The way of the cross

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

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:17-18)

The cross. We see it hung around peoples necks as jewelry. For others they have them hung in their homes. It has been a fad in stores who carry them in different shapes, sizes, and colors. But is the cross really something appealing? The truth is the cross was where our Lord suffered, hung, and bleed for the sins of the world. He was and is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world! That message, the cross, is what saves and transforms lives! For some churches it is still preached with passion but for others it is a faded teaching that is seldom heart anymore. The truth is the message of the cross is still as powerful today than when it was first preached! It still saves and transforms lives!

For centuries people have had a desire to know God or a “god”. Some cultures seek him in the moon, the sun, or in some other part of creation. Some people seek him in buddsim, islam, etc. But there has always been and always will be only one way to God-through Jesus Christ! So how do we get to Christ? By merley confessing? By just believing he exists? The truth is to come to Jesus you have to come by the way of the cross! There is no way around it! The cross represents death to sin and death to self!

In Mark 8:31-33, Jesus began to tell his disciples the terrible things that he would be faced with and even his death. In verse 32 it says, “As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.”
Verse 33 “Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Wow! That same voice still whispers in people’s minds and ears today, “You don’t have to go by the way of the Cross.” In other words Satan is saying, “You don’t’ have to die to your old way of life” “You don’t have to die to yourself.” “You don’t have to die to your sin!” You can confess Jesus and stil live how you want!” “You can still confess Jesus just don’t get radical and make changes.” “You don’t have to do what God’s word says, just do what feels good to you.” “Just don’t die!” “Don’t go to the cross”!

Satan was trying to distract Jesus and trying to get him to go another route but the truth is there was no other route! He had to go to the cross!

Jesus goes on to say in verse 34, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

People want to go to heaven but they don’t want to repent of their sins! People want to know Jesus they just don’t want to “die”. But if we truly want to know Christ the way He wants us to know Him we have to go by the way of the cross! It is the cross or the message behind it that transforms us! It is what stops us from living for ourselves and gives us the power to live for him!

The way God sees it...

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord.'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The more I study and read God's word the more I realize how differently His ways are than ours. God's views are so much different than the way the world would view things. So if it were up to us to choose people in whom God would work through how would we go about that? Would we choose the most skilled, gifted, talented, handsome or beautiful person? According to the way the Lord chose David that's not exactly how He went about it. You see He sees things man can't-he goes straight for the heart! With what man is impressed with God necessarily isn't! We look outwardly He looks inwardly.

"Now the Lord said to Samuel, "You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem...Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me."...When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Surely this is the Lord's anointed!" But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Now this happened to all seven of Jesse's sons but Samuel was a bit thrown off because none of them, as impressive as they looked, were the Lord's anointed.

"Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats."

Wow! Jesse didn't even see it right to bring David in with the rest of the sons to even be considered! He was out tending to sheep and goats! Jesse obviously didn't see what God could see! Jesse saw a shepherd animals but God saw a SHEPHERD OF PEOPLE! God saw a warrior! God saw a giant killer!

"So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him."

Can you imagine David coming in smelling like sheep dung, hot, sweaty, and stinky? Yes, he was dark and handsome but this isn't why God chose him! Can you imagine the brothers reaction when they heard the prophets words, "This is the one"! Can you imagine what they thought?
"What!" David! "The guy that watches sheep?" "The guy that isn't trained? "The guy that isn't educated?"

Isn't that how people react sometimes? "God could never use this person or that person you don't know what they've done" "God could never use that person they don't use good English. God could never use this person they don't speak well in public."

You see, what the brothers didn't know is that David was in training. He learned to hear God's voice as he was peacefully staring at the stars at night while the sheep lay asleep. He learned how to worship God in the fields with his harp as he sat for hours as the sheep grazed. He learned courage, boldness, trust, and faith when he had to fight off enemies like the lion and bear! He was in God's school of training! Yes, no one else could see but God was at work in this young man's heart because He saw a King!

My prayer is, "Lord, help us to see things the way you see them. Help us see the potential in people that you see!"

Another arrow in the quiver!

One of the greatest joys I have as a father is to drive to my country home in the evening after a long day to be greeted by my two year old daughter on our front porch! There is just something about seeing a precious life that is so happy to see you! It just does something to a father's heart. I wonder if that is how God feels when we come to him so childlike?

Anyways, last Tuesday evening I drive home to just that scenario except this time my little girl was holding a couple of white sticks in her hand with her mother standing by. "I big sister daddy". "What's that you say baby?", I said as I took a closer look at her "sticks". Once I realized they weren't sticks but two pregnancy tests which were both POSITIVE I was filled with joy! So my wife of almost six years is now pregnant with baby #2.

Building a Godly family God's way is one of the biggest joys and responsibilities I have ever had as a man. What a joy to love, train, discipline, and encourage a family towards full devotion to Christ! This is something I will never outgrow.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates." (Psalm 127:3-5)

The Gift of Peace

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.” (John 14:27-28)

As Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure from this world he told them about a gift that man kind has sought and still seeks-the gift of peace. You see He knew that fear, doubt, and uncertainty would try to creep in their hearts and minds. He was assuring them that He would send the Holy Spirit and that one day He would return! Many people seek this gift of peace through riches, material possessions, financial security, fame, popularity, power, etc. How come that so many of the people that have actually found these things mentioned above take their own lives, drink themselves to sleep every ngiht, and die over drug overdose? Peace eludes them because peace isn’t found in such things but only in a right standing relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said the gift of peace that I give you the world cannot give! When troubles strick or when trials come believers don’t have to be afraid because of the peace of knowing that God is in control! When 9-11 hit so many people were struck with fear, anxiety, uncertainty, but those whose trust is in Christ alone peace was able to reign in our hearts and lives. There is coming a day where people’s hearts will fail them because of fear and only those whose hearts and minds are guarded with peace will be able to stand strong.

Do you experience the peace of God in your life or have you looked for peace to come in other ways?

True Greatness...True Success

I will have the honor of ministering the word of God in my home church this Sunday morning on the title, "True Greatness...True Success. The Kingdom of God's definition of this compared to the Kingdom of this world is greatly different! Why not come and visit Family Church this Sunday morning or watch it on the Internet at www.familychurch.org (service is posted a few days later). Please be in prayer for the service.

Happy Mother's Day!

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (II. Timothy 1:5)

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciplies scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.” (Matthew 19:13-15)

I think the first verse of the passage above is so very powerful. “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus...” The first perception or impression children first have of God is from their parents. I guess that could either have a positive or negative effect upon the children based upon the parents lives and teaching. Would the children ever have come to Jesus if the parents wouldn’t have brought them to see Him? I know it’s the Lords desire for the “parents” to do it together but so many times it’s been the faithful moms. The “Lois and Eunices of the faith”. Mothers, thank you for bringing your children to Jesus! Everytime you lived out the life in front of your kids you were helping them see Christ. Every prayer you have lifted up on their behalf, every time you faithfully brought them to church, and every time you would teach them Bible stories coming up you were pointing them to Jesus. You single moms, thank yo for not giving up. Thank you, even after life dealt you a hard blow that you continued to walk faithfully before our Lord.
When the parents attempted to bring their children to Christ the disciples scolded them for bothering Christ but that didn’t stop them from getting to Him. Thank you mothers for not giving up when the world shouted at you to “give up. Let up, or cast discouragement on you for continuing to get your kids to Jesus. When the world would fight for your time, attention, and concerns you continued to press on for your family.
There are so many wonderful things mothers you have done for church, family, and your children! Thank you!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Beck

Set free!

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Think of how many people are out there that don’t have a revelation of John the Baptist’s statement about Jesus. “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” Think of how many people are out there that need to know that they don’t have to continue to live in their sins because Jesus came to take them away! They don’t have to continue to live in darkness! They don’t have to continue to live in bondgage, in addiction, or condemnation! Christ came to take those sins away! They were nailed with the rest of the sin of the world on the cross in which Jesus hung! Many people have information about Christ but what they need is a revelation about Christ and who He is! In Mark Chapter 8 Jesus asked, “Who do people say I am?” and they responded with people’s different answers and information about Him. It was only Peter in verse 29 that had a revelation of who Christ was! “Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” In another gospel in the Bible Jesus responded by saying, “Blessed are you Simon (Peter) for flesh and blood didn’t reveal this to you but my Father in heaven.”

You see when we come to know Christ and His power we have been set free and don’t have to sin anymore! We don’t have to! We may choose to, but we don’t have to! Why? Because we are no longer slaves to sin! Chrsit has set us free!

“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)

Has the Lamb of God taken away your sins?

"So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." (John 8:36)

A lesson from my fig tree!

Since I have the privilege of living off the map in Luna, Louisiana I have all kinds of blessings I enjoy that ordinary "city folk" wouldn't have. Fig trees, gardens, mulberry trees, cats, dogs, deer, and about everything else you can think of. The fig tree right outside our kitchen window has been there for like 100 years and its gotten crazy out of hand! I took the time to do some "pruning" over the weekend and left the tree almost naked! Piles and piles of fig branches lay all over our yard! I ran to do an errand that day and about an hour later when I returned I noticed the fig limbs were noticeably drying and withering. You could tell that life had left them. Why? They had been cut off from there source. That fig tree reminded me that Jesus IS and always WILL BE our source of life and cut off and/or apart from Him we would wither away!So many times we try to be and do things on our own. We attempt to do things in the flesh without the Spirit of God leading us. When we go through our day not in prayer mindedness, without saturating ourselves in His presence, and without feasting on His word we have no life, dry up, and will wither away! May we always remember our source of life-Jesus Christ!

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Family

(enjoying Family Night at Chili's and Books-A-Million with my family)

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deut. 6:5-9)

As parents we have the responsibility of teaching and training our children to know, love, and serve God. For so long families have often times seem to have put the responsibility of their kids spiritual well-being when in fact it is theirs. The churches responsibility is to equip the parents (or partner) with the parents in assisting them in their childrens spiritual well-being.

Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ."

Simply put, when the church equips the saints (or families) to do the work of the ministry it will help build up the church. Strong families build strong churches.

I'm blessed

I can remember my senior year of high school when I made my big "come back" to the football field. Weeks prior to my coming to the Lord I had gotten in a street fight which left me with a broken wrist. I kept my wrist bandaged before games and would have the word "Remember" with a Cross beneath it. Every time I ran the ball, would get tired, and would feel like giving up I would look at my wrist and "remember". I would remember what Christ has done for me and it would inspire me to keep going.

This morning in prayer I was reminded of just how blessed I am. God has saved me and my family from our sins. God has given me a beautiful wife to do life with and a lovely daughter as well. We are all healthy with a roof over our head, clothes on our backs, and food on the table. My wife is able to stay at home to "train" our daughter while I serve God full-time at the greatest church I know-Family Church. I am truly a very blessed young man.

There is a story in the gospel of Luke 17 where ten lepers cried out to Christ to heal them. It goes on to say in verse 14, "He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy." One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:14-18)

Jesus Christ had healed ten lepers with the power of God and only one came back to give him thanks. Only one remembered. Only one didn't forget where God had brought him from. The other nine had forgotten what Christ had done. May we be like the one leper who didn't forget what Jesus Christ had done in his life. We are blessed people.

What has Christ done in your life? What are you to be thankful for? Do you remember or have you forgotten?

Drink from the river

Exodus 17:1-7

“Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink. So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.” (Exodus 17:6b)

“All of them at the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.” (I. Cor. 10:3-4)

Summer is quickly approching us and many people will hit the rivers, ponds, and pools to be refreshed from the heat. Water brings refreshment to our bodies and it gives us life! Without it we would die!
Can I ask you when is the last time you drank from the river of life? How often to you “strike the rock” which is Christ and drink from His Spirit? Without His Spirit we will die? Many people are dry and thirsty and are in need of refreshing times. God is saying take the time and drink from the river! Drink from the fountain! Drink from His Spirit and you will never die! His fountain, His river, and His Spirit will never ever run dry!

Lessons out of Egypt

“So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent. Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:7-9)

As Moses met up with his father-in-law Jethro, he discussed everything God had done for Israel and how God delivered them out of Egypt. I’m sure he told Jethro of God’s faithfulness, power, and miracles he performed to deliver them from their bondage. One thing that really stood out to me was the next verse. “He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way…” I’m sure the people of Israel may have thought once God delivered them from the land of slavery that everything would be “peaches and cream” from here on out but it wasn’t. There were still trials and there were still tests-all to prove God’s faithfulness and to see if they would obey God’s instructions. Sometimes that’s how we are as believers. We tell of God’s faithfulness of how he saved us and delivered us from “our Egypt” but we must realize we WILL HAVE HARDSHIPS ALONG THE WAY EVEN AFTER EGYPT! My question is. What will you do when those hardships come? Go back to Egypt? We will experience hardships in every area of life. How will we respond? How will we respond when we hit hard times at church? Leave or walk it out? What about marriage? Leave or walk it out? What about other important relationships? Give up or walk it out? We can’t just rejoice out our deliverence from Egypt but rejoice in God’s goodness as he brings us through troubles as well.

New Student Ministry Blog!

We have a new blog site for the E3 Student Ministry of Family Church in which I have the priviledge of serving and leading. Check it out!

www.e3students.blogspot.com

I wonder...

We just wrapped up a two week series entitled, "The Unseen World" and we've been talking alot about fighting the fight of faith. We spoke to our students last night concerning the full armor of God and how we are engaged in a daily spiritual battle. As I was praying in the E3 Room this morning I looked out and saw all the empty chairs left over from last night. Last night there were students in those chairs. Last night they were worshiping God, there was loud music, and young people that filled the room. This morning in the room it was much different. I was the only one in there-the room was quite and the chairs were empty. The truth is, those students went out into the battlefield. Some of their battlefields are at home. Some of their battlefields are in school, and some of their battlefields are very private. I couldn't help but ask myself, "I wonder if they really got it last night?" "I wonder if they took to heart what we talked to them about?" "I wonder that if today they applied to thier lives what we talked about last night?" "Did they put on their armor today and fight the fight of faith? I wonder?

"But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." (James 1:22

It doesn't always have to be like that

“The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyeone was praising God for this miraculous sign-the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” (Acts 4:21-22)

In Acts 3 Peter and John prayed for a man in the name of Jesus Christ to be healed-it worked. When I read in Acts 4 verse 22 the statement that amazes me is this; “the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” More than forty years! For forty years this man could not walk! For forty years this man had to beg! For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a walk outside. For forty years this man didn’t know what it was like to take a jog in the park! He had been crippled and in this state for a long, long time. I wonder if this man had gotten “use” to his condition. I wonder if this man thought to himself “I will always be like this-nothing will ever change.”
Sometimes like the man who had been crippled for more than forty years we think our situation will never change. We say, “I’ve struggled with this all my life and I probably will always struggle with it.” “My marriage has been rocky for a long time and it will never get better.” “I’ve been praying about my families salvation and nothings changed.” We get into this mentality that just because it’s always been like this or that so it will always be. Well, Jesus proved that wrong. He stepped into a man’s life that had been crippled for over forty years and changed that man’s situation!
Well, what situation have you been in and seem like you will always be in? Your marriage? Your ministry? Your finances? It doesn’t matter if it’s been like that for five, ten, or even forty years, God can and will step in!
Trust Him with it!

Have you been with Jesus?

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

This was a statement that followed an amazing event that took place in the Acts of the apostles. In Acts 3 Peter and John were on their way to a prayer meeting when they were confronted by a man who had been lame from birth. After Peter prayed for the man and he was healed he took that opportunity to preach Christ to them. His preaching caused such a stir that Peter and John were taken before the Council to be threatened to stop preaching in Christ’s name.

Back in Acts 3 the lame man was begging for money and Peter and John made this statement; “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (Acts 3:6)

Peter and John may have not had much money but money is not what the man really needed-he needed Christ! You see we have to give people (students) not what they may want or think they may need but only what they truly need. Peter and John gave them what they had-Christ! We read in Acts 4 that the people recognized them as, “men who had been with Jesus.” These men had spent time with Christ so when the time came to “give Christ” to someone they were ready. They couldn’t have given the man what they had not had or experienced. So when you suddenly have the opportunity to minister to someone in need will you be ready?

Question. Have you been with Christ these past few weeks? Have you been in His word? At His feet? In His presence? We can’t give what we don’t have. If we are not “being with Christ” on a daily basis it will only leave us “spent”, “empty”, and always serving on what is hardly left. Guys, just having fun with these students is not enough. We have to give them what can change their lives-Jesus Christ.

I pray you will take advantage of these “off weeks” so to speak and spend time with Christ. When people look at you will they say, “this person has been with Jesus?”

One year later...The Miracle Story of how God moved.

(pictured from top left to right is the renovation process, faith sign found in daughters old room during renovation, new dining room, wife's new kitchen, and the church that continues to change my life-Family Church!)

It was February 16th, 2007 and I had just resigned from where I had served on staff at a local church for almost four years. We had just been on a 21 Day Fast as a church and I was seeking God for three miracle requests. God had made it clear to my wife and I that we were to leave and that would be all that He would show us at that point.

That night I recieved a prophetic word from a man I had known for over 7 years. He told me "One year from now you will look back and be amazed at what God has done." At that time, I honestly couldn't see that happening but one year has come and gone and to say that I am amazed would be very much an understatement.

I wish I could say it was easy but it wasn't. Victories without test's and trials aren't near as sweet. We went months without "earned" income but God provided by using someone to pay us every month until His (God's) word came to pass. When we arrived at Family Church in March of 2007 I had no idea or not if that was where we would be (especially on staff!). It was a much larger church (1,200 people call home) so it took some getting use to. All I new was the whole counsel of God's word was preached here and the value placed on family was tremendous. Without getting into detail God placed a "package" together that would get us out of the insurance business and into ministry full-time.

Meanwhile, our "house" situations was getting worse as we had no central heat/air and the mice problems were magnified. In a desperate attempt I was going to have our home either destroyed or moved and have a trailer house placed there. When a good friend in the church heard what our plans were he intervened and three months later we are in our "miracles house". During that time the hand of God moved yet again and I was placed as the youth pastor over all student ministry in November. Wow.

We had a scary moment at the end of November when my baby suddenly went into a seizure that lasted over 35 minutes. The result-there were absolutely no effects whatsoever on her body. God had protected her.

Here is my "Impossible" prayer list from one year ago in which God miraculously answered both and in order. Only HE could recieve glory for this! No man could have self-fulfilled these things only the very hand of God! We are full-time at Family Church and are now living in our new and safe home!

January 21-February 16th of 2007

Believing God for the “Impossible”


“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27).

Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Luke 18:1)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

“The Possibilities”

I. Believe God for full-time ministry
II. Believe God to provide us with a newly built home on our land
III. This last one I cannot share just yet because of the very personal request it is. We are still awaiting God's answer and will give Him praise when it is fulfilled.

Check out this insert from my journal the last day of our fast.

“21 Day Fast (Day 21)
Break Fast

Lord, these last 21 days have been some of the best spiritually I have had in many, many years. With that being said, I have also experienced some of the most demonic attacks against my life and family as well.

We had many request we lifted to you and believe you will answer everyone of them for your glory! We have them recorded and written and will give you the praise when they come!

Lord, this morning in prayer I believe your spirit impressed on my heart to, “Obey Jesus, no matter the cost.” Lord, you obeyed the Father, regardless of the price you had to pay!

Lord, as we break this fast, thank you for giving us the strength and commitment to finish it.

May my wife, Gracen, and myself always be willing to serve and follow you regardless of the price or the cost! Now be glorified Lord as we follow you! Please move quickly Jesus! We need you! We love you! In Jesus name! Beck

I wish I had the time and space to write all the details of the literal documented fulfilled prophecies, prayers, and miracles God has done for us in a year's time.

Let me encourage you, never, ever stop believing and praying for what God has placed in your heart and never, ever shy down from being obedient to Him! He is faithful!To everyone who has walked with us and witnessed the miracles thank you for your prayers!Thank you Jesus!

A Radical Faith

"Faith, Family, and Future"-Man, I'm I pumped up about our Generations Campaign here at Family Church! We are smack dab in the midst of our "Generations" stewardship campaign and having been studying alot on faith. Faith is not just something that has been brought up and talked about recently here at Family Church but something that has been lived out the past 30 years. Family Church is a church of faith, family, and miracles.

Last night in E3, our student ministry, we talked about, "A Radical Faith." I read out of II. Corinthians 13:5 and challenged our students to examine thier faith-where do you stand in your walk with God? What's your spiritual condition?

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you, if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." (II. Cor. 13:5)

Last night we had loads of students fill the altars in prayer. Tears and weeping could be seen and heard as we gathered together to pray. The Holy Spirit of God is something else! You don't have to rely on hype and you don't have to drum things up. When the Word of God goes forth that is sufficient! Let the Holy Spirit do the work in the hearts of people. We plant, we water, but God causes the growth to take place! To Him be the Glory!

E3 Service

"Avoiding the Freeze-Don't let your heart grown cold towards..."

1) Each Other
2) The Hurting
3) The Lost

Well, there is nothing like going home after a youth service, kicking back in the hot tub, and sipping on some Italian Soda's that we got you guys last night (good thing there were non-alcoholic or I would have been in trouble last night.Almost had the whole bottle).

We had several "wins" from last night. Here are a few I thought deserved recognition.

1) We had a good showing at prayer.
2)Most everybody was at our 6:20 meeting on time.
3) We had more students than we did the week prior (45 J.H., 52 H.S., and 19 workers for a total of 116)
4) 6 People committed their lives to Christ in the High School service while
4 did in the J.H. service (Praise God!)
5) We had several first time visitors

"Avoiding the Freeze-How to keep your walk with Christ from growing cold."

(E3 Student Ministry Room pictured on left)


We used to live in a home where when winter hit-it got cold in the house! I always had thought it was because we had only a window unit for heat but when we renovated the house I found out the source of the problem-NO INSULATION IN THE WALLS! Insulation is important because it helps preserve the heat in the house and keep the cold out!

Our hearts are alot like that. If we don't have the proper insulation around our hearts (prayer, bible study, connection with the church, etc. ) our hearts can become cold and without heat (passion, fire, etc.)

So how do peoples walk with Christ begin to grow cold?

1) They slowly drift away from their time with Christ.
· “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
· When you begin to drift away in your prayer life and bible study time your walk with Christ will begin to grow cold!

2) They begin to drift away from the church.
· “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)

3) Hang around wrong crowds.
· “Bad company corrupts good character.” (I. Cor.15:33)

4) They allow sin to enter into their hearts.
· “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (Isaiah 59:2)


We will continue our study on "Avoiding the Freeze" this Wednesday night in the E3 Room.

God will move when....

"And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58)

As I began reflecting on the New Year I thought to myself, "What will hinder God from moving miraculously in my life?" "What will make this year any different than any other years prior?" "What will keep me from becoming a better husband, father, or minister?" The answer is the same thing that has always kept God from moving in my life...me! Wait a minute, you mean I can keep God from doing great things in my life? Yep! In Matthew and in many other instances in the Bible Jesus was amazed at people's unbelief and therefore held back from doing the miraculous!

What if this year we truly submitted to God in EVERY area of our life? Not just in prayer and Bible reading but with our mouths? With our conversations? With our attitudes? With our relationships? It's up to you and me. God is withholding just to withhold, he is waiting on us so quit waiting on Him. Make a move!

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

Words from Paul

As we wrap up the year 2007 I like to take the time to reflect on events that have taken place in my life. Last night over a date at Chili's, my wife and I named the top three events that were most exciting in our lives and also the top 3 trying events we had experienced as well.

Some of my most memorable highlights for the year were:

1) My baby's 1st B-Day.
2) Arriving at Family Church/Going into full-time ministry.
3)Getting into our new house two nights before Christmas.
4) Getting to see my daughter run down the hall Christmas morning.
5) Knowing what truly matters for eternity this Christmas.
6) Being humbled by the outpouring of love and giving by Family Church.

Some of our more trying times.

1) Leaving our previous church.
2) Trusting God for the finances we needed until we got stable income.
3) My daughter having a seizure then being hospitalized.
4) Being without a home for 3 months.

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:12-14)

For some of us 2007 was a great year, but for others it may have been a difficult one. For some it might have been a year of mistakes and failures. I encourage you with the same words Paul did, "Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead."

I pray you go into the year 2008 with extreme focus on God and Family!

It's not your birthday!

Being out of our house, having my daughter hospitalized, etc. during this month of December has brought intense focus on what Christmas is really about and what it is not. The words of my pastor burn in my spirit, "If it doesn't matter for eternity it doesn't matter!". Now I love the Christmas season more than anyone. "The trees, lights, parties, etc. but this year we haven't had any of that...well except some great parties! We will be in our house tonight but we have seriously contemplated putting up a tree, decorations, etc. due to the fact that God is teaching us some things. Things we should know. Things we should have known. Yes, Christmas is a time for giving, a time for family, and a time for friends certainly BUT, Christmas is a time to celebrate the saviour of the world coming to make a way into a relationship with HIM! It is HIS birthday not ours! It is so easy to get distracted with all the commercialism and everything else out there. This year, we need not go through the motions! We are celebrating what truly matters! Our Saviour! Our sins are forgiven! Our health!

What was Jesus first Christmas like? He spent it poor, in a barn, with animals, with stench, etc. The Saviours? Yes!

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." (Luke 2:6-7)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

E3 Christmas Party

E3 Student Ministry of Family Church celebrated Christmas this year at the magnificant home of Martin and Vanessia West. If you've never seen their home all you need to do is drive past it on Hwy 34! What a place! The West have been involved in student ministry for a long time and when they built their home they did it with student ministry in mind. We had a wonderful time in the game room and also in their "theatre room" on the third floor in which we will be watching the LSU Tigers play for the BCS National Championship! Thanks Martin and Vanessia for opening up your home to students!

Reflection of who He is...Love in Action

(inside father-in-laws house as small group arrived)

(above left is the outside of our almost finished new home) (middle is when Gracen was hospitalized. People strolling her in a little red wagon)

"Beck, I've been around a lot of churches, a lot of Christians, and a lot of different denominations through the years and I've NEVER seen anything like this. They are the real deal."

Those were the words that came forth out of my father-in-laws mouth after three car loads of people and students came over and fed us and also left us with a touching card. Most of you know we came to Family Church early in the year and God has continued to do nothing less than miraculous things in our lives. We now serve in full-time ministry at Family Church and are about to move in our brand new home on our land. We have been in my father-in-laws house for over three months now and are anxious to move in my Christmas.

What does Christ look like? Should we see Him when we look at the lives of other believers? Is it easier to talk about Christ than to live like Him? Why don't we see believers share and give like they did in the book of Acts? My family and I have witnessed the believers of Family Church give like I've never seen give. You don't ever hear about it, why? Because they don't advertise it...they don't let there right hand know what the left is doing..but I wanted to take a second and give God praise of the love that we have received. Many people went in together to buy us a 3 ton heat/air unit in which we did not have at our other house-it was very expensive. My daughter had a scary episode in which she was hospitalized for five days. I saw Christ in people coming and giving us clothes to wear and food to eat. I saw Christ in the women who came to relieve Jodi and walk my baby girl around in a little red wagon. I saw Christ in people who came and worked, some 16 hours straight, free of charge to get our house done. I saw people come and work in the cold wet rain to get the outside of our house cleaned up. I could go on and on and it not stop. We have been amazed and humbled. The thing is, we aren't the only story, there is multitudes of stories we see happen week in and week out. It is a lifestyle and preached from the pulpit.

What if we all pitched in and helped? What if we all walked out what we so proudly talk out? What if we truly reflected Christ? Praise be to God.

A timely word...

"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." (Psalm 55:22)

Have you ever been going through something and you received a timely word either from someone or from something you read? I was driving to the church the other morning when I read the above scripture off of a church sign off of Hwy 557. God's word brought both life and encouragement to my spirit!

For most people Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and family. But for others, it can be a very difficult time. Maybe they've lost loved ones and this is the first Christmas without them or maybe they are experiencing some other trial or difficulty.

The word of God tells us to "give our burdens to the Lord and he will take care of us." How refreshing is that? To know that we don't have to carry our burdens alone but that Jesus Christ will carry them and take care of us!

Sometimes our burdens seem so heavy and at times too much to bare. Sometimes they seem so large that they could crush us dead! God's word tells us that "He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." What encouragement!

Lord, today we give ALL our burdens to you. All our worries to you! All our cares to you! Lord, lift them from us that we won't be crushed! Lord, thank you that you will sustain us!

Source of Power

The other night as several of us were working on the electrical aspect of our house someone went to the breaker box outiside to shut off the power. Now there were several lights within the house that went out after the breaker was cut off. When the main source of power was shut off all the "lights" went out throughout the house...It was dark.

We need to be constantly aware of our source of "power".

"But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything will reward you." (Matthew 6:6)

Don't forget amongst the choas of the holidays to keep prayer your first priority. Notice in the above scripture Jesus said, "When you pray". Not "if" not "if you have time", but "when you pray." Jesus never allows us an excuse not to pray!

Pastor David Yongi Cho who pastors the largest church in the word said, "No prayer, no power.'
Don't allow the enemy to try and cut off your source of power this week. Stay connected and allow your light to shine! People are depending on us and we need the power of the Holy Spirit to be with us to help others and to fight the attacks of the enemy.

The Other Nine...

"On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:11-18)

In the above passage we read about Jesus Christ entering into a village where ten lepers cried out for Jesus Christ to have mercy on them. Leprosy was something that had obviously made there lives a living hell and they wanted to be freed of it. When Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests they all were cleansed of their leprosy! They were finally free! Shouldn't all of them had fallen on their face before God in worship? Shouldn't they have spent the rest of the day singing songs of thanksgiving to their Healer? Shouldn't all ten had lifted Jesus above their shoulders and carried Him through town rejoicing? Maybe they should have but we only read of "one" returning to Christ to thank Him for His goodness.

I would like to think of myself as this "one" who continually is before Jesus giving Him thanks for everything He has done in my life but honestly I may look more like the other nine. Over the Thanksgiving weekend I spent more time being like the "one" bringing thanks to my Savior for all His undeserved mercy that He has shown me.

What is it in your life that you need to be continually thankful for? Do you look like the "one" or do you better relate to the "other nine"?

The Cries of the Poor

"Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need." (Proverbs 21:13)

As we enter into the time of year where giving is much more "expected" I am desiring not to just make "giving" seasonal in my own personal life but a consistent, continual lifestyle. One area I would like to see remain consistent is the giving to the poor. Notice in the above verse it refers to the "cries" of the poor. If a baby were "crying" out for help would we ignore him or her pitiful cries? How many times have the poor cried out among us for help and yet we ignored that cry? How many times have we arrogantly walked past them and turned our noses up at them as we pass them on the streets. How many self-righteous thoughts and actions have we showed by saying to ourselves, "They must be lazy" or "They probably blow it all on beer and cigarettes." How many times have we ignored the poor parents who work numerous hours to try to put food on the table for their children? I never want to hear the Lord say to my family, "Why did you hoard what I gave you upon yourselves when the poor cried out among you? How could I not trust you with the talents, gifts, and finances I so graciously poured out upon you. Did I not provide your every need? Were you not a vessel I could trust? What if one day we find ourselves in their shoes and we need the same help they do? Will we ourselves be ignored? Yes, we do become more aware of needs around us and we do tend to "give" more during the holiday seasons but what would happen if giving wasn't seasonal but a lifestyle?

Family Matters

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Tonight we will begin a two week series in our student ministry entitled, "Family Matters." We live in a society where the sacred family bond has been attacked and even mocked what God has ordained. For us to begin impacting the world the way we are called to we first must impact our homes. Strong homes build strong churches! What we must realize is that family does matter to God and what takes place in the home will matter for eternity! We are determined to equip, train, and raise up a generation of young people who will become Godly fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives for the kingdom of God! First, we must first live in front of them how a Godly father, mother, husband, or wife should act! Family ministry isn't too popular or attractive in the traditional usual youth ministry setting but we aren't striving to be usual or traditional! We are striving to break the mold and have a family focused student ministry!

Please pray for our student ministry team as we embark on these next few weeks of teaching,training, and loving our students!

The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

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

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

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

What a weekend!

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

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

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

That's a wrap...

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

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

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

Have a great Sunday evening!

Convention Pics...

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

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

National Youth Workers Conference

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

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

Blessings!

Beck

If you love me...

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

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

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

Have a great week!

Beck

A quiet place of rest...

Wow! Boy, when God answered my hearts desire of full-time ministry, he answered it! I never in my life would have imagined the craziness of it all! I knew this week was going to be even more time consuming for me than they already are so now it is time for rest.

"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat." (Mark 6:30-31)

When the apostles were giving an account to Jesus concerning their ministry tour they were "spent." Jesus lead a busy life but he also knew the importance of rest. He said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." When people, events, and things are pulling you at every direction there comes a time when you need to find a quiet place and rest ahile.

So what about you? Have you been working hard for the kingdom and need a break? Even Jesus knew the importance of leading His apostles to rest. Is He leading you?

My wife and I will leave this afternoon for a short rest to a quiet place to celebrate our "5th Wedding Anniversary." We are going to rest. I pray you have the opportunity to rest too.

God Bless your soul.

Beck

Three Night Intensive

We have been having a three night intensive led by our Pastor, Michael O'Neal, on the subject of "Being Guided by the Holy Spirit." Tonight he will conclude the intensive as he teaches on the "Seven Spirits of God."

We will be having our own intensive tonight in the student ministry and the Carey Amos band will be here to led our students in worship as well.

Tomorrow I have the humbling opportunity to speak to our "Prime Time" ministry (senior adults) on the subject of "Spiritual Sons and Daughters." I am humbled and looking forward to it!

Construction has begun on our home renovation project. The men who are working on it have been working hard and non-stop to get this completed by the holidays. We are blessed to have people in our lives to help get the job done.

This Friday, my wife and I celebrate our "5th Wedding Anniversary." I can't even begin to describe to you how excited I am about that. We will celebrate out of town at a "Bed and Breakfast."

Have a wonderful week and God Bless!

Family

"I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected-even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands." (Exodus 20:5b-6) NLT

To know that my sin WILL affect my childrens, childrens, children causes me to shudder. We must realize the importance of our actions knowing that they not only affect us but future generations.

"He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church." (I. Timothy 3:4-5)

God places so much emphasis on the family that he places it even before ministry in His church. If we have no "ministry" at home we have no ministry!

Pouring In then Pouring Out

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Phil. 2:17-18)

“…I’m being poured out like a drink offering…”

One thing I strive to do each and every day of my life is to pour out the life of God that is in me into other people. I strive to pour the life of God into students, teenagers, those around me, my family, and just people in general. However, there are two things we must realize before this takes place:

1) You cannot pour into others what you have not first allowed God to pour into you.
· If you are not making deposits into your own life when those around you begin to make withdrawals you will be “used up” because you have nothing to give.
· You make “deposits” by allowing God to pour into you. Seek Him daily by being still, reading his word, and spending time in his presence worshiping Him.

2) You can’t give others what you don’t have yourself.
· If you aren’t full of the love of Christ then you can’t go out and spread that love. You can’t give what you don’t have. You can spread what you don’t possess.

Before we can pour into others we must allow God to pour into our lives by spending time with Him!

Never too early...

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!"
(Psalm 127:3-5)

This past weekend we had a lot going on between the church and youth ministry but there was one thing that took place that took priority over them all-a daddy daughter date. My little girl Gracen is only 14 months old but I believe I can never start to early "dating" her.

Over the past few years I've seen and learned from many other ministers mistakes of neglecting family in the name of Christ or for "ministry." The Bible says "how can you manage the church if you can't manage your home?" I am determined with the help of the Lord to show my little girl the love and attention she needs so that she won't have to find it somewhere else. I don't want to spend so much time "ministering to others" that I don't take the time to "minister to my family."

My wife dressed Gracen and then I took her out to our favorite place to eat-McAllisters. We took turns feeding each other and we had the best time visiting outside.

I encourage you this week to take the time to "minister" and love on those closest to you-family.

Have a great week!

Rollin...Rollin...Rollin...

I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful Labor Day. To say mine was interesting would be an understatement but we won't get in to all what went down.

My brother-in-law Josh Hutson spoke at both Jr. and Sr. High CCS Chapel Service's yesterday on "Serving". He is a wonderful young man of God who is pursuing the call of God on his life.

We had over 120 students and volunteers last night in our E3 Student Ministry Service. Worship was powerful and we continued on our current series "Locker Room Talk."

I will be carrying our 8th grade students from CCS to Grace Place Ministries in downtown Monroe this upcoming Wednesday. A group from Family Church cooks and serves lunch there every Wednesday. The students will be applying what they've learned about serving these past few weeks in Chapel. The word says in the book of James, "Be doers of the word not hearers only deceiving yourselves." If we don't apply what we hear from God's word we are deceived!

We are set to close on our house today and have the money by next Tuesday for the major remodeling that will take place. Please be in prayer for my family and I as we take on this next major project. It is very exciting but very consuming as well.

Have a great week!

Spiritual B-Day

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2Cor.5:17)

When you think of your most memorable birthday what comes to mind? A particular party you were given? A new car? A special card someone wrote and gave you?

I can remember the most memorable birthday I ever had and it had nothing to do with a new car, a card, or anything like that. This gift was different and it was special. As a matter of fact, I can remember when I was born-actually born-again. Ten years ago today I received the gift of salvation given to me from Jesus Christ. Ever since that "spiritual birthday" I've never been the same. I've had my "ups and downs", victories and defeats, but Christ has given me the strength to continue on triumphantly.

What about you? Have you received that gift? Have you forgotten about that gift? Do you still appreciate that gift?

Thank you Jesus for changing my life ten years ago!

Sharing of Resources

“All the believers were agreed in heart and mind. They didn't claim that anything they had was their own. They shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued their teaching. They gave witness that the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead. And they were greatly blessed by God. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them. They brought the money from the sales. They put it down at the apostles' feet. It was then given out to anyone who needed it.” (Acts 4:32-34)

Did you notice in the above passage that in the early church we read about in Acts there were “no needy persons among them.” Why was that? And why don’t we see that today? The reason there were “no needy among them” was because nobody claimed that their possessions were there own! How far have we come from that day in time? Quiet the opposite! We see popular Christian TV where people are literally braggin about there “big houses, cars, horses, and so and and so on! Guess what? It’s not yours, its Gods and we must give an account of how we used our resources to help others!

Earlier in the year my family was given a prophetic word during a very difficult transition in our lives. We were told to write down the date of this particular day the word was given because one year from then we would look back and be amazed at what God has done! Well guys, we are barely 6 months from that word and let me share with you what God had done. He has placed me in full-time ministry at a phenomenal God-fearing church. He has allowed Jodi to minister at home with our daughter plus allow her to be on staff with me here at church. Many of you know that God gave us a small house and 8 ½ acreas 5 years ago. It is a private beautiful place out in the country but the living conditions aren’t the best. As a matter of fact many living in different countries have lived better. With a 90 year old house come 90 year old problems. We have not had central air/heat for the past 5 years. God spoke to some young brothers/sisters within our small group and they have blessed us with not only central air/heat but we wil begin soon on renovating our entire house! Praise be to God! I wish I had the time to testify about all the great things God has done! Great is His faithfulness!

What if we were a church (as a whole) with no “needy” among us because the giving and sharing of our resources were so great? I’m honored to be apart of a body where there is an abundance of giving done “quietly” and without letting the “left hand no what the right is doing.”

Doing more yet becoming less

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, while listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

Far too many of us resemble Martha than we do Mary. We live in such a fast pace world that we hardly take the time to just stop, rest, and listen. It was said that Martha was "distracted" by the big dinner she was preparing. What was she distracted from? What really mattered! She was distracted from sitting at her Lord's feet! Yes, she was doing important things! I mean, someone had to make the meal right? Someone had to do all the "ministry" and work right? When she complained to Jesus he responded to her by saying, "You are worried and upset over all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it." So what was it Mary discovered? The right time and place to sit at the Lord's feet-to listen! If we aren't careful the noises of this life will choke out the voice of the Lord! Even in ministry we take pride in being "busy" and doing so many "good" things. We must remember our first ministry is upward before it is outward! It is unto God before it is unto man! The great commandment comes before the great commission! Please help us Lord not to be so busy doing more that we start becoming less of the man or woman of God you have called us to be. Help us to be good stewards of our time. Help us to know when to say "no". Help us God to slow down or even stop so we can make sure we don't miss what trully matters-spending time listening to you.

Church alive and well

It has been so good to be back to my "roots" here on this campus. To be apart of Claiborne Christian School and Family Church is such a very humbling opportunity.

This past Sunday Family Church celebrated 30 years of ministry (1977-2007) since Pastor Michael and Vicki O'Neal first accepted the call to pastor a small church in West Monroe. It had been around only eight years earlier (1969) and had already seen five different pastors. When Pastor O'Neal took over there were only 23 members but the resulting growth is unbelievable. Family Church now sits at 1,245 members and continues to grown in health and size.

Family Church is a church that is dedicated to becoming fully devoted disciples of Christ and puts a tremendous focus on the family which we believe is truly at the heart of God. It is a church that has not swayed, shifted, or moved from the pure word of God. It is a church that is dedicated to staying focused on eternal things, to love people, to be devoted to prayer and the word of God, to bridle the tounge, to pursue God with passion, to raise up Godly families, and be given to the work of God! It is an exciting body to be apart of!

Sunday morning was a celebration of what all GOD has done in people's lives the past 30 years and what He is going to do the next 7-10 years. The presence of God was so very strong in the service! I encourage you to go watch the service at www.familychurch.org You can go to family media to watch it.

Have a great week!

Crazy Start!

Okay, my head is spinning very fast now! The past two weeks of my life has been extremely busy. This past Monday Claiborne Christian School started which means I got underway teaching 6th and 8th grade Bible. As of next week the school will also start chapel services which I have the honor of leading as campus pastor. I'm excited to see what God has in store for the next year.

Monday morning I was able to have breakfast with one of my most favorite people in the world-Pastor Michael O'Neal. I have never in my life been around someone that lives and preaches as closely to the word of God than that man of God does. He is trully one of my "heros". I soak up every word that comes out of his mouth because wisdom flows from it.

Today the high school goes to Jimmie Davis State Park on Caney Lake where we will have a three day spiritual retreat to begin the school year. I will have the honor of speaking to them during Thursday night's service.

Tonight, we will have our first service @ E3 Student Ministries of Family Church to kick of the new school year as well. We are excited about having the new junior high students attend for the first time!

This Sunday we will have a special service at Family Church. We will be celebrating what God has done and the lives He has changed since he brought Pastor Michael and Mrs. Vicki O'Neal to Family Church thiry years ago. I will have the wonderful and humbling opportunity to share a little of my story on how God changed my life ten years ago at CCS. We are excited to be apart of what God is going to do in and through Family Church the next ten years.

Being able to focus on the kingdom full-time now has fulfilled me more than words can express. Being able to focus everyday on influencing the lives of young people will matter for eternity.

This Sunday night I have the opportunity to influence the people that matter most to me-Jodi and Gracen. He has blessed me with a beautiful daughter and wife to enjoy this journey we call life.

Have a great week!

The greatest in the kingdom of heaven

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

When the world speaks of "greatness" what word or words come to mind? Making it "big" in business? Accumulating wealth? Climbing up the social or corporate ladder? Power, prestige, popularity? The world does have many definitions of greatness but what about the kingdom of God? When we speak of "greatness" in that aspect what comes to mind? Being able to speak well? Being "cool"? Praying great prayers? Seeing sick healed? All of these are important but what exactly did Jesus consider being great was in the kingdom of heaven? In one instance Jesus talked about anyone wanting to be great must become a servant but here in Matthew 18 he gave us another example of what being great in the kingdom of heaven was all about.

Can you imagine what it must have looked like as the disciples asked him (Jesus), "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" They each must have thought to themselves, "It must be me!" "After all, I've seen more sick healed. I pray more than anyone else. I've given more to the poor. I've done great things for God."

Jesus knowing there thoughts, astounded them as he pulled someone else from the crowd to use as an example. Peter? James? John? As great as these men of God were he didn't pull them out, but someone much different-a child. In fact Jesus said a few things as he had the child stand in front of them all; "...unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God."

So how about it? Are we changing? Are we becoming more like children? He wasn't talking about becoming more childish but childlike in our faith! There are so many things and mysteries of the kingdom we can learn from little children. May we take notice of them today and change so that we can become great in God's kingdom.

Have a great day!

Joseph and David (word study)

Other than Christ Himself, my two favorite people in the Bible are Joseph (Genesis 37-50) and David (the sheppard and king). Joseph, because of his brokenness, willingness to forgive others, persistence, and willingness to trust God. David, because of His heart for God, comeback from failure, and the way God saw Him when others couldn't. I've just started a study in David's life now.

The story of Joseph opens up in Genesis 37 and concludes in Genesis 50. May I point out some things that were revealed to me through Gods word?

1. Joseph had a dream given to him from God.

• The dream wasn't something Joseph mustered up but was from heaven itself. It wasn't a self-centered dream but one that was directly connected to the kingdom of God.

2. The Lord gave the dream to Joseph when he was a young boy of 17 years of age but it didn't come to pass until he was around 30 years of age.

• He had to be broken and there had to be things he would have to go through before it (the dream) manifested. There had to be a "time table" involved.

3. Joseph was a man of forgiveness.

• Anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness are dream killers! Satan uses them to prevent the will of God happening in your life and calling! Many have fallen pray to the bait! He was betrayed by his own family. He could have been offended at God for allowing him to go to prison b/c of his righteousness (when he rejected Potiphor's wife for sex). He could have gotten offended when the chief cupbearer forgot him in prison after he had promised not to.

4. Joseph persevered even in his darkest trials!

• Joseph could have doubted his "dream" and/or his calling but he dared to trust God!

5. God promoted Joseph!

• We must remember that it is "God who lifts and man up and brings another down." It is God who promotes us in our lives and ministry no matter what the devil may do to stop that from happening!

6. Dream comes to pass!

• As Joseph's brothers bowed low before him and the other things transgressed the dream came to pass in it's proper time.

7. Joseph wept.

• A broken man Joseph did not retaliate (yea, he had a little fun at first) but received his family back with love and forgiveness.

8. If Joseph wouldn't have seen the hand of God in his situation he would have become bitter.

• Joseph told his brothers, "You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Gen. 50:20)

As my pastor would say there are many "cribs of corn to shuck" in that story but I wanted to share just a few that stood out to me.

What has God called you to do? What "dream" has he given you? Are you willing to go through the things that you must go through before they come to pass? Believe and trust God and they will!

Have a great week!

Love of Father

(Pictured to the left is my beautiful daughter Gracen Hope Payne)

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (I John 3:1)

I can't even begin to explain to you the joy that is within me when I look at this picture to your left. For those of you who have children you know what I'm talking about. There is a love inside of you that is very hard to explain. As much as I love my daughter it pales in comparison to the love that our heavenly father has for his children.

Do you not know that if you are born again God calls you His child? Is that not amazing!? As a matter of fact so that you could become His child He gave up His first son so that you and I could become His children! Even more amazing! I can't even begin to think about giving up my child for ANYONE let alone someone ungrateful, sinful, rebellious, etc. But that is what Christ did! He gave His son even when He knew people would mock Him, reject Him, and kill Him just so He could adopt you and I as His very own kids! What a father of love! What a dad!

If and when you ever doubt our God's love stop and take a look at a child...maybe even your child. Remember what He gave!