The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infininte value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8)

My wife and I were spending time with each other this Sunday evening when our attention was drawn to another family at the recreation area in which we were visiting. We saw several adults ( I'm assuming parents) along with several kids kicking the ball and playing together. My wife responded by saying, "There is nothing you could buy those kids that would take the place of that right there." Spending quality time with those young people you love will be implanted in their little hearts forever! The memories that were made that Sunday afternoon would be priceless!

When we compare everything this world would offer us to that of knowing Christ there is no comparison! When we compare anything in this world to our relationship with Christ the things of this world then appear to be worthless-rubbish. There is nothing in this world that could compare to or take the place of the priceless value of knowing Christ. Sadly, in the church world we live in many have "traded in" that value of knowing Christ to pursue money, pleasure, and the things of this world. How could we trade in such a priceless ruby (our relationship with Christ) for something so temporal (the things of this world). Today, guard your relationship with Christ at all cost for it is truly a priceless commodity!

What a weekend!

One of my greatest passions in life is deer hunting. Over the past few weeks I have not been able to go much at all but the time finally came when I was able to this past Saturday. I was able to harvest a doe during my morning hunt and had a big surprise when a couple of hogs came out in the evening. It is truly refreshing to me to be able to have that "away time" from everything and just be with God in His creation.

Family Nights are one of my favorite nights of the month here at Family Church. There is not another group of people I would rather spend my time with than those who God has placed closest to me-my family. Jodi, Gracen, and myself went out to Prarion Recreation Center where we strolled the baby around and enjoyed the nice weather. Jodi and I discussed some of the most joyful and challenging times we've faced the past five years of our lives. We also cast vision and dreamed together about the next five years of our lives. Jodi and I noticed another family playing ball out in the grass in the recreation area. Jodi said to me, "There is not a thing you could give those kids that money could buy that would replace that right there." (the time being spent with family making memories)

Our Fall Festival is this Wednesday Night here at Family Church and then Jodi and I are off to Gulf Shores for a weekend wedding! I pray you have a blessed week!

That's a wrap...

Doug Fields brought a tremendous message last night on "Envy". He preached out of Genesis and shared the story of Josepeh and how his brothers "envied him." Envy is dangerous to our soul and ministries. How many times have you commented on another church because they "do things differently?Maybe they have something you "want" or wish you possessed! Do you find yourself envious of that co-worker because he/she spends more time with the Pastor or boss? Do you find yourself envious of someone else because of the success they are having in ministry? We as Christians and yes as church leaders can be as guilty as anyone! How many reputations have we "murdered" with our tongues because of envy?

So how do we protect ourselves from envy? Guard your heart by celebrating with others! When someone preaches a good message-pat them on the back. If someone gets promoted within the church or job-congratulate them! Refuse to be "sucked" in by envy!

The convention wraps up Monday morning but Jodi and I will be flying back in the morning.

Have a great Sunday evening!

Convention Pics...

Tonight the David Crowder Band led a standing room only crowd of youth pastors and youth workers into some dynamic worship. Following worship the "Veggie Tales" creator brought a fantastic message that really challenged my life. Below (from left to right) are pictures of the David Crowder Band, me infront of the entrance to the convention center, and a cool view of the pool area where we are staying.

What an honor to be around a bunch of men and women who are passionate about pouring the life of God into young people!

National Youth Workers Conference

After a long Wednesday at Family Church we wrapped up another night of student ministry on our current series "Hooked" which deals with temptation. Directly after service my wife Jodi and I drove over to Jackson, Mississippi where we arrived about midnight. We got about four hours of rest then flew out at 6:15 A.M. headed to San Diego, California for the National Youth Workers Conference. I'm excited about "getting equipped" and also having the opportunity to spend several days with my beautiful bride!

I'll update as often as I'm able.

Blessings!

Beck

If you love me...

Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me." (John 14:23-24)

Jesus tells it like it is when He said, "All who love me will do what I say." To say, "I love Jesus!" and yet not do what the word of God commands makes us out to be a liar! Don't say you love Jesus and not do what He says. To love Jesus means to do what He says-everything He says! Not just bits and pieces of His word that we agree with or parts that line up with our particular denomination. To love Jesus means to obey EVERYTHING He says! Let us not just say we love Jesus but let us prove it by the way we live!

Update: Pastor Mike Perkins of Nations Harvest was our guest speaker this week at Claiborne Christian School's Junior/Senior High Chapel. He brought a very timely and challenging word! Many, many young people were touched and ministered to during Wednesday's service. Thanks Mike for bringing the word of God! I'm blessed to call you friend.

Have a great week!

Beck