Here is a blog posting from the professor that I worked under at seminary. He is currently working in an evangelistic ministry at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
"She fell on the ski slope. When the results were known, Petra Majdic of Slovenia had five broken ribs and suffered a collapsed lung. Doctors discouraged her from continuing to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics, but she was determined. Another qualifying race, then another, then a third place finish. She had to be assisted to the medal stand to receive her bronze medal. Most courageous athlete in these Vancouver games? The award should be hers hands down. Many Christians don’t have that kind of perseverance when it comes to demonstrating faith. A temporary set-back, a severe temptation, a troubling circumstance, and we get discouraged, forgetting that the Christian life is a mixture of enjoyment and endurance, “the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). Life’s medals bring great joy, but with Jesus, life is about more than gold. We, like Him, must endure, “for the joy set before” (Heb. 12:2)." Dr. Dan's Monday Morning Memo, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Time for new generation of black Americans (OneNewsNow.com)
I found this article very well written and interesting. I think that this applies to all of us when we get away from our Biblical roots and seek solutions in social programs. The church should be in the lead on promoting the care of the poor and needy but we must always "share a cup of water in the name of Jesus" and not forget our purpose. We are all wandering in the wilderness when we seek answers that are not solidly scriptural. This Sunday we will have some testimonies and reports on the work of our church and eleven others at the SOS homeless shelter. The testimonies will show that the right purpose has been kept at the forefront. Thank you for your support in this worthy effort.
Time for new generation of black Americans (OneNewsNow.com)
Time for new generation of black Americans (OneNewsNow.com)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Growth Fund
Last week we voted to purchase the elevator that we have long looked forward to. Though it will take some time for it to come in and to be installed, I am excited to have the new rooms available upstairs both to those who cannot negotiate stairs and to our growing Life Groups. We will also soon be entering into a new Growth Fund that will help to pay for the elevator and to finish many of the projects in our current and last building phase (phase 5). What is left after this phase is ongoing maintenance of a very large and useful facility.
This is an exciting time in the life of our church and I pray that you will be committed to help us finish strong on our building program. The growth fund sets aside a set $4000 in reserve to help with staff salaries in a lean month and also $900 in reserve to cover two payments for the elevator loan if we ever need it. Beyond that, the money will be used on the projects as presented in our priority list. As you can see in the newsletter, the youth rooms are in desperate need of remodeling and they will be our first priority. Other priorities will be accomplished as funds become available. As an added aid to growth as much as 10% of receipts will be put aside for "growing the body" projects designed to impact our community such as direct mail, special outreach events, and other things that are not covered in the current budget.
This is a great time to be a part of Brookwood. We will soon see the fruits of our Life Group/Growth Group/Encouragement Group structure. We will see more people come to know the Lord and grow in their relationship with Him than ever before. The "Growth Fund" will give us opportunity to give above our tithes to accomplish building the body and the building and it will also provide opportunity for us to volunteer our labor in a worthwile life-changing work.
I heard a child relate a cute saying on the Radio. He said, "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." Where ever he came up with this statement, (I believe a dad or teacher might have made him aware of it), I am sure that you would agree with the truth behind it. All of these changes will only be successful if we pray as if it all depends on God and work as if it depends on us. Or another way to say it is when we open ourself to God's power and use it to work in His fields, He will bring in a harvest we cannot even imagine. Let's "put our hands to the plow, not looking back,(Luke 9:62) and "not be discouraged in doing good work (Gal. 6:9)."
God has great plans for a faithful, committed, hard working people. May God bless you as you serve Him and others.
See you Sunday and on the coming workdays as well.
This is an exciting time in the life of our church and I pray that you will be committed to help us finish strong on our building program. The growth fund sets aside a set $4000 in reserve to help with staff salaries in a lean month and also $900 in reserve to cover two payments for the elevator loan if we ever need it. Beyond that, the money will be used on the projects as presented in our priority list. As you can see in the newsletter, the youth rooms are in desperate need of remodeling and they will be our first priority. Other priorities will be accomplished as funds become available. As an added aid to growth as much as 10% of receipts will be put aside for "growing the body" projects designed to impact our community such as direct mail, special outreach events, and other things that are not covered in the current budget.
This is a great time to be a part of Brookwood. We will soon see the fruits of our Life Group/Growth Group/Encouragement Group structure. We will see more people come to know the Lord and grow in their relationship with Him than ever before. The "Growth Fund" will give us opportunity to give above our tithes to accomplish building the body and the building and it will also provide opportunity for us to volunteer our labor in a worthwile life-changing work.
I heard a child relate a cute saying on the Radio. He said, "The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." Where ever he came up with this statement, (I believe a dad or teacher might have made him aware of it), I am sure that you would agree with the truth behind it. All of these changes will only be successful if we pray as if it all depends on God and work as if it depends on us. Or another way to say it is when we open ourself to God's power and use it to work in His fields, He will bring in a harvest we cannot even imagine. Let's "put our hands to the plow, not looking back,(Luke 9:62) and "not be discouraged in doing good work (Gal. 6:9)."
God has great plans for a faithful, committed, hard working people. May God bless you as you serve Him and others.
See you Sunday and on the coming workdays as well.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Answer for America
How do you deliver on such a title? For years politicians have failed to provide such an answer. So what contribution can a preacher make to such an audacious task as to have "The Answer for America?" I do believe there is such an answer but it is not one of my own making or a product of intense polling of political opinion. The answer for America is not a political solution, a think-tank conclusion, or a scientific collusion. It does not come from anything that man has done, is doing, or can do.
It comes from the number one selling book in the world. This book once purchased, often goes unread and unheeded. The solution comes from the God who created us and thus knows what makes us tick. Physical obesity is not our number one issue, spiritual starvation is. The answer for America is Spiritual. The "change we can believe in" is the change that comes when a person believes in Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17).
The Bible tells us to pray for our government, to be good citizens, and to support those who rule over us ( Romans 13:1-7). The government is not always right but we have the opportunity to work to make it better as citizens. Voting is important and whom we vote for should always be a result of our Christian principles, but the Bible does not indicate that we can change the world for the better by politics.
Our first and primary action as citizens of the Kingdom of God is to love God and people with our whole heart (Matt. 22:27). Our prime directive is to enlist new members into that Kingdom (Ephesians 2:19-22; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), include them in the church, and teach them the truth. When we do this well we will have found the answer for America and the world.
Any self seeking, self serving, or self promoting answer will fall flat and ultimately bring dishonor on the name of the One we serve. Our task is to share with others so that God can change one heart at a time and by doing so change America and the world. We cannot do this under our own power or abilities. It is not change we must believe in, it is Jesus.
Now, with God's help, lets go change the world.
It comes from the number one selling book in the world. This book once purchased, often goes unread and unheeded. The solution comes from the God who created us and thus knows what makes us tick. Physical obesity is not our number one issue, spiritual starvation is. The answer for America is Spiritual. The "change we can believe in" is the change that comes when a person believes in Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17).
The Bible tells us to pray for our government, to be good citizens, and to support those who rule over us ( Romans 13:1-7). The government is not always right but we have the opportunity to work to make it better as citizens. Voting is important and whom we vote for should always be a result of our Christian principles, but the Bible does not indicate that we can change the world for the better by politics.
Our first and primary action as citizens of the Kingdom of God is to love God and people with our whole heart (Matt. 22:27). Our prime directive is to enlist new members into that Kingdom (Ephesians 2:19-22; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), include them in the church, and teach them the truth. When we do this well we will have found the answer for America and the world.
Any self seeking, self serving, or self promoting answer will fall flat and ultimately bring dishonor on the name of the One we serve. Our task is to share with others so that God can change one heart at a time and by doing so change America and the world. We cannot do this under our own power or abilities. It is not change we must believe in, it is Jesus.
Now, with God's help, lets go change the world.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Prayer for Haiti Team
I covet your prayer for a group of Southern Baptist members who have been arrested in Haiti. They were trying to help orphaned children and did not go through the proper channels in a disorganized government so they have been jailed. An update on their situation is explained in the link below:
http://www.bpnews.net/
One the group is a pastor of one of the churches from Idaho and is a close friend of our family for many years. Paul Thompson was the son of my pastor when I was a teenager. His dad is the primary reason that Chris and I met when I began to pick her up to interpret for a deaf member in our church. We have counted Clyde and Shirley as mentors and friends for a number of years. It is under their ministry that I surrendered to preach. Paul has the same integrity level as his dad and I know would not intentionally do anything illegal as you may have heard in the news.
We have recieved a regular email from his mom for many years and so have been praying for them ever since we heard about this event. Please pray that God will work this out for His glory and protect His children. As the article I have referenced above indicates there were better ways to be involved than what this group choose, but I know that their hearts were to help the children.
Thanks for your prayers on their behalf.
http://www.bpnews.net/
One the group is a pastor of one of the churches from Idaho and is a close friend of our family for many years. Paul Thompson was the son of my pastor when I was a teenager. His dad is the primary reason that Chris and I met when I began to pick her up to interpret for a deaf member in our church. We have counted Clyde and Shirley as mentors and friends for a number of years. It is under their ministry that I surrendered to preach. Paul has the same integrity level as his dad and I know would not intentionally do anything illegal as you may have heard in the news.
We have recieved a regular email from his mom for many years and so have been praying for them ever since we heard about this event. Please pray that God will work this out for His glory and protect His children. As the article I have referenced above indicates there were better ways to be involved than what this group choose, but I know that their hearts were to help the children.
Thanks for your prayers on their behalf.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Aroma
I have been playing basketball with a group of men a couple times a week (don't worry about my ankles, I never really leave the ground). I also have a meeting at 8 am once a week with the pastors of churches in the Hillsboro area. The meeting comes right after the game and 2-3 of us have been playing basketball. We are temporarily meeting in a very small room and often fill it. You can begin to imagine our problem. The aroma of our prayers and praise is pleasing to God but I am pretty sure the aroma from the room might be discouraging attendance. It may be the reason we are moving to a large spacious fellowship hall next week.
"But thanks be to God who always leads us in truimphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death, to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to the task?" 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.
Hopefully, I stink (yeh, I haven't played in a while) more playing basketball with a group of guys who are observing my Christian witness than I do in the little meeting room with the other pastors. I try to play and speak in such a way as to bring honor to Christ and thus become a sweet smelling aroma of life to those who will recieve Him and a warning of the stench of death to those who will not. I must check my heart to make sure that I am sincere, like a man sent from God (2 Cor. 2:15), so that the aroma I put off will be sweet, leading to life, not bitter, leading to death. How I respond to being fouled could make a difference in someone's eternal future. What applies to how I play basketball also applies to how I do anything else. I am challenged to sincerely speak the gospel and to live it as well.
I pray that our aroma from the way we live life will be a sweet smelling sacrifice to God and lead others to knowing Him.
"But thanks be to God who always leads us in truimphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death, to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to the task?" 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.
Hopefully, I stink (yeh, I haven't played in a while) more playing basketball with a group of guys who are observing my Christian witness than I do in the little meeting room with the other pastors. I try to play and speak in such a way as to bring honor to Christ and thus become a sweet smelling aroma of life to those who will recieve Him and a warning of the stench of death to those who will not. I must check my heart to make sure that I am sincere, like a man sent from God (2 Cor. 2:15), so that the aroma I put off will be sweet, leading to life, not bitter, leading to death. How I respond to being fouled could make a difference in someone's eternal future. What applies to how I play basketball also applies to how I do anything else. I am challenged to sincerely speak the gospel and to live it as well.
I pray that our aroma from the way we live life will be a sweet smelling sacrifice to God and lead others to knowing Him.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Stay True
Someone sent me this funny story that illustrates what God said to me the other day in my quite time:
A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.
As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, 'I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' License plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper Sticker, And the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car.'
How we live and what we preach must correspond. What earned the Scribes and Pharisees the greatest criticisms (white-washed tombs, and den of snakes) was this incongruity of walk and talk. If we are to be the consistent witness that we need to be we must keep a close watch on our words and our actions.
In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells his young prodigy: "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you." Staying true to what is right affects our own standing with God but also affects those who hear and see us. What we do can invalidate what we say.
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