VIDEO-"Don't Leave Jesus Out Of The Picture'

RFBC CHRISTMAS CHOIR- "JOY TO THE WORLD"

RFBC CHRISTMAS CHOIR- "REJOICE"

A REALLY GREAT PRAYER

9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalms 51:9-12 (ESV)
 
How many times have we tried to pray about something but felt God wasn't letting us past the fact that we had some unconfessed sin in our hearts?  You may be saying something like, "But God, that's not why I am praying."  God's Word is very clear that until we get things right with Him, our prayer lives are hindered.  18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalms 66:18 (ESV)
 
So how do we get things right with God?
1. ASK GOD TO FORGIVE ALL OF YOUR SINS AND NAME THEM SPECIFICALLY. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  When my boys were school, I would not have wanted one of them to come into the house and say 'Dad, I got into trouble today at school... see you after while!".  I would have stopped them and asked 'EXACTLY what did you do?".  God already knows what we have done but He wants us to confess it to Him and not try to cover it up with the old "God, please forgive me of all of sins (whatever they are)".

2. ASK GOD TO GIVE YOU A FRESH START BY REPLACING THE DESIRES THAT GOT YOU INTO TROUBLE.  10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  If we try to change our habits without changing the desire to do such things, we will always struggle and be upset with ourselves.  A clean heart and a right spirit is the only way to see a real change take place that will last.

3. ASK GOD TO HELP YOU STAY CLOSE TO HIM.  11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.  The Bible says that the Holy Spirit does so many things and yet so many of us don't realize how much we need His presence in our lives.  The Holy Spirit is responsible for convicting us and drawing us to Jesus, He helps us understand God's Word, He comforts and guides us, and so much more.  I can't make it without Him in my life, can you?

4. ASK GOD TO GIVE YOU REAL JOY AND STRENGTH TO HELP YOU OVERCOME YOUR PRESENT SITUATIONS.  12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.  People of all cultures are still trying to find joy in the things that the world offers but they will always come up empty.  You will never find true joy apart from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.  11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 (ESV)
I hope and pray that you start this New Year with a clean slate, a focused mind, and a committed heart for God this coming year.  God bless you!




  

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.
26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.
27 Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil. Prov 4:25-27 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)

It's that time again... another year is almost over.  [I am not ignoring the fact that one of the greatest holidays is about happen... Christmas is just 9 days away.  'If there wasn't any Christmas, there would be no Easter.'] Another year to look back and ask all of those questions like 'How did I do at ____________?', 'Was this a good year or not?', etc.  But after reading today's Bible verses, I am really dealing with this question "What direction is my last 12 months pointing to? As a Christian? As a pastor?  As a husband? As a father?  As an influence on those around me each week?"

I think this is an important question for all of us to ask ourselves, not only at the end of the year, but every day.  If the Lord allows me to still be here this time next year, will I see progress and improvement in my life?  Will I just go through the motions and rituals of life?  Will I see my life going the wrong direction as far as priorities, character, and love are concerned?  What about five years down the road?  Ten?

Look at these verses again...
25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.
26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.
27 Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil. Prov 4:25-27 (AMP)

Powerful!  Let me quickly walk you through these verses and see how you can apply God's wisdom to your life as well.
1. STAY FOCUSED.  25 Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. I heard a saying years ago that said "Keep the main thing the main thing." and that is so true.  We need to stay focused on what really matters and not sweat the small stuff as much as we do.  My wife is constantly and lovingly telling me that I let stuff bother me way too easily. [Lord, please help me with that.]

2. STAY ON THE RIGHT TRACK. 26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.  In addition to staying focused on what really matters, understand where you are supposed to be going and take the necessary steps to get you there.  You can't get there if you don't know where 'there' is.  Got it? [Lord, please help me with that one too.]

3. STAY CLOSE TO JESUS. 27 Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.  You will tempted at times to step off the path to the right or to the left, but don't do it.  You will never have true joy, true peace, true strength, or true satifaction unless you stay close to Jesus.  The world can't give it to you, sex can't give it to you, alcohol can't give it to you, drugs can't give it to you, money can't give it you, possessions can't give it to you, (do I need to go any farther?)... only Jesus can give you all that.  He said in John 10:10 that He came so that you and I could have an abundant life.  A real life. [Lord, I need this one just as much as the first two.]

Pray with me, please... Heavenly Father, please forgive us for all of the bad decisions we have made this past year.  Please forgive us for all of the wrong actions that we have done and give us a fresh slate today as we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.  May this not be a passing thought, but a true way of life for each one of us.  In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

VIDEO- "Ever Felt Like A Shepherd?" 12.12.10

VIDEO- 'Mary's Reality Check'

What does the angel's announcement to Mary have to do with the stressful situations that you and I go through? Watch these videos and find out...

VIDEO- 'IF YOU KNOW'

Some folks are excited about Christmas, but some are struggling because Christmas time is coming.  This message is the first sermon of a series entitled 'PUTTING MERRY BACK INTO CHRISTMAS'.  It is our prayer that this message and this series will help encourage you and help you have the Merry Christmas that you desire...

VIDEO- 'COME INTO HIS PRESENCE' (11.21.10)

As we approach this Thanksgiving, let today's message help COME INTO HIS PRESENCE.

VIDEO- 'ALTHOUGH THEY KNEW GOD'

VIDEO- 'THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE'

VIDEO- 'HAVE YOU BEEN BURIED?'

VIDEO- 'I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL'

VIDEO- 'SEEING WHAT YOU DON'T SEE'

VIDEO- 'THE UGLY SIDE OF EASTER'

We all know about the pretty side of Easter... the pretty crosses that people wear, the Easter Lillies, new dresses for Easter Sunday, and of course, the most important part... the RESURRECTION.  But is the 'Ugly Side Of Easter'? The first 90 seconds of the video is a repeat by accident but then it finishes the message...

VIDEO- 'WHERE'S THE KINGDOM PART TWO'

VIDEO- 'WHERE'S THE KINGDOM' PART 1

Why does the Bible sometimes say 'kingdom of Heaven' and sometimes 'kingdom of God'? Find out today in part one of 'WHERE'S THE KINGDOM?'

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR LIPS?

I read a story about a school that was having a lipstick problem. Yes, you heard me right... a lipstick problem! The story has it that the girls of the school were putting on their lipstick in the bathroom which was fine except they would kiss the mirror before leaving the bathroom. The janitor quickly got tired cleaning the ‘kissing lips’ off each day and told the principal about the problem. The principal led as many girls in the bathroom as possible and showed them the messy mirrors. The principal explained how much time was being wasted cleaning lipstick off the mirrors each day and asked the janitor to demonstrate how long it took to clean one of the mirrors. The janitor picks up a long-handled squeegee, dips in the toilet a few times, and uses that squeegee to clean the mirror. Since then they have not had that problem anymore!

Christians may not have lipstick problems, but often we find that we do have problems with our lips! Instead of having words of praise to our God coming from our lips, we speak words of fear and doubt and unbelief.

Don’t Worry

MT 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What would cause us to have problems with our lips?

L- Lack of faith (or wrong focus)
MT 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,... 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'
‘Worry communicates lack of trust in God, complicates our ability to enjoy each day, and compromises our planning for tomorrow. Worry is not supposed to be a characteristic of those who are citizens of the kingdom of God.’ - David Jeremiah from ‘Sermon on the Mount: Tough Questions Answered By Jesus’

I- Insecurities
26 Look at the birds of the air;...28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.
27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
If worrying could add time to your life, how much longer would your life be?

P- Problem-focused
30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ...
32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

S- Self-centeredness
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
His kingdom and his righteousness is sometimes paraphrased as God’s way of doing things. What is God’s way of doing things? GE 8:22 "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."
We can’t worry and seek his kingdom and his righteousness at the same time. When we worry, we are disobeying at least two commands: 1) the command not to worry and 2) the command to seek his kingdom
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Conclusion:
Are you living by faith or fear and doubt?
Do you realize how much God loves you?
Do you focus the problem or the Problem Solver?

'COME INTO HIS PRESENCE'

A Psalm for giving thanks. 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalms 100:1-2 (ESV)

Come into his presence- When you are about to pray, what are you thinking about?

Do you rush into the prayer and rush out of it?
Do you allow time for the dust to settle around you before you start?
Do you actually talk to God or just repeat the same things over and over?
Do you talk to God as if He was your equal? Your servant?
Do you acknowledge God for who He is or just start telling him what you want Him to do?
Do you make sure that everything is okay between you and God first by confessing your sins specifically and truly turning away from the desire to do those same sins again?
Do you make sure to thank God for being so good to you or do you take Him for granted?


In the book, 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan, the idea of praying and 'coming before God's throne' are dealt with in an incredible way. Francis uses two passages of scripture that I want to use daily and I suggest you use daily as well. Read these two sections of scripture and imagine that you can see what Isaiah and John saw... then pray to God.


1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.
7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:1-7 (ESV)


1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.
3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.
4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,
6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:
7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.
8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Rev 4:1-11 (ESV)

HAVE YOU MADE THINGS RIGHT WITH GOD LATELY?

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)

The message that Peter preached in Acts 2 was packed with great importance...
1.  We are living in the last days, which started when Jesus came to earth as a man and will end when He comes back to earth on the clouds.

2.  Many people proved that Jesus was the Son of God...

• David's prophecy foretold about Jesus experiencing God's presence continually and being raised from dead after being crucified.
• Peter's testimony showed that even after failing so many times, Jesus continued to accept him and work through him.
• Everyone who was gathered in Acts 1 that saw the ascension to heaven.

3.  Everyone has a decision to make... will you choose Jesus or reject Him?

What must we do?
1. YOU HAVE TO RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. [FAILURE TO PLEASE GOD] Any time we break one of the ten commandments, we have sinned and sin causes separation from God.  But it doesn't have to stay that way...

2. YOU HAVE TO REPENT FROM WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. [FLIP THE OTHER DIRECTION]  We can confess our sins to God and repent of them, which means to run towards God instead of running towards sin... it means that we see sin the same way that God sees it... as the reason that Jesus died upon the cross.

3. YOU HAVE TO REMOVE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. [FORGIVENESS FROM GOD REMOVES THE SIN]  You can't remove sin by your power, but you can remove it by coming to God with the right attitude and asking Him to forgive you.

4. YOU HAVE TO REPLACE WHO HAS BEEN IN CONTROL. [FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT] Then when you get a clean slate, you need to change who's in control of your life because if it's still you, you will keep getting into trouble.  So let the Holy Spirit lead you and you will find joy unspeakable and life more fulfilling as God works in you, around you, and through you.

PROOF THAT PRAYER MATTERS

This past Sunday, we heard three praise reports that prove the power of prayer...
CHRIS MIRACLE, who was in a serious car wreck on May 21, has made tremendous progress in his therapy.  He is able to communicate with everyone, laughs when he gets entertained, and so much more.
MELISSA BRADEN, who had several treatmetns and surgeries because of cancer, now has a clean slate to enjoy with her husband, Steve, and their family.
SKIPPY VITTITOW, who was hospitalized recently for heart problems, now has been told that the damage is gone.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eph 3:20-21 (ESV)

TIME SURE DOES FLY, DOESN'T IT?

It doesn't seem possible that our baby boy is graduating tomorrow night.  What happened to that little boy who only weighed 2 lb. 3 oz. just a few years ago?  Or the little boy who played t-ball or soccer in Russellville?  The "big ol' trucks", "101 Dalmatians", and "The Fox and The Hound" ?  Now it's "Mythbusters" and "Dirty Jobs".  Rhonda and I have been definitely blessed... we love you, Blake Thomas Nichols. 

A GREAT FAITH TEST TO HELP YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

In James MacDonald's new book, 'When Life Is Hard', he teaches us why we face trials, how we are to react to trials, and what the results will be when we go through those trials.  Many folks I know are going through very tough times and need love, prayers, and encouragement.
One of lessons that I really appreciated was the three question faith test on page 59...
1. Do you believe that God is in control?
2. Do you believe that God is good, no matter what you see, no matter what you face?
3. Will you wait on Him by faith until the darkness becomes light?
If we believe that God is in control, then we don't worry if God can help us?  If we believe that God is good, then we won't question or doubt Him.  We will know that we must trust Him as we go through that trial or problem situation.  And that brings us to the third question... if we know that God is in control and that He is good, then we will ask Him for help in our endurance, patience, and strength.
If you will get a group of people of around you to use these three questions as reinforcement for your faith, you will be able to stay stronger as you go through your trials.
Keep praying....

UPDATE ON CHRIS MIRACLE

I am pleased to announce that last night I received a call from JR, Chris' dad, and he told me that Chris is now breathing on his own.  He has made so much improvement and we are so grateful to God for allowing him to change this much already.  He does open his eyes and had the tube taken out of his head yesterday.  Please continue to pray for Chris and Wendy... I will have a report on Wendy soon as well.  Thank you for your prayers...

KEEP PRAYING FOR CHRIS AND WENDY PLEASE...

Today begins another day of testing for Chris to see where he stands concerning the injury and his breathing.  Today is also another important day for Wendy and her family.  Please pray for courage, patience, strength, and faith to abound in each of these families...

DISCOVER YOUR TOP THREE SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Here is a link to a spiritual gift test that I have used on many occasions... http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_Discover_Your_Spiritual_Gifts.pdf

If you are a member of our church, Rolling Fork Baptist Church, please download this survey, fill it out, and give it to me next Sunday.  This way we will have a better understanding what area of ministry God would want you to get involved in.
When you fill out the survey, check your first response.  Don't try to figure out what you should put down... mark the answer suits you best.  You can't pass or fail this 'test'.  And once you discover your top three spiritual gifts, please remember that you have to learn how to use those gifts to m.

PRAY FOR OUR SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY

Two families that I know are going through the worry and stress of having a loved one involved with a car accident.  The first one was Wendy Nall and the second one was Chris Miracle (pictured above on the right with his brother, Matthew).  Both are still hospitalized and definitely needing prayers.  Will you join us in praying for these two families??

PRAYING FOR A CURE...

I am sure that almost everyone has known someone who has fought the battle against cancer... some are still fighting the battle against it and some have been healed from cancer.  Then there are those who are no longer with us here in this life... people like my dad (pictured on the right).  My dad died at the young age of 52 years young while trying to overcome cancer.  I can't tell you how much I miss my dad.  He was my friend and a great role model for my brother, Brian, and myself.  In addition to my dad, I have had several friends go to war with cancer.

I applaud the people who gone through the treatments, the sickness, the fears, and the weakness but now have been able to regain their lives.  I am also so impressed to see so much pink all around us... pink shirts, shoe strings, hats, you name it.  Even Kentucky Fried Chicken buildings!  Not that I like that color but I appreciate what it stands for.  So let's keep praying for our friends, family members, and everyone else is going through cancer.  I invite to you list your loved ones in the comment area below as we pray for a cure. Amen?  Please feel free to indicate beside each name if they are survivors, currently fighting cancer, or have passed away.

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO GET TO THE 'ROMANS ROAD'?

If someone asked you how they could become a Christian, one approach that has been used for years is called the Romans Road.  It's a series of verses from the book of Romans that lead us from why we need Jesus to how we receive His love and forgiveness.  An easy way for you to use this approach would be to write the first passage of scripture on the inside front cover so you could find it very easily in case you forgot where you would find the first verse of the Romans Road which is Romans 3:23.

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV)  Everyone of us have done things that are wrong in our lives... things like tell a lie, steal something, or anything else that the Bible describes as sin.  The Bible teaches us in several places that sin deserves a punishment.  Beside the verse 3:23, write 6:23 to help you find the next verse on the Romans Road...

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)  What a punishment for sin!  Death!  But notice in this verse that there is an alternative... a "free gift" that is "eternal life".  The greatest gift you could ever receive is the gift of Jesus Christ into your life.  Eternal life is only found through Jesus Christ but you may wonder how did God make this gift possible for you and for me.  Beside 6:23, write 5:8 in the margin...

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)  In spite of all of the sin that we have committed, God loved everyone of us so much that He paid the price for our sin.  That price was death and the One who died was God's only Son, Jesus.  Jesus died on a cross like a criminal even though He had not committed even one sin.  He took my place.  He took your place.  It should have been our crosses but the Bible says that Jesus paid the price in full. So what do we need to do in order to receive this free gift of eternal life?  Go to our next verse to find that answer (write 10:9-10 in the margin beside 5:8)

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)  We often teach the "A,B,C's" of becoming a Christian which is based on the verses you just read.  A is for admit... we have to admit that we are sinners.  B is for believe... we have to believe that Jesus is God's Son who died for us, was raised three days later, and now sits in heaven beside God praying for you and me.  And C is for confess... if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we can be forgiven of all of our sins and have Jesus as the new Leader of our lives.  But you may wonder if anyone can be saved.  Write 10:13 in your margin and read the final passage of our Romans Road...

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (ESV)  "Everyone"... man, woman, boy or girl.  Anyone who realizes that they are sinners can find eternal life in Jesus.  In order to admit that we are sinners, something has to happen in order for us to realize that we are in trouble and that is what the third Person of the Trinity does for us.  Maybe you have heard the phrase, "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit".  The Holy Spirit is the One who helps us recognize and admit that we have sinned.  It is the Holy Spirit who leads us to the truth that Jesus died for us and it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to call Jesus our Lord and Savior.

So what do you do with all of these verses?  If you or the person you are sharing these verses with are ready to admit that you or they have sinned and if you or they are ready to ask Jesus to come in to your lives as the Forgiver and Leader of your life,  then pray a prayer like this...

"Lord, I admit that I am a sinner and I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sins.  Please forgive me of all of my sin and come into my life as my personal Forgiver and Leader of my life.  Thank you for saving me.  In the name of Jesus, Amen."

If you or your friend prayed this prayer and meant what you said, then you have just made the greatest decision you have ever made and there is a celebration in heaven going on because you just became part of the family of God.  Now to help you keep that commitment, find a church to help you learn more about how to grow as a new Christian.  Congratulations for making the best decision you could ever make!

HERE'S THE CHURCH AND HERE'S THE STEEPLE...

Here's the church
Here's the steeple
Open the doors
And here's all the people.

Do you remember bringing your hands together and saying that while you made a double-fist for the church... both index fingers came up for the steeple... and all of your fingers inside were the people? Unfortunately, the poem has been changed by the lifestyles of today's people...

Here's the church
Here's the steeple
Open the doors...
Where's all the people?

Even though we have nice church buildings with heating and air, instruments and sound systems to provide beautiful music, and preachers/teachers who want to help people be more like Jesus, something is missing... PEOPLE.
Too many times we act like James Earl Jones was talking to us when he said in that baseball movie, "Build it and they will come."  It might work for a baseball stadium, not necessarily for the church.  Just because we have a building to meet in, that doesn't mean people are going to start rushing in.
So what do we do about this?  We start BEING the church instead trying to get people to come TO church.
The church is not an 'IT', the church is a 'WHO'.  WE who are belivers and followers of Jesus Christ are the church.  And if the people won't come to the place where we worship, then we must 'take' the church to where the people are. 
In Matthew 28, Jesus said, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt 28:19-20 (ESV)  He didn't say, 'Wait and they will come.'  So when you go to work or school, the gas station or the store, remember that you ARE part of the church and share God's love with the people you meet...

WHAT LANGUAGE ARE YOU SPEAKING?

Here's a passage of scripture that I was studying this morning...
6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?
Acts 2:6-8 (ESV)

People who were not Christians were hearing the message that Jesus came to give us life IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE.  Not the disciples' code words they had learned while hanging out together.  They were not using the fancy words that made them sound smarter than everyone else.  They were speaking the language that other folks would understand.
When you talk to somebody about Jesus and what He has done for you (and yes, you are supposed to be doing that), do you use big fancy words that they don't understand or do you make sure that they understand what you are saying ... do they understand why they need Jesus Christ in their lives?

IF THEY CAN'T REPEAT IT, THEY CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT.
IF THEY CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT, THEY CAN'T APPLY IT. 
IF THEY CAN'T APPLY IT, THEY CAN'T LIVE IT.
GOT IT?

"WHAT'S HER NAME?"

If someone calls you by the wrong name, you notice it right away, don't you?  And when somebody that you just met remembers your name and uses it throughout your conversation, you are impressed with that and sometimes feel guilty because you don't remember what his or her name was. A person's name is important.
As you go out each day to be Jesus in your circle of life, learn and practice the names of the people who serve you each day... the lady at the bank, the man at the store, the waitress at the restaurant, etc.  If you don't know them yet but you see their name badge, call them by name and be kind to them... you may be the first person that day that was polite to them.  Ask them how they are doing and actually listen to what they say.  As you build that relationship, also add ministry moments such as asking 'Is there anything going on in your life right now that you would like for me to pray about this week?'  When they see that you really care about them, you get to be Jesus to them.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matt 5:16 (ESV)

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

I read this benediction lately and it really fits the purpose of this blog so I want to share it with you.  After reading it slowly, you may want to spend some time with God in prayer about the topics listed in this benediction.  May God bless you...

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.- A Franciscan Benediction

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST 'LIGHTHOUSE MOMENT'?

The lighthouse in the photo above is in Maine and it plays a very important part in my life right now.  Whenever I see this photo, I remember the night that I photographed it and I remember what I was going through that night.  I was stressed out for a lot of reasons including the fact that my new camera got damaged that weekend.  My wife, Rhonda, "suggested" that I take a ride that evening and have some 'God time'. 

I was trying to photograph as many lighthouses as I could before it got dark that night but when I came to this lighthouse, which is known as Marshall Point, I sensed that God was dealing with me.  The combination of the sunset and the lighthouse was a joy to see, but there was more happening than that.  I realized once again that I was too wound up about stuff and that I needed to rest in His presence more instead of running so fast that I can't sense His peace.  It was at this place that my favorite Bible verse kept repeating in my ears "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Maybe today you need to slow down and look for a light that can replace the darkness in your life.  What has been stressing you out lately?  What's causing you to feel pressured or defeated?  For you, it might not be a lighthouse in Maine on a quiet night in October... but if you let the dust settle around you and ask God to remind you of His loving presence, He will do so.  What have you got to lose besides some stress?  Just be still for a few minutes, close your eyes, and let God love you.  You'll be glad you did... so tell me, when was your last 'lighthouse moment'?

A NEW BLOG FOR AN OLD REASON

Welcome to the first post of 'IMPACT' which stands for 'I'm Meeting People And Changing Tomorrow'.  The goal of this blog is help you and me make a bigger impact on our families, our churches, our communities, and our country.  Since this is the first post, what better way to start with a commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ... a commitment to live a life that points other people to God through our words and actions.  Will you join me in this prayer?
"LORD JESUS, HELP ME TO SHOW YOUR LOVE TO THOSE WHO ARE HURTING AS I POINT THEM TO YOU.  GRANT ME THE COURAGE TO SPEAK UP, THE COMPASSION TO REACH OUT, AND THE CONSISTENCY TO BE A FAITHFUL WITNESS FOR YOU AND YOUR KINGDOM.  IT'S IN YOUR NAME THAT I PRAY, AMEN."