Age of opportunity

I am both intimidated and intrigued by fb, twitter, blogging, podcasting, streaming, you tube and other internet communication tools . We are living in such a pivotal time. There are more people alive than ever before. And more people endanger of entering eternity with out Jesus. I think paul's admonitions to use every tool or to "become all things to all men" in order to win some to Christ would apply to these modern day tools to employ for the Kingdom's sake. Debbie keeps provoking me to use these tools to my advantage. In other words she makes me mad in order to motivate me to realize the value of tweets and posts, and update status's. Which leads me to a good question: Are you, or should I say, am I doing everything I can to reach one more person for Christ. There is an 0ld saying, " Only one life will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last!"

Tennis Anyone?

A long-time friend of mine asked me if I knew that they played tennis in the Bible. I replied, "no?" He explained how Moses served in Pharoah's court. I played tennis today and I realized something, Tennis, like Christianity as all about the serve. If you serve well, you have a good chance to win the match. In life, in church, at work or home... if you serve well, you have a good chance for a positive outcome. My question today is, "how is your serve?" If it is non-existant you aren't even playing the game.

sabbatical or just plain lazy

I want to make this post sound real spiritual, as if I have been on such a quest for God and so incredibly busy serving him that I have had to take a "sabbatical" from blogging. The reality is that I keep busy but not so busy as to "need" a break from this task. My issue is motivation. This is work. It taxes my thinking. It stretches me. It brings up my insecurities of questioning what I have to contribute anyway. Today, I have to admit the culprit keeping me from this task is one thing and one thing only...sloth. The sin of sloth. Guilty, I confess it and repent of it. Now maybe I can get on with doing things that may make a difference. What if one post touches or helps one other person in a significant way. Would that be worth 1000's of post that seem to not matter. I think it would. So for the sake of the " one " whoever and wherever you might be. I am back! Back to writing blogs. And now I am reminded of a very important leadership principal. The first and most important person you must learn to lead is yourself. How are you doing?

Week end Highlights

1. It was great to have my entire family at church on Sunday. When your children are 19 and almost 23 and in college, those times are less frequent but more meaningful.

2. Debbie was looking great, I love my wife. She is Beautiful and a great mother to the two most wonderful kids in the world.

3. Josh Pender did a great job paying tribute to grandmothers.

4. I love water baptisms. I hope this year we baptize more than ever before.

5. Our entire church family is excited about sending Gloria Hull to Morocco for her missions internship. I can't wait to hear about all that God does in and through her. She is an amazing servant of the Lord.

6. We took Debbie to Abuelos for lunch. I love chips and salsa.

7. So proud of Bethany and how she is navigating through the bariatric journey.

8. We tried out a new pizza place called Marcos. It was similar to Papa Johns in my opinion.

9. The altar service was awesome as families stood praying for each other. I believe God was smiling on us.

10. Cosmic Kids lead by Jon Stocks was awesome. His magic trick and analogy was really good. You should have been there.

Parenting Adult Children

This past Easter both our daughters, Bethany and Sarah were home for several days. Leading up to their arrival Deb and I were both filled with anticipation, planning out how to make the most of our time. It is a build up and then it passes quickly and they are gone back to college and graduate school to continue following Christ. I have many questions as I observe, talk and listen to what is going on in their world. Where will they end up? What avenues of service will God call them into? Who will they marry? And of course the most important, When will they give us grandchildren? Parenting adult children challenges your faith to keep active in prayer for those things hoped for and believe for the things yet to come. I am learning the value of trusting God not only for myself but also for my adult children. James reminds us that the effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man avails much. May we never stop praying with and for our children, no matter how old they are.

Be Careful

The book of Deuteronomy is filled with admonishments to be careful to listen and obey the commands of God. The blessings will over take those who are obedient. However, carelessness can bring about destruction and calamity. I need to take this to heart because my nature or natural tendency is to be satisfied with effort even if it is not my best effort. I speed through things to get them done, not necessarily to look back and insure that things were done well. That is why Colossians 3:23 is a verse of conviction to my soul every time I read it, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." What a great reminder that our labor, effort, work in and for the Lord counts. Be careful to obey and to do so with all your heart!

Running To Win!

I had a friend quiz my about a status update on my facebook. I had said how excited I was to begin my training. He asked me what I was training for? Good question. My response, " I am training myself for Godliness" I want to be more like Jesus! No one besides the Lord knows better than I do the areas that I am underdeveloped in. I have an earnest desire that must be matched by earnest action. I am committed to holding myself to a higher standard because Jesus deserves the best I can give. I can give more, read more, be more visionary and have greater impact. But I can't do any of it without applying the Matthew 6:33 principal. Make sure I am keeping Him the priority. He is number one. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added to you. I only have one life to give and this is it. This is not pre-game warm up, the game is on. I have renewed my commitment to run to win the prize. I expect that God will then do what He always does. He always exceeds what I am capable of asking or imagining. God Help me to dream big dreams that will make you proud.

Take aways from Numbers

I completed the reading of Numbers today. Some take aways from this book are:
1. It is important to keep track of the people you are responsible for. Moses was leading 603,550 people who were 21 years old and able to serve in Israel's army. Assuming an equal number of women and children and you have potentially 2 to 2 and a half million people.
2. They delegated responsibility of the tabernacle to many people.
3. Annual feasts and festivals were a part of their culture, worship and community.
4. I remember Joshua and Caleb's names but not the other 10 spies who lacked faith in God's ability to bring Israel into the promised land. Who would you rather be like?
5. Restitution: It was practiced by the Israelite community as a commandment from the Lord. I don't see this fleshed out very often by Christ's followers today. I think we want to just be forgiven and go on without much concern regarding the wrongs we have done.
6. I love the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:22-26. The Lord Bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
7. Keeping a journal has it's place. Moses recorded their journey at the Lord's command. I have never viewed keeping a journal as that important. Maybe I should give that some more thought. ( can my blog count?)
8. Cities of refuge. A safe place to go when you messed up. God is my refuge!
9. Laying on of hands was used to commission Joshua as the leader to take Moses' place.
10. God had an inheritance for Israel and He has one for all who follow Him.

Child-Like Faith

I just walked out of our ALC pre-school chapel. What an experience watching children be uninhibited in singing and praising God. No wonder Jesus said, unless we repent and become as a child we will not see the kingdom of God. I need a good healthy dose of child-like faith. To hear the word, believe it and respond to who God is in my life. I John says, Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God. God is telling us to "look" for our own benefit and enjoy all the blessings that He delights in bestowing upon us just because we are His. I love being a child of the Father.

Birthday Wishes

Today is my wife, Debbie's birthday. I am so thankful to the Lord for the incredible gift she is in my life. She is the woman I most admire here is why:
1. First and foremost she loves the Lord Jesus Christ. He is #1 in her life.
2. She is very intelligent and competent on so many levels.
3. She is a great mom and role model to our two daughters, Bethany and Sarah.
4. I am proof that she is a great cook. I weighed in at 165 and had a 32 inch waist when we were married. Now....well add 57 lbs and 6 inches to the old waist line and that is the new me.
5. She is faithful. Faithful to the Lord, to me, her friends, family, face book, and work.
6. She is a great help in ministry. A good teacher and leader. Thanks for all the lives you touch. You are a blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others. I hope you have a blessed birthday!

Lessons from Leviticus

I just finished reading the book of Leviticus. Here are some take aways:
1. The Old Testament priests were like present day slaughter house operators. They were constantly required to facilitate the sacrificial offerings that were brought to the tent of meeting.
2. The fire on the altar had to be tended and kept from going out.
3. You did not approach God empty handed.
4. Aarons' sons tried to manufacture their own fire as a substitute for the fire of God. A very poor decision that cost them dearly. God took them out. You just don't mess around with the sacred things.
5. There is a distinction between the consequences of intentional and unintentional sins.
6. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
7. God keeps his covenant.
8. Sabbath rest was meant to be practiced.
9. There are special times and seasons when the whole nation assembled as a sacred assembly before God.
10. Jubilee! Everything is returned to it's owner. God had a system in place to remind the entire nation that everything belonged ultimately to God.
I cannot imagine trying to live under the Old Covenant. I am grateful that every thing we have is wrapped up in Jesus. He is the new and living way!

Transfer of Power

Transfer of Power has officially taken place today at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. The ballot not bullets brought this to pass. It is at this moment that our democratic system shines brightest. I am proud to be an American citizen and hope for the best for our nation and it's future. I pray that our new president will rule with grace and humility. That he will seek the Lord for wisdom to lead our government during this very challenging time.
I would like to draw a parallel to every follower of Christ of how God has bestowed upon us a transfer of power. He has anointed us and given us power to live and do and be what He has called us to live and do and be. He is counting on all of us to seek the Lord and carry out His mission during our lifetime. If America is ever to return to greatness as God measures greatness, it will be because of our willingness to live our lives in service to others by the help and power of the Spirit of the living God.

Week end update

What i enjoyed most about last week:
1. Thinking I am going the wrong way in Mishawaka trying to find Bethel College, turning around and then driving around for an hour only to end up that the college was two blocks from where I turned around the first time. Thought it was a beautiful campus once we found it.

2. Funeral service on Saturday. Realize we must make the most of every day.

3. NFL Playoffs.

4. Saturday night prayer.

5. Sarah and Cain made dinner. Chicken alfredo was great!

6. Sunday worship service. Praying with people, sensing the presence of God. I love the ministry.

7. Jumbalaya- my wife is a great cook.

8. New Choir members.

encouragement

Years ago I listened to a message by Florence Littauer entitled Silver boxes. It was about the power of our words. It was taken from the text in Ephesians 4:29-32 expressing that no corrupt communication should come out of our mouths. She told the story of sharing that thought with children and asking what it means. A child spoke up and said that our words should be like gifts, like silver boxes with blue bows on it. You never know when a word of encouragement just might be the perfect gift to give someone. God has given us plenty of words of encouragement(as well as warning, correction, instruction etc.) in the Bible. Jesus is the living word! What a gift! This was brought to my mind by the encouraging comments I got today by Chris Smith on my blog today. Thanks bro... your words were a silver box to me today. Chris is the Youth Pastor at the Peoples Church in Oklahoma City, OK. http://www.peopleschurch.tv ( check out Chris's blog @ chrismith.blogspot.com and Pastor Cooper @ http://www.herbertcooper.com/

Random Photo and thought

I decided to venture into the blogger utilities to begin learning how to use more features. I chose this picture of our daughter Sarah and her boyfriend, Cain Bowen as my first uploaded picture. Cain is a student at HSE in Fishers, IN while Sarah is at NCU in Minneapolis. Can anyone say, "long-distance relationship" I have to give them credit they are managing well. Both growing in their love of the Lord Jesus and I think each other also. A bit scary for Debbie and I. We are still trying to figure out when our baby grew up??

God's Masterpiece

I finished reading Genesis and Matthew. Four days, two books of the Bible read. The word of God is powerful, challenging and faith building. I really do believe God made everything including me. I am made in his image with creative power. I don't always feel very creative, but when I think about the Lord who created everything including me, I feel my faith level rise and that there is hope for me. God made me with a computer processor(brain that I think sometimes runs too slow)a stereo sound system(that doesn't work quite as well as it used too) a camera(eyes) in which images of His creative beauty are downloaded onto the hard drive of my stored memory. A pump that keeps blood flowing through my body by beating over 36 million times in a year and has done so for 51 plus years. "In the beginning God created...
and it was very good." Have you thanked Him for that lately? Everyone of us are a unique masterpiece of His.