"...let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)
Sometimes staying focused is easier said than done; especially in a world filled with distractions. It is however, imperative that we take all measures to remain focused on God and the prize that comes with our calling.
History has seen men be great and do great things because of an intense focus. When we keep our focus on Christ, the things of this world will grown strangely dim (sound familiar?). When we are focused on Christ we realize that He is our source of everything. Our source of life! Our source of healing! Our source of provision! Our source of joy!
When Peter "stepped out of the boat" and onto the water he was able to stay afloat because he kept his eyes on the one who had given him the power in the first place, Christ. When he (Peter) allowed himself to lose focus and he began to place his attention on his surroundings (the wind, the waves, and the water) he began to sink. So it is the same with our lives.
In Matthew 13 we read of the parable of the sower. In verse 22 it says, "The one who recieved the seed that fell among thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful."
I don't know about you but I do not want to allow the things of this world to distract me, choke the word out of me, and have my life become unfruitful. So how do we avoid that? By staying focused! On God! On his word! On his will!
Stay focused!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Embarking on a journey
We are in the 2nd day of our "21 Day Fast" as a church.
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
I pray these next several weeks is a spiritual journey like no other.
Fasting is a time where we "deny ourselves" the fleshly pleasures of food or foods to seek God's face. Jesus himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) It always amazes me when I fast, how I realize the "things" I cling to when I don't fast. When we strip ourselves of the pleasures of food it compels us to humble ourselves before God because there is nothing else to hold on to. Funny how when we are stressed, anxious, worried, fearful, we tend to run to the refrigerator or food cabinet. Fasting causes us to deny those things which we feel brings "temporary relief" and run to God! Fasting is the spiritual "steroid" we need to break chains of bondage, to bring true humility in our lives, and for God's word to become rhema!
I pray you, along with your family, unify and seek the Lord together. I will be keeping up with a journal that I will most likely keep private. May God speak to you these next several weeks and may we draw ever so closely to him!
Now is the time to pursue God!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Has your walk with Jesus grown cold?
Avoiding the freeze...
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
"And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)
We ministered to our students last night on the topic of "Avoiding the Freeze." Has your walk with Jesus grown cold? Sadly to say, some has.
Has your heart grown cold towards the things of God? How about people? How about church? How about worship?
We discussed things that we tend to allow to happen or not happen that would cause our hearts to grow cold. So what steps will you take to make sure that in the year 2007 your walk with Christ will not grown cold? Start a fire in us Lord and help keep it burning!
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire." (I. Thes. 5:19)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prepared and Ready
Too often those words elude us in our lives but are essential for us to master. God is calling his people to be both prepared and ready.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
God is always preparing us for such a time as this. The question is...are we ready?
As we await the final week of the NFL playoff games, four teams will spend all week preparing. Come Sunday, will they be ready? Did they prepare adequately? Did they do everything they could do to prepare themselves for gameday?
So what about us? Are we both prepared and ready for what God wants to do in us and through us?
Something to ponder on as the days go on this week.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Fusion aftermath...
We had our first quarterly "Fusion" service for the year last night in the Life Church West Monroe sanctuary and it was kickin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Our theme was "Revolution 07", "Challenged to Change." I want to thank the worship team for leading us in the presence of the Lord and to all who came out to support our Student Ministry!
Let the Revolution begin!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
FUSION III
This Wednesday January 10th at 6:30 P.M. we will have our first "Fusion" Service for the 2007 year.
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
"Fusion" is led by our student ministry but is joined by our adults in the main sanctuary at Life Chuch. We "merge" together to form one perfect union!
The message is prepared, the worship team is ready to explode, our T-Shirts are in, and we are geared up for this Wednesday!
I encourage you to show up early to make sure you are able to get a "Fusion" T-Shirt!
Invite a friend and c-u there!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Pursuit (Part II)
With Pastor Joel being out this Sunday while he is catching some sun on the white sandy beaches of Mexico, we will conclude our two week series entitled, "Pursuit".
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Part II will consisit of:
1) Pursuing God
2) Pursuing Family
3) Pursuing your Calling
4) God is pursuing you
Invite a friend and we will see you Sunday!
*Reminder: Fusion service is coming next Wednesday January 10th in the main sanctuary!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Mission Possible
"With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26)
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
You know what God views as possible,sometimes humans view as impossible.
This Wednesday night in Xtreme Life, we will begin a series entitled, "Mission Possible 007" for the new 2007 year. We will discuss what tools you will need to make the mission for 2007 possible! There will be a pizza party following the service. See ya there and invite a friend!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Year Coming to an End
Well, as 2006 is coming to an end and we get ready to embark on a new year I can't help but look back and reflect on the past twelve months.
The year 2006 has had its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys but above all, I would like to think I have grown from all these experiences.
I'd like to touch on some of the "highlights" from 2006.
Personally, Jodi and I received one of the greatest gifts we could ever ask for, a beautiful healthy baby daughter.
Spiritually, one of the greatest days of my journey was to have two pastors whom I respect greatly lay their hands on me to confirm the call of God upon my life.
Student Ministry wise, the most exciting point to me is to have several teen leaders step up and lead other teenagers. We started our first student led worship team in 2006 which is a huge step for us. We continue to grow spiritually and numerically, steadily.
It was exciting to see Life Church continue to move forward in the direction the Lord is leading us. As we continue to grow it is exciting to see the body of Christ continue to reach out and serve more and more! It is such an honor to serve with such great leaders as we have at Life Church!
Before I leave 2006 in 2006, I am taking time to hear the voice of God and prepare my heart for what 2007 has in store.
Happy New Year!
The year 2006 has had its ups and downs, highs and lows, mountains and valleys but above all, I would like to think I have grown from all these experiences.
I'd like to touch on some of the "highlights" from 2006.
Personally, Jodi and I received one of the greatest gifts we could ever ask for, a beautiful healthy baby daughter.
Spiritually, one of the greatest days of my journey was to have two pastors whom I respect greatly lay their hands on me to confirm the call of God upon my life.
Student Ministry wise, the most exciting point to me is to have several teen leaders step up and lead other teenagers. We started our first student led worship team in 2006 which is a huge step for us. We continue to grow spiritually and numerically, steadily.
It was exciting to see Life Church continue to move forward in the direction the Lord is leading us. As we continue to grow it is exciting to see the body of Christ continue to reach out and serve more and more! It is such an honor to serve with such great leaders as we have at Life Church!
Before I leave 2006 in 2006, I am taking time to hear the voice of God and prepare my heart for what 2007 has in store.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Live the Gospel
"Preach the gospel at all times and when necesarry...use words." -unknown
Living in the "Bible Belt" here in the south, people are all too familiar with churches. They've heard the name of Jesus, they've heard verses from the Bible being quoted, and many can quote the verses quite well themselves.
Yesterday, I was so very fortunate to be apart of an outreach that actually "lived the gospel." Jesus said he didn't come to be served but to serve. People want to see the gospel LIVED! People want to hear the preaching of the gospel WALKED OUT! I'm so very thankful Life Church is a church with "legs". The vision to serve must be walked and carried out!
Living in the "Bible Belt" here in the south, people are all too familiar with churches. They've heard the name of Jesus, they've heard verses from the Bible being quoted, and many can quote the verses quite well themselves.
Yesterday, I was so very fortunate to be apart of an outreach that actually "lived the gospel." Jesus said he didn't come to be served but to serve. People want to see the gospel LIVED! People want to hear the preaching of the gospel WALKED OUT! I'm so very thankful Life Church is a church with "legs". The vision to serve must be walked and carried out!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Jail Ministry
"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Last night we ministered as we usually do every month, in the Union Parish Detention Center. From the start, there were more distractions and demonic activity going on than what I am used to. It is so assuring that when you boldly proclaim God's word it radiates light even in a very dark place.
We spoke on hearing God's voice through the written word and also his "rhema" word. I don't know about you, but I desperately need to be continually hearing Gods voice! And these guys, most whom have NEVER heard God's voice, do as well!
When all was said and done, we lead four inmates to the Lord Jesus Christ! What a way for these guys to wrap up 2006 and prepare for a new life in 2007!
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Last night we ministered as we usually do every month, in the Union Parish Detention Center. From the start, there were more distractions and demonic activity going on than what I am used to. It is so assuring that when you boldly proclaim God's word it radiates light even in a very dark place.
We spoke on hearing God's voice through the written word and also his "rhema" word. I don't know about you, but I desperately need to be continually hearing Gods voice! And these guys, most whom have NEVER heard God's voice, do as well!
When all was said and done, we lead four inmates to the Lord Jesus Christ! What a way for these guys to wrap up 2006 and prepare for a new life in 2007!
Monday, December 11, 2006
A Great Weekend
This past weekend was a very memorable weekend for my family and I.To start it off, we had the great honor to host my Pastor, Joel Dyke, and Pastor Billy Hornsby from South Carolina on an exciting good ole fashioned Red Cut Hunting Club adventure! Like always, Bro.Billy left with a deer in the bag! (I'm always amazed!)
Sunday, was a day I will never forget as my Pastor and Bro. Billy prayed over my wife and I as they ordained me.
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It was a day, not to honor me, but to honor what God has done and will do. I consider myself to be blessed. Blessed because I have a family, friends, and a great home church in Life Church that means everything to me!I want to thank all who were able to attend. It was a very special day.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Never too late!
"Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?" Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid: just believe." (Mark 5:35-36)
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
We see from two different instances in the word where people felt they were in a hopeless situation. They felt as though the "deal was sealed", "the nails were in the coffin", "the fat lady had sung". "Your daughter is dead, Lazarus is dead!" There is no overturning what has taken place, what's done is done!
Maybe you find yourself in a situation like that now, a dead situation. A hopeless situation. A situation that looks like it could never be fixed or made right.
Let me tell you these situations couldn't have seemed more hopeless, I mean these people were DEAD! You can't get anymore hopeless than that! But when Jesus comes on the scene...c'mon now as Bro.Joel would say...there is never a situation he can't reverse! Circumstances he can't reverse! Situations he can't raise from the dead! Lost people he can't raise from the dead! Finances he can't raise from the dead! A sick body he can't heal!
All we are to do is simply...believe.
"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21)
We see from two different instances in the word where people felt they were in a hopeless situation. They felt as though the "deal was sealed", "the nails were in the coffin", "the fat lady had sung". "Your daughter is dead, Lazarus is dead!" There is no overturning what has taken place, what's done is done!
Maybe you find yourself in a situation like that now, a dead situation. A hopeless situation. A situation that looks like it could never be fixed or made right.
Let me tell you these situations couldn't have seemed more hopeless, I mean these people were DEAD! You can't get anymore hopeless than that! But when Jesus comes on the scene...c'mon now as Bro.Joel would say...there is never a situation he can't reverse! Circumstances he can't reverse! Situations he can't raise from the dead! Lost people he can't raise from the dead! Finances he can't raise from the dead! A sick body he can't heal!
All we are to do is simply...believe.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Remember
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)
Last night in our Student Ministry we wrapped up the month of November with a message entitled, "Remember." It was a informational and educational teaching on what the Bible says about the poor and the persecuted. An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Now I'm not talking about 2,000 years ago, I'm talking about in todays time! Can you say, "wow"! What will we do about this information? Ignore it? Act like it doesn't exist? Act like it's not happening? Or pray! Or get involved! We choose to educate our teenagers about other teenagers worldwide who are suffering. Several of our teens did a illustrative skit of what it would be like to have radical muslims storm in a service and oppose the gospel! (Great job guys!)
For the month of December, we will have the opportunity to remember the poor through the Networkers ministry of Life Church. Join us as we go to the poorest of the poor in our area and hand out free groceries. We will also have the opportunity to visit local nursing homes and love on the elderly.
Last night in our Student Ministry we wrapped up the month of November with a message entitled, "Remember." It was a informational and educational teaching on what the Bible says about the poor and the persecuted. An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Now I'm not talking about 2,000 years ago, I'm talking about in todays time! Can you say, "wow"! What will we do about this information? Ignore it? Act like it doesn't exist? Act like it's not happening? Or pray! Or get involved! We choose to educate our teenagers about other teenagers worldwide who are suffering. Several of our teens did a illustrative skit of what it would be like to have radical muslims storm in a service and oppose the gospel! (Great job guys!)
For the month of December, we will have the opportunity to remember the poor through the Networkers ministry of Life Church. Join us as we go to the poorest of the poor in our area and hand out free groceries. We will also have the opportunity to visit local nursing homes and love on the elderly.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
A Time to Reflect
I know we need to be doing this (being thankful) on a daily basis but with Thanksgiving upon us it is an even better time to reflect.
I know everybody has their on definition of "being rich" and according to my definition, I am.(not financially speaking.)
Top 10 Reasons Why I am Rich:
1) My salvation.
2) My wife.
3) My daughter.
4) My family.
5) My health to enjoy them with.
6)Opportunity to make a living.
7) My Pastor/Mentor/Friend
8) A few people I can trully call friends in my life.
9) God's planted me in the country (where i can hunt!)
10) I know who I am
Happy Thanksgiving!
I know everybody has their on definition of "being rich" and according to my definition, I am.(not financially speaking.)
Top 10 Reasons Why I am Rich:
1) My salvation.
2) My wife.
3) My daughter.
4) My family.
5) My health to enjoy them with.
6)Opportunity to make a living.
7) My Pastor/Mentor/Friend
8) A few people I can trully call friends in my life.
9) God's planted me in the country (where i can hunt!)
10) I know who I am
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Jail Ministry
I had the privilege of accompanying Ricky Nolan of Hope Street Ministries to preach in the Union Parish Detention Center in Farmerville, Louisiana last night. Bro.Rick and I have worked off and on for the past 5-6 years in jail/street ministry. Rick has served faithfully in these areas now for over 18 years.
It is such a "rush" to bring the gospel in such a dark place as we were. The gospel brings light and freedom no matter how dark a place is;no matter how oppressed a place is;no matter how bound the captives are,the gospel sets those free to whom receive it! It is encouraging to see the attentiveness and responsiveness of the inmates. Rick and I "tag teamed" preached and then had the honor to pray for over a dozen inmates, two of which recieved salvation for the first time.
I always have such a great time but am always grateful they let me out!
It is such a "rush" to bring the gospel in such a dark place as we were. The gospel brings light and freedom no matter how dark a place is;no matter how oppressed a place is;no matter how bound the captives are,the gospel sets those free to whom receive it! It is encouraging to see the attentiveness and responsiveness of the inmates. Rick and I "tag teamed" preached and then had the honor to pray for over a dozen inmates, two of which recieved salvation for the first time.
I always have such a great time but am always grateful they let me out!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Just a little while longer
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. —2 Corinthians 4:17
During my devotion time this morning this verse really ministered to me. May it minister to those of you who are experiencing some type of trial or affliction. May you be encouraged to keep on keeping on and that it is just "alittle while longer." It's only temporary! Stay focused! Eyes on the goal! Stay the course!
Chew on the verse.
During my devotion time this morning this verse really ministered to me. May it minister to those of you who are experiencing some type of trial or affliction. May you be encouraged to keep on keeping on and that it is just "alittle while longer." It's only temporary! Stay focused! Eyes on the goal! Stay the course!
Chew on the verse.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Last mile of current series...
LAST NIGHTS SERVICE
We had a powerful service in our Student Ministry last night as we completed the second part of our current series, "Speak the Language".
You know as I looked around last night I was encouraged to see a room full of teenagers. We haven't seen "explosive" growth over night but it has been consistent and it has been steady. I've seen teenagers develop into Godly leaders who are now and will lead one day. We have a great "team" of leaders that helps "get it done" every week. As I see more and more teenagers begin to respond to God's word and God's call to "come follow him" I am encouraged.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We will be playing an extreme game of paintball this Saturday at 1:00 P.M. at the Northgate Paintball off of I-165. We will all meet at the facility at 1:00 P.M. and will play until about 3:00 P.M. The church will cover the cost to get in ($8). Come sling some paint!
We wrap up our series next week on a message entitled, "The Rut"- Lust, Love, and Sex. We aren't holding anything back next week! Also, don't forget about the cool hunting giveaways we've been giving out each week! And yes, girls we have some for you as well!
We had a powerful service in our Student Ministry last night as we completed the second part of our current series, "Speak the Language".
You know as I looked around last night I was encouraged to see a room full of teenagers. We haven't seen "explosive" growth over night but it has been consistent and it has been steady. I've seen teenagers develop into Godly leaders who are now and will lead one day. We have a great "team" of leaders that helps "get it done" every week. As I see more and more teenagers begin to respond to God's word and God's call to "come follow him" I am encouraged.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We will be playing an extreme game of paintball this Saturday at 1:00 P.M. at the Northgate Paintball off of I-165. We will all meet at the facility at 1:00 P.M. and will play until about 3:00 P.M. The church will cover the cost to get in ($8). Come sling some paint!
We wrap up our series next week on a message entitled, "The Rut"- Lust, Love, and Sex. We aren't holding anything back next week! Also, don't forget about the cool hunting giveaways we've been giving out each week! And yes, girls we have some for you as well!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
I see dead deer...
"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature (deer) that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:28) paraphrase mine
The next several months are the most favorite of the year for me. You possibly will see my entrie wardrobe change to camouflage for a while. This past week was a full-filling one for me while I spent a few mornings and afternoons in the woods taking advantage of the cooler weather. Myself and my brother in law went hunting after the white-tailed deer this past week and three deer later...well, let's not get into a long story here. Let's just say we got our meat in the freezer so now it's time to hunt the big boys!
We continue with our current series for the month tomorrow night (Wednesday) with a message entitled, "Speak the Language". It is based out of I. Corinthians 10:22-23. "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
Now if I'm trying to call in a white-tailed deer would I use a turkey call? If I was trying to call in (reach) a turkey would I use a grunt call? Of course not! So why is it as Christians we do that when trying to reach the lost? Speak the language!
Come on out this Wednesday night where we will experience an encounter with the Holy Spirit through worship, a life changing message that only the Word of God could bring, awesome friendships, and cool giveaways!
See ya there!
The next several months are the most favorite of the year for me. You possibly will see my entrie wardrobe change to camouflage for a while. This past week was a full-filling one for me while I spent a few mornings and afternoons in the woods taking advantage of the cooler weather. Myself and my brother in law went hunting after the white-tailed deer this past week and three deer later...well, let's not get into a long story here. Let's just say we got our meat in the freezer so now it's time to hunt the big boys!
We continue with our current series for the month tomorrow night (Wednesday) with a message entitled, "Speak the Language". It is based out of I. Corinthians 10:22-23. "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
Now if I'm trying to call in a white-tailed deer would I use a turkey call? If I was trying to call in (reach) a turkey would I use a grunt call? Of course not! So why is it as Christians we do that when trying to reach the lost? Speak the language!
Come on out this Wednesday night where we will experience an encounter with the Holy Spirit through worship, a life changing message that only the Word of God could bring, awesome friendships, and cool giveaways!
See ya there!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
New Series for the month of November!
We will begin an exciting new series this November in the Student Ministry entitled, "Speak The Language."Next Wednesday November 1, I will be teaching on a message entitled, "Camouflage."
So many times we hide behind so many things in our lives...we "camouflage" ourselves!
It's going to be an exciting service and series! Since it's "Camo Night" be sure and come dressed in your favorite camouflage! There will be free giveaways and funny videos to help relay the gospel!
See you there!
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