Tuesday, September 26, 2006
More pics from Cali...
So I learned how to post pics on (recieving the Life Foundation Award)my blog...I'm like a kid in a candy
store now...
(alongside my precious wife Jodi)
(my good friend Daren Moody)
(standing outside the hotel getting ready to go to the evening banquet with Jodi)
More pics from Cali...
(me alongside my precious wife Jodi)
Okay, so I learned how
to post pics on my blog...I'm
like a kid in a candy store now...Beck
(with my precious wife Jodi in front of our hotel)
(recieving the Life Foundation Award at the dinner banquet)
(with my good friend Daren Moody both recieving the Life Foundation Award)
Okay, so I learned howto post pics on my blog...I'm
like a kid in a candy store now...Beck
(with my precious wife Jodi in front of our hotel)
(recieving the Life Foundation Award at the dinner banquet)
(with my good friend Daren Moody both recieving the Life Foundation Award)
California
A couple of pictures from our Executive Council Meeting in Anaheim, California.
Be sure and read the blog below entitled, "Get some rest."
Be sure and read the blog below entitled, "Get some rest."
Get some rest
"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said, to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31-31)
The apostles had just returned to report to Jesus everything they had done in their ministry! Lives saved! Miracles! Healings! Their time was consumed by the many people that needed their help that they didn't even have time to eat! Talk about busy! What Jesus was saying here was, "Guys, that is great!" "But don't forget, activity doesn't always mean productivity". You need not get the two greatest commandments confused, "First, love the Lord, then love your neighbor as yourself." Don't get too busy ministering to people you forget to minister to God! Don't lose your relationship with God by being so "busy."
Jodi and I are currently enjoying a very much needed vacation/business /anniversary trip in Anahiem, California awarded to us by the NYL, the company I represent. I can't remember the last time I slept so good during the night. I popped up early around 5:45-6:00 and "went away with the Lord by myself to get some rest." We are "resting in the Lord this week". Sometimes we need to refresh ourselves not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.
We kicked it by the pool today and tomorrow we go to Disney Land followed by Laguna Beach Thursday. I've been to some very great business meetings with thousands of other NYL agents literally all over the U.S. The company has really gone above and beyond to show thier appreciation to all the agents. It was for sure worth all the hard work. Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner banquet and have the opportunity to meet and have our picture taken with CEO Sy Sternberg.
Jodi and I will celebrate our "4th Year" Wedding Anniversary on the 28th this week. Man, took me four years to get this girl right...(Just messing). Jodi, thank you for four wonderful years! Each year has gotten better! Pastor and Angel, thank you for working with us through all of the "bumps" along the way! God used you mightily in our lives and still does til this day! We love you very much!
Been too busy this week? Even busy doing "spiritual" things? Go in your room, close the door and be with God! He is calling you! Can you hear him? Over the hectic schedule, can you hear him calling? Over the cares and worrys of the world, can you feel him drawing? Go rest in him! Get some rest spirit man!
Beck
P.S. Go Saints!
The apostles had just returned to report to Jesus everything they had done in their ministry! Lives saved! Miracles! Healings! Their time was consumed by the many people that needed their help that they didn't even have time to eat! Talk about busy! What Jesus was saying here was, "Guys, that is great!" "But don't forget, activity doesn't always mean productivity". You need not get the two greatest commandments confused, "First, love the Lord, then love your neighbor as yourself." Don't get too busy ministering to people you forget to minister to God! Don't lose your relationship with God by being so "busy."
Jodi and I are currently enjoying a very much needed vacation/business /anniversary trip in Anahiem, California awarded to us by the NYL, the company I represent. I can't remember the last time I slept so good during the night. I popped up early around 5:45-6:00 and "went away with the Lord by myself to get some rest." We are "resting in the Lord this week". Sometimes we need to refresh ourselves not only spiritually, but emotionally, physically, and mentally as well.
We kicked it by the pool today and tomorrow we go to Disney Land followed by Laguna Beach Thursday. I've been to some very great business meetings with thousands of other NYL agents literally all over the U.S. The company has really gone above and beyond to show thier appreciation to all the agents. It was for sure worth all the hard work. Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner banquet and have the opportunity to meet and have our picture taken with CEO Sy Sternberg.
Jodi and I will celebrate our "4th Year" Wedding Anniversary on the 28th this week. Man, took me four years to get this girl right...(Just messing). Jodi, thank you for four wonderful years! Each year has gotten better! Pastor and Angel, thank you for working with us through all of the "bumps" along the way! God used you mightily in our lives and still does til this day! We love you very much!
Been too busy this week? Even busy doing "spiritual" things? Go in your room, close the door and be with God! He is calling you! Can you hear him? Over the hectic schedule, can you hear him calling? Over the cares and worrys of the world, can you feel him drawing? Go rest in him! Get some rest spirit man!
Beck
P.S. Go Saints!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Who is the greatest?
Ali said he was but my chips are still on "Iron" Mike Tyson...
So how do you determine who is "great" in this world? Do you measure greatest by money, prestige, big homes, fast cars, big bank accounts, social status? "Beck, that's the worlds way!" Okay, let's spiritualize this abit. How do you measure greatness spiritually? The most annointed? The best put together sermon? The biggest buildings?
In Mark 9 Jesus questioned his disciples about a discussion they had while walking down the road. The disciples had kept quite because thier discussion had been about "who was the greatest among them". Can you think about how that discussion may have sounded? They were probably comparing each others "greatness" by who had prayed more, who knew the scriptures best, who had healed more diseases, cast out more devils, you get the picture!
But Jesus basically said, "Guys, you got it all wrong." "You got it backwards, you see yes all those things are great and important but if you really want to be great listen to this." "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." POW! That had to hit them square in the face!
We live in a society that says, "Me first!" We want to be first in line, first at bat, first in competitions, first, first, first! We think greatness is measured by having people under us, telling others what to do, but if that is our mentallity we have it backwards!
Can you think of the "great" Mother Teresa (yes, she was Catholic) who decided to be "last", gave up her life, and lived to serve others! Not much to show for on this earth huh? But I can imagine when she stepped into heaven the angels might have said, "Step aside boys, this lady is coming to the front of the line!" She was great on earth! She served!
Take some time today and read more on servanthood in John 13. Find somebody today and serve! We reach those we serve!
Beck
So how do you determine who is "great" in this world? Do you measure greatest by money, prestige, big homes, fast cars, big bank accounts, social status? "Beck, that's the worlds way!" Okay, let's spiritualize this abit. How do you measure greatness spiritually? The most annointed? The best put together sermon? The biggest buildings?
In Mark 9 Jesus questioned his disciples about a discussion they had while walking down the road. The disciples had kept quite because thier discussion had been about "who was the greatest among them". Can you think about how that discussion may have sounded? They were probably comparing each others "greatness" by who had prayed more, who knew the scriptures best, who had healed more diseases, cast out more devils, you get the picture!
But Jesus basically said, "Guys, you got it all wrong." "You got it backwards, you see yes all those things are great and important but if you really want to be great listen to this." "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." POW! That had to hit them square in the face!
We live in a society that says, "Me first!" We want to be first in line, first at bat, first in competitions, first, first, first! We think greatness is measured by having people under us, telling others what to do, but if that is our mentallity we have it backwards!
Can you think of the "great" Mother Teresa (yes, she was Catholic) who decided to be "last", gave up her life, and lived to serve others! Not much to show for on this earth huh? But I can imagine when she stepped into heaven the angels might have said, "Step aside boys, this lady is coming to the front of the line!" She was great on earth! She served!
Take some time today and read more on servanthood in John 13. Find somebody today and serve! We reach those we serve!
Beck
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A night out on the town...
We've almost made it through the week and boy am I enjoying this nice cooler weather! (My neck is starting to swell as hunting season approaches us.)
Well, the wife and I (and baby girl) are getting ready for a night out with Pastor Joel and his family. We are thinking about grubbing at the Waterfront Grill in Monroe. Sounds like a good choice to me. I always enjoy the fellowship of my Pastor and his family. Isn't it cool to be able to have a Pastor down-to-earth enough to kick back and hangout with?
Til the next post...God Bless!
Well, the wife and I (and baby girl) are getting ready for a night out with Pastor Joel and his family. We are thinking about grubbing at the Waterfront Grill in Monroe. Sounds like a good choice to me. I always enjoy the fellowship of my Pastor and his family. Isn't it cool to be able to have a Pastor down-to-earth enough to kick back and hangout with?
Til the next post...God Bless!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Your Level of Commitment
"...he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:8)
"Beck, one thing that concerns me about you is your stability." Those words of a particular pastor cut deep in my heart over six years ago but changed my life forever. His words were true, I was becoming unstable. But was it my fault? Events in my past had molded me to be this way. Jumping from one place to another, from one church to another, from one school to another, from one "belief" to another....unstable....double-minded in ALL I did. I decided whether my fault or not that I was going to do something about that! I wanted to be a stable person!
Show me a person who "church hops" or who "flakes" and I will show you a person whose WHOLE life is unstable,whose marriage is unstable,whose jobs are unstable,whose relationships have been and will be unstable.
But you show me a person who is totally committed to God and where God has planted him and I will show you a stable person, a stable marriage, stable relationships, etc.
Seem a bit harsh? Maybe not harsh enough! What does the word commitment mean to us? Does it mean staying in a marriage or in a job or in a church commited enough until someone or something makes us mad? Until the pastor does something we don't agree with? Until we don't get our way? Until the boss man "does us wrong"?
Let me say this, if one does not love people, have deep character, and a true level of commitment the ministry is not for him or her! Yes, regardless of the gifts or annointing one may possess!
Over three years ago when I first arrived at Life Church West Monroe I felt the Lord impress in my spirit, "I am going to teach you how to be faithful and committed." By remaining faithful to where God has planted me (Life Church) and by knowing my place (completely submitted to my Pastor) my life has become stable. Funny how when you get these traits in order the rest of your life gets in order. I refuse to live my life unstable any longer! I refuse not to get in me an unshakable level of commitment! You see that is what it takes! Commitment! Commited people! Commited churches!
"Beck, one thing that concerns me about you is your stability." Those words of a particular pastor cut deep in my heart over six years ago but changed my life forever. His words were true, I was becoming unstable. But was it my fault? Events in my past had molded me to be this way. Jumping from one place to another, from one church to another, from one school to another, from one "belief" to another....unstable....double-minded in ALL I did. I decided whether my fault or not that I was going to do something about that! I wanted to be a stable person!
Show me a person who "church hops" or who "flakes" and I will show you a person whose WHOLE life is unstable,whose marriage is unstable,whose jobs are unstable,whose relationships have been and will be unstable.
But you show me a person who is totally committed to God and where God has planted him and I will show you a stable person, a stable marriage, stable relationships, etc.
Seem a bit harsh? Maybe not harsh enough! What does the word commitment mean to us? Does it mean staying in a marriage or in a job or in a church commited enough until someone or something makes us mad? Until the pastor does something we don't agree with? Until we don't get our way? Until the boss man "does us wrong"?
Let me say this, if one does not love people, have deep character, and a true level of commitment the ministry is not for him or her! Yes, regardless of the gifts or annointing one may possess!
Over three years ago when I first arrived at Life Church West Monroe I felt the Lord impress in my spirit, "I am going to teach you how to be faithful and committed." By remaining faithful to where God has planted me (Life Church) and by knowing my place (completely submitted to my Pastor) my life has become stable. Funny how when you get these traits in order the rest of your life gets in order. I refuse to live my life unstable any longer! I refuse not to get in me an unshakable level of commitment! You see that is what it takes! Commitment! Commited people! Commited churches!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
FUSION II
FUSION-THE MERGING TOGETHER OF TWO DIFFERENT ELEMENTS TO FORM ONE UNION...
This past Wednesday night we "merged" together with the adults at Life Church West Monroe for our second "Fusion Service." We didn't allow the differences in our age and culture to divide us but united for the sole purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ! And worship him we did! The worship team did the BEST I've ever seen them do in leading us into the presence of God. (Guys, I'm proud of you!) The worship team overcame alot of obstacles satan threw thier way this week but as the word says, "we are more than conquerors." Anytime the enemy comes at you so hard look out, you just may have a move of God on the horizon!
We had a message from the word of God concerning Guarding our testimony on how we as Christians are "Not for Sale." We had a wonderful time of ministry at the end of service praying to God for people who came forward in faith for prayer!
Thank you Jesus for showing up and thank you everybody for all your hard work in putting this together! Thanks Pastor Joel for allowing us to come over and share the service with us!
God Bless...Beck
This past Wednesday night we "merged" together with the adults at Life Church West Monroe for our second "Fusion Service." We didn't allow the differences in our age and culture to divide us but united for the sole purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ! And worship him we did! The worship team did the BEST I've ever seen them do in leading us into the presence of God. (Guys, I'm proud of you!) The worship team overcame alot of obstacles satan threw thier way this week but as the word says, "we are more than conquerors." Anytime the enemy comes at you so hard look out, you just may have a move of God on the horizon!
We had a message from the word of God concerning Guarding our testimony on how we as Christians are "Not for Sale." We had a wonderful time of ministry at the end of service praying to God for people who came forward in faith for prayer!
Thank you Jesus for showing up and thank you everybody for all your hard work in putting this together! Thanks Pastor Joel for allowing us to come over and share the service with us!
God Bless...Beck
Monday, August 28, 2006
Happy B-Day Xtreme Life!
Well...I'm about eight days behind on this but on August 20th three years ago, Life Church (then River of Life) founded its 1st student ministry with two hopeful teens.
Three years later we are seeing God continue to grow the student ministry including growing the teen leadership. It has been a very exciting three years and I look forward to many more to come.
Thank you to ALL of our teen leaders who "make it happen" every Wednesday night and thank you Pastor Joel for humoring us three years ago and giving us a shot!
Happy "3".
Three years later we are seeing God continue to grow the student ministry including growing the teen leadership. It has been a very exciting three years and I look forward to many more to come.
Thank you to ALL of our teen leaders who "make it happen" every Wednesday night and thank you Pastor Joel for humoring us three years ago and giving us a shot!
Happy "3".
Friday, August 25, 2006
My First Time
Pastor Joel and myself had the opportunity to watch the Monday Night Football game in Shreveport, Louisiana between the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints in which was my "1st" NFL experience.
We dodged traffic, long lines, and heavy rain to watch the two NFL teams battle it out.
We had the opportunity to watch many great athletes play some of which weren't too far from home (Bradie James of West Monroe/LSU, Marcus Spears of LSU, and many others)
Sadly, the Saints didn't play very well as they lost to the Cowboys 30-7. But hey, we had a great time visiting! Thanks Bro.Joel for allowing me to "tag along."
To see game pics go to www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click "pastors blog".
We dodged traffic, long lines, and heavy rain to watch the two NFL teams battle it out.
We had the opportunity to watch many great athletes play some of which weren't too far from home (Bradie James of West Monroe/LSU, Marcus Spears of LSU, and many others)
Sadly, the Saints didn't play very well as they lost to the Cowboys 30-7. But hey, we had a great time visiting! Thanks Bro.Joel for allowing me to "tag along."
To see game pics go to www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click "pastors blog".
Monday, August 14, 2006
Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart
We had a great service yesterday at Life Church West Monroe. After a wonderful time of worship, we got into the word ministering on "Voices in the Head, Issues in the Heart." (Mark Murphy and Rob Tucker did a fantastic job with the bumper video.) I would like to thank Pastor for giving me the opportunity to minister God's word while he was out on a much deserved vacation in Gulf Shores. Thank you Pastor Joel!
The Bible says in I. Peter 1:13 to "Therefore, prepare your minds for action." The mind is indeed a great battlefield and many of times the battles are lost and won here. There are many people that are held captive in the mind by Satan who has a "mental stronghold" on them. Satan has no right unless we agree with him to have any territory in our minds.
Without getting further into all of this you can hear the message online by clicking on the following link: http://www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com/voices2.html
If the link doesn't work you can go to lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click on "online sermons".
Have a blessed week!
The Bible says in I. Peter 1:13 to "Therefore, prepare your minds for action." The mind is indeed a great battlefield and many of times the battles are lost and won here. There are many people that are held captive in the mind by Satan who has a "mental stronghold" on them. Satan has no right unless we agree with him to have any territory in our minds.
Without getting further into all of this you can hear the message online by clicking on the following link: http://www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com/voices2.html
If the link doesn't work you can go to lifechurchwestmonroe.com and click on "online sermons".
Have a blessed week!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Exciting weekend at Life Church
Talk about some exciting times going on at Life Church West Monroe!
This past Saturday we took our core leadership from our Student Ministry to "The Gathering" at Hodge, Louisiana this weekend. It is a youth event that brings unity to the different churches and teens in the area to worship God. We preached "The end of myself" to the teenagers who responded to God's drawing after the message. We have a great group of teenagers here at Life Church and I am so thankful to have them as leaders!
Bro.Joel wrapped up a two week series on marriage this Sunday to a packed house! We had to pull out some "emergency chairs" due to the overflow of people. You know Satan would love nothing more than to destroy and divide the home! It was good to get a two week message on how to strengthen your marriage! Thanks Bro.Joel!
I want to encourage you to get connected and stay connected at Life Church!
Beck
This past Saturday we took our core leadership from our Student Ministry to "The Gathering" at Hodge, Louisiana this weekend. It is a youth event that brings unity to the different churches and teens in the area to worship God. We preached "The end of myself" to the teenagers who responded to God's drawing after the message. We have a great group of teenagers here at Life Church and I am so thankful to have them as leaders!
Bro.Joel wrapped up a two week series on marriage this Sunday to a packed house! We had to pull out some "emergency chairs" due to the overflow of people. You know Satan would love nothing more than to destroy and divide the home! It was good to get a two week message on how to strengthen your marriage! Thanks Bro.Joel!
I want to encourage you to get connected and stay connected at Life Church!
Beck
Thursday, August 03, 2006
"Set my heart on fire Lord"
Here lately everyone has been talking about how hot and humid it is (as we do every year in Louisiana.) Well last night during our youth meeting we posed the question, "How "hot" is your relationship with God?
The Bible says in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Nice verse huh?
John the Baptist was a man that was consumed with the fire of God and the passion of Jesus. Jesus even said, "there is none greater than John the Baptist." His relationship to God was everything; his life, his desire, his world! He was completely surrendered to the will of God and totally dead to the world.
Sadly, many have grown "cold" in their walk with God and the things of God. When at one time, the thought of worship and prayer use to ignite something in thier hearts. The thought of coming together as a church to honor the Lord use to burn like a fire within thier heart but now...the heart has become cold, numb to the things of God.
I. Thes. 5:19 says, "Do not put out the spirit's fire." When ministering to the youth last night they were challenged that whatever they do, don't allow the fire to go out in thier hearts! Keep the "fire killers" out of your life!
Fire puts out light right? I believe that people who spend time with Jesus should have such a passion about thier relationship that others around them would take notice. "Let your light shine before men..." John Wesley said, "Get on fire and people will come just to watch you burn."
In Luke 24:32 after the disciples had spent time with Jesus they said, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?"
Want something to get fired up about? Why not our relationship with God?
Let's develop a passionate walk with God by allowing God to set our hearts on fire for him!
The Bible says in Revelation 3:15-16, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Nice verse huh?
John the Baptist was a man that was consumed with the fire of God and the passion of Jesus. Jesus even said, "there is none greater than John the Baptist." His relationship to God was everything; his life, his desire, his world! He was completely surrendered to the will of God and totally dead to the world.
Sadly, many have grown "cold" in their walk with God and the things of God. When at one time, the thought of worship and prayer use to ignite something in thier hearts. The thought of coming together as a church to honor the Lord use to burn like a fire within thier heart but now...the heart has become cold, numb to the things of God.
I. Thes. 5:19 says, "Do not put out the spirit's fire." When ministering to the youth last night they were challenged that whatever they do, don't allow the fire to go out in thier hearts! Keep the "fire killers" out of your life!
Fire puts out light right? I believe that people who spend time with Jesus should have such a passion about thier relationship that others around them would take notice. "Let your light shine before men..." John Wesley said, "Get on fire and people will come just to watch you burn."
In Luke 24:32 after the disciples had spent time with Jesus they said, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?"
Want something to get fired up about? Why not our relationship with God?
Let's develop a passionate walk with God by allowing God to set our hearts on fire for him!
Friday, July 21, 2006
Supporting your Pastor
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that thier work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)
Since coming to Life Church to serve over three years ago my respect for pastors has gone up tremendously. So many people think that being a Pastor would be the ideal job. I mean all they do is get to pray and preach right? Hmm...think again! There are so many things that pastors have to do "behind the scenes" that people never see. They are far too numerous to name so I won't even go there.
Point is, I often think, "Am I a joy or a burden to my pastor? Maybe we all need to ask ourselves that question. So many times, we only bring the negative to our pastors attention instead of all the positive we see going on.
I want to challenge you this weekend. Get behind our pastor! Support him! Pray for him! Be good to him and not only him, but his family. He watches over us like a good leader!
Thank you Pastor Joel for everything you do for Life Church WM and our community. Angel, Bekah, and Hannah, thank you for giving your lives for the gospel!
We love you!
Since coming to Life Church to serve over three years ago my respect for pastors has gone up tremendously. So many people think that being a Pastor would be the ideal job. I mean all they do is get to pray and preach right? Hmm...think again! There are so many things that pastors have to do "behind the scenes" that people never see. They are far too numerous to name so I won't even go there.
Point is, I often think, "Am I a joy or a burden to my pastor? Maybe we all need to ask ourselves that question. So many times, we only bring the negative to our pastors attention instead of all the positive we see going on.
I want to challenge you this weekend. Get behind our pastor! Support him! Pray for him! Be good to him and not only him, but his family. He watches over us like a good leader!
Thank you Pastor Joel for everything you do for Life Church WM and our community. Angel, Bekah, and Hannah, thank you for giving your lives for the gospel!
We love you!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Xtreme Life Wednesday Night...
Welp, if you missed this past Wednesday nights youth service you missed a good one! The youth band was passionate as ever as they led us into God's presence in worship.
We wrapped up our three week series with the last message entitled, "Speak no evil...". We talked about the power of the tongue and how there is life and death in the words we speak. We had several teens respond in obedience to God's word during our ministry time. God's spirit really moved! As his spirit touches us let us then go out and touch others that need to be touched!
Be blessed!
Beck
We wrapped up our three week series with the last message entitled, "Speak no evil...". We talked about the power of the tongue and how there is life and death in the words we speak. We had several teens respond in obedience to God's word during our ministry time. God's spirit really moved! As his spirit touches us let us then go out and touch others that need to be touched!
Be blessed!
Beck
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
I repent!
Well, I need to confess something. I did something to our Pastor here at Life Church West Monroe that I feel very bad about. I mean, how could I have done this? After all Pastor Joel has done. He's been there for me, counseled me, given me opportunities to serve, and I go off and do this?!
Well, here is what happened. I beat our Pastor twice last night in NCAA Football on the Play Station...Yes...on his own turf.
Well, here is what happened. I beat our Pastor twice last night in NCAA Football on the Play Station...Yes...on his own turf.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
The Greatness of knowing Christ
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (Philippians 3:7-8)
Paul was a man whose life was radically changed by the power of Christ. Before Christ, Paul was known as Pastor Joel put it, "a present day Bin-Laden". He was a very "religious" man who was faultless as far as the law was concerned. If there was an award given for being "religious" Paul would have won it. But knowing God is not about being "religious" it's about having an intimate relationship! It's not about what you look like on the outside, it's about having Christ living on the inside of you!
Paul said that nothing compares to knowing Christ! As a matter of fact, he considered everything else a loss compared to knowing Christ! Sadly, many people have forsaken knowing Christ instead to run after other things. Relationships, money, social status, are just a few things that people allow to compare to knowing Christ and compete with a relationship with him.
Paul said "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11)
How badly do you want to know Christ? What competes with Christ in your life? What competes to take the place of the relationship with him? Is it worth it? Remember, nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus!
Paul was a man whose life was radically changed by the power of Christ. Before Christ, Paul was known as Pastor Joel put it, "a present day Bin-Laden". He was a very "religious" man who was faultless as far as the law was concerned. If there was an award given for being "religious" Paul would have won it. But knowing God is not about being "religious" it's about having an intimate relationship! It's not about what you look like on the outside, it's about having Christ living on the inside of you!
Paul said that nothing compares to knowing Christ! As a matter of fact, he considered everything else a loss compared to knowing Christ! Sadly, many people have forsaken knowing Christ instead to run after other things. Relationships, money, social status, are just a few things that people allow to compare to knowing Christ and compete with a relationship with him.
Paul said "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11)
How badly do you want to know Christ? What competes with Christ in your life? What competes to take the place of the relationship with him? Is it worth it? Remember, nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Got Paint?
We just wrapped up a morning of fun-filled paint-slingin, sweat pourin paintball fun! Wait a minute here!!! Christians can't do that! We dont' need to be teaching teenagers to have fun now do we? Where in the world is the church headed!!!??? Oh my gosh! Please!!! Jesus is the King of Joy! We preach Jesus to these teens week in and week out! It's okay to have alittle fun along with it huh? Feed em nanchos, chips, and fill the room with PSII's who cares! The point is, once they are there they are going to get a straight forward message from the word of God! If they get it with cheese runnin down thier face, who cares! Didn't it say in Corinthians to, "find a common ground?".
I spent my high school years having fun alright! Right along with the devil! I thought Christians were nerd's and didn't know how to have fun. Well, we are seeing these teenangers get right with Jesus and why should't Christians have the most fun? I mean, we do know the true meaning of life!
Anyways, I had a blast guys! (little sore from getting shot) I love all of you and you are the best teens ever! I'm proud of you!
I spent my high school years having fun alright! Right along with the devil! I thought Christians were nerd's and didn't know how to have fun. Well, we are seeing these teenangers get right with Jesus and why should't Christians have the most fun? I mean, we do know the true meaning of life!
Anyways, I had a blast guys! (little sore from getting shot) I love all of you and you are the best teens ever! I'm proud of you!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
"See no evil..."
"The eye is the lamp of the body..." (Luke 11:33)
Tonight, we started a three week series entitled, "See no evil...hear no evil...speak no evil". The series will be about guarding your eyes, ears, and mouth. We talked about guarding our eyes from the lust driven society that we live in today. These teenagers are bombarded with lust-filled MTV videos, reality shows, pornography, and the list goes on!
Satan has been trying to get to us through the "eyes" since the beginning. "When the woman saw the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes she took some and ate it." Genesis 3:6
King David was tempted "through the eyes" in II. Sam. 11 when he lusted after Bathesheba. Just "looking" won't hurt will it? Just "looking" led to adultery, murder, and the death of his son! Sin has consequences!
So how do we guard our eyes or "see no evil" in such a day as this? The Bible says in Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye causes you to sin gouge it out." No not literally, but what it means is this; If you have problems on the computer don't get on it! Throw it away! Shot it! But gouge it out! If you can't help but look at that lady that works in the store, don't go in it! Turn your head! Gouge it out!
Job said "I made a covenant with my eyes..." We challenged the teens tonight to make a covenant with their eyes! A binding agreement not to "see no evil."
Tonight, we started a three week series entitled, "See no evil...hear no evil...speak no evil". The series will be about guarding your eyes, ears, and mouth. We talked about guarding our eyes from the lust driven society that we live in today. These teenagers are bombarded with lust-filled MTV videos, reality shows, pornography, and the list goes on!
Satan has been trying to get to us through the "eyes" since the beginning. "When the woman saw the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes she took some and ate it." Genesis 3:6
King David was tempted "through the eyes" in II. Sam. 11 when he lusted after Bathesheba. Just "looking" won't hurt will it? Just "looking" led to adultery, murder, and the death of his son! Sin has consequences!
So how do we guard our eyes or "see no evil" in such a day as this? The Bible says in Matthew 5:29 "If your right eye causes you to sin gouge it out." No not literally, but what it means is this; If you have problems on the computer don't get on it! Throw it away! Shot it! But gouge it out! If you can't help but look at that lady that works in the store, don't go in it! Turn your head! Gouge it out!
Job said "I made a covenant with my eyes..." We challenged the teens tonight to make a covenant with their eyes! A binding agreement not to "see no evil."
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