On June 27th, 2006 at 2:04 P.M. my life was forever changed when my wife gave birth to Gracen Hope Payne. I was not ready for the storm of joy and emotion I would feel when I saw my precious baby girl come into this world.
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers for my wife and Gracen's safety during the delivery. Life Church is our family and we thank everyone for visiting and being there for us during this exciting time!
Grace and Hope
God gave Jodi this name (Gracen Hope, sounds like Grace and Hope) for our child one morning as she was praying. How true it is that we are in desperate need of God's "Grace N' Hope."
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
What's in your account?
"Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account." ( Philippians 4:17)
We work hard to build us up savings, retirement, and other resources to give us more comfort while here on earth. All of these "things" will one day turn to rust and we certainly can't take them with us in eternity. So why work so hard for something that is temporary?
The Bible tells us to "not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt.6:19-21)
What ashame if we were to build up our earthly account only to find our heavenly account empty one day. We are to build us up a heavenly account! Everytime you win a soul to Christ that is credited to your account! Everytime you give to a missionary who wins a soul to Christ that is credited to your account! Everytime you serve or bless others you build up your account! Everytime you take the time to spend with a child that goes to your account!
So how does your account look? What's in your account?
We work hard to build us up savings, retirement, and other resources to give us more comfort while here on earth. All of these "things" will one day turn to rust and we certainly can't take them with us in eternity. So why work so hard for something that is temporary?
The Bible tells us to "not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt.6:19-21)
What ashame if we were to build up our earthly account only to find our heavenly account empty one day. We are to build us up a heavenly account! Everytime you win a soul to Christ that is credited to your account! Everytime you give to a missionary who wins a soul to Christ that is credited to your account! Everytime you serve or bless others you build up your account! Everytime you take the time to spend with a child that goes to your account!
So how does your account look? What's in your account?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Congrats Pastor Joel and Angel Dyke!
A congratulations is in order for our Pastor and his wife Angel as they celebrated thier 19th Wedding Anniversary this week! Congratulations guys! Thank you both for who you are and all you do for everyone at Life Church.
Note: Angel. How did you do it? 19 years with this guy!!!???
THANK YOU!
Note: Angel. How did you do it? 19 years with this guy!!!???
THANK YOU!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Pregnant with a Promise
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18)
Each year my wife and I pray for God to give us a "word" for the upcoming year. In 2005, the Lord gave my wife the word "expectancy" and this year he gave me the word "fulfillment."
As most of you know Jodi is pregnant and about to give birth to a baby girl. For the past 9 months we've been "expecting" something. We've been expecting a promise to be fulfilled. There were pains that Jodi has been going through since her pregnancy but she is "expecting" a promise to be fulfilled that will make it worth it.
Did you know that you can be spiritually "expecting"? Spiritually pregnant? What has God promised you? There is a word that God has spoken over your life that you conceived and now you are spiritually impregnanted by that promise and you are waiting for that promise to come forth. It may seem like it's been taking a while but you are spiritually pregnant, it takes time. It may seem like its taken awhile to come forth. To manifest. To come to pass. To be fulfilled but it's coming forth because you are spiritually pregnant. Sure it may hurt while the time passes. There may be pain, there may be trials but it will be all worth it when the promise of God for your life gives birth!
Are you expecting?
Each year my wife and I pray for God to give us a "word" for the upcoming year. In 2005, the Lord gave my wife the word "expectancy" and this year he gave me the word "fulfillment."
As most of you know Jodi is pregnant and about to give birth to a baby girl. For the past 9 months we've been "expecting" something. We've been expecting a promise to be fulfilled. There were pains that Jodi has been going through since her pregnancy but she is "expecting" a promise to be fulfilled that will make it worth it.
Did you know that you can be spiritually "expecting"? Spiritually pregnant? What has God promised you? There is a word that God has spoken over your life that you conceived and now you are spiritually impregnanted by that promise and you are waiting for that promise to come forth. It may seem like it's been taking a while but you are spiritually pregnant, it takes time. It may seem like its taken awhile to come forth. To manifest. To come to pass. To be fulfilled but it's coming forth because you are spiritually pregnant. Sure it may hurt while the time passes. There may be pain, there may be trials but it will be all worth it when the promise of God for your life gives birth!
Are you expecting?
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Xtreme Life Night
Tonight, we had another great service in our student ministry here at Life Church.
Ian, Hannah, and Caleb led us in several wonderful worship songs to our Lord. You are doing a great job guys!
We taught from Genesis 11 about living for Christ or living for ourselves. Are we involved in God's plans for our lives or are we "making a name for ourselves"? We really challenged the students tonight from the word of God.
We wrapped up the message with a powerful testimony from Hannah Dyke. GREAT JOB HANNAH! It is so encouraging to see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our teenagers lives!
Matt Nance came in behind me and wrapped up the service wonderfully as he always does.
Last and least, we had alot of fun playing a few games of volleyball. (my team won and no it was not rigged."
Have a great week!
Ian, Hannah, and Caleb led us in several wonderful worship songs to our Lord. You are doing a great job guys!
We taught from Genesis 11 about living for Christ or living for ourselves. Are we involved in God's plans for our lives or are we "making a name for ourselves"? We really challenged the students tonight from the word of God.
We wrapped up the message with a powerful testimony from Hannah Dyke. GREAT JOB HANNAH! It is so encouraging to see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our teenagers lives!
Matt Nance came in behind me and wrapped up the service wonderfully as he always does.
Last and least, we had alot of fun playing a few games of volleyball. (my team won and no it was not rigged."
Have a great week!
Day at Duck Commander
Well I did it! I took an afternoon of work off! No worries! No cares! Just laid back fun!
I had the honor to spend an entire afternoon at the home/business of the Duck Commander, Inc. by invitation from my good friend Jeptha Robertson.
We started off our afternoon with a wonderfully cooked meal by his mother Mrs. Kay Robertson her self. Man, that woman can cook!
After lunch, Jep and I headed off to a private pond located at the end of the earth to do some fishing. We spent around five hours catching all the large-mouth bass we could handle but releasing them after each catch.
After our adventure, we headed back to my place with his wife and kids for supper. Of course we couldn't finish off the evening until we had watched the latest DuckMen video, "Relentless."
I encourage you to go to www.duckcommander.com to check out this site! They are great Christian people who use duck hunting as a platform to reach people. Believe me, they've done it!
I had the honor to spend an entire afternoon at the home/business of the Duck Commander, Inc. by invitation from my good friend Jeptha Robertson.
We started off our afternoon with a wonderfully cooked meal by his mother Mrs. Kay Robertson her self. Man, that woman can cook!
After lunch, Jep and I headed off to a private pond located at the end of the earth to do some fishing. We spent around five hours catching all the large-mouth bass we could handle but releasing them after each catch.
After our adventure, we headed back to my place with his wife and kids for supper. Of course we couldn't finish off the evening until we had watched the latest DuckMen video, "Relentless."
I encourage you to go to www.duckcommander.com to check out this site! They are great Christian people who use duck hunting as a platform to reach people. Believe me, they've done it!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Lessons from the Tower of Babel
SIn Genesis chapter 11 we read about the famous story of the Tower of Babel. After reading this story, there are several lessons I can take from it that speaks into my life. I'll share a few of them with you.
Now a long time ago, the world only spoke one language prior to this event in time.
In Genesis chapter 11 verse 4 it says, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves..."
Lesson #1 Quit trying to make a name for yourself.
So many times in life we live to make ourselves known. We want to be in the spotlight, we want to get all the recognition, we want to make a name for ourselves. We go through life making our own plans and our own agenda's never seeking the council or advice of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we do our own thing!
The Bible says that Jesus was a man of no reputation. In other words, Jesus didn't go around trying to make a name for himself! The Bible says, that God lifts up the humble but brings down the proud. John the Baptist said, "He must become greater and I must become less."
God does have a way of lifting us up but only when we bring ourselves low at his feet.
LESSON #2 God may mess up your plans.
"Come let us go down and confuse thier language..." (Genesis 11:7)
When God sees that the plans we've made in our heart could stear us from his will he may come down to "confuse" those plans. He does it because he loves us not because he's "mean." Aren't you glad he's "confused" some of your plans in your life?
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
Now a long time ago, the world only spoke one language prior to this event in time.
In Genesis chapter 11 verse 4 it says, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves..."
Lesson #1 Quit trying to make a name for yourself.
So many times in life we live to make ourselves known. We want to be in the spotlight, we want to get all the recognition, we want to make a name for ourselves. We go through life making our own plans and our own agenda's never seeking the council or advice of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we do our own thing!
The Bible says that Jesus was a man of no reputation. In other words, Jesus didn't go around trying to make a name for himself! The Bible says, that God lifts up the humble but brings down the proud. John the Baptist said, "He must become greater and I must become less."
God does have a way of lifting us up but only when we bring ourselves low at his feet.
LESSON #2 God may mess up your plans.
"Come let us go down and confuse thier language..." (Genesis 11:7)
When God sees that the plans we've made in our heart could stear us from his will he may come down to "confuse" those plans. He does it because he loves us not because he's "mean." Aren't you glad he's "confused" some of your plans in your life?
"Many are the plans of a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
Friday, June 09, 2006
Self-Esteem
"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." (Genesis 1:26)
This past Wednesday night we discussed the topic concerning alot of teenagers today and that is self-esteem.
A recent country music song came out and it talks about how all week long some people are nobodies but the weekend is here and it's time to "get drunk and be somebody." Sad huh? Do you really think a bottle is going to make someone special? Yea, maybe for a moment but you always wake up with that same "empty" feeling inside. You don't need a bottle, or a pill, or a million dollars to make yourself feel like somebody.
Alot of teenagers find thier self worth in what other people think. They tried hard to "fit in" by doing the things necessary to do to "fit in". Insecure in themselves, they hide behind a fake laugh, a new haircut, a joint, a drink, or even in the back seat of a car.
Before we jump on the teens case, we do it ourselves as adults. Insecure of who we are in Christ, we try to "be somebody" by driving the nicest vehicles, or owning the nicest homes, or being the best dressed.
There are two questions we need to ask ourselves concerning our self-esteem.
1) How do I see myself?
2) How does God see me?
So how do you see yourself? Unimportant? Not wanted? A waste of space and air? Ugly inside? Not loved?
How does God see you? You were made in his image and he didn't make a mistake when he made you! No, he made a priceless work of art when he made you! The Bible says you were "fearfully and wonderfully made!" He put you together very carefully! There is not another you out there! In other words, God didn't make any junk! And your self worth? You were worth so much that he died for you! When is the last time someone went through what Christ went through for you? No one ever has and no one ever will!
Today, realize that you are somebody and its not because of any thing YOU have done! You are somebody because Christ loves you, died for you, and wants to have a relationship with you!
This past Wednesday night we discussed the topic concerning alot of teenagers today and that is self-esteem.
A recent country music song came out and it talks about how all week long some people are nobodies but the weekend is here and it's time to "get drunk and be somebody." Sad huh? Do you really think a bottle is going to make someone special? Yea, maybe for a moment but you always wake up with that same "empty" feeling inside. You don't need a bottle, or a pill, or a million dollars to make yourself feel like somebody.
Alot of teenagers find thier self worth in what other people think. They tried hard to "fit in" by doing the things necessary to do to "fit in". Insecure in themselves, they hide behind a fake laugh, a new haircut, a joint, a drink, or even in the back seat of a car.
Before we jump on the teens case, we do it ourselves as adults. Insecure of who we are in Christ, we try to "be somebody" by driving the nicest vehicles, or owning the nicest homes, or being the best dressed.
There are two questions we need to ask ourselves concerning our self-esteem.
1) How do I see myself?
2) How does God see me?
So how do you see yourself? Unimportant? Not wanted? A waste of space and air? Ugly inside? Not loved?
How does God see you? You were made in his image and he didn't make a mistake when he made you! No, he made a priceless work of art when he made you! The Bible says you were "fearfully and wonderfully made!" He put you together very carefully! There is not another you out there! In other words, God didn't make any junk! And your self worth? You were worth so much that he died for you! When is the last time someone went through what Christ went through for you? No one ever has and no one ever will!
Today, realize that you are somebody and its not because of any thing YOU have done! You are somebody because Christ loves you, died for you, and wants to have a relationship with you!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
KMCT Tonight
I had the honor to do something that I don't really do very often and that is to go on Christian T.V. I was invited to go on with Bro. Mike Reed of Lamb Broadcasting to talk alittle about what God is doing in and through the student ministry at Life Church. Bro. Mike and I also studied Daniel 3 to talk about the trials we go through as Christians.
"Fully Alive" will air tonight at 7:00 P.M. on KMCT.
"Fully Alive" will air tonight at 7:00 P.M. on KMCT.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Dixie Diehard Saturday
We had a great Life Church WM showing at the Biedenharn Baseball Complex in West Monroe this past Saturday for the Dixie Diehard's game.
Dixie Diehard's is a baseball leauge for kids with either physical or mental disabilities (usually both) that require the help of a "buddy" to assist him or her in playing the game. It's very humbling assisting someone that is almost totally reliable on your help and protection. These kids aren't worried about the score or how many hits they got during a game, they are only interested in having a good time. This game also gives the parents of the disabled kids a chance to be a "parent" for about two hours as they have a break while someone else is helping with thier kids.
I couldn't help but notice as I was standing out in the field with my "buddy" the baseball field next to us. The game that was being played there was quite different than the one I was involved in. I watched as "normal" kids were hitting and fielding on thier own while thier parents watched proudly in the stands. I couldn't help but wonder how that made the parents of the kids I was involved with feel. Questions like, "Why my kid?" or "I wonder what it's like to sit in those stands?" may have crossed thier minds. If it did I couldn't tell because these parents were just as proud or prouder of thier "disabled" kids.
We overheard a grandmother saying to her grandson, "It is only by God's blessing that you aren't in those other kids shoes." We were surprised to hear the grandkids response, "Grandmother, I think they are the ones that are trully blessed."
Maybe we can learn something from these very special individuals.
Thanks for a great showing Life Church!
Dixie Diehard's is a baseball leauge for kids with either physical or mental disabilities (usually both) that require the help of a "buddy" to assist him or her in playing the game. It's very humbling assisting someone that is almost totally reliable on your help and protection. These kids aren't worried about the score or how many hits they got during a game, they are only interested in having a good time. This game also gives the parents of the disabled kids a chance to be a "parent" for about two hours as they have a break while someone else is helping with thier kids.
I couldn't help but notice as I was standing out in the field with my "buddy" the baseball field next to us. The game that was being played there was quite different than the one I was involved in. I watched as "normal" kids were hitting and fielding on thier own while thier parents watched proudly in the stands. I couldn't help but wonder how that made the parents of the kids I was involved with feel. Questions like, "Why my kid?" or "I wonder what it's like to sit in those stands?" may have crossed thier minds. If it did I couldn't tell because these parents were just as proud or prouder of thier "disabled" kids.
We overheard a grandmother saying to her grandson, "It is only by God's blessing that you aren't in those other kids shoes." We were surprised to hear the grandkids response, "Grandmother, I think they are the ones that are trully blessed."
Maybe we can learn something from these very special individuals.
Thanks for a great showing Life Church!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Who can you help?
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."
(Proverbs 3:27)
All of us have been given some measure of "power" here on earth. Even Jesus Christ told Pilate and I paraphrase, "the only power you have has been given to you from my Father in heaven."
Alot of people who have "power" abuse that power and will use it to manipulate people.
The Bible tells us "not to withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in YOUR power to act."
Who around you do you have the power to help? Financially? Spiritually? Do you have the opportunity to help someone be promoted? Do you have the power to bless someone's business? Has God prompted you to bless someone that has been faithful and deserving? If you have the power and the opportunity to do good to someone and you don't then who will?
God does good to us even when we don't deserve it so how much more should we do good to those that do?
(Proverbs 3:27)
All of us have been given some measure of "power" here on earth. Even Jesus Christ told Pilate and I paraphrase, "the only power you have has been given to you from my Father in heaven."
Alot of people who have "power" abuse that power and will use it to manipulate people.
The Bible tells us "not to withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in YOUR power to act."
Who around you do you have the power to help? Financially? Spiritually? Do you have the opportunity to help someone be promoted? Do you have the power to bless someone's business? Has God prompted you to bless someone that has been faithful and deserving? If you have the power and the opportunity to do good to someone and you don't then who will?
God does good to us even when we don't deserve it so how much more should we do good to those that do?
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