Your personal wilderness

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

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!

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

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!

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"

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"

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

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

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

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"

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

“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

"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...

“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...

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

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

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

Guatemala Pics

Headed home now...Guatemala Trip

"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!

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

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

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!

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?

“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!

“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!

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

"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

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!

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!

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!

"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!

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

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

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

“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

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!!!

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

“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"

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.