Debi and me and the couple riding with us.

That is what this scripture is all about. If we are to navigate the paths and roadways of life we need the word of God to illumine the way. If not, we imperil ourselves and those following us.

The Bible helps us navigate the challenges of life and assures us we will survive!

Step In and Help!

2011-04-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. Prov 24:11 TMB

What a great and dynamic Missions Conference we had last week! We do this on an annual basis. It is a highlight of our year. I don’t have these conferences for myself nor for the church's benefit; it is for our missionaries and those that are without Jesus! We are doing what we can to step in and help! A church having a mission’s conference shows missionaries that someone is behind them. It is a time to ‘renew our concern’ for them for yet another year. (Phil 4:10). It also shows our consistent effort to make this gospel of Jesus known in the entire world.

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? Rom 10:14-15 NIV

That is why we do outreach globally as well as locally. We doing an Adopt-A-Block outreach for the month of April. Why? To show forth the love of Christ in a practical and tangible way that will affect lives.

Is it working?

Just this week we had a man and his son stop by the church. He had a box full of groceries that he wanted to donate to our food pantry. He said that he and his family had gone through a rough time last year and needed to rely upon the kindness of our church in our outreaches and food pantry. They wouldn’t have had food without us! He now is on food stamps as he is looking for a job and they had more groceries than they needed. So, he brought them here to help us and others!

Man, that ought to make your heart rejoice and your mouth shout ‘Praise God!’

Pastor, make sure you keep your church Missions and outreach minded! That is our Great Co-mission!

Rescue The Perishing!

2011-03-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

Today begins our World Missions Conference. It is an exciting time and in keeping with why we are here as a church and fulfills our vision as I mentioned last week (listen to sermon 'Why We Do Missions' here). Some weeks ago Pastor Rob shared his take on world missions here at the Vine:

The question has been asked, "If your church closed its doors and disappeared today, who would notice?" I believe the 14 missionaries along the back wall of our church represent hundreds of people who would notice if Vine Fellowship closed its doors today. The vision of Vine Fellowship is to connect people to God, other Christians and the world. Through these missionaries we preach the love of Jesus, help feed hungry children, send students to school, teach people how to grow their own food, raise up and train indigenous pastors, plant churches, and train more missionaries to go out and do the same.

I hope that world missions is a part of who are as a member of The Vine Fellowship. You play a vital role. Not only do we Faith Promise financial support for our missionaries during our conference, but we also hear from our missionaries and allow God to speak to us about the role he wants us to play in these ministries. Another big role we fill is loving and supporting our missionaries. Your attendance at our gatherings shows our missionaries the heart of Vine Fellowship says to them, "Keep doing what you are doing. You are important to us and we will partner with you in this work." That is a great word from Pastor Rob!

Today, join with me in welcoming our missionaries. We say to them all this morning, 'We love you and we are very proud of you!’

My Favorite Animal...

2011-03-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

My Favorite Animal

Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, "Fried chicken." She said I wasn't funny, but she couldn't have been right, because everyone else in the class laughed.

My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken is my favorite animal. I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA. He said they love animals very much. I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef.

Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.

The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, just like she'd asked the other children. So I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken. She sent me back to the principal's office again. He laughed, and told me not to do it again. I don't understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am.

Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most. I told her, "Colonel Sanders." Guess where I am now . . . .

Neither Do I Condemn You...

2011-03-21T05:00:00.010-05:00

Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you. Go. From now on sin no more'" (Jn 8:3-11)

Over the years as a Pastor I have experienced verbal condemnatory attacks by God’s ‘policemen.’ The attacks have come in many forms. They have been for the most part untrue, except where I have done big pieces of stupid which I had to humbly admit!

However, I have been where this woman was with my accusers ready to stone me. Good news, my character and integrity (and life) have withstood these attacks.

I have found that there are two kinds of people in the world:
1. Those who condemn you.
2. Those who don’t.

Those who do are the most unqualified to condemn you! I prefer to stay away from modern day Pharisees who love few things more than exposing your sin and lifting themselves up by putting you down, and I suggest that you do too!

Instead, look for friends who, too, have been lifted by God's grace and know how to extend it to others.

There is one that is better able to help in times of guilt, disappointment and condemnation! That is Jesus! He is the One most qualified to condemn you, and yet He won't! So it is imperative that we stay close to Him. By doing that you'll discover that you can recover more quickly. Your scars are not permanent. Jesus will meet you in your dark places and heal the wounds of your past because His grace is greater than your shame. There's no limit to the depth of shame He can see us through because there's no limit to the grace He can supply.

His grace super-abounds!

Value of Bran Muffins????

2011-03-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

The couple were 85 years old, and had been married for sixty years. Though they were far from rich, they managed to get by because they watched their pennies.

Though not young, they were both in very good health, largely due to the wife's insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last decade.

One day, their good health didn't help when they went on a rare vacation and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven.

They reached the pearly gates, and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion, furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and a waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favorite clothes in the closet.

They gasped in astonishment when he said, "Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now."

The old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "Why, nothing," Peter replied, "remember, this is your reward in Heaven."

The old man looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth.

"What are the greens fees?", grumbled the old man. "This is heaven," St. Peter replied. "You can play for free, every day."

Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch, with every imaginable cuisine laid out before them, from seafood to steaks to exotic deserts, free flowing beverages. "Don't even ask," said St. Peter to the man. "This is Heaven, it is all free for you to enjoy."

The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. "Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods, and the decaffeinated tea?" he asked.

"That's the best part," St. Peter replied. "You can eat and drink as much as you like of whatever you like, and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!"

The old man pushed, "No gym to work out at?" "Not unless you want to," was the answer.

"No testing my sugar or blood pressure or..." "Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself."

The old man glared at his wife and said, "You and your bran muffins. We could have been here ten years ago!"

Laugh and Dance!

2011-03-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

Keep on laughing and dancing!

Can't see image, go here. Look for March 17, 2011 post.

You Shall Not Want

2011-03-14T08:44:00.000-05:00

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

To the lost sheep, He is the seeking Shepherd;
To the needy sheep, He is the providing Shepherd;
To the hurting sheep, He is the comforting Shepherd;
To the bruised sheep, He is the healing Shepherd;
To the anxious sheep, He is the peaceful Shepherd;
To the wandering sheep, He is the guiding Shepherd;
To the fearful sheep, He is the protecting Shepherd;
To the lame sheep, He is the carrying Shepherd;
To the discontented sheep, He is the fulfilling Shepherd;
To the parched sheep, He is the anointing Shepherd;
To the timid sheep, He is the reassuring Shepherd;
To the fallen sheep, He is the merciful Shepherd;
To the nervous sheep, He is the quieting Shepherd;
To the heavy laden sheep, He is the restful Shepherd;
To the lonely sheep, He is the ever-present Shepherd;
To the weary sheep, He is the restoring Shepherd;
To all His sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.

by Roy Lessin, his blog is here.

Communicating Vision to Your Church

2011-03-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

Last week I took the entire service to share on vision for The Vine Fellowship and our finances from 2010. I did it with guests in the house! I have to admit it is a struggle for me not to 'preach the gospel' but I feel this is an equally important task in the life of our church. For 20 years I have done a 'State of the Church Address' that incorporates vision and finances. We are a church that is open about our finances, how we use the people's (God's) money, and give a public accounting of it. We have nothing to hide. We belong to the Kingdom of Light not darkness! We are open and honest about finances. In fact, we are open about any communication here at The Vine given by email or verbally; you say it you own up to it!

Here is what I recently wrote for our Sunday bulletin:

---
Dear Saints,
Thank you for your support and encouragement with last week’s service on The Vine Fellowship vision and finances. I know some of you may have had guests here and it may not been what you wanted them to experience and I fully understand. It is equally rough for me to take a full Sunday morning service to do it. But it does serve important purposes:

1. It helps everyone to know that we are open and transparent about our finances in this church. I am accountable for how I lead this great church and maintaining my character as you are for your life and character.

2. It helps to keep reminding ourselves of our vision. We need to know why we are here and do what we do so that we all know where we are headed. A vision communicated to people is a refreshing and invigorating experience.

3. A personal best friend of mine, Danny Tice, ministered at the LF NE conference on vision. He said the following: “When we get to a place where we have no vision our term of leadership has expired.” “What does this statement really mean? It means that the primary qualification for a leader of a church is that they have vision for the church they lead. If they don’t, they should either get a vision or they should resign. The vision issue settles the question when a leader should retire? The older leader can still lead if his eyes are not dim and he has vision. Better an old guy with vision than a young guy with no vision.”

Saints, I may be “the old guy” but I still have vision for this church!
I love you,
---

It amazes me that without exception, I generally hear from a guest or two about how they enjoyed the service. They especially like the fact that we discuss openly finances and such. Many say that their church would never do that and that if you asked about finances you are excoriated! Let me just say, that is wrong!

BTW, you can view Danny Tice's excellent article here.

Ten Commandments for a Mother-In-Law

2011-03-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

Ten Commandments for a Mother-In-Law

Thou shalt love, honor and respect the new couple.

Thou shalt allow them complete independence.

Thou shalt speak only kindly and loyally about them.

Thou shalt not find fault.

Thou shalt not visit them too frequently, and never enter their home without knocking.

Thou shalt not expect them to visit you too often.

Thou shalt not give advice unless requested.

Thou shalt not mention how much you look forward to grandchildren. [Ooooops, ;>)]

Thou shalt respect their taste in home decorating, though its differs from your own.

Thou shalt petition daily the Heavenly Father, in whose love they abide, for their happiness.

by Iola M. Irwin

Shepherd's Restoration

2011-03-06T17:37:00.000-06:00

In his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller gives " a striking picture of the care and gentleness of a shepherd. In Psalm 23.3 when David says, "He restores my soul," he uses language every shepherd would understand. Sheep are built in such a way that if they fall over on their side and then onto their back, it is very difficult for them to get up again. They flail their legs in the air, bleat, and cry. After a few hours on their backs, gas begins to collect in their stomachs, the stomach hardens, the air passage is cut off, the sheep will eventually suffocate. This is referred to as a "cast down" position.

When a shepherd restores a cast down sheep, he reassures it, massages its legs to restore circulation, gently turns the sheep over, lifts it up, and holds it so it can regain its equilibrium.

What a picture of what God wants to do for us! When we are on our backs, flailing because of guilt, grief, or grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His grace, lifts us up, and holds us until we’ve gained our spiritual equilibrium.

If you’ve been cast down for any reason, God is the only one who can help you get on your feet again. He will restore your confidence, joy, and strength. —Marvin Williams

This Shepherd of mine knows each trial, each snare,

And at just the right moment my Lord will be there,

On His shoulders to carry each burden for me-

Yes, the Lord is my Shepherd, arid always shall be. -Henry

The weak and the helpless are in the Good Shepherd's special care.

Great services- 2_20_2011!

2011-02-24T10:15:00.000-06:00

What a great Sunday we had last week! The worship was dynamic and the presence of God was strong. Great response from the word following worship, God will turn your tragedy into triumph!

American Gail Devers won the 100-meter dash by only 6/100 of a second over her four top competitors in 1992. Gail suffers from Grave’s disease. Just one year before she won the Olympic gold, Gail came within two days of having both feet amputated. After surviving that scare, she began to train and push herself toward her goal. Her determination and persistence won the day. Who would have thought the fastest woman in the world was the same woman who almost lost her feet! That is triumphing over tragedy!

We did have a wonderful Marriage weekend and then Debi and I shared from our own personal experience regarding marriage this past Sunday. Thank you for your kind comments and support of us. We enjoy leading you here at The Vine in all aspects of Christian living.

A little boy was looking through his grandmother's dusty old Bible when a large faded pressed leaf fell out. The little boy screamed to his mother "I just found Adam's underwear!"

Be blessed today

Future of Dental Healthcare?

2011-02-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

Love this video!!!
can't see video? click here.

I Lied - - A Confession!

2011-02-08T15:41:00.000-06:00

This post sent to me was too good to pass up. If you have ever done anything with Apple, Adobe, Banks, Credit Cards,... then the following is all too familiar to you. Read and enjoy this confession! I did! DK

I must admit, I lied. I flat out, no doubt about it, lied.

Not only must I admit to that lie, but I've lied many other times too. Some of you are shocked that I would lie and brazenly admit it but if you examine yourselves you're not so pure either.

I lied to Apple.

I was downloading something from Apple and they presented me with their updated Terms and Conditions for the iTunes store. I had to check a box that said that I had read the Terms and Conditions and that I agreed to them.

It was 58 pages on my phone.

58 PAGES!!!

Everyone who has an iPhone or who downloads from iTunes has to say that they have READ and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

I am sure that some have read all 58 pages but I doubt if it is anyone you or I know. Everyone we know lied too.

The symbol of Apple is an apple with a bite out of it. I wonder where that is from? It forces everyone who downloads anything from iTunes to either spend an hour reading the Terms and Conditions the first time and every time it is updated or it forces them to become liars.

Sure, it's just a little lie. It's just a little bite out of the truth. What does a little lie matter?

I don't want to pick on Apple, other companies do it with their Terms and Conditions and EULA's (End User License Agreements) that would take a software lawyer an hour to read and understand.

You should be given three options instead of two:
1. I don't agree and thus reject this product.
2. I have read the Terms and Conditions (or EULA) and agree.
3. I haven't read it because it would take a ridiculously long time but I blindly accept whatever it says on faith that I won't get unfairly treated.

They may want to leave that unfairly treated part out since you may be treated unfairly. Other users probably want to substitute a more vulgar term for unfairly treated.

Until that third option is added, to Apple and the other companies with over a two paragraph Terms of Agreement statement, I am forewarning you, I will lie.

Truthfully,
Pastor Nathaniel Bronner Jr.

Overcome Obstacles with Courage!

2011-02-05T08:06:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Brad Thurston (President of Globe Europe) preached an outstanding message on courage! The following day I took him on a tour of the Cowboy's Stadium here in Arlington (not Dallas!). It was already being prepared for Super Bowl XLV. Gone was the Dallas Cowboy's Star from midfield and the words 'Cowboys' from the end zones. I couldn't help but think as we walked the field that day that here was an arena where great feats of courage were going to be manifested!

And so is it tomorrow! The game will be played at 5.36pm. One team is going to walk away victorious and the other walk away in defeat! We will see many acts of courage demonstrated today.

Both teams got here because of a season of winning a number of battles (football games). This game today is the culmination of not giving up to achieve your life time desired results. Every player plays for the coveted Super Bowl ring and title of World Champion. It wasn't easy getting here nor will it be easy out there tomorrow. But courage will prevail and motivate!

We too have to be strong and courageous in our personal lives and spiritual walk with God! Deut. 31.6. The children of Israel had to be courageous to enter the Promised Land.

Every Promised Land has giant-sized problems, and you have to face them and defeat them before moving in and taking up residence. You can either be incapacitated by fear or overcome the obstacles with courage.

Just as the Steelers and Packers got to the Super Bowl by overcoming a season of battles, we too can be courageous and the victor through a series of small daily victories required to defeat the enemies of your Spiritual growth.

My friends, battle on to victory! (and enjoy the Super Bowl!)

A Unifier or A Divider, A Reconciler or A Destroyer?

2011-01-31T06:00:00.001-06:00

I have been thinking lately about how our lives impact others, for good or bad. We can build up or tear down. We can encourage or deflate. We can bind or liberate. We can embitter or cause rejoicing. We can reconcile or destroy. We can unify or divide.

I want to keep in step with God’s Spirit living through me. I want to be someone who is part of the solution rather than someone who is part of the problem. I want my love for God to result in more love for others. I want to be a person of grace. I want my life seasoned with grace. I want to be a forgiver! I want to be a unifier, not a divider.

Are you familiar with the history of the apartheid policies of South Africa and the unspeakable violence committed against blacks under the white regime? After Nelson Mandella’s release from prison, he asked Bishop Desmond Tutu to set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring to light the ugly truth of what had happened, and do it without exacting revenge, but rather reconciliation. Under the rules, if an oppressor faced his accusers and fully confessed his crime, he could not be prosecuted. Many protested that this was not justice, but Mandella insisted the country needed healing more than it needed justice. In one of the trials:

“A policeman named van de Broek recounted an incident when he and other officers shot an eighteen-year-old boy and burned the body, turning it on the fire like a piece of barbecue meat in order to destroy the evidence. Eight years later van de Broek returned to the same house and seized the boy’s father. The wife was forced to watch as policemen bound her husband on a woodpile, poured gasoline over his body, and ignited it.

The courtroom grew hushed as the elderly woman who had lost first her son and then her husband was given a chance to respond. ‘What do you want from Mr. Van de Broek?’ the judge asked. She said she wanted van de Broek to go to the place where they burned her husband’s body and gather up the dust so she could give him a decent burial. His head down, the policeman nodded agreement.

Then she added a further request, ‘Mr. Van de Broek took all my family away from me, and I still have a lot of love to give. Twice a month, I would like for him to come to the ghetto and spend a day with me so I can be a mother to him. And I would like Mr. Van de Borek to know that he is forgiven by God, and that I forgive him, too. I would like to embrace him so he can know my forgiveness is real.’

Some in the courtroom spontaneously began singing ‘Amazing Grace’ as the elderly woman made her way to the witness stand, but van de Broek did not hear the hymn. He had fainted, physically overwhelmed by grace.” (Phil Yancey 'What Good Is God?')

She literally followed the Scripture which says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21).

May we walk in God's Amazing Grace with Him and each other!

Integrity of Heart and Skillful Hands!

2011-01-28T14:46:00.003-06:00

Wow! What great services are occurring at The Vine. The testimonies are numerous and glorify what God is doing in the lives of Vine members. It is encouraging to see God moving here at the Vine. His presence and activity are evident. That is a sure sign of a healthy, living Spirit filled church! I am believing God for more of His presence and revelation of His love for us.

I am thankful we are a church that:

(1) is scripturally sound,
(2) is stable and loving,
(3) has Godly, moral leadership,
(4) is exalting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and
(5) making a reasonable effort to minister to all and their families!

I am thankful for how blessed we are to have a healthy church like that. I have ministered here for 20 years with that in my mind. The Lord called me here to shepherd His people. I have always endeavored to keep that call foremost in my mind everyday!

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

That scripture is my daily prayer!

Steve McVey - Grace To Shut Up!

2011-01-18T08:47:00.000-06:00

Ps 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.NIV

I have been learning when to speak and when to keep quiet. It has been hard, but a valuable exercise and discipline! My friend and great Pastor Danny Tice tweeted this scripture today: "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his own opinion." Proverbs 18:2

Steve McVey, author of 'Grace Walk,' along with many other fine books, had this blog today and I want to share it with you. Steve will be speaking at the Liberty Fellowship Family Conference in July(2011) this year.

“I just say whatever is on my mind,” a person who was expressing an opinion in an animated way recently said to me. I didn’t respond to the comment, but couldn’t help but think about the Bible verse that says, “A fool uttereth his whole mind, but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards” (Proverbs 29:11, KJV).

When I was young man I felt an internal mandate to not only express my opinion, but also to convince others that mine was the right way to see a matter. I’m not sure if it’s simply a matter of maturing with age or maturing in grace, or maybe a combination of the two, but I don’t feel the need to always make others agree with me anymore. To the contrary, I find myself often saying nothing at times when my thoughts may be in direct contradiction to what somebody may be expressing to me.

The Bible makes it clear that there is a virtue in learning when and how to be quiet. James wrote that we should be quick to hear, but slow to speak. (See James 4:19) Paul wrote to “let your speech be always with grace” (Colossians 4:6). Another time he taught that we should study to be quiet and mind our own business. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Highly opinionated babblers can be trying at times. I know because I used to be one. Maybe I still am at times, I’m not sure. I do know that I’m a verbal processor who tends to sort through things by talking about them. I recognize that I need grace to enable me to shut-up sometimes.

When I see opinionated, non-stop talkers like the one I mentioned in the first paragraph, I occasionally ask myself, “Do I still act like that at times?” That’s certainly not what I want.

Do you say too much, too often? If so, pray for God’s grace to flow through your actions in such a way as to cause you to know when to say nothing and then enable you to do it. Sometimes grace never looks better than when it enable us to simply shut-up.

Steve's blog on this and other relevant blogs of his can be found here.

So, I think God is speaking to me about this and I am taking these wonderful God thoughts to heart. I am asking the Lord to help me shut up and keep it shut!

Sarah Palin's Amazing Response!

2011-01-12T06:48:00.000-06:00

What a great response to the tragedy of the Arizona shootings!

She gets it, many in elected office and media don't!

Your Significant Life!

2011-01-07T14:53:00.000-06:00

I preached a sermon on ‘Your Significant Life.’ It followed the my theme of my last blog, We are here by design not accident and have an important role to play in the lives of others that only we can accomplish! I have had people give me additional information of personal accounts of ‘The Butterfly Effect’ in their lives!

Joni Eareckson Tada writes: "In her quiet sanctuary Diane turns her head slightly on the pillow, toward the corkboard on the wall. Her eyes scan each photo. Every torn piece of paper carefully pinned in a row. She's praying. The creeping limitations of multiple sclerosis encroach further each year. Her fingers are curled and rigid. Her voice is barely a whisper. People might look at her and say, 'What a shame. Her life has no meaning.' But Diane is convinced that her life is significant; that her labor of prayer counts. She moves mountains that block the paths of missionaries, helps open the eyes of the spiritually blind in Southeast Asia, and pushes back the kingdom of darkness that blackens the alleys of the gangs in East Los Angeles. Diane is on the front lines, advancing the Kingdom of God.

This woman sees her place in the world. It doesn't matter that others may not recognize her significance. She is a woman of major significance influencing the lives of millions!

It's my prayer that you will discover the significance that has been yours all along as a child of the King. You may not be able to know the full meaning of every event, but you can know that every event is meaningful-and that you are significant!

2011- Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T07:27:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-12-29T10:08:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-27T08:21:00.000-06:00

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-

2010-12-24T07:23:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-12-16T06:58:00.000-06:00

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

2010-12-08T09:03:00.002-06:00

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake

If you can's see video, click here.

Loyalty Won’t Keep Them!

2010-11-29T10:57:00.000-06:00

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.

In my years of service to the Saints: I have tended to families whose children have committed suicide.
I have sat by the beside of a dying member with their spouse until he took his last breath in the early morning.
I have helped keep marriages together that were being devastated by the infidelity of a spouse.
I have intervened in the physical abuse of a spouse only to be threatened by the abusing spouse myself.
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.
I have supported a fearful wife as only God and I could as her husband was on a ventilator close to death.
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!
I have helped members move, cleaned their homes, repair and paint their homes, and mow their yards.
I have suffered ridicule for ‘not being there for them’ when I was trying desperately to be there for my own family.
I have become all too familiar with hospitals, funeral homes, morgues, crime scenes while caring and serving 24/7.
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

2010-11-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

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?

Don’t be amazed but be assured the attacks will come.
Don’t be amazed as to whom they come through.
Remember to pray for them and their hurt
Remember pride is at the source of their contention.
Don’t let your pride lead you to retaliation.
Humble yourself before God and pour out your complaint to Him.
Don’t read their Facebook (blogs, websites)!
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!

2010-11-18T13:52:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-15T10:39:00.000-06:00

If you can't see video click here.

20th Anniversary at The Vine Fellowship

2010-10-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

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

2010-10-25T05:30:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-10-22T11:17:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-10-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

(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

2010-10-06T05:28:00.001-05:00

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...

2010-09-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

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...

2010-09-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

"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?

2010-09-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

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-

2010-08-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

Great comic about God tweeting!

A Rant by David W Kerr

2010-08-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-08-02T07:15:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-07-08T15:48:00.000-05:00

can't see video- click here.

For My Sweetheart on Our Anniversary...

2010-07-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-06-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-06-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Well, that clears that up!

Tough Love

2010-06-03T06:18:00.000-05:00

"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!

2010-05-29T08:23:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-05-10T11:20:00.001-05:00

Any hope for mind over body?

Remember Your First MP3 Player?

2010-04-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Churches Going Under!

2010-04-15T09:00:00.001-05:00

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?

2010-03-29T08:45:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-03-16T06:37:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-01T11:20:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-26T08:08:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-23T11:39:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-02-06T04:28:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-05T08:33:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-02-03T07:21:00.000-06:00

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

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

Drew Brees Faith

2010-01-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

On to the Super Bowl 2010! Go Saints!

Signs of the Times!

2010-01-19T08:09:00.000-06:00

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

Do You Enjoy Counselling?

2010-01-15T05:30:00.001-06:00

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

2010-01-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-01-11T08:01:00.002-06:00

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?

2010-01-08T09:23:00.000-06:00

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?"