THE MESSIAH'S FAMILY TREE

Began a study of the book of Matthew today with my men's group. The book is written for the purpose of exposing the people of Isreal to the Christ. Matthew begins with the proof of Christ's family tree being from Abraham through David thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be in the line of David.

Even more amazing is that Matthew records the imperfections of Christ's line even with the 'royal' bloodline. Many of the kings were of questionable character and the four women recorded even had some bumps in their past. There is Tamar, a widow woman who deceived her father-in-law to get her heritage. Rahab, a prostitute and Ruth a non-Jew who married into the line. And of course Uriah's wife whom David had an affair with. All of these imperfect people lined up as direct desendants of Christ. It shows me just how much God cares for His prize creation - mankind! He loves us 'warts and all.'
Secondly, I am amazed by the obedience of Joseph. As one writer put it "Joseph had two options by law when he learned of Mary's pregnancy (1) stone her or (2) divorce her, but God gave him a third" and he obeyed and chose it. It is noted in the opening of Matthew that Joseph was righteous before God, he was a man of compassion who did more than pay lip service to the Creator. He followed God without hesitation.

This opening chapter teaches us that (1) God loves us no matter who we are or how we've lived and (2) He is worth following radically!!
God sent His son so that we might have eternal life unconditionally. I hope that this week you will choose to follow as Joseph did the invitation to join God where He is at work around you!!

Hope you're in church Sunday. And if you happen to be in the mid-cities area and seeking to know more let me invite you 121 Community Church in Grapevine. A buddy of mine is giving testimony tomorrow about his mission to Russia during the worship service at 9:30 a.m.

TRUSTWORTHY SAYINGS

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Twice in Paul's letter to Timothy he records a 'Trustworthy Saying'. The first of which is "15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst."
The second is found in chapter 4. "9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."
Both trustworthy sayings "deserve full acceptance". Full acceptance by who and for what purpose. Acceptance by all who read and hear and believe. For the purpose of understanding why Christ came. He came to give sinners the hope of salvation as Savior of all men.
Trustworthy...are you, am I...probably not, at least not all time. Does everything we say deserve full unquestioned acceptance, there again probably not. But isn't it great to know that God through Christ shows His infinite patience to restore every man willingly to right relationship with Him. It is an overwhelming flood of hope that rushes forth like a title wave when we pause to meditate on the depth of these trustworthy sayings.
Have you heard them, has your life been changed by the one who guarantees them? I hope that you will take time to look into and examine and accept these sayings for the hope that is within them.

ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

The amazing journey on the mission field of education continues to be filled with blessings that bring praise to the heart and mouth of this unworthy believer. It is joyful to see God at work in your life in both major and minor ways.
The blessing of finding the jobs that can only be described as God opening the door. The blessing of seeing our house sell in just a very short time.
The blessing of being a part of a state championship football staff.
The blessing of teaching young people every day and getting paid for it. That's a double whammy.
The blessing of seeing God bring the young woman into my sons life that He had for him. And the joy of being able to call her our daughter.
The blessing of watching our daughter finish her degree and the joy she gets from teaching.
The blessing of seeing my students excel on the TAKS. The joy of being able to impact their lives in a positive way.
The blessing of being recommended to a program in our district for future administrators. And the blessing of being accepted.
The blessing of having a church family that is truly living on the cutting edge of ministry as we send our missionaries to India, Russia, China, Arlington, and New Orleans. Being a part of a men's group that is totally awesome. I can't wait to see us expand to Cracker Barrells around the world. :)
The blessing of working with teenagers in the context of the local church and the school.
14And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].
15And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
16Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
Colossians 3:14-16 (Amplified Bible)
Live your life before the world in such a way as to be a continual praise to God so that through your His grace might be displayed daily!! And take time today to count the blessings that God has given you, its one way to keep the stuff of this world from becoming a flood that washes it away.

NEW REGIMENT

After too many weeks of undiscipline living it is time to "beat my body" into shape so that I won't become disqualified through the inability to function at a high level of energy as I work with children and teens this summer.
This morning took time as I ate my one egg breakfast after walking two miles and drinking 16 oz of H20 to spend time in the Word. The following passage is where I roosted today.
Psalm 143
A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
7 Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
I desperately need God's mercy daily as I stumble through this life. Praise Him for the righteousness and faithfulness that allow me to avoid the judgement I deserve
Yes Lord, protect me from the attack of the enemy who would destroy my testimony so as to discredit you in the so doing. Please be my shield today.
Don't forget to dwell on the things of God, don't let the business of this world crowd Him out. But rather look for Him at work around you and join Him.
Allow me to do Your will today and serve You everywhere I go.
It is by the shear grace of God that I will be able to overcome the power of an improper diet in my life. Today is day one of returning to a physical shape that will bring honor and glory to Christ.
As you go this day look for how you can best serve Him. Allow Christ to be your protection from the attacks of the enemy, faith it. And seek to be in His will-perfect or permissive-but be where He wants you to be, doing what He wants you to do, when He wants you to be doing it.
Have a great day.

UNDISQUALIFIED

Day one of the 'getting into shape' routine say me eat right until the Mavs game and I over indulged on the nuts. Worked out twice walking 2 miles in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
Getting ready to go put in some mileage this morning before doing the 'honey do' thang. I've also got to put some time in to lesson plans for VBX, youth camp and that dreaded bill paying routine.

DRESSING UP FOR SUNDAY

Years ago in rural south Texas I was raised to belief that 'putting on your Sunday best' was the only way that you could go to church. I remember putting on slacks and a dress shirt every Sunday and heading off looking my best for church. It was always curious to me as to why we dressed our best for Sunday, but not the rest of the week. In fact I'm still a little curios about it.

As I grow older "putting on your Sunday best" has taken on a new meaning. Oh, yeah we still feel the need to put on the proper attire (as defined by the design of the local congregation). But for some reason we think that Sunday is the place of the spiritually healthy; therefore, we put on our Sunday facade so that we blind in.

But you know, Christ doesn't want just our Sunday best. HE wants our BEST, everyday. He wants the control, He wants us to sell out to Him rather than putting on a front that we think will meet the approval of the 'church.'

Yes, I still put on 'nice' clothes on Sunday. And yes I'm gonna be on my best behavior, most Sundays. However, its my heart's desire to 'dress up' everyday. I really want to be dressing up for Jesus daily.

Isn't it about time to quit worrying about the outside and take care of the inside anyway?

EASTER CELEBRATION

I look forward to Easter far more than I do Christmas. Despite the 'commercialization' with the Easter eggs, baskets, hunts etc. I don't find it as diluted as the Christmas season is by the secular world.

Our services today were so awesome. Ross taught from Romans 3:21-26 on "The Core of Christianity," WoW! David and the band led in some extremely powerful and moving worship songs and hymns. We had an interpretive reading with video that sent chills up my spine, made me want to whoop and jump for joy at the name of JESUS! It made me realize how much I missed the fellowship after being ill last weekend.

The truth of Easter is LIFE! Without the powerful intervention of our Father God into the world we would be receiving the just punishment for our sins that we deserve. But because He is a just and loving God He prepared the atoning sacrafice that both revealed how JUST He is and through that showing JUSTified us.

I loved the way Ross revealed it today. "It is not 1st a change in character but rather a change in status that happens at the time of one's salvation." We aren't suddenly made perfect but rather we are redeemed and then our character is developed. How often do we who are in 'the church' expect the character to change before the status of 'redeemed' is received? Shame on us for expecting the unredeemed to have the character of justified!! Thank you Lord for my change in status, now lead me in my character development that my character might be one of righteousness that so shines Christ that no one can help but see Jesus in me!!

See, isn't Easter awesome!!! We celebrate the Christ and His Purpose-THE GIFT OF LIFE HE GAVE FREELY!!

Have a great week. And for the those who have 'embraced the very core of Christianity'-REFLECT CHRIST DAILY!!!

Change Comes

NET Xtreme Camps is entering its third year of preparation. I've been asked to serve as the director for this second year. Personalities are in place, prices have been set and the work toward advertising, enlisting and laying out the fine tuning of daily planning are underway. Things are looking good; however, there is a feeling of restlessness in the planning.

I have to be honest it has been one of my dreams to build a great camp and watch God work. Camps have played a major role in my adult life. I've seen hundred of lives come to Christ, surrender to service, and grow spiritually how could I ever walk away from being the 'director' of my dream? However, due to conflict within the planning group my comfort zone was becoming uncomfortable and in the middle of the fall I stepped down as director.

Side note, God is still using the dream of NET Xtreme and I love that He allowed me to be a part of the process that put this great camp into place.

The Process Begins

The summer has come to a close and school is just around the corner. Three weeks of youth camp, VBS, children's camp and a MASH trip plus family vacation have made the summer full. Once again we have experienced the power of God in the lives of children, teens and adults.

From my comfortable seat as Associate Pastor I prepare for another year of as usual ministry. Making plans to expand our home groups, keep Sunday school growing, expand the use of technology in worship, teach TeamKID, and MASH Trips are all in place. Ministry opportunities away from the campus with the Lakeview Board, NET Xtreme, Seminary Extension Instruction and volunteering at Pine Tree schools are all in place. Life is good.

In the midst of the comfort God is beginning to make things uncomfortable. The more I challenge folks to be agents of change, to live life on the edge, the more restless I get, the more obvious it becomes that I can't stay in my comfortable seat. But I continue to look for ways to be "edgie" in my comfortable position.

God's Blessings

The warmth of the afterglow of the "Purpose Driven Church" Campaign was in full shine. Members were excited, families were visting and becoming involved. Inactive members were becoming active and scarred relationships were healing. Everything was comfortable.

In life away from the church, my position with the Board of Trustees for Lakeview Baptist Encampment was also exciting. The debt for the worship center is almost gone, a new maintainance storage building has been built-debt free, attendance at the encampment is setting records and lives are being changed weekly through the use of the facility. Additionally God has blessed with $250,000 being donated thus allowing us to break ground on a $.5 million dining hall.

Another dream is also taking root as NET Xtreme Youth Camp kicks off uniting three weeks of camps for students 6-12 under one leadership group. This vision was born from a meeting of the Lakeview board and area youth camp directors to assist in combining both financial and volunteer resources. This first year would prove to be tremendous as one week sold out, a second almost filled and the third doubled the privious years attendance.

Who would have thought that in the midst of all this that factors were in place to move my life in a new direction in the year to come. God was blessing mightily and I was getting to be a part of it. Hallelujah.

FROM COMFORTABLE TO UNCOMFORTABLE TO CHANGE

The Process Begins

A New Direction

Discovering the Call

Unexpected Opportunity

The Process Continues

Prologue

It's the winter of 2004, our church is in the midst of the "Purpose Driven Church" Campaign under the leadership of our pastor and myself, the director of the campaign. God is challenging many of the church family to step out and link up in ministry with a fresh start. From my 'comfortable' position as Associate Pastor of Education & Family I am anticipating great things from God with little change in my own life. After all I've been in ministry 22 years, 10 of it right here at this church, and it's 'safe.' I'm basking in the joy of it, being thrilled with the lives that are being changed, making grand plans to continue 'forever' in this life of 'spiritual comfort.' Enjoying the life of teaching teachers, working with children (especially 5th & 6th graders), driving senior adults around Texas to enjoy fellowship together in their retirement years while challenging our church to be 'Risk Takers' for the Kingdom of God.

In the middle of all this God was beginning to put events into place that would lead in a direction that at my age I really wasn't expecting. My comfortable world of ministry was headed for what those who put out the statistics on stress consider major stressors. My life is about to get "uncomfortable."

Haggai 2:1-9

"In a little while I will once again shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the desired of all the nations will come and I will fill this house with glory,' says the Lord almighty...The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house. And in this place I will grant peace."

Haggai's prophetic words from God given to encourage the people of Isreal as they restored the temple after its destruction. As they worked to restore it they were hammered with the stories of the former temple and perhaps bought into those who said that it would never return to its former glory. How often have we been involved in restoring something only to hear people who remember the way "it was before" and belittle our work because "it doesn't mearue up."

But in the midst of the encouragement to Isreal is an encouragement to all the generations to come. The promise of Christ's coming, His work of restoration of God's elect to right relationship with the Father and the promise of His return to bring the Kingdom of God to fullfilment.

As I read them today they became the words of a prayer for my church. 121 CC moved two weeks into a new facility, as we move forward "On Mission" I pray that this new "house" will be blessed to exceed the "former glory" of the "old house."

As I learn of the great work of God through the people of 121 CC to reach the mid-cities area I am amazed at how God has and is blessing. To come to this "family" at this time is such a personal blessing, but more I am so excited to be a small part of the greatness of God in this place. I can not help but sit and wonder what God is going to do in and through this House.

Church Membership

After almost 4 months of praying and searching we have become members of 121 Community Church in Grapevine. I used to wonder why it took folks so long to decide where they should plant their spiritual roots, now after going to it for the first time without it being attached to a "job" I have a little better understanding.

By the way, church membership is an extremely important part of Christian growth. We are exhorted by God's Word to join with other believers for growth and spritual support.

Hopefully in the future this will be up and running full force.