St. Judes

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

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

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

Easter Sunday!

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

Come hear life-changing teaching ane experience dynamic worship!

See you there!

Sound the Alarm

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

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

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

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

Have a great week!

Beck

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

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

Thank you Jesus for new life!

Through them...

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

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

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

I'd like you to meet...

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

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

C.C.S. Chapel

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

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

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

Have a great day!

There's no place like home

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

Be blessed!

Lunch at the village church

Guatemala Pics

Headed home now...Guatemala Trip

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

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

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

Day 1

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

Day 2

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

Day 3

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

Day 4

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

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

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

Day 5

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

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

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

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

Day 6

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

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

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

Be blessed,

Beck

Guatemala Bound!

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

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

I will leave out Monday and return Saturday night!

Have a great week!

Only believe

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

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

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

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

Humble

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

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

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

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

Humble-
1. not proud or arrogant; modest

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

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

4. courteously respectful

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

Lord, humble us!

Great Start to a New Year!

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

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

Got a Light?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great New Year!

Jambalaya Fundraiser a Success!

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

You are investing in Lillie's Life!

www.BringingHomeLillie.com

Olinde Adoption Jambalaya Lunch/Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless!

Fully Devoted Hunters

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

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

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

E3 Christmas Party!

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!

Turkeys, Christmas Trees, and Preachin!

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

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

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

Blessings!

Turkey Time!

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Slingin Paint!

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

Joy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Mystery Night" Service

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

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

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

A Gossip Proof Life

“A Gossip Proof Life”


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

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

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

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

The Bible commands us not to hang around with chatterers.


What can holding our tongue do?

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

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

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

4. Acquit us

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

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

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

Lord, help us to control our tongues!

The Fall Festival and a White-Tailed Deer

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

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

Check out the pics from the weekend!

It's a Girl!!!

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

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

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

Have a great weekend!

I will not be shaken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KMCT "Fully Alive"

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

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

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

Hope Street Ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fifth Quarter Fury!!!

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

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

Our Time...

“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!

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!

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!

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)

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!

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!

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!

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!

Day 2

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!

Day 1 Pics

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

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!

The way God sees it...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another arrow in the quiver!

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

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

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

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

The Gift of Peace

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

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

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

True Greatness...True Success

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

Happy Mother's Day!

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

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

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

Happy Mother’s Day!

Beck

Set free!

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

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

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

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

Has the Lamb of God taken away your sins?

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

A lesson from my fig tree!

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

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