I know it has been a while since I last posted a blog. It has been a busy holiday season.
1.) Merry Christmas - I love Christmas and spending time with my kids and family...I do struggle with the commercialization of it though.
2.) Port A Marlins won the The NFL Red Zone Championship by a score of 136 to 82 over Washington Players. Kurt Warner led the team in scoring in the championship round and LaDainian Tomlinson led the team in scoring for the season. Congrats once again to Port A Marlins on a terrific Fantasy football Season. Hope to see you all next year!... This is my fantasy football team and I have won 3 or the 4 past championships - can you say Dynasty (move over New England!!!!).
3.) My kids are really enjoying their Christmas presents - Hannah received some tennis shoes with skates in them - I forsee a trip to the emergency room.
4.) I will be off on New Years, but will return for Jan. 6th where I will be outlining 7 goals for FBC Port A in 2008. It is going to be a great year!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Monday Leftovers (World Aids Day)
For today's leftovers, I want to focus on an event that I went to this past Saturday. I had the privilege of giving the invocation at the Coastal Bend Aids Foundation annual World Aids Day Red Ribbon Ball. This was the 3rd year that I have been able to do this. I believe that because of the efforts of Rick Warren and a few other Christian leaders, the stigma of Aids is diminishing. It is not gone, and there is still much work to be done, but it is time for believers to be proactive in this effort.
Yes, there is a lifestyle at times associated with Aids that God does not endorse (nor does He endorse adultery, alcoholism, and other sins that we commit), but I believe that believers need to start making inroads to the homosexual community in order to show them an alternative to the alternative lifestyle. Let me also make it perfectly clear that there are many with Aids that have not lived an immoral lifestyle. We, as believers, need to show compassion and mercy to these also.
This isn't a political issue, it is a moral/spiritual issue for every believer. All we have to do is take a look at Jesus' life and look at who he walked with and ministered to. Jesus was with prostitutes, tax collectors, fishermen, those with leprosy, etc. Leprosy was that day's Aids. Those that had it were banished from the community, destined to live life by themselves (no, there wasn't a lifestyle issue, but the stigma was the same). Jesus healed many people with leprosy. I believe Jesus would go to the Aids community today and heal many, in order to deliver them for His glory. We may not be able to heal those with Aids, but we can pray for them and for healing for them, we can love them reguardless of any lifestyle, and we can pray for spiritual healing to occur so that others will be delivered.
I realize that I am in the minority in the Christian community on this issue, but we as believers need to take a closer look at Jesus' ministry. If we are to ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?", I believe God's word has already shown us what He did in relation to this issue.
Yes, there is a lifestyle at times associated with Aids that God does not endorse (nor does He endorse adultery, alcoholism, and other sins that we commit), but I believe that believers need to start making inroads to the homosexual community in order to show them an alternative to the alternative lifestyle. Let me also make it perfectly clear that there are many with Aids that have not lived an immoral lifestyle. We, as believers, need to show compassion and mercy to these also.
This isn't a political issue, it is a moral/spiritual issue for every believer. All we have to do is take a look at Jesus' life and look at who he walked with and ministered to. Jesus was with prostitutes, tax collectors, fishermen, those with leprosy, etc. Leprosy was that day's Aids. Those that had it were banished from the community, destined to live life by themselves (no, there wasn't a lifestyle issue, but the stigma was the same). Jesus healed many people with leprosy. I believe Jesus would go to the Aids community today and heal many, in order to deliver them for His glory. We may not be able to heal those with Aids, but we can pray for them and for healing for them, we can love them reguardless of any lifestyle, and we can pray for spiritual healing to occur so that others will be delivered.
I realize that I am in the minority in the Christian community on this issue, but we as believers need to take a closer look at Jesus' ministry. If we are to ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?", I believe God's word has already shown us what He did in relation to this issue.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday Leftovers
Well here we are in the "Christmas Shopping Season". Here are a few thoughts to start the week.
1.) I have really enjoyed our Anchor Group Series: New Identity.
2.) I am challenging our church to pray and build a relationship with 1 person so they can see the difference that Jesus makes in our life.
3.) I completely forgot about our Community Thanksgiving Service. The clergy in town have a great relationship and I hated that I forgot it.
4.) Thursday was a great day for the Cowboys and then everyone in the division lost on Sunday. Now we have the NFC game of the year this Thursday. I know the Cowboys are picked, but this is going to be a great game.
5.) Since living in Port A, I have become a winter weenie - I don't like the cold and I am glad to see the sun!!!
1.) I have really enjoyed our Anchor Group Series: New Identity.
2.) I am challenging our church to pray and build a relationship with 1 person so they can see the difference that Jesus makes in our life.
3.) I completely forgot about our Community Thanksgiving Service. The clergy in town have a great relationship and I hated that I forgot it.
4.) Thursday was a great day for the Cowboys and then everyone in the division lost on Sunday. Now we have the NFC game of the year this Thursday. I know the Cowboys are picked, but this is going to be a great game.
5.) Since living in Port A, I have become a winter weenie - I don't like the cold and I am glad to see the sun!!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Just 1 @ a time
Thanksgiving is here, which means many of us will be stuffed more than the turkey. Don't get me wrong, I plan on enjoying the food, family and football as much as anyone else. Stomach discipline will go out the door - I doubt I will be saying, "Just one helping, please."
One thing we can say is, "God, please give me just 1 person to build a relationship with". As believers, Jesus has called us to reach those we come in contact with. So often, though, we hear that we are to save the world - 6 billion people - that seems a little overwhelming. What we can do though, is limit ourselves to 1 at a time.
As a pretend fisherman, I love to go out and catch my limit of redfish, but in order to that I have to catch 1 at a time - not 3 at a time. The same is true for fishers of people. Jesus emphasized relationships, not religion. The only way we are going to impact our community, state, country and world is by reaching 1 person at a time (then teach them to do the same).
Port A is known for fishing of all kinds. Whether you live in Port A or anywhere else, we are to be fishers of people. God has not given us a fishing limit, but as individuals, we don't have to get caught up in catching the world - just those that God has placed in our life. We do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to help us be who God has already made us - Children of God, Saints, Soldiers, Ambassadors, Friends, Managers, etc. Then we can live a life that expresses that God does offer hope to those who don't already know Him.
One thing we can say is, "God, please give me just 1 person to build a relationship with". As believers, Jesus has called us to reach those we come in contact with. So often, though, we hear that we are to save the world - 6 billion people - that seems a little overwhelming. What we can do though, is limit ourselves to 1 at a time.
As a pretend fisherman, I love to go out and catch my limit of redfish, but in order to that I have to catch 1 at a time - not 3 at a time. The same is true for fishers of people. Jesus emphasized relationships, not religion. The only way we are going to impact our community, state, country and world is by reaching 1 person at a time (then teach them to do the same).
Port A is known for fishing of all kinds. Whether you live in Port A or anywhere else, we are to be fishers of people. God has not given us a fishing limit, but as individuals, we don't have to get caught up in catching the world - just those that God has placed in our life. We do this by allowing the Holy Spirit to help us be who God has already made us - Children of God, Saints, Soldiers, Ambassadors, Friends, Managers, etc. Then we can live a life that expresses that God does offer hope to those who don't already know Him.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday Morning Leftovers
Yesterday was an awesome day.
1.) We didn't make our goal of 200 in our morning service (so I don't have to wear a suit & tie), but God definitely was there. Our praise band rocks!!! I have to say that "Mighty to Save" is my new favorite song - what a message!!!!
2.) We had over 200 at our Community Thanksgiving meal - with lots of new faces. That is so encouraging. I believe God is showing us exactly how ripe the fields are - we just need to go and pick the fruit. BTW - thank you to everyone who helped with planning, food, setup, etc. You did a spectacular job.
3.) Thank you Wanda & Jennifer for sharing about your Anchor Group. God is working in individual lives because of these groups. We don't always get to hear, publicly, what is going on - but each group is doing what these groups are designed to do.
4.) The Cowboys won! It was closer than my predictions, but it was a typical Cowboy-Redskin game...down to the wire.
5.) My voice is officially gone - doesn't happen too often (no it wasn't because of the Cowboys), but whatever blew in this week has settled in my throat. I guess Lisa and the kids will get a break for a few days.
6.) Have a wonderful time giving thanks with family and friends. Lisa and I will be out with the other insane people shopping early Friday morning.
1.) We didn't make our goal of 200 in our morning service (so I don't have to wear a suit & tie), but God definitely was there. Our praise band rocks!!! I have to say that "Mighty to Save" is my new favorite song - what a message!!!!
2.) We had over 200 at our Community Thanksgiving meal - with lots of new faces. That is so encouraging. I believe God is showing us exactly how ripe the fields are - we just need to go and pick the fruit. BTW - thank you to everyone who helped with planning, food, setup, etc. You did a spectacular job.
3.) Thank you Wanda & Jennifer for sharing about your Anchor Group. God is working in individual lives because of these groups. We don't always get to hear, publicly, what is going on - but each group is doing what these groups are designed to do.
4.) The Cowboys won! It was closer than my predictions, but it was a typical Cowboy-Redskin game...down to the wire.
5.) My voice is officially gone - doesn't happen too often (no it wasn't because of the Cowboys), but whatever blew in this week has settled in my throat. I guess Lisa and the kids will get a break for a few days.
6.) Have a wonderful time giving thanks with family and friends. Lisa and I will be out with the other insane people shopping early Friday morning.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Unrelated
Well the first two posts have been rather serious, so I'll be a little lighter this time.
(Church Family - Don't forget about "Bring A Friend" Sunday and our Community Thanksgiving Meal Sunday @ 6:00 p.m.)
How 'bout them Cowboys!!!!
Yes, I am a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. I grew up loving Tom Landry and Roger Staubach. I cried when Tom Landry passed away. They were two of my childhood heros. Even though the "not so new" owner has changed the 'boys, I am still a fan. Tony Romo has changed the face and outlook of this team. They still have many areas to improve, which says a lot about the mediocre play of the rest of the NFL. I expect the 'boys to be 10-1 before we meet Zac's Pack (Green Bay Packers). That should be for homefield advantage through the playoffs...and I don't want to see my team have to play in Green Bay in late January (can you say "Ice Bowl"). It would be fitting the the NFC title game to be against the "old" Brett Favre vs. the "new" Brett Favre.
First, though, we've got to take care of the "dead skins". They have a descent running game, but hardly a passing game. They are also riddled with injuries. Prediction: Cowboys 27 - Redskins 10. Hopefully the Lions can beat the Giants, then maybe the Lions can help the 'boys on Thanksgiving and beat the Packers - sorry Zac.
(Church Family - Don't forget about "Bring A Friend" Sunday and our Community Thanksgiving Meal Sunday @ 6:00 p.m.)
How 'bout them Cowboys!!!!
Yes, I am a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. I grew up loving Tom Landry and Roger Staubach. I cried when Tom Landry passed away. They were two of my childhood heros. Even though the "not so new" owner has changed the 'boys, I am still a fan. Tony Romo has changed the face and outlook of this team. They still have many areas to improve, which says a lot about the mediocre play of the rest of the NFL. I expect the 'boys to be 10-1 before we meet Zac's Pack (Green Bay Packers). That should be for homefield advantage through the playoffs...and I don't want to see my team have to play in Green Bay in late January (can you say "Ice Bowl"). It would be fitting the the NFC title game to be against the "old" Brett Favre vs. the "new" Brett Favre.
First, though, we've got to take care of the "dead skins". They have a descent running game, but hardly a passing game. They are also riddled with injuries. Prediction: Cowboys 27 - Redskins 10. Hopefully the Lions can beat the Giants, then maybe the Lions can help the 'boys on Thanksgiving and beat the Packers - sorry Zac.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
How to Know When to Change
One question was asked: Who decides when to change? I believe we should look at it like this: How do we know when it is time to change? That decision has to come from the Holy Spirit, but we have to be objective enough to look at any ministry in evaluation. Sometimes it takes time for a ministry to be fruitful and see lives changed. In my experience, though, when I become objective the Holy Spirit will show me if what I am doing is effecting lives or is just religious duty. The goal is to see the unsaved saved, and believers growing more like Jesus. If all we are doing is gaining head knowledge, or making ourselves feel better, then God’s kingdom has not benefitted.
I believe the Holy Spirit will give us the answer when we are objective. Like I said in the previous post, change is difficult, especially for those who are resistant. I also want to clarify my thoughts. I don't believe in changing just for the sake of change. There should always be a reason and purpose behind it - ultimately that reason should be God-led. Please hear my heart and my passion. We are to "Go and make disciples...". That process starts by being relevant and effective in reaching the unsaved. In Port A, we are to be relevant to our islanders so they will see that this "church/Christian" stuff really does make a diffence.
I believe the Holy Spirit will give us the answer when we are objective. Like I said in the previous post, change is difficult, especially for those who are resistant. I also want to clarify my thoughts. I don't believe in changing just for the sake of change. There should always be a reason and purpose behind it - ultimately that reason should be God-led. Please hear my heart and my passion. We are to "Go and make disciples...". That process starts by being relevant and effective in reaching the unsaved. In Port A, we are to be relevant to our islanders so they will see that this "church/Christian" stuff really does make a diffence.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
First One
Hello All,
I am very glad to see you (or maybe for you to see me). Since this is the first one, let me explain my purpose with this bloggin stuff. Many of you who visit will be from my own church family. This is primarily for you, though there maybe others (in the ministry or not) who can glean from my scattered brain. I will be posting thoughts and ideas about church ministry, being a pastor, and just being a believer in Jesus (possibly a note about the Dallas Cowboys). Today's will be on change.
Change. Ouch. To many, change is a four letter word. Most people resist change, are reluctant to change, or just outright hate change. Let me say this: change, just for the sake of change, is seldom beneficial (but still can be beneficial if it is God driven). The question then is, Is change ever beneficial?
Let me answer it by referring to the New Testament. Notice, it is "new" meaning changing the old. What was changed? Quite honestly, everything. For those who want to play the devil's advocate, you would say, "Well, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow". That is correct, but the way we relate to God is what changed. We no longer (at the resurrection) have to go before a priest for forgiveness, have to sacrifice animals, etc. We go straight to God, because those of us who are believers have God inside of us (the Holy Spirit).
What about change in the church. For any church, evaluation must be done constantly, asking yourself "is what we are doing changing lives, or are we just going through the motions and doing our religious duty." That is where change must come in. A church can be like any corporation. If small, it can be a speed boat that turns on a dime...if large, it may be like an ocean liner that takes miles to turn, but it can still turn.
For those of us at FBC Port A, or any other church, may we never get to a point where we resist change for sake of changing lives. Even if it means that our pet project, ministry or organization has to go - SOULS ARE IN THE BALANCE. Is your pet project, ministry or organization currently changing lives? If not, then how does it need to change?
I am very glad to see you (or maybe for you to see me). Since this is the first one, let me explain my purpose with this bloggin stuff. Many of you who visit will be from my own church family. This is primarily for you, though there maybe others (in the ministry or not) who can glean from my scattered brain. I will be posting thoughts and ideas about church ministry, being a pastor, and just being a believer in Jesus (possibly a note about the Dallas Cowboys). Today's will be on change.
Change. Ouch. To many, change is a four letter word. Most people resist change, are reluctant to change, or just outright hate change. Let me say this: change, just for the sake of change, is seldom beneficial (but still can be beneficial if it is God driven). The question then is, Is change ever beneficial?
Let me answer it by referring to the New Testament. Notice, it is "new" meaning changing the old. What was changed? Quite honestly, everything. For those who want to play the devil's advocate, you would say, "Well, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow". That is correct, but the way we relate to God is what changed. We no longer (at the resurrection) have to go before a priest for forgiveness, have to sacrifice animals, etc. We go straight to God, because those of us who are believers have God inside of us (the Holy Spirit).
What about change in the church. For any church, evaluation must be done constantly, asking yourself "is what we are doing changing lives, or are we just going through the motions and doing our religious duty." That is where change must come in. A church can be like any corporation. If small, it can be a speed boat that turns on a dime...if large, it may be like an ocean liner that takes miles to turn, but it can still turn.
For those of us at FBC Port A, or any other church, may we never get to a point where we resist change for sake of changing lives. Even if it means that our pet project, ministry or organization has to go - SOULS ARE IN THE BALANCE. Is your pet project, ministry or organization currently changing lives? If not, then how does it need to change?
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