Dude. This May 2008 A.D. has just kept on giving. It's like the month that overtook its neighbors April and June both. I think I've put over ten-thousand miles on my "new to me" Chevy Impala. We've been to El Paso, Lubbock, Abilene, Rockdale and all over Austin. FYI it is six hundred miles from Hutto to El Paso - one way.
May is a month of graduations you know. Between family, former youth group students, and the homeschool community, Dede and I get an extra dose of blessings. We attended a wedding and a deacon ordination in April, before May even began. There was a revival meeting in Rockdale; three National Day of Prayer events, Police Chaplain training and a Discipleship Seminar. There were also the homeschool events of a blessing dinner, an athletic banquet, the formal dinner/dance and graduation. The actual dates are just a blur now, but the memories will last forever.
The blessing is seeing the smiling faces of teenagers, former and active duty. They're making their way in life, getting married, graduating, working hard and serving the Lord. Seeing the faithfulness and dedication is awesome. Seeing the smiles and hearing the stories first hand is most excellent.
A real highlight came for me tonight. Several years ago a young teenager asked permission to lead worship at our youth service on Saturday night, we called it TWiST (Teens Worshipping in Spirit & Truth). That small beginning is still growing and strengthening Christ' church. While TWiST is no more, Tyler Murphy and Kevin Gibbs are still serving whole heartedly. They continue pointing young people to Christ, the glory of God, and doing it very well.
Tonight they held a Release Party for their new CD, Speechless, which was really another great worship service; it was very clear that Christ is the King of Price Hill. You can check them out on myspace or facebook.
http://www.myspace.com/pricehillmusic
http://www.pricehillmusic.com/
Glory to God! May isn't over yet!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The Accountable Man
You've heard the stories of the fallen preachers; Sex scandals, fraud and theft from the church coffers. Ministers, pastors, preachers and all men are subject to frustrations, arrogance, and all manner of temptations. These temptations are more easily engaged, when we walk alone.
Several years ago, I began praying for men to help me walk with God, to hold me accountable and to challenge my theology. In a few short years the Lord Provided. He landed me in Hutto, Texas. He introduced me to men named Crow, Leatherman and others. Then he brought along my father-in-law and man named Coker. Some are more crazy than the others, but each one is highly treasured in my heart and the Lord's.
Accountability is a necessity for Christians, including pastors! This is not a recommendation; it's a command! You need to share your successes, burdens, and temptations with other Christians. You need trustworthy believers in your life to help you see God's ways and God's provisions.
I am blessed. God has provided accountable Christian men for my life. What about you? Can you do it alone?
Several years ago, I began praying for men to help me walk with God, to hold me accountable and to challenge my theology. In a few short years the Lord Provided. He landed me in Hutto, Texas. He introduced me to men named Crow, Leatherman and others. Then he brought along my father-in-law and man named Coker. Some are more crazy than the others, but each one is highly treasured in my heart and the Lord's.
Accountability is a necessity for Christians, including pastors! This is not a recommendation; it's a command! You need to share your successes, burdens, and temptations with other Christians. You need trustworthy believers in your life to help you see God's ways and God's provisions.
I am blessed. God has provided accountable Christian men for my life. What about you? Can you do it alone?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Waiting Tables
Imagine this ...
I hope that gets your attention, because it is true. You can read it for yourself in Matthew 8:14-17 (www.blueletterbible.org). Peter's mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever. Jesus touches her. The fever leaves her and she gets up to wait on Him! That's the gospel in a nut shell. We are sick. Jesus touches us. We are healed, and get up to serve Him!
My good friend (and ABG Director), Ronny Koehn, was ordained as a deacon of Southside Baptist Church (www.southsidebaptist.org) in Abilene, Texas on April 20, 2008. Southside Pastor Kevin Ueckert challenged the new deacons to wait tables, to serve the poor and the widows, to be the hands and feet of Christ at Southside. Deacons are servants. It is an office and a title, but the basic meaning is servant. Waiting tables is the perfect illustration.
I was into Petroleum Products in my High School D.E.C.A. class. Food Service and waiting tables was out of the question. I've never worked in or owned a restaurant. I have certainly paid countless times to be waited on.
Now, I know the blessing of serving others. When you've been touched by Christ; healed by Jesus, the disease of pride is decreased, if not totally removed. Waiting tables is an honor.
Now go, and clean those dishes... Serve Ronny, serve!
"A mother-in-law perfectly illustrates the gospel."
I hope that gets your attention, because it is true. You can read it for yourself in Matthew 8:14-17 (www.blueletterbible.org). Peter's mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever. Jesus touches her. The fever leaves her and she gets up to wait on Him! That's the gospel in a nut shell. We are sick. Jesus touches us. We are healed, and get up to serve Him!
My good friend (and ABG Director), Ronny Koehn, was ordained as a deacon of Southside Baptist Church (www.southsidebaptist.org) in Abilene, Texas on April 20, 2008. Southside Pastor Kevin Ueckert challenged the new deacons to wait tables, to serve the poor and the widows, to be the hands and feet of Christ at Southside. Deacons are servants. It is an office and a title, but the basic meaning is servant. Waiting tables is the perfect illustration.
I was into Petroleum Products in my High School D.E.C.A. class. Food Service and waiting tables was out of the question. I've never worked in or owned a restaurant. I have certainly paid countless times to be waited on.
Now, I know the blessing of serving others. When you've been touched by Christ; healed by Jesus, the disease of pride is decreased, if not totally removed. Waiting tables is an honor.
Now go, and clean those dishes... Serve Ronny, serve!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wow! This is the day...
Wow! Word's cannot express how blessed I am this day. Things have been hectic for Dede and I both, and that will continue through the weekend. But I tell you, this is the day the Lord has made. I have been inspired by so many events this week and especially today. There are revival meetings going on in Rockdale, the Texas State Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, the National Day of Prayer in Hutto, and other good news that must wait.
You can read about the NDP events at http://www.prayhutto.org/Events.htm#StateBreakfast
Honestly, I cried tears of joy late this evening as I prayed at Hutto Discovery UMC.
PS: You need to go visit their restored sanctuary. It is inspiring! http://www.huttodiscovery.org
You can read about the NDP events at http://www.prayhutto.org/Events.htm#StateBreakfast
Honestly, I cried tears of joy late this evening as I prayed at Hutto Discovery UMC.
PS: You need to go visit their restored sanctuary. It is inspiring! http://www.huttodiscovery.org
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Havin' Fun for No Money
Maybe you're familiar with the old Talking Heads song. It depicts a wonderful scene. The happy new couple is gathered around. They're watching with great attention and big smiles, proud smiles. It's awesome! The entertainment is free, "Havin' fun for no money".
I experienced it today. Well, almost. Ron and I actually paid a couple of dollars to eat a breakfast taco, but the entertainment was free. He was all the rage of a local Mexican Restaurant. He was maybe 10 months old, a very handsome young man. He was making eyes at the waitresses, while his big sister was helping to serve customers. They had everyone in the palm of their hands.
Little children. They're an awesome blessing, a true joy. The same is true of new believers; People that have just realized that Jesus paid their debt. They've just realized that they are free to be who God made them to be. They don't have to fit the world's mold after all. It's awesome! It's a joy and blessing.
But what if they fall away? What if they aren't well fed? What if no one is there to laugh and cry with them through the trails of life?
Are you prepared? Do you know how to take care of a new believer? Are you equipped to disciple a new believer?
Join me on May 10th for First Steps Discipleship Seminar. Visit http://www.disciplinganother.net/. Pastor Rick Ives will led the seminar and equip us for one-on-one discipleship.
I experienced it today. Well, almost. Ron and I actually paid a couple of dollars to eat a breakfast taco, but the entertainment was free. He was all the rage of a local Mexican Restaurant. He was maybe 10 months old, a very handsome young man. He was making eyes at the waitresses, while his big sister was helping to serve customers. They had everyone in the palm of their hands.
Little children. They're an awesome blessing, a true joy. The same is true of new believers; People that have just realized that Jesus paid their debt. They've just realized that they are free to be who God made them to be. They don't have to fit the world's mold after all. It's awesome! It's a joy and blessing.
But what if they fall away? What if they aren't well fed? What if no one is there to laugh and cry with them through the trails of life?
Are you prepared? Do you know how to take care of a new believer? Are you equipped to disciple a new believer?
Join me on May 10th for First Steps Discipleship Seminar. Visit http://www.disciplinganother.net/. Pastor Rick Ives will led the seminar and equip us for one-on-one discipleship.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Racial Reconciliation
Could it be? Could there be true healing, repentance and forgiveness for racial sins in our land?
Could it be that someone has followed the leading of the Spirit, admitted his faults, and then asked for forgiveness?
Could this be happening in Jena, Louisiana, home of the Jena Six, while Reverends Sharpton and Jackson are no where in sight?
It could be, and in fact it's true. I just spoke to a good friend who felt called to Jena this week, after hearing Dr. Richard Land speak about the revival on the radio. This revival is now in it's 8th week.
Friends, God can move mountains. God can move the mountains of racial conflict in this land. God can help us all find forgiveness. He can and does heal us. Listen to His voice. Listen to his call. Revival is needed. Revival has come to one town. Let repentance, mercy, salvation and forgiveness rain down on all of our land. Let Him Reign!
Read about the Jena Revival from the North American Mission Board.
God Save the U.S.A.
Could it be that someone has followed the leading of the Spirit, admitted his faults, and then asked for forgiveness?
Could this be happening in Jena, Louisiana, home of the Jena Six, while Reverends Sharpton and Jackson are no where in sight?
It could be, and in fact it's true. I just spoke to a good friend who felt called to Jena this week, after hearing Dr. Richard Land speak about the revival on the radio. This revival is now in it's 8th week.
Friends, God can move mountains. God can move the mountains of racial conflict in this land. God can help us all find forgiveness. He can and does heal us. Listen to His voice. Listen to his call. Revival is needed. Revival has come to one town. Let repentance, mercy, salvation and forgiveness rain down on all of our land. Let Him Reign!
Read about the Jena Revival from the North American Mission Board.
God Save the U.S.A.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Secrets Laid Bare …
On the one hand it’s good to get things out in the open. On the other hand it’s good to keep shame hidden and buried away. On one hand you need someone to know what you’re going through. On the other you don’t want any one to know.
Secrets: secrets kept; secrets revealed. Secrets exposed; secrets held in confidence. Secrets bottled up; secrets blabbed from the roof tops.
Secrets are volatile. Secrets are sensitive. Some can be good. Some are bad. Some people you can trust with them; some you cannot. Some secrets are harmful when exposed. Some secrets need to be exposed. Some are best hidden forever. The possibilities are endless…
The blessing is this. While our secrets are laid bare by the Truth of God, they are also covered over by the blood of Christ Jesus. While our shame is revealed by the presence of Christ, it is forgiven and put to rest as we trust in him. He has taken away our sin and our shame, but that’s the reason he had to come.
It’s terrible that he had to die for our shameful secrets, but it’s a great blessing that he did.
The question is this? Are you trust worthy? Can you keep a secret? Are you a confidant? Do you handle you mouth correctly when it comes to talk of others’ secrets?
Revealing the works of God brings him glory. His mighty hand and out-stretched arm have lifted the shameful secrets of many hearts, and turned us away from destructive behaviors of the past. But when is it appropriate to reveal a secret or not?
The Scripture has much to say about secrets. Check out the following verses and
Know the Blessing…
Proverbs 11:11-13, 20:19: 25:9; 26:22-26
Matthew 6:4; 6:18
1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:1; 14:25
2 Corinthians 4:2
2 Peter 2:1
Jude 4
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