Freedom is Never Free-

Heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

Yesterday at church, I began the service with tribute to the 1.2 million men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom! I was glad to be tell the saints that Michael Allee had returned from his 3rd deployment to Iraq. I read the citation from the President of the United States for Christopher Clair upon receiving the Bronze Star after 4 deployments to Iraq.

Here is an excerpt from an email sent by Jerry West, a friend of mine:

On a recent flight home, I saw something that was impacting. On the flight from Atlanta to Orlando I saw a young Marine sergeant. I always make sure to thank them for serving. (We have a nephew who is back in Iraq.) This young Marine was in dress uniform; he thanked me for my support.

When we landed, we were told to stay seated because “Staff sergeant Gomez is escorting the body of a fallen Marine home.” When I left the plane, I stood at the window and watched the honor guard escort the flag draped casket to the hearse, to take the young man to his resting place. Sergeant Gomez stood on post, never wavering. There were at least 100 of us watching without a sound, some were crying, I know I was.

It was bittersweet. Bitter, because someones son/husband/brother was coming home in a box; Sweet, because he fought for our cause. It was my honor to watch this. I wanted to share this with you, because it brought home the great price of freedom. This Marine lost his life, Jesus gave his, and freedom will always have a price tag. Our nephew said he was going back because there is unfinished business. This is his 5th time over, last time he was sent home injured, and refused a purple heart.

Recently in our home church, a young pregnant lady and her husband from Lebanon, both born Muslims, asked Jesus to be the Lord of their lives; they wanted to know more about this Jesus. She is receiving death threats from her family, but they wanted Jesus more. Our troops are fighting for the freedom of people just like this young couple that want to know more about Jesus. It is not just about politics, it’s about freedom, true freedom.

I want to pay tribute to all those that knew freedom isn't free and were willing to give their lives to have it. I also want to say thank you to those who even now are fighting to preserve it! God Bless you and God Bless the USA!

Gotta Love Birthdays!

Celebrated my birthday on May 10th. Staff surprised me with a meal and a Leather Rolling Notebook Case! Received many cards- love them!

Below is one that I will remember:

Thanks Rob and Brooke :>)

Debi and I left Sunday afternoon for a road trip in our convertible to Pensacola FL. I have a Globe International Board meeting on Tuesday night, lunch with Ken Sumrall and Buford Lipscomb on Wednesday, preach at Liberty Church that night, lunch on Thursday with Robert and Vicki Pooley at the Fish House for some good fellowship and Grits a Ya Ya! Will be seeing other friends as well and checking out some condos for our family vacation in August. Should be a great time. We return on Friday.

Preach With Power - Not Just Theory

God is doing something great among us here at the Vine as we draw closer to Him. He is meeting us in fresh and new ways in our services. I have had many comments on what is happening. Many don’t want to leave as they are afraid that they will miss something. When God is in the house in demonstration of power and the miraculous, there is a sense that anything could happen. I don’t want to leave either!

1Co 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power. NIV

Paul was a great communicator, preacher, writer, evangelist, and apostle. However, from the verses above he just didn’t rely on his skills and gift of communication. He knew he could preach everyone under the rug. But, he would rather speak a few words and see the power of God manifested than be eloquent and communicate with many words and not see the power of God.

Bill Johnson said, “Many of us have preached in the name of Jesus without any demonstration of power. That kind of powerless, ineffective preaching must stop. We can’t afford to give theory without the reality anymore.”

Ouch! I strive to be a great communicator at the Vine and when I minister other places. I still want that but now with fewer words and the demonstration of the power of God! This is what Jesus told his disciples:

Mt 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. NKJV

Pastors, let’s believe God to demonstrate His kingdom here on earth through us.

The Other Good Samaritan

Lk 10:33-34
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. NIV

A rich man died and went to The Judgment.

St. Peter met him at the Gates of Heaven and said, "Before you meet with God, I thought I should tell you - we've looked at your life, and your really didn't do anything particularly good or bad. We're not at all sure what to do with you. Can you tell us anything you did that can help us make a decision?"

The man thought for a moment and replied, "Yeah, once I was driving along in my Ferrari and came upon a woman who was being harassed by a group of bikers. So I pulled over, got out my tire iron, and went up to the leader of the bikers. He was a big, muscular, hairy guy with tattoos all over his body and a ring pierced through his nose. Well, I tore the nose ring out of his nose, and told him he and his gang had better stop bothering the woman or they would have to deal with me!"

"I'm impressed," St. Peter responded, "When did this happen?"

"About two minutes ago," came the reply.

Are You Standing Firm?

This happened here in our area. My wife asked "What he was thinking?" I had to answer, "I honestly don't know." Any thoughts or comment on this?


Gal 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. NIV

Gal 6:1
If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. TMB

1 Co 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV

Lord help us to stand firm, resolute, circumspect, and cautious!

Supernatural Saints!

I am thanking God for the last two Sundays. God is doing some special things among us at the Vine! I am excited to come to church just to see what He is up to!

I’m only human!
Have you ever said the above phrase? Our Life Group is reading and discussing Bill Johnson’s ‘The Supernatural Power of the Transformed Mind.’ Here are a couple of excerpts from Johnson’s book:

“To say, ‘I’m only human,’ is to say, ‘I’m only satanic.’ Humanity without Christ at the center is satanic in nature. When you’ve been given the Spirit of God, you lose the privilege of claiming, ‘I’m only human.’ You are much more than that!”

“I have come to see that the normal Christian life means miracles, spiritual intervention, and revelation. It means peace, joy, love, a sense of well-being and purpose—all these traits that elude so many Christians. Written into the spiritual DNA of every believer is an appetite for the impossible that cannot be ignored or wished away. The Holy Spirit, the very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in us, making it impossible for us to be content with what we can only see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. Our hearts know there is much more to life than what we perceive with our senses; we are spiritually agitated by the lack of connection with the realm of the supernatural. In the end, nothing satisfies the heart of the Christian like seeing so-called impossibilities bow their knees to the name of Jesus. Anything less than this is abnormal and unfulfilling.”

The truth for us all is that we are far different than we often understand. We are bearers of the supernatural life of God dwelling in us! That is why the enemy tries to keep us down and out- he doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by Christians who know who they are and are willing to act it out daily in the course of their lives.

Let God arise in His people! Let’s expect the miraculous!

New Use for Tennis Racket- Ouch!

New Set of Wheels on the Way to Heaven--

Evangelist Ronnie Hill is offering the opportunity to win a set of wheels if you go to his website and watch a 3 minute testimony about Jesus.

You can choose a CHANCE to win a new Dodge truck, Jeep Wrangler or Chrysler 300.

CATCH- You have to listen to his 3 minute testimony. You can find it here.

The drawing is taking place on December 12, 2008. In three months about 3,649 have entered the drawing (did I, you ask?). More than 840 have prayed to receive Christ!

GOOD NEWS- no prayer for salvation required to enter. The contest that is!

Wired!!! This is India-

Click to see larger pic

THIS IS INDIA.

IT'S WHERE YOU CALL WHEN YOU HAVE A TECHNICAL PROBLEM WITH YOUR COMPUTER OR OTHER OUTSOURCING NEED.

When God Responds-

Last Sunday I preached on the subject mentioned in the previous post- 'What do you want me to do for you?' After I finished I called people forward for prayer and had them state what they wanted God do do for them - and then we prayed. The prayer time went well over an hour and God's presence was mightily there. People didn't want to leave!

Here is a testimony from Sunday:

I just wanted y'all to know how powerful the prayer service on Sunday was to us! I am new to all of this. I was raised Methodist and that is completely out of my comfort zone, but I can't tell you how glad I am that we went up there! I have been in so much pain for months from the RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It's gotten to the point, even with medication, that I can't do everyday things. There were days that I was in the bed with fever and couldn't move. I have multiple joints that need to be replaced in my feet. I also have joint pain/damage/swelling in my hands, knees, hip and neck. I had gotten very discouraged because this has been so debilitating. It's NOT ME to just lie around. Although, after Sunday, I have been remarkably better! I feel more like myself!! I only have a little aching and stiffness in my feet and that's all! I haven't had a "bad day" at all this week, which is unheard of! Also, my son has a condition that he was born with in his knees that causes him pain. The next step for him is surgery. After Sunday, he has been pain free! He has been able to run and play! He was even trying to find the spot in his knees that normally causes the pain and couldn't! I hope that everyone involved on Sunday was as encouraged as we were! God was definitely in the house! Praise God!! KM

Wow, more Lord of your power and healing virtue to be manisfested!

What do you want me to do for you?

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"…"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Mt 20:29-34 NIV

One thing we learn in our Christian walk is that our need will be met (Phil 4:19); but your wants you will have to go get- go after! The two blind men went after Jesus for what He had- the power to heal them! Peter had to get out of the boat to go get what Jesus had! He wanted it- he went for it!

It is said of Joshua and the elders in dealing with the Gibeonites that they failed to ask of the Lord: “The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn't ask God about it.” Jos 9:14 TMB

Too many times we fail to get our wants because we fail to ask of the Lord. Listen, it is not wrong to ask of the Lord. James said, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.” Jas 4:2 NIV

Please don’t get hung up on ‘asking amiss or incorrectly’ as some teach, just ask! James is the same writer who said if you were sick to call for the elders to pray over you to be healed! (James 5:14)

Ask to be healed! I am rejoicing over Brad’s healing and I am rejoicing with Trey (a fellow blogger) on his anniversary of being healed of cancer; “…today on May 6th, I celebrate my life being cancer free.” My note- 5 years!

The Lord asks today “What do you want me to do for you?” Ask of God dear friend!

UPS Able to Deliver to the Past!

I ordered an item at Amazon.com on 5/02/2008. Imagine my surprise that UPS had delivered it already- but on 10/25/2006 4:59 PM! Here is what their tracking site said:

Delivery Notification
Dear Customer,
This is in response to your request for delivery information concerning the shipment listed below.

Tracking Number: 1Z A72 28W 02 8741 --- -
Service: 2ND DAY AIR
Weight: 1.00 Lb
Shipped/Billed On: 05/02/2008
Delivered On: 10/25/2006 4:59 P.M.
Delivered To: NEW YORK , NY , US
Signed By: ANDERSON
Location: RESIDENTIAL

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
UPS
Tracking results provided by UPS: 05/03/2008 1:23 P.M. ET

-----

Do you have anything you want to sent back to the past!?! (BTW, this is real, it happened to me this week.)

Time to Take Action - UPDATED 5/6

Procter & Gamble has added homosexual lovers to its soap opera “As the World Turns.” It has also added scenes of homosexuals with open mouth kissing.

What could be the motive behind P&G’s push is to desensitize viewers, especially younger viewers, to the homosexual lifestyle? How about the ultimate goal of homosexual activists being the acceptance of homosexual marriage.

Procter & Gamble wants to know if you approve its efforts to promote the homosexual lifestyle. It has established a toll-free number for you to call and vote to approve or disapprove its support of homosexuality.

Please call the toll-free number P&G has set up for the public regarding its promotion of the homosexual lifestyle. There is not a live person at this number.

Call 1-800-331-3774 and click 1 for English;
then click on option 2.

Following the recording, click on option 2 again.

UPDATE- After AFA had put out the word that P&G wanted to hear from AFA supporters, P&G abruptly ended the above toll free number.

AFA is encouraging supporters to call P&G and ask the company why it is promoting the gay lifestyle and why it quit using the toll-free number to receive opinions only after AFA notified AFA supporters about it. We urge you to spend a few cents to register your complaint with P&G. Here is P&G’s corporate number to call: 513-983-1100.

Absurdity #34- Baby Droppings - bizarre!!!

Glad I live in the USA, embrace Christ, and, besides, my wife would have killed me if I did this with Ryan and Jason!

What a Mighty God We Serve!

While I was away this past weekend in El Paso I had my Worship Pastor Brad Irons preach for me. He actually lead worship and then preached. He did an awesome job. Go here to listen to his sermon.

Sunday afternoon he started having a severe headache and numbness on his right side. He was taken to the emergency room where even morphine didn't cut the pain he was experiencing. Over the last few days he has been through a number of tests to determine what was wrong. Heart, kidneys, high blood pressure, etc. Doctors thought his heart was damaged and that he may have clogged arteries. They did a heart cath today - and - well, I will let his wife speak for them:

Ephesians 3: 20-21Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Today: Words are just inadequate to express a mighty move of God that leaves a doctor perplexed.

Yesterday Brad's test results were 2 abnormal EKGs and a heart sonogram (video) showing a 40% loss of heart function. It was SEEN ON VIDEO NOT FUNCTIONING!!

Today during the heart cath the doctor was completely shocked to find no real blockages AND a heart that was functioning at 100%. He expressed his confusion about the discrepancies between the tests yesterday and the results he saw today. He was not prepared for what he saw. He was expecting to have to place stints or possibly even go into open heart surgery.

Now he said we will just aggressively treat his blood pressure but no other procedure is necessary as HIS HEART IS FULLY FUNCTIONING AND IN THE CLEAR!!

Truly God did answer the prayers of the saints...and I thank you all for spending the precious time offering up prayers on behalf of our family.

It never ceases to amaze me that God continues to do miracles again and again...each one still leaves me in AWE.... Please continue to pray for Brad today as he is having really BAD back pain and is having to lay flat on his back for the next 6-8 hours. The morphine is not helping the back pain.

Again, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! Dawn

All I can do is agree with her and thank the mighty God we serve. Thank you, Jesus!

God Gives the Victory!

Jos 6:1-2 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. NIV

I love the Book of Joshua! I love teaching from it. It is a book of leadership, strength, courage, inheriting promises, battles, victories, and miracles.

God always goes before us in our walk with Him. The victories are planned by Him beforehand. When Joshua was to confront the mighty walls of Jericho, God had already given Him the victory and how to accomplish it. He followed God's plan to the letter and the walls did actually come tumbling down.

Jos 7:4-5
4 So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, 5 who killed about thirty-six of them. They chased the Israelites from the city gate as far as the stone quarries and struck them down on the slopes. At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water. NIV

In the battle for the next city Ai, Joshua became a little arrogant and forgot to ask God what His plans were for victory over Ai. They decided to send a smaller group to fight and got their tails kicked! It was only after that defeat that Joshua sought the Lord and allowed Him to tell him how to take the city.

Oh how we try too often to live our lives separately from God and fight our battles our own way. It isn't until we have our tails kicked, tucked, and we're off and running from our battle that we finally get to the place where we cry out to God.

You think we'd learn!

Heading to El Paso-

Debi and I are heading to El Paso to be with our friends Buster and Judy Russell. They pastor a great church (LifeGate) there and we always enjoy going there to minister.

I will preach an all day Men's Conference on Saturday and then for the church on Sunday. Monday will be a play day with our friends before heading back on Tuesday.

Buster had mentioned in his brochure about wanting the men of LifeGate to be mighty warriors. So I came up with this slogan, "Strong Warriors against the times!" His youth pastor Josh designed this t-shirt to give to the men at the completion of the day.

Pretty cool --

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!