Only in Texas

Lk 19:40
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. KJV

A Texan walked in to church one Sunday morning and the pastor noticed that he had a gun under his coat.

The pastor told him he could not bring the gun into church, the Texan replied; “Pastor, you know the word and the red words say in Luke 19:40 that I should hold my piece!”

Overcoming in the Face of Opposition

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 NIV

Joshua was told by God that he would have every place where he set his foot. It meant he had to get our there, be early, steadfast, stay later, and work harder. Joshua had to do his part and God would do His.

He told Joshua to expect opposition. In his book High Maintenance Relationships, Les Parrott identifies the types of people who will oppose your progress:
1. Critics who constantly complain or give unwanted advice.
2. Martyrs who are forever the victim and wracked with self-pity.
3. Wet blankets who are pessimistic and habitually negative.
4. Steamrollers who are blindly insensitive to others.
5. Gossips that spread rumors and leak secrets.
6. Control freaks that are unable to let go and let things be.
7. Back-stabbers who are two-faced.
8. Green-eyed monsters that seethe with envy.
8. Volcanoes that build steam and are always ready to erupt.
9. Sponges that are always needy and never give anything back.
10.Competitors who always keep track of tit-for-tat.

Joshua was finally told to be strong and he would lead the people to their eventual inheritance.

Do you have what it takes to go the distance in God’s plans for you? He promised to be with you. If you will walk with Him; stay strong in the face of opposition, fatigue, and temporary defeat; and allow Him into you life, He will help see you through.

Pastors, let’s possess our land!

Loving What You Do!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV

I like what I do, in fact, I love it! I would rather be pastoring than anything else (with the exception of being a barista :>)). Seriously, I have always told people to discover your ‘bent’ (desires, likes, job you want to do), do it, and be happy in doing it!

A big insurance company conducted a work-study, during which they discovered that 20 percent of their employees did 80 percent of the work; which meant the other 80 percent only did 20 percent of the work (by the way, this is mirrored exactly in many churches too). And they found something even more interesting - the 20 percent at the top produced 16 percent more than the 80 percent at the bottom. That doesn't mean they were 16 times smarter or more experienced. No, it just means they made a conscious decision to be the best by committing to excellence on the job.

I pray over the offering on most Sundays? ‘Lord, as we work faithfully in our jobs as unto you, may you give us bonuses, raises, and increases.’ When others are not watching you working, the Lord always is and He will reward diligent labor!

What is your work ethic? Do you respect and obey your boss? Do you work hard even when he is not watching? Does your work ethic bring glory to God? I once knew a Christian lady who kept going from job to job. When I asked her why she left so many jobs, she replied, ‘They don’t have flexible hours. None of them will work with me on that!’ Do you know what she was saying; ‘I am constantly late to work and they are harassing me!’ Well, duh, I wouldn’t hire you either! And one last thought for those of you who work in a difficult place – give your best anyway!

Bob Glass says, ‘Your work is a self-portrait of the one who does it, so, today, autograph it with excellence!’

Wonderful Tax Time!

When Bullied, Keep on Singing!

Remember Paul Potts? Watch this kid!

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surfing for Sermons- Part 2

In my first post on this subject, I quoted Dr. Tom Blackaby, “People are being given second-hand visions from mega churches, and second-hand sermons God gave to other messengers.”

That would describe many pastors as ‘Cookie Cutter Pastors and Churches.’ With all the pressure out there from ‘successful pastors’ many pastors are pressed upon to mimic what is working and what is ‘preaching.’ Ever noticed how many of these 'successful pastors' look almost identical in their dress, hair (or lack thereof), stage designs (one church I know spends more in a week on stage design than many small churches receive in a months worth of offerings), and their sermon emphasis. I love the Pillsbury doughboy and the products he represents but I sure don’t want to look like him!

“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer. 3:15).

Blackaby continues, “The simple reality is that many pastors are seeking God’s heart in a book or online rather than in His Word, through prayer, or by spending unhurried time alone with God seeking His heart.”

Listen, if you are finding your sermons online, chances are your sheep can find them too. There have been some prominent pastors (as well as politicians) embarrassed and some even asked to leave their churches after it was discovered they were ‘preaching verbatim’ other’s sermons. This points to the fact that we are losing our identity and uniqueness in many churches today!

God has uniquely created each pastor and placed him with a unique congregation for a unique vision. It is his to pray through, get it, and implement it. You can only be yourself and not somebody else. We have to settle that fact and believe that God has something unique for us. I remember a pastor friend from years ago who attended all the seminars on ‘how to do church,’ bought all the books and tapes, and tried to apply all that stuff only to become frustrated and no longer in the ministry.

Listen, I know as pastors we will always be looking for new ideas, way to do things, and topics to preach, but we need to become strong in Christ and the time we spend online needs to be spent with Him and His Word. There is no greater sermon you can preach than one that has come as manna from heaven into your own soul!

Lk 10:38-42 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it — it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." TMB

Nor from you, Pastor!

Now it's called 'Child Abuse'

Pr 13:24
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. KJV

Pr 13:24
Refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. TMB

We are so far removed from this as a society - no wonder we have problems!

2008 Global Missions Conference

We just finished up our annual Missions Conference (been doing this for 18 years). I was asked by a pastor how we keep it going and get the participation of our people - my answer to him - Leadership!

We had a great time as we focused on the Heart of God for the lost. Our theme this year was 'Testify of the Light' (Jn 1:7). Our missionaries with us this year were Dirk, Elizabeth and Abigail Wood (South Africa); Craig, Michelle and Justin Logan (Philippines); Brad and Jan Thurston (Germany); Mark Ost (France); Noel Elberto (Pastor- Philippines).

The missionaries did an outstanding job in all the services. We had 'Christmas in March' giving them gifts, fun money, and a delightful Christmas meal with all the trimmings!

The picture above is our Fun Day at Alley Cats with our missionaries and our staff; and, of course, Starbucks.

Jesus said we are to go into all the world. What is it about that statement that so many churches don't get today with some even curtailing their global missions emphasis? I would hate to have to answer to our Lord for that one!

Tony Campolo once said, "You had better go to heaven with the picture of a international child that you are supporting on your refrigerator!" I might add you better have the names and countries of missionaries there also!

Let's be obedient to our Lord and fulfill His Great Commission! Pastor don't let it be your great omission!

Watch Online as Souls are Brought into the Kingdom!

We are in the midst of our annual Global Missions Conference. We've done this now for the past 18 years! A responsibility of the local church is to 'Go into all the World.' I really don't understand why pastors with all their various emphases fail in this area, fail to promote and fund Global Missions. What could be more plain and a directive from Jesus Himself. If you're not, it is disobedience!

Here is a list of the missionaries that the Vine supports. They are great Men and Women of God! We are very proud of them.

Missionaries with us this year are Dirk and Elizabeth Wood (South Africa), Craig and Michelle Logan (Philippines), Brad and Jan Thurston (Germany), and Mark Ost(France). We also have a special guest Noel Elberto, a pastor from the Philippines.

Mark Ost told us last night of a website that has been started in France in a number of languages that leads people through a 6 page introduction to Christianity. At the end they can respond by becoming a Christian. They have had over 5 million hits with close to 530,000 becoming Christians! You can track is online at http://www.topc.com/joy-in-heaven/.

Amazing, simply amazing! I am pumped! Check it out!!!

Surfing for Sermons - Part 1

Computers and Internet- Pastor’s Friends…or Not? I remember my desk cluttered with commentaries, concordances, Greek dictionary, numerous translations of the Bible, etc. - that is what studying the Word of God and sermon prep was all about. Also, don’t forget prayer! Then enter the computer era where all of these things are now on your computer ‘desktop.’ Those former resources are now collecting dust since I now use PC Study Bible.

And the Internet – have to love the Internet - you wouldn’t be reading this blog were it not for the Internet. We have an explosion of information. Searching or researching – it can be found on the Internet.

Are these great advancements considered to be a blessing to Pastors? Or are they rapidly becoming a curse?

As I look at other church’s websites and see their sermon promos and topics, I am becoming increasing aware that many pastors are using the same resources to get ideas and material to feed their sheep. It seems that pastors are spending more time surfing for sermons than praying and studying for them. Sermon prep is now relegated to a download from the Internet rather than a download from Heaven!

Don’t get me wrong. I too surf the Internet looking for material that will help my sermons (and boy do they need help!). Just as preachers before us read books and swapped sermon ideas we now use the Internet for the same thing. I was taught in Bible school this axiom, 'Milk a lot of cows but churn out your own butter.'

There are preachers that encourage the preaching of their material (even without credit) such as Rick Warren. He says, “What God has given to me, I freely give to others.” Others actually make their material available for a fee – some small and some exorbitant. In affect, other ministers are encouraging pastors to surf for sermons!

However there can be a dark side to all this. Dr. Tom Blackaby stirred me with the following statement, “The staggering amount of sermon material posted on the World Wide Web has become regular fodder for sermons all across our land and around the world. People are being given second-hand visions from mega churches, and second-hand sermons God gave to other messengers. Pastors have become sheep, giving their congregations the leftovers of what God provided other shepherds for their sheep. The words may be the same when they are re-preached, but the Spirit is missing.”

OUCH!!!

In the next few posts we will explore the need for balance and personal integrity on this issue.

Giving Equal Time to Obama

Who will be on the phone at 3AM?

Another Way of Reminding Hillary of the Past-

from Swag Dog, 'a new breed in apparel!' I'll say!

btw- I don't condone some of the things on their site- be warned!

Kerr-isms #2 - quotes by yours truly!

"Hey Pastor friend, quit looking over the fence to greener grass -
because it may be over a septic tank!" David Kerr

Php 4:11
Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. TMB

Content, satisfied with one's lot --

Having pastored the same church and in the same location for the past 18 years has taught me quite a lot about contentment. As I watch the new churches start, massive buildings and congregations, and significant resources, the Lord has helped me keep a proper perspective. I have kept my focus and not swerved from the path and journey I am on for more fame or riches!

My contentment is internal and in and from the Lord.

Therein lies the secret of my peace!

Rejoicing!!!

Perspective on coffee-

First we have Rev. Jeremiah Wright's comment about the United States and white folks. Then we have Rev. David Manning's comments about Obama. Now we have the controversial website 'Stuff White People Like'. All these are fanning the flames of racism.

I don't condone these nor ascribe to their messages. However, I did think the reference to coffee on 'Stuff White People Like' had an interesting make on us 'white' people:

"White people all need Starbucks, Second Cup or Coffee Bean. They are also fond of saying “you do NOT want to see me before I get my morning coffee.” White guys will also call it anything but coffee: “rocket fuel,” “java,” “joe,” “black gold,” and so forth. It’s pretty garbage all around."

"If you want to go for extra points - white people really love FAIR TRADE coffee, because paying the extra $2 means they are making a difference."

coffee anyone??????

Bad Days- Don't Complain!

...and you think you have it bad!

Thanks Robert!

BEHAVIOR

“Un-Christian behavior on the part of any Christian is a disgrace to all Christians.”- F.F. Bruce

I liked this quote by F.F. Bruce. May God help us to walk worthy of our calling as Christians and Sons of the most High God. We are His family. Let's remember to treat each other with grace, respect, and dignity. As Harold Bredenson use to say, "We are King's Kids!" Let's make our Father proud.

I am in Delaware attending Liberty Fellowship Northeast Regional Conference and our Presbytery meeting. More on that later.

Grace!

Memorials for the Future!

Joshua 4:6-7 “In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

I just finished a series on entering the Promised Land. I began the series stressing that, in order to make your move into the Promised Land, you need to "turn the page" -- you need to let go of the past and focus on the future. “Moses my servant is dead…you (Joshua) will lead this people to inherit the land...”

Forget the past! But when the children of Israel were crossing the Jordan, God wanted them to make a memorial that would be used to tell of His mighty works to generations to come. The past has the power to serve us now, and propel us into the future!

God wanted His people to have a visual representation of His mighty acts -- so all present and future generations would remember how God was with them in their journey into the Promised Land.

I told the congregation some of my memorials:
1. Bible College someone paying my school bill.
2. Church planted and lives changed in Scotland- I wear a Celtic cross from Isle of Iona with a heather gem on it.
3. Holding Ryan after 10yrs of waiting and 2 miscarriages.
4. Coming to The Vine Fellowship and staying (this is my 18th year)!
5. Healing of stenosis in my neck and lower back!
6. Wrist band that I wear says it all – “Wholehearted!” – “Very Best!” - for God
7. ‘Beachy’ Bracelet that I wear –reminds me of Debi and my 35th wedding anniversary in St. Thomas!

Memorials help remind us of the God’s past faithfulness, power, unfailing love, and that He is an ever present help in this life! They increase our faith, faith of others and gives the Devil a black eye!

Pastors, God doesn't want you to build monuments to your failures. He doesn't want you to relive your worst moments. Tear those down and replace them with the great things He has done in your life. It is from there that you can go forward in faith into the future!

What are some of your memorials?

stingy tithers-

.... know anyone like this....

Rules Without Relationship = Rebellion

Westminster Larger Catechism- ‘Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.’

Does anyone see relationship in this?

Mt 22:37-39
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' NIV

Again, is relationship being stressed here?

Every one needs relationship! That is our fabric- our makeup- an element that we can’t change about ourselves. We were born for relationship! We were created by God for relationship, first with Him and then others.

But this is where it breaks down- relationship that is. People don’t want a relationship with God so they reject Him and don’t know Him. From there we falter in our society thinking that we can have a good lasting relationship with another without having one first with God. So our societies have great and tragic relationship issues. The church does too, as well as our homes!

Ah, our homes. What happens when relationships are missing in our homes? Between spouses- divorce! Between parents and children- rebellion!

Rules without relationship equal rebellion.

We try to compensate for poor relationships with our children by making and enforcing rules. More rules, greater the disconnect and rebellion in our children.

Parents, this has to stop! You are destroying your children and causing yourself a lot of grief! You brought them into this world; why not build a relationship with them? Don’t leave them out there to fend for themselves.

To me parental abuse is the failure to develop a relationship with your child or children! And therein lays the root cause of all the heartache and rebellion. Kids are crying out for relationship but parents are not giving it. The parents may be distracted by profession, activities (television or computer *(see below)- just to mention a few major culprits), poor relationship skills themselves, and no time! You are welcome to add to this list.

There is never an adequate substitute for good parent/child relationship in the home.

We must admit our failures and rediscover the importance of relationships!

*When the kids are up and available for relational time - don't be sitting in front of the computer or TV- get away from there- be with your kids- wait for them to go to bed- and then turn back on the TV or computer!!!!

God's Response to a Little Girl

This was sent to me, love it: "Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith , ' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God"

This was verified as true here at Snopes.com

Kerr-isms #1 - quotes by yours truly!

Don't be surprised when you have a Judas in the camp -even Jesus had one! - David Kerr

Betrayal is right up there as one of the most difficult and debilitating actions that we all have to face in life.

It is because it comes from someone you trusted. It may be the unfaithful spouse, boss, coworker, family member, church member, etc. There are a lot of things that hurt you in this life but I would have to say that few compare to betrayal, as it is like a viper's bite that poisons the whole body.

God was with Jesus when He received that infamous kiss. He is there with you and for you too, to watch, love, and apply an antidote to the poison!

We must safeguard our lives from becoming bitter by betrayal! Bitterness just feeds the poison of betrayal.

Isn't good to know that we do have one that can help us in our sufferings because He too was tempted as we were, experienced what we experienced, and overcame!

We can too!

Finally, One for the Ladies!

My wife and I have discussed how all the jokes are generally directed in some way at women and wives. She's right, why are so few jokes written by women about men? If you have one, please send it to me as I am an equal opportunity joke teller!

So this is for you ladies!

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.

When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man," he said to her, "but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit 20 million dollars."

Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.

Women are so much better at estate planning than men!

To Thy Own Self and God Be True

Building and maintaining strong character is a must for every pastor. We have to set higher standards for ourselves and refuse to lower them. Plato asserted, "The first and best victory is to conquer self."

Why you ask? Because our life is a stage that everyone is watching. We live in glass churches and glass homes. On display 24/7!

Is it no wonder that some fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches.

The issues are numerous and preserving your character in the midst of the ministry is a must. You will have your:

-Character criticized
-Motives microscoped (this is an intentional misspelling - for alliteration effect)
-Heart hurt
-Decisions dissected
-Angry attacks
-Blindsided betrayals
-Sarcastic stabs
-Feigned friends
-Forceful fanatics
-Dutiful deceivers
-Rigorous righteous
-Boisterous blamers
-Shifting saints
-Policy police
-Fractured family

What keeps us going after our character is assassinated and keeps us from being a character causality?

Our continued example is Jesus. He said, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself" Matthew 16:24 NIV.

Building strong character requires self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to do what's right, when you don't feel like it and others aren’t!

The Apostle Paul knew where to concentrate his mind and how to protect his character when criticized:

Php 4:8-9 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. AMP

Thank you Lord that you are our refuge, times of refreshing, an ever present help, our comforter, and the lifter of our heads!

I love what I do and I love God’s people!

Don’t Make Hasty Judgments

Potiphar didn’t give Joseph a chance to explain himself about the accusations of his wife. Had he, he would have found out that he had an unfaithful wife (he probably later learned that the hard way). Instead, in anger and a rush to judgment, he had Joseph thrown into prison. I know the divine plan of God in all this, but humor me just a minute as I discuss the problem that pastors have with hasty judgments.

We often are presented with issues and conflicts that need to be resolved. The person presenting his case first always seems right. If we make a judgment based on that first disclosure, most of the time we make it erroneously. When we find out the ‘real’ truth, we have egg on our faces and scramble to undo what can’t be undone!

That is nothing new. One of my favorite scriptures about this is found in Proverbs 18:17:

The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him. NIV

The Message Bible says it this way:
The first speech in a court case is always convincing — until the cross-examination starts!

There ARE always two sides to a story! How I have been embarrassed by my hasty decisions before I hear both sides of the story. Again, Proverbs has something to say about this:

Pr 18:13
He who answers before listening (to both sides - my addition) — that is his folly and his shame. NIV

I had an issue once where someone had revealed some things about others! I was indignant and ready to make heads roll! What was revealed infuriated me! But, I remembered the need to get with the other people and question what was said. Because of busyness our meeting was delayed. It gave me time to calm down, pray about it, and apply grace to the situation.

When I met with them and heard ‘the rest of the story’ boy was I glad I didn’t make a hasty judgment! In fact, what was revealed put the whole situation and the first person in a totally different light. I was enlightened and shocked.

Remember, before you make a judgment:
1. Calm down
2. Pray
3. Give it time (time really does have a way of proving all things)
4. Seek out the other side to hear them out
5. Apply grace
6. Make the judgment

Keep in mind, a judge sits quietly on the bench until both sides have presented their arguments and cross-examined. It is then and only then that he renders a judgment. We need that wisdom as pastors!

The Issue is Always Relevance!

Clean, Wholesome Fun!

click pic to enlarge-

We enjoyed our Valetine's Day Sock Hop last Friday night. It was a great success and was enjoyed by young and old. The church not only prays together but plays together.

Don't Forget to Ask-

Early in the morning I often sit with a cup of coffee, my journal, and carry on conversations with God. On one such occasion, I was talking to God about all the oil and gas wells in Texas especially in the surrounding outlying areas. Our church is in the city and we have 6.3 acres of land. We are not using all of it for buildings.

'God,' I asked, 'with all this property here at the Vine, what do you think about putting up a gas drilling rig on our property?' He was silent, but I knew He was thinking about it!

The next day as I was opening mail, I had an offer from Paloma Resources to lease our mineral rights for $5,000 per acre plus a 25% royalty! At first I thought it was a sham, but then remembered my question to God. You see, this area is sitting on what is called the Barnett Shale Gas Deposits. They are drilling like crazy! The letter was for real!

We started getting other offers as the competition heated up... $6,000, $7,500, $8,000... There were numerous neighborhood groups formed to negotiate with the companies.

Well, the rest of the story is this- this past Saturday the church signed a contract for gas lease rights at $16,850 per acre with the 25% royalty!

Praise the Lord! Listen, don't ever pass up an opportunity to make your requests known to God. Then having done just that leave it in His capable hands! He knew before I asked and had already started the answer!

Another plus, all of this without putting an unsightly and noisy rig on our property!

As a side note, I live less than a mile from the church in a subdivision and Debi and I also signed a gas lease on our home property!

Ain't God good?... all the time!

Why I Left Your Grocery Store!

This is a parody- not to be taken seriously- I had no one in mind as I wrote this nor is it an attempt to belittle or disparage anyone. Yes, I am guilty for writing from my heart- that is why I call it 'Pastoral Ponderings.'
---------

Some time back I published an article by Stuart Briscoe titled 'Why I Left Your Church.' You can read it here. With that in mind, we recently had a new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market open not far from us. We are delighted and excited about it.

I had this conversation in my mind with the Kroger Grocery Store Manager on why I left his store for the 'new' one. (BTW, he used to actually attend our church.)

"Hi, just wanted to let you know that I am leaving your grocery store. I really love you, your wife, and your wonderful staff,...but...

...the new store is beautiful, ultra modern, huge, plenty of parking, and it is closer to our house...

...even though there was a lot of food on the shelves, I wasn't getting fed here and think I will there...

...they have a greater variety of things than you do, kid's indoors play land , sushi, deli, flower shop...

...the kids love it and see their friends...

...they send out slick contemporary promotional material with upcoming store specials, you don't...

...the new store manager is approachable 24/7, as you didn't return my repeated calls, he obviously will be there for me...

...the new store manager has more charisma than you do, younger, sharper looking...

...they run more specials than you do, I remember the specials of the past, I like specials...

...they bring in popular 'sales' people to hype their products, plus motivational speakers which speak to my lifestyle...

...I didn't like the clientele at your store, aisles were crowded, the people rude, the people at the new store seem to be friendlier...

...I noticed other people were leaving the store, don't know the reason, but they are gone, something must be going on, therefore I need to leave too...

...I really liked you as a store manager, but over the years things happened that have helped me make this decision to leave your store (sorry I never mentioned them to you)...

...I had requested to you (over the years) items that I wanted to see stocked on the shelves, you didn't do it so my confidence in your leadership was diminished...

...your store was always too cold and I felt uncomfortable; this new store has state of the art EVERYTHING and now I feel comfortable there...

...your store announcements were too loud and long, this new store streamlines everything...

...I know you will miss me and my grocery payment, but others will take my place...

...besides the new store manager used to be your associate manager and I always liked him...

...so long and I hope you make it and we are still fiends, oh... I mean friends, right!"

I really enjoyed writing this post- does that make me a bad person?

Happens to the Us Men Eventually!

Anybody out there relate to this?

Closing Reopened Sepulchers

One of the things about pastoring is that people come and go; people drop in and drop out. Pastors, does your church experience a change over in faces every 5-7 years?

The ‘coming’ is always met with excitement. The words are very encouraging – ‘best church,’ ‘great pastor,’ ‘love the children’s ministry’ and on and on.

So, who wouldn’t be encouraged!

But, sometimes people blow in, blow up, and blow out!

Sometimes the going is nice and sometimes it ends up ‘hitting you with their best shot.’

It’s the ‘going’ part that often leaves the pastor hurt and frustrated. We love people, care for them, go the extra mile for them, sacrifice for them, and so forth.

So…When they leave we have to close that chapter, nurse the wounds, and bury that hurt in a sea of God’s love and healing. Then we move on…. Caring, loving, and sacrificing for others!

But wouldn’t you know it… the cycle gets repeated. Then you are not only dealing with the present ‘going’ but for some reason, the tops blow off of all the past sepulchers and the dead ‘goings’ resurrect to haunt you again. Your memory is flooded with the ‘issues’ in the theater of your mind. Oh great… reruns!!!!

You expend a lot of emotional energy fighting the devil of condemnation, defeat, and frustration, … rapidly running from one open sepulcher to another trying frantically to get the ’resurrected going’ back in it’s place, with the top back on it and closed once again!

Today, I have succeeded in getting them all closed yet again!

Forrest Gump Makes it to Heaven--

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven.'

Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was.'

St. Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First:
What two days of the week begin with the letter T?

Second:
How many seconds are there in a year?

Third:
What is God's first name?'

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.'

Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow.'

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?' asked St. Peter. 'How many seconds in a year?

Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.'

Astounded, St. Peter said, Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?'

Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... '

'Hold it,' interrupts St. Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name'?

'Sure,' Forrest replied, 'it's Andy.'

'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter. 'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?'

'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied. 'I learnt it from the song, 'ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN...'

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run Forrest, run.'

Growing Older? don't do this!

click pic to enlarge

Some things you just shouldn't do as you grow older! Please.........???????

The Traits of the Self-Life

My friend Judy Reamer sent this out recently and I thought it needs to be passed on. It was written by evangelist Elmer Shelhamer (1869-1940) as a tract.

The Traits of the Self-Life
The following can be used as a help to self-examination. These are some of the features and manifestations of the self-life [i.e. flesh, carnal thinking]. The Holy Spirit alone can interpret and apply this to your individual case. As you read, examine yourself in the very presence of God.

Are you ever conscious of:

1. A spirit of pride. Do you have an exalted feeling because of your success or position, because of your good training or appearance, or because of your natural gifts and abilities? Do you show an important, independent spirit?

2. Love of praise. Do you have a secret fondness to be noticed, a love of supremacy? Do you draw attention to yourself in conversation? Does your “self” swell out when you’ve had a time to speak or pray in the presence of others?

3. Stirrings of anger. Are you irritable, and do you cover it over by calling it nervousness or holy indignation? Do you have a touchy spirit, a disposition to resent and retaliate when disapproved of or contradicted? Do you throw sharp words at others?

4. Self-will. Do you show a stubborn, unteachable spirit? Do you argue? Are you harsh, sarcastic, driving, or demanding? Do you come through as unyielding or headstrong? Do you have a disposition to criticize and pick flaws when you are ignored or decisions don't go your way? Do you have a peevish spirit that loves to be coaxed and humored?

5. Carnal fear. Are you controlled by a man-fearing spirit that causes you to shrink from duty? Do you reason around your cross? [Trying to figure a way out using self effort.] Are you afraid your commitment to righteousness will cause some prominent person to think less of you? Do you compromise principle to please others?

6. Jealousy. Do you hide a spirit of envy in your heart? Do you harbor an unpleasant sensation in view of the prosperity and success of another? When someone is more talented or appreciated than you, are you disposed to speak of his faults rather than his virtues?

7. Dishonesty. Do you evade or cover the truth? Do you hide or minimize your real faults and attempt to leave a better impression of yourself than is strictly true? Do you show false humility? Do you exaggerate, straining the truth? Do you show one face to one person and quite the opposite to another?

8. Unbelief. Do you demonstrate a spirit of discouragement in times of pressure and opposition? In your heart, is there a lack of quietness and confidence in God, a lack of settled trust? Do you have a disposition to worry and complain in the midst of pain, poverty, or trials that God allows? Are you overanxious about whether situations will turn out all right?

9. Religious formality. Are you complacent about the lost? Is your relationship with God characterized by dryness and indifference? Does your life lack spiritual power? Do you regularly meet with God?

10. Selfishness. Are you drawn to a love of ease, a catering to your appetites, a repeated hankering for short-lived pleasure? Do your joys and sorrows fluctuate around personal interests? Is there a yearning for money and earthly possessions?

These are some of the traits which generally indicate a carnal heart. By prayer, hold your heart open to the searchlight of God, until you see the groundwork thereof. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). The Holy Spirit will enable you, by confession and faith, to bring your “flesh-life” to the death. Do not patch over, but go to the bottom of it.

Judy recommends reviewing these before receiving the Lord's Supper! and I suggest everyday!

Thank You For Your Overwhelming Response!

This is a second letter to the Saints at the Vine after the first letter (click here) and asking for their help as we minister to our youth. As you can see it was met with overwhelming response. Being open, truthful, compassionate, and communicating openly produces fruit and dispels gossip and misunderstanding!

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Dear Parents and Vine Fellowship Members,

Thank you so much for your overwhelming response when Pastor announced last week that we would need parent help during this time of transition as we look for a new youth pastor. Until we have a new youth pastor, the youth ministry schedule has been simplified and NCY is meeting only on Wednesday nights since that is the most-attended meeting. There are seven or so youth leaders who volunteered under Pastor Shaun who are still helping, but last week we asked for some parents to work with this team.

The original plan was to rotate parent volunteers on Wednesday nights, but as the MANY volunteers stepped forward to fill in the gap, we found several who have a heart to work with our youth on a more-than-temporary basis. One of the things that was mentioned in our meeting for prospective volunteers last week was how difficult it would be for parents to form relationships with the youth and youth leaders when they are only there on a rotating schedule. In light of all this, four parents (Pastor Brad, Wanda Mayo, Robyn Salinas and Randi Dumont) have been added to the current youth leadership team. This team will be leading the Wednesday night meetings. I will be meeting weekly with this team and attending Wednesday night youth service until the Lord brings a new youth pastor.

There have been a few other parents approach me this week letting me know they would be willing to help out if they can arrange their work schedule, etc. For those of you in this category, or others who have a heart to work with No Compromise Youth, we are EXCITED to see parents with a desire to minister to our youth. However, thanks to the response we've already had, we have enough parents to fill the need on Wednesday nights. If you are still interested in working with our youth, please pray with us that God brings a youth pastor quickly. Obviously we have students and a leadership team who need a youth pastor again, but it is our desire to plug in those, like you, who are waiting in the wings to volunteer.

Thank you again for your overwhelming response and for keeping our students, leaders and those looking for a youth pastor in your prayers. Pastor Rob

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Pastors, continue to walk humbly and open before God and man!

Absurdity #33- What Are They Thinking...?

...ooops, they are not thinking!

Ministry is Life Among People, not Free From Them!

Southwest Airlines has the catchy phrase- 'Want to get away?' What pastor doesn't, ah, to be free from people! On a desert island, alone.... If this is you then consider this.....

Pachomius was an Egyptian soldier won to Christ by the kindness of Christians in Thebes. After his release from the military around A.D. 315, he was baptized. Serious about his new faith and determined to grow, Pachomius became a disciple of Palamon, an ascetic who taught him the self-denial and solitary life of a religious hermit.

In early Christianity, the model of devotion was the recluse dedicated to resisting the corruption of society. These hermits wandered the desert alone—fasting, praying, and having visions. Many went to extremes: eating nothing but grass, living in trees, or refusing to wash.

Such was the popular image of holiness: solitude, silence, and severity. And such was Pachomius's early spiritual training. But he began to question the methods and lifestyle of his mentors.

How can you learn to love if no one else is around?
How can you learn humility living alone?
How can you learn kindness or gentleness or goodness in isolation?
How can you learn patience unless someone puts yours to the test?

In short, he concluded, developing spiritual fruit requires being around people—ordinary, ornery people. "To save souls," he said, "you must bring them together."

Spiritual muscle isn't even learned among friends we have chosen. God's kind of love is best learned where we can't be selective about our associates. Perhaps this is why the two institutions established by God—the family and the church—are not joined by invitation only. We have no choice about who our parents or brothers or sisters will be; yet we are expected to love them. Neither can we choose who will or will not be in the family of God; any who confess Jesus as Lord must be welcomed. We learn agape love most effectively in our involuntary associations, away from the temptation of choosing to love only the attractive.

So Pachomius began an ascetic koinonia, where holiness was developed not in isolation but in community. Instead of each person seeking God in his own way, with the dangers of idleness and eccentricity, Pachomius established a common life based on worship, work, and discipline.

In community with flawed, demanding, sometimes disagreeable people, followers of Pachomius learned to take hurt rather than give it. They discovered that disagreements and opposition provide the opportunity to redeem life situations and experience God's grace. Thus began genuine monastic life.

Pachomius, while largely forgotten in church history, points out to us that as attractive as solitary sanctification may seem, it is life amid people, busyness, and interruptions that develop many of the qualities God requires.

from Leadership Journal 1993

Be Still and Know that I Am God-

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.(KJV)

Acts 22:7-9 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' "'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. "'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. (NIV)

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you.

EITHER LISTEN TO THE WHISPER OR WAIT FOR THE BRICK...YOUR CHOICE!

Cowboy's Ten Commandments

Cowboy's Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas:

(1) Just one God.

(2) Honor yer Ma & Pa.

(3) No telling tales or gossipin'.

(4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting.

(5) Put nothin' before God.

(6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.

(7) No killin'.

(8) Watch yer mouth.

(9) Don't take what ain't yers.

(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

First Kiss?

Maybe?... but where did this child learn to kiss like that?

Watching mom and dad? or TV?

What A Way to Wake-up & Go Thru the Day-

I've considered hooking this up so that it starts a slow drip one hour before I get up in the morning and then putting it on a portable IV stand... (you know, the kind you see patients attached to as they stand outside the hospital smoking)... to have with me throughout the day.

Any takers?

(thanks to Robert and others)

Communicating to Your Congregation-

This blog is primarily for Pastors with the purpose to try to encourage them and help them. Others are more than welcome, please keep visiting.

Today, I want to deal with communicating with the congregation. I have had a very open relationship with the congregation during my 17 years as pastor here. Nothing is done in secret and all is openly discussed (from a youth worker who got pregnant, public financial report done on Sunday morning every year, etc.). Today I want you to see a letter I wrote for the bulletin and then read publicly to the congregation this past Sunday. It involves the resignation of my Youth Pastor last week. It was a great loss for me personally, for his family, and the church. Read on:
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Dear Saints,
To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill

Not many people enjoy change in their lives, routines, TV programs, comic strips and other things. Sometime change is good and sometimes it is unsettling. But change is inevitable. It is a fact of life and often necessary as Winston Churchill said.

There are planned changes, changes that are made for us, and then changes that catch us by surprise. As I write this today I write from the vantage point of a change that has caught me by surprise and it will also affect this church.

This past Wednesday I was sitting with our Youth Pastor Shaun Windle discussing vision for the Youth Ministry at the Vine in 2008. I was sharing what I felt would be our direction for 2008 and some adjustments that we would make to help Shaun and his family, the Youth Ministry, and the church. We are committed to the Youth Ministry having given close to 20% of our overall budget last year to them.

I was surprised when Shaun let me know that he was resigning. Hitting me with a brick would have been easier. I tried to talk to him about his decision but he remained resolute with it. I respect him and his decision and acquiesced to it. Pastor Shaun, Joanna and their children, Shauni and Jordan, have given their lives for the youth of this church. We all we be forever indebted to them!

What are our plans for the future? Obviously we will be looking for a gifted Youth Pastor to bring into the Youth Ministry here. At this point I have no one in mind as I am writing this the day after Pastor Shaun's resignation. One thing that Pastor Shaun did was leave us with a committed Youth Leadership team. Pastor Rob and I met with them yesterday afternoon to discuss this major turn of events. They are all on board with the vision of this church and the Youth Group. They want to see it continue and thrive. They were mature in their responses and I thank God for that.

In order to keep our Wednesday night Youth meeting going we are going to have to ask parents to help us. We need adults present on Wednesday night to be there in a supervisory capacity. You will not be responsible to lead or teach. Our Youth Leaders will conduct the meeting with worship, testimonies, and teaching from the 'Fuel' curriculum we had just purchased.

Parents, we desperately need you to step up and help at this critical time of a 'surprise' change. Are there any takers? Please contact either myself or Pastor Rob to discuss this further.

I believe that God has great things for our youth here at the Vine. Will you pray with me about that?

Saints, I love you,
-----
So, there you have it. Pastors, we strive to be great communicators in the pulpit, let us also strive to be great communicators personally and with the church corporately.

Country Folk Becoming Computer Savvy--

Click photo to enlarge-

How We Arrived at 'Separation of Church and State'-

Who do we have to thank for the current mantra of 'separation of church and state?' Was it from Thomas Jefferson or from the minds of other Founding Fathers? Was it an ACLU conceived idea? Is it from the Liberals of this great country?

How about none of the above! How about Adolf Hitler!

Bryan Fischer, Executive Director of Idaho Values Alliance has a most intriguing and revealing article posted on their website concerning the origins of 'separation of church and state.' His source for this article was from "The Nazi Persecution of The Churches, 1933-45," by J.S. Conway, Basic Books, 1968.

I quote from him to wet your appetite. I will give the url at the end of this post so that you can read his amazing article.

"When Adolph Hitler took power in Germany, he recognized immediately that the major threat to his tyrannical designs would come from the church. If he could neutralize the voice of the church, he correctly reasoned, there would be no one else to stand in his way."

"Hitler crafted two slogans in particular...

“Politics do not belong in the Church.”

“The Church must be separate from the State.”

"Churches were no longer permitted to hold any meetings in public venues. They were instead locked up inside their sanctuaries, forbidden to speak their message outside the four walls of their church buildings."

"And the rest, as they say, is history."

For the rest of this insightful article, click here.

Are we destined as a nation to repeat the destruction instigated by that lunatic?

Good and Bad News for Coffee Lovers!

McDonald's is after the Starbucks crowd.

Who doesn't like a creamy, frothy jazzed up cup o' Joe? And with many of us grabbing that expensive cup of coffee daily, competitors of Starbucks are lining up. McDonald's is now promising coffee bars complete with Baristas whipping up everything from a cappuccino to a frappe.

"For the consumer it's a win-win," said coffee consultant Judy Ganes. "There's better coffee at more locations."

Ganes tracks production and pricing of coffee and says Starbucks first poached from McDonald's playbook by offering drive-thrus and breakfast and lunch. Now the roles have reversed.

"McDonald's is hoping this brewing competition will add a billion dollars to its bottom line and is also promising consumers their coffee will cost 60 to 80 cents less," Ganes said.

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I had quit attending McDonald's after burning out on the 'Big Mac' after years of eating there with my family. Now it looks like I may be heading back- at least for the coffee! That is good news and a win win situation!

Now for the bad news, Ganes warns there could be a dark side to increased consumption. Despite years of rising demand, coffee producers haven't grown more coffee, leading to higher demand, higher prices and possibly even a shortage.

News flash-- we need to pray for the coffee producers! Or else I may have to move to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Kenya, Hawaii, Jamaica, or elsewhere and start production! ------(I am thinking) - Nah!!!!

Hellish Black Brew - - Devil's Brew ?!?

A little church history.

Ah, wonderful Caffeine! Caffeine promotes what Christian fellowship is supposed to do. It's uplifting; the drink itself is warm and inviting. Just ask those who indulge regularly and find that abstaining from either church or coffee produces anxiety and irritability.

Christianity hasn't always cottoned to coffee. In her aptly titled book, "Coffee," Claudia Rosen explains that 16th-century priests wanted Pope Clement VIII to ban "the devil's drink." They insisted that Satan had forbidden his followers--Muslims--from drinking wine because it was used in Holy Communion. Instead, the devil provided this "hellish black brew."

The elixir made from coffee beans does in fact have a long history in Islamic regions.
--African tribes mixed the crushed beans with animal fat and molded them into balls to eat as a stimulant before battle.
--Arabs made the first hot coffee beverage, in 1000 A.D.
--Dervishes--mystic devotees of Islam's Sufi sect--consumed coffee at all-night ceremonies as fuel for achieving religious ecstasy.
--Arabs also invented the ibrik, or coffee broiler.
--As coffee lost it's strictly religious significance, the first coffee houses appeared in Mecca.

Coffee may have remained a Middle-Eastern exotic had not Pope Clement VIII decided to put it to the taste test before banning it.

"Why, this Satan's drink is so delicious," he declared, "that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it. We shall cheat Satan by baptizing it."

I am enjoying a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain 'devil's brew' even as I write this! Happy coffee drinking!

Yo dogg!- Who let the dogs in?

I preached Sunday on the Canaanite mother who came to Jesus because of a demon possessed daughter. Mt. 15:21-28. Click here to go to the Vine sermon page.

Talked about Jesus keeping silent and not answering her, how the disciples dissed her, how when Jesus answered her it was not what she wanted to hear, how He called her a dog, how she responded in worship to Him, and then how He said she had mega faith and answered her request.

Actually Jesus opened the door for her when he called her a 'different kind of dog' than the Jews used when they called the Gentiles dogs. He used 'dog' meaning a little dog, lap dog, family dog vs the scavenging mongrels so common then. It was a door that she seized upon and responded properly helping her realize the desires of her heart - her daughter delivered!

Thank God that Jesus opened the door to let the dogs (us) in!

Have you ever encountered God's silence? Or an answer from Him that was not to your liking? How did you respond to Him in that?

Remember the Canaanite mother, her mega faith and not giving up in the midst of silence, discouraging friends (the taunts of the enemy), and an answer that is not what she wanted to hear.....

...She worshipped Him all the more - and so should we!

Awesome!!!!

Mike Parsons rides a huge, 85-foot wave at Cortes Bank, 105 miles off the California coast.

Savingsexcity.com ????!!!!???

Annie Lobert and Heather Veitch are “Hookers for Jesus.” They are born-again Christians who used to be prostitutes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now they are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in Las Vegas, especially women in the adult entertainment industry.

Lobert and Veitch are preparing to testify for Jesus at the Adult Entertainment Expo, the biggest adult industry convention in the country, which takes place in Las Vegas every January and is the adult movie version of the Oscars. Lobert and Veitch will be working the convention floor handing out cards and telling whoever will listen about Jesus Christ. A lot of potential listeners are available as 40,000 are anticipated to attend the Adult Entertainment Expo.

Why the name, “Hookers for Jesus”? -- Veitch says it's catchy. She is not selling her body, but she is going into places where women do sell their bodies in order to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ came to save sinners. Pray for Lobert and Veitch as they witness for Jesus in a prominently sinful mission field. Glad God called them to this!

Texans Understand This--

Do you???!!!!

Messing with the Church Again-

These are two must reads that are for Pastor's:

One is from my friend Bobby Lepinay:
http://bobbylepinay.typepad.com/bobby_lepinay/2008/01/the-house-churc.html

This is from Tony Morgan and takes Bobby's concern further by naming names, the book and expresses his concerns:
http://www.tonymorganlive.com/tony_morgan_one_of_the_si/2008/01/pagan-christian.html

Barna is losing credibility with me! Any comments?

Great Staff Retreat 2008-

We had our annual time away as a Staff this past weekend. It is a time of worship, teaching, fellowship, and vision casting for 2008.

Highlights:

Worship.

Personal prayer time.

Group ministry to one another with encouraging words.

I taught on 'Handling rejection in the Ministry.'

Review of 2007 (The Best and The Worst).

Great Tribond Game (Brad and I were the winners!).

These retreats continue to foster 'togetherness' and maintains His Banner over us is love!

Pastors Need to Forget Too--

I am preparing for our annual Staff retreat that begins today and ends tomorrow. Feeling better after visit to Dr. and a needle shot in the thigh!

Preached from Phil 3:13 this past Sunday:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,...

Stressed the need to forget and reach- these were the Apostle Paul's words- a man who had much to forget, i.e. the stoning of Steven, etc. Paul understood that forgetting and reaching are the keys to spiritual wholeness. One won't work without the other. Forgetting closes the door to your past; reaching opens the door to your future.

We must understand this: the only place the past can live is in your memory. The only power it has over you is the power you give it. You have to neglect it if you are going to forget it!

Forgetting- Greek word means to neglect- don’t feed it, to replay it over it- don’t allow it to control your every waking moment-

When I asked a woman about the tattoo on her arm, she explained, “My former boyfriend did it—he was an abusive alcoholic.” She was now happily married to another man, but every day she was reminded of the pain in her past. She would have preferred to remove the tattoo, but it was burned into her skin.

We have all met people whose past is tattooed onto their souls. We as Pastors often have tattoos on our souls because of offenses.

God in the last few months has allowed me to not only forgive but to forget! As I demonstrated Sunday before the congregation, I tore up files on betrayal. slander, the Devil's accusations-- I am free, now free to neglect them when they resurface!

Gen 41:51-52
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh (forget) and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim (twice fruitful) and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Joseph was able to put the past behind and enter into the design, purposes, destiny that God intended for him. Had he not- had he stayed a victim and bitter it would have had serious ramifications for not only him, but the countries round about, and his immediate family. He received more than a double portion!

Pastor friend, how about you- it's a New Year, if not now when?