Fourth of July
7/2/2004 8:42:20 AM
As we embark upon this Fourth of July weekend, let us remember to pray for our troops overseas and at home. Despite the recent failures of our courts and politicians, America is still a place where people can worship God in freedom. We have every opportunity here to do what God has called us to do in this country. Many lives were sacrificed for that opportunity. Much blood was lost to give you and me the chance to gather together in His Name and give Him all praise and glory. Let us attend our services this Sunday with a spirit of gratitude for these men, past and present, and for our Savior, Christ the Lord, for His ultimate sacrifice.

Prodigal Daughter
7/6/2004 11:36:02 AM
Sometimes, I see the church as a prodigal daughter that has gone astray. She keeps passing herself around because she's been abused and abandoned by so many who represented themselves as "anointed of God." She needs a Savoir who can come and help her find her dignity again. Help her find love. Help her find direction. Just when I feel like giving up on some people, God reminds me that even while I was His enemy, He sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins. He did the same for them. Now that we are His sons and daughters, how much more will He give us everything needed to find our way back to Him.

The Night Cometh
7/12/2004 9:32:33 AM
Jesus said that we must work while it is still day because the night cometh when no man can work. I could almost visibly see the window of opportunity we have left in this world closing slightly over the weekend. We don't have forever to bring this glorious Gospel to the broken, hurting, displaced people of this world. When the rapture of the church comes, who will be left behind to preach hope to the lost? Who will tend to the widow and the orphan? Who will care? We are alive and present on this planet to make a difference. We don't have an eternity to do that. Eternity is reserved for the family of God. This temporary dispensation we enjoy should be filled with Kingdom work for the Children of God. Daylight is fading. The night approaches. Don't let your window of opportunity to let your light shine close without storing up for yourself treasure against the night.

Avoiding The Rat-trap
7/15/2004 12:07:55 PM
Two things are required for temptation to exist. First, one must obtain desire. Without a desire for something, one can't be tempted. Some can't be tempted by possession while others can't be tempted by sexual lust. Some are moved by anger or greed. Some are not. Before a trap can be set there must be some sort of cheese that will attract the rat. The second part of the equation is enticement. Without enticement there can be no temptation. When one's desire crosses paths with Satan's enticements, temptation is at hand. The question is this: will you endure temptation to victory or will you capitulate to destruction. The option is always yours. Always. I've found that the more I reduce the desire in my own members the less there is for Satan to use to entice me. Just a little wisdom for all you rats out there, trying to avoid the enemy's trap.

A Disillusioned Generation
7/20/2004 12:34:33 PM
This generation of believers battles an emptiness of soul that I find distressing. They are disillusioned about this world and disillusioned about the church. You can feel their lost-ness in the lyrics of their music, the tempter of their conversation, and the uncertainty of their world view. I still see a hope for something to come from above, yet that hope is muffled by layer after layer of disappointment with the answers we've been given them in politics, education, entertainment, and even the church. Lately, I've been wondering just who it is that will be help accountable for this generation.

Dual Citizenship
7/26/2004 7:19:52 AM
I believe in speaking my mind in the public square. I often write "Letters-To-The-Editor" in my local papers or publish articles on my pages. I would not call myself an activist. I vote. That's about it. What is our duty as Christians and citizens of America? Each of us is responsible for discovering that balance. I certainly know God does not allow me to join movements and activities that could hinder my chances of reaching into the lives of people with different views than my own. I also know that God does not allow me to sit idly by while outrageous moral erosion, sponsored by a liberal media/political/entertainment establishment, corrupts the minds of unwitting Christians. I try to live by the line, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." Not just taxes and tithes. I use my right as an American citizen to influence for the cause of the Kingdom. And I use my right as a citizen of the Kingdom of God to love my neighbor even as I love myself.

Princess Alysa
7/28/2004 9:29:49 AM
My niece, Alysa, is spending some time with us this week. She is attending a wonderful Vacation Bible School that my wife organized and administrates. Alysa is Stacey's daughter. She is such a blessing to us. She has a heart of gold and wakes up every morning thinking she's princess of the world! It is just like this entire day was made just for her. I don't know if I have ever experienced a happier child. My prayer is that this world never steal that away from her. She teaches me how I should be towards my Heavenly Father and the things of His Heart. I awaken in the Kingdom more and more each day. My prayer is that I keep that wide-eyed, innocent, child-like sense of wonder for the spiritual things of God. That I wake up as a King and a Priest in the House of my Father every day. What a wonderful reality He has given us!

Vacation Bible School

7/30/2004 12:26:41 PM
When you pastor a small church, you are not just the pastor but you become the youth pastor, children's pastor, etc. I had a staff at my last church. I had forgotten how much time and energy those little ones take. Laura and I are finding out we aren't as young as we used to be these days, but we are also remembering why the Lord led us into children's and youth ministry all those years ago. Vacation Bible School is almost over this week. One more night. *Deep Sigh* Thank God!