Are you the music of Christmas?????????

Good morning everyone! Only two more day until Christmas. Joslyn is super excited and Luke just feeds off from her. So, it will be a great time at our house. Today's devotional is not mine. I am passing one that I read along to you. I really liked it and thought you would too. It is a little different so, read the whole thing. One more thing. I can't stop talking about us going Christmas caroling the other night. It was just a true blessing. Next year come join us! Well, check this devotion out and have a Merry Christmas.

So what comes to mind when you hear the word “Christmas”?

Decorated trees? Church bells ringing? Friends and families?

X-Box 360 and Call of Duty?

For me, I can’t help but think about music. For some reason I never grow weary of hearing the classic carols and the Christmas songs that I’ve sung as long as I can remember. And here’s a list of songs that I don’t exactly remember, but seem to fit our world pretty well. Check these out:

Schizophrenia -- Do You Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices?

Amnesia -- I Don't Remember If I'll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic Personality Disorder -- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me

Manic -- Deck The Halls And Walls And House And Lawn And Streets And Stores And Office And Town And Cars And Buses And Trees And.......

Multiple Personality Disorder -- We Three Kings Disoriented Are

Paranoid -- Santa Claus Is Coming To Get Us

Antisocial Personality Disorder -- Thoughts of Roasting You On an Open Fire

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Alzheimer's -- Walking In a Winter Wonderland Miles from My House in My Slippers and Robe

Oppositional Defiant Disorder -- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House

Social Anxiety Disorder -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate

Attention Deficit Disorder -- We Wish You......Hey Look!! It's Snowing!!!

No offense meant and all kidding aside, have you ever wondered where the first Christmas song to Jesus Christ was sung? You may be surprised, and you definitely don’t want to miss the meaning behind this incredible scene:

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed (Luke 2:8-18).

Can you even imagine being at this breathtaking scene? Imagine the greatest music your ears could attend to and multiply it by infinity, and it still wouldn’t compare to the heavenly choir’s harmony celebrating the tiny infant who would one day walk out of His own grave.

And not only is the music ridiculously awesome, even better is the message that the angels proclaimed:

“Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master”

This is the heart of Christmas - which comes from ‘Christ + Mass’ (mass being a celebration) - so we rejoice and marvel at the fact that the God of the Universe wrapped Himself in flesh to give us the greatest present that humanity could ever experience: Jesus Christ.

So this Christmas, take some time to be still and reflect on the incredible weight and implication of the angelic message: our Savior has appeared, and because of His birth, death has been defeated. Christmas means forgiveness. Christmas means eternal life.

And Christmas also means that we have the same opportunity as the shepherds - remember what they did?

“They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child.”

The shepherds were so overjoyed and overwhelmed by the good news of Jesus that they ran to tell anyone and everyone who would listen…

And how about you? Have you tuned out of the message because of the busy/stressful/materialistic/food coma season that robs us of the true joy that comes when we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world?

Let’s make the music of our Christmas a song of deliverance that celebrates the Christ and tells the world the Good News!

A cold, dirty, and dark place.............

Good morning guys and gals! It is almost Christmas! I am excited to spend time with family and friends. I was talking to our youth the other night about doing things for others during this season. I would like us to dig into the good stuff for a bit and see what it says............

Bible Verse: Philippians 2:7 "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."

Now, let's be real with each other. Everyone likes to receive gifts. Even if you say I would rather give than receive. Somewhere deep inside you love to receive. Right? Ok. Since we have established that we are going to tell the truth today. Let look at a King coming as a peasant. What better way to see the true side of people. If Jesus would have came as a king. I think a lot of things would have been different but, He knew He had to come as a poor man. This next part gets me when I really think about it. Jesus came in a manger for you and for me. He willingly left the glories and riches of heaven to be born in a stable. My friend Debbie sang a song at church the other day. About the birth of Jesus. He wasn't born in a clean place. He was born in a dirty, cold, and dark place. But, Oh were things going to change. Check this out, Jesus became poor, so that we might become rich! He lived such a life of poverty that when He had to pay taxes, He had to look for a coin in a fish's mouth. When He sent out His disciples, He told them to take nothing but a staff and the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 6:7-9). Would you be willing to do that? Now, here is the part that makes me smile and sad at the same time. He was put to death like a common criminal so that we could wear a royal robe! As a child of God, you are rich! I am rich! Why do we not see that at this time of year? It doesn't matter how many presents you get. Swallow all that junk and be happy for what you do have. There are so many with less. Do me a big favor today or tonight. Take some time and read Philippians 2:6-11 with your family or friends. Let's thank God for sending His Son, Jesus. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Sadness in the Holiday's..........

Good morning friends! We had a great time Christmas caroling with the youth group last night. It was a true blessing to see the joy that our youth brought to many tonight by showing their love in song. We went to a nursing home and numerous houses in Kingston. Then we went over to the Pine Hills Community in Harriman and walked around while singing. Just an awesome time and I saw some really sad faces when we got there and some real happy ones when we left. We a going to start earlier next year and go to more places! I want to talk about this time of year for some. Let's dig into the good stuff.........

Bible Verse: Psalm 116:8 "For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."

Guy's, I believe that the holidays are the loneliest and saddest time of the year for some. Everywhere you look, people are told they're supposed to be happy and to smile and they realize they're not and can't. They see everybody else acting happy, and they feel so lonely or sad. Just walking in a store or through the mall can make them feel lonely. But check this out.....Jesus has said, in Hebrews 13:5 that "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee". I must tell you that when I'm discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I'm lonely His presence cheers me up. When I'm worried, His presence calms me down. And when I am tempted, His presence will help me out. Do me a huge favor today write down the last few lines of this and put your name in it and make it yours. Now don't just say it believe it! He will get you through it. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

Under His feet.............

Good morning everyone. Boy, this week has been something else. I know all the kids are happy that they have been out of school most of the week due to weather. We have a big weekend planned too! Youth Christmas dinner at church and Christmas caroling with the youth Monday night. I am excited!!! Well, I want to share something that has been on my mind lately. So, let's dig into the good stuff...........

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:27 "For He hath put all things under His feet..."

I have a very good friend that is going through a lot lately. I seems that she was on a mountain top and the devil doesn't want her there. Her family is going through a lot and you know about those good momma's when their children go through something they do also. I will have to say that this woman inspires me! She actually told me that if satan walked in that door right now she would kick him in the butt. Wow, you have got to love it. I just want this woman to know and all to know that we can praise God! Well, our story does have a happy ending. Even if the middle of the story is a little messed up or a lot messed up! The end of the story is......He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God right now, interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered. When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Don't ever forget where your problems are? Under His feet. Jesus is alive and waiting to return for you! I have to ask you a question. Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and share Romans 8:34 with them. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Secret Agent Man..........

Hello guys and gals! I pray you are having a good week so far. Luke and I chilled together last night while Misty and Joslyn went Christmas shopping. It amazes me how a two year old can be so cool and loving at the same time. I spoke to a young man last night that doesn't feel he needs time hearing God's Word and it reminded me of a story I had heard from a guy I worked with. Let's dig into the good stuff and back up what that guy said with scripture..........

Bible Verse: Proverbs 7:24 "Hearken unto Me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of My mouth."

The guy that I worked with and I have to say that in past tense because we no longer work together. He went back to Washington D.C. He worked for the Secret Service and then came to work with us. He was assigned to look for counterfeit bills. Now what I thought was cool is that the United States Government doesn't teach Secret Service agents to detect counterfeit bills by having them study fakes. They show these agents real dollars over and over and over until they have the pattern memorized. Then, when a counterfeit is put in front of them, they recognize it instantly because it doesn't fit the pattern their eyes are looking for. Now, this brings me to why we need time with the Lord. Whether it be at church, home, in the car, in the prayer closet, driving to work, it doesn't matter where.

Do you know the voice of the Lord? I promise the only way you can be sure that it is His voice you are hearing is to hear it so often that a stranger's voice is instantly recognizable. It is so much better to spend time learning the One True Voice than it is trying to learn to detect all the false voices. Trust me when I tell you that the devil wants to sound a little like God. He does this to get you to listen more. Let's not be fooled. Let's get to know God's voice just like our family members. So that we can hear His cry or voice in a crowd or in the middle of a storm. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Let's be courageous together...........

Good morning folks! Well, school is out again in Roane County and all the kids are super happy. Most of you know that I have been in the military and a police officer for a number of years. So, I considered myself to be a pretty courageous person. I've been in some pretty hairy situations and stood firm. I was thinking what the most courageous thing would be to do. I believe it would be giving your life in place of another persons. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it say's.........

Bible Verse: Psalm erse: 31:24 "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Now, if you have children you would give your life for them with out a thought. Right? But, what about someone you have never met? A stranger? Maybe someone you don't like. Boy, now your sitting here thinking "Well, I would for Sally but, not for Jim. Because he's mean to me." Laying your life down for someone else in my opinion is the ultimate sacrifice. Guy's, this is what Jesus did. He came and died for us so that we could have a better more abundant life. He know us. Heck, who could know us better than the One who created us? Who could care more for us than the One Who died for us? Who could lead us more carefully than the One Who knows the end from the beginning? There is no greater picture of courage than the picture of what Jesus for us in laying down His life. We can know security because the One who loves us is compassionate, caring, and courageous. Jesus knows you. He cares for you. He wants to lead you into an abundant life. Now, comes the hard question. Because you can say your a Christian all day long and not live it. Are you willing to lay down your life for the sake of the Lord and let Him lead you? A you that courageous? I pray we all can be. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

"Can I just have some time off?".............

Good morning everyone! We had an amazing weekend. On Saturday, we took a bus of youth to Operation R.E.A.C.H. (Roane Enriching Another Child's Holiday). We were blessed with shopping with young children that were less fortunate this year. We split up into groups of three and each got a child. Our child was Haley! What a blessing Haley was. She said she wanted to get her family gifts before she got anything for herself. Wow! She was seven. At seven, she was focus outward not inward. I think that is our biggest problem. Well, let me back up it is my biggest problem. I have been very selfish throughout my life. It is a daily struggle to keep my focus out and not in. That brings me to todays scripture. I know I have shared it before. But, I just had it laid on my heart again. Let's dig into the good stuff........

Bible Verse: Mark 16:15 "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Alright, check this out. I have to say i I had to identify a major problem with believers today, it would be that they spend too much time getting out of trouble with God! We are living on the defensive instead of the offensive. The defense is about protection of whats valuable or what we feel is valuable. It's protecting ours! We need to move beyond the defensive line of Christianity and move on to the offense advancing God's Kingdom, fulfilling the Great Commission, and telling others about Jesus. Man, this is the reason for the season. God will never lead you or I where His strength cannot keep us. He will never lead us down a path that He hasn't first walked down Himself. We have to remember that Jesus came here for us. He didn't have to. He choose to! You don't have to go and share the reason for the season. You should choose to! Trust me when I tell you this. I have struggled at times with being a pastor. I have thought...."How can I do this for the rest of my life?" I have said..."God, I am tired. Can I just take some time off?" Guess what? I realized that God didn't call me and bring me to this place in my life to take a break. There are so many that don't know about Jesus. Guy's, we have to tell them. We have been commissioned. So, I ask you today. In front of God and everyone. Are you sharing His love and words of salvation with someone who's lost? If not, let's start today to move beyond your comfort zone and see God do some amazing work! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

The Recipe...........

Good morning everyone! I hope your Tuesday is going great. I have had a busy last few days. Sunday was amazing at church. Kenny Evans came to sing and preach and we had 11 people accept Christ as their Savior. It was an amazing service! God was in the house. Then Sunday night at youth we had 3 accept Christ as their Savior and numerous other decisions. It was a very powerful day in the Lord's house. I preached on visions, recipes, and directions. God has plans for your life if you are a born again believer. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it say's about the subject.........

Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God has a plans for you, a desire, an vision to do something great for Him. Some of them might be small and some great. regardless of the size and how they are implemented they have eternal significance. Why? Because GOD is the author of them!!!! Do you know what your vision is? Listen, It is like a good recipe. God's plan has a detailed set of instructions. You must follow them to produce the desired outcome. Don't fool yourself. We are have opportunities to do something unique for God. Now, here comes the sad part of this devotion. Very few people fulfill God's purpose or vision God has placed on their hearts. Why is that? Most blame their lack of success on God or other people. But, what it really boils down to is us following directions! The directions God has given us. God knows what is best for you and He has a recipe for success just for you!!! Now, the influence of friends and society weigh heavily on our ability to follow the directions to the letter. Most problems arise when we take our eyes off the recipe and/or begin to listen to advice and faulty information. What is your recipe? If you take an ingredient out of a cooking recipe. The recipe doesn't turn out the way it was supposed to. If you use salt instead of sugar it just turns out bad!!! What is God's vision for your life? Are you following the directions?

The Bible say's in Habakkuk 2:2 the Bible say's to write your vision down. It will help you see the steps you need to take to fulfill it! Let's pray that God's will show us what His vision/plan/recipe is for our lives. then let's get to work implementing them. I know He has a good recipe made up for you. Why? because His Word says so!!! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!!!

The Lord's Supper (Part 2)

Good morning everyone! I am excited about church this Sunday. We have Kenny Evans coming to sing and share the gospel with us. If you have never been blessed by Kenny's gifted voice and awesome testimony you should come join us. I am writing the second part of yesterday's devotion and I hope you can take from it what I did while writing it. This is going to be a little longer devotional than normal but, a very important one. It is very important that we partake of it in the right manner. I hope you can take something from it. Examine yourself and let's dig in...........

Bible verse: Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the lord's body.

Let me go back to the representation. The bread, represents the flesh of Jesus, is separate from the wine, which represents His blood, and the separation of the blood from the flesh indicates death. A bleeding away of life in the most intense agony. It cost the Lord an immeasurable amount of pain to redeem us from going down into the pit of hell. We take these in remembrance of the death of Christ. Now, what right does an unrepented person have to come in remembrance of the death of Christ. If our eyes have not cried tears of repentance, if we have not truly repented, how can we remember Him who veins cried blood to redeem His people from their sins. It is a grieving heart and a broken spirit that Christ wants at the communion table. Taking communion is an ordinance, an ordinance from God. God wants us to think of Jesus always. We should speak of Him often, we should share witness to the death of Jesus Christ all the time. This is what makes this communion to be the best of ordinances to point us to Christ on the cross.

Before taking communion we should examine ourselves. Here are five ways to examine ourselves.

1.Examine ourselves concerning our knowledge- our saving knowledge, a living knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2.Examine ourselves concerning our faith- trusting alone in the Lord Jesus Christ without hesitating, that our Savior lived, died, and rose again for our sins.

3.Examine ourselves concerning our repentance- Is our heart broken and melted or is stone and hard? Are we broken because of our sins? Have we truly repented all?

4.Examine ourselves concerning our love- Do we truly love our Lord? Ask the Lord " Lord, you know the deepest feelings of my heart, you know all things, you know all my faults, you know that I truly love you." You will know you are worthy to eat at this table is this is true what you say.

5.Examine ourselves concerning your obedience- We must obey the commands of Christ. If we truly love Him, we will keep His commandments. We should desire to sin less and less everyday. Is there any sin which you try to hide away from God? He knows all. We should do our best to become more Christlike everyday. We will never be perfect. But, we can be perfect in weakness and rely on God's wisdom.

After we examine ourselves and if we find we are worthy to take communion. We should ask God to clear our minds and let us focus entirely on Christ's life, death, and resurrection while taking communion. We should keep our thoughts on Christ. We should ask God to help us strap or thoughts to the cross. We should take communion service reverently, humbly, and sincerely to show Christ's death.

There is law from God on how often or when we should take communion. The Lord leaves it up to us to search our hearts on how often we should break bread and drink the blood of Jesus. After studying the subject I believe we should take it more often.

Here is the thing, don't let superstition be the reason you take communion. It is far worse to take communion and not be saved and know the true reason for doing this. In remembrance of our dear Lord and Savior. We shouldn't feel because we are church members that we should come to the communion table or because others are doing it. We need to come after serious thought. We need to prepare our hearts to take part in this ordinance from God. We need to have fellowship with Christ.

I know this has been a long devotional but, I have studied on this great subject and learned so very much. God has opened my eyes and my heart. I hope this will help do the same for you. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

The Lord's Supper (Part 1)

Good morning everyone! First, Our Men's Only Night/Wild game night will be meeting this Saturday at 6:30pm at Rose Bailey Lake in Kingston. Second, I was talking yesterday with my partner at work about the Lord's Supper. I had really studied on the Lord's supper in the Bible and the writings of Charles Spurgeon, a late 1800's pastor for about three years ago and was totally blessed by God's Word to find out the true significance of the eating of the bread (Christ's body) and the drinking of the wine (Christ's blood) is not understood by some. And if understood, sometimes becomes ceremonial for some or just something to do on good Friday or when our church offers it. I am going to dive into this subject and I will send it to you in two sections. Today and tomorrow. Partly because it is lengthy and partly for you to soak it in a little at a time. God bless and I hope this touches you as it did me. Let's dig in.........

Bible verse: Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Have you ever thought, what if Christ had never came to earth to die for our sins? Without Christ, where would Christianity be or would there even be Christianity, if He never came to earth? Jesus Christ is the center of Christianity. Without Him it is a mere shell or empty bottle. Christ is the central truth of the Gospel. Our Lord Jesus instituted this supper in order to keep this truth on our minds, because this is the truth above all truths. that is vital to the gospel.

The blood of Christ. So powerful that it will wash away all of our sins. Everything from not telling the truth to murder. How powerful is that. C.H Spurgeon said in one of his sermon's "What arrow will ever pierce the heart of sin unless it is dipped in the blood of Jesus?" Sin, look at Christ and all the sin that was punished on Him, then you should really see the evilness of it.

When I see Christ dying on the cross for my sins. When I look at the pain, suffering, and grief that he received on my behalf, I see the reason that I should make great sacrifices in order to glorify Him. Have you made any great sacrifices for Christ lately? The death of Jesus Christ is the #1 sin killer. If you truly know and understand that, then you will feel its sanctifying power. I have wrote this so far to bring our focus on the sacrifice of His body and blood that Christ did for you and for me. I will follow in tomorrows devotion/blog more on the Lord's supper. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Let's be mountain goats.........

Good morning friends! Did you have a good day yesterday? I want to tell you that when you get on that mountain top from maybe.......A great weekend on a retreat with the Lord. Then satan is going to do everything he can to bring you down and hard. If something like this has happened to you I want you have a hope that is alive! See your enemy for what he is. Prepare for battle. Cling to that mountain top and let your light shine bright. Let's dig into the good stuff..........

Bible Verse: 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Have you ever really thought about God's plan for your life? What kind of life does He want you to have? God want's you to have an abundant life. This is His plan for you. In fact, it's God's plan for all of us as Christians. Jesus promised us in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly". Now, what is abundant life? It is life where all of your needs are met. But more than that, abundant life is where you have enough to bless others. Not only do you receive a blessing, but you are a blessing. I have seen so many that bless others with what they have and it is really cool to see what God is doing in their lives. At the same time the devil wants to steal that away from them. He want to make them fearful and broken. I have one thing to say "No, say's I". Here is the deal the abundant life that Jesus promised is not just life out yonder "in the sweet by and by." It is abundant life right now in the nasty, messed up now and now. Every day in every way we are to be having victory in and through the Jesus! Let me ask you a question. Who in your life is not experiencing the abundant life? Your mother? Your husband? Your best friend? Take time out today to encourage them with this promise in 1 Peter. Let's stay firmly on the mountain top like a mountain goat and experience that abundant life together. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!!

Just say "no" to Sunday couch potatoes........

Good morning everyone! Man, What a weekend! We took 70 on our S.W.A.T. Youth Retreat and God totally showed up and showed out. We had six youth accept Jesus as their Savior and the next night 12 that had never made that public profession about accepting Jesus stood to let the world know! Our speakers were right on time with their messages and allowed God to use them in a mighty way. bridges were build between the new youth and the older youth that brought a smile to my face. I saw so many wonderful things happen and must give God all the praise and glory. I also must thank everyone that helped make this retreat happen. The leaders, sponsors, bus/van drivers, pastors, and the church! Thanks you. Today I want to share my heart a little. I don't know why some think that they can do it on there own and don't need to gather together but, let's dig into the good stuff and see what it says...........

Bible Verse: Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

I have preached this message before and for some it is like.....duh!!!! I know you shouldn't forsake coming together. For others.....They say "I used to go to church but, they have some story to share that makes it ok not come. Others say "I don't need the church. I worship on my own." Have you looked around? Do you know what is happening in America today? Heck, Roane County? People who claim to be Christians are not getting involved and becoming faithful to a church, the local fellowship of believers. Such a thing was unheard of in the Bible. If you were a Christian, you were faithful to the fellowship. You attended when everyone gathered together. If you stopped attending, they assumed that you were an apostate (which means guilty of something). What is more important than the local visible expression of the body of Christ? It is the way we stay "plugged in" to the needs of the body of Christ. It is the way we show honor to Him in worship. It is simply the way. So many have become couch potatoes on Sunday morning because they are tired. Now, are there reasons that you can't attend church? Sure, there are many but, if we examine our reasons for not attending would God say "I understand" or "You can do it, I have faith in you"? Let's get plugged in! God can use you in a mighty way. I promise!! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless

Focus....Focus....Focus....

Hello friends and neighbors! We had an awesome night at youth last night. We had 48 come to fellowship with us. One young man that rode his bike for the second week in a row about 10 miles to come to youth. What an inspiration! I made arrangements with him to get him picked up and dropped off from now on. Some really good news too! We have a new brother and sister in Christ now!!!! A young man came with a lot on his shoulders and God gave this young man some refuge last night. He prayed to accept Christ and have eternal assurance! The young lady has been through a lot and now KNOWS she is going to heaven. Why does God surprise me???? Our service last night was on running the race.....I want to share a little. Let's dig into the good stuff.......

Bible Verse: Philippians 3:14 - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

When a runner is running, he puts his eyes on the goal or finish line. He doesn't look at the grandstand, the other runners, or behind him. Neither does he examine himself. He has his eyes forward. He looks away from everything else. The finish line is all he sees. Well, that is what God wants us to do. Whenever we look behind us or around when we are running. We really increase our chances for stumbling, slowing down, or falling. Listen, God wants us to keep our eyes on the prize. That's exactly what we're to do. The reason that many Christians fail in the race is that they have not learned to look away from other things. They're trying to look in both directions at the same time, and James 1:8 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." And Matthew 6:22 says, "If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." We should also cut loose every weight that slows us down. This might be addictions, activities, or maybe even some friends. I know that is hard to say but, if your friends are causing you to go down wrong roads or be places you shouldn't. maybe you need to limit your time with them or just cut them loose. Are you eyes on the prize today? Are you running the race or are you on the sidelines? Where is your focus today? Has the world drawn you back into itself and luring you away from the Lord? Read Matthew 28:19-20. That's your goal. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!!

He can handle it...........

Good morning everyone. We had a great night last night. Misty, Joslyn, and I went to Disney on Ice (Princess addition) last night. I have to say it was pretty good. If your into that kind of thing. Joslyn really enjoyed herself. I have received numerous emails over the last few day of people in some pretty hard situations. My question is where is our gaze? Where are we looking for help? Let's see what the good stuff says and dig in..........

Bible Verse: Psalm 89:1 - "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations."

Really what does it mean to "look to Jesus" to have all of our needs met? alright check this out, let's say I borrow $10,000 from Dan, a friend of mine, but then I realize that I can't pay it back. Dan is on to me and says, "If you don't pay it back, I'm going to foreclose on you." So I go over to another friend, Tom, and tell him about my really bad situation and ask for his help. Tom says, "That's alright, Tony, look to me." Did you see that he didn't say, "Look at me." He said, "Look to me." Kind of like, "I'll handle it." This is what the Bible means when it says "look unto Jesus." It means look to Him for whatever you need. Do you look to Jesus for your needs? Or are you big enough to handle it on your own? Who is looking to you to have their needs met today? Are you, then, looking to God or are you trying to do it on your own? We may think we can handle it all and might even be able to sometimes. But, why not let Jesus carry the load. He wants to. He is eager to! Jesus can handle it.....Promise! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless.

The dam is holding for now........

Hello everyone! We had a great leader/chaperone meeting for the SWAT (Spiritual Warfare And Tactics) Youth Retreat last night. It was awesome to see a group of adult that love these young people so much. We have 72 going on the retreat! Yea God!!! Our largest group so far. Going to be awesome. I want to talk about the same subject from yesterday. The second coming of Jesus. let's dig into the good stuff.......

Bible Verse: 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

I have had some people ask me why Jesus hasn't come back yet. Have you ever wondered why? I'll tell you why I think and what I believe the scripture says: because our Lord is waiting on people to be saved. He's waiting on your family member, your neighbor, your co-worker, or maybe you, but one of these days soon, and very soon I believe, Jesus will come. You see, it is God's mercy that holds back the Second Coming of Jesus, but God's justice and judgment require that one day He will come. Even now, the raging waters of God's wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy. With the way things are going in the world. But, this is nothing new for God. He has been dealing with an ungodly people since Adam and Eve. He so wants us to come to Him before the dam of His mercy gives way to His judgment, and that day He will come back. We have good news our Lord is coming! Does this make your heart beat faster because you anticipate His coming or dread His coming? How is your walk? Is there anything you need to take care of? If you knew Jesus was coming back Friday at noon. What would you do? Who would you take to? Would you share Jesus more until Friday? Would you love more? Would you pray more? We don't we pretend it's Friday and keep pretending it's the next Friday. Watch what happens in our lives. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless. Talk to ya Friday????

What time are you picking me up??????????

We had a great night at youth Sunday night. There was a young man from Morgan county that joined us at you and will be joining us in heaven now!!! What an awesome night. We talked about our tongues and how we use them. It was pretty powerful and what I saw the next day and that night after youth was powerful. People were making things right that they wronged with their mouths. Guy's we don't know the hour nor do we know the day that Jesus is coming back. We should not have things undone when He arrives. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it say's........

Bible Verse: Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

I have heard that Jesus is coming back after 2012 because thats as far as the calendar goes. That the ancient people knew something. Well, I don't buy it. This is real touchy and some would say anybody who sets a date for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ may be crossing the line of blasphemy. The Bible teaches very clearly and very plainly and our Lord taught that no one knows the time. No one!!! Just before our Lord was taken up into glory, the disciples asked Him, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power" (Acts 1:6-7). No one knows the day when Jesus Christ is coming again, but guess what? We know He is coming one day. I do believe it is soon or should I say "I hope it is soon!" I wanting to say to Jesus "What time are you picking me up?" Man, what a day of rejoicing that will be for some. It will also be a day of "Uh Oh! I should have listened to all those people telling me about Jesus." Our tongues can be used in a mighty way today. Use yours to share Jesus and think about what encouragement you need to share with someone today? Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Bundle of Dynamite.............

What's up guys and gals? Had a good night last night. I went to sit in on our youth initiated/youth led Bible study. My plan was to just stop in for about 30 minutes and come back home. But, these kids started asking me questions about the Bible and were so hungry for God's Word. I shared with them and them got to meet two of the new youth's parents. A good night but, a long one. Today is a big day. We have Fields of Faith tonight at Wartburg High School Football Field. They are expecting 300-500 youth tonight. The Lord has made a way for me to preach it and our own 5mm Youth Praise Band to lift the Lord up in song. Please pray for all who attend and that God's will be done during this event. I want to go back to the Bible study last night. I saw so much hurting and how the enemy was attacking in some of these young peoples lives. Why is there is so much happening all around us. So much evil, so much hurting. But, I have good news. We do have hope and that hope is Jesus Christ. So with that, let's dig into some of the good stuff.

Bible verse: John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself".

I told these youth last night about the ruler of the world we are in. He is our enemy, he is the devil, he is Satan. An angel that so rebelled against God, that God cast him out of heaven. Well, the devil took up his residence here on good ole' earth. How lucky are we? The devil tempted Eve in the garden, tempted Jesus in the wilderness, and has been tempting us for a very long time. He tempts me all the time. Satan is very powerful. But, we can have victory over him. That victory is in Jesus Christ. Jesus is so much more powerful than Satan. We must draw to Him when we are tempted. I look around and see man, man is afraid of what he knows. Our wits have got ahead of our hearts. We are facing so many things that we have no answers for. Let's look at a few AIDS, all the irregular weather, famine all over the world, the apparent tinderbox or a bundle of dynamite in the Middle East, and all the evil around us. I have heard people say "What is the world coming to"? We don't have to just throw our hands up and give up. We should think about it this way. It's not what is this world coming to but, maybe "Who should this world be coming to"? We should be preparing to meet Jesus Christ. Folks, Jesus is coming back whether some people might want Him to or not. Are you ready? Have you done anything to help others get ready? Our youth and church have an outreach program as do a lot of church's. Go and get involved. Reach out to someone who doesn't know Jesus as their Savior. Tell them about some great news. Thanks for allowing me to share my heart with you. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Flip the switch...........

Hello friends! I have a big day today and am praying that God's will be done and not my own. So, if you don't care send a prayer up for me. I would really appreciate it. Alright, I have a question for you. Do you have someone you've been trying to witness to or get to come to church and they just totally refuse? Well, don't quit, but think about it from a different view. Check this out....Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it says about this............

Bible Verse: John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Jesus was talking to Nicodemus and Nicodemus was so impressed with the miracles Jesus had done that he wanted to find out more. He asked Jesus about miracles, and Jesus began to talk to him about births. It's as if Jesus was saying, "Nicodemus, if you want to understand miracles, you're going to have to become a miracle." Now Nicodemus was a pretty smart man. He was a ruler of the Jews. Yet with all of his learning Nicodemus was told, "Except you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God." People simply can't understand spiritual things until the Holy Spirit of God turns the light on in their souls. It is sort of like reach in and flipping the light switch to on! He couldn't understand being born twice. Maybe whoever you are witnessing to or trying to get to come to church does see it yet. That doesn't say they won't one day. Keep on.....Keeping on! Maybe they are over educated! That's a joke for some of you engineers that are reading this. Is it someone who has a lot of education, but no salvation? I challenge you to share this same Good News with him or her today and do me a favor. Have patience with them. it takes longer for some but, that doesn't mean it's not worth it! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

"Know So" not "Hope So"...........

Good morning everyone! Boy, what a night last night at youth. It really seemed like the walls were crashing in and a lot of problems were surfacing. I was getting phone calls two hours before youth and having to deal with some real hard things. Then problems with equipment and some personal issues with some youth. I had one of the youth come up to me and say "Something good is going to happen tonight! To much is trying to stop youth tonight!!!" Well, we started off with prayer requests that lasted 20 minutes and little miss Haley started to sing Amazing Grace. It became very emotional and the Holy Spirit went to work. The praise band came up next and sang their guts out for God! God shut my notes and we just talked about their problems last night. We should be ashamed as parents of the things that are children have to deal with way before they should have to. They have so much on their shoulders. Money problems, divorce, gossip, bullying, sex, and bad home lives. I pray that we can always give some of these young adults a place of refuge and they can have a little peace for a while. Now to the awesome news! We had four pray to accept Jesus as their Savior last night. Angels weren't only singing in Heaven last night. I think they were clogging too!!! Super happy! I talked to one of them about have a "know so" not a "hope so" Salvation! She now has a "know so" and that is way cool. Sorry so long today but, lots to say. Let's dig into some of the good stuff.........

Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast."

If you think you're going to get to heaven by your good works, I guarantee you will always wonder if you've done enough. You will not have a "know-so" salvation. You will have a "hope-so" salvation. Rather than standing up straight in confidence like an exclamation point, you will be bent over and wondering like a question mark. That is, until you understand that it's all by grace. Suppose everybody who wanted to be saved had to run around the block. Some can't run. What if you had to read a chapter in the Bible to be saved? Some can't read. But there is one thing that can make the promise sure, and that is grace. Who can you share this Good News with today? Think of at least one person, and ask God to give you courage and the opportunity to do just that. Good luck and keep your eyes on the prize! Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

The Judgement Seat.........

Hello friends! Well, the week is almost over. I am totally ready for a few days off. I have been studying 2 Chronicles 34 about King Josiah and I was wondering what legacy I will leave behind when I go to heaven. What will God say I have done with my life? That took me to another verse and I want us to dig into the good stuff and look at it today........

Bible verse: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

I know this is not what you want to hear this morning but, each of us are accountable to Christ, not to others. Many of us Christians base our moral judgments on our opinion or our personal dislikes, instead of on Gods' Word. Sometimes we judge others and totally forget that God has a purpose for everything and that God is powerful enough to guide his children.

When we are standing in front of Christ at the judgment seat, I don't think we will be worried about what our friends have done or what someone in our church has done. Or I hope not! How many of us will say "I wish I would have done....."?

In Romans 14:12 Paul writes "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God". I can only imagine standing before Christ and Him saying to me "Tony, let's take a look at your life, your works, and your obedience". Does that not scare you? When we were young did we not do extra chores or do our best at school to make our parents proud? Do we do the same for Christ? If we do, then why are we doing these things or works?

In 1 Corinthians 3:12 it talks about revealing our works by fire. Are our works for Christ built of a solid foundation. A foundation of gold ,silver, or precious stone or are they built on wood, hay, or straw. Why do we do the work for Christ that we do? Are we doing anything for him? Do we feel that we do enough? If we know that we should do more and just choose not to. What is that saying to God?

If we know that God wants is to go and witness and we just don't do it, what does that say? All sorts of things happen to me to test my faith and my works. Sometimes I feel like I am standing in waist deep mud and it is a hard slow process to get out. You have to keep pushing through it. You can't just stop and give up. I think Christianity is sometimes like that. It is extremely hard at times to be a Christian at times. Our walk in this life is not always going to be paved with roses. But, if we could just keep our eyes toward God and think about eternity in heaven. I believe we would act and do things a lot different.

In Matthew 16:27 Jesus tell his disciples, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. I think Christ is not only going to judge us at the final judgment. I think He is already judging us in our lives. I believe Christ will look at how we have handled gifts, or maybe opportunities, or possibly responsibilities. I believe once He has the total picture, then He will determine our heavenly rewards will be. How few or many will our heavenly rewards be? What is our conscience telling us? Just a thought. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!!!

The Tongue.........

Good morning guys and gals! I hope everyone is well. My wife is feeling really bad. She has double ear infections, a sinus infection, and the creepy crude I think. She went to bed at 7 o'clock last night. Please lift her up in your prayers for me. She is a real trooper and doesn't do down very often. Thanks in advance for your prayers. I want to talk about something I've been dealing with pretty hard this week. The topic is probably a problem for everyone. I know sometimes my mouth gets me in trouble.

Bible verse: James 3:5-6 (James teaches about Christian behavior) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, A world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

In verse 9 James says "with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men. Who have been made in God's likeness.

Our words can damage far more than we probably believe. Once we unleash a hateful or destructive word, it is gone and can't be recalled. Like fiery arrows from our mouths. When we say words out of anger, we may ask for forgiveness and may even be forgiven. But, the scar of the words will remain. A couple words spoken can destroy a friendship that took years to build. Words are like the flames of a fire, we can't stop nor can we take back the damage that they can cause. Now, I must say that we can't expect people to understand this if they aren't Christians. They will unleash nasty and hurtful words at will and as Christians we should bridle our tongues and not shoot those arrows back.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 11:9 With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. I believe our mouth is one of our most dangerous weapons, but it can also be a great tool. It can destroy or it can build up. It is so much easier to destroy than to build someone up. Why is that? Is it pride? Can we not help build someone up? When was the last time you helped build someone up? When was the last time you said something to someone that torn them down? Our words can make a difference in life. We just have to let God guide our minds and our mouths. We should strive to be difference makers for our Lord. We should stand strong and be lighthouses. Lighthouses, so others can see God through us. Man, don't I know that's hard sometimes. When people say stuff to ya and it is hurtful but, be like water on a ducks back! Let it roll of your back. I pray you have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Food for thought: If you don't humble, you stumble.....

Judging are we????????

Good morning friends! Was able to spend some time with my little sister and brother-in-law last night. I miss hanging out with them. They are both going to make great parents one day! Have you ever been around someone that is always judging others? How much do you hang around with them? Is it good for you? Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it say's..........

Bible verse: Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

I think our friends and associates can have a great influence on us, very often in small ways. If we have friends that mock what God considers important and we continue being around them, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will. I believe this attitude is the same as mocking. Are our friends building up or tearing down our faith? A true friend helps you to grow closer to God. Just like the verse I use all the time Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens Iron........

Do you judge people? Maybe by their actions? Maybe by their words? We must remember that it is not them. it is the sin in them. What is super cool is that God doesn't judge people by their color, where they are from, or if they are a man or woman. God judges people on the basis of their faith in him and their response to his revealed word.

I think those who do their best to obey God's will are blessed. They will be like a healthy apple tree that has a lot of apples and healthy roots. God promises to watch over them.

In Matthew 13:41 The Son of man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. There are true false believers all around us. I had a conversation with one at work two days ago. At first, I started to judge him and thought I can't believe this guy is saying the things he is saying. Then, I began to really feel sorry for him. How he will not be able to inherit the kingdom of Heaven because of his beliefs. Those who say they don't care what happens to them after they die don't realize what they are saying. It is hard sometimes but, we should be sure not to judge others. Jesus Christ is the only one who can judge.

In John 8:3-12 there was a woman that was believed to have committed adultery. The Pharisees told Jesus that the law commanded that she be stoned. Jesus said to them, "he that is without sin among you, let him be the first cast a stone at her." One by one the Pharisees left, being convicted by their own conscience. After they all left, Jesus said to the woman, "neither do I condemn thee, go, and sin no more". If we could all be more like Jesus, non judgingmental and forgiving. I know God will pour out His blessing on us. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Train em' up...........

Good morning everyone. Man, my weekend was long and wore me plum out but, it was a good one. We had a youth benefit yard sale Saturday and raised $1600.00 toward our November youth retreat. Yesterday morning we had our baby dedication at church and then last night youth was off the hook. Parent dedicated 17 of their children to the Lord yesterday. Pretty awesome! Then last night 3 young people accept Jesus into their hearts as their Savior. Then one re-dedicates his life back to the Lord in his girlfriends driveway when they got to her house. God is so good! Our prayer requests went on for almost 30 minutes. It hurt me to see how these kids hurt so much and are carrying so much around with them at such a young age. I want to share a passage that my pastor shared yesterday. I believe that this passage in the Bible is a lot more important than some of us may think. Our children are our future and we need to remember what an honor God has given us to have them and to be around them.

Bible verse: Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

All of us have children, will have children, work with children, or will have some contact with children. Teaching and training children should be done by using principles written in the word of God. The Bible is a perfect road map on how we should teach or children. I have read of seven positive principles to help them all the days of their lives.

1. Moral and spiritual values- Deuteronomy 6:6,7

2. A sense of belonging- psalm 127:3

3. Listen to your children- Genesis 22:7,8

4. Develop their talents and abilities- Matthew 18:10

5. Provide quality time with them- Proverbs 17:22

6. teach them to respect authority- Romans 13:1,2

7. Don't start too late.......

The young years of a childs life are the formative years. They are moldable and are open to new things.

Now, I do think that we can't bring all children up or train them the same. We should build up the individuality and special strengths that God has given each child. By us talking to their teachers, other parents, youth leaders, friends, or maybe grandparents. We can learn how to develop the individual capabilities of each child.

Many parents and youth leaders want to make choices for the children, I think that this actually hurts the child in the long run. We can guide them but, not make the choices for them. If a child learns to make decisions on their own, it will be better in the future. We will not always have to watch every move they make. We will know they will do their best to make the right choices.

I believe anytime you are dealing with children, you really need to make sure your heart is in the right place and pray that God will guide us to be a leader to them. Children are very trusting. They will take what you tell them and believe it. God holds parents and other adults who influence young children accountable for how they affect children ability to trust. Jesus warns in Matthew 18:6 "whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea". Our children are the future, we should take time for them. Have a great day, I love you, and God bless!

Food for thought: No God = No peace Know God = know peace