In His Presence

Father/Son Campout

2011-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

As parents, we are called to impress our faith upon our children. I believe having a strong relationship with our children gives us the platform to share our faith and access to their hearts. It's difficult for chlidren or teens to recieve a value system or faith from someone they have no relatonship with. The relationship is what gives us the influence into thier lives, not just the authority position only.

Proverbs 23:26 starts off by saying, "My son, give me your heart." As fathers, we should want to win the heart of our sons. Spending quality time with our sons shows that we love them and want to be apart of their lives. "Doing life" together and special activitites together gives us the opportunity to talk about life and get to know one another.

Many fathers from Family Church took advantage of this opportunity this past weekend. The dads spent time with their sons setting up tents and the camp area. The view of watching fathers and sons cook that evenings meal as they chatted was awesome! Later that evening all the men and sons gathered around the campfire as we sang worship songs together followed by a devotion by Ryan Jordan. Many of the boys there spent time hanging out together and having "BB Gun Wars" (glad no moms were around). We had several men step in to partner with single moms by taking their boys to the campout by "adopting" them for the weekend. For some, this was their very first time to campout.

Great job men and thanks for being involved in your sons lives!

The Law of Sowing and Reaping

2011-08-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Although there are certain man made laws upon the earth that can be willingly broken, there are certain “laws” in the universe that cannot be overturned or broken. Take the “Law of Gravity” for instance. Most definitely, “What goes up must come down!” But there is a particular law that is of the upmost importance-the law of sowing and reaping.

When we hear the term or phrase, “Sowing and Reaping” we immediately begin to think of it in terms of finances. The Bible certainly teaches about “sowing and reaping” in the area of finances (2. Cor. 9) but it also goes beyond that arena as well.

How often do we think of the term “sowing and reaping” as it pertains to our words and actions? Do we believe that the “words” we sow into others or say out loud just fall to the ground? Do we believe our actions just “go away” even after they are played or lived out? Our words and actions can result in a harvest of great blessings or they can result in a harvest of destruction!

“Don’t be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)

If we believe that there is no blessing for our obedience to the Spirit or if we don’t believe that there are no consequences to our disobedience to the Spirit than we don’t understand the “justice of God”. God is good. God is love. God is merciful. But don’t forget that God is holy and is just as well. There is truly nothing we can “get away with” –either good or bad! Our obedience won’t go unnoticed by God nor will our disobedience carry no consequences. The fact that we have repented and confessed our sins doesn’t erase the fact that there will still come a harvest of either blessings or consequences from our words and actions. The fact that “I didn’t hurt anybody” doesn’t carry much weight with God!

As parents, do we understand that everyday of our lives we are “sowing” something into our children and teens? Does it not occur to us when we come home and undermine authority by speaking disrespectful that we are sowing rebellion into our children? When we speak openly and disrespectfully around our kids about the teacher that got on to them, the pastor that “didn’t call to check on them”, the political official that we don’t agree with—we are sowing into their lives—destruction! Rebellion! When they see us tell a “little white lie” or not be “completely honest” we are sowing deception into them!
There have been times where I have seen something come to fruition either in my wife or children that I knowingly sowed there! Now, I realized I was beginning to see a harvest I wasn’t pleased with. There have also been those times where we have faithfully and persistenly sowed, and sowed, God’s word into them and we began to see a righteous harvest begin to sprout into their young lives.

Timothy’s faithful mother and grandmother sowed into him as a young boy. (2. Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:15)

Consider the following examples from God’s word:

In Genesis chapter 20 Abraham deceived King Abimelech when he tried to deceive the King by hiding his wife Sarah’s identity. In doing this, he sowed this sin into his son Isaac who continued in his father’s footsteps when he too deceived King Abimelech! But guess what? It didn’t stop here! It carried into the third generation when Jacob, Abraham’s grandson and Isaac’s son, Jacob, lied and deceived to Isaac to steal his brother Esau’s blessing! Did it stop even there? No! Remember the story of Joseph? Jacob’s favorite son? He had brothers who lied and deceived there father Jacob into believing that Joseph and been brutally killed!

Exodus 20:5b says, “I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.” You may say, “But I’m a Christian, I’ve accepted Jesus!” When we reject God’s word we are rejecting God’s way and since Jesus is the word who became flesh, we are rejecting him!

But there is good news! Exodus 20:6 goes on to say, “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

Just as there is consequences in our disobedience there are great blessings and rewards for those who obey God! When your words and actions you sow into your family are words and actions that are pleasing to God, there is no end to the blessings they will harvest!

So, sow righteousness into your family by saying and doing things that are pleasing to God!

What type of harvest will you see in your family?

Back to School Bash in E3!

2011-08-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

We had our annual E3 Student Ministry's "Back to School Bash" with Big Al, WMHS Drum line, and "Suit"! We had a packed house of 237 students and adults in the E3 Room!

The WMHS Drum line was "off the charts" and Big Al had the whole place engaged! What a great ministry God has called him to!

What a great way to celebrate the upcoming school and ministry season!

Check out some pics from last night!

A word to the older generations

2011-08-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

A word to the older generation

I’ve heard many older or elderly people make the comment, “I’ve got nothing left to give”, “I’m past my prime”, or “Nobody would listen to me anymore.” They have lived a whole life building up reservoirs of wisdom and understanding learning both from their good and not so good choices. Here they are towards the later part of their life and are they suppose to be pushed to the side? Now, that they are older are they to be “put on the shelf” to be remembered no more? Is there nothing the younger generations could learn from our “mothers and fathers” in the faith?
David was nearing the end of his life. He was well past the “giant slaying” years. Many had said of David that the Lord had left him; he had become weak physically, and now was their chance to get him.

David had been pouring out his soul to God and in Psalm 71:17-18 he says, “O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood…”
In other words, I’ve walked with God my whole life and I have a lifetime of lessons that I learned from God almighty—He has been faithful!
He goes on to say, “and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.” Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God.” David was saying that he is always telling others about all that God had done for him in his lifetime and that yes, although he faced the fact that he was old now, he was saying, “God, I’m not done!” “God, just because I’m an old man that doesn’t make me a worthless old shoe to be thrown out!” “God, just because I am old please don’t abandon me! I may not be able to walk like I use to walk, I may not be able to fight the way I use to fight, but Oh, God I still can proclaim your great wonders to other people!
Listen, he says, “Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

Older generation let me tell you, just because you are older now does not mean that you have become useless to God and worthless to His kingdom! Look, you are just now in a position to pour back to others all that you have “mustered up” in your lifetime! There is a generation of believers coming up after you that desperately needs to hear your story! There is a generation of believers coming up after you that desperately needs to hear about the wonders of God Almighty! You have the stories to tell! You have the wisdom and the understanding that we need! Please don’t keep silent and allow all that you have been through to become wasted! Tell us your stories! Tell us about God’s mighty hand in your life! Hand off the baton of faith to the upcoming generation! God is not through with you yet! God is not abandoning you to your old age! You open your mouth to all who will listen and tell about the mighty miracles and wonders of the God you have served!

Obedience

2011-06-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

“There I gave them my decrees and regulations so they could find life by keeping them. And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy. But the people of Israel rebelled against me, and they refused to obey my decrees there in the wilderness. They wouldn’t obey my regulations even though obedience would have given them life.” (Ezekiel 20:11-13)
“But their children, too, rebelled against me. They refused to keep my decrees and follow my regulations, even though obedience would have given them life.” (Ezekiel 20:21)

Each of us are faced each day with doing life our own way, the world's way, or God's way. So many insist on doing life thier own way believing that they will find life by following thier own desires. Little do they know by following thier selfish desires they are actually being robbed of life. The only way we will find true life is by doing life God's way. We know what "God's way" is because God has given us His word.

God had given Israel decrees, regulations, and Sabbath days he expected them to follow. But instead, stubborn Israel wanted to "be like the nations around them."

How about you and I? Do we want to fit in to this world and this culture so much that we would forsake God's word in order to do so? This world promises "life" but it is as empty. Only the life God promises and gives can be recieved by faith and in obedience to His word.

Doing the "little things" right

2011-06-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

"Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, While our vineyards are in blossom."

(Song of Solomon 2:15)

I come from a long family line of athletics and coaching. As far back as you can find, my family has been involved in athletics and coaching athletics. Before my father became a successful insurance agent, he was a successful football coach. From Farmerville, to Winnfield, to West Monroe High School; wherever he went, he won. He never had an interview—always offers of hiring him on the spot. His focus wasn’t just having a winning record, but winning with his players. What I believe was a part of his success wasn’t just that he cared so deeply about his players, but that he believed so strongly in doing “the little things right.” Even after entering the insurance industry he continued to get calls and offers from programs from within our state and abroad. When a principal would call to ask my father to come look at their school he would always detour to the bathrooms. Why would he do that you might ask? Simple, he would go see how the bathrooms were kept up. If they didn’t have enough pride to take care of their bathrooms then they didn’t have enough pride in their school—they didn’t know how to win. He would call the principal and decline their meeting. I’ve also been coached by some other legendary coaches. One in particular was big on “doing the little things right”. When we would conclude with football practice, we were expected to have everything picked up from our equipment, to showers turned off, to stools put up, and so on. One day I remember coming in from practice and somebody had left out one stool from the previous day. Guess what? The whole team ran until we couldn’t run anymore! Guess what else? Nobody ever left there stool out again.

The point in all of this? My dad and these other coaches were trying to teach discipline, winning, and thinking “team” concepts. If you couldn’t learn to pick up your stuff after practice, then what if you missed that “key block” in a tight game? What if you “slacked up” the last few minutes of the fourth quarter? We were being taught that there was no “I” in team. We were being taught that for every little thing we missed, forgot, or wanted to do our “own way” would affect the team as a whole. Think this is ridiculous? Go look at their records and also the people they coached. They weren’t only teaching athletic concepts but “life concepts”.
This parallels so much in the Kingdom of God. There are certainly small things we shouldn’t sweat, but far too many times we as Christians miss the “small things”. We need to realize that we are responsible not only for our lives, but for others as well. We make up a “body”. Our choices and decisions affect the body as a whole. Every decision we make affects our spouses and our children. It’s the “small things” that go so far.

One of the reasons Chic Fil A is "set apart" from other fast food restaurants is they excel in doing "the small things" not just right, but GREAT!

When I was in the insurance business, I set several appointments everyday for sometime in the future. Obviously, a huge part of my market were churches and believers. I remember not being able to get returned phone calls from some of the smallest churches. Yet, there was one mega church in particular that every single staff member I called on, not only returned my call, but did so within 24 hours. When I had the opportunity to "brag on" this church and staff, they told me they are all given 24 hours to return calls. They obviously were big on "doing the little things right".

Doing the "little things right" goes so far! It’s picking up the small piece of litter in the parking lot that others have walked past. It’s picking up the ticket at lunch instead of “splitting it”. It's that sweet note you leave for your wife before you head off to work. It's returning phone calls promptly, returning emails, and being thorough. Not doing the "small things" can work in the reverse affect as well. It’s leaving the T.V. show on “a bit longer” when we know we should have cut it off. It’s allowing that “small piece of anger” in our hearts that turns into forgiveness over time. It’s the “small things” that aren’t dealt with in our marriage that turn into “large” things over time. It's allowing the "small attitude" squeeze by in our children instead of discipling them. Over time the "small attitude" turns into a "big problem".

You see, the small things really can matter in our lives. What are some of the "little things" you could do today that would make a "big difference"?

Hope for the discouraged

2011-06-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

“Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way…” (James 1:2)

James states it clearly that in life, trouble WILL come our way. (James 1:2) As believers we will be opposed by the enemy, by the world, and just “life” itself can be very, very difficult. It is easy to fall prey to doubt, fear, and unbelief. If not careful, we can begin to complain, whine, and blame others for our troubles. If we look at our “troubles” through the proper lens they can become an “opportunity” not just a “trouble with no end”.

James goes on to say, “Consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2) Joy is something that comes from the inside out, not from our outer circumstances. Our circumstances will change constantly but joy can remain whether life is good or difficult. The enemy is after your joy. If he can snatch your joy he can zap your strength.

We all can become discouraged in life.

Look at several examples taken from the word of God where people of God became discouraged.

Rachel was discouraged because she could have no children. “Give me children, or else I die!” she said.

Elijah came to a point in his life where he wanted to die.

Job said, “My soul is weary of my life.” (Job 10:1, 3)

The last example I will give is maybe my favorite. David was about to be stoned by his own people and he was also constantly chased by his enemies. David was at a very low point. I’m so glad when you are surrounded by church friends, family, and others God sends your way to encourage you. But there are times when nothing anyone can say can help. There are times when encouragement doesn’t come from the mouth of others. There are times when no one will come close to understanding all that you are going through. The Bible said that “David encouraged himself in the Lord.” (I. Samuel 30:6) There must be that absolute point of desperation that comes over you where you run to your prayer closet, fall on your face before God, and cry out to him for help! You must pray, you must fast, you must completely give yourself to His word. You must trust. You must believe. You must be at a place where you know that God sees all, knows all, and is sovereign. You must know that he loves you, cares for you, and will provide for you.

Have you been at a place of discouragement? Take heart, others in God’s word have been where you are. Today, “encourage yourself in the Lord.” He is God Almighty and He loves you.

The Way of the Cross

2011-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Way of the Cross—Part I

“There is a way that seems right to a person but in the end leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12

“You can enter God’s kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)
“For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.” (I. Cor. 1:17)

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But to we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (I. Cor. 1:18)

I am the father of three children. From the earliest days of infancy of each of those children, it didn’t take long to recognize something. Yes, they were cute and cuddly (except in the wee hours of the morning) but they also possess something that each and every man must conquer—a sin nature. That sin nature becomes evident in every little baby and child as they fight with everything within them, their self-will, to carry out that will. If this sin nature is never dealt with, never crucified, never “died too”, then my young children will never be able to serve the living God. For one to serve God, that self-will, that sin nature must be crucified to the cross of Christ and must be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ each and every day of their lives. This can only be accomplished by them coming to and through the cross. They then must take up their cross and follow Jesus Christ daily.

There is something in each and every one of us that wants to do our own thing. There is something in each and every one of us that does not want to go the way of the cross—why? The cross is painful, grueling, hard, and is in complete opposition to our own self wills. When we come to the cross we must humble ourselves in obedience to God. Even Jesus before he went to the cross, knowing he must go to the cross, cried out, “Lord, if it is possible take this cup from me, nevertheless, not I will but your will!” He then speaks up and states that if anyone wants to be his followers, they must turn from thier selfish ways, take up thier cross, and follow me! If you try to hang on to your life you will lose it!

We live in a world that tells us, “If it feels good, just do it”. We live in a world that tells us to do whatever it takes to be “great” and “successful”. Don’t give things away but “he who has the most toys when he dies, wins.” It teaches nothing of humility, servant hood, or giving. The way of the cross isn’t easy—it’s hard. That’s why Paul said, “I must die daily.” This flesh will rise up each and everyday of your life so it must be put to death “daily.”

So many times we have indirectly told people to “come to Jesus and your life will be great!” You will be successful, happy, and “prosperous”. When the first wave of “hard times” or “trials” come they think, “What is this???”
Jesus says some rather straight forward things in John 15:18 when he said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” Wow! Those are some pretty strong words! “The world will hate you!” You see the reason the world will hate you because when you go the way of the cross there is nothing in this world that appeals to you and nothing in you that appeals to this world!

Galatians 6:14 says, “Because of that cross, my interest in the world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.”

I recently had a young teenage girl along with her mother who had given her life to Christ come into my office for counseling. She said since she had given her life to Christ the things she was once interested in was now fading away. More than that, those she use to be “friends” with were losing their interest in her and she in them. I told her, “That’s the way of the cross!”

Jesus goes on to say in John 16:1, “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God…Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. J

esus gives us a “heads up” when he says, “don’t be surprised when the world hates you. You will face rejection, persecution, etc. but I have warned you ahead of time “Don’t be surprised”. You won’t abandon your faith when you realize the way of the cross is one that isn’t accepted by the world. When these things come you have been expecting them, not surprised by them.

If we want to truly understand and embrace the way of the cross, then we must renew our minds to understand the attitude and values of the kingdom and renounce the attitudes and values of our worldly, fleshly, carnal system.
In Mark 8, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and he would be killed. Peter then took him aside to reprimand Jesus for saying such things.

Jesus then addressed the root of Peter’s messed up values as well as the root of our messed up values—Satan. “Get away from me Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from Gods!”
For us to understand the cross, we must embrace God’s view and not that of human, carnal nature.

The sinful nature says to “be angry and sin.” The cross says, “Be angry and sin not.” The sinful nature says, “don’t forgive”. The cross says, “You must forgive”. The sinful nature says, “I want to be served”. The cross says, “Give up your rights and serve others.” The sinful nature says, “I want to be popular and accepted by the world.” The cross says, “If you follow after Christ, you will be hated by the world.”

Philippians 3:10-11 says, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”

Most of us have no problem stating that we want to “know Christ”. Most of us have no problem stating that we want to “experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.” Where we all struggle is when Paul says, “I want to suffer with him…”
In order for us to truly be Disciples of Christ, we must be willing to carry our cross and endure whatever may come.

Family Vision

2011-06-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

As I sit at my desk this morning I’m really doing a lot of meditating on vision. You hear a lot of talk about vision these days. Organizations and business’ have visions. Private and Public schools have visions. Churches and ministries have visions. But this morning, I wasn’t thinking about the vision of a successful business, organization, or even church vision—I was thinking about the vision of my own family. As a young man I certainly don't come close to "having all the answers"(nor will I ever), but I am giving my life to seeing God's realities come to pass in my family. I have searched the scriptues about family, seen some of the best examples in the world lived out in front of me, and convinced God has given me the same opportunity as any other believer to see family lived out biblically. I actually have spent some of the morning writing out a "vision" for my nuclear family unit.

When you talk about vision, you are talking about an unfolding future possibility. Have you ever thought about the future possibilities or realities for your own family? What it could become? What your marriage could be like? What your children could become? What your home could be to the community it was placed in?
We have strategies and plans to meet our monthly quotas in business. We have our strategies and plans to give young people the best education possible. We have strategies and plans to give excellent service and quality food at restaurants but have you ever considered what your strategy and plan is for your own family becoming a biblically functioning family? A family that is striving to be the family the word of God says it can be? The type of family that dares to carry out the God given, God ordained, and God mandated roles and responsibilities the Bible gives it? The family that looks so absolutely different then the families that make up “the world” and our culture around us? This doesn’t just “happen” anymore than a business man with no business plan thinking he can just “wing it” and believe he can reach his personal or companies goals. It must be purposeful, intentional, and focused.
We live in a world, even in the church world, where marriages are crumbling by the minute. Marriages that don’t necessarily even end up in divorce but marriages that are a far cry from the type of marriage the Bible says believers are to have. Many of “Christian” marriages still look so much like the world. Passive husbands/fathers not taking the spiritual role of leadership that God Almighty commands and demands of them. Wives/Mothers who are fighting to “prove themselves” that they are just as capable as “making it in the world” as their spouse. Spouses who nag, fight, and belittle one another. Children/Teenagers who “run the house” and show more respect and honor to a stranger than to their own parents. Young adults who are leaving the faith by the droves after high school. Is this what Christ died for? Is this the life Christ died to give us? Is this the reality of a biblically functioning home?
An athletic team would never go on the playing field without a game plan. An army would never go to battle without a battle plan. This is much more important than a football game. We are talking about a game plan that would combat the devices of the enemy of the family of God and an offense to see God’s possibilities for our lives and families become a reality for our lives and families.

The bible is our “road map”. The Bible is our “instruction manual”. The Bible is God’s way for God’s family to live the life of God in our homes. It shows us who we are, who we can become. It shows us how our families are to live and what our families can become.

Is there such a thing as perfect unity in a marriage? Is there such a thing as a husband that loves, leads, and models a godly example to his wife and kids? Is there such a thing as a wife that helps her husband fulfill the work and destiny of her husband? Is there such a thing as a wife that respects and submits to her husband? Is there such a thing as children who actually obey and honor their parents? Is there such a thing of multi-generational faithfulness? Can these things become a reality or is it just wishful thinking? Not only can these things become a reality they must become a reality. Not only can they happen, they must happen!

Family is the heartbeat of God. It is the basic unit of relationships. It is the foundation on which churches and communities thrive. And it is the very thing that the enemy has targeted and attempted to destroy in order to hinder the church, discipleship, evangelism, and multi-generational faithfulness. It is the very thing we must “get back” in order to save our dying world.
I encourage you to sit down, search the scriptures, and write out what God says about a true biblical family. You will find it weaved throughout the entire word of God.

“Without vision the people perish”. (Proverbs 29:18)

Without true biblical vision our families will perish.

Billy Hornsby 1949-2011

2011-03-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Billy’s Greatest Ministry

I first met Billy Hornsby (then known by me as “Uncle Billy) over 27 years ago when I was only 5 years old. He had planted and pastored a small church here in West Monroe, Louisiana know as “Victory Fellowship” (the same place that I would eventually be ordained and serve in known as “Life Church”). I can remember, even as a little boy, being so saddened when I heard he and his family were moving to West Germany to become missionaries. How could a man have such an impact even on a little boy of 5 years of age?

Through the years my dad supported him and kept some sort of contact with him. I can remember when I was “reaquainted” with “Uncle Billy” in the year 2000. I had began preaching then and felt that call of God on my life to be in the ministry “full-time”. This made my dad very nervous so he called Billy, who was now living in Baker, Louisiana and on staff at Bethany World Prayer Center, to give me some direction. “Bro. Billy” invited me to come and stay with he and Charlene for 4-5 days. He “tested my character” by making me dig a drainage ditch near his house (which I didn’t like-hence the undeveloped character). A few days into my trip he invited me on what would be one of the greatest transformational trips of my life-my first foreign mission trip to Brazil. On this trip Billy spoke before hundreds or maybe even thousands of people. He allowed me to get up before he spoke each service to share. Why would someone so well known spend time with me, invest in me, and believe in me when he could have invited anyone else?

I sent Bro. Billy the following email just last year. It reads:

Bro. Billy,

I just wanted to take a second to thank you for what you have mean to me all of these years. I will never forget the time you have invested in me and everything else you mean to me. I cherish the times I was able to stay with you in your home(s) and the times I was able to go with you on trips. I miss being able to be around you like I use to very, very much. Thank you for loving me in spite of my shortcomings and many failures. Here are a few things I am thankful for “Bro. or Uncle Billy” for:

1. For founding the church that I would eventually first serve at.
2. For taking me on my first mission trips. (I know you could have taken anybody)
3. For allowing me the opportunities to speak or share in front of the people when I was with you on these trips.
4. For giving me “an offering” in the airport on our way back from Venezuela. (You may not remember that but I never will). You asked, “Did they give you an offering?” and I said, “No sir.” You then gave me a wad of cash!
5. For surprising me on my wedding day by flying in. I will never forget walking out of the side of the church to get ready to walk down the isle and seeing you walk up. It meant the world to me.
6. Thank you for allowing me to come in your home in Baker and in South Carolina.
7. Thank you for you and Mrs. Charlene being a WONDERFUL example of what family is. I wish Jodi could have been with me on several of my stays in your home.
8. Thank you for allowing me to come hunting in South Carolina.
9. I cherish our hunting memories at our hunting club!
10. Thank you for you and Pastor Joel ordaining me.
11. Thank you for being patient with me during my “cage stage” years.
12. Thank you for taking the time to take my calls or answer my emails.
13. Thank you for always being so “positive” in your outlook in life.

These are just several of the MANY things I am thankful for concerning you.

Love you Brother Billy!Although

Bro. Billy left a huge personal impact on my life and family I know his impact has spread to literally thousands of people, families, pastors, and churches. He was the forerunner in the Association of Related Churches (ARC) that some of the fasting growing churches in America are associated with. Here is a full-press release that was posted on Church of the Highlands website by Pastor Chris Hodges:

Billy Hornsby, founder and President of the Association of Related Churches (ARC) and teaching pastor at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. Billy, 61, had been battling cancer for over two years. He was known for his contagious love and passion for God, family, life, and leaders around the world.
Church of the Highlands will host a memorial service celebrating Pastor Billy’s life at the Grants Mill Campus on Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. CDT. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Association of Related Churches (ARC), a non-profit ministry which trains, resources and supports church planters.
Billy was born on April 18, 1949 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He married his childhood sweetheart Charlene in 1967. Their ministry together began in 1975 in West Monroe, Louisiana where they started their first church, Victory Fellowship. In 1984 they moved to Germany to serve as missionaries where they planted and supported churches all across Europe. Billy and Charlene moved back to the USA in 1989 and started two new churches in Kentucky. In 1991 they moved back to their hometown in Louisiana to serve as Associate Pastor at Bethany World Prayer Center. Under Pastor Larry Stockstill’s leadership, Billy launched hundreds of small groups at Bethany and trained thousands of other churches in cell church ministry.
In 2001 Billy and Charlene moved to Charleston, South Carolina to serve at Seacoast Church with Pastor Greg Surratt. During his time there, Billy and Greg began to dream about planting life-giving churches all across the country. In 2001, Billy and Greg, along with Dino Rizzo, Rick Bezet, Scott Hornsby, and Chris Hodges, founded the Association of Related Churches. ARC is now one of the largest church planting organizations in the country and trains thousands of church planters every year and gives millions of dollars annually to church planters. In 2008, Billy and Charlene moved to Birmingham, Alabama where the ARC is currently headquartered.
Billy also served as European Coordinator for EQUIP, a non-profit organization founded by John C. Maxwell which specializes in the development of international Christian leaders. Under Billy’s leadership, hundreds of thousands of new leaders have been trained in Europe over the past ten years.
Pastor Billy was also an author and well-known speaker. His books include “The Cell-Driven Church,” “Success for the Second in Command,” “101 Rules for Relationships,” and “The Attractional Church.”
Billy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Charlene; daughter Tammy Hodges and son-in-law Chris; daughter Trudy Bezet and son-in-law David; daughter Shary Long and son-in-law Phil; eight grandchildren: Natalie Gravois, Sarah, Michael, David, Jonathan, and Joseph Hodges, Wesley and Abby Long; brothers Frank Hornsby, Leon Hornsby, Scott Hornsby, and sister Suzanne Hobgood. Billy is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Will Long and Joy Long.

You read all of the above and you wonder, “What more could a man “be” and “do”? Although Billy was apart of wonderful churches, was a wonderful mentor to so many pastors and men, and touched the lives of literally thousands of people, these were not Billy’s “greatest ministries”. Does this shock and surprise you?
I’ve been in the ministry long enough to see that so many mininsters try to “win the world” at the expense of their own families. Our greatest ministry as ministers or pastors will always be “the ministry to our families” first—the Word of God clearly explains that.

Billy’s greatest ministry-his family. First to his marriage to Charlene.

Marriage was first created and instituted by God—even before his mention of the church in scripture. Our marriages are to be a Godly view and example of Christ’s wonderful love and example of his relationship to the church. This greatest example I’ve ever witnessed of a Godly marriage was Billy and Charlene Hornsby. Having the opportunity to be in almost every home they’ve lived in I watched—and I watched closely. I watched how Billy was kind, loving, gentle, and caring to Ms. Charlene. I watched how Charlene loved, served, submitted to,and cared for Billy. THIS was what I envyed and longed for in my own marriage one day! I looked at their marriage and I see what the Holy Spirit was illustrating in Ephesians 5:22-33, 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.[a] 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body.
31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”[b] 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Qualifications on eldership in the church even speaks of the necessity of a leaders family being managed well.

“He must be faithful to his wife…He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot mangage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church.” (I. Timothy 3:4-5)

Billy’s greatest ministry-secondly, his children.

“Didn’t I make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. For I hate divorce says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” ” (Malachi 2:15-16)The Lord tells us what he wants from our marriages—Godly offspring! Godly Children!

Billy and Charlene have three wonderful and Godly daughters! They all serve the Lord! They all have honored and respected him! They loveed being around him!

Billy’s greatest ministry-Godly generations to come.
“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” (Pslam 145:4a)

From Billy and Charlene’s union of come three Godly daughters! But it hasn’t stopped there…the generations of Godliest is continuing. The passing of their faith is continuing. Our of Billy and Charlene’s union have come three Godly daughters, who married three Godly men (all of who are in the ministry), and now they have produced Godly offspring from THEIR UNION! Start doing the math! Can you see 3, 4, 5, and 6 generations of Godliness beginning with Billy and Charlene’s union? The generational faithfulness? The amount of finances given to missions? The servants of God that will rise up JUST from this family?
Now, what is incredible is that Billy did both—had a Godly family AND impacted thousands of people. This day in age, that is AMAZING!

Thank you for your incredible example Bro. Billy and thank you for the incredible example your family continues to be and live!

I love you!

Beck

Holy Ghost Boldness!

2011-03-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Jesus said that he is "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) The Bible also tells us in John 18:37 that, Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true." Jesus IS TRUTH!

Jesus also tells us in John 8:44c that, "He (the devil) has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." Even in the beginning we see the Devil trying to decieve Eve by planting seeds of doubt in her mind, "Did

We learn very quickly that there is a battle between truth and lies! The devil always has and always will hate the truth! Therefore, when truth is presented he will do whatever he can to oppose it, stop it, and use counterfeit tactis to decieve people to lead them away from the truth.

In Acts 3, God uses Peter to pray for a man that had been crippled from birth. The power of God touched the man who had been crippled for more than 40 years and the man who once was crippled could walk! This presented an opportunity for Peter to preach the no nonsense truth of the gospel to the people. As a result many believed and were saved! But there was another power at work...Peter and John were confronted by the priests and some of the other religious leaders. Peter, who was filled with the Holy Ghost, didn't back down from the confrontation but continued to put the truth out there! In Acts 4: 13 it goes on to say, "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognzied them as men who had been with Jesus." So why is it these men were so bold? What was their confindence being placed in? Thier own wisdom? Thier own education? No, because they had none! Their boldness was a result of being filled with the Holy Ghost of God and they had spent time with Jesus the Christ! When the council couldn't decided what to do with Peter and John or deny the fact that they had seen a miracle, they ordered the apostles never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Didn't Peter and John back down? Did they compromise the truth of the gospel? No, they responded with, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19) The council continued to threaten them and finally let them go because they couldn't deny the fact that they had witnessed a mighty miracle of a man who had never walked!

When Peter and John went back to the other believers they had explained to them everything that they had experienced--the miracle and the threats. In verse 29 it goes on to say, "O Lord hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word...After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness."

We live in a time where preaching the truth with boldness is becoming less and less popular. The enemy of all that is true wants nothing more than to shut down men and women of God from spreading the truth of God's Word. But it is the truth of God's Word that does and will set people free and we can never back away from that!

May I encourage you no matter what kind of threats come your way. No matter who the threats are coming from, be filled with the Holy Spirit and spread God's Word with great boldness! We will need that now more than ever!

Desperate Deliberate Faith

2011-03-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

“A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” (Luke 8: 43-48)

Here was a woman that had suffered for twelve long years with an “issue of blood.” In another accout from the Gospel of Matthew we learn that she actually had gone to many different sources for her healing but instead of getting better, she got worse. She was tired of looking for her miracle in all the wrong places. Here is a woman that was desperate for a touch from God! She finally came to a point in her life where she was desperate enough to do anything. Fighting through the crowd she came up behind Jesus with a “desperate deliberate faith” and touched the fringe of his robe! Her touch was desperate and deliberate. Desperate because she had suffered for so long and run out of options. Delieberate, because she knew exactly what she needed from God-healing! In her "desperate and deliberate" step in faith, she immediately was healed! Jesus knew that someone had “deliberately touched him” and that healing power had left his body! The disciples tried to tell him that many people had “touched” him but Jesus knew that there was one in the crowd that had really “touched him”! It wasn’t just a brush on the robe, or an accidental encouter. No, this woman deliberately touched Jesus Christ! Her faith touched him!

Maybe you are dealing not with an “issue of blood” but an “issue of life”. Maybe it is a physical issue, but maybe it’s more than that. Maybe it is a spiritual issue. Maybe it is a financial issue or a difficult situation you find your family in. Desperate times call for desperate measures! At what point will you allow yourself to come to before you say, “I don’t care what I have to do, I’m going to touch Jesus Christ! I don't care how much I have to pray and fast--I'm going to touch Jesus! I don’t care what kind of crowd I have to push through! I don’t care what kind of sacrifices I have to make! I don't care how radical my obedience may appear! I don’t care how stupied or foolish I may look to the world or even other Christians-I am desperate! I am desperate to touch Jesus with my faith and in turn have him touch me like only He can!

Desperate people can do all kinds of things so therefore we must be deliberate about approaching the throne of God. It is my prayer that you reach out in faith—desperate faith, and touch not only the robe of Jesus Christ, but the heart of God!

My Confession

2011-01-22T11:30:00.001-08:00

My Confession…

May today’s confession be a daily confession unto you God.

You are God…and I am not.
You are Soveriegn…and I am not.
You have always been…and I have not.
You hold the world in your hands…and I do not.
You see my total future…although I cannot.
I can completely trust in you…and I will!

Just me or did you feel perfect peace come over your soul?

Finding Strength in Trust

2010-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

As human beings, we all are prone to becoming tired, weak, and weary. I'm so glad that the God that we serve never experiences any of these things! He fully understands the things in life that we will never understand and because of his depth of understanding we can rest assured by trusting in Him.

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength."

It is when we begin trusting in ourselves, in our flesh, and in our own understanding that we will find ourselves tired, frustrated, and worn out! We are prone to find strength in trusting in ourselves, our education, our emotions, etc. But when we come to the place where we fully put our hope and trust in God, it is there where we will find new strength! It is when we are fully trusting God we will be able to soar high like eagles!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Because of our experiences in life, we as human beings find it hard to trust. Humans can lie, humans can let us down, but God is the one we can fully trust with all of our heart! We are to walk through life FULLY trusting God in every circumstance, what seems to be good and bad. There are certainly times in life that we do not, in our finite mind, understand everything. We are commanded to not depend on our understanding, which is so shallow at times, but to fully trust in the one who understands all things! So when we find ourselves in situations in life that we don't quite understand, we are to continue to seek HIS will in everything we do and trust in the Sovereignty of God to direct us!

Trust God today and experience new strength and peace like no other!

Children's Home Outreach

2010-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Jodi and I took the 9th Grade Boys and the 8th Grade Girls small groups to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home yesterday. "Joy Cottage" is made up of three girls and two boys and "The Pierce's" are the cottage parents. We all got them gifts and had the priviledge of watching them open them up yesterday! We all hung out, played some XBox, football, archery, and loved on them! I was so pround of how our teens engaged with each of them!

The Gospel According to Scrooge!!!

2010-12-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

For over ten years Family Church has blessed the community with the "Gospel According to Scrooge". This is a powerful "broadway like" presentation when Ebenezer Scrooge comes face to face with "another chance" with life concerning Jesus Christ. You DONT want to miss!

Performances start tonight at 7 P.M.!

The dates are Dec. 2-4 & 9-11, 7 P.M. December 12 @ 3 P.M. is the Matinee!

Tickets are available online at www.familychurch.org and General Admission is FREE!
Reserved seating is only $10 and can be purchased online!

There will be opportunities to "meet the cast" after each night's performance as well as hot chocolate, coffe, and spice cider!

Hope to see you there!

Thankful!!!

2010-11-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some things I am thankful for...

1) God's amazing love that he continues to show me daily through Jesus Christ my Lord.

2) An amazing wife he gave me to do life with! God certainly handpicked her for me!

3) Two wonderful daughters! "Children are a gift from the Lord..." I love being a dad!

4) Being able to be apart of the staff team at Family Church!

5) Being able to be apart of the Body of Christ here at Family Church! What a great place to grow your faith and family!

6) The wonderful teens, youth workers, and families that are apart of E3 Student Ministry!

7) Wonderful friends that are apart of my life! I am so thankful for people that pray, encourage, sharpen, and believe in you!

8) Being able to have the resources to help and bless people!

9) Being able to spend a little bit of time in the woods with a hobby that refreshes my soul!

10) Being able to spend time with extended family and friends during this season of the year!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Finally joined the "Twitter" world!

2010-11-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

Most teenagers are so engaged in the world of technology that we live in. Me? I'm usually several years behind!

Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service that allows you answer the question, "What are you doing?" by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called "tweets", to your friends, or "followers."

I'd like to use this resource to stay engaged with friends, students, and parents about life and other things. I may send out random things that are going on personally or send out encouraging messages, challenges, etc.

If you don't "twitter" you can go to www.twitter.com and sign up free today so you can start recieving messages!

Beck

As for Me and My Family

2010-11-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of speaking during this past Sunday morning's service at Family Church. I spoke a message entitled, "As for Me and My Family" that was directed towards the men of our congregation.

You can view it via the internet at www.familychurch.org

It should be up this Wednesday afternoon.

What's been going on in my world...

2010-10-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

So I've been asked to update my blog so I thought I would do so by updating you all on my life.

First, my wife and I just recently celebrated our "8 Year" anniversary in Natchitoches, LA at the Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast. When I read Proverbs 31 and Titus 2, I think of my wife Jodi. I couldn't have asked for a better "help mate" to partner with me in our family mission and ministry to the Kingdom of God. I love you Jodi!

Secondly, I've been spending allot of time studying two things in God's word.
1. The family and roles-Although so much of our culture has influenced and blended in to what we as Christians believe and practice the Bible is crystal clear on what the role of a man, woman, husband, wife, and children are to play out. As counter culture (even in the church world) as it is, I am more determined than ever to go by God's game plan. My family's spiritual heritage depends on it!

2. This "love thing". Pastor's messages have been hitting me square in the mouth. This is something God had dealt with me about in my early 20's and now has gone "full circle" to "see if I'm up to par". I realize how immature my love (the way God defines it is) still is and how much growth I have to see happen! I'm not interested in seeing where I am when I compare myself to others. In doing that, I may become proud thinking I am "so far ahead of some" and may also think "I'm so far behind others" so I don't do that. What I do compare myself to is God's word and in doing that, I know I have much more to go.

Thirdly, A lot of what Jodi and I do (especially Jodi) ministry wise, is done at our home. I mentor a couple of young men each hunting season. Jodi does SOOOO many things behind the scenes that will never get praise from men but will one day get praise from God. She is storing up "so many treasures in heaven" by her self-less serving of others and pouring into the lives of our daughters and other young ladies/women. I honestly believe these boys rather come to my house for Jodi's service and home cooking rather than to hear me teach God's word and take them deer hunting! But, we are a team and we work together although we play separate roles. We had Danny and Kyle Phillips out this Saturday evening. We watched some LSU Football, ate some summer, gathered the boys and my girls up for a time of Bible reading and prayer, then off to the woods we went with our bows!

Tonight, I get to spend time with my girls while Jodi gets a much deserved "mom's night out" with some of her sisters in the Lord! I love spending time with the two most precious souls God has entrusted to me-my daughters.

I love what God has called me and my family to do. It is such a privilege to work in the Kingdom of God. Thank you Jesus for calling me to be a slave to such a wonderful master as yourself. I love you.

Beck

Getting close...Grand Re-Opening!

2010-08-25T12:52:00.001-07:00

When Pastor and Vicki O'Neal came to what was then, "Claiborne Church of God", in August of 1977, attendance at Sunday services were 50 people. Now, the situation has changed drastically! "Pastor O" has consistently and faithfully preached the Kingdom of God and the vision of "biblically functioning families" for over 32 years! God has truly placed his hand on this place! I think the best opportunity I have in passing the faith to my children and grandchildren are right here at 320 Laird Street!

This Sunday, we are entering into a new chapter of Family Church with our newly renovated worship center. The building campaign has been titled, "Generations" because we want parents and grandparents to pass the faith to the next generation!

What an exciting time this is! We will have the ribbon cutting at 9:15 and worship will begin at 10 A.M.!

Enjoy some pics of the outside! Inside pics are a surprise!

Weekend at a glance...

2010-08-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

We had our 3rd Annual "Moving on Up" Family Orientation this Saturday at the R.D.F.C. This is where we host the families of upcoming 6th graders into our student ministry, feed them, and spend the evening casting vision! We have some GREAT families moving up! Our first service for the new semester will be this Wednesday at 7 P.M. We just installed all new sound in the youth room and we are pumped about Wednesday's worship service!

Yesterday after church, the girls and I had lunch with Danny and Kyle Phillips. These two young men have a special place in our hearts ever since we started having them in our home a year ago for our youth hunting mentoring program. We worked over 4 hours in the 100 degree heat putting up bow stands, chasing wasps out of box stands, and putting out deer corn! A little (or a lot) of work will pay off come fall when these boys are watching deer!

One of Jodi's "heros of the faith" is Ruth Bell Graham. Let me just say she is much more closer to being a "Ruth" than I am a "Billy". Anyways, Billy Graham said he and Ruth were a "team" and her way of contributing was to spend her time pouring into raising their kids so that it would allow Billy to travel and preach the gospel.If she wouldn't have done that then he wouldn't have been able to "go". And if he wouldn't have "gone" then people wouldn't have been "reached." She played as much apart of his ministry than he did. She never spoke, never was much on being "out front", just did her God called duties faithfully. She had a heart "for the lost" and although she never preached a message to the lost in front of thousands of people she was "reaching the lost" by freeing Billy to do what God had called him to do. Although I am able to stay near my family I still feel I am able to "go" because of the freedom Jodi gives me. Although a very outgoing woman she never wants to be in front of the crowds and her ministry so, so very often is done "behind the scenes". It is her contributing to the ministry God has called us to both in the home and in the church. So many times we think "ministry" is done AT the church but it is not limited to that one place. Ministry is done with the people who make up the church.

After the boys and I came in she spent the next few hours cooking supper and serving those boys as if they were her own. While she was busy doing that, my daughter Gracen was right along side of her serving as well. Two lessons here: Ministering to the boys while teaching OUR girls about ministry. We as a family where all ministering together as a "team" although we all played different roles and parts in that effort.

I love you Jodi and I thank God for you! I see you working so hard to pour into the lives of our girls and staying busy brining the presence of God into our home. Thank you for all the time you have spent over lunches, etc. pouring into the hearts of young teens and moms. Thank you for never complaining and working alongside me in ministry. As a team we can build our family while striving to head down the journey towards full-devotion with other families.

I am blessed...

Family, Friends, and Foreigners!

2010-08-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

This week my family and I are housesitting at the home of Michael and LaTonya Lewis. We are also housing my brother-in-law and also Juan Karlos from Guatemala. I met Juan a few years ago while on a mission trip to Guate. This time around, we get to take care of him! He will be attending Christ for the Nations this fall!

The last few days as well as the remainder of this week will not be a slow one.Saturday evening we had several families over to eat and play some volleyball! Sunday the pretty wife took her little group of small group girls to the movies while I took the bro-in-law to the family clinic! (chrone disease).

Last night we had a wonderful time fellowshiping with some wonderful friends-Fritz and Sarah Niswanger. Today Jodi went on a movie date with the girls and another family while this afternoon she had some women folk over from our small group! Tonight, we ate wonderful home cooked meal. I will spend time with my girls while Jodi heads to her ladies night bible study with our small group.

Tomorrow Jodi will spend her day pouring into the lives of the two most important girls she will ever pour into-her daughters. Pouring into the offspring God has given us and making heart connections with them us a must! We are excited about our last youth summer gathering that will take place tomorrow night at the West home. Josh Taylor and our youth workers have done a GREAT job this summer putting these together! I can't wait for our first service back in a few weeks! I feel like a bull that has been locked in his cage! I'm ready to get my preach on!

Thursday night we will be having supper at the home of another special family-Richared and Angie Richardson. Lee Taylor and his wife Rachel will be there as well so this ought to be a great time of fellowship!

Okay, wheew!!!

Friday is my Sabbath so I will be resting in the Lord all day!

I am so thankful that God has filled our lives with family, friends, and a foreigner!

I'm in a hurry

2010-06-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you sat down as a family and ate a meal around your kitchen table? Let me ask you another question. How often do you or do you not do that as a family?

I can remember as a kid waking up almost EVERY single morning to a sit down meal together as a family and then doing the same when dinner rolled around. Sadly, that doesn't happen too often these days. Why? Because our society is one of fast pace and it is a train "blowing and going." Families are usually swinging by McDonalds or Sonic "fastfoods" because that caters to our lifestyle-fast. Now, we stay as busy as the next person and ministry never stops so I'm not condemning families that swing through the fast food line every here and now-we do that. What I am saying is that it takes a family being intentional enough to stop the madness, slow down, and enjoy each other. What's wrong with swinging by and grabbing a burger every night? Well, there is something very spiritual about sitting down and eating a meal together. The Bible is FULL of that. So much conversation can go on around the dinner table at HOME. Also, it is great for a mother/daughter or family to cook the meal themselves. I love coming home and seeing Jodi and Gracen in the kitchen together. Why? Again, so much conversation and relationships can happen when families do just that. To see them building a mother/daughter relationship and Jodi teaching her things she will need to know to take care of her family the rest of her life makes my heart glad!

The country group, "Alabama", sang a song years ago entitled, "I'm in A Hurry". Some of the lyrics go:

"I'm in a hurry to get things done
(oh,) I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But, I'm in a hurry and don't know why

I hear a voice
It says I'm running behind
I better pick up the pace
It's a race and there ain't no room for someone in 2nd place

Throughout the rest of the summer, slow down and enjoy each other!

Beck

Family Trip Wrap-up!

2010-06-14T08:22:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful week of community we had on our Family Church Beach Trip! Connections with family and friends alllllllll week! We headed back Saturday morning and one of our families vechile broke down in Hattisburg, MS. Within minutes we had Family Church vehicles pulling in from all directions coming to the rescue! It is wonderful to see the body of Christ pull together to help a family in need!

Family Church Beach Trip (Wed. Night)

2010-06-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had yesterday evning. "Grillin and Chillin", Worship on the beach at sunset, and a family crab hunt afterwards! We had a few families and a group of teenagers head on up to the room for some "Kimps and Kapades" (fun card game). We munched on some cookies, watermelons, and coffee until midnight! FUN! FUN! FUN! I love what i get to do!

Beck

Family Church Beach Trip!

2010-06-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

It's Wednesday afternoon and everyone is having a BLAST!!! A little oil showed up this morning on the shores but Family Church isn't allowing that to stop us from having fun and connecting with each other! This afternoon we are having some family games with teens and parents! This outta be interesting because we have some very competitive families!

Chillin in the condo with the girls so momma could go down to the beach and catch some sun! You know your at the beach when your 3 year old wakes you up in the middle of the night saying, "Daddy, there is a seagull in my bed!". Fun!

Family Church Trip Fun!

2010-06-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

So after church Sunday we grabbed a quick bite to go and we were off to the races! The Collies caravaned with us since we all have young children (which means we stop alot). We arrived and ate at the "Barrel" then unloaded at the condo. The lady folks went off to Wal-Mart to do the grocery shopping and us boys watched the kids and tried to find the local Outdoor Channel.

Yesterday families got settled and chilled at the beach. Families arrived most parts of the day and just got settled. We had the Calhoun's over last night for a killer supper then a card game afterwards.

Today we have hung out again at the beach and played some volleyball. My kids are loving the beach and my wife is "Super Woman" taking care of all the so many things that moms take care over. Thank you Jodi!

I love my Family Church Family!

Orangeology

2010-04-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Jodi and I are in Atlanta, Georgia at the 2010 Orange Conference with about 4, 000 other Pastors, Youth Pastors, Family Pastors, Etc. What happens when you blend Family (yellow) and Church (Red)? You get Orange! Enjoying some great speakers like Doug Fields, Mark Batterson, "Rev. Run" (the Old Run DMC), and others! Just got through putting down some PF Changs and topping it off with a Starbucks coffee!

Haman in tha House!

2010-04-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

We had some cajun style preachin up here in northeast la these past few days. Pastor Mike Haman of Healing Place Church shared with the students of C.C.S. during a spiritual emphasis week!

Last night we packed the house in E3 Student Ministry as Mike brought a strong word on forgiveness. We were all certainly blessed by the ministry of Mike Haman and were privilidged that he made time for us this week!

Thanks Mike!

Spring Fling!

2010-04-12T08:26:00.001-07:00

Even with baseball season in full-swing we have over 70 students and families show up at the Lewis home this past Saturday. Instead of having parents drop their teens off we encouraged them to stay! We desire to help bring families together! The Lewis' are such great hostesses! It was a great afternoon!

White in my yard!

2010-02-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

I woke up last Friday morning and thought I had awaken in Saschatchawan! Friday's are my days off so I enjoyed it with the family! Here are a few pics!

Through His Eyes

2010-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

My wife Jodi and friend Alicia Hinton have a blog entitled, "Through His Eyes", that you can view by going to www.ajimages.blogspot.com

These two girls are super talented, creative, and take FANTASTIC pictures!

Check it out!

Beck

Around midnight

2010-02-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

In Acts 16 we read that Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison. What led up to their imprisonment was Paul casting a demon out of a slave girl that was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. So in verse 24 we read that the jailer had Paul and Silas put into the inner dungeon where their feet were clamped into the stocks. Simply put, these boys were in a dark situation and weren't going anywhere! Now these guys weren't in prison because of some foolish decision they had made. No, they were here for advancing the Kingdom of God and coming against darkness! They were here by doing good to a young woman who was possesed by the enemy of her soul!

What amazes me is verse 25 which says, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." There are a few things that really stand out to me.

#1 It was around midnight.
-It was dark and they were in no situation that any of us (at least our flesh)would want to be in.

#2 They prayed.
-Even though they were in a dark situation they believed God. They stood fast and trusted in the one that could/would deliver them.

#3 They sang hymns.
-They could have mumbled and complained but instead-they sang!

#4 The other prisoners were listening!
-The other prisoners were listening to what the men of God would say. Would they hear them doubting the God they said they believed in or would they hear the voice of faith and praise?

You may find yourself in a "midnight" time, hour, or place in your life. I would encourage you to let their be a song of praise on your heart and lips! I would encourage you to stay on your knees praying and believing! Lastly, there are people around you watching and listening to how you will respond to the dark hour in your life! What will they hear? What will they see!

Oh yea, by the way God showed up and delivered Paul and Silas!

Renovations, Additions, and Services in the Gym!

2010-02-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

Below are some pictures of the renovations taking place across the street in our old santuary. It will be completely renovated/remodeled along with additional seating, lobby area, etc.

This past Sunday was our second service in the gym that was totally transformed so we could hold services there for the next 7-8 months! People were blown away at how well it looked! We have had two of our largest attendances the past year just in these past two weeks in the gym! We are having to order an additional 100 chairs! Praise the Lord!

Generations Underway!

2010-01-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's been almost two years now since that "First Fruits" Sunday where over $600,000 was recieved to begin a two year "Generations Building Campaign". Two years later, this Sunday, will be our last Sunday service in our existing Sanctuary! A week from now we will begin our complete renovation of our parking lot, sanctuary, and many other things. I'm sitting here in my office and can hear the construction taking place in the gym now, that will be our temporary worship center for the next 8 months or so while construction is going on across the street. I am so excited about the future of Family Church! We praise God for the giving that has continued the past two years to get us where we are today. Praise God for people's willingness to hear God and to continue to be faithful until we see this take place!

For video footage go to www.familychurch.org, click on "church information, and there you will see "Generations".

Pray for us as we enter this new phase at Family Church!

Celebrating Ten Years of Scrooge

2009-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

Family Church's big gift to the community each year is the presentation of the "Gospel According to Scrooge". This takes months of planning, LOTS of money, sacrifice, and dedication from the people. We invite the community, free of charge, to come view this powerful presentation for two weeks here at 320 Laird Street. This year we had over 8,000 attendees come and view how the life-changing power of Christ can transform a person! We have already had so many wonderful testimonies from people within the community that was touched through "Scrooge".

Thanks Arvil and Cheryl for doing such a great job leading this each year!

Scrooge!

2009-12-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here in my office waiting to walk across the street for the second night of "The Gospel According to Scrooge". If you haven't seen this yet then you need to go to www.familychurch.org and get your tickets! General Admission is free and Reserved Seating is only $10.00! Invite family, a friend, a co-worker and come hear the life-changing message of Christ!

Youth Deer Hunt

2009-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

We had three of our youth and the chariman of our deacon board come out to the house this past Saturday for a deer hunt. Richard Richardson Jr. took Taylor Moore on his very first deer hunt ever. Richard and Taylor saw a total of seven deer (two bucks) but couldn't quite pin one down. I took Danny and Kyle Phillips with me to two of my other stands. Kyle saw a doe about 30 yards off but got by him. Danny's time came with only about ten more minutes until we had to get down to head to the house for a big breakfast. Danny took a shot at a spike that was about 100 yards away at about 9:15 A.M. We went down and saw no sign of blood. We met up with the other boys and headed to the house for a big breakfast Jodi had prepared. Bacon, biscuits, sausage, eggs, cheese grits, orange juice, coffee, and I'm making my self hungry all over again! We broke bread and read out of James chapter 1 about how we deal with difficult times in our lives. We all saddled back up and headed to the woods in search for Danny's deer. When all hope seemed to be lost we came across the young buck and the smile on Danny's face was priceless! It was a great morning for a group of young men!

The Whole Armor of God

2009-11-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

We had our "Family Nite" this past Tuesday. "Family Nite" is our time each week where my family comes together to pray, worship, and study God's word. This past week we read out of Ephesians 6:10-17. We talked about putting on the full armor of God. I was able to get a hold of some toy armor. We had fun explaining each piece of armor to Gracen as she put them on (the breastplate of righteousness is a bit too big as you will see!). I'm sitting here explaing to my daughter about the armor she will one day need to put on herself to fight the enemy of her soul. There is something very special and very powerful that takes place when we gather together with our family to worship God in our homes.

God, help us raise a family that will pass the faith on for 1,000 generations to come.

Fall Fun!

2009-11-02T07:09:00.000-08:00

From now until the end of December is by far my favorite time of the year! Cooler weather, change of colors, Thanksgiving, Christmas, DEER HUNTING! It just doesn't get any better than this! This past weekend was opening weekend of hunting season so it was off to the woods (as if I haven't been spending time there). Loved watching the four-legged creatures but am still waiting for the granddaddy of em all!

Saturday night we loaded up to head to 320 Laird Street for some Fall Festivities! Good thing I already had my costume on! Gracen dressed up like a bee and Addelyn a little duck. I had to eat fifty bowls of gumbo to get filled and Gracen went through the giant jumper a hundred times! Loved it! Claiborne Christian did a great job putting it on!

28 Reasons Why I Love My Wife

2009-10-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today my wife Jodi turns 28 years old! So I thought I'd list 28 reasons why I love her.

1. She is in love with God!
2. She hears the voice of God. (scary sometimes!)
3. She is a wonderful mother!
4. She takes great care of our home!
5. She takes great care of me!
6. She is a wonderful friend to so many people!
7. She is wise!
8. She is absolutely beautiful!
9. She is a "country gal".
10. She is an "off the chain" cook!
11. She is all about family!
12. She is very creative!
13. She is a whole lot of fun to be around!
14. She has an awesome smile!
15. She is very giving!
16. She is a wonderful partner and support in ministry!
17. She is super kind!
18. She is sacrificial!
19. She is content!
20. She has beautiful eyes!
21. She is a respectful and submissive wife!
22. She has a tender heart!
23. She loves animals!
24. She loves to travel and go to different places!
25. She loves sports!
26. She is Godly!
27. She is very helpful!
28. She is a great listener!
and #29 for one to grow on...She has an unbelievable husband!

I love you Jodi and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
27.
28.

Family Worship Time

2009-10-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

"Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Last night we had our weekly family worship time where we came together as a family unit to sing, pray, read God's word, and have a blast! I understand now more than ever that God has given me, the husband/father, the responsibility to lead my family towards Jesus Christ. I have been passionate about many things in my life. One in particular is evangelism. Through the years I've been involved in jail ministry, street ministry, missions, etc., etc., etc., but none comes close to the evangelization of my own kids. God gives us, no commands us, as parents to evangelize and disciple our very own. I am understanding more and more that truly the heartbeat of God is family. The very first "organization" in his word is just that-family. When we describe the trinity the wording is -family. "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When God illustrates his relationship with the church he uses "Bride of Christ and the Bridegroom". Again-family. The best way to evanglize the world is again-family, through multi-generational faithfulness. Jodi and I are very early in the journey with our kids but I thank God he has placed within us passion, placed around us mentors, and placed us in a church that bleeds family. With Hell having an all out assault on the family until it will take a strong spiritual gameplan and the power of the Holy Spirit to raise our sons and daughters to walk with God in a world that does just the opposite.

Last night we sang a few songs together, prayed, and then taught Gracen the story of Noah. Gracen has a Noah's Ark with alot of animals so we used that as an object lesson. We then acted out animals and let her guess which animal we were acting out. It was a lot of fun and seeds from God's word were planted in her heart. I want her to be raised knowing it is normal for a family to worship together in their home just as normal it is for the body of Christ to worship together in the house of God.

Enjoy some of the pics Jodi took!

Life's Disappointments

2009-10-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

In over eighteen years of deer hunting I've only missed ONE opening morning of rifle season (the first year I ever hunted) and never have missed an opening morning of muzzle loader. Well..that first morning came this past Saturday. All day Friday I had sighted in my muzzleloader and did prep work to get me ready for Saturday morning. The weather was to be PERFECT! I was so very excited! Earlier in the week I spent all morning and night taking care of Jodi and Gracen who had a horrible stomach bug. Thankfully I hadn't gotten it! After coming in Friday night from a squirrel hunt down by the house my stomach started making funny sounds. The rest is history. Hugged up by the toilet at 3:30 AM I knew my hopes of the morning hunt were done. For six hours my best friend was 7-UP, a wet rag, and the toilet (not to mention my good wife). I woke up about 8:30 walked on the porch and was again sick (this time emotionally) as I watched the gorgeous morning and knew the deer had to have moved by my stand. As the day grew I began feeling so much better. About 4:30 PM I grabbed the "smoke pole", my camo bag, and my NLT and headed for my "Church Stand" as I call it. About an hour in I had two doe come out and one had my name on it. After going back to the house to pick up "Champ" my old trusted Yellow Black Mouth Cur we went in to retrieve the deer. After what seemed to be such a disappointing morning turned in to a "dream" fulfilled.

The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12 "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."

So many folks hopes and dreams have been put off due to life's situations. A promise of God that seems to go unfulfilled. A God given vision that seems to go unfulfilled. A "turn" in life that was unexpected. All of these have a way of "making our heart sick" at times. You never know when that "hope" to be fulfilled is waiting around the corner. When that promise of God is just days from being fulfilled. When that "unanswered prayer" is only hours from being answered. When that God given vision is only an arm length away. Learn a lesson from the deer hunt.

Small Group Outreach

2009-10-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

I took my 8th grade boys small group down to the corner of Desiard and 6th Street in downtown Monroe yesterday afternoon to hook up with Ricky Nolan. Ricky is the founder of Hope Street Ministries and has served the poor now for over 28 selfless years. We met under the I-20 bridge and preached from a "dirt pulpit". I opened it up reading out of Isaiah 53:6 sharing about how we all like sheep have left God's paths to follow our own. I then shared the different parables in Luke 15 about the lost sheep, lost coin,and the lost son. Bro. Rick followed me up reading out of Romans 15. We were able to pray and minister to the needs of the people afterwards. Flo Worster also brought down her 8th grade girls small group who helped feed the people a nice warm meal. I'm so proud of our young people and them being active in serving the poor. This is always my boys favorite small group activity!

You can read more about Hope Street Ministries by clicking the link to the right of this blog.

"Life Lessons from Deer Hunting"

2009-10-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

What I love about F.C.

2009-10-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend at Family Church. Presence driven worship, I got the priviledge of baptizing four folks, and Michael Stravato brought a powerful/challenging word on suffering.

As I was getting ready this morning several "things" were stirring in my heart. One of those "things" was on the subject of why I love Family Church so much. Here are a few:

1. The Word of God is preached in it's fullness from the pulpit.

2. We are challenged daily to live out what is being preached from the pulpit.

3. A tremendous focus is placed on the family unit. The most effective approach/method in discipleship and evangelism is through the family.

4. The wonderful relationships I get to be apart of.

5. The "ship" is always moving forward. F.C. is always striving to go forward towards the goal God has called us to.

6. Family Church is a GREAT place to raise your family!

These are just a few reasons of why I love Family Church so much!

What is your family's game plan?

2009-09-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at a high school football game several years ago watching a team that had a tradition of winning championships. Their offensive plan of attack was always the “triple option”. They had run this offense for years and although “slow”, “dirty”, and not very “flashy” it was tough as ever for any defense to stop it. They had nearly perfected this plan and ran this “smash mouth” type offense successfully for years. I remember sitting at this one particular game where it was taking the team a little bit longer to get going and it was as if this offensive strategy wasn’t working anymore. I heard well-meaning but ignorant fans hollering from the stands, “Come on Coach! Run another play!” and “Throw the ball Coach!”. Sitting sixteen rows up in the stands I still knew what was going through those coaches minds-“Stick with the gameplan”. Eventually, their offense “blew the gates open” and their proven plan had worked again. I commended these coaches in my heart in that they stuck with the gameplan even when the pressure was on. Even when they were ridiculed and being mocked by their own fans. Even when they weren’t seeing immediate results. And especially because they didn’t throw out the proven playbook to follow someone else’s.

Like sports, we have gameplans for almost every other thing in life. If we want to loose weight we have a game plan to do that. If we have a financial goal to get out of debt or retirement we have that. When I was in the insurance and financial services field I had a hourly plan, a daily plan, a weekly plan, a monthly plan, and an annual business plan. My proven goal each day was one that had been proven successful by other agents who came about long before me. It was “Set two appointments a day each day for sometime in the future.” I did not leave my office each day until that goal had been met. I knew if I called enough people, got in front of enough people eventually I would get the appointments I needed. I knew even if people told me “no” I was just around the corner from a “yes”.

So back to my original question, “What is your family’s gameplan?” It doesn’t take a genious to look around and see that something is not right. You can even look back only 40 or 50 years ago and see a huge melt down from the family. God has laid out a specific gameplan in his word on our roles as husbands, wives, and children. And I believe he gives each family a specific gameplan just for that family to carry out. The truth is we have an enemy that is out to destroy the family unit and we can’t just expect and just “hope for the best.” If we just sit idely by and just go through the motions we will either be totally defeated or never live up to our potential. This takes specific, intentiall action on our parts to execute the plan!
I have had a passion for several things in my Christian walk but one that burns deep into my soul is for my family. Over the past seven years the vision God has given my family has gotten more and more narrow and more and more focused. Now, I believe without a shadow of a doubt that God has given the Payne Family a very specific plan to follow and it is my job as the head of my home to cast that vision to my wife and family. My wife is the one with the legs that helps me carry it out every single day. I could not do it without her heart and soul. Fortunately, she is just as or more passionate about it than I am. We can’t afford to put “hot items” on the back burner like we do our lawns that need to be mowed. This is urgent and needs immediate attention. I can’t tell you how many times I just cry and cry in prayer when I realize the briefness of time that we trully have with my daughters. Will we do a good enough job? Will they be ready to take on the world? Will they reproduce what we are instilling in them? Will they fall in love with Jesus Christ? Will they make wonderful, loving, Godly wives to their husbands one day? All of this can become quite overwhelming. It is then I realize that we are at the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. We need his Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, courage, and confindence in His plan. We need the power of his Holy Spirit working and molding the characters of our daughters. Without this vital ingredient nothing will work. But with this vital ingrediant anything is possible.

Here are some quesitons to ask ourselves?

1) What is the gameplan for my family at this stage in life?
2) Are we executing and carrying out that plan?
3) What do we need to change in our lives to get with the gameplan God has given my family?
4) Are the players of the home following the gameplan?

Some examples of some goals to set.These are some I have laid out for our youth workers before.

1) Goal #1-To become Fully Devoted to Jesus
• How will this be carried out? How will we "get there"? It’s not just going to “happen”. The Bible tells us to “train ourselves to be Godly.”
• Spend quality time each day to connect with Christ. Read and study his word, worship time, stay connected with the Body of Christ, etc.
• Through off the “sins” and other things in our lives that will hinder us from reaching this goal.

2) Goal #2-Have a strong marriage
• How will this be met? How will we "get there?" "How will we strive towards this?"
• Over the next 30 days my wife/husband and I will have “date nights”, or other times where we can connect each other, and communicate.

3) Goal #3-Raise Godly Children
• How will this be met?
• Modeling a godly walk with Christ in front of them, Model a godly marriage in front of them. Spending quality time with them. Training and teaching them.
• Learning from other godly parents that have walked before us.

These are just examples and allow the Holy Spirit to give you specifics for your family, marriage, and children as we each are wired differently. I will get very specific with our gameplan and our roles, etc. with my family.
We have been given the great priviledge and responsibility to be apart of family. Is it serious enough to us that we have sat down, prayed, listened to the Holy Spirit, and written down a specific gamplan for the household? Restassured, the enemy of our souls has a very specific gameplan to tear down the family unit. We can’t afford to allow him the victory in our family.

Street Ministry Recap

2009-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I've known Ricky Nolan now for almost ten years now and had the priviledge of him being in my wedding. It's been that long since I first showed up in South Monroe on the corner of Desiard Street under the I-20 Bridge to help out with Hope Street Ministries. I was laughing with someone this past Sunday about this street ministry being some of my "training ground" for preaching. I respect a man that has faithfully served the poor in downtown Monroe now for over 23 years. I great award awaits Bro. Rick in heaven. Because of my change of responsibilities and calling now I don't spend as much time on Sunday afternoons as I once did but when the clock strikes four every Sunday evening I know Ricky Nolan is tending to God's business down in the slums. Occasionally I bring some boys I mentor down on the "streets" to let them get a look at life from a different perspective. To view a different world they don't know much about. This past Sunday I "kicked off" the meeting on the streets with the "open air" style they are used to. Golden Goutreaux came in behind me to wrap it up. Afterwards we prayed for all who would receive it. Then my boys helped serve the people a nice warm meal.

Afterwards, I had a young girl stroll up to me in a wheelchair. It was a bit difficult to interpret her speech but her name was Sarah. Sarah was 6 years old and went to Calhoun Middle School. She was so excited to tell me that she had made a 100% on both her Social Studies and English tests! She asked me to pray for her as she prepares for her 7th Grade year. I was humbled at the joy this crippled girl possessed. I was amazed when I discovered Sarah has dreams of going to college. I held her hand and we prayed.

I asked my boys how many of them got to decide how, when, and where they were born. There response obviously was "we didn't". But by the grace of God you could have been born into a circumstance that your mind can't even imagine. We are all one bad choice away from receiving a meal under a bridge every week. We are not above any of it. We are no better. We are serving Jesus when we hand each man, woman, boy, or girl a hot meal and a "God Bless You". I could have very easily ended up in a bad, bad situation if God hadn't seen it fit to "rescue" me. I thank God he did. But to those who are "still out there" we must continue to serve them as if they were Christ. You can visit Hope Street Ministries website at my links portion to the right of this post.

Thanks Rick for "doing what you do".

Your personal wilderness

2009-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 3 we read of Jesus coming out of the water as he is being baptized by John the Baptist and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." What a great "highlight" in the life of Jesus to hear the Father say that he is pleased with his son. So now what? He's going to cast him right out into ministry right? Wrong. The Father sends his son Jesus straight into the wilderness. "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil." For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2)Here Jesus found himself out in a dry barren place without food, without water, without human communication, there with the devil being tempted. Here Jesus found himself in another "training ground". He was being molded, trained, and equipped one last time before being sent out into the world he came to save.After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness the Bible says that the devil left him until the next opportunity came. What's awesome is what I read in the next verse of Luke 4:14. "Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the HOly Spirit's power." Jesus had been in his own personal wilderness for forty days but then left in the Holy Spirit's power!Jesus' earthly ministry then began. What was it that God was working in him during those forty days? Brokeness? Trust? Soul searching?

Take John the Baptist for instance. In Luke 1:80 it says, "John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel" Was this "wilderness" that God had Jesus and John the Baptist stay in a place to prepare them for the work he had called them to do? Was it a place where they could hear from God before they went out to speak to the people? So many times we want to avoid the wilderness (these types) when the HOly Spirit placed these people in the wilderness!

Look at the story of David found in I. Samuel 16. The Lord was about to replace Saul when he told the prophet Samuel to go to the house of Jesse to anoint God's new man. Jesse brought out all of his sons (except David) for the man of God to look over. Although Samuel thought surely one of the Lord's anointed stood before him (because he was judging outwardly) he wasn't. When Samuel asked if he had anymore sons Jesse told him there was the youngest out tending the sheep. Wow! His on father didnt see the potential that was in his own boy! When David came the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him". Man, how could this young boy grow up to be a "giant killer" and "King"? You see David had already been in his own personal wilderness where God was training and preparing him when no one else was watching. In I. Samuel 17 David approached Saul about fighting Goliath and Saul responds with, "Don't be ridiculous!" "There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth." What David says next amazes me. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God!" God had already prepared this young boy to take out this Goliath. He had done so when David was in his own personal wilderness. David also wrote some wonderful Psalms when he was in his own wilderness as well. Laying with his sheep all alone at night in the fields he must have learned to hear from God and to worship him. Being chased from cave to cave David must have learned brokeness and humility. God was training this man not with human methods but by his own plan.

I can remember the years of my own personal experience. Knowing that God had a call on my life and trying to follow the very non-traditional path he was taking me own was hard. But it was during those years I walked through my own personal wilderness where I learned to pray, fast, and seek the Lord. During these times he was breaking me so that he could truly use me one day. It was during these times where I had to learn to hear his voice. It was during these times where he was training me for future purposes. Then it was very hard but now I look back and thank God for them. I know there will be more personal wilderness' in the future because I know he still has greater things in store.

Are you in a season in life where you find yourself in your own personal wilderness? I'm not talking about a wilderness that comes from bad choices, rebellion, or stuborness.I'm talking about one in which the Holy Spirit has led you in. Take heart! God wants to mold you, train you, and prepare you for things ahead. Submit yourself to his work and allow him to mold you!

The hidden evil of jealousy

2009-09-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

When we think of evil what comes to mind? Murder? Rape? Child molestation? I was watching on the news last night of a man who had kidnapped a little girl and held her captive for eighteen years sexually abusing her. I can't think of a much evil action than that. Sure murder and rape are evil but so many times other "smaller sins" seem to fly under our radar or we tend to overlook them as "not as evil".

"So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech." (I Peter 2:1) In the list of a few evils you will see the word "jealousy." We don't think much of jealousy as being "evil". We laugh at it or see it as "normal" but God's word calls it evil.

So what do people get jealous over? Maybe others looks or build? Maybe someone else gre up in a more exampletory family and you didn't. Maybe you didn't get chosen for something while a friend of yours did. Maybe God is using someone you know in a great way while you feel "inferior".

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkeness,wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)

Galatians is clear in that when we are jealous we are submitting to our sin nature and the consequences of living that type of lifestyle is serious.

"A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)

When there is jealousy in our hearts we are not at peace. When we allow jealousy to enter our hearts its like a cancer that eats at us from the inside out. Allowing it (jealousy) to live will kill us and relationships!

Some things I've found helpful in fighting back jealousy is:

1) "Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind." (Romans 12:2)

2) Be happy for people!

3) Pray and ask Got to conitinue to bless them and ask God to help with the things lurking in your heart.

Family Night Recap!

2009-08-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Last night is one of my favorite nights of the month at Family Church-Family Night! I had spent ALL day Friday and ALL day Saturday working some young boys hard in the woods preping for deer season! It has been a crazy last two weeks so I couldn't wait for some good quality time with my girls!

First, we went to Kiroli Park to slide slides, swing, play some girly softball (yes, Gracen has a pink ball and bat that Jennifer Rhea bought her), and some trail walking. I ran into an old friend and even some of our youth playing some football in the middle field at Kiroli Park as well. Next, we headed off to Dillas for some good steak burritos then topped it off with some icecream from the creamery! We had good intentions to go home and watch a movie with Gracen (had to put Addelyn down for the night) but we ended up spending time talking, praying, and worshipping God together as a family. Last, we let Gracen pile up with us in bed (we let her sleep in our room on Family Nights-she has been counting down the days) to read some books then get some shut eye!

Thank you God for allowing us to make memories as a family! Help us Lord in our fight to raise sons and daughters who walk with you!

What I want to pass on to my daughters

2009-08-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to shut my self in my office today after lunch to spend the afternoon with him up until Family Night. I love it when there is a special urging in my heart to be with him because I know there is something(s) he wants to share with me.

It is amazing the things God teaches us through different "life stages." Being a parent now there is so many things God has been teaching me through parenting. I guess so since he is the perfect Father. It seems that I get a little bit clearer picture of the great responsibility that he has given us as parents to raise sons and daughters who will walk with God. My wife and I have but a short time to pour into our children before they "leave our nest." I pray and ask God to reveal to my my daughters strengths and weaknesses so that I may pray more specifically for them. It is awesome to be able to see the fruit of the precious time Jodi spends with my girls. The countless hours of teaching and training them. Then to see them begin to duplicate what they've learned. She has and is doing such a great job as a mom taking care of the family. During some of my time I had with the Lord today I wrote down several things I would like to pass on to my daughters. I will share a few with you:

1) To live a life of dedication and worship to God. I want them to realize that serving God isn't just a "set time" each today. But serving God is a 24/7, all day every day relationship. One that consumes us!

2) To live a life of prayer. It is cute to see Gracen pray for her food, or before bed, or for her baby dolls ,but I pray there comes a day where there is a burning fire in her heart to seek the father through prayer. To learn to go to her knees and fight when the enemy is prowling. To believe and understand the power of prayer.

3) To live by God's word. I pray they have a hunger to feast upon the word of God and hide it in thier hearts. I pray they realize his way is the only way to life. I pray they live by God's principles and standards regardless of the cost.

4) I pray they love family. I pray they will love the family in which they were raised and give their lives to the ones they will become apart of. I pray they will care for thier husbands, children, and homes.

5) I pray they will have a heart to give and to serve. I pray they will give self-lessly and serve others and family as they are serving Christ.

6) I pray they are quick to forgive. We will always be given the opportunity to become offended and unforgiving. Life is to short to live it in unforgiveness and eternity is too long to live with its consequences.

7) Courage. I pray they have the courage to stay the course even when the course goes against the popular tides of the world.I pray they stay true to thier calling that God has on thier lives.

So how will I pass these things on to my girls?

1) I pray God will empower me to live these examples in front of them.

2) I pray for God's wisdom for me to teach them.

Thank you God for giving me the wonderful responsibility to pass the faith on to the next generation.

Back to School Bash with Big Al Recap!

2009-08-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

The house was packed last night with 173 crazy students and youth workers celebrating the "Back to School Bash" with Big Al! We cranked up the night with Flo Worster and Jennifer Rhea giving away tons of awesome door prizes! I shared some scriptures from God's word with the students challenging them to rise up and live a passionate life for God! Big Al then came out and ministered to the students the rest of the night. We ended by having all the youth workers come out and pray a blessing over the students for the new school year! A big thanks to Mrs. Elaine Fox for taking some GREAT pics of the night!

"Moving on Up"

2009-08-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

We had our annual "Moving on Up" Parent/Student Orientation Saturday evening at 6 PM. This is held every year for families who have kids that are moving up into our Junior High Ministry. They were greeted at the door by our 7th Grade Girls small group. After families signed in and recieved some information they enjoyed a nice catered supper in the Cafe' X. After supper we had all the families come into the E3 Room where they were able to experience a Wednesday Night atmosphere in student ministry. After I introduced our Junior High small group leaders we gave away door prizes, split up in groups, and played an interactive game. Then came business. We discussed with the families the transition and changes Junior High students go through. We talked about the student ministry's place, our mission, and what to expect. I was very pleased with the participation and turnout we had.

This is going to be a great year!

My "Messy List"

2009-08-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks we have been on a series entitled, "One Month to Live". Each week we've had a different speaker give a different message on the subject. Two Sunday's ago Arvil Ogle spoke and challenged us to make a "Messy List" of our lives. This is to help us spend more time examining OUR lives instead of spending so much time trying to CRITIQUE others lives.

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)

If you will read what Jesus said in the above passage he doesn't tell us not to deal with other people's "specks" at all. But what he does say is for us FIRST get the log out of our own eyes so THEN we can see well enough to deal with the speck in our friend's eye.

Occasionally, I will ask Jodi (because she knows me best and I trust her more than any other human being) to honestly evaluate my life and give me two things that she can see are my "weaknesses". Sometimes I come out feeling pretty good about myself. But God is the one who truly knows my heart and sometimes I can know the evil lurking in my own heart.

I made my "Messy List" today and tried to do an honest evaluation of my life. I will share a few with you:

1) I tend to be impatient at times. (Patience is a fruit of the spirit and is a must if I want to move forward towards full devotion. I've heard and experienced the difficulty of praying for "patience" in your life.)

2) I can be irritable at times. (Sure, I can blame it on lack of sleep but the Bible tells us the love "is not irritable."

3) I tend to get in a funk when things happen that are either out of my control totally or I can't seem to get control over something I think I need to be in control of. (I need to remind myself that God is in control! Period.

4) I tend to be a "fixer" and when I can't "fix" something or "fix" somebody or "fix" a situation I can get bent out of shape. (This goes back to that control thing.)

5) I tend to be hardest on those closest to me. (I need to learn to shell out the mercy and grace to others that I so desperately need myself. Please forgive to those people that I have been hard on-I'm sorry).

6) I tend to be hardest on myself. (I've always tended to "beat myself up" when either I mess up or don't do the job I think I should have or could have done. I take a lot off of the enemy's hands when I do this. I need to realize there is no condemnation for those in Christ and that where I fall short God's grace is sufficient!)

Boy, my life sure would be a mess without Christ working in me. Thank you Lord for your mercy and grace.

Family Church Back to School Fall Fashion Show Brunch

2009-08-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

School begins this Friday and F.C. celebrated that with a ladies "Back to School Fall Fashion Show Brunch" in the E3 Student Ministry Room. About 110 ladies were apart of the event this past Saturday morning. Mothers, youth, and youth workers modeled off the modest fall apparrel from Kara's Store who sponsored clothing for the show. I am so proud of my wife Jodi for the great job leading this event along with the many other ladies that made it happen! It was a long 4 weeks of hard work and planning. Sarah Niswanger walked with her each step of the way and her father Robert was a huge blessing in his decor skills and planning. A huge thanks to all the models who gave of thier time to be apart. Terry Dick and Tonya Lewis worked so very hard preparing the brunch for that morning. Elaine Fox gave of her time taking pics for the entire event. Phillip Brooks, Alex Potor, and Josh Williams made sure the technical and lighting aspects were covered. Jenny and Olivia Remsberg along with Victoria Worley sang.And last but not least, Dr. Joneal Kirby (A.K.A. Dr. Mom) knocked it out of the park speaking on the subject of mothers "Leaving a Legacy."
You know some people may ask, "Where was the spiritual significance in this?" If Dr. Kirby's message didn't "light your fire" then your wood may be wet? To me, community and building God honoring relationships is never a waste! The girls had a blast!

"So what did you do in all of this Beck?" Well, since I've never been accused of having style I obviously didn't help much with this deal. Nope, I got to babysit my two daughters at home for two whole days! Boy, Am I glad momma is back!

Persistence in Prayer

2009-08-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Living out in the country I have always wanted two white rocking chairs to sit on my front porch. I know this sounds more like the desire of a 60 year old man rather than a 30 year old man but that's just me. I finally went and purchased two nice white rockers that I took home to try and assemble. After several hours of failure, cutting myself a few times, almost cussing once, and not being able to get the holes and arm rests to match up, I broke down and paid the store $10.00 to do it themselves!

How many times have we gone to God in prayer about something, not gotten an imediate answer, thrown in the towel, and just given up? One lesson I learned while in sales was persistence pays off!

One of my favorite presidents is Abraham Lincoln. Take a look of a common list of the failures (along with a few successes) of "Honest Abe."

1831 - Lost his job
1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
1833 - Failed in business
1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Had nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
1846 - Elected to Congress (success)
1848 - Lost re-nomination
1849 - Rejected for land officer position
1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1860 - Elected President (success)

It also has been said that Thomas Edison when trying to invent the light bulb failed over 1,000 before he got it!

What if he would have quit at 999? What if Abraham Lincoln would have given up early on in life?

So many times we are knocking at the door of heaven for a great need in our lives and we give up when the answer is just right around the corner!

Jesus had a few things to say about persistence when it comes to our prayer life.

"Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this-though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Luke 11:5-10)

Or what about the Parable of the Persisten Widow in Luke 18?

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. "There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!" (Luke 18:1-5)

I don't know what situation you find yourself in today. Maybe you desperately need God to move in your life. Maybe there is a sick family member that needs a miracle! Maybe you have lost your job during this tough economic time. Maybe your son or daughter has strayed from the faith and you are believing God to draw him or her back.

I pray the words of Jesus would encourage you to fight, believe, and never give up while praying!

The Discipline of our Heavenly Father

2009-07-09T09:12:00.001-07:00

I love being a dad. It comes with such joy yet so much responsibility. I understand that God has entrusted Jodi and I with the care and upbringing of our children. He gave them to us to produce children who will grow up to know, love, and serve God. I understand for my wife and I to fail in that area is a serious thing. “Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children form your union.” (Malachi 2:15) Regardless of what many people think, children don’t come out of the womb “little angels”. Although they are cute and cudly they are born with a sin nature. To fail in training them to obey us as parents and disciplining them when they don’t, we as parents allow that sin nature to dominate them. If they can’t learn to obey their earthly parents how will they learn to obey their Heavenly Father? They can’t and won’t. Wow-big responsibility here but I’m up for the challenge! I believe my wife and I are transitional in our family and our girls will grow up to see a biblically functioning family. All of this I realize can only happen with God’s help, grace, mercy, and power in our lives. Without it we will fail miserably! We are very new at this. My oldest daughter just turned three and our youngest is only four months. However, we are striving with everything within us to do our very best. With God’s word directing us, others mentoring us, and friends who are striving for the same goals I believe it we can see this generation grow up to love the Lord.

So where does discipline come into play? Discipline is a word that isn’t very popular anymore in our society. What is discipline? Discipline is:

1. training to act in accordance with rules
2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training
3. punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.

Read some of these powerful scriptures from God’s word on training and disciplining:

“Direct (or train up) your children onto the right path (or the way they should go), and when they are older, they will not leave it (depart from it).” (Proverbs 22:6)

They won’t know what to follow or obey unless they are trained to do so.

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24)

Man! The word of God says that if we do not discipline our children we actually hate them! Not spanking our kids doesn’t make us good parents-it makes us bad parents.

“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” (Proverbs 19:18)

We have a window of opportunity when our kids are young! Their little character is being formed! A little child will soon be an adult. We understand that while our kids are young there is still hope for them! The word of God says we ruin their lives when we fail to discipline them.

“A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline with drive it far away.” (Proverbs 22:15)

The word of God even tells us that a young person’s heart is filled with foolishness but not just discipline-but physical discipline with drive it away.

“Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them. Phycial discipline may well save them from death.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)

Again, the word of God tells us that physical discipline may save their lives!

“Discipline your children and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.” (Proverbs 29:17)

Now let me try and bring this all together. If the word of God is very clear for us as earthly parents to discipline our children don’t you think our Heavenly Father will discipline his? (Christians). When we are disobedient will we escape the discipline of our Father? I can assure you although we as earthly parents may “hit and miss” sometimes in our discipline God NEVER does! You can be sure that every act of disobedience will be disciplined.

Read these powerful passages below:

“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:5-11)

“I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” (II. Corinthians 7:8-10)

I had to discipline Gracen for something this morning. Most of the time when I get through spanking her, speaking to her, then praying with her she immediately wants to climb in my arms and hug me. This makes my heart glad. To see my daughter say, “I sorry Daddy” then turns from her mistakes makes my heart glad. Why? Because Godly sorrow leads to repentance. How much more must it make God’s heart glad when we disobey, Him discipline us, then we turn to Him in Godly sorrow.

So my question this morning is “How do we respond to God’s discipline?”

"A Call to Fall"

2009-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the "4th of July" which is a day to celebrate our countries independence as a nation. During yesterday morning's service we expressed our dependence on God and had a "Call to Fall". Family Church along with 28,000 other people and churches fell to thier knees in humility and repentence. We also petitionted God for forgiveness and to heal our land.

To lead us in this special service was our very own student ministry worship team. Scotti and Victoria did a wonderful job in putting together yesterday's worship set. You can go to Arvil Ogle's blog to view pictures of yesterday's worship service.

http://www.worshipleadership.typepad.com/

Birthday and Family Night

2009-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like an "All American Girl" Birthday Party to kick off your Saturday! My oldest daughter Gracen, turned 3 years old this past Saturday. My wife Jodi, had it looking like "Uncle Sam" lived at 172 Rayner Road. There was red, white, and blue all over the place! We did a little grilling, had a giant water slide, ate some melon, birthday cake, and oh yea-sweated it up in the 100% heat! Nothign like a Louisiana summer! I love my daughter and enjoyed celebrating her 3rd B-day with family and friends!

Sunday afternoon we had both sides of the family come over for a little Family Night! The last Sunday of each month is Family Night here at Family Church! We did some more grilling, eating, volleyballing, and again-sweated it out in the LA heat!

I love spending time with those closest to me! Thank you God for the family unit and what you desire for it to be!

Beck

Servolution in the bag!

2009-06-15T09:10:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe another summer retreat has come and gone. But before we put it in the books, we have a recap service this Wed Night in the sanctuary at 7 PM. Come for some worship, hear testimonies, videos, and pictures of the trip!

Family Night!

2009-06-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

The last Sunday of each month is Family Night. We are encouraged to invest in the most important small group we will ever be apart of-our family. My passion for family and parenting continues to grow each and everyday. What an exciting journey we are own in striving to build a family that functions the way God desires it to function. It certainly isn't always easy but I am thankful for the power of the Holy Spirit, God's word, and the great examples that God has placed in our lives to teach us.

Now I am certainly much more passionate about deer hunting than fishing but yesterday afternoon I took my oldest daughter Gracen bream fishing. In a matter of time we had a stringer full of fish (fun to catch but no fun to clean). We had a blast together! I bought Gracen a really cool pink princess fishing rod! The goal wasn't the catching of fish itself but quality time with my daughter. We had a great time but the conclusion could very well be: My daughter may be a bit on the girly side! Flopping fish tended to freak her out! Maybe Addelyn will be my fishing buddy???

After our fishing trip we went to "pop's house" and had supper with some family. Nothing like some good ole garden food! Squash, Black Eyed-Peas, Turnip Greens, Onions, etc! Hit the spot! We than topped it off with vanilla icecream and mulberry cobbler! yes, i said it-mulberry cobbler from our mulberry tree in the yard. I know, somebody say "kuntry".
What a great family night!

2009-05-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

We are getting geared up and ready as there are only 12 Days left until this year's
E3 Student Ministry Summer Retreat-"Servolution". We have 86 of us that will head down to Healing Place Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana to get our "serve on". Pray for our team of youth and youth workers as we prepare over the next two weeks!

When God's Plan Doesn't Make Sense

2009-05-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

I had the honor of sharing during this past Sunday morning service with a message entitled "When God's Plan Doesn't Make Sense". You can view it at www.familychurch.org

Sulphur, Louisiana

2009-05-01T18:55:00.001-07:00

Took the wife and two kids down to the LHSAA Girls Softball State Tournament in Sulphur, Louisiana. C.C.S. took the first game today with a 5-2 victory of Georgetown. It looked bleak for C.C.S. until the last inning when they tied the game up after trailing 2-1. The took it into extra innings finally pulling away with tht "V". Tomorrow they will play at 11 A.M. and hopefully take it to the championship game at 5 PM.

The family and had a great supper at Chilis Restaurant tonight, took Gracen swimming, and now chilling out at the Baymont Inn. Memories, Memories!

St. Judes

2009-04-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

I along with four of our seniors from the student ministry left at 7 am this morning to head for Memphis, Tennessee. Our first stop was St. Jude's Research Hospital for a 1 PM tour. My heart was touched to the core to see so many young people suffering from a such a deadly disease as cancer. I was absolutely blown away at how awesome St. Jude's Hospital is! They turn no child away and pay for any patient that can't afford care. It cost 1.3 million dollars a day to run the hospital!

We then took it to Beale Street to tour some places and then ate some supper at BB King's Restaurant. I met up with an old time friend who blessed us all by paying for our meals!

The fun wasn't over yet as we then took it to Family Golf and Game Park. We hit golf balls, hit in the batting cages, and topped it off by racing golf carts. Let me just say I have a headache and my stomach hurts after laughing so hard. We had so much fun. So now we are kicking it at the hotal and getting ready to get up in the morning and head to Graceland before we head back to West Monroe.

Easter Sunday!

2009-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take this time to invite you and your family to Easter Sunday at Family Church this Sunday April 12th @ 10 AM!

Come hear life-changing teaching ane experience dynamic worship!

See you there!

Sound the Alarm

2009-04-06T08:20:00.001-07:00

“Once again a message came to me from this Lord: “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives. But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn’t sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity. They will die in their sins, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their deaths.” (Ezekiel 33:1-6)

For the first 18 years of my life there was something very important missing-spiritual truth. That lack of spiritual truth or revelation of it was like a rope holding me over the fires of hell. Nobody had the guts to share with me the whole counsel of God’s truth and the church my family was attending preached a message that left me secure in my sins. Truth is important because it is the only thing that can set us free. When I did come to a knowledge of God’s truth and was set free from my sins I vowed to God that I would do my best to always share the whole truth of His Word. Sometimes people run from the truth and sometimes they ignore it. The Bible says Jesus was full of “grace and truth”. We can’t give people grace alone because the gospel becomes watered down and we can’t give them truth alone because we can kill them with it or become legalistic. There must be grace and truth.

What kind of father would I be if I saw danger or evil coming to my daughters and yet didn’t warn them? What good would I be if I saw a rapist or murderer coming for my wife and didn’t fight him off? What good would I be if I saw a wolf coming for the sheep (students) in our fold (at Family Church) and yet didn’t warn them? What about the sheep entrusted in your fold? Satan, our enemy, has unleashed a hoard of demons against family and our young people and there is an attack. The alarm has been sounded but will people listen? The alarm has been set off but will the young people arise? The trumpet has been blown so will we as parents rise up and fight the enemy of our kids souls?

Whose blood will be on our hands? If we don’t blow the alarm, sadly it falls on ours. If we blow the alarm, share the truth, and give the warning, it could very well save their lives.

Have a great week!

Beck

2009-04-01T08:57:00.001-07:00

"Instead give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life." (Romans 6:13b)

I woke up this morning at 4 A.M. a little anxious and ready to get the day going. I spent time with Jesus and allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to me the message to give our teenagers tonight. Man, life is so different with Jesus! I remember the day it was hard to get out of the bed at 7:30 let alone earlier. When Christ is leading the way the lense in which you view life from is so very different. Today, I am a husband, father, and a minister. I am truly blessed to be able to go out tonight and share Christ to those who need Him.

Thank you Jesus for new life!

Through them...

2009-03-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

“And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” (Mark 16:20)

Notice in the above scripture that it says, “the Lord worked through them.” Who was it the Lord worked through? His disciples! His followers! Believers! Us, Christians! I’ve heard the excuse so many times of, “Well, I guess if God wants to do this or that for so and so He’ll do it.” Well, its true God can do whatever however but He wants to use US-His disciples!

What is it today that God wants to use you to do? How does He want to work through you? What kind of vessel are you? A vessel of love? A vessel of encouragment? Yield today to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through you!

I'd like you to meet...

2009-03-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

My youngest daughter Ms. Addelyn Faith Payne. She was born Thursday morning at 4 P.M. She weighed 7.4 and was 20 1/2 inches long.

"Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children form your union." (Malachi 2:15)

C.C.S. Chapel

2009-02-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday's I have the privilege of coordinating Claiborne Christian School's Chapel Services.
What an honor these students have in being apart of a private school that offers a Christian Education. A school whose top priority isn't even education-it's Christ! All else C.C.S offers falls under that (education, athletics, etc.). C.C.S. has a wonderful staff of teachers and coaches that have sacrificed to be here for these students.

Phillip Brooks from 88.7 FM the Cross is speaking today on how your life is valuable to God so I'd better pay attention!

Tonight is "Couple's Night Out' at Family Church so I can't wait to take my wife out on a date!

Have a great day!

There's no place like home

2009-02-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

There was nothing quite like stepping off the plane after a week away from my family to be greeted by my daughter holding up the sign you see in the picture to your left. "Welcome Home Daddy" brought tears to my eyes! Home-it is where my heart is. As much as I love living in West Monroe, Louisiana. U.S.A. I'm just passing through. It is not my permanent residence! We are citizens of heaven anxiously awaiting the day we stand before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When I was in Guatemala I had exchanged some U.S. currency for their currency. The last day I was there I thought to myself, "Self, I can't take this money back to the U.S. because it would be no good there. I better give this stuff away here while it is still useful." I thought to myself wow, that's just like our lives here on earth. Why do we live in such a way as if we could take anything with us when we step into eternity? We can't! So why don't we give our resources here on earth, while there is still time, because we can't take it with us to heaven!

Be blessed!

Lunch at the village church

2009-01-24T10:09:00.000-08:00

Guatemala Pics

2009-01-24T10:01:00.001-08:00

Headed home now...Guatemala Trip

2009-01-24T09:17:00.001-08:00

"After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." (Mark 16:15)

Well, I'm sitting in Guatemala City International Airport waiting to fly back to Houston, Texas. These mission trips never get old. I took my very first one at 20 years old to Brazil back in the year 2000. Wow, how so much has changed since then. I was still single, no kids, evangelized, was in a lot better shape, and was still trying to find God's path for my life. All I knew is I wanted to give my life to serve him. This trip was a bit different in that I have a family of my own now and I missed them very badly. I will be as transparent with you as to say I cried on my pillow my fist night in Guatemala. There is not enough space to write about all I saw and experienced. I literally have hundreds of pictures so I will just try to give you a quick recap of each day.

Day 1

I left Monroe Airport with Michael Lewis at 6:30 A.M. to fly to Houston then to Guatemala City. Then we drove 5 hours up a mountain to get to San Cristobal, Alta Verapaz Guatemala. Now, this wasn't a very relaxing drive because the driving there scares the living day lights out of me! I was just glad I didn't find myself at the bottom of a mountain! Hello! Brakes people! We got to "El Meson" (The Inn) after dark where we settled.

Day 2

I got a tour of the place then had a 9th grade Guatemalan kid work the living day lights out of me. I got a piece of what thier maintanence crew does. I pushed mowed (with a very poor mower) the entire property then the side of a mountain! Now Michael called it a big hill. I'm sorry-it was a mountain! That evening had a couple of Guatemlan youth take me to town for sight seeing and other things. Had a great home cooked Guatemlan supper that night. What I like about these people is that they are very family oriented. Son, is out working hard, mom and daughter working together in the home, and eating lots of home cooked meals. Sadly, a sight we don't see very much anymore in our culture.

Day 3

Mike and I drove to the mountains to see a man who pastors one of his village churches. This is where it got me. I could not fight back the tears as we headed up a muddy road and saw first hand the poverty. I've been to Mexico numerous times, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada and I've never seen poverty like this. It broke my heart. I saw little girls my daughters age walking around bare footed in the wet, cold dirt. This particular day a got flu like syptoms and got chills and aching bones. We ate at the pastors house. This pastor grew up in the mountains and didn't have a pair of pants until he was 7 years old!!! His wife and daughter served us some nice soup, chicken, and mountain coffee. I froze the whole time! After a few hours, Mike took me back to the place where I could get into a hot bath. I was running fever so I really didn't need to do that but I was absolutely cold! I had time to check my email in his office and every part of the sickness began to leave me and it never came back! That night was the church service and Mike spoke out of Genesis. He talked about Kimmie's engagement to Ryan Walker. Since my Spanish isn't the best I understood very little. I heard it was good though! :)

Day 4

I turned 30. (I know it hurts) There's nothing quite like waking up at 5 in the morning to singing and fire works. I walked outside to a herd of youth with a cake singing me Happy Birthday. Of course we invited them in and partied until 6:30 that morning.

I had the honor to minister to about 40 of Mike's staff from the school and church. I spoke to them about "Giving their lives to God, Family, and Others". It was an honor.

That night I went to a home where Guatemalan youth came and we had a bonfire. Man, I wish I knew you could have good ministry around a camp fire. God really moved. I shared from my heart through an interpretor for a while. God then gave me certain things to speak into some of thier lives. They each asked me a question and I answered. I then asked them each "What do you think God wants from your life"? I then asked the adults, "What is the greatest joy of parenting?" and "What is the greatest struggle?". A couple there poured out there heart. I felt led to pray with them so we did and the tears ran. They then came out with a homemade birthday cake with a candle on it. Such precious people. What a memorable birthday.

Day 5

This just might have been my favorite day. I have a heart for the poor and that's who I got to go minister to. We loaded a small team and drove a ways up into the mountains. In Guatemala they have over 22 different indigenous tribes. We drove to where a particular tribe lived up in the mountains then hiked a short ways down a trail. The church I ministered in had dirt floors, pine benches and walls you could see through. I ministered with tons of kids in the church, doors opening and shutting because of the wind, and breast feeding momma's! Hallelujah! I spoke out of Matthew 11:28-30 about coming to Jesus with your burdens. I spoke on rest that he gives. There had to be two interpretors I had to go through. One in Spanish and the other had to speak a dialect they could understand. I prayed for the sick after I preached then we went to the church kitchen down the hill. Now, there church kitchen had dirt floors, a campfire they cooked over, and wood planks as walls. The Indian ladies cooked a soup, tamale's, and it was kickin! We had no utensi's or anything. We ate on a wood table and the kids found a place some where on the ground. After I ate, an Indian man provided me water out of a bucket to wash my hands. It was very humbling.

That night I bought some things for my wife, daughter, and nephew then jetted to the church for a youth service. I spoke to them about being examples and pursuing God with a passion. We had a very good service! Afterwards I went around with a brother dropping off the youth.

As I got ready for bed I thanked the family for taking such good care of me. The mother's statement to me touched my heart when she said, "Thank you for leaving your family and country to come to Guatemala." What a precious soul!

I had a good week just seeing the Lord during the morning hours and parts of the day. Trying to hear his voice and allow him to speak into me. His always willing to speak if we are always willing to listen.

Day 6

Up at 4 A.M. and will leave out at 5 A.M. to make the long mountain ride. Right now I am sitting in the Guatemlan Airport ready to see the two most important people in my life-my wife and daughters.

Inn Ministries is the ministry Michael and LaTonya Lewis founded over 20 years ago. It is a church and a school that provides Christian education. I can't tell you how many times I heard the parents tell me they came to know Christ through thier kids coming to know Him first through the school. They run a church, have three other sister churches, outreaches, a school, and have over 50 paid staff that runs on a budget of only about $160, 000 a year! We will never be able to comprehend the price the Lewis's have paid to see this work happen. Missionaries are my hero's and they have always been. What great treasures await the Lewis family in heaven! Thank you Mike for allowing me to come with you on this memorable trip! I was able to get your ministry in my blood a bit more through this week. The relationships what were built, the sights of the enourmous mountains of Guatemala, and to be able to share the simple gospel of Jesus Christ with another people. They are apart of the body of Christ. They are a portion, they are our brothers and sisters!

Thank you for praying for me this week. I'm ready to see my family now and the youth I love at Family Church.

Be blessed,

Beck

Guatemala Bound!

2009-01-18T06:43:00.001-08:00

It's been over 9 years since I took my first mission's trip (Brazil) and since then have been able to go to several different countries to minister. Tomorrow morning at 6:30 A.M. Michael Lewis (of Inn Ministries) and I will fly out of Monroe to head to Guatemala. I'm so excited because such a huge part of my heart is missions and evangelism. I will have the opportunity to minister in village churches, a youth event, and probably the most humbling; address Michael's staff. It seems the Bible truly comes alive when I've been on these trips in the past and I'm excited!

Please pray for our safety as we travel and minister to these precious people in whom Christ died for.

I will leave out Monday and return Saturday night!

Have a great week!

Only believe

2009-01-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

Isn’t it amazing how a little child can believe in a big, red-cheeked jolly man who supposedly can fly around the world in one night on a bunch of magical reindeer to deliver gifts at Christmas? How is that? A simple belief that it can happen. If it was possible as a child to believe in something that truly doesn’t exist how much more should we have that simple faith to believe in someone who does exist-Christ.

Jesus said in Mark 9:23, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Believes in what? Believes in God and His word! The power to do great things! Anything? Anything! We must take Jesus at his word! Surely it can’t be that simple can it?

Smith Wigglesworth who lived in the late 1800’s and early to mid 1900’s was known as the “Apostle of Faith”. Wiggles worth said, “I saw that God wants us so badly that He has made the condition as simple as He possibly could—“Only Believe.” Here was a man that took God at his word and dared to believe Him to do great things! God used Smith Wigglesworth in a mighty way!

What if we too took God at his word? What if we truly believed in Him to do great things!? “Anything is possible if a person believes”. What impossibility stands in front of you today that belief in God and His word could change? Situations? Sickness? Finances? Only believe!

Humble

2009-01-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

As I study God’s word more the more I realize just how different HIS kingdom is from the world’s. There is such a vast difference in literally everything such as views and perceptions! What we consider great here on earth God could see as garbage and what we don’t give much attention to, God could see as precious.

Think for a second. Who is the Godliest person that you know? Man or woman. Think again for a second. What brought you to that conclusion? What characteristics or gifts does this person have that would cause you to think that?

If your answer wasn’t humilty then maybe we need to think again what true Godliness or greatness is. According to Jesus your answer may be a good one but not the best on HIS grading scale. Let’s look to see what the greatest in the Kingdom of God must possess.

“So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

Humble-
1. not proud or arrogant; modest

2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.

3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin.

4. courteously respectful

If we aren’t becoming more “childlike” and humble then are we truly becoming great in God’s Kingdom? Are we truly becoming more like Jesus Christ? If we are continually on the defensive and percieved as arrogant how far we really are from becoming great according to Jesus’ standards! We all could probably use a big slice of humble pie!

Lord, humble us!

Great Start to a New Year!

2009-01-13T09:03:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been to one of those services that linger on just to linger on? We try so hard to "make something happen" or that someway we can manipulate the Holy Spirit to do what we want Him to do? Well...that wasn't one of those services this past Wednesday night. Yes, the service did "linger" on but it wasn't because man constructed it! God came in the house during our student ministry service and moved upon our students in a mighty way. What a joy to see our students getting free and allowing God to break free the unhealthy habits that try to control and put in bondage a teenagers life. We dismissed the service for those that needed to go but many of our students continued to worship God past 9 o'clock. What a great job the worship team did in following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

It was a great first service for a new year! Thank you God!

Got a Light?

2009-01-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

“The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” (Genesis 1:1-5)

What a moment it must have been when the darkness that covered the deep waters fled when God said, “Let there be light!” When light comes darkness flees! There has to be a distinction between “Light” and “Darkness”, “Night” and “Day”. God separated the two. God created the sun, moon, and the stars that give off “Light” so that there is not constant “darkness.”

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

As believers we are the light of the world! There should be a dinstinct difference between us and the world. A separation of “light” and “darkness.” Do our lives give off “light”? Can people see if difference in us? Can people living in darkness see the light of Christ shining in and through you? God has called us to be the light of the world-don’t hide the light! People need to see hope!

Life is exciting...when it once was a dread!

2009-01-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10)

Imagine crying yourself to sleep at night because you saw no hope for your life. Imagine becoming a person you never intended to become. Imagine living in regret and wondering why your life turned out a way you had never planned. Imagine living with hurt, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Imagine having something else control you and hold you in bondage. Imagine dreading getting out of the bed and facing the dreary day that was ahead.

Maybe some of you can imagine that and experienced some of the things I mentioned above. That was my life just over ten years ago. Life was such a dread then but now-life is exciting to me! I can’t wait to get up and take the day on! I can’t wait to spend time with the God who changed my life, gave me hope, and cleansed me of my sin! I see light now and definitely have hope! God is using me and has blessed me with a family of my own! Now, I get to preach the gospel that set me free to others that they too may be set free!

My wife told me the other day, “Beck, you are always in such a good mood!” While, that is a bit of an exaggeration what difference there is in my life now than there was in my past! When depression used to have me by my throat, God’s power broke the chains! It’s not a good mood, its joy! Joy I thought I could never obtain, and never would have without Christ!
Life. To so many it is ritualistic, boring, and dull. But with Christ, it is exciting! Sure, as Christians we face trials, difficulties, and hard times but boy, it sure is better walking through those things KNOWING that Christ is on the throne of your heart!

Have a great New Year!

Jambalaya Fundraiser a Success!

2008-12-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

Woke up at 4 A.M. yesterday morning to meet some folks at the Nolan Gym to start cooking some Jambalaya at 6 A.M. for the Olinde Adoption. Tom Waller from Healing Place Church (Nicki Olinde's dad) had everything ready to go. He is apart of the Cooking for Christ ministry HPC has in Baton Rouge. The Olinde's were able to raise over $2400 yesterday! A HUGE thank you to the individuals, families, and business' who supported the cause.

You are investing in Lillie's Life!

www.BringingHomeLillie.com

Olinde Adoption Jambalaya Lunch/Dinner

2008-12-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." (James 1:27)

I met the Olindes over 10 Years ago when I was at the lowest point of my life. I wasn't serving God and was desperately looking for answers to my miserable life. Chad and Nicki Olinde were apart of Claiborne Christian School and Family Church. They cared enough about my soul that they took the time to reach out to me. That year I gave my heart to Jesus Christ and was never the same!

This same couple who reached out to me is now reaching out across the globe to reach someone else-their daughter. The Olindes desire to adopt "Lillie" a little girl from Hong Kong. Adoption for the Olindes will cost between $14-$15 K so the Olindes are doing many practical things to help raise the money. This Tuesday December 30th we will be having a jambalaya lunch and dinner on the grounds of Family Church. You can pick up your lunch from 10:30-12:30 or from 5:30-7:30. It is only $6 and all the money goes to bringing Lillie home!

I believe adoption is at the heart of God! It "kills me" when I hear people say wow, "$15,000 for adoption" when we spend $20, 000 plus on pieces of metal and plastic! (vehicles). We are talking about a priceless soul in which Christ died for! Help bring her home!

Go check out thier website at www.BringingHomeLillie.com for more details.

If you have any questions please email me at beck@familychurch.org

God Bless!

Fully Devoted Hunters

2008-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

I believe being a "fully devoted hunter" is part of becoming a "fully devoted disciple of Christ". Why? Because it's biblical! We are just trying to carry out ALL of God's commands. For any of you animal right activists out there I give you Genesis 9 starting with verse 1.

"All the animals of the earth, all the birds of the sky, all the animals that scurry along the ground, and all the fish in the sea will look on you with fear and terror. I have placed them in your power. I have given them to you for food..." (Genesis 9:1-2)

By good buddies Lee Taylor and Michael Fox did a little deer hunting last weekend. We started off on my place with a little morning hunt followed by a fabulous breakfast by my beautiful bride in our home. We then took it to Columbia, LA where Lee Taylor took his first deer kill ever! Lee is getting his masters at Regent University and will also be speaking at Family Church this Sunday!

E3 Christmas Party!

2008-12-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

We had a packed room of 137 students and youth workers ready to celebrate Christmas! We kicked the night off with some Christmas songs followed by announcing that the Student Ministry had chosen Jordan Carter as this years person/family to bless! We had him come up to give him his gifts then everyone surrounded him in prayer! Jordan has been through an awful lot of trials with his health his whole life and especially this past year. We wanted to let him know how much we love and care for him!

We then split the Junior High and High Schools up sending them each to games and food! We rotated three different games in the R.D. Center Gym (crazy games!) and then had food and more games in the Food Court.

We a great night! We have such a wonderful group of youth workers to help make the night go great!

Merry Christmas!

Turkeys, Christmas Trees, and Preachin!

2008-11-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

There is nothing in the world quite like a good-ole fried turkey for Thanksgiving! I spent most of the morning (after my morning hunt) frying a turkey out in the front yard for my family and guests. We hosted Thanksgiving this year at my home for the first time in our newly renovated house. Another "1st" this year was everyone around the table said what they were thankful for. It was great!

That afternoon we went to Peppers Tree Farm out where we live to pick out our Christmas Tree. This is something Jodi and I have done the past 6 years. We spent that evening putting it up and the next morning decorated the tree with Gracen, my daughter.

I'm up at the church this Saturday morning doing some praying and prep for tomorrow mornings message, "Staying Engaged in the Battle". I have the wonderful opportunity to speak to the body here at Family Church during this Sunday's Service. Please pray for me as a share what God has placed on my heart!

Blessings!

Turkey Time!

2008-11-26T10:18:00.001-08:00

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (I. Thessalonians 5:18)

The word of God says that it is the will of God for us to be thankful in all circumstances. Even with uncertain times and a down economy we have so very much to be thankful for! I encourage you to sit down and meditate on God's goodness and give Him thanks!

By the way, I'm frying a big 14 pound gobbler tomorrow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Slingin Paint!

2008-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

We had a great time yesterday (other than getting shot!) slingin some paint with a few of our 7th Grade boys from the Student Ministry. Check out the pics!

Joy

2008-11-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Joy. Something that is not talked about or even actually seen manifested in so many people’s (even Christians) lives today. Nehemiah 8:10c says, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Satan knows that if he can “zap our joy” he can weaken us. So if the joy of the Lord is to be our strength how do we obtain this joy? Joy isn’t something we can buy or posses without God. It is something the world cannot give or take away!

Psalm 112:1 says, “Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.”

The Bible says that those that are joyful will fear God and delight in obeying Him!
The Psalmist says people are joyful when #1 they fear the Lord, and #2 who delight in obeying his commands.

So what does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

Well, Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” In verse 9 of Psalm 19, we read that "the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever." Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil…”

So if we are to become wise we are to fear God, hate what is evil, so that we can have a pure heart.

So what does it mean to “delight in obeying his commands”? Well, Jesus himself said, “If you love me you will obey my commands.” I. John 5:3 says, “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”

The Bible says in Psalm 1:1-2, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.”

What a joy, honor, and blessing it is to serve God today with a joyful heart! Lord, it is a priviledge to serve you, love you, and obey you!
Fill us today with your joy God!

"Mystery Night" Service

2008-11-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the tardiness of this post but better late than never right?

We had our "Mystery Night" the last Wednesday Night in October. What is "Mystery Night"? It is a night where our teens don't know what we are going to do or where we are going to go. After a month of speaking on "Eternity", "Heaven", and "Hell" we decided to "take it a little closer to home" in having a "service" in a local cemetery. Why? Because death is a reality and unless Jesus doesn't come in our life our bodies will be put in a ground six feet under. The Bible says, "It is appointed unto man once to die then comes judgement". None of us know when we are going to cross our "finish line". Some in that graveyard crossed it as teenagers, some in their mid forties, and others at a ripe old age. We must be prepared! We took two bus loads of Junior High and High Schools out for the evening!

Attached are some pics complements of one of the best youth workers in the world-Elaine Fox.

A Gossip Proof Life

2008-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

“A Gossip Proof Life”

I am continually amazed at just how many scriptures there are in God’s word about OUR words. The Bible says what comes from our mouths have come from our hearts. “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Matthew 6:45b) So you can tell a lot about a person by simply listening to them. Their words will reveal what is in them. The Bible also says that we are either speaking life or death. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21)
How is it that so many times we love to point out the very “obvious” sins of others like adultery, drunkeness, sexual immorality, homosexuality, abortion, but we fail to see gossip as it truly is-evil!
“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. (Romans 1:28-39)
I agree it is no easy task sometimes to watch our mouths (James 3) but the word of God commands us to! “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” Wow! We can talk all we want (no pun intended) but if we don’t control our tongue the word of God says our religion is worthless!
What can gossip do?
1. Separate close friends
“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)
How many friendships have been wrecked and ruin because of someone planting seeds of strife? Maybe it was someone who planted seeds of doubt, disrespect, unneccesary words into anothers ears and it literally stripped the other person’s reputation from them? How many times has someone offended us and instead of going directly to that person to make peace we went to three or four other person’s first (to get their opinion of course and to pray for them) and causing division in the midst before ever getting around to the person with whom we were offended?

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again…” (Matthew 18:15-16)

2. Tell secrets
“A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” (Proverbs 20:19)
How many times has someone entrusted something to you and you betrayed that trust? Or maybe you have entrusted a struggle, sin, or something very close to your heart with someone only to find out they told your “secret”?

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” (Proverbs 11:13)

The Bible commands us not to hang around with chatterers.

What can holding our tongue do?

1. Keep us from ruin and give us long life.
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” (Proverbs 13:3)

2. Become wise
“Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
“A truly wise person uses few words.” (Proverbs 17:27)

3. Put out fires
“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” (Proverbs 26:20)
A fire cannot continue to burn without wood. It’s the same that gossip can’t continue if we don’t feed it and/or refuse to listen to it.

4. Acquit us

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:36)

Since we must give an account of every idle word that has come out of our mouth it’s no wonder James said below…

“You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)

Lord, help us to control our tongues!

The Fall Festival and a White-Tailed Deer

2008-11-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend we had! We kicked it off by having our annual "Family Fall Festival" at Family Church. The R.D. Center was literally packed out as we ate Gumbo, played games, and listened to a little "Big Al" bust off some Rhymes!

Saturday morning I slept in a little later than usual to eat breakfast with my wife. After breakfast I headed off to my deer stand with my rifle in hand. As I turned the corner there were already a few does in my food plot. I laid flat on my chest as I waited for them to give me a good shot then I took it! My shot was a bit low but when you are packing a 300 Magnum Rifle with ballistic tips it's usually not a problem! My trusty Yellow-Black Mouth Cur "Champ" sniffed him down for me. Fried Deer Steak! YUM!

Check out the pics from the weekend!

It's a Girl!!!

2008-10-17T09:38:00.001-07:00

So yesterday my wife and I went to the doctor for her ultra sound to determine that the baby in her womb was first, was healthy then determine gender. Well, it looks like more pink will be sported in our home as we found out it is a girl!

Many people are surprised when I tell them of my wanting another girl instead of a boy. What they don't understand is "The King Doctrine" What is the "King Doctrine"?I was taught by Billy Hornsby years ago, "If you treat your wife (or daughters) like a queen they in turn will treat you like a king!" Now, that's what I'm talking about! So for now, I am able to hold to my supremacy in the home and not have to struggle for dominance with another male around! (at least for now)

So, I'm going to go out and enjoy this gorgeous Louisiana fall weather today and get back to providing meat for my home as I will lure off in the woods tomorrow morning to down a white-tailed deer ole school style with a smoke pole! (muzzle loader for you city folks)

Have a great weekend!

I will not be shaken

2008-10-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

“Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothyto visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep youfrom being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know we were destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come-and they did, as you well know.That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong.” I. Thes. 3:1-6

Verse 7-8, “So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord."

The believers in Thessalonica were experiencing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ that was bringing “troubles and hardships” to their life.

“So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you.” (I. Thes. 1:6)

One of the concerns Paul had was whether or not the believers here would be “shaken” by these troubles and hardships. He was encouraged to find out that they had not!

We are living in a day where it seems “troubles and hardships” are surrounding us. With what seems to be the brink of one of the greatest financial crisis this nation has ever seen lurking on the horizon people are in panic and fear. People are seeing there IRA’s and 401(K)s literally being swallowed up overnight! It seems more and more ungodly people are openly speaking out against the faith with no shame whatsoever. With uncertainty of the future and the unknown of what lies ahead it has many people being tested to the core in their relationship with Jesus Christ!

We have to wonder as Paul did, “Will believers faith stand firm”? “Will people of the faith be shaken by what we see happening in the world?” Or will believers in spite of what is going on around us, stand firm in the faith and know that our trust is not in the things in the world but in the very one who created it!

David said in Pslam 16:8, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Why was it that David would not be shaken? It was because he knew that the Lord was always with him and right beside him! He knew that no matter what was going on in his life or around him that the God of the universe would “never leave him nor forsake him” so therefore there was nothing that could come his way in which he would be shaken!

Guys, as we get closer and closer to the coming of Christ and as we see evil becoming more rampant I encourage you to stand firm in the Lord and let not your faith be shaken by the troubles and hardships we were destined for!

“In this world you will have troubles but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

KMCT "Fully Alive"

2008-09-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Seth Spillers and myself will be on KMCT's "Fully Alive" tonight airing at 7 P.M.

Seth is a student in our youth ministry and also a senior at Claiborne Christian School.

We will be talking about what all God is doing in the student ministry, school, and in our lives. Tune in tonight at 7 P.M.

Hope Street Ministries

2008-09-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!" (Proverbs 19:17)

I just added a blog site to my blogroll to the right of this blogsite. Ricky Nolan and Hope Street Ministries (www.hopestreetministries.org) is a ministry that has been serving the poor both practically and spiritually faithfully for over twenty years!

Ricky Nolan has been leading this ministry that meets in downtown Monroe every Sunday afternoon at 4 PM.

I have served with this ministry on the street for many years in the past and still as I can help with the prison ministry as well. I cherish the relationship I have with Ricky Nolan (he was in my wedding as well). Part of who I am today is because of what I've learned serving and preaching with "Bro. Rick". He is a big man with a big heart!

Will you pray for this ministry and see what God would lead you to do to be apart?

"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him." (Proverbs 14:31)

Fifth Quarter Fury!!!

2008-09-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

We had 174 warm bodies in the R.D. Center of Family Church for this past Friday's E3 Student Ministries "Fifth Quarter Event" We had the craziest fear factor games in the world, ping pong, video games, dodge ball, walleyball, pizza, and of course-football! We shared Christ with them as a whole then had some chaos from about 8:30 PM to Midnight! (man, I'm getting old).

It is so exciting to see what God is doing with these Junior High and Senior High Students! We want to see these young people grow towards full-devotion!

Our Time...

2008-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered-how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” (Psalm 39:4-5)

The legendary retired NFL Coach Joe Gibbs told a story of one day when he wrapped up one of his 12-14 hour days that he commonly put in while coaching the Washington Redskins. He said he went to his boy’s room one night to kiss them good night but realized something-they were no longer boys but men. He had missed his sons growing up. The price he paid was very high and the price his family paid was even higher.

How much time each day do we spend doing things that don’t matter? The older I get and the more demands I have on my life the more I have guarded my time. This of course makes some people mad but I’ve learned through watching others mistakes and I am determined not to sacrifice my life or my families at the altar of other things that don’t matter.

A well meaning guy not long ago (this seems to happen a lot to pastors) approached me about helping coach a football team. It’s not that this wasn’t important it just isn’t something that I would need to do right now. When I responded by telling him that I didn’t have time he looked at me confused and said ignorantly, “You can’t be that busy being a youth pastor.”(I guess this person thought I play paintball all day with kids)While I know he didn’t know any better or know that I could easily book every night of the week I stood my ground saying what so many of us need to learn to say-“NO!”. Hear is a startling revelation. What if you said “Yes” to everybody that asked you to do something? Revelation…You have “0” time left.

We fill our schedules with long hours of work (which isn’t always necessarily bad as long as it’s balanced annd not neglecting), 2-3 hobbies, late nights, and doing other things that yes, may be fun but don’t matter any more for eternity than chewing gum. What about doing things that do matter? What about spending time with the one whom we will give account to? What about prayer? Most people (including ministers) spend maybe at best 15 minutes a day praying to the God of the universe! 15 minutes! Yet, we get mad when these ministers say no to something we ask them to do yet expect them to hear from God!? We spend 8 hours a week watching T.V. and 15 minutes a day with God?! Is that messed up?

What about our families? What about our greatest responsibilities? Our kids? Our husbands and wives? They have far too many times been put on the back burner to sports, “ministry”, and other things. We work so many hours a week and justify it by “providing” for them. Is it really providing for our family we are after or that “step-up” in society? That extra car? That bigger house? That larger bank account? That “extra” money? What if we took a cut in our lavish lifestyles so that we could spend more time with things (people) that won’t burn up instead of the things that will (houses, cars, etc.). As an author once put it, “Full-time job + Full-time job= something gets neglected (most of the times our families). Spend time investing in your families! Before you know it your young ones will be grown and out of the house! As a youth pastor so many times I have to do what mom or dad should be doing (taking them to eat, movies, spending quality time with them, etc.). We need to spend time “ministering” to our own kids before we “minister” to others! Amen? I can’t tell you how blown away at how quickly my little girl is growing up. Sometimes I go in her room at night and just stare at her and ask God to please help me make the most of my time with her! Because before you and I know it we will blink and our kids will be grown, we will have gray hair on our head, and our lives will be done. Then what? Only the things we spent time doing will stand the test of time.

Please guys, I encourage you to sit down and take a serious look at how we spend our time. Take a serious look at your priorities, your schedule, your motives, and remember our life is but a mist and vapor! I love you and have prayed for all of you today!