"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!" (Proverbs 19:17)
I just added a blog site to my blogroll to the right of this blogsite. Ricky Nolan and Hope Street Ministries (www.hopestreetministries.org) is a ministry that has been serving the poor both practically and spiritually faithfully for over twenty years!
Ricky Nolan has been leading this ministry that meets in downtown Monroe every Sunday afternoon at 4 PM.
I have served with this ministry on the street for many years in the past and still as I can help with the prison ministry as well. I cherish the relationship I have with Ricky Nolan (he was in my wedding as well). Part of who I am today is because of what I've learned serving and preaching with "Bro. Rick". He is a big man with a big heart!
Will you pray for this ministry and see what God would lead you to do to be apart?
"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him." (Proverbs 14:31)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fifth Quarter Fury!!!
We had 174 warm bodies in the R.D. Center of Family Church for this past Friday's E3 Student Ministries "Fifth Quarter Event" We had the craziest fear factor games in the world, ping pong, video games, dodge ball, walleyball, pizza, and of course-football! We shared Christ with them as a whole then had some chaos from about 8:30 PM to Midnight! (man, I'm getting old).It is so exciting to see what God is doing with these Junior High and Senior High Students! We want to see these young people grow towards full-devotion!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Our Time...
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered-how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” (Psalm 39:4-5)
The legendary retired NFL Coach Joe Gibbs told a story of one day when he wrapped up one of his 12-14 hour days that he commonly put in while coaching the Washington Redskins. He said he went to his boy’s room one night to kiss them good night but realized something-they were no longer boys but men. He had missed his sons growing up. The price he paid was very high and the price his family paid was even higher.
How much time each day do we spend doing things that don’t matter? The older I get and the more demands I have on my life the more I have guarded my time. This of course makes some people mad but I’ve learned through watching others mistakes and I am determined not to sacrifice my life or my families at the altar of other things that don’t matter.
A well meaning guy not long ago (this seems to happen a lot to pastors) approached me about helping coach a football team. It’s not that this wasn’t important it just isn’t something that I would need to do right now. When I responded by telling him that I didn’t have time he looked at me confused and said ignorantly, “You can’t be that busy being a youth pastor.”(I guess this person thought I play paintball all day with kids)While I know he didn’t know any better or know that I could easily book every night of the week I stood my ground saying what so many of us need to learn to say-“NO!”. Hear is a startling revelation. What if you said “Yes” to everybody that asked you to do something? Revelation…You have “0” time left.
We fill our schedules with long hours of work (which isn’t always necessarily bad as long as it’s balanced annd not neglecting), 2-3 hobbies, late nights, and doing other things that yes, may be fun but don’t matter any more for eternity than chewing gum. What about doing things that do matter? What about spending time with the one whom we will give account to? What about prayer? Most people (including ministers) spend maybe at best 15 minutes a day praying to the God of the universe! 15 minutes! Yet, we get mad when these ministers say no to something we ask them to do yet expect them to hear from God!? We spend 8 hours a week watching T.V. and 15 minutes a day with God?! Is that messed up?
What about our families? What about our greatest responsibilities? Our kids? Our husbands and wives? They have far too many times been put on the back burner to sports, “ministry”, and other things. We work so many hours a week and justify it by “providing” for them. Is it really providing for our family we are after or that “step-up” in society? That extra car? That bigger house? That larger bank account? That “extra” money? What if we took a cut in our lavish lifestyles so that we could spend more time with things (people) that won’t burn up instead of the things that will (houses, cars, etc.). As an author once put it, “Full-time job + Full-time job= something gets neglected (most of the times our families). Spend time investing in your families! Before you know it your young ones will be grown and out of the house! As a youth pastor so many times I have to do what mom or dad should be doing (taking them to eat, movies, spending quality time with them, etc.). We need to spend time “ministering” to our own kids before we “minister” to others! Amen? I can’t tell you how blown away at how quickly my little girl is growing up. Sometimes I go in her room at night and just stare at her and ask God to please help me make the most of my time with her! Because before you and I know it we will blink and our kids will be grown, we will have gray hair on our head, and our lives will be done. Then what? Only the things we spent time doing will stand the test of time.
Please guys, I encourage you to sit down and take a serious look at how we spend our time. Take a serious look at your priorities, your schedule, your motives, and remember our life is but a mist and vapor! I love you and have prayed for all of you today!
The legendary retired NFL Coach Joe Gibbs told a story of one day when he wrapped up one of his 12-14 hour days that he commonly put in while coaching the Washington Redskins. He said he went to his boy’s room one night to kiss them good night but realized something-they were no longer boys but men. He had missed his sons growing up. The price he paid was very high and the price his family paid was even higher.
How much time each day do we spend doing things that don’t matter? The older I get and the more demands I have on my life the more I have guarded my time. This of course makes some people mad but I’ve learned through watching others mistakes and I am determined not to sacrifice my life or my families at the altar of other things that don’t matter.
A well meaning guy not long ago (this seems to happen a lot to pastors) approached me about helping coach a football team. It’s not that this wasn’t important it just isn’t something that I would need to do right now. When I responded by telling him that I didn’t have time he looked at me confused and said ignorantly, “You can’t be that busy being a youth pastor.”(I guess this person thought I play paintball all day with kids)While I know he didn’t know any better or know that I could easily book every night of the week I stood my ground saying what so many of us need to learn to say-“NO!”. Hear is a startling revelation. What if you said “Yes” to everybody that asked you to do something? Revelation…You have “0” time left.
We fill our schedules with long hours of work (which isn’t always necessarily bad as long as it’s balanced annd not neglecting), 2-3 hobbies, late nights, and doing other things that yes, may be fun but don’t matter any more for eternity than chewing gum. What about doing things that do matter? What about spending time with the one whom we will give account to? What about prayer? Most people (including ministers) spend maybe at best 15 minutes a day praying to the God of the universe! 15 minutes! Yet, we get mad when these ministers say no to something we ask them to do yet expect them to hear from God!? We spend 8 hours a week watching T.V. and 15 minutes a day with God?! Is that messed up?
What about our families? What about our greatest responsibilities? Our kids? Our husbands and wives? They have far too many times been put on the back burner to sports, “ministry”, and other things. We work so many hours a week and justify it by “providing” for them. Is it really providing for our family we are after or that “step-up” in society? That extra car? That bigger house? That larger bank account? That “extra” money? What if we took a cut in our lavish lifestyles so that we could spend more time with things (people) that won’t burn up instead of the things that will (houses, cars, etc.). As an author once put it, “Full-time job + Full-time job= something gets neglected (most of the times our families). Spend time investing in your families! Before you know it your young ones will be grown and out of the house! As a youth pastor so many times I have to do what mom or dad should be doing (taking them to eat, movies, spending quality time with them, etc.). We need to spend time “ministering” to our own kids before we “minister” to others! Amen? I can’t tell you how blown away at how quickly my little girl is growing up. Sometimes I go in her room at night and just stare at her and ask God to please help me make the most of my time with her! Because before you and I know it we will blink and our kids will be grown, we will have gray hair on our head, and our lives will be done. Then what? Only the things we spent time doing will stand the test of time.
Please guys, I encourage you to sit down and take a serious look at how we spend our time. Take a serious look at your priorities, your schedule, your motives, and remember our life is but a mist and vapor! I love you and have prayed for all of you today!
Back from Cruise
(left: Jodi and I taking pic of selves from boat; bottom is a pic of the beautiful waters of Cozumel, Mexico that we took from the cruise ship)
Jodi and I just returned from a much needed vacation! We went on our very first cruise where we went to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico! Dodging hurricanes! Swaying all over the place! Free Food! No cell phone or laptop! Now that's a vacation! What a trip!
We all need time to recharge and spend time with those closest to us-our family!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
A Night at the Parents
So with the storm knocking out the power at our home (it gets very dark in the country) we have stayed the last few nights at my parents. It's kinda cool to be hanging out again in the home where I grew up (Not to mention free food!). My daughter Gracen absolutely loves my parents! Maybe it's because she can get away with just about anything or maybe she senses the love that they have for her. I'm sure it's a little of both.
It's kind of weird not having service tonight but that has allowed me to prepare for next week's service (although Jodi and I will be chillin on a cruise ship somewhere).
Tomorrow I have a meeting planning a "Fifth Quarter" Event with some of my volunteer leaders as well as some serious XBox Madden playing with some of our students. I'm sure it will cause for an interesting day!
Sleep Good!
It's kind of weird not having service tonight but that has allowed me to prepare for next week's service (although Jodi and I will be chillin on a cruise ship somewhere).
Tomorrow I have a meeting planning a "Fifth Quarter" Event with some of my volunteer leaders as well as some serious XBox Madden playing with some of our students. I'm sure it will cause for an interesting day!
Sleep Good!
Monday, August 25, 2008
A lesson from Jury Duty
Jury Duty. It is something that we all want to avoid and any time we get that summons in the mail we automtically start thinking of ways to get out of it. I got that little sheet of paper in the mail not long ago and was chosen to serve on a jury in an aggravated rape case. This was a charge that if convicted would put this person behind bars for the rest of his or her life. I sat in a court room for six long days to see and hear things I wish to never see and hear again as long as I live. Based on the evidence or lack of evidence that was placed before me I was to judge this persons actions. I can’t begin to describe the overwhelming burden that I felt on my shoulders and the accountability to God that I sensed. Feeling torn all week about a man who was charged with a hideous crime and on another hand thinking of the victims that were involved is enough to keep a person up at night. I can’t explain how humbled I was when Saturday came around to place our verdict. I then realized how incapable and unworthy I was to judge a humans life here on earth let alone an eternal verdict. What if we were wrong? What if we did miss something? All I know is one day there is a King who sits upon a throne and He will judge each and every one of our lives. This Judge will deliver a verdict that will be 100% accurate! Completely fair! No guessing! No questioning! Jesus Christ is worthy to judge our lives!
“Remember, we will all stand before the judgement seat of God.” (Romans 14:10c)
“Remember, we will all stand before the judgement seat of God.” (Romans 14:10c)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Breaking Ground
Wow! What an exciting night back we had in the student ministry at Family Church! With the new school year under way we had our very first complete "split night" for our Junior High and Senior High Ministries. It is our desire to keep these ministries seperate and last night was the first giant step of faith we took! Seperate worship, teaching, and breakout groups took place for the very first time! We had a great showing to start off the year and we are excited to see what God will do this school year!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Submerge Recap Service
What a great Family Service we had last night in the main sanctuary of Family Church as we had a recap night of last weeks 2008 Summer Retreat to Laguna Beach, Florida. The students as well as adults engaged in dynamic worship led by Johnathan and Victoria Worley, followed by cutting edge videos by Jay Curtis, and life-changing testimonies by Bekah Lewis, Seth Spillers, and David and Jordyn Crain. It never gets old hearing of lives that Jesus Christ has touched!
I pray the momentum will keep going strong as we approach the fall sememser of the year!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Is the Holy Spirit guiding your life?
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants." (Galatians 5:16-17a)
So how do you know that the Holy Spirit of God is guiding your lives? Because you say so? Because you go to church every time the doors are open? Because you know how to talk the talk so to speak? Have you ever heard someone profess that the Spirit of God is guiding their lives but something just doesn't seem to be adding up? Well, the way you can tell if someone is being guided by the Holy Spirit or not is the fruit or lack of fruit they will bear.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this king of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)
Wow, let's start with love. What is the God kind of love we are suppose to be walking in? It's found in the famous "Love Chapter" in I. Corinthians 13:4-5. "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude." Okay, let's stop there. Have you been patient with people? With your wife? With your kids? How about kind? To people you work with? Have you been rude? What about sarcastic?
What about joy? If the Spirit of God is leading your lives there will be joy! Yes, joy even in the midst of storms. Have you ever been around someone that is always sour, negative, and just plain out in a bad mood? Is the Spirit of God truly leading their lives?
What about peace? I know Christians that have absolutely no peace in their lives. They are always stressed out, anxious, and are worried to the core! When the Spirit of God is leading our lives there will be the fruit of peace.
Patience. Have you ever prayed for that fruit? Well, don't unless you truly mean it! God will certainly give you patience but you must be tried with the things that will result in patience!
Have you been irritable towards others? Short? Cranky? When the Spirit of God is truly in control we will become more patient.
Have you become more faithful, good, and exercised self-control? What about more faithful to God's word? Your family? What about holding your tongue when you know you should? Self-control? When the Spirit of God leads our lives we should have more self-control over our tongues not necessarily more blunt! There is a time for bluntness yes, but there is a time to refrain as well.
Kind and gentle? Have you become more kind and gentle towards others this year? Or have you been harsh and rough around the edges? When the Spirit of God guides our lives we will become more kind and gentle with others!
So after reading this fruit check list so to speak how are you coming along? When the Spirit of God is leading our lives the fruits we read about in Galatians will be evident for all to see in our lives!
So how do you know that the Holy Spirit of God is guiding your lives? Because you say so? Because you go to church every time the doors are open? Because you know how to talk the talk so to speak? Have you ever heard someone profess that the Spirit of God is guiding their lives but something just doesn't seem to be adding up? Well, the way you can tell if someone is being guided by the Holy Spirit or not is the fruit or lack of fruit they will bear.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this king of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)
Wow, let's start with love. What is the God kind of love we are suppose to be walking in? It's found in the famous "Love Chapter" in I. Corinthians 13:4-5. "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude." Okay, let's stop there. Have you been patient with people? With your wife? With your kids? How about kind? To people you work with? Have you been rude? What about sarcastic?
What about joy? If the Spirit of God is leading your lives there will be joy! Yes, joy even in the midst of storms. Have you ever been around someone that is always sour, negative, and just plain out in a bad mood? Is the Spirit of God truly leading their lives?
What about peace? I know Christians that have absolutely no peace in their lives. They are always stressed out, anxious, and are worried to the core! When the Spirit of God is leading our lives there will be the fruit of peace.
Patience. Have you ever prayed for that fruit? Well, don't unless you truly mean it! God will certainly give you patience but you must be tried with the things that will result in patience!
Have you been irritable towards others? Short? Cranky? When the Spirit of God is truly in control we will become more patient.
Have you become more faithful, good, and exercised self-control? What about more faithful to God's word? Your family? What about holding your tongue when you know you should? Self-control? When the Spirit of God leads our lives we should have more self-control over our tongues not necessarily more blunt! There is a time for bluntness yes, but there is a time to refrain as well.
Kind and gentle? Have you become more kind and gentle towards others this year? Or have you been harsh and rough around the edges? When the Spirit of God guides our lives we will become more kind and gentle with others!
So after reading this fruit check list so to speak how are you coming along? When the Spirit of God is leading our lives the fruits we read about in Galatians will be evident for all to see in our lives!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Re-cap this Wednesday Night!!!
We will have re-cap of last weeks summer retreat at Laguna Beach, Florida this Wednesday Night in the main sanctuary at 7 P.M.
Come out and hear dynamic worship, live testimonies, and awesome videos from the life-changing week we had!
Come out and hear dynamic worship, live testimonies, and awesome videos from the life-changing week we had!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Last Night's Service and...Day 2
Last Night's Service
The Holy Spirit came BIG TIME during last night's service. I've never before seen our young people so engaged in worship than when they unashamadely lifted up the Lord last night! Our God is so big, so wonderful, and so holy how could we hold back even the slightest bit of our heart? A God like that deserves our all!
Pastor Kevin Bates brought a wonderful word which was recieved very well by our students. He talked about hunger and thirst for God. He talked about how we must empty ourselves out so that we can fill ourselves with the things of God! Its awesome to just sit back and watch God be God. You don't have to "hype things up." You dont' have to control or manipulate kids into coming to an altar. When we allow God to "do His thing" He is the one who does the drawing of the hearts and that is what will "stick"!
Day 2
We had some cool random relay games down by the beach this morning to help kick off our day. Our students have been split up into six different teams for the week which include Team Hurricane, Tsunami, Tidal Wave, Sting Ray, and Rip Tide! They relayed sandbags, water balloons, and an oil fish! (yes, it looks like it sounds).
Tonight my expectations of what God will do is very, very high! Please pray for us!
The Holy Spirit came BIG TIME during last night's service. I've never before seen our young people so engaged in worship than when they unashamadely lifted up the Lord last night! Our God is so big, so wonderful, and so holy how could we hold back even the slightest bit of our heart? A God like that deserves our all!
Pastor Kevin Bates brought a wonderful word which was recieved very well by our students. He talked about hunger and thirst for God. He talked about how we must empty ourselves out so that we can fill ourselves with the things of God! Its awesome to just sit back and watch God be God. You don't have to "hype things up." You dont' have to control or manipulate kids into coming to an altar. When we allow God to "do His thing" He is the one who does the drawing of the hearts and that is what will "stick"!
Day 2
We had some cool random relay games down by the beach this morning to help kick off our day. Our students have been split up into six different teams for the week which include Team Hurricane, Tsunami, Tidal Wave, Sting Ray, and Rip Tide! They relayed sandbags, water balloons, and an oil fish! (yes, it looks like it sounds).
Tonight my expectations of what God will do is very, very high! Please pray for us!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
We are here...safe and sound! (Day 1)
So after having a bit of bus trouble we finally made it to Laguna Beach yesterday! What great attitudes our students had as they patiently waited to switch buses!
After a few hours on the beach yesterday the students had NO problem warming up in some high-energy, upbeat worship during last night's service! It was intense and they sweat was pouring!
This morning we kicked it off with a few very creative games on the beach, some tug-of-war, and the beach blast game (recommended not to play if you get tired easily which I fall into). The food is scrumptious, the weather is great, ministry is happenin in small groups, and tonight we dive head first in! Our worship team will be leading us into some intense worship before Kevin Bates comes up and brings the word to this generation! I can 't wait!
Parents, your kids are doing great and are safe! No worries! :)
I'm having a bit of trouble downloading pics so I hope I can get that fixed soon!
Keep praying for us!
Beck
After a few hours on the beach yesterday the students had NO problem warming up in some high-energy, upbeat worship during last night's service! It was intense and they sweat was pouring!
This morning we kicked it off with a few very creative games on the beach, some tug-of-war, and the beach blast game (recommended not to play if you get tired easily which I fall into). The food is scrumptious, the weather is great, ministry is happenin in small groups, and tonight we dive head first in! Our worship team will be leading us into some intense worship before Kevin Bates comes up and brings the word to this generation! I can 't wait!
Parents, your kids are doing great and are safe! No worries! :)
I'm having a bit of trouble downloading pics so I hope I can get that fixed soon!
Keep praying for us!
Beck
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Submerge...Getting in Over your Head
Well...it's almost here. This years 2008 E3 Student Ministry Summer Retreat to Laguna Beach, Florida! This coming Sunday night over 113 students and youth workers will load up on a couple of Mayo Tour Buses for a life-changing week!
This week is all about challenging the students to live a life of full-devotion to Jesus Christ. My man Kevin Bates (Pastor of Life Church Winnsboro) will be bringin it each night!
Please be in prayer for our student ministry as we will spend five days of fun in the sun, games, relationships, and of course LIFE-CHANGE!
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!
“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!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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!"
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!"
Monday, July 14, 2008
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)
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)
Sunday, June 08, 2008
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?
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?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
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.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
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
“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
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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)
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)
Monday, May 05, 2008
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)
"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)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
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.
Monday, April 21, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, March 31, 2008
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!
“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!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
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?”
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?”
Thursday, February 14, 2008
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.
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
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!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
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!
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!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
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
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
Monday, January 14, 2008
"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.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
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
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
Monday, December 31, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, November 26, 2007
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"?
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"?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, October 29, 2007
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!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
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!
Friday, October 19, 2007
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!
What an honor to be around a bunch of men and women who are passionate about pouring the life of God into young people!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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
Friday, October 05, 2007
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
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
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