Berean Journeymen

Why do we gather each week?

2011-02-03T17:12:00.000-05:00

What would happen if our Pastor was to say on any given Sunday, “Today I feel we need to go to the Lord in prayer during this service. We won’t be having a time of musical worship nor will I be giving a sermon. I feel the Spirit pressing us to call on the name of the Lord in prayer.” How would you and I react? How many would immediately ponder whether they should stay or go? How many would leave quietly right away or soon after praying began? How many would stay if the praying went for an hour and a half? Two hours? More? What would you and I do? I honestly don’t know what I would do, but it leaves me wondering why I am going to church in the first place. Deep down, why do we go? Is it to be entertained, to make us feel good, to socialize, to fulfill our duty…or is it to know and meet with and be filled by God and to encourage fellow brothers and sisters in our common kingdom purpose? The reason we should be going seems obvious but does it reflect reality?

Why do we gather each week?

When the music begins, where do our minds and hearts go? Are we simply evaluating the scene unfolding before us, or are we entering into spiritual communion with God regardless of the song and surroundings? When our Pastor shares his message, are we simply listening and judging how interesting it is, or are we engaging with how the Spirit may be teaching us, convicting us, encouraging us? When invited into prayer at the end of the service, are we focused on what others may be thinking or doing, or are we simply responding to the Spirit’s prompting and humbly, vulnerably opening ourselves up to feel His forgiveness, His embrace, His love at the foot of the cross in an intimate way?

Why do we gather each week?

Why did the apostles and early church meet together? Were their gatherings different than ours? Acts 2 gives us a glimpse of their environment, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
What a picture we see! Gatherings were joyful, active, dynamic, treasured, and centered around love of God and others. Throughout the book of Acts we see that believers were participants of the faith and not merely an audience or even students. They shared a unified kingdom purpose to have Christ glorified and stepped into the dark world around them to be a light. Undoubtedly it was difficult, dangerous, and draining work; perhaps that is why they continued to gather…to praise God for all He is and had done in their midst, to earnestly seek His direction and protection, to expectantly request the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany them as before, and to leave that place being filled and refreshed for the week of kingdom work to come.

Why do you and I gather each week?

Is Christ not calling each of us to be participants of the faith? Is kingdom work not desperately dependent upon God’s hand and the Holy Spirit’s power? Then let us be about our Father’s business. Let us continue to throw off the sin that so easily entangles and humble ourselves, repent of our sins, and call out for the Spirit to fill us, transform us, and use us for the kingdom work in which we were purposed. Therein births the joy and fulfillment we seek. Are you and I willing to do that? If not, then what’s the point…where’s the journey…and quite honestly…

Why do we gather each week?

Can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

2010-12-16T12:57:00.001-05:00

Lately I’ve been pondering, does God consider me to be lukewarm? Does Christianity in America consider me to be lukewarm? Do I consider myself to be lukewarm?

I know what cold looks like, but do I adequately differentiate between lukewarm and hot? As I look at Jesus and Paul and the Apostles and the 1st century true followers of Christ, certainly God considered them to be more than lukewarm. I certainly consider them to be more than lukewarm. But as I compare their lives to mine I see drastic differences, not just literally but in reflection of all the Bible says, demands, and commands. If that is the case, can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

In the lives of true 1st century Christians I see them caring little about wealth, material things and their own desires. Their daily bread satisfied their appetite. They seemed to embrace Christ’s command to deny themselves and take up their cross. Do I do that? Or do I spend most of my daily activity and energy acquiring wealth and possessions and ensuring it in the future. Is there any doubt I conform to the pattern of this world? As an average American I earn roughly 100 times more than the majority of the people on this planet; God and most of the world likely see me as filthy stinking rich. Do I see me that way? Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God,” do I even pause to think how that may apply to me? If today Jesus were to ask me to give up all my comforts and ease of life that I enjoy and follow him wherever He asks me to go, would I immediately drop everything as Peter, Andrew, James, John, others did…or would I turn and walk away as the rich young man did in Mark 10? The fact that I hesitate should be a warning. Can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

I see the 1st century Christians actually being salt and light in the world around them. They didn’t simply acknowledge they were supposed to be or do group studies on how to be, they just were. People saw them as being different and most believed they were God’s representatives. They were constantly telling others the Son of the Creator of the universe came to earth and they knew Him personally; that this God-man loved everyone so much that He died on a cross and then rose from the dead so that they may have life and have it to the full. They were willing to be persecuted for the sake of the name Jesus, rejoiced after being whipped and beaten simply because they knew the battle had already been won and their rewards were eternal. How often am I talking about Jesus in my world, whether at work, the gym, school, stores, restaurants…anywhere? It’s easy for me to talk about Him at church events and among fellow ‘Christians’, but how often am I talking about Him with those who don’t know Him or follow Him? If I am honest, am I concerned about what others would think of me if I were to talk about Jesus in public? Do I hesitate to even bring up the name Jesus when I am among unbelieving colleagues or perceived ‘educated’ people, let alone known atheists? If I say ‘no’, then why aren’t I doing it more often? If I say ‘yes’, than at least I’m honest, but it further begs the question, can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

I see the 1st century Christians actually going and making disciples and baptizing them. Their focus, their energy, their whole lives were dedicated to this primary command given by Christ. Their actions were a testament to their belief that nothing was more important than this. Their aim wasn’t to get people to ‘invite Jesus into their heart’, it was bigger than that. They were deeply driven out of love, honor, obedience to God and compassion for others through the power of the Holy Spirit; they helped people understand the fuller scope of holiness and love of Almighty God and the Christian’s solemn and blessed call to love and bring glory to Him in return. They not only taught truths that supported this, they invested their own lives into the lives of other individuals, families, and communities as a witness to those truths. They loved and guided and nurtured and held to account those whom they expected would do the same with their neighbors and with the next generation. So where is my focus and energy being spent? What am I driven by? How and in whom am I investing my time?

If I were to live as the Bible really calls me to live, would I not look different than I do today? Would I not be set apart instead of fitting in? Would I not be seen as a fanatic instead of normal? Would I not be seen as a radical instead of just a good guy? Christians in the 1st century were seen that way and there is no doubt they were more than lukewarm. So if I am not living that way, how does God see me? How does “American Christianity” see me? How do I see myself? As lukewarm?

In Revelation 3, the Lord says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked…So be earnest and repent.” Do I believe God can feel this way about me, or am I quick to justify my position and create distance between me and the Christians in Laodicea? How foolish I am; how blind. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says.

O God, have mercy on me. Forgive me for reshaping my Christian walk into something I can live with in this culture but is far from what you desire and command and have modeled in those who have walked before me. Bring to light the ways in which I am lukewarm, give me eyes to see. Forgive me for being lukewarm for it is sinful. Give me strength in my areas of weakness. And Father, though I tremble at the thought, I ask nonetheless that you do whatever it takes, whatever it takes to make me on fire for you. Light me on fire for you O Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may glorify and not disgrace your holy name. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Where to go from here...

2010-12-02T08:17:00.002-05:00

Where to go from here…
In the culture that surrounds, Christianity is becoming less relevant, deemed less viable. The church body is being pressed, persecuted, and attacked from many sides in the realm unseen. Many have become acutely aware of the gap that exists between their current life which seems to be missing something and the life of Peter, John, David, Paul, and many others which seems to be passionate and fulfilling God’s intended purpose.

In the face of these unstable realities, one considers where to go from here…

This is a time when both God and Satan beckon, each challenging and calling. This is a time when core beliefs must be understood and chosen, for in the face of both adversity and serenity true beliefs will determine what stance is taken and how one pursues fulfillment. One should not take lightly or assume these answers as they may not be as deeply rooted as supposed. Rather, one would do well to wrestle with them; wrestle until a choice is made one way or the other; wrestle until they are fully implanted within by the Spirit; wrestle as Jacob did with the Lord, refusing to let go until blessing is received.

Even in the peace of resolved beliefs, some may still find themselves wandering in the wilderness and wondering where to go from here…

Once again this is a time when both God and Satan beckon, each offering and testing. This is a time when core beliefs and Holy Scripture must be leaned upon and called upon. Regardless of what has caused the wilderness one should be prepared to endure its longevity, recognize when darkness approaches and cling to the Light; even when the Light seems its dimmest, hold nonetheless. Here the enemy lurks among the trees; here the questions of old echo forth...how will needs be satisfied...is God really here…do the things of this world offer true happiness? Both the Israelites and the Messiah faced this luring and one would do well to study the ancient responses, for the appropriate action must be carefully and intentionally chosen else the other will simply occur. Without question, both God and Satan search the heart to know in whom trust is truly being placed and towards whom fear is being directed.

Even when biblical beliefs and faith take their stand, some may still feel a weak heavenly relationship and ponder where to go from here…

Yet again this is a time when both God and Satan are present, each presenting their case and drawing a line. This is a time when one must be willing to sacrifice the desirables of this world for the rewards of the next; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to be led by the Spirit and not the flesh; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to become engulfed by intimacy with and obedience to the Father; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to love the seemingly unlovable; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to engage and serve the surrounding souls silently crying out for compassion; did not Jesus show the way? Who is willing to imitate Christ? The enemy and the world desperately pull the other way; who is willing?

Perhaps when one becomes willing and holds fast onto faith and builds impenetrable beliefs, perhaps then passion and joy surface; perhaps then one’s life turns towards fulfilling God’s intended purpose for kingdom work; perhaps then in God’s perfect timing and way, alas is understood where to go from here…

An Unlikely Prophet

2010-09-03T11:54:00.000-04:00

In the year 626 BC there was a man by the name of Jeremiah who God called to a spokesman for him. This man was a man who loved God and in his relationship with God he began to feel an overwhelming burden for the sins of his nation. He was a man who wept for his nation and for the sins they were committing. As this burden grew in him God spoke to him and told him that before he had been born, God had planned for him to be his spokesman, a spokesman over the nations and kingdoms. “Some you must uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant” This man resist this calling from God, saying he was only a child and did not know how to speak. God did not relent, instead he touched his mouth and gave him the words and the voice. He told him to get ready, don’t be afraid, speak as I say, go where I send you. Regardless of what the people say you are to have influence them, and not them over you.

This man was threatened, shackled, attacked, and persecuted for his words. Everyone wanted to kill him. Yet God said he would protect him. God guided him and lead him out of harm’s way. He spoke a message that was the exact opposite of his peers and contemporaries. He was an island, with no allies, or friends, or supporters. Everyone spoke against him, except God. God encouraged him, God stretched him, God Transformed Him. God told him on numerous occasions how tough it would be yet, he also told him “I will take care of you” God told this man “If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman” God’s plan for Jeremiah was to influence his nation, to turn them from their evil ways, to lead them to repent and turn back to God.

This past weekend I heard a similar message from a man by the name of Glenn Beck. Many of you may know of him as a political right wing alarmist. Many of you may know him as a Mormon. Many of you may know him as an alcoholic. He can be loud, brash, opinionated, and many times arrogant. Because of these things he would be easy to dismiss as not being a spokesman for God. A spokesman of the truth of the word of God. As I watched him over the past week or so I realized something is different. His messages have changed. His direction, his attitude, his heart all seem to have been transformed. As I listened to his message on Saturday, I realized he is doing something that he did not want to do. He is doing something that God has burdened him with, much like Jeremiah and most of the other prophets. I believe Glenn Beck feels the weight of this burden, because like Jeremiah, God is not relenting, until he is obedient.

In his message this past weekend, Glenn Beck sounded very much like Jeremiah of 600 BC. His message said we must turn back to God, we must place our faith in Jesus Christ. We must love God and love our neighbors. We must turn from our wicked ways. We must pray and model prayer for our kids. We must set priorities right, God, then Family, then Church. He talked about what made our country great, and that was our Judeo-Christian values and foundations.

I saw a man this past weekend that I believe God is transforming. A man that God is using to spread his message. A man burdened so heavily for the sins and direction of a nation that he couldn’t keep quiet about it. A man so burdened that he risked everything to be obedient to God. He risked his life (I’m not sure if you noticed he was wearing a bullet proof vest under his shirt), he risked his career, he risked persecution and threats. He risked alienating himself from his friends, his peers, his supporters. He was obedient and like Jeremiah, he surrendered himself to God, and placed all those things on the altar to him, and chose to do what God asked of him. But, like Jeremiah, I believe God told him “I will take care of you”.

Like Jeremiah he has been attacked. He has been attacked by the media. He’s been attacked by politicians. What concerns me most, is not the world attacking Glenn Beck, because the world will be the world. They don’t know any different. What concerns me most is when the “Church” attacks Glenn Beck because the church should be different than the world. I’ve read several articles this past week by the members and leaders in the church who have attacked him. As the church has attacked him I’ve noticed most of the attacks have attacked his character, his religion, his beliefs, his theology, his motives, and his agenda, very few attacks have even addressed the message he gave. I believe they could not poke holes in his message, because it was from God. It’s the truth. It’s sound.

I’d like to say that I find it ironic that God would use a Mormon, right wing, political alarmist to give a message that the church should have been giving all along. A message that says we must repent and turn back to God. A message I believe that is not only directed at our nation but also at the church. We must “Turn Back” We must “Repent” . I can’t say it’s “Ironic” because we’ve seen it time and time again from God; Moses the adopted son of a Pharaoh, Dave a shepherd boy, Paul a Jew who slaughtered and killed many of the early Christians, Jesus Christ a baby born in a manger. In reading God’s word God using a man like Glenn Beck is exactly in his character. God uses the unlikely, the unwilling, the unequipped, and the extreme. So he can show his power to transform men. So he can perform miracles. So he can show his power to draw a crowd of people. So he can accomplish his will and not ours. So he can receive all the praise and glory and not us.

I cannot vouch for Glenn Beck, but I can vouch for God. God’s word is true and consistent. His power in our lives can transform us individually, and his power in our lives can transform our church, and his power in our lives can transform our nation, but first we must be obedient and surrender to him. We must turn from our wicked ways, and turn back to God.

Tim

arrival at the hotel in Ica, Peru

2010-08-01T11:47:00.002-04:00

Sat. we went to the Green love church and met with the pastor Yu and some of his members. We looked at the site and passed out. Lots of work to do here. We will be mixing concrete by hand (not feet) and making pillars to hold up the second floor. We are creating an addition off the back of the church. Pictures to follow.

Hello fellow Peruvian travelers

2010-07-28T08:49:00.001-04:00

About 24 hours till takeoff. getting a bit excited down here in ohio

How will the men of Berean respond?

2010-07-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

The great event which filled them with hope was now in the past; their shepherd was with them but in a different way. They stood a bit dazed, pondering the great event which was now a memory and not the emotional mountain as before. They stood complacently wondering ‘what now’ and gazed intently towards the heavens considering whether these were the days in which God would restore his kingdom. But the voice they knew well echoed, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

As they watched their shepherd’s leading change its form but not its essence, they looked blankly to the skies waiting for something but not quite sure what. It was in this moment that messengers urged them, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?” Lowering their eyes and letting the true reality around them soak in, the last words of their Lord resounded in their minds, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The enemy was quick to quietly remind them of their own weakness and betrayal as it had been displayed for all, save not the Lord, to see. Though they took pause, this only proved that obedience to the Lord’s words could not come from within themselves. With reassurance from and in the Word made flesh the strength of their faith was renewed, and in that faith they believed and trusted their shepherd’s promise that the needed power would be provided.

With a new sense of urgency, accountability, purpose, and trust, they strengthened the bond of their fellowship and continued to meet together to wholeheartedly praise God and consider their path. In the midst of that faithful, trusting, worshipful, and willing atmosphere, the Holy Spirit chose to come upon them. And with the filling of the Holy Spirit their transformation leapt forward and their purpose began to be fulfilled.

Men once focused on their path of doing business, now set out to spread the good news. Men once satisfied with the comforts of life now went from town to town with nothing but a staff in hand. Men once timid to speak to neighbors now shared the truth about Jesus to strangers with boldness. Men once fearing the scorn of man for claims about Jesus now rejoiced when persecuted for the sake of his name.

With the Life Action Summit now but a memory and our dear shepherd Pastor Dave still present but in a different way, how will the men of Berean respond? Will we follow in the footsteps of the men of Galilee? We can if we so choose.

We can have our minds and faith renewed from and in the Word of God. We can gather together with the desire to truly praise God wholeheartedly. We can plead for the filling of the Holy Spirit’s power; for it is through His power that we can gain a new sense of urgency, accountability, purpose, and trust; it is through His power that we can become the bold and loving mouths, hands, feet, and heart of Christ in Mansfield and beyond for His great name sake. Or we can choose to comfortably practice religiosity. How will you and I, the men of Berean, respond?

Stand in Freedom with Saints of Yesterday and Tomorrow

2010-07-02T17:00:00.002-04:00

Peering across the landscape of their land, a frightening reality was emerging. Many churches existed but were dying as fear of man and complacency reigned. Some churches were expanding, but only because false messages tickled ears and exalted things of this world and not Christ crucified. Few believers took a public and consistent stand for Jesus, but those who did were quickly discouraged by various persuasive pressures. And children of the next generation were being trained to believe something other than God was god.

What is this land? It describes the lands covered by the darkness of communism behind the Iron Curtain following WWII…yet who could read this and not sense a nearing reflection of America in 2010? The similarities are chilling. The core difference being that the former god to be worshiped was the state and the latter is now the individual.

If this past path provides any indication of America’s potential future destination, what may lie ahead? What might come and what will be learned if learning is sought?

From the voices of pagans will come cries of superiority and false victory. All that appears to conflict with the new god will either be publicly heralded as ignorance or will be suppressed through political channels…quietly at first but then blatantly. Greater strife is in store for those who call themselves Christian, forcing either a comfortable life that aligns with the new god or an exciting yet sacrificial life that aligns with the true God. The questions that hang heavy for each individual is which god will be served and how will that choice impact the generations that follow and the land that we love?

Though many will choose comfort over Christ causing continued decay, to be sure a remnant will remain.

For the remnant there may be times of fear, but saints of old reassure us when fear is rightfully and eternally placed in the Lord it can be overcome. There may be times of pain and suffering, but saints of old reassure us it can be endured in view of the cross. There may be times of waning hope, but saints of old reassure us when hope is in the Lord, He proves to be our helper, He proves faithful.

As we peer across our land this weekend to celebrate freedom, may we be thankful for the many political and religious freedoms we still enjoy this day; but let us not be naïve as these particular freedoms stand on shifting sands. Thus may we learn from the saints of old and choose to cherish the true freedoms found in the unchanging rock of Christ and be willing to stand for Him in both private and public life regardless of likely opposition that is seen and unseen. May you and I choose to become the new remnant of faithful saints who are the examples of encouragement for the generations to come. May we help tomorrow’s saints learn as they stand with fellow Americans looking to the skies in anticipation of fireworks that they stand with a much greater crowd who look to the skies in anticipation of the day that is surely coming when the clouds roll back and the trumpets resound as the Lord Jesus descends upon the peoples of this land and every land. May it be soon; come Lord Jesus come!

Does God really want revival at Berean?

2010-05-04T15:01:00.001-04:00

Does God really want revival at Berean? We ponder that for a moment and then conclude, “Well, why wouldn’t He? Certainly scripture confirms his desire to see the lukewarm become hot and even the lost to be found!”

Do the believers at Berean want revival? Though possibly not unanimous, there is hardly a pause as the consensus exclaims, “Yes, we want to feel refreshed! We desire to see the Holy Spirit sweep across our lives!”

If Christ the head and his church the body are in agreement, then why does the Holy Spirit delay in reviving Berean? I can’t help but ponder two aspects to this question.

First and foremost, are our desires and God’s desire in alignment?

Let there be no doubt what is ultimately at the core of God’s desire, it is his glory. His story, which is recorded in his Word and played out through history to this very moment, is all about him. The intricacy of creation, the pageantry of the exodus, the devastation of the exile, the humility of the cross, the martyrdom of New Testament saints, our salvation and our sanctification – at the core of each of these is the common purpose for God to be glorified. So would his desire for revival at Berean be anything different? I doubt it. Yes, God desires the lukewarm to be hot, but in the end ultimately it is for his great name sake. Though his people are beneficiaries, the reason we ever become so is to glorify God.

So then, as we take pause, does our desire for revival align with God’s? Do we want to strip away all else in our cluttered lives in order to meet God as never before such that he can transform us and use us, which will ultimately glorify him? I pray that is our desire, I pray that is what we seek - his face, his glory. If we merely desire to experience hotness and experience revival for the sake of the experience, then all we seek is to satisfy ourselves and that does not glorify God. God will only bring about that which leads to him being glorified. God is sovereign, his will be done, not ours.

The second aspect, are we engaged in the fight against the enemy of our souls this week?

Whether we believe it or not, assuredly Satan is engaged in our lives. I have been battered by him over the past two months. And this week Satan has turned up the pressure, and just today my wife helped me see how blind I have been to this fact. Let us not be naïve, pursuit of genuine revival is a serious kingdom battle and much will be encountered in each of our lives. What do we think is the source of most of our recent struggles? More importantly, how will we respond?

I pray our response is to fight; to fight for God and holiness and fight against our enemy and our flesh; to fight for the hearts and souls of our spouses and children and friends. Don’t we care? Then what are we doing about it? We must do things differently. Are we pushing out all thoughts and trappings which lure us away from Christ? Are we then filling our minds with whatever is right and pure and praiseworthy? Are we humbly, desperately crying out to God to transform us such that the desires of his heart become ours, that his compassion for others becomes our compassion, that his eyes of love become ours, and that his will becomes our will?

O God, we plead for a renewed passion to see you and you glorified! Overwhelm us with a realization that you are who you say you are! Grant us an unshakeable belief in your promises and your truth! Remove the scales from our eyes; help us see you in all your power and holiness and perfection and eternal majesty! May the reality of wretchedness drop us to our knees in brokenness such that we surrender all that we have and all that we are to you. I pray for that to happen to me Lord, I pray that happens to us all.

Friends, though we desire a fresh wind and fresh fire to sweep across Berean this week, let us not lose sight that a truer test of revival will be in the weeks to come. If our on-going focus is genuinely on God and him glorified, if we are engaging in the spiritual battles of our lives, then whether God visibly, dramatically moves in our midst this week or not, we will no longer be the same church. The heart of the church, the essence of the many and not the few, will begin to show transformation.

Our vertical prayers of praise will resound and our worship will not be false. Our love for each other will be given freely and felt undeniably. Our burdens will be shared and not hidden. Our horizontal prayers will not lie just beneath the surface but will penetrate the depths of our pain. Our attitude towards those unlike ourselves will be accepting and compassionate and not judgmental. Service to the poor and the sinners in our community will become our passion. The holiness of the Father, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the sacrifice of the Son will be embraced and reflected. And unmistakably, God will be glorified.

May it be! Come Holy Spirit Come!

The Summit 0600 Prayer meeting...

2010-05-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Over 75 men came to prayer meeting this morning. God is moving in our church in a powerful way. Men won't you join us tomorrow and the rest of the week at 0600 in the chapel as we learn how to pray the Scriptures? What a blessing it was to lift up the name of Jehovah!

Bad Things...Good People

2010-01-09T11:18:00.002-05:00

The question pertaining to why bad things happen to good people, be it unemployment or divorce or death or abuse or other, has left many feeling unsatisfied with the answers they have found, or the lack thereof. I even have a friend whose pursuit of becoming a youth pastor and even being an active follower of Christ ended because of this unanswered question. As we consider that question or encounter the storm ourselves, it seems our human nature is to seek a suitable explanation and derive understanding, but maybe holding to that tendency is where we go astray. Maybe there is something beyond searching for a reason that leads to obtaining something more than satisfaction.

When we hear about a good person being hit by a drunk driver or being shot in a fight or being abused by others, we readily chalk it up to another sinful human’s free-will choice to get behind the wheel or pull a trigger or raise a fist. But how does one find an acceptable understanding of why a child is dying of cancer? Or how does one adequately explain good people being killed by natural disasters? Can we truly find a plausible, viable, adequate, and acceptable reason for such things?

If the book of Job is any indication, there will likely be storms in our lives that we will never understand and there will likely be perceived unfair pain in this world that will go unexplained. In the midst of that, will we find a way to accept that there are things and times and ways and purposes that are too wondrous for us to understand? Will we find a way to accept that God is orchestrating a story much bigger than we can see? After all, who are we to contend with and correct the Almighty who spins the world on its axis and brings forth the flowers in the springtime and pulses the beating of our hearts? Who are we to say this person or that person is ‘good’, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God? Is not God and God alone good? Who are we compared to God, what knowledge of ours is better than his? To search for an adequate explanation that will satisfy our nature in times when our understanding is utterly insufficient will inevitably prove futile.

What are we to do then in such times? Believe that God is not good? By no means, his character proves otherwise. Or would we do well to lean not on our own understanding and simply trust him? Trust the One who was and is and is to come by faith through the spirit. Trust the One who calms the storm with his hand and his word. Trust the One who assures us that in this world we will have troubles, and then reassures us to take heart because He has overcome the world. Trust the One who experienced pain and suffering as we never will, allowing the weight of our corrupt sin which he abhors and despises fall upon his glorious perfection. Trust the One who peers deep inside our pain and suffering and lovingly calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Does God not have our best intentions in mind? Is He not trustworthy?

There are things in our lives that will never be fully understood by our nature, but God did not intend for us to have perfect knowledge; God intended for us to have simple faith…the faith of a child. Does He not keep such things hidden from the wise and learned yet reveal them to little children? It is through simple faith and trust that we find peace and hope, and is there anything more precious than peace and hope when we face the unknown? Why is something so simple so difficult for me, for us to embrace even when we know it to be true? When will I, will we consistently walk by faith and not by sight? O Lord, please help me, give me faith like a child.

John Pound Update

2009-12-30T22:50:00.003-05:00

John Pound has been transferred to Cleveland and is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment. Please continue to keep him and the Pound family in your prayers. Also the wedding reception that was going to be held for his brother, Matt and his wife Audrey has been cancelled due to the family crisis.

8:00 AM - January 2, 2010 - Prayer in Chapel

2009-12-29T18:29:00.001-05:00

Men Of Berean,

We normally meet every Friday for prayer in the Chapel on Friday's at 6:30 am. This Friday with it being a holiday, we are not going to meet, but instead we will meet at 8:00 am Saturday Morning in the Chapel. We had planned on increasing the focus and boldness of our prayers this coming year, and feel now the time is all the more appropriate.

This Saturday Morning at 8:00 am we will meet in the chapel to lift up the Pound Family, our church leadership and our church body in prayer. All men are welcome, please come even if you can only be there for a few minutes.

If you know of men who are not included on this email list, please invite them also.

In him we trust,

Tim Campbell

Prayer Warriors

2009-12-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

Men of Berean,

Please be in prayer for Jonathan Pound, Pastor Dave and Sher Pound's son, who has been diagnosed with cancer. We will be having special prayer times in the Chapel the following times this week:

6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday evening

6:30-7:30 pm Wednesday evening

6:30-7:30 pm Thursday evening at the New Year's Eve Service

Also, the Chapel will be open for people to drop by and pray on Wednesday from 9-4 and New Year's Eve from 9-12.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2009-12-29T13:54:00.002-05:00

Please keep the Pound family in your prayers. Pastor Dave and Sher Pound's son, John, has been taken to MedCentral Mansfield. During an MRI for an injury, they found an aggressive cancer mass and they are currently performing more tests at this time. The family is respectfully requesting that there not be any visitation at the hospital due to the testing and the rest that John needs. If you would like to provide family meals or other assistance please contact the church office at 419-756-3300.

Social Networks are destroying marriages...

2009-12-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

This article was taken from the website of John Tesh.

Recycling a Past Relationship Is The Hottest Trend on Social Networking Sites

You used to have to wait for a high-school reunion to meet up with an old flame, but now people are doing it on a daily basis on Facebook. According to Time magazine, recycling a past relationship is the hottest trend on social networking sites. Why? Sites like Facebook make it so EASY to find people again, and you can try to rekindle a romance without the fear of a face-to-face rejection or an awkward call to their parents.

Nancy Kalish is a psychologist who’s studied these recycled relationships. Her research shows that, for many people, their first relationship is just as fresh in their minds 20 or 30 years down the road, as it was when it first happened. In fact, 25% of people on social networking sites say they’d love to get back together with their high school sweetheart, and about 39% have actually tried! Elise Garber is one person who did. When she was 15 years old she dated a boy she met at summer camp, but like most summer romances, it ended when school started. Twenty-two years later she looked him up on Facebook. They met up for drinks and something just clicked. Next thing you know, Elise quit her job and moved 2,000 miles to be with him, and earlier this month they got married!

Kalish says that’s not unusual. First loves make a huge emotional impact on us, and we develop our concept of relationships based on that first one. However, finding an old love isn’t all hearts and flowers, especially if there are current marriages involved. Kalish interviewed a thousand people who had met up with an ex while they were married. Of these people, a whopping 82% of them had extramarital affairs, and about half went so far as to divorce their current spouse for their former love! If you’re single, looking up an old flame might be a recipe for true love. Kalish says marriages between two people who rekindled an old relationship have a lower than average divorce rate. If you’re married, avoid the ex at all costs! Even if your motives are pure, the lure of a lost love might be too strong to fight!

Do we feel God calling us?

2009-12-11T09:51:00.008-05:00

Do we feel the weight of the Holy Spirit pressing upon us? Do we feel that prompting of God to be drawn to him, to be obedient to his commands, to be obedient to his will? Do we hear God saying we must make a choice; we cannot serve self, and Him.

As I reflect back over the last year or so and contemplate where I am personally, and where we are corporately in our relationship with God, our wives, our families, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Are we where God wants us? Are we completely surrendered to God and His will for our lives, or are we just using God as a "Life Insurance Policy” or are we truly repentant? Are we submitting under God in our marriages, and under the authority of our government and our employers, or supervisors?

Are we transparent and real with God? Do we truly confess our sins to God, and to others? Or, do we believe Satan's lie that our sins are worse and more sinful than those around us? Are we are so paralyzed by fear of being found out that we do not build those relationships for fear of being found out? Do we believe that our sins are unforgivable or unshareable? Are we embarrassed by our struggles in our marriages, or finances, or with your children? Are we so embarrassed that we pretend in church that everything is okay, but refuse to get close to people for fear of them seeing right through us?

Yet, while all this is going on, we long to share these burdens. We long have someone to be honest with. We long to be forgiven and accepted for our sins, and our failures. We long for that personal relationship with God that is unhindered by the sin that separates us from HIM. We long for those personal relationships that are unhindered by the sin in our lives. We long to be open and transparent and real.

God longs for us to have that kind of relationship with him, and with his body. He waits patiently for us as we navigate through an empty life trying to fill that desire which can only be filled with him and relationships with his body.
Is it easy to turn to God, and repent? Is it easy to repent in front of others and be honest with our sin and baggage which drags us down every day? Is it easy to kneel before the Altar, and allow the church to see you are not perfect?
We all know it is not easy. It is very difficult, and we have been warned by God’s word how difficult it is. We must give up our pride, and humble ourselves. We must give up our idols. We must take the narrow path. We must submit. We must pray for our enemies. We must be in the world, but not of the world. Do those sound like easy things?

The question is not is it easy, but is it worth it? If I give up all these things, is what I get in return worth it? We go through all of life evaluating decisions on risk verses reward? Should we get married? Should we have kids? Should I go to college? Should I take this job? Should I invest in this company? Should I buy this? In every single one of those decisions, there are no guarantees. If we chose to turn from the world and follow Jesus Christ and his Word, the rewards are guaranteed and eternal, promising benefits in this life and the life yet to come.
Talk is cheap, so how do we get what we are talking about? It begins with us! We must make the first steps. We must openly and honestly confess our sins to God, and to other brothers and sisters in Christ. We aren't talking about saying to God or to a Christian brother or sister, that "Forgive me for my sins God” or "I've got sin in my life, please pray for me” We are talking about openly and honestly coming before God, and saying "God, I'm struggling in pornography or sexual addictions" "God my life, finances and marriage are a mess" "God I'm having an affair?" "God I'm addicted to drugs and alcohol” and most importantly... "... God I cannot do life anymore without you"

After we openly confess our sins to God, then we must ask God to show us, or give us people in our lives to share these sins with. Some of you may feel that is impossible, but it is not. There are many sins that have and are being shared among brothers and sisters in Christ, and people are receiving true freedom from the bondages of sin, freedoms which cannot come from keeping it in. Relationships are being built and growing deeper because of this.

If someone comes to you and confesses a sin in their life, embrace them, encourage them, pray with them and listen to them, go with them to the Altar. Do not be judgmental, in thought, word or deed; because we all know that we all have sins in our lives that are just as embarrassing and just as difficult for us. You may even take the opportunity to confess the sins that you have been struggling with. If you do, your friendship and relationship will go to a new level. There will be a bond that sin has lost the power to separate.

We as a body need to repent. Repentance begins with confessing our sins to God and one another. I encourage you all to examine your life today and start your first step towards repentance. As you do confess and repent, then be ready to see God in a whole new way.

Your Brother In Christ,

Tim

Thanksgiving Letter

2009-11-23T13:36:00.001-05:00

Dear Americans,

There was a time not so long ago when you, though far from perfect, sought my face and my ways and for this I did bless. You and your leaders gave thanks to me for all things and in all circumstances for you knew I was your source. Thoughts and requests were presented to me with thanksgiving by prayer and petition and for this I did bless.

But it seems times are changing.

Now instead of looking to and relying upon me, you look for deliverance among your own. How bewildering to see a people follow an elephant or a donkey when neither bears my image. Some follow an animal that endorses the murder of babies and a lifestyle that would bring about humanity’s extinction, instead of giving thanks to, placing their hope in, and depending upon the Giver of life. Some follow an animal that often turns its back on the poor and is quick to enter into war for purposes of pride and revenge, instead of giving thanks to, placing their hope in, and depending upon the One who is truly compassionate and powerful.

I hear your chants of ‘God bless America’, yet your nation once committed to Christ is shifting to one that is following other gods. It seems you know me not and have turned a blind eye to history. Hasn’t history shown my blessing pours out upon those who follow me, and my wrath upon those who do not? Where is your love of me with all of your heart, all of your mind, all of your soul and all of your strength? Where is your full obedience to my Word? Where is your continual contemplation of, dedication to, and pursuit of my holiness and my will?

You celebrate Thanksgiving, but to whom do you give thanks…your political leaders, your false gods, yourselves? Who is it that has given you abundance? Who is it that has the power to give talents, ambition, and opportunity? Who is it that gives the greater things of salvation and peace? Is it not I? Do not forget who I am, and that I AM who I AM is the source of your everything. Do not forget blessings were bestowed upon you so that your neighbors and the nations of the world would see me honored and worshiped and be drawn onto me for their salvation and my great namesake.

O America, O self-proclaiming Christians…it is good to give thanks for your blessings this day, but ensure your focus is on the Giver and not on the gifts given, fore that leads to idolatry. Take care not to honor me with your lips while keeping your hearts far from me, fore that exposes your deceit and hands down ignorance and loss to your children and children’s children. Turn back to the teachings and passions of your forefathers. Humble yourselves and pray. Seek my face. Turn away from your wicked ways and towards Christ. If you do these things, I will forgive your sins and then you will realize who and what is truly worthy of your thanks and praise.

Signed,
Yahweh - The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

(meant for contemplation, not prophecy :) -- have a great week!)

So let us stand!

2009-11-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

A man stood before the peering eyes of the high council and those who accused him of proclaiming the power of Jesus of Nazareth. He was faced with a moment that would reveal his faith and determine his identity. And in that moment he responded by giving a reason for the hope within him and even challenged his challengers by claiming, "You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." And by taking this stance, he was dragged out into the city and was stoned to death. His name was Stephen and he was killed for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ a few years after Christ’s death.

There was another man who stood before the peering eyes of the Proconsul and those who had gathered in the stadium awaiting a show. His accuser urged, “Swear by the genius of Ceasar, repent, say 'away with the atheists'. Swear, and I will release thee; curse the Christ.” He was given a clear choice to deny Christ and live or face the deadly consequences. And in that moment he embraced the fact that to live is Christ and to die is gain and replied, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” As a result, his body was lit on fire and an executioner plunged a dagger deep within him. His name was Polycarp and he was killed for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ over a hundred years after Christ’s death.

There was another man who stood before the peering eyes of the men waving their guns and shouting at the crowd. As he waited, he felt the compassion of God for his accusers and decided to present the Gospel to them. He told them, “God loves you and I love you. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven. Even now, God is willing to forgive your sins because He loves you. The blood of the Lord Jesus can clean and purify your souls.” The accusers stood in stunned silence and finally one of them said, “You are guilty of fooling the people with your religion. Today, you are being judged.” And without another word, the guns blasted and the man’s body dropped first to his knees and then to the ground in a pool of blood. His name was Romulo and he was executed for sharing the good news of Jesus just a few years ago, nearly 2,000 years after Christ’s death.

History is filled with an on-going line of saints who were willing to stand for Christ, not for the glory of standing or falling, but for the glory of God. Are you and I willing to step into this great line? Will we who call ourselves believers have the passion of Stephen to share the hope of Jesus to a dying world, even when insults and stones will be thrown at us? Will we have the life-long dedication of Polycarp to hold fast to the faith in the midst of being mocked and persecuted in front of others? Will we who call ourselves believers be willing to love non-believers enough to share the Gospel of Jesus in return for likely judgment and even death?

Within each one of us is the potential to stand as many saints have stood before, through the power of the Holy Spirit. So let us stand then! If our strength is in the Lord, then let us strengthen our relationship with and love of and obedience to God. In times of weakness, let us be all the more strong in our faith…when life feels passionless, let us be all the more passionate in our pursuit of Christ…when our thoughts are shallow, let us dive deep into our commitment to our Savior and the words He gave us. Whether we realize it or not, we are all given moments throughout our lives, yes even throughout each day, in which we must choose to stand with Christ or deny him. The choice is ours…so let us stand!

Love for the long haul

2009-10-09T13:57:00.002-04:00

Written by Mitch Temple (click here for link)

I'll never forget the counseling session with Al and Olivia. They had been high school sweethearts and, now in their mid-50s, had been married almost 35 years. Al was about to retire after 25 years at a paper mill. Olivia was a registered nurse. They had three grown children and six grandchildren.

Al sat stone-faced in the corner chair in my office. Olivia fought back tears as she explained why they were there. "Al says he doesn't love me anymore. He's found someone else."
"Al, is this the situation?" I asked.

He cleared his throat and spoke softly, "Yeah, I guess it's so."

I listened as they both explained how they put so much energy into raising kids and building careers that they forgot to love each other and nurture their marriage. After the kids moved out, Al and Olivia never discovered how to reconnect and fill the gap of an empty nest.

Olivia recounted the wasted years of living two separate lives. She confessed that she had neglected Al sexually and domestically. "He poured himself into his job. I poured myself into the kids and my nursing career," Olivia said.

Al added, "We kept drifting apart. I knew what I was doing was wrong; I was too proud to ask for help."

After a brief pause, I quietly asked, "So are you guys going to call it quits after 35 years? Is this the best answer?" Al stared out the window, and Olivia looked at the floor. "You are both believers. Is this what God wants?"

I continued to ask pointed, painful questions over the next three hours. I knew this couple was on the brink of divorce, and I probably had only one shot at helping them.

At one point, tears rolled down Al's rough face as he said, "I think I have gone too far. I don't think I can pull it back together. I don't think Olivia can forgive me. I don't think I can forgive myself. It's too late."

I looked at Al and said, "Al, it's never too late to do the right thing. You and Olivia have too much to give up. God loves you but dislikes the way you are trying to solve your marriage problems—especially when they can be corrected and prevented."

Reality Check

Toward the end of the session, we had made some progress but not enough. Al had to be challenged to make a decision. So did Olivia. Would she take Al back after he had been emotionally unfaithful?

I handed them two pieces of paper. "Al, Olivia, I haven't heard either of you make a strong commitment to work on your marriage. So what I'm asking you to do right now is write a letter to your children and to your grandchildren explaining that you are going to divorce. Be assured that they will want to know why. They have a right; this affects them as well."

I walked out, leaving them to face the truth, and I prayed earnestly. When I walked back into the room 10 minutes later, Al sat with his head in his hands. Olivia sat quietly with her paper in her lap.

"I can't do it," Al said. Olivia shook her head in agreement. The reality that 35 years of irretrievable investments was about to be lost had set in.

Salvageable

For four months, I worked with Olivia and Al, teaching them how to make changes that would bring back intimacy and purpose to their marriage. One of the things that led them to the point of desperation is that they had stopped doing the things that brought them together in the first place.

They had to reconnect with each other by going back to their dating days from the '60s: pizza and a movie every Friday night. Then they learned how to forgive each other for unfaithfulness in similar but different ways. They stopped keeping score of wrongdoings. They connected daily, even when they didn't feel like it.

They began to study God's Word together for the first time in more than 30 years. Instead of fighting to solve problems, they got on their knees and asked God to help them. They resumed intimacy in the bedroom after sleeping in separate rooms for 10 years. They rediscovered the value of touching, listening and walking together.

Two years ago I received a Christmas card with no return address. There was no writing inside, only a picture of Al and Olivia's large family: several young couples, numerous kids and a balding man and a beautiful, mature lady with gleaming eyes that said, "We did it!"

With the right spirit and actions, any marriage can be restored.

Barna Survey Examines Changes in Worldview Among Christians over the Past 13 Years

2009-09-15T19:19:00.000-04:00

March 6, 2009If Jesus were to ask, “Who do you say I am,” the question He famously asked his disciple Peter, He would be disappointed by some of the answers He’d receive from contemporary Americans. A new nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group among a representative sample of adults explored how many have what might be considered a “biblical worldview.” The report from Barna compared current results to the outcomes from a similar survey the company conducted in 1995, 2000 and 2005.

Defining Terms

For the purposes of the survey, a “biblical worldview” was defined as believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today. In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview.

National Results

Overall, the current research revealed that only 9% of all American adults have a biblical worldview. Among the sixty subgroups of respondents that the survey explored was one defined by those who said they have made a personal to commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. Labeled “born again Christians,” the study discovered that they were twice as likely as the average adult to possess a biblical worldview. However, that meant that even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19%) had such an outlook on life.

The same questions were asked of respondents in national surveys by Barna in 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that the percentage of adults with a biblical worldview, as defined above, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The numbers show that 7% had such a worldview in 1995, compared to 10% in 2000, 11% in 2005, and 9% now. Even among born again adults, the statistics have remained flat: 18% in 1995, 22% in 2000, 21% in 2005, and 19% today.

Components of Worldview Thinking

Varying numbers of Americans embrace the different aspects of biblical worldview thinking. The survey found that:

One-third of all adults (34%) believe that moral truth is absolute and unaffected by the circumstances. Slightly less than half of the born again adults (46%) believe in absolute moral truth.

Half of all adults firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches. That proportion includes the four-fifths of born again adults (79%) who concur.

Just one-quarter of adults (27%) are convinced that Satan is a real force. Even a minority of born again adults (40%) adopt that perspective.

Similarly, only one-quarter of adults (28%) believe that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior. Not quite half of all born again Christians (47%) strongly reject the notion of earning salvation through their deeds.

A minority of American adults (40%) are persuaded that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while He was on earth. Slightly less than two-thirds of the born again segment (62%) strongly believes that He was sinless.

Seven out of ten adults (70%) say that God is the all-powerful, all-knowing creator of the universe who still rules it today. That includes the 93% of born again adults who hold that conviction.

Differences among Demographic Segments

The research data showed that one pattern emerged loud and clear: young adults rarely possess a biblical worldview. The current study found that less than one-half of one percent of adults in the Mosaic generation – i.e., those aged 18 to 23 – have a biblical worldview, compared to about one out of every nine older adults.

Other groups that possess a below average likelihood of having a biblical worldview included people who describe themselves as liberal on social and political matters (also less than one-half of one percent); Catholics (2%); Democrats (4%) and residents of the Northeast (4%).

Why It Matters

Ongoing research by The Barna Group on these matters consistently demonstrates the powerful impact a person’s worldview has on their life. A worldview serves as a person’s decision-making filter, enabling them to make sense of the complex and huge amount of information, experiences, relationships and opportunities they face in life. By helping to clarify what a person believes to be important, true and desirable, a worldview has a dramatic influence on a person’s choices in any given situation.

Barna’s research has discovered that there are unusually large differences in behavior related to matters such as media use, profanity, gambling, alcohol use, honesty, civility, and sexual choices.
The firm’s studies have also pointed out that a person’s worldview is primarily shaped and is firmly in place by the time someone reaches the age of 13; it is refined through experience during the teen and early adult years; and then it is passed on to others during their adult life. Such studies underscore the necessity of parents and other influencers being intentional in how they help develop the worldview of children.

For information about the Revolutionary Parenting Workbook, a new research-based resource that provides practical steps and advice to help parents shape the worldview of their children, click here

George Barna, who has directed this tracking research since the early Nineties, pointed out, “There are a several troubling patterns to take notice. First, although most Americans consider themselves to be Christian and say they know the content of the Bible, less than one out of ten Americans demonstrate such knowledge through their actions. Second, the generational pattern suggests that parents are not focused on guiding their children to have a biblical worldview. One of the challenges for parents, though, is that you cannot give what you do not have, and most parents do not possess such a perspective on life. That raises a third challenge, which relates to the job that Christian churches, schools and parachurch ministries are doing in Christian education. Finally, even though a central element of being a Christian is to embrace basic biblical principles and incorporate them into one’s worldview, there has been no change in the percentage of adults or even born again adults in the past 13 years regarding the possession of a biblical worldview.”

To find out which Christian teachings are most helpful in developing a biblical worldview, read Think Like Jesus. For more information, click here.

Barna concluded by noting that the lack of movement in the worldview status of adults reflects the fact that children are not provided with the basic ability to think in ways that correspond to foundational biblical teachings. He noted that Christian families, Christian schools, and Christian churches would be wise to invest more effort and tangible resources into helping young people understand and adopt the core ideas of Christianity, and to reinforce those concepts through their own lives. His pointed out that without such an investment, the current generational patterns indicate that the future Christian Church is likely to be one that has even less of a connection to biblical principles than is evident today.

About the Research

This report draws information from four nationwide telephone interviews conducted by The Barna Group, each including between 1,002 to 1,005 adults randomly selected, during the years 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2008. The range of sampling error associated with a survey of 1,000 people is ±1.5 to ±3.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Each of the surveys utilized minimal statistical weighting to calibrate the aggregate sample to known population percentages in relation to several key demographic variables. All interviews were conducted among a sampling of adults in the 48 continental states.

As noted, “born again Christians” were defined as people who said they had made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that was still important in their life today and who also indicated they believed that when they die they will go to Heaven because they had confessed their sins and had accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as “born again.”

Readers are encouraged to realize that the figures described above regarding a biblical worldview are somewhat different than a similar measure reported by The Barna Group in prior years. The earlier measure included an additional component, which had to do with the source of their worldview. When that measure is included, it typically decreases the percentage of people with a biblical worldview by about half.

The Barna Group, Ltd. (which includes its research division, The Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization that conducts primary research on a wide range of issues and products, produces resources pertaining to cultural change, leadership and spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Located in Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each new, bi-monthly update on the latest research findings from The Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (www.barna.org). Additional research-based resources, both free and at discounted prices, are also available through that website.

© The Barna Group, Ltd, 2009.

American Churches Vital Signs

2009-09-11T21:25:00.003-04:00

The following article was taken from Ministry Today. To go to this website click HERE

If the American church were a patient on the operating table, its current vital signs would be cause for serious concern. According to the latest Faith Communities Today 2008 (FACT 2008), which released in part this week, only 35 percent of all congregations in the country reported being spiritually vital and alive. That’s compared to 42 percent in 2005.

In addition, most congregations say they’re in the worst financial shape they’ve been in years, with only 19 percent indicating excellent financial health, compared to 24 percent in 2005 and 31 percent in 2000. In terms of pure numerical growth among worship service attendees, 48 percent of all churches say they’ve grown by at least 2 percent, which marks a full 10 percent decline in only three years.

The massive survey, which includes churches of all types—old line Protestant, evangelical Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and other world religions—factored in results from more than 2,500 randomly selected congregations.

For leaders, FACT 2008 will reiterate what most already know: The healthiest churches are those who reproduce. Among the congregations surveyed, those whose leadership spent the most time recruiting and training other leaders were the healthiest. Similar results came from leaders who promoted a clear vision and emphasized evangelism. Interestingly enough, the study also revealed no significant correlation between a church’s spiritual vitality and its emphasis on administration or representing the congregation within the community. What it did show, however, was the advantage of standing out as a unique church. Those congregations who identified themselves as “very different” from others in the community showed a high spiritual vitality, whereas those who didn’t see themselves as offering anything particularly unique were less vibrant.

“It is a story of concern, but also a story of hope,” concluded FACT 2008’s authors. “It is the story of an emerging, persistent and broad based downward trend in congregational vitality. But it is also a story of pockets of vitality that are suggestive of the potential for moving forward.” [fact.hartsem.edu, 9/9/09]

In the midst of trials...

2009-09-10T12:37:00.002-04:00

Like many other men I have been unemployed for several weeks now and the biblical concept of a 'trial' has once again shifted from theological to applicable in my life. Any time that type of shift occurs it provides both discomfort and opportunity and the metal of our faith is tested.

For me, the first week or so of unemployment was quite interesting. Initially, my core beliefs kicked in and God was quick to remind me that He was in control and would provide for my family's needs. But…within 3 days, the heat and discomfort was turned up even more as our home computer died and our home phone system went out which left us with no communication capability, and then my car died which left me immobilized. Disbelief peeked as I sat in my broken down car just north of Ontario, but with the irony being so thick, I couldn't help but simply laugh. Unfortunately the discomfort didn't end there and after a few days Satan took the opportunity to kick me while I was down again, as he so often does, by throwing darts of self-doubt and self-worth and temptation at me. It was then in the midst of that growing discomfort, as I spent my morning alone time with God, that He reminded me of two things. One, I need to step back and gain right perspective; and two, my trial is providing an opportunity for growth and blessing.

Regardless of how sorry we want to feel for ourselves when we go through both minor and major trials, we must remember life could be worse…it could be much worse…in fact it could be much, much worse. There are millions upon millions of people who are experiencing a life of pain and dread and despair far beyond what we may be facing, both in this lifetime and in the one to come. Furthermore, who are we to question what God is allowing to occur? Do we know more than God? Do we know better than God? We would be wise to quickly gain Job's eventual perspective and realize when we begin questioning God, we speak of things we do not understand, things too wonderful for us to know. We must remember that God is God and we are not. We must believe that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. If this is not our persepective, we must repent in dust and ashes for our unbelief.

And as we gain right perspective, will we see that holy scripture indicates our trials also provide opportunities for growth and blessing? Through Paul, the Holy Spirit encourages us that our troubles open the door for a deeper relationship with the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles, which will allow us to comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. Not only can we experience comfort through Christ, but joy as well. Out of the most severe trial, others have proven to have overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. Is that not a reason to have hope and even rejoice in the midst of our trials?

Through James, the Holy Spirit encourages us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When we persevere under trial, when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Is that not a reason to have hope and even rejoice in the midst of our trials?

Through Peter, the Holy Spirit encourages us that for a little while we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, but we can greatly rejoice because these have come so that our faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Is that not a reason to have hope and even rejoice in the midst of our trials?

And even Jesus encourages us that in this world we will have trouble, but we can take heart because he has overcome the world. The Lord reassures us that his grace is sufficient and his power is made perfect in our weakness, therefore we can delight in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, in trials. Is that not a reason to have hope and even rejoice in the midst of our trials?

May each of us be encouraged as we embrace the opportunity to see God's word prove true and our faith strengthened. May we truly have hope and rejoice even as current trials continue and new trials emerge.

Needed: Men and Women Who Are True to their Families

2009-09-05T11:36:00.001-04:00

Needed: Men and Women Who Are True to their Families

by Jonathan Falwell

“This is everyday life. It happens.”

Those of the words of former all-pro NFL running back Eddie George,
commenting to NBC’s Lester Holt this week on the extramarital affair and
subsequent murder of his onetime teammate Steve McNair.
Mr. Holt added that many husbands, seeing the McNair story unfold in the
headlines, were surely saying to themselves, “There but for the grace of
God go I.”

I have no doubt that he’s right.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us “there is nothing new under the sun” (NKJV)
and certainly people have been falling into the tragic sin of adultery
since soon after the original fall. But it seems that there is an increase
in this problem in modern times. From politicians to pastors, we have seen
a disturbing number of people in the spotlight because they could not stay
true to their marital promises. In the aftermath, we see the spouses and
children of these individuals left to face the humiliation that these
infidelities brought about.

Infidelity is something that can happen to anyone who is not constantly on
guard to prevent it from happening. There is no place for carelessness
when our marriages, our children and our Christian testimonies are at
stake. For the Christian, being on guard also means being constantly
attuned to the faultless God who lives within us, allowing Him to be our
strength against any temptation we might face.

Further, as Christians, we must allow God’s love to shine in us so that
we can effectively love our spouses and families. Jeremiah 31:3 says,
“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you
with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn
you.’” By experiencing the matchless love that God affords us, we can
then properly love in return.

In 2005, my father brought a sermon titled, “Faith, Family and
Traditions,” wherein he listed five “daily duties” of a successful
Christian father. They are:

1. He must openly and obviously love his children’s mother;
2. He must have a personal and intimate relationship with his children;
3. He must build self worth in his children;
4. He must encourage vision, hope and purity. He must be verbal and positive;
5. He must guarantee perpetual endowment.

This is such a pertinent inventory for Christian men who desire to be a
godly leader at home while remaining true to the promises they made to
their wife on their wedding day. Note that these five items should be at
the forefront of our efforts on a daily basis; they should be atop our list
of priorities without fail. I can personally attest—as can my mom,
brother and my sister—that my Dad lived out this list every day of his
life and by doing so he inspires all three of us to do the same today.

I fear that too many men, and women, are playing a hope-for-the-best game
with their families. There just doesn’t seem to be a commitment to their
families beyond the superficial. This is a dangerous routine and I see the
consequences of this type of lifestyle on a regular basis. I imagine most
pastors could bear out this scenario.

Christian husbands, we must be persistently investing ourselves into the
lives of our families, while also spending much time in prayer, Bible study
and positive Christian fellowship in order to strengthen ourselves in this
essential effort. It is the role God intends for us to take on heroically
for the sake of our families. Failing to do so should not be an option.

Christian wives, you too must be fully invested in the lives of your
family. And, likewise, fully invested in your own spiritual growth. Your
commitment of growing closer to God each and every day is vital to the
success of your family.

I want to close by pointing out that most people who come to Christ do so
before the age of 18, with many of them doing so in the home. Christian
fathers (and mothers), honor God in all you do so that your children will
see the Spirit of Jesus Christ as a living example through your lives.

To sign up for these emails, please visit http://www.falwell.com/

Repent and reform our ways...

2009-08-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

It was so encouraging to read in “the Berean Banter” newsletter about our pastor spending such precious time with our Lord, and it was even more encouraging to hear him convey the message he felt God lay upon his heart…that we all must repent and reform our ways. Fore we must and it is an encouraging message.

Why would this call to repent and reform be encouraging? Because we live in a world where religious leaders are choosing to say what itching ears want to hear. We live in a country where more and more pastors are bowing to the will of their culture and the will of their patrons and not to the will of God. We live in a country and maybe even a city where more and more shepherds are building their foundation on shifting sand and not the solid rock. Did Jesus not denounce unrepentant cities? Is a pastor’s urgency concerning repentance not good and right and loving? If we choose to reject this call, we expose ourselves to the lies of false teaching and ignore truth.

Why would this call to repent and reform be encouraging? Because forgiveness and right relationship with God is the most loving thing He can offer us and he is reminding us once again of that offer. Who can deny the deeply rooted truth of humanity’s desperate need to repent and reform? Was this not a recurring proclamation by the prophets to God’s people throughout the ages? Is it not an offer of mercy from a holy and perfect Creator? Are we not called to produce fruit in keeping with repentance? If we do not embrace this call as a people in this moment of time and as his children each and every day, we completely misunderstand who God is and who we are.

Why would this call to repent and reform be encouraging? Because God’s Word reveals our obedience to such a call will prove both beneficial to us and glorifying to God. How many stories must God tell before we gain ears to hear? How many times must history repeat before our eyes are opened and our hearts are softened? Has God not proven to be faithful time and time again to those who were called by his name when they humbled themselves and repented and sought his face and turned from their wicked ways?

So we either believe and respond or we do not…and we must know that our hearts and lives, not our lips, will bear witness to what our true beliefs are and possibly the very state of our souls. This call is not the trivial matter we so often make of it.

Thus says the Lord, “Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and make ye a new heart and a new spirit.”

Atheists, Agnostics, Christians

2009-07-02T14:44:00.000-04:00

Over the past few months I have been engaged in separate dialogues with a self-proclaiming atheist and a self-proclaiming agnostic. As I contemplate their views and their lives relative to many self-proclaiming ‘Christians’, it is not their differences that are striking, but their similarities.

How can someone who is uncommitted to any particular god and someone who claims Jesus is God…both accept the value of living according to the Bible yet choose not to do so fully? Maybe neither is willing to accept its entirety, preferring to pick and choose what they feel suits them.

How can someone who claims there is no god at all and someone who claims Jesus is God…both talk to each other with unveiled hatred and poison dripping from their tongues? Maybe neither really knows what true brotherly love is.

How can someone who is uncommitted to any particular god and someone who claims Jesus is God…both be disappointed by their sin yet do little to address it? Maybe neither connects with how deeply their Creator abhors their sin nor are they willing to pursue true repentance with perseverance.

How can someone who claims there is no god at all and someone who claims Jesus is God…both live lives of complacency and stagnation? Maybe neither actually believes they need to become a new creation and live a life of righteousness.

How can someone who is uncommitted to any particular god and someone who claims Jesus is God …both have so little passion for God? Maybe neither sees God for whom he truly is nor believes deep down that He is worthy of their full obedience and whole-hearted worship…let alone their very lives.

How can someone who claims there is no god at all and someone who claims Jesus is God…both say they have faith and hope (in themselves or their God respectively) yet lack any sustainable evidence of either? Maybe neither feels true faith overflows into works. Maybe neither feels an explanation for the hope, or lack thereof, within them needs to come from the heart, so they settle for the tongue.

How can someone who is uncommitted to any particular god and someone who claims Jesus is God…both think that the crucifixion was about someone experiencing a painful death upon a cross? Maybe neither ponders the weight of humanity’s guilt nor the emptiness of divine forsakenness. Maybe neither sees the true message of a Father’s love and compassion. Maybe neither wants to hear its command for self-sacrifice nor its call to embrace the indebted words ‘not my will, but yours be done’.

How can someone who claims there is no god at all and someone who claims Jesus is God…both comfortably or uncomfortably accept immorality in their lives? Maybe neither thinks they will go to hell.

How can someone who is uncommitted to any particular god and someone who claims Jesus is God…both hear the power of the gospel and respond with words but not their lives? Maybe neither thinks that one day they may call out “Lord, Lord” and hear Jesus reply “I do not know you.”

So I am left pondering, how many of us self-proclaiming Christians are walking blindly along thinking we’re sheep but the true reflection of our lives reveals we are nothing more than goats? If we truly were sheep, would we not be following our master’s voice? How many of us Americans and ‘Bereanites’ honor God with our lips, but have hearts that are far from him? How many of us Americans and ‘Bereanites’ have bought into Satan’s ultimate deceit, thinking simply because we called on the name of the Lord once we are saved while ignoring the greater commands to call on him daily and to repent and to believe and to serve and to be transformed…rendering ourselves not only useless but unknowingly lost? The rapidly declining direction of a country with such a high percentage of self-proclaiming ‘born-again Christians’ does not whisper, but screams there are more being deceived than we may think. Are we willing to take a hard, honest look at our own reflection…and cry out to God for eyes to see and a willing spirit to change…regardless of what we find peering back at us?

How we got Father's Day

2009-06-19T10:19:00.003-04:00

Where's our Hearts?

2009-06-17T16:06:00.001-04:00

I wonder as our heavenly Father looks upon us, watches us get up each morning and go about our day, hears our every thought, I wonder if he sees love from us, if he hears love from us, if he feels love from us?

As I mentioned recently, a few weeks ago I was feeling pretty dry, I was lacking passion in my relationship with God…and what happens when we lose passion for something? What happens to our exercise schedule? What happens to our marriages? They certainly don’t become all they can be; instead they simply become ordinary or maybe even fade a bit.

I suppose our relationships, whether with our wives or our God, become ordinary when we start just going through the motions, when we stop being intentional, when we no longer pay attention to the details as we once did, when we stop wanting to please the other person, when we start thinking more about ourselves than about the other person, when we stop connecting at the heart level, when we stop truly loving passionately.

So today, are we loving our heavenly Father passionately as we could, as we should? Over and over again throughout scripture his number one message to us is Love the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength….love him with all that we are...love him. Are we?

Are we connecting with God at the heart level and not just with our heads? Do the great realities of our God stir us or do we simply acknowledge them? To connect with someone we need to be spending time with them; do we spend more time and energy talking to and thinking about our heavenly Father or do we spend more time and energy on our jobs…or our houses…or TV…or golf…or even “our” ministry activity?

If we feel a lack of passion for God today, then maybe we need to change our current routine in some way by spending more time with him and even by crying out to God to revive our hearts. Maybe we need to step back and have another look at who God is and who we are. Do we not only see but feel that all of history and the creation of this amazing universe and the sending of his Son to die on a cross and the offer of personal intimacy in our very lives is all about God and not about us? He is the Creator, He is the one who gives unending love, He gets the glory and our lives merely fit within his great story. Within a generation or two, no one will even know we existed, let alone care. But Christ, Christ will live on.

Our part in his eternal story is brief and he calls us to play an active part…but that part needs to be about him, not about us. Is that what we believe? Is that how we live? Too often I find myself saying ‘yes, that’s what I believe’ and then ‘no, that’s not how I live’.

Lord, help me, help us stay connected to you at the heart level so it becomes our heart’s desire to live passionately for you and not for ourselves! Lord, you said that your servant David had a heart after your own heart…give us eyes to see David’s heart. Help us see and embrace how David responded to his moments of sin and distress and praise. Help us see and embrace how David’s whole perspective, his whole world view revolved around you. Help us see and embrace how he loved you. Lord, help us pursue a heart after your own heart. Amen.

Thanks from C.O.T.C.!

2009-06-02T15:28:00.003-04:00

Dan Arnholt requested the memo below be posted. A handful of men from Church of the Cross in Lexington came to the Grill-out on Sunday.
_____________________________________________________

Berean Journeymen,

Thanks for inviting us to the Men's Grill out/ Fellowship night!

We were treated with great hospitality by Mike, The Runner, (From the YMCA) and Pastor Dave while we had dinner. The V-Ball, Corn-Hole, Basketball & Card Games were a great idea.

KEEP reaching out to MEN! The movement in our area is gaining ground, but still has room for growth. North Central Ohio needs your Men's Ministry!

Thanks Again, Dan Arnholt
'Sunday Night Men's Book Study'

Butt Prints In The Sand

2009-06-01T19:51:00.002-04:00

One night I had a wondrous dream, one set of footprints there was seen, the footprints of my precious Lord, but mine were not along the shore. But then some stranger prints appeared, and I asked the Lord, “What have we here?” Those prints are large and round and neat, “But Lord they are too big for feet.” “My child”, He said in somber tones, “For miles I carried you alone. I challenged you to walk in faith, but you refused and made me wait. You disobeyed, you would not grow, the walk of faith, you would not know. So I got tired, I got fed up, and there I dropped you on your butt! Because in life, there comes a time, when one must fight, and one must climb. When one must rise and take a stand, or leave their butt prints in the sand.” -- Author Unknown

I don’t know about you but as for me, I tend to mimic this humorous spin-off of the famous poem “Footprints In the Sand”. I believe that we all tend to do this from time to time, as we are all human and are susceptible to temptation and failure (Romans 3:23). But just as we are sinners it is great to know that “No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13 NASB).

So many times we are quick to make excuses and not pay attention, better yet, ignore our spiritual gauges. We start to go through trials and tribulations more frequently and start seeing our lives head into a spiraling pattern as we slowly slip away from God. It is as if we know what is happening but we tend to be in denial about the actuality of the circumstances. We start to buy into the lies that Satan feeds us instead of chewing on the lasting and fulfilling Word of God (Joshua 1:8).

It is in this time that accountability truly comes into play (Proverbs 27:17). However it is very important for a brother to remember that when holding another brother accountable or helping him get back up that it is done in love. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (4:12 NKJV).

In my experience counseling, the one thing that a man needs is a brother to walk beside him and with him, encouraging him and loving him. Just as a police officer has many tools on his belt. He is given the right to use his gun to take the life of another only when the circumstances are justified to do so. Many times as Christians we are quick to pull our gun out and shoot instead of using the other tools that God has given us through and in his Word.

We have all been there, we have all used our spiritual guns and been fired upon. Instead of shooting at each other let’s try and keep our spiritual gauges in check by loving each other and asking those tough questions. Let’s start walking with each other instead of persecuting each other and telling one another how wrong we have been and what a greater sinner one is than the other (Luke 18:9-11).

Humbly see you at the altar,

Derrick F. Martin

Men's Grill-out ---- Great fun & great message!

2009-06-01T11:02:00.009-04:00

It was great to see so many guys having fun (playing basketball, volleyball, corn-hole, laughing, talking, etc.) and praising God together last night at the Men’s Grill-out. I definitely look forward to the next one later this summer.

In thinking about the message of keeping an eye on our spiritual gauges that Rich provided, I realized it requires an intentional act. I need to, we all need to intentionally step back and take assessment of our walk with Christ rather frequently.

So I began to ask myself…and we all should ask ourselves…things like:

- Have we become lazy regarding the basics that keep us close to Christ? Has our focus on Christ lost any sharpness?
- Are we being diligent in pursuing holiness and rejecting and purging all forms of sin from our lives? Are we continuing to meet with accountability partners and being truly transparent? Are we being passive or active, maybe even radical if need be to ensure we are truly fighting a good fight?
- Are our hearts and minds engaged with God more than anything else…more than the news, more than our jobs, more than sports, more than ministry activity, more than our vacation plans, more than our family, more than our wives, more than ourselves? We spend many hours of each waking day in conscious thought, how much of that time are we investing in our most important relationship, in the eternal…versus the superficial and the temporal?
- Are we are spending time in God’s word? If we are, are we intent on connecting with God, is our desire to have the Holy Spirit open our eyes and counsel us…or are we just gathering facts, just going through the motions of reading words? Are our hearts truly engaged or is it just our heads?
- Etc, etc.

In going through that gauge checking process, I realize that I have become a bit distracted the past few weeks in staying connected to God on the heart level and as a result I’ve experienced some spiritual dryness. Goodness knows I’ve been there before, but I certainly don’t like being there.

So now that I’m aware of that red light, the question is what will I do about it? Will I keep doing the same things I have for the past few weeks that brought about dryness or will I intentionally change things in order to be refreshed? Maintaining my disciplines is a must, but it is not enough. Will I pursue a repentant spirit? Will I cry out to God to give me refreshment and renewal and revival? Will I go running back to him in desperation and even fear that a lingering dryness could lead to an acceptable new norm or even the wilderness? O Lord, I lie in dust; revive me by your word; encourage me by your word; renew my life with your goodness!

Lord, thank you for your message Rich conveyed last night. Help us be intentional in gauge monitoring, help us search for yellows before they have a chance to turn red. And if a light does appear, help us jump all over it without delay, never allowing it to linger. Grant each of us a willing spirit to sustain us and a passionate one that pursues you. Help us endeavor to have a heart after your own heart.

As a proud father I have to share this.. :)

2009-05-26T10:09:00.002-04:00

http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090526/NEWS01/905260307/-1/newsfront2/Lexington+grad+will+provide+care+in+Tanzania

God has done so much work in me to be comfortable in her doing this. Hope you all enjoy.

Tim

Do you want to get well?

2009-05-19T05:57:00.004-04:00

Jesus asked this very questions to the man at the healing pool in Bethesda. The man at the pool had been an invalid for 38 years, and Jesus asked him if he wanted to be well? You may be thinking that is an irrelevant question, "Of course he wanted to be well, why wouldn't he want to be healed?"

What if Jesus Christ asked you this very question today, "Do you want to get well?" What would your answer be? Would you immediately say "YES"? Or, would your response be more like "What's wrong with me?", "Why do I need to be well?" "I'm good, I've got no problems" We have become so comfortable in our lives, that many of us don't even realize we are not well. We become defensive when someone questions are salvation or our faith.

I had some opportunity lately to reflect on this very thought. Recently I was around a large group of people with the realization that most of them don't even realize they "Need to be made well. They were a group of "good" people, and many attended church, yet most looked more like the world than Christ. We've become so much a part of this world, we don't even realize that we aren't healthy.

We've even redefined "healthy"

Healthy is:

- I go to church
- I'm a good person
- I work hard
- I'm a nice person
- I have compassion and help others
- I give to the church and other charities
- I serve at church or volunteer and help people
- God has blessed me therefore I must be healthy
- I don't commit the "BIG Sins"

If we are believing these things earn us ANYTHING, then we are believing a LIE. Those are the deceptions that we are falling for in this country and they are all FALSE. Not one of those things saves us or gives us eternal life with Jesus Christ the Son or God the Father. Our sin is making us comfortable and we are justifying our sin because of those things. We are not good enough, not even one of us, according to Romans 3:12 which says "All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."

So if "No One" is good enough, then why do we believe that we are doing okay? Are you still believing that because you are a good person, that you are doing okay?

We've become so comfortable in Sin in this country that we don't even recognize it when we are doing it. We believe that because 80% of us are healthy by worlds standards that 80% of us our Christians. We've grown to believe that if we've "accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior" we've got a "get out of jail free card" and can continue on sinning and we're good. We have shifted the image of God from our Master, to our servant. We believe that God exist to only serve us and our needs, and provide for "US" We believe that he Owes us happiness and success and unalienable rights. We even believe the Worship Service is about "US".

Are you comfortable in your Sin? Does your life Monday through Saturday match the life you put on Sunday when you come to church? Or, is Sunday just a mask you put on to impress your Sunday friends and Pastors? Are you desperate for God or are you desperate for success, and money and material things? Satan will have you believe you can have both? Gods word is clear, that you must choose one or the other, you can't have both.

So, Jesus is asking, "Do you want to be HEALED?"

Luke 11:28

2009-05-12T05:53:00.002-04:00

"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. "

Are you blessed? Are you really? How are you handling life's struggles? How is your job? Your marriage? Your kids? Your finances? Your health? What areas in your life are you throwing your hands in the air and saying "I give up, I don't know what to do"

As I look back on this past year or so, we've heard some powerful messages from our pastors and guest speakers such as Ryan Loving and the Life Action people. We've had some great studies and groups in the Monday Night Men's Study. We've learned some great truths and powerful life applications. There have been some great relationships being built over the last year. I'm sure many of you have read some great Christian books, or seen some great movies or programs, or even listened to some inspiring pod-casts or messages on-line. A few of you may have attended a conference or event such as Promise Keepers.

While, each and every one of these are great things to do as a Christian none of them replace getting into the Word of God.

If you are not in the Word of God then you are missing the most powerful life changing thing you can do. No sermon from our pastors, or Christian book or activity can replace picking up the Word of God and reading it daily. All these other activities are in ADDITION to reading the Word of God.

I'm sure you've all heard the expression "Kid's don't come with an instruction booklet" I'm telling you that not only do we have an instruction booklet, it is an instruction booklet that applies throughout ALL of OUR lives; the "Word of God".

James MacDonald says that when people come to him with a problem he can tell almost immediately if they are reading their Bibles, and if not he listens to their problem and thinks to himself "Not in the Word, Not in the Word, Not in the Word" Is life throwing you a curve and you don't know how to deal with it? Are you in the Word?

Many men are saying "I don't know how to be the Spiritual Leader of my home" Well this is the first step. To be a spiritual leader of your home, you have to be reading your Bible daily. If you don't know where to begin, or need guidance, then don't hesitate "Ask" The people and resources to help you are all available to you if you seek them out. You can even email this blog and we'll respond.

In order to hear the Word of God we must read it. In reading it, God will reveal application for each of our individual lives. When we apply and obey those applications to our lives, then God's promise to each of us, is we will be blessed. In other words, we will benefit from it 100% of the time. How much greater of a guarantee do we need? Some of those blessings may be small blessings, but some of those blessings may be huge blessings.

I encourage you to take the first step and see what God has for you. He may have a solution for your marriage, or your finances. He may give you guidance on how to deal with a child or co-worker. He may help you through a trial or struggle in which you feel you are all alone. But, if you don't take the first step and open up his Word, you will never know, because as God's Word states, If "you read my word and obey" Then "you will be blessed".

See You at the Altar,

Tim

2009-05-01T13:44:00.001-04:00

Second Saturday

MEN’S PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERING

SATURDAY, MAY 9TH@ 8:00

FULL BREAKFAST IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM

Summer Plans:
Let’s keep the flames burning in our hearts based on the momentum we built this spring with James MacDonald and the Personal Holiness night when about 135 of us were challenged to commit to God’s standard of sexual purity.

We will continue Second Saturday through the summer with an emphasis on Personal Holiness. We’ll meet May 9th, June 13th, July 11th and August 8th at 8 am in the Community Room. You are also invited to a “Grill-Out” at Tim’Campbell’s house (1604 Hidden Oaks Trail) on Sunday evening May 31st at 6 p.m.

Fall Plans:
Monday – September 14th- 4 week series 7-8:30 Student Center

Dr. Bruce Wilkinson presents down-to-earth, Biblically based teaching designed to help us flee temptation and experience sexual and moral victory. We’ll take the 30-day Holiness Challenge together.

FOOORRRRRE...

2009-05-01T07:43:00.001-04:00

Men of Berean,

Our next Monday night Bible Study is set to begin on September 14th. We will taking the 30-day holiness challenge with Dr. Bruce Wilkinson’s series Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation.
We had about 135 men here last Monday night and the entire evening was anointed. Make plans now to join us this fall.

So, what are you doing on Monday nights right now? Let me suggest our Berean Golf League. We play at Pebble Creek Golf Course on Monday nights with tee times starting at 5:30. The first practice round is Monday, May 11th, and there is an organizational meeting on Sunday, May 10th after 1st service in room 215 (the church library). You can sign up this Sunday between services in the foyer. If you have a partner, you can join as a team. If you can’t make it every week, you can add your name to the sub list.

Golf is a great way to fellowship in the beauty of God’s creation, and get to know some other men in the church. If you have any questions about the Berean Golf League, contact Jeff Freitag at 419-610-5474 or send him an e-mail at jeffandjudi@neo.rr.com.

One more reason to join….you could probably use the exercise. Get into the swing of things, and have some fun with your brothers in Christ this summer!

Happy putting,

Pastor Craig

P.S. Our next Second Saturday Men’s Prayer Breakfast is Saturday, May 9th at 8:00 am in the Community Room.

Victims of Sexual Immorality

2009-04-23T08:10:00.003-04:00

It was so encouraging to see over 130 guys show up to begin contemplating our Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation on Monday night. Praise God!

Monday at 5:00PM I received a call from my wife; she had just turned on the TV and of all things that could be on, was a show investigating internet pornography. Through her sobs and tears, she shared a story of a 4 year old girl and an 8 year old girl being tied up and raped by adult men, all while being video taped. As sick as this was, just as disturbing is the fact that many, many other men were downloading that particular video. My wife (and I) realized how big and how important the issue of sexual immorality is; we saw how it affected so many innocent people and she proceeded to encourage and strengthen me for that night's men's meeting.

So who are the victims of our sexual sin? When we choose to jump into the waters of lust and pornography, who lies in the wake we create? It certainly is not us, our decision to sin caused the wake and we stand in the center…so who are the innocent bystanders that get side-swiped and overtaken by our waves of selfish, temporary pleasure?

At the very least, is it not our wives, our children and even the children of men we have never met?

How would you feel if that was your children being raped and watched by thousands of men? How would you feel if other men were pleasuring themselves as they looked with eyes of lust at your child? At some point, we have to face the dreadful fact that if we are viewing pornography of any type, we are doing the same thing in the eyes of God and in the eyes of fathers we have never met. Directly or indirectly we are feeding the demand and incentive for an industry led by Satan himself.

If we say, ‘fortunately my child is not impacted by that’, but then we still lust over women, are we not deceived? Do we not know that our sons are watching our every move? Do we not realize that our subtle as well as not so subtle actions are being adopted by our sons and any child within our influence, whether we’re aware of it or not? So what level of holiness are you and I passing down to our children and the next generation…the same level of holiness we are living.

And what about our wives…they are the closest to us and will be most impacted by our plunge into any type of sin. As men, it can be hard for us to understand the depth and breadth of the wounds we cause them by choosing to satisfy the evil desires of our youth, but it is even harder for them to understand how we can be so shallow and calloused when it comes to looking at other women. We all too easily break the connection between our lust and the object of our lust (let alone its sinfulness), but to our wives that is a connection that is inseparable.

Although we may not be able to explain our callousness, we must try to understand and feel our wives’ pain. Jesus said our lust is akin to committing adultery…how would you and I feel if our wife came home and told us they were having an affair with other men? Let alone at the frequency we may lust…every day…every other day…every week. How would we react? Would we not feel betrayed? Would our insides not be torn out? Would we not need time to sort out our feelings? Would healing not come slowly? This (and more) is what our wives feel when faced with our sin of lust or pornography and we must be sensitive to their pain.

Men, spring and summer is upon us and temptations are sure to follow...we are entering the heat of the battle...let us be intentional and diligent in our fight, and let us fight that battle together.

Wrap up - Do you and I truly believe?

2009-04-08T12:55:00.002-04:00

Why ask do you and I truly believe…why step back and consider whether we truly place our faith in God’s Word …why consider the trends of religion…why ponder such questions…shouldn’t we just be focused on Christ and his will and be done with the discussion?

I would say amen and amen, we should…the problem is many of us who claim to be Christians are not focused on Christ and his will…and the state of our lives, our families, the church and our country cries out as evidence. Somewhere along the line the body has lost its appropriate focus and havoc has been wreaked; so we ponder what is at the root of it such that sustainable change can take place. If we do not address the root, we are subject to continue floating in and out of subjectivity and consequently in and out of a focus on Christ.

We claim to believe the Bible and in the Son of God who summarized his commands and the prophets by stating, ‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Yet as we look into the mirror of our own lives, does it reflect Christ’s summary? Do our internal thoughts, external actions and life passions reveal a true love of God and others? Does the decay taking place all around us stir us with both righteous anger and Christ-like compassion rooted in our desire to see God glorified and the hurting healed?

If not, then do you and I truly believe by faith the Word we profess? Because if the core of who we are embraced that belief, wouldn’t a natural outpour be a consistent focus on Christ and love of God and love of others?

Do you and I truly believe?

2009-04-03T16:20:00.002-04:00

What an awesome prayer gathering and communion experience we had this morning! In new ways it just stretched me and challenged how real my beliefs and my God are to me. Praise God!

Do you and I believe, with all sincerity, do we truly believe in all that Jesus has done and all that the Holy Spirit is and all that the Father is going to do? As I look at my own life, at our church, at our nation through the lens of the Bible we profess…I ponder whether we truly believe the claims we make.

Do we believe that Jesus, the Word, was with the Father in the beginning when all things were made and then became flesh and lived among us? Do we believe when Jesus came to earth that the blind received sight, the lame walked, the incurable were cured, the deaf heard, the dead were raised, and the good news was preached to the poor? Do we believe that this same Son of Man was crucified, died, was buried and on the third day rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures? Do we believe if we join Christ in that death and die to ourselves, that we can join him in new life? Do we believe that by his grace we are covered by his blood, but yet that same grace is by no means a license to walk in sin but rather aids in our walk of obedience and holiness?

If we say yes, we believe…then what are we doing with that belief? Has it become true faith? Has that faith become complete as evidenced by Christ-like deeds laced throughout our lives? Is our faith adequately sized for the true power that lies within the object of our faith? Is our pursuit of God’s face and our dedication to holiness sincere and vigorous? How deep is our appreciation for the sacrifice He did not have to make and what has that appreciation manifested? Has our old life been buried and our new life been lived? If not, why not?

Lord, I plead…forgive my unbelief, help me believe.

Do we believe the Holy Spirit is the third person who makes God, God? Do we believe this same Spirit was the given gift to those whom believe and obey God, both the Jew and the Gentile? Do we believe we are not alone in this world because the Holy Spirit, who marks us with Christ’s seal, lives within us? Do we believe when we live by the Spirit we can actually experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Do we believe the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to each in the body of Christ with different kinds of working for the common good, just as He determines – whether it is wisdom, healing, prophecy, teaching, tongues, etc? Do we believe there is more to be had and each can be filled with the Holy Spirit, experiencing his power in greater ways?

If we say yes, we believe…then what are we doing with that belief? Are we pursuing more of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Are we seeking the Spirit’s counsel in times of need? Are we leaning on grace and the power of the Spirit in our holiness pursuit? Are we choosing to be led by the Spirit and not the flesh so we can taste the fruit of the Spirit? Do we eagerly desire the greater gifts? Is our desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit reflected in our requests, thoughts and actions? Do we trust in and experience the Holy Spirit as those in the first century? Does our hope overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit? Has our old life been buried and our new life been lived? If not, why not?

Lord, I plead…forgive my unbelief, help me believe.

Do we believe the Lord God is the Alpha and Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come? Do we believe a day is coming and right soon, when Jesus will come with the clouds and every eye will see him and the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him? Do we believe the urgency in his call for believers to repent and obey what was received and heard? Do we believe and heed his warnings not to tolerate sexual immorality fore He knows our deeds and will repay each accordingly? Do we believe his command to stay faithful even to the point of death so that we may be given the crown of life? Do we believe there are great battles to come? Do we believe he who is Faithful and True, who bears the name King of Kings and Lord of Lords will lead the armies of heaven into battle and capture and ultimately destroy our enemy? Do we believe each of us will face the true and just Judge and be judged according to what we have done?

If we say yes, we believe…then what are we doing with that belief? Where is our urgency? Where is our appropriate fear of the great I AM? Where is the consistency in our humble and repentant spirit? Where is our commitment to have sexual immorality purged from our lives? Where is the vigor in our pursuit of God and obedience and holiness? Do we see that many of God's calls and warnings are to us so-called ‘believers’? Has our old life been buried and our new life been lived? If not, why not?

Lord, I plead…forgive my unbelief, help me believe.

Don't Be a Marginal Christian

2009-03-24T21:45:00.000-04:00

Shared by Tom Sholtiz

Written by: Jacob Dawson
Date: Dec 16th 2008, 14:18 I read an excellent article today in the Christian Science Monitor about the future of the Evangelical Christian. In this article the author, Michael Spencer, lays out the reasons why the Western Church will fall in the next 10 years. Spencer would be labeled as a liberal by many in the evangelical community, yet he hits the nail on the head in this article. His argument is that The Church as focused its attention on numbers rather than The Gospel, on politics instead of Biblical truth, and on feeling good instead of knowing God.

The truth is that the Great Awakening of Jonathon Edwards is no where to be seen today. We receive our Biblical teaching on the T.V. screens rather than from the Bible. I am not one to knock ministers of the Gospel on T.V., but we as Christians need our own understanding of the Gospel from spending time with God. We rely too much on what a pastor 1,000 miles away tells us, and not enough on what the Word of God tells us.

Spencer says that secularism and people pleasing will dominate the Church in the next 10 years, and this will lead to the demolition of the current Church system, but he points out that this may be a good thing. The Church flourishes in persecution. The Church fails in complacency. The old saying goes “you don’t know what you got, ‘til it’s gone”, and this will be evident when the Church is gone.

Jesus said in John 4:23, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” This lets me know that “marginal Christians” will fade away and those who want His heart will prevail.

So this is my challenge to you. Don’t be that “marginal Christian”. Don’t be one of the ones that cause the Church to fall in the United States. Seek God and know Him. Don’t base your understanding by what you hear on T.V. or what you read here, but use T.V. and use this lead you to the Word of God. We face trying times ahead, but Psalm 37:25 says, “I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.” God is faithful when we are faithless.

Quote by C.S. Lewis

2009-03-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

C.S. Lewis

Desperate...whether we realize it or not...

2009-03-23T09:24:00.002-04:00

Men, do we realize our desperation?

How different would things be if your source of income and mine, which are so readily taken for granted, were taken from us? How quickly previous needs would turn into mere wants. If we no longer knew how the next bill would be paid or if the next meal would be placed upon our table…would we then realize our desperation for the only One who actually provides our daily bread?

How different would things be if an aneurism, a stroke, Alzheimer’s forever changed how you and I could reason and remember? How quickly the years of gaining knowledge would gain us nothing at all. In the moment we watched the face of a loved one fade into the unfamiliar and felt loneliness engulf us…would we then realize our desperation for the only One who has forever known us and calls us by name?

Men, do we realize our desperation?

When our careers and our investment portfolios and our governments prove to be false security blankets… when the economy, American values and the world around us seem to be falling…do we then realize our desperation for the only One whom we can ultimately trust?

When our sins keep us bound in chains and ridicule our immobility…when the weights we bear press down upon us and feel unbearable…do we then realize our desperation for the only One who offers sanctuary and makes our battles his own?

Men, do we realize our desperation?

In the moment when temptation gives its initial tug...in the times when temptation floods the pit of our stomachs…do we then realize our desperation for the only One who offers refuge?

In awareness that the tempter, the father of lies is intent on our destruction and allegiance…in acknowledgement of the enemy’s power and our weakness in this world…do we then realize our desperation for the only One who is our true strength?

Men, do we realize our desperation?

When deep down we finally sense just how unworthy we really are and just how far God was willing to go…when the reality of the great I AM stares directly at us causing us to fall low upon the ground …will we then realize our desperation and yearn for more of the One and Only?

Regardless of how close or how far you and I are from God, regardless of whether we think we are doing well or struggling, regardless of our peace or our discontentment, regardless of whether we acknowledge it or deny it, nothing will change the reality that you and I, at our depths, are completely and utterly desperate for the One and Only who ultimately satisfies, delivers and fulfills -- whether we realize it or not.

HIS Righteousness

2009-03-19T16:04:00.002-04:00

Some words shared by permission from Rich Wilcox...

"To focus on our short-comings and to glory in our own righteousness are the two sides of the same coin. That coin? Pride and self-focus.

Please men of Berean, set your focus on the author of our salvation. When we truly focus on Him, we will no longer need to be encouraged to be humble and thankful. We simply will be! When we focus on ourselves, whether for good or bad, we don't leave room for Him. Remember, He is a jealous God and He demands our full attention.

Therefore, love Him and just know that He has already told us that our 'righteousness is as filthy rags'. He already knows that our best efforts are 'garbage'. It doesn't matter how disciplined or virtuous we are, to Him it is 'garbage'. Our only righteousness comes from Him, and our only righteous deeds are those that He, not us, has ordained. So, seek ye first the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness."

When did Christianity become a fish sticker or Psalm on a car bu

2009-03-18T16:11:00.002-04:00

I would like to submit this to you all to read. This is an posting that one of the student leaders in the Senior High Youth Group wrote and I am using it with his permission.

Before reading this please be warned of two things. This is directed to my own heart, if you're convicted, good, if not, I don't know what to say. Also, I HOPE you are offended. Or at least made uncomfortable... because I am.

How is it that those closest to Jesus should live very humble existences, giving more than receiving, suffering, and facing so much ridicule and yet, we as American Christians find it okay to just attend church on Sundays, and go about everything as situation normal?

Why is it that we feel it's alright to just live in our little house, with a 2.5 kids, and new car, as long as we go to church often and help out some here and there? What happened to denying your mother and father, your husband/wife, and even children, should God call you to move (just as the Apostles sometimes had to do?) -Luke 14:26 Who and what holds more importance?

Why is it that we find it GOOD to expand a church, when Jesus never made a place home for his gatherings? When did it become good, to spend more on the church building than we do on the people we're supposed to love?When did it become a good thing to have numbers rather than authenticity?

When did rebuke turn into an extreme thing categorized with hate?

Where is our heart, I mean really? In the ones we love, or in the ONE we love?
Where is my heart?
Where is my heart...?

Jesus said some tough stuff...

Do I truly love Him, or just the club benefits I get for praying, listening to sermons, reading and going to church often?
Would I sell everything?
Would I drop everything I had to follow him?
Would you?

Written by Aaron Grosch

So, You Claim to be a Christian?

2009-03-16T12:41:00.001-04:00

A recent study from Barna research shows that only about 9% of Americans believe in a biblical worldview. Yet 82% of people claim to be Christians. How can this be? How can you be a Christian, yet not have a biblical worldview.

As I read this statistic, my initial question was, "What is the definition of a biblical worldview?" It must be something extreme for Christians not to believe it. So lets examine the definition used for the study and see what is extreme or causing people to not believe it.

Believing that absolutely moral truths exist. - Only 46% of "Born Again Christians" believed this as a truth.
The Bible is totally accurate in all the principles it teaches - Again only 79% of "Born Again Christians" believed this as a truth.
Satan is considered to be a real being or force – 40% of "Born Again Christians" believe
A Person cannot earn their way into heaven by being good, or doing good works – 53% of "Born Again Christians" believe that works can earn you a spot in heaven.
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life – 38% of "Born Again Christians" believe that Jesus Sinned.
God is all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the world who rules the universe today – 93% of "Born Again Christians" believe this.

Wow, these aren't issues over baptism, or predestination, or dress, or which day we should celebrate Easter, how we should worship, or what we should wear to church. These are pure and simple truths that God has made clear to us in his Word. How can we claim to be a Christian yet, not believe these 6 biblical truths? As I studied these figures, and some other studies, I came across another study shows that only about 10% of American's claim that Jesus Christ is the most important relationship they have in their life.

Do you see the connection? If Jesus Christ and God the Father is not our most important relationship, then we are unlikely to believe the basic tenets of our faith. If we do not spend time with God, then how can we know his truths? How can we know the "Way"? Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me" We cannot get there unless we know Jesus Christ. We have to follow the path that he set before us, and like his disciples, that means spending time with him, learning what he has to teach us, and trusting that he knows what is best for us, better than we do.

Men, we were challenged this past week by Rich Nichols, that "We cannot serve two masters" It is impossible! If we are trying to serve two masters, we are in the 82% group, and God wants us in the 9% group. If we are in the 82% group, I don't believe we benefit from God's promises, because we don't know God's promises, because we don't know HIM. If we are in the 82% group we look like the World, because we are placing our hope in the World and we are looking to the World to solve our problems.

Jesus warned us and said in Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it." Does 82% sound like a narrow gate, or 9%? Which group do you think you should be in? Which group do you want to put your hope in, the Masses or the Few? Jesus also said in Matthew 9:37 "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." If we believe that 82% of people are saved Christians that only leaves 18% unsaved. Does that seem like the workers are few and harvest is plentiful? When Jesus said that, I believe he was truly saying the harvest is plentiful (91%) and the workers are few (9%).

Brothers, I challenge each and every one of us to examine our lives. We should all be questioning, "What is the most important relationship in our lives?" If it is not Jesus Christ, then we need to ask our self "Why?" A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is one where we spend time with him daily, where he is always on our minds. A relationship we are eager to share, and talk about. A relationship where we spend money on and schedule time with. It is a relationship which makes us smile, a relationship where we feel safe, a relationship where we grow.

I believe when we make Jesus Christ our most important relationship we will reap his blessings and promises in our lives. Promises such as :

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

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.

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God^[^a]; trust also in me.

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD.

Proverbs 4:11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

I Prayed that as men we can not only grasp the truth of what it means to be a Christian, but that we can also apply this truth to our lives.

What does Christian Leadership Look Like?

2009-03-02T19:56:00.004-05:00

What does Christian Leadership look like? I want to share with you a story that was given to me by Tim Schill. To me, this is a perfect example of what Christian Leadership looks like. To me, it is doing what God puts on your heart to do, and your obedience to do it, regardless of cost, or what others may think of you.

This is an excerpt from the book "That's My Son: How Moms Can Influence Boys to Become Men of Character" by Rick Johnson, begining on page 122.

On the Friday following the 9/11 terrorist attack against our country, I was scheduled to have lunch with my good friend Jim. Jim is the pastor of a small start-up church here in Oregon. As we stood in line to order our food, Jim leaned over and whispered, "I'm going to pray out loud at noon like President Bush requested." Jim was really nervous and asked if I had any suggestion on how to go about this. I responded somewhat tritely, but truthfully, "Nope, Better you than me."

As the noon hour approached, Jim stood up and said in a loud voice to the entire restaurant, "Could I have your attention, please? President Bush has asked the nation to pray for our country at noon today. I don't want to offend anyone, but we're going to be praying at our table, and I'd like to invite you to join us if you want."

A stunned silence greeted Jim's speech. Frankly, I admit I was a little embarrassed. Jim sat down, and as we waited the five minute for noon to arrive, no one came over. Just before we began to pray, a woman approached with her young son in tow and asked, "Could we join you? I think what you are doing is great."

At the appointed time, Jim began to pray out loud. With my head bowed, I heard the scraping of one or two other people pulling up chairs around our table. Jim prayed out loud for our country, our president and other leaders, our military personnel, and the families of the victims of 9/11. He prayed passionately from his heart. I estimate he prayed for about twenty minutes. During the whole time, I did not hear any talking, music, or even doors opening and closing.

As he finished, I opened my eyes and looked around. What I saw astounded me. The entire restaurant--perhaps twenty-five people, including the cooks and servers--were gathering around our table. Many had tears in their eyes. An entire restaurant had closed its operations during its busiest time of day. The owner came over with tears in her eyes and thanked us, saying, "You can pray here any time you'd like."

Everyone had stopped what they were doing and had come over to pray, all because of the courage and leadership of one man. It was quite literally one of the manliest displays I've ever seen. Now whenever I say or hear Jim's name, this example of his leadership and courage always comes to mind. I'm especially pleased that the young mother who first joined us brought her son. She showed much courage by being the first one to break the silence with action, thereby freeing up everyone else to act as well. Her son was blessed to have witnessed the courage displayed by both his mother and Jim.

As I read this story I mediated and began to ask myself some questions.

How many times have I felt nudged by God to do something, and I failed to be obedient?

How many times have I failed to do what was right or take a stand for what was right?

How many times have I failed to encourage or worse yet discouraged someone who felt let to take actions such as this?

How encouraged and proud would my wife, kids, and friends be if I showed this kind of obedience and courage? How powerful would my influence be in their lives if they saw me do things like this?

What kind of light for Christ is someone who sets aside all his pride and self to be obedient to God?

What do you think that boy thinks of his mother?

Is that mother following the example set by her husband?

Brothers, I encourage you all to mediate on this story. I encourage you to think about what things God has asked you to do, but fear and pride prevented you from doing. I encourage us all to step up and be leaders like "Jim" by submitting to God.

Remember you are not alone, but surrounded by a band of brothers who will support you and surround you.

See You at the Altar,

Tim

"Christianity"

2009-02-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

Will you actually take the time to listen...

2009-02-05T15:29:00.003-05:00

Gentlemen,

I would like to invite you to listen to a message by Josh McDowell. I have listed the link below; please take the time to listen to him with a clear heart. He will strike a nerve with you I guarantee it. However I do know that if you go into it with an open heart, that strike will create repentance and you will want to change your way of thinking.

The message that Josh presents is about our children and how we as parents have dropped the ball. Honestly it's true. Parents today, myself included, have really created the society that we live in. We have not taken the stance the God has called us to do and now it seems that we are back peddling to fix what we screwed up.

I was recently talking with a friend of mine who is a senior pastor at a local Baptist church here in town. He was telling me of the sermon series that he is doing this month and it is called the 3 M's. That stands for MODEL, MANAGE, and MEMORIES in regard to raising our children. When he described it to me and with this message (Josh McDowell’s) in mind it really changed the way that I look and act on many things.

We are first to MODEL... We need to live the lives that we want our children to follow. The Bible says that we are to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prv. 22:6 NKJV)" If all we are doing is giving our children "lip service" what good is that? They are going to seek truth elsewhere and more than likely that "truth" is going to be the word of Satan.

Secondly we are to MANAGE... We need to have a plan in place. The best plan of all is the one that was written by the Holy Spirit; the Bible. If we follow God's word, we cannot go wrong. The problem is that we have taken God's word and instead of applying what the Bible says, we ask ourselves "What does that mean to me?" It's not up for a debate, this is God's word.

Lastly we are to give MEMORIES... We are to discipline in love and fill our children with memories that they will recount in their adulthood. Like memories of daddy praying for no reason other then to just give God praise. Memories of daddy holding the door open for mommy and giving her a kiss and telling her how much she means to him.

When you listen to the message it will make sense… I hope. I pray that this message will change your life as it did mine and the way that I deal with my daughter. Through the illumination of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and this message, God has changed my heart and my thoughts and my relationship has grown noticeably more in the past two weeks with my daughter and my wife.

Click here to listen to Josh McDowell

See you at the altar,

Derrick F. Martin

Thankfulness

2009-02-03T08:36:00.002-05:00

My Amazing Wife..

As we go through this study by James MacDonald on attitude, I have been convicted on how much I take for granted with my wife. I am convicted of how often I complain, when I should be ever thankful.

Last night the gravity of losing a loved one seemed to hit me, and I realized how thankful I truly am and should be.

My wife is an amazing woman, and I am so blessed to have her in my life. As I reflect on all she does for me and how integral she is in every aspect of my life, I realize how much I've taken her for granted, and not shown my appreciation of her.

This last week I've begun to realized just how much my wife really does. Many of these things are behind the scenes and often go unnoticed, and I'm wrong for not noticing all the little things she does. I realized just how many things just "Happen" around the house, without me doing them. Do you realize how much laundry your household accumulates in a week? How many dishes just magically get wash? How do all the floors just happen to get vacuumed and counters wiped off, and bathrooms cleaned? What about things like watering the plants, and packing lunches for the kids? Who reads all the papers that your kids bring home from school, or makes sure all the homes work is completed and put back in their book bags? Who does all the shopping in your home, for groceries and clothes and medicines, and all the many things we just consume on a daily basis? Who plays more games and reads more books to your children? I cherish my wife, because in our home, she does so many of these things and most times without even a "Thank You" let alone, help from me in relieving her burdens. When I do something like the laundry, or help in the kitchen, or cook, or vacuum floors, I like to feel appreciated, so why would I think that she just does it for the fun of it? Why would I go through so many days in my house without showing my wife how much I appreciate all she does, or striving to help her in someway.

My wife also works with me. She is my partner. She is my greatest ally in my business. My wife has my back and best interest at heart. She wants our company to be a success. She works harder than anyone including myself at her job. Yet, once again, I take her for granted. By working so closely to me, she often has to deal with my wrath, my frustrations, and my poor attitude. She also receives very little rewards for all that she does. She doesn't ask for much, except a kind word, or a thank you, or occasionally acknowledgement of something she does. She like all of us just wants to feel appreciated and encouraged, yet I so often forget to be Thankful for how wonderful and how huge an asset she is to me.

My wife is so much more to me than a great house keeper, and my children's mother, and my partner at work. My wife is my best friend and lover. My wife is someone whom I'd admire for her values, her personality, her talents and creativity, her work ethic and intelligence, her looks and physical appearance, her dedication to God and study of his word, her love and respect of me, our children, and others. Even though I think these things of her daily, my wife needs to hear these things, so I need to make sure I verbalize my love and appreciation for her. I need to pause and make sure my actions back up my words and thoughts of my wife. Do I listen to her? Do I show that I value her and her opinions? Do I acknowledge that she is often right and I am wrong? Do I touch her in a way that lets her know that she is tender and important to me. Do I show her encouragement and lift her up?

Biblically we are one with our wives, and through our short sighted self centered male egos we often forget that when we do not lift our wives up, or make them feel encouraged or loved, or appreciated, we are doing more than just harming them, we are harming ourselves, our relationship with them, and our relationship and God.

I encourage each and every one of you to examine your relationship with your wife. Make sure you are honoring God and your wife in the way you love her and treat her. Take time to reflect on all that your wife may do for you, that you take for granted. Think through the things you have said or done to her in the last day or week or month that may have hurt her or discouraged her or made her feel unimportant. Repent from those things. Seek your wife's forgiveness and start the process of healing and restoring your relationship with your wife. If you have trouble doing these things on your own, reach out to your accountability partner, or a man in your small group, and have them keep you accountable to this task at hand.

Our wives are a precious gift from God, and we need to love them in the way that glorifies our Father, and blesses our marriages.

My Message to President Obama

2009-01-29T15:09:00.001-05:00

From: Jonathan Falwell
Date: January 23, 2009

On Tuesday, I watched with the rest of the nation as Barack Obama was sworn in as our nation’s 44th President. The significance of the occasion was certainly not lost on me, and my heart soared as we watched our first African American President place his hand on the Bible to take the oath of office amid great fanfare.

As I have noted in this column, I have pledged to pray for President Obama over the course of the next four years. I know this undertaking has been criticized by some in the conservative community, but our nation is at a crossroads politically, economically and spiritually and I believe the evangelical community must do its part to help our nation return to health. We simply must be praying in earnest that God will enable our President and our leaders—no matter their party affiliation—to solve the problems that ail our nation.

This doesn’t mean that I will be giving President Obama a pass on everything he does. In fact, I am sure that I’m going to disagree with many of his policies. Further, I don’t pretend to believe that President Obama desires to hear from me as he takes on the enormous task of leading our nation. However, as the son of one of our nation’s foremost culture warriors and the pastor of one of our nation’s largest churches, I would like to utilize this forum to raise two primary concerns that I hope might reach our President’s ear.

First, within a short time after he had been sworn into office, the entire Whitehouse.gov website experienced dramatic change. Gone was information on the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday or any other pro-life information. In its place was verbiage supporting abortion rights, including this passage:

“President Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority in his Administration. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in that case.”

Why do Christians continue to dwell on abortion? Consider this: Since 1971, more than 49 million babies have been aborted in our nation. According to National Right to Life, about 1.2 million abortions were performed in our nation in 2006. While this figure is down from previous years, the abortion holocaust remains our national shame. Dr. Alveda King, pastoral associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., noted this week, “…there is no greater injustice than that suffered by the 4,000 babies, 1,400 of them black, who die on any given day at the hands of abortionists.”

Abortion has become an issue of convenience in America and I will not be silent about the casual destruction of innocent life. I am sincerely praying that our President, who is a wonderful family man, will work with the pro-life community to help young women consider the far greater alternatives to abortion. Conservative Christians must work with lawmakers like Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) who this week re-introduced, with more than 60 cosponsors, the “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act,” which would deny any federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America—our nation’s leading abortion provider.

Second, the Whitehouse.gov website lays out President Obama’s civil rights plan, which includes the call for adoption rights for same-sex couples, a repeal of the U.S. Military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and opposition to a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. I am fully aware that our culture has changed in the last few years, but I am praying that our Democrat leaders will pause in their quest to coerce such broad change in our military (which is no place for social experimentation) and in deterring the will of the people, who have overwhelmingly voted to adopt marriage protection amendments nationwide.

I believe our government should be doing all it can to halt the destruction of the traditional family and working to help fathers and mothers stay together and raise their families together. Recent data shows us that children not raised in homes with natural parents tend to: engage in sexual activity at earlier rates; have emotional problems; be expelled from school; have drug or alcohol problems. We must again foster the traditional family as the basis of our society.

I hope that readers will join me in praying for the safety of and heavenly guidance for our new President, as we also pray that his heart will be open to our pro-life, pro-traditional family concerns.

...humility, honesty, repentance...

2009-01-29T11:10:00.002-05:00

Humility, honesty, repentance, forgiveness, trusting God, loving…are these not at the core of our beliefs; should they not be at the core of what we discuss and then strive to live out together? If we answer no, then have we not forsaken our first love? If we answer yes, then are many of us not hypocrites?

If we say yes to humility, but then choose to hold onto our pride as tightly as we do in both large and small ways…are we not hypocrites? Will pride continue to spill into the aisles of our church…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

If we say yes to honesty, but then knowingly keep hidden in darkness what Christ urges to be brought out into the light…are we not hypocrites? Will fear of another man’s opinion paralyze our church body more than the judgment of God or the wrath of the Almighty…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

If we say yes to repentance, but then continue to hold onto recurring sin, obvious or subtle…are we not hypocrites? Will we…will I, who claim to be born of God, who claim to be living in Him, choose to keep on sinning…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

What is it that holds us back…from humility, from honesty, from repentance? Do we lack faith in God’s promises? Do we really care more about what other humans think than God?

If we were to openly bring into the light our hidden sin, what is it we fear…
- Another sinful human may think less of us…so, what then?
- Other sinful humans might start talking about us behind our backs…so, what then?
- Other sinners might not respect us as much anymore, even though that respect is built on a lie…so, what then?
- We would have to deal with some short-term pain, though long-term gain is sure to follow…so, what then?

Are not human impressions utterly trivial compared to the consequences of almighty God? We must not buy into the deceit the enemy is selling!

If we were to openly bring into the light our hidden sin, what is it we gain…
- The weight of guilt holding us down would be removed…Amen!
- Barriers between God and us would begin to crumble…Amen!
- The chains that once bound would eventually be broken…Amen!
- Relationships being damaged due to our hidden lies would begin the process of healing…Amen!
- God would use our experience to help others…Amen!
- The talents and gifts He has given each one of us would be loosed for his use…Amen!
- The woe of hypocrisy would no longer hang over our heads…Amen!
- God would be honored and glorified…Amen & Amen!

Each one of us has sin, certainly that is not the question…the question is, are we dealing with it as God clearly outlines…with humility, honesty and true repentance? God is beckoning us towards sanctification with promises of blessing if we follow…what adequate reason exists not to do so?

The President, the Passengers, and the Patience of God

2009-01-27T13:17:00.002-05:00

Posted on behalf of Jim Baughman...

By John Piper

Sometimes we are so overwhelmed at being treated better than we deserve that we must exult in the all-sovereign God—the God of birds' flight and Obama’s rise. When King David pondered how many were God’s “wondrous deeds,” he said, “I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told” (Psalm 40:5). That’s the way I feel watching God’s public mercies in the last few days.

Have you considered how unlikely was the crash of USAir flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15—not just the rescue but the crash itself? Picture this: The Airbus A320 is taking off at an angle—maybe 30 degrees. It’s not flying horizontal with the earth. Not only that, it is flying fast—not full speed yet, but perhaps four times as fast as your car would go at top highway speeds.

The geese are flying horizontally with the ground, more or less. They are not flying in a cloud like a swarm of bees. They fly level with the ground, often shaped like a V. In view of all that, what are the odds that, traveling at this speed and at this angle, this airplane would intersect with the flight of those geese at that very millisecond which would put a bird not just in one of those engines, but both of them?

Two laser-guided missiles would not have been as amazingly effective as were those geese. It is incredible, statistically speaking. If God governs nature down to the fall (and the flight) of every bird, as Jesus says (Matthew 10:29), then the crash of flight 1549 was designed by God.
Which leads to the landing in the Hudson River—which is just as unlikely. The airbus now has no thrust in either engine. The flight attendants said it was as quiet as a library in the plane without the sound of engines. The plane is now a 77-ton glider with its belly full of fuel. Captain Sullenberger decides to land in the river. Anywhere else would mean one big fireball.

He banks and misses the George Washington Bridge by 900 feet and glides the plane into a perfect belly landing. A few degrees tilt to the front or back or the right or left and the plane would have done cartwheels down the river and broken up. On the water, the flight attendant does not let passengers open the rear door. That would have flooded the cabin too fast. The emergency doors and front doors provide exits for everyone and the plane floats long enough for all of them to climb out. Ferry boats are there almost instantly. The captain walks the aisle twice to make sure everyone is off. Then he leaves. Later the plane sinks.

If God guides geese so precisely, he also guides the captain’s hands. God knew that when he took the plane down, he would also give a spectacular deliverance. So why would he do that? If he means for all to live, why not just skip the crash?

Because he meant to give our nation a parable of his power and mercy the week before a new President takes office. God can take down a plane any time he pleases—and if he does, he wrongs no one. Apart from Christ, none of us deserves anything from God but judgment. We have belittled him so consistently that he would be perfectly just to take any of us any time in any way he chooses.

But God is longsuffering. He is slow to anger. He withholds wrath every day. This is what we saw in the parable. The crash of Flight 1549 illustrates God’s right and power to judge. The landing of the plane represents God’s mercy. It was God’s call to all the passengers and all their families and all who heard the story to repent and turn to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and receive forgiveness for sin.

I am writing these thoughts on the evening after the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States. I cried twice today. There were two points when I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all. Once was when I prayed with some brothers after Obama’s speech and was overcome with the sinfulness of my own racist background. The other was in trying to express my emotion to an African-American brother about what this must mean for him.

As much as I reject Obama’s stance on abortion, I am thankful to the bottom of my soul that an African-American can be President of United States. The enormousness of it all is unspeakable. This is God’s doing. The geese were God’s doing. The landing of Flight 1549 was God’s doing. And the Obama presidency is God’s doing. “He removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21).

And I pray that President Obama has eyes to see. The “miracle on the Hudson” and the “miracle in the White House” are not unrelated. God has been merciful to us as a nation. Our racial sins deserved judgment a thousand times over. God does not owe America anything. We owe him everything. And instead of destruction, he has given us another soft landing. We are not dead at the bottom of the Hudson.

O that Barack Obama would see the mercies of God and look to the One whose blood bought everlasting life for all who trust him. The parables of God’s mercy are everywhere. The point of them is this: God is a just and patient Ruler, and Jesus Christ is a great Savior. Turn. Turn. Turn, O President of the United States and passengers of this planet.

Full of thanks for all God’s mercies,

Pastor John

Pride or Humility...which will we choose?

2009-01-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

In many examples all around us every day, do we in America who claim to be Christians see the subtle yet evident shift in focus away from God and towards the idol of ourselves? Do we not fear what the books of Kings, Proverbs, Psalms, Isaiah, etc teach about the consequences for men and countries that do so?

Let there be no doubt God’s position on those who hold onto their pride. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace…Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall…The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled…The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty.

Do we not believe what God’s Word says?

If we do, then must we not be filled with both fear and hope? Fear of what God will bring about in America to remind us of our lowliness, and yet hope in what can be restored if we humble ourselves before God. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land… Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance… Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day… Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD, I have heard you, declares the LORD…. This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”

Christian Brothers, you and I are called by God’s name and we are the ones who must humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our sinful ways. Will we realize the time is now or will we stand by idly as our children and grandchildren face the consequences of our complacency? Are we willing to open our eyes to see the idols that have crept into our lives…and then in humility seek repentance…and then go about removing them…or are we too proud?

It's just television, it can't hurt anyone...

2009-01-02T16:47:00.004-05:00

It’s just television, it can’t hurt anyone.

Are you willing to help a family member in a time of need? Suppose your relative is in need of a place to stay (for the purposes of this paper, lets call him John). You are a caring and compassionate person and offer your home to John as a dwelling place of safety, security and refuge. John moves in and everything is going great. Your children and spouse really like John and he is great. Yet over time, you start to see a change in John. John smokes a cigarette and drinks an occasional beer in front of the kids. You don’t think anything about it, it’s just John, you love John and there’s no harm by him, right?

As time goes on, John continues to drink, smoke and now occasionally has an estranged girlfriend over, and your children have caught them heavily kissing at times. Occasionally, John will get in an argument with his girlfriend and they will yell, scream, and use profanity all in view of your children. John does not apologize for his actions and continues in this behavior. Then one night John gets angry and starts to beat up his girlfriend. He is drunk and is out of control to the point that he kills his girlfriend right in front of your children.

As with many, when you were reading about John, you probably thought to yourself, “I would never let that guy in my house!” or at least you would kick him out after a short period. As a parent, I believe it is safe to say, that none of us would allow a person like that in our house nor would we allow our children to be exposed to someone like that, but unfortunately we do it every day through the television. What society deems as a simple show such as “My Name is Earl” or “Desperate Housewives” we are polluting our children’s minds and ours. Shows that seem harmless because it’s just “Hollywood” yet we are exposing our children to situations that are interpreted as realistic in their minds. Images of sex, alcohol, violence, drugs, immoral turpitude are visible every day and at any hour on almost every channel of the television.

Through various studies and research, it has been discovered that children are being negatively affected by watching television. “Studies show that too much television viewing can have adverse affects, such as more violent and aggressive behavior, poor school performance, obesity, early sexual activity, and drug or alcohol use.” (“Family Issues Facts”). The studies have linked this to the viewing of television on a regular basis as an antagonist. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch two hours of television a day including children under the age of six as well. Children the age of eight to eighteen spend an average of four hours watching television including an additional two hours of computer or video game time (“How TV Affects Your Child”). At the most, it is recommended that people spend no more than two total viewing hours of television a day.

Programs viewed on television are to be for entertainment purposes. However, they carry a lot more weight to them than just entertainment. “TV is full of programs and commercials that depict risky behaviors such as sex and substance abuse as cool, fun, and exciting. And often, there's no discussion about the consequences of drinking alcohol, doing drugs, smoking cigarettes, and having premarital sex.” (“How TV Affects Your Child”). Studies show that youth who view these types of programs are more likely to partake in the activities they watched compared to youth who do not view the same program.

The commercials viewed during the intermission of these programs are just as bad as the program themselves if not worse. “Advertisers target kids, and on average, children see tens of thousands of TV commercials each year. This includes many ads for unhealthy snack foods and drinks. Children and youth see, on average, about 2,000 beer and wine ads on TV each year.” (“Television”). Yet we continue to allow this type of pollution in our homes across America everyday. “From the junk food and toy advertisements during Saturday morning cartoons to the appealing promos on the backs of cereal boxes, marketing messages inundate kids of all ages (“How TV Affects Your Child”).”

Not all programming on television is bad for our children to watch. Many educational programs available do a great job in aiding in the education of our youth. It is the responsibility of the parent to facilitate what is and what is not being viewed on television. There are studies coming out monthly as to the affects television today is having on our children. The statistical numbers are overwhelming and at times scary.

Parents need to further educate their children in the affects of television and not completely isolate children from everything. From the news broadcasts to the nightly television program, it is important for parents to sensor what their children are watching as well as limiting the time spent viewing television. Parents can partake in many other worthy activities with their children instead of sitting down in front of the television. As a follower of Jesus Christ, if the show is not a pleasing to God then it is not worth watching.

Are you feeding your spirit or your flesh?

2008-12-30T08:53:00.004-05:00

FROM LIFE ACTION MINISTRIES (THIRST CONFERENCE)

It is likely as a result of God's work in your life during the Thirst Conference, you will find that much of what you read, watched, and did for entertainment before the conference is no longer suitable. God has likely convicted you of specific activities and viewing habits you cannot continue to participate in.

However, unless the improper is replaced with the proper, it is inevitable that you will eventually fall back into the same sin patterns, and most certainly your last state will be worse than the first. This particularly applies to movies, television, and the Internet.

God says that the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6). Nothing will destroy the fresh work of God in your life as quickly as a return to a worldly lifestyle that feeds the flesh.

Philippians 4:8 is a standard to use in evaluating the suitability of prospective viewing and reading materials. Even so-called "Christian" novels and videos must be scrutinized against the light of God's Word.

If you genuinely desire to honor God with all of your life, the Spirit will set the parameters of your leisure time. Quality family time and godly reading materials will serve to fill the void created by the rejection of fleshly indulgences.

As an aid to begin practicing this principle, consider using the "Put Off . . . Put On" sheet given out during the conference (available on our website) as a daily guide and reminder of the types of qualities we need to put on as obedient believers.

While you can use the negative qualities as a help in your confession time before God, focus on the positive traits as you apply the concept of positive replacement in your life. By taking two or three traits each day, you can cycle completely through the character qualities each month.

Insight from the Word:

Romans 6:6-7 "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."

Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Ephesians 4:22-24 "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Making It Personal

- Do my viewing, reading, and listening choices meet the Philippians 4:8 standard?
- Are there any habits or practices in my life that are feeding my flesh rather than my spirit?
- What specific things can I identify as having been replaced in my life since the Thirst Conference?
- Are there other areas God is calling for me to change?

Some People Just "GET IT"

2008-12-23T14:39:00.003-05:00

This is a Story that was on ESPN News. You've got to read this story. It's an amazing Message. Sorry for the layout, as I cut and pasted it.

Life of Reilly
There are some games where cheering for the other side feels better than winning.
by Rick Reilly

They played the oddest game in high school football history last month down in Grapevine, Texas.
It was Grapevine Faith vs. Gainesville State School and everything about it was upside down. For instance, when Gainesville came out to take the field, the Faith fans made a 40-yard spirit line for them to run through.
Did you hear that? The other team's fans?
They even made a banner for players to crash through at the end. It said, "Go Tornadoes!" Which is also weird, because Faith is the Lions.
"I WOULDN'T EXPECT ANOTHER PARENT TO TELL SOMEBODY TO HIT THEIR KIDS. BUT THEY WANTED US TO!"
It was rivers running uphill and cats petting dogs. More than 200 Faith fans sat on the Gainesville side and kept cheering the Gainesville players on—by name.
"I never in my life thought I'd hear people cheering for us to hit their kids," recalls Gainesville's QB and middle linebacker, Isaiah. "I wouldn't expect another parent to tell somebody to hit their kids. But they wanted us to!"
And even though Faith walloped them 33-14, the Gainesville kids were so happy that after the game they gave head coach Mark Williams a sideline squirt-bottle shower like he'd just won state. Gotta be the first Gatorade bath in history for an 0-9 coach.
But then you saw the 12 uniformed officers escorting the 14 Gainesville players off the field and two and two started to make four. They lined the players up in groups of five—handcuffs ready in their back pockets—and marched them to the team bus. That's because Gainesville is a maximum-security correctional facility 75 miles north of Dallas. Every game it plays is on the road.
This all started when Faith's head coach, Kris Hogan, wanted to do something kind for the Gainesville team. Faith had never played Gainesville, but he already knew the score. After all, Faith was 7-2 going into the game, Gainesville 0-8 with 2 TDs all year. Faith has 70 kids, 11 coaches, the latest equipment and involved parents. Gainesville has a lot of kids with convictions for drugs, assault and robbery—many of whose families had disowned them—wearing seven-year-old shoulder pads and ancient helmets.
So Hogan had this idea. What if half of our fans—for one night only—cheered for the other team? He sent out an email asking the Faithful to do just that. "Here's the message I want you to send:" Hogan wrote. "You are just as valuable as any other person on planet Earth."
Some people were naturally confused. One Faith player walked into Hogan's office and asked, "Coach, why are we doing this?"
And Hogan said, "Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."
Next thing you know, the Gainesville Tornadoes were turning around on their bench to see something they never had before. Hundreds of fans. And actual cheerleaders!
"I thought maybe they were confused," said Alex, a Gainesville lineman (only first names are released by the prison). "They started yelling 'DEE-fense!' when their team had the ball. I said, 'What? Why they cheerin' for us?'"
It was a strange experience for boys who most people cross the street to avoid. "We can tell people are a little afraid of us when we come to the games," says Gerald, a lineman who will wind up doing more than three years. "You can see it in their eyes. They're lookin' at us like we're criminals. But these people, they were yellin' for us! By our names!"
Maybe it figures that Gainesville played better than it had all season, scoring the game's last two touchdowns. Of course, this might be because Hogan put his third-string nose guard at safety and his third-string cornerback at defensive end. Still.
After the game, both teams gathered in the middle of the field to pray and that's when Isaiah surprised everybody by asking to lead. "We had no idea what the kid was going to say," remembers Coach Hogan. But Isaiah said this: "Lord, I don't know how this happened, so I don't know how to say thank You, but I never would've known there was so many people in the world that cared about us."
And it was a good thing everybody's heads were bowed because they might've seen Hogan wiping away tears.
As the Tornadoes walked back to their bus under guard, they each were handed a bag for the ride home—a burger, some fries, a soda, some candy, a Bible and an encouraging letter from a Faith player.
The Gainesville coach saw Hogan, grabbed him hard by the shoulders and said, "You'll never know what your people did for these kids tonight. You'll never, ever know."
And as the bus pulled away, all the Gainesville players crammed to one side and pressed their hands to the window, staring at these people they'd never met before, watching their waves and smiles disappearing into the night.
Anyway, with the economy six feet under and Christmas running on about three and a half reindeer, it's nice to know that one of the best presents you can give is still absolutely free.
Hope.

The Ultimate Marriage

2008-12-23T06:34:00.003-05:00

Over the last several months I've been learning (mostly through the help of my wife) the significance of the Jewish Traditions, Feast, and Holy Days which are significant to us as Christians. My wife hears things, and I am the fact checker. (Question Everything = Tim) So yesterday she shares this story with me that she heard in a Sermon, and the subject was how the Jewish Wedding Ceremony is a mirror image of our relationship with Christ. From how we as chosen, to how we are to prepare ourselves, to how we have to wait, to how the Father and the bridegroom play the same parts as what the Bible says our Holy Father, and Son play. The similarities were amazing, so amazing, I thought that can't be true, because we would have noticed that before now. Someone would have mentioned that. So yesterday I went on my search, and I could not believe what I found and what I read. As I read, God's word was illuminated to me in a new way so I thought I'd share one of the many sites I found discussing the matter.

Here is the site : http://ldolphin.org/risk/ult.shtml

One More : http://www.mayimhayim.org/JewishWedding.htm

What I did a search on was Ancient Jewish Wedding Traditions.. I encourage you to look for yourself. It's very interesting and enlightening.

God Bless You All and Rejoice, Rejoice a Savior is Born

Christmas, is it just a holiday?

2008-12-18T16:26:00.003-05:00

This morning I was listening to a lecture from my Professor, Dr. Elmer Towns of Liberty University. The lecture he was giving was on faith and he told of a story from a newspaper (in Canada where he was living at the current time) that was relating to his lecture. As I listened not only was it fitting for his lecture, it also paralleled to me regarding the celebration of Christmas. I would like to share this story with you and then support my reasons for the parallel to Christmas.

The story goes as such (paraphrased):

A rattlesnake about three to four feet long crawled up on a porch of a home. Now also on that porch were a young mother, her baby child, and a kitten. It was a sunny and warm day so the mother went outside with her child to soak in the sun for a while. The mother went back inside for a moment and the kitten saw the rattlesnake coming towards the baby. The kitten ran over to the snake as the mother was coming back out onto the porch. The mother saw the baby at which this time had the snake coiling around the baby. The mother frantically grabbed her baby and ripped the snake off the baby and killed the snake.

The mother took the baby 20 miles to Kanuri and when they examined the baby they found the fangs of the rattlesnake in the baby but after testing, there was no poison in the system of the baby. It appeared to be virtually uninjured. After the baby was miraculously released with no injuries other than the bite puncture itself, the mother and baby returned back home. When they arrived home they found the kitten on the porch. The kitten was dead and very bloated from the poison of the rattlesnake.

What they determined to have happened is that when the kitten ran over to the baby it distracted the snake from attacking the baby and was attacked by the rattlesnake. The snake bit the kitten several times and injected its venom into the kitten. When the rattlesnake finally bit the baby it had depleted itself of all its venom and none entered the baby. Dr. Towns stated just like the kitten, “Jesus took our poison on Calvary. All the death that Satan could give He took at Calvary and when he (Satan) comes to you, don’t be afraid, trust Jesus.”

When I heard this story, it reminded me of what Paul said in this first letter to the Corinthians, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:54b-57, NKJV) All throughout Scripture, never once is there any promise that has been broken by God. When I think of what Matthew said in his gospel as he quoted Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Mth. 1:23) and that prophesy was fulfilled when Christ was born.

Just as the kitten saved that baby’s life, Jesus was sent to save our lives should we choose to believe in Him. That kitten didn’t have to give itself up to death for that baby but it did none the less. Jesus didn’t have to give his life up for us to death but he did because he loves us that much. Jesus Christ willingly took on all of our sin, past, present and future that day on Calvary.

Do you find yourself asking, “How does this relate to Christmas?” I am glad that you asked! God promised his Son (the first advent) which is what we celebrate at Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior, just as God had promised. We celebrate Christmas as the birthday not only of Jesus Christ but the promise of the Second Advent. Jesus Christ himself promised in the gospel of John, ““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (Jhn. 14:1-4)

Christmas to me, more so this year, is more than just presents and gifts. It is about relationships and more importantly my (your) relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of Gods promise to us to return and call us home. It is a promise of eternal life knowing that we have conquered death through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. So my question to you is, “What are you celebrating next week, Christmas or just another holiday?”

If you haven’t made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior won’t you do so now? Jesus told us, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jhn. 14:6) It doesn’t matter how you act, if you think you are a good person, or even if you act “religious”. It is what you believe. Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (Jhn. 5:24) Are you ready to live and live eternally with Jesus Christ?

If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and your life, would you pray this prayer:

Dear God, I know that You love me, and I know that You want to save me. Jesus, You died to save me. You promised to save me if I would trust You. I do trust You. By faith I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Forgive my sin. Cleanse me. Save me, Lord Jesus. Thank You for doing it. I receive it by faith like a child, and that settles it. Now begin to make me the person You want me to be, and help me, Lord Jesus, never to be ashamed of You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, tell someone! Call me or send me an email, I would love to talk with you and celebrate with you. Or you may contact one of our pastors at my church by going to www.bereanjourneymen.com and filling out the “contact me” form. I hope that you have a joyous Christmas and may God bless you and your family this year!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Derrick F. Martin

My Hope

2008-12-14T14:37:00.003-05:00

The past several weeks I've really been reflecting on this past year and how I've seen God at work in my life. I've reflected on the fact that even though this is one of the toughest economic times that has occurred not only in my life, but in most of our lives, that I have a joy, peace and contentment I have never felt before. My hope in years past has always relied on me, my business, and my successes. I was self sufficient and self reliant, and though I was going to church and believed in God, and accepted Christ as my savior, I did not put my Hope in my faith or my Savior, nor was I living a life following the biblical principles and practices of God's word.

My hope in past years lead me to a place in my life, where even though I had times of success, and times of prosperity, I never reached that point of joy, peace and contentment that Christ promises. When My hope was in money and success, I realize that there was never enough to fill that emptiness in my soul, heart and mind.

Brothers, I must tell you that my greatest joys this past year have come out of relationships. Relationships with God and relationships with you men. Prior to this year, relationships were the last thing that I wanted or thought I needed. I believed that I could do it alone and didn't need nor have time for socializing and dealing with people. When I started relating to Christ, and to other men, then it turned out there wasn't the desire or the room for "Self", that had been my existence and purpose to my life before. I must say that I've experienced a Love and Compassion for people that I have never felt in my life before. I also feel the feel a burden for people that I've never felt before. This burden is not a heavy burden like I felt before when I was focused on self and success, but this burden is a burden that comes out of Love for other people. Through this I've learned that prayer is not about myself, and my ways, and my wants, but my prayers have grown out of true love and concern for others.

I am so very thankful through a Christ centered life, that not only have I been blessed in knowing Christ more intimately, but I have gotten to know more about each and every one of you. Some of you I have gotten to know very well, and others I may just have met or learned a little about, but compared to a year ago, it is awesome to have so many Christian Men in my life, who I can encourage, be in fellowship and friendship with, lift up in prayer and go to the Altar and who are doing the same for me. I think back at this past year, and how God has touched each and every one of our lives in new ways, and also the lives of others. I think of the marriages or relationships which may have been restored. I think of the sins that may have been deterred or stopped. I think of the new Hope that many of us have. I think of the new relationships that have begun. I think of the Band of Brothers who joined me in meeting God at the Altar. I think of the warriors that God has enlisted in his army. I think of the Men's service and how that affected each and every one of us. I think of the Berean Journeymen, and how God may continue to use us to accomplish his will. Each and every one of you is a blessing in my life. I thank God for bringing you all into my life, and look forward to this year being the begining of a Journey together with each and every one of you.

God Bless You All. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and are able to reflect on how Blessed you truly are.

Tim

Next Step - Trembling

2008-11-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

His Word continues to speak to our revival and the next steps we must take to live a glow stick life. As I was reading Ezra, I was again reminded of my sinfulness of allowing myself to get intermingled with the world and yet shown lovingly that God does provide us hope of restoration and a way to deal with our sins – all part of being broken for Him.

Read Ezra 9 and 10 so you have the entire story but here is the background and gist of what transpired.

After Babylon was defeated by the Medes and Persians, God stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to proclaim that Judah and Benjamin go up and build God a house in Jerusalem. 42,360 sons and daughters of Israel went up to Jerusalem taking with them many of the articles of the temple removed by Nebuchadnezzer. The temple rebuilding was started, stopped two years later by reports to the king by enemies of Judah and Benjamin. After 14 years it was started again and completed four years later and the Passover and the Feast of Unleaven Bread were celebrated by the exiles and those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land.

58 years later, Ezra the priest set his heart to study the law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. King Artaxerxes decreed that any of Israel and their priests and Levites who were willing could return with Ezra to Jerusalem and that all his subjects should support Israel. After journeying to Jerusalem with the silver, gold and offerings for God’s house under God’s protection, they settled in.

Princes of Israel approached Ezra to confess that the people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the land and their abominations, for they had taken some foreign daughters as wives for themselves and their sons so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands and that the hands of the princes and rules have been foremost in this unfaithfulness.

When he saw their transgression, Ezra tore his robe, pulled out his hair and sat down appalled in humiliation, arising later at the evening offering only to fall on his knees and stretch out his hands before God in a powerful prayer of confession – much like Sunday night of Thirst – saying,

“And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and our great guilt, since Thou or God hast requited us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us an escaped remnant as this, shall we again break Thy commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Wouldst Thou not be angry with us to the point of destruction, until there is no remnant nor any who escape? O LORD God of Israel, Thou are righteous, for we have been left an escaped remnant, at it is this day; behold, we are before Thee in our guilt, for no one can stand before Thee because of this.”

The sons of Israel then made a covenant with God to put away all the wives and their children, according to the counsel of Ezra and those who tremble at the commandment of our God (10:3). Shortly thereafter (v 9), all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem before the house of God, trembling because of this matter.

As we ponder the next steps of revival, perhaps a healthy dose of trembling before the Holiness of God is in order.

See you at His altar,

Tom Culp

Intriguing Week...More to Come

2008-11-17T15:56:00.003-05:00

Last week was quite intriguing as God brushed by Berean, but He wants to come closer and do more in the weeks and months to come…much more. The question is do we want to be part of it, because the choice is ours.

Do we want to feel the Holy Spirit moving and working in our hearts as we felt last week? Do we want to hold onto and build upon what God is doing; knowing deep down it is good and right? Or will we choose to let ourselves slip back into our usual patterns and self-built pits…I’ve been in the pit too many times and know I’m sick and tired of its emptiness.

Despite our unworthy selves, God loves us and is reaching out to you and me once again, in a very special way. Regardless of where we are, He wants to meet us there and draw us back unto himself.

One thing seems clear this week; God is reminding us the process starts with brokenness and repentance. We need to humbly come to terms with the areas of our lives that fall short of what God wants; reflecting on all of the sin in our lives, asking for God to forgive us, and committing to do our part to purge it from our lives and allow God to change us.

Guys, if we’re not talking with God, then let’s commit to start this week…as awkward as it may seem at first, let’s start. If we are spending time with God in prayer, then let’s commit to being more consistent and praying more often throughout the day, every day.

If we’re not reading the Bible, then let’s commit to start this week – maybe starting with Psalm 1, maybe James 4, maybe the book of Matthew…anything, even if it’s only a small amount at first. If the Word is dry to you as you read, stick with it in honor of God while asking him to freshen it and God will honor your discipline by making it alive again in due time. If you are spending consistent time in God’s Word already, commit to doing so more genuinely - before reading, bathe yourself in prayer; ask for wisdom, ask for revelation, ask for joy, ask for God to show you how to live out his Word in your current circumstances.

If you provided your information at Sunday’s service, know that you are being prayed for by fellow Berean Journeymen and will be contacted within the next week or so to see how you’re doing and help you get plugged-in. If you did not provide your information and want to, please do so on this website. If you are already plugged-in and serving and meeting with accountability partners, then examine your heart to ensure you are doing so with transparency and gladness, delighting in God and others as you do.

Guys, if we do these things in ever-increasing measure, emptying ourselves and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us…will our lives, our marriages, our families not be better off than they are today…will we not be satisfied by the Spirit’s fruit…will God not be glorified…

Last week was amazing, but today is not the end of experiencing something more, it is only the beginning…if we so choose.

A Glow Stick Life

2008-11-15T11:09:00.003-05:00

I cannot think of a better illustration of how to live a Christ-centered life than the glow stick.

Just as a seed must die for life to come from it, a glow stick must be broken inside and shaken up for light to come from it.

In order to live a glow stick life, I must choose to be broken inside and shaken up; first choosing to agree with God that I have set up idols in my life which keep me from Him and acknowledging my need to be like Jesus so that I crush those idols at the foot of His Cross – the HUMILITY part – then shaking up my will by doing what He tells me when He tells me with a servant’s attitude until my every response is under the Holy Spirit’s control – the OBEDIENCE part.

Only then will I shine with Christ light – the glow stick life!

Get some glow sticks and put them where you see them often. Break one as often as you need to remind you of the work our Messiah is doing in you and live a glow stick life!

To the praise and glory of Jesus, Our Messiah!

See You at the Altar

Tom Culp

Thirst Revealed

2008-11-10T11:51:00.001-05:00

Good morning brothers!

Last nite’s Thirst time was a very humbling and profound experience for me. For some time now I have felt dry and distant from God, even in the midst of reading His Word, studying, worshiping and praying. I’ve just felt mechanical and empty. I have joy but I have not enjoyed Jesus. I long for a new way of living; fresh and alive, full of Jesus to overflowing, connected to His Body.

Last nite, when Ryan challenged us to really look at what we’ve substituted for God Himself, at our idols – those things we love more than God, evidenced by how we spend our thoughts, time and devotion – I realized that my biggest idol was not even on the list. Yea, some on the list like lust, our farm, technology, Bible knowledge, teaching ability, TV are on my list too but not on target.

My biggest idol is ME. My own God-given skill set and talents, my own independence and self-reliance, my goals; I am the idol I love more than God.

I suspect that this may be very true for most of us men, especially in today’s culture, in America land of the free and home of the brave. How wrong we are!

Writing these idols on my Thirst cup and going forward did not affect me greatly but as I passed the cross and looked up at the thorns atop it, my Jesus met me anew. I could not stand but broke down crying at His feet, crushing my cup and the idols written on it and handing myself to Him for His will to be done in and with me. Jesus met me at the foot of His cross, exactly where each of us should spend our thoughts, time and devotion. When I was able, I made my way back to my seat with Marilyn and we prayed together, not caring one bit that others saw my tears.

This morning, just as the temptations of the day’s tasks began to scream, demanding my attention, I read the following passage in 2 Chronicles 15: “Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet with (King) Asa and said to him, ‘Listen to me Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.’…Now when Asa heard these words and the prophecy which Azariah the son of Oded the prophet spoke, he took courage and removed the abdominal idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities which he had captured in the hill country of Ephriam. He then restored the altar of the LORD which was in front of the porch of the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin and those from Ephriam, Manasseh and Simeon who resided with them, for many defected to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.”

Exactly what I needed to see at exactly the time I needed to see it – as I was seeking God’s face this morning in His Word – God let me find Him in His Living Word. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!!!!

So may it be with each of us: seek out our Living God and as He shows Himself to you, take courage and remove your idols from all your lands and gather those who reside with you so they can see that God is with you.

Amen!

See you at the altar!

Tom Culp

Election

2008-11-04T08:02:00.001-05:00

Without question this election will likely impact many things we know are important, from new Supreme Court justices to social policies to economic policies to our international influence, etc. so we must get out and vote.

I also encourage followers of Jesus not to get consumed by the election’s outcome. We’ve had many presidents come and go, making their various marks on history; but the mark that is of far greater consequence is the spiritual state of the people; the reliance and relationship of the people with God makes and will make a far greater impact on this country than one person ever will.

We live in a time when people of our country are lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Maybe we ‘Christians’ even show signs of some of these characteristics; I know I have in my life.

Our focus and trust in these times must be on the Lord. Christians of today must rise up and join the saints of the past in true repentance, in fervent faithful prayer, in reaching out to the people, neighborhoods, and communities around us. The reason we find our country in such moral decay is not because of the overwhelming power of darkness; no, the reason for the decay is because the light Christ intended, his very body, has ceased to shine. Have we forgotten that light will always overcome darkness if it shines; are we not called to be that light?

Friends, this is a critical time but not because of the election; it’s a critical time because the spiritual war being waged is not being won, or hardly even fought, by God’s people. God has assigned each one of us to be part of his army in this time and place. Regardless of what the next president will do or what congress will do…what will we do? Will we continue to be self-focused and whine about the state of our country, will we cower in fear of the unknown if ‘our’ candidate is not chosen, or will we humble ourselves and repent and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways and reach out in love to others for Christ…if we do God has promised he will hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land.

Whose promises do you trust, a presidential candidate’s or God’s? Who is more likely to really change our country, a man or God? I choose God…and He is choosing us. May we all rise up in this time and place fore it is our time and our place; and may we be his hands and feet and fulfill our purpose. If we don’t…who will?

God's divine intervention...

2008-10-31T13:00:00.001-04:00

This whole week has been a long week needless to say for me. I have suffered from great oppression from Satan in my work and spiritual life. Oppression is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power; something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power; a sense of being weighed down in body or mind. Personally, I experienced all three of those definitions. As the people involved and the place at which these occurred are unimportant to the purpose of this letter. With that being said, to grasp the totality of the circumstances, there needs to be some explanation.

This week spiritually, my mind has been in a fog. I have had trouble centering on Christ in my thoughts. As difficult as this was, I did maintain and endured. This was also true for my daily reading of God’s living Word. This combination was one of my own faults thus allowing a entry for Satan’s stronghold in my life. Fortunately, I have brothers in Christ that were and are able to lift me up when I am down and offer guidance anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Earlier this week, I was faced with a situation involving one of moral turpitude, integrity and a criminal weight to the degree of a felony. I was put in a position by a person whom has a higher authority over me that was biblically and morally wrong. As I clearly knew this was wrong, I had to make a choice. I had to choose whether I was going to conform and please this person or if I was going to take a stance for what was right and honoring to God. I chose God.

One thing I have come to discover, that when God tells you to take a stand more than likely you are going to suffer some type of persecution. As with all things under Satan, he tried and used others to challenge me, belittle me, and scorn me. I continued my quest in prayer and regained my focus in God’s Word. Yesterday, I fasted for a 24 hour period seeking God’s face, guidance, voice, and mercy. However, I did not find those things of which I was searching.

Yesterday evening, I was reminded of Daniel and how he faced persecution many times and the Lord had delivered him by his faith. At the end of last evening, I handed it over to the Lord in faith. Today, the situation arose that was going to take place. This situation had circumstances that not only could have cost me employment, it could have had serious legal ramifications along with more importantly family and financial hardships.

I was beside myself and called my brother in Christ, in tears of frustration, and he was able to focus my attention on Christ and His sacrifice. The Lord also sent me a very dear friend and mentor who talked me through the situation and what to do should it occur. Both of these brothers were anointed with the Holy Spirit and are true godly men. Then the time came at which this situation was to occur and God delivered me. He gave me a way out.

The situation took place and those who were involved were foiled by God’s divine intervention. Through God’s just ways, he had mercy on them and did not allow the plan to happen as it was set to do and in the foiling of this plan, made these people look only more foolish to those whom they were trying to overcome.

The moral of this story is that I have learned a valuable lesson from God. First, He has taught me (again) that His timing and mine are not on the same level. Secondly, He taught me (again) that through faith in Christ, I can endure all things. Thirdly, He taught me (again) that seeking godly counsel in times of oppression and trials is always worthy. Lastly, He taught me (again) that even though I was scared and out of my comfort zone, that He is in total control of all things and can use all things (good or evil) to His glory.

I say “again” because when we are in trials and tribulations of life, our judgment can become cloudy and without the guidance of Christ we are blind. Jesus anointed brothers in my life that were able to life me up and guide me. If it wouldn’t have been for my submission to Christ and the obedience to His will, the outcome of today’s events could have proven detrimental for numerous individuals.

As this paramount incident has been foiled, I still have reaped some persecutions still. However, they are minuet to the power of Christ. I am sure that I will continue to be challenged for my convictions in this situation but I will stand firm and tall for the glory of my God shall prevail. I have faith in Christ and I know Him personally as my Savior and Deliverer. Without Christ, we are weak. With Christ, He can do all things through us!

I hope that this letter finds you well. I hope that it is clear and I apologize for being vague in the details however for the integrity of those involved and the place this incident occurred, I felt it best that these be omitted. May you be blessed this weekend in all that you do.

Grace and Peace in our Lord, Jesus Christ

Derrick F. Martin

Are we mocking God?

2008-10-14T21:05:00.005-04:00

And kneeling before him, they mocked him saying "Hail King of the Jews" Matt. 27:29

When you read this passage, you may think "If they only knew who they were mocking?" You may even be wondering how they could not know? But, regardless of whether they knew or not, and whether they felt guilt or remorse, I believe one of the key messages to this verse, is not about them, but us today.

Let me first define the word mocking.

Mocking - 1. To treat with ridicule or contempt.

2. To frustrate the hopes or disappoint.

3. Simulated, false or sham, insincere pretending manner

If we examine these definitions one at a time, and look at application in our daily lives, how do we compare to the Roman Soldiers who were mocking God.

Treat with Ridicule or Contempt

As I read this definition I cringe at the thought of how I personally ridicule God and treat him with contempt. I think mostly of his Law and how I treat it lightly or how I interpret it in ways I know God had never intended. I think of how I read the Bible, and say that application isn't relevant for our society today. How I view God's wisdom as worthless. When we ignore God's Law or God's word, are we basically spitting in God's face, saying "I know better" or "God, you don't understand today's society, it's different now"

To frustrate the hopes or disappoint

I don't think any of us doubt that God is frustrated and disappointed in all of us! We continue to fill out lives with worldly pleasures, and refuse to accept the gifts and blessings from God. Even we as Christians have allowed our lives to conform to the world, instead of being transformed into the image of Christ. We are "lights" alright. We are "lights" for divorce, debt, addictions, sexual immorality, infidelities, hypocrisy, pride, gossip, and condemnation. Our failures and sin's seem to shine like a flood light to the rest of the world. "Look they are no different than us, yet they proclaim they have Jesus" How could God not be disappointed in us.

Simulated, false or sham, insincere pretending manner

How do we approach church? Is it a Holy reverence and out of obedience to God that we attend church. Is it so we can spend time on Sunday morning in the presence of God, worshiping and praising him for who he is and his amazingly true character. Do we praise his name with all our heart. Are we there out of obedient and submission to God?

Are we playing church? Are we pretending we care about the brothers and sisters in Christ surrounding us? Are we there so we can look good in our community, or to business associates we deal with? Are we there as an obligation we feel? Are we anxiously awaiting for the Pastor to close so we can go back to our daily lives? Are we committing sins against God and other church members while we're in God's Church (judging, bitterness, lying, dishonesty, unbelief, doubt, worry, immoral thoughts, etc, etc. )

God knows our heart and attitude always, and though we may be fooling others, God is aware that we are pretending and putting on a mask.

I believe that God's word is a "Light to our Feet". God's Word is there to guide us and instruct us; not so we can reflect back and say "How blind they must have been". It would be easy for me to say this about the Jews, but after careful examination of my life, I have also mocked God, and need to turn from my Sinful heart and actions, and pursue a genuine, sincere, personal, and reverent, daily relationship with God.

See You at the Altar,

Tim

Somthing to Ponder

2008-10-09T13:08:00.005-04:00

This was sent to me by Pastor Dan.

From: “Jesus Manifesto”- K. Roth
There has been a cry ringing in my heart over the past few weeks, “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” I hear it on the television, look at the faces in the newspaper, read the stories on the blogs. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” And I know this much is true.

As a general rule, I am opposed to oppression of any kind. I can sympathize with the protestors around the world crying out against China’s oppression of the Tibetan people. I certainly prefer unanimous vocal outrage and creative interruptions to the alternatives of brute force. The voices ringing out now, the cameras focused on the situation, the stories being documented – this mass outcry against oppression was not around when Europeans were stealing the homeland of the native Americans, or shipping African slaves over to forcibly cultivate that land. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” It is a cry that can not, in good conscience, be ignored.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

There’s something about the plight of Tibetan Buddhists that tugs at the hearts and souls of people worldwide. The Dalai Lama is a highly regarded spiritual leader, the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion come to serve the Tibetan people. He promotes peace, compassion, non-violence, tolerance and mutual respect, and he appears to live his life in this sphere. It is no wonder people are drawn to him, his religion, his politics and his people.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (NIV)

However, there is a flip-side to Tibetan Buddhism. There is work involved, and peace comes with a price. The Tibetan people serve multiple deities, some of whom are full of vengeance. Their religious practices are in part, to appease the deities en route to obtaining enlightenment. Monks create intricately detailed mandalas to house deities and guide meditation. Followers walk the streets of Tibet endlessly spinning prayer wheels in an effort to gain the attention of the Buddha of Compassion. Tibetans perform physical rituals, such as stopping to bow every few steps, in an effort to relieve personal suffering. Street children, widows and crippled men line the streets

Every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely acts for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition expresses the activity of Chenrezig. (Bokar Rinpoche)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

Tibetans are enslaved in a religion where deities are feared and atonement comes through repetitive actions. “Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” Followers of Christ, on the other hand, were set free through acceptance of his sacrificial atonement on our behalf and granted the gifts of grace and peace and hope. Tibetans strive for alleviation of suffering. Christians learn to rejoice in their sufferings, or so we are told.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:1-11 (NIV)

Here’s where I get stuck.

Christians have been given the gift of true peace through a relationship with the Son of God. We do not have to do good works to earn our salvation, but through Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to love other people with God’s love. When we fail to live up to the standard Christ demonstrated for our life, or when those around us mess up, there is still grace… grace that reminds us we are human… grace that reminds us we are loved… grace that picks us up, dusts us off, and encourages us to keep going. It truly is a wondrous faith.

Why, then, is it that the world is not enamored with faith in Christ?

Why is it that the world seems so taken by Tibetan Buddhism?

Why isn’t Christianity the religion of peace?

In the geopolitical sphere, the United States is the most powerful nation in the world. At 85% reported adherents, we have the largest national Christian population in the world. Yet our global reputation of arrogance greed and selfishness proceeds us. The United States represents herself as a Christian nation, and she is judged accordingly.

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49 (NIV)

Now, those of us who live in the United States know that many good and giving actions are undertaken by US Americans, and our government, both here and around the world. However, all of these good things are overshadowed in the eyes of many by negative actions and attitudes. We live in the most influential nation in the world, and 85% of us adhere to the teachings of Christ, yet we are unable to live out his principles on a local, national or global level.

“Tibet is not free! Tibet is not free!” I’m afraid, my friends, that neither are we. Our commitment to our national culture supersedes our commitment to our faith. We do not live in an oppressed nation. We do not serve an oppressive God. Yet we allow ourselves to complacently exist in a culture that focuses on self and satisfaction of personal desires.

We have to find ways to stop pursuing a cultural faith and start living the way of Christ.

The world is watching and, so far they are unimpressed.

In God We Trust

2008-10-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

IN GOD WE TRUST

When was the last time you actually thought about that statement that is printed on the back of all our currency? Do you realize that as a Christian, that one statement carries more value and more weight, than all the money in the entire world. Lets be honest with one another, most of us don't believe it, or even think about it. We are all guilty of putting idols in front of God, and for most of us, that idol is money. I read an article that 8 out of 10 people are stressed today because of the economy, and since the church mirrors most of the same attitudes and beliefs of mainstream society, that would mean that close to 80% who are receiving this email are also feeling stressed due to the economy. If we are stressed during these times, it is because we are putting our trust in the world, and material things, and not our God in heaven. It is times like these, that speak volumes about our faith. It is times like these that shine a bright light on our priorities and what we value. It is times like these that bring grown men to tears and to their knees.

This for the most of us is the first experience of anything like this that we have ever faced. Regions have suffered loss and downturns like this before, but this is worldwide. The things that the world has told us we could always trust in have lost just as much value as Hi-tech stocks did a few years ago. Today, Banks, Homes, Blue Chip Stocks, Mutual Funds, and 401K's are all losing significant value, while businesses are closing, homes are being foreclosed on, and unemployment and inflation are expected to skyrocket. By worlds standards it is no wonder that 80% of us are anxious and stressed. By world standards, I can't figure out why the other 20% aren't anxious and stressed. My biblical perspective though is that the 20% who are not stressed have put their trust and faith in something other than money. They may not all be Christians, but the point is, that the 20% do not place their hope in money.

God has warned us time and time again in his word, that we cannot serve other gods. God knows how it will destroy our relationship with him, along with many other things around us. How many problems in our world stem from the love of money? We put money before God, our wives, our children, our friends, our careers, and our values and morals. Has money come between you and any of these? If you are feeling anxious and stressed about the current economic downturn, then I think the word is clear, and your trust is in the wrong god.

So what can you do? How can you trust in God, and not money? Before we answer that question, I suggest you ask yourself, "How is trusting in money working out for me?" God tells us this in Jeremiah 10:4-5 "They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good" Money can do no harm and no good according to God's word. Neither money, nor your work, nor your intelligence, nor your business success, nor your knowledge has done anything for you in your life. Every single thing in your life has been provided for by the grace of God.

According to Jesus the solution is simple, Matt 11:28-30 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

"Come to me..." - Christ tells us to come to him. He wants us back. We are important to him. Turn from the world, and follow him. Trust him.

"...all you who are weary and burdened..." doesn't it sound like he's speaking directly to us who are the 80% who are stressed and burdened?

"...I will give you rest..." Christ will bear our burden. He will give us rest. How many of us are up at night worrying about what to do? Christ wants to let us sleep, and he'll take care of it. Doesn't that sound like an incredible plan? If Warren Buffet came to any of you and said, let me handle this I can bail you out, wouldn't you jump at the chance? Yet with Christ when he states it, and can do more than any man, we do not turn it over to him.

"...learn from me..." Christ tells us to learn from him. How can we learn from him? There are so many great stories and lessons in the world that would comfort and give us peace if we would only take time to read them. Read some of the old testament stories of how God delivered the Israelites time and time again. Read the parable and stories that Jesus told of providing for those in need. He put those stories there for us so that we would know him, and his character, and how much he loves us and will take care of us. His word is true and he's made many promises to us, if we would only read them, and trust him at his word.

"...I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Christ will be gentle with us if we turn to him. He will guide us in a humble way.

Here are some simple steps that would get you on the right path, but the key is this are not the solutions, only Christ is the solution. These are just steps to get you in the right direction and a right relationship with Christ.

1. Get on your knees and ask Christ for help. Let him know your way is not working and you need him to carry your burdens.
2. Repent for putting idols and money before God.
3. Get plugged in with others: Monday Night Men's Group, Sunday Schools, Prayer services, Men's Sunday School Class... etc..There are so many to choose from.
4. When you get plugged in reach out to others guys and let them know your struggles. Reality is that 8 out of 10 you ask are going through something similar. Going through struggles is easier with another guy or two, as the bible says when one falls down, the other can help you up.

I would encourage you to share this message with anyone you know who is struggling or stressed during these economic times.

In God We Trust

See You at the Altar,

Tim

2008-10-06T15:48:00.001-04:00

Like many of you I’ve been reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire and it seems every page resonates with me, presenting both a void and opportunity for us at Berean. If gut-wrenching prayers, if soul-baring calling out to God, if pleading for the Holy Spirit’s power shows any sign of gain, any spec of benefit whatsoever…emotional, spiritual or physical…should we not do so and all the more? Yet it seems the prayers of the saints are so faded, especially from us men. Why is this?

Do we feel prayer isn’t needed?
Drug problems common in small town USA, teenage pregnancy is an epidemic, pornography a multi-billion dollar industry, over 1 million unborn children murdered by their mothers each year, Christian marriages falling apart, kids using crystal meth and prescription drugs, children cutting themselves, child sex slave trade an all-time high, issues at work, issues at home, distance from God, etc, etc, etc...

Though we live in a relative Disneyland called the United States which makes us complacent, certainly we recognize the need here and now.

Do we feel prayer isn’t important to God?
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him…May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice... Jesus was praying in a certain place…My house will be called a house of prayer

Do we feel prayer isn’t powerful?
The Lord answered his prayer…After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land…I have heard your prayer…God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place…So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer…The Lord has heard my cry for mercy, the Lord accepts my prayer…

Let there be no misunderstanding as scripture is clear, God answers prayers; sometimes we just misunderstand His answers.

Do we feel too far from God to pray?
Repent. If you don’t feel like it, get on your knees and repent for not feeling like it. He will forgive you; and you will find the channel of communication opened once again.

So you call yourself a man...

2008-10-04T10:30:00.005-04:00

The following was taken from the book:

So You Call Yourself A MAN? Sixty Devotional Readings
T.D. Jakes

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy… for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. (Revelation 5:9)

The church that I pastor is multiracial and multicultural. I believe that is part of God’s plan for reconciliation in these last days. I don’t believe you can have multiplication if you only have duplications of like elements. Multiplication is born of reconciliation among those with differences.

God loves a multiplicity of people and He blesses people in multiplicity of ways. We must be willing to accept the different ways in which people receive blessings and then thank God for them. We must be willing to accept different ways of worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ – one may dance, another may bow, yet another may stand and shout. He is One Lord, but He has created many people.

We must never bring people to Christ and then insist to them, “Now, be just like me.” We need massive diversity in programming, in our praise, in the expression of our spiritual gifts. In the church, we have divided ourselves in just about as many ways we can be divided. We have divided ourselves by denomination… means of baptism… timetables related to the tribulation… types of services… and meanings for communion. It’s time we recognize that the Lord meant what He said when He inspired Paul to write:

“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakes of that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:17).

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6).

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Fads come and go in the church, just as they come and go in society. Prophecy is big right now – people are all looking for the “prophetic word.” Some only want to go to services that are labeled “healing services.” This one will lay hands on the sick, that one will call out diseases, another one might throw holy water on those with sickness. The methods and fads don’t matter. We serve One Lord. He is faithful to remain the same yesterday, today, and forever. He works through a multiplicity of ways and through all manner of gifts.

It is only when we feel truly free to be ourselves, however, that we allow other people to be truly free to be themselves. The person who enjoys the unique ways in which God has created him, is a person who is likely to appreciate and enjoy the unique way in which God has created others.

Our goal is to preach, teach and experience truth – not culture. There’s more than one way to skin a cat. There’s more than one way to bake a cake. There’s more than one way to praise the Lord! It not just Satan who has bound God’s people in their praise. We have bound each other in order to promote our own causes, agendas, and preferred styles.

You may not like the way another person expresses his faith in Christ. You may not agree with it fully or choose to adopt is as your means of expression. But you must value his right to express his faith in Christ the way he believes the Lord is leading him to express it. And don’t waste your time criticizing him and become a prisoner in your own mind… heart…emotions!

There are any ways to praise the Lord. A person might dance, walk, stand with his arms raised, fall on his knees, lie flat on his face before God. He might sing, shout, talk, cry, laugh. What’s important is that a man find a way to open up and express himself to the Lord. There’s no “right” position or “right” form of expression for praise - the only thing that must be right before God is a man’s heart, humbled to praise Him from the depths of his emotions. When the world sees Christian men dropping their differences and coming together, the world is going to want what Christians have.

Politicians, educators, economists, scientists, and corporations – they have all tried unsuccessfully to bring the world together and to bridge the gaps that divide nation from nation, tribe from tribe, people from people. But only God can build that bridge. And the good news is that God does build that bridge by His outpoured Holy Spirit.

True Pentecost comes when devout men come together from every nation under the one anointing of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of their backgrounds… races… cultures… and denominations. You cannot have a genuine Pentecost outpouring of God’s power in the presence of segregation, alienation, or separation among Gods people.

When the world sees Christian men coming together under one anointing, it is going to run to our upper room to hear the Gospel. Yes, indeed, When we are loosed in our hearts of all prejudice… loosed from our emotional bondage… loosed in our praise and worship… an loosed in our ability to love others as God loves them… the world will begin to turn to Christ for forgiveness, deliverance, and healing. It will run to the cross. Loose that man side you - and let him be free in Christ Jesus!

___________________________________________________

SEE YOU AT THE ALTAR

Three Sons

2008-09-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

There once was a man with three sons Leo, Sardi, and Phil who lived relatively comfortable lives and for the most part felt pretty satisfied about things.

Growing up their dad had loved them, taught them the basics and gave them adequate opportunities for success. The sons eventually went off and developed a fairly good life in a decent town with their wife, kids and a roof over their heads.

Just about every Sunday you could find them attending the morning church services and they were usually glad they went. The Pastor’s message would resonate at some level with each of them in a different way, but it would often fade away sometime between lunch and dinner that day, especially for Leo and Sardi.

Leo, he was a man who liked to wear sharp, pressed suits and silk ties on Sunday mornings. Primarily because He liked to feel the admiring eyes follow him across the room, which they often did. He usually stood by his dad in church with pride, but left soon after the service. On a typical weekend, Leo would spend most of his time between taking the boat out on the lake, enhancing the landscaping around the house and watching TV. He put in his dues at the office during the week with little time for much else and was well respected by his colleagues for his dedication to succeed. It’s not like he drove a Lexus, but one would be hard-pressed to catch him in a car over 5 years old either. Sure, difficulties popped up from time-to-time, but Leo usually pushed through them, with only a few casualties. From time-to-time he would call on his dad to bail him out of trouble, but overall Leo was a man’s man and could take care of things himself; life was pretty darn good.

Well now Sardi, he never quite had the drive that Leo possessed. He had a decent job and faithfully put in his 40-45 hours at the office but didn’t feel compelled to move up the ladder. He was content cracking jokes around the coffee dispenser. Most days after 5 o’clock, it was his time; his time to decompress; his time to click on the tube and crack open a cold one; he had no beef checking out the Victoria’s Secret catalog when no one was around, after all it was OK to look if he didn’t touch, right? Just about every weekend, Sardi liked to take off and do things with the guys despite his wife’s requests for more family time or his dad’s insistence to do something together. Periodically he would go to a church function with his wife to ‘show face’ but really didn’t want to be there. Any time his dad was there, Sardi would be sure that others saw him showering his dad with praises, as that was the ‘Christian’ thing to do and others seemed to think highly of his dad. Sardi was always relieved when it was time to leave though. Most people thought Sardi was a pretty nice guy and for the most part Sardi was pretty happy.

Phil did alright too. His job wasn’t the greatest but he knew it paid the bills and provided for his family and he was grateful for that. Phil had quite a few sincere friends at work and many would come to him when they needed help or were just looking for someone who would listen. Work was alright, but he really looked forward to coming home to his wife and playing with the kids. There was just something about that that he loved so much. He loved to just be with them in the same way his dad had done with him. Phil took time to tell his kids stories about how much their Grandpa loved their Daddy very much too and found teachable moments to share all the lessons he had been taught. Phil loved his dad and talked with him often. He often thanked his dad for all he had done for him over the years and Phil leaned on him pretty heavily when difficult times arose. His dad was always there when he needed him; Phil appreciated that so much. Some evenings and weekends Phil would help his dad with special projects or odd jobs that needed to be done. Even though there were times he went begrudgingly, there was not one time when he didn’t come home feeling utterly filled and truly glad he went.

One Sunday night while the boys were asleep, the rattle of a phone shook them awake and the voice on the other end of the line yelled “WAKE UP!” Unexpectedly, their dad was suddenly fading away and didn’t have much time left; the end was near. They all rushed out the door and headed towards their dad’s house. Each arrived to find their dad lying motionless in his bed.

Leo entered and stood strong at the foot of the bed with clenched teeth. Sardi made his way over to the nurse in the corner and was telling her about how great his dad was. Phil went straight over to his dad with tears streaming down his cheeks and sat beside him, gently stroking his dad’s brow.

Over the next half hour, their dad’s breathing became slower and slower and the moments of his chest raising with air became farther and farther apart. A long, slow exhale then escaped his lips and the brother’s all felt the lumps in their throats expand as their heads sank. Then with a sudden, raspy gasp, their dad lifted his head and opened his eyes. He scanned the room, his gaze stopping briefly at each boy. Then in a loud booming voice, like one they had never heard nor even known before, he addressed each one by name.

“Leo, you have become successful in the eyes of the world and think you have all you need for happiness. But I say to you, you are wretched, pitiful, poor and blind. You have wasted your life on things that mean nothing; for the things held high in this world are worthless in the life to come, which you will endure forever. You must be earnest and change, starting this very moment in time. Know that I always loved you, even when I disciplined you. Remember my teachings and all that is promised…then overcome. If you do, your rewards will be greater than anything you have experienced or can experience in this brief lifetime.”

“Sardi, to others you act as if you love me, but your acts prove you do not. You pretend to be alive, but you are dead. Do you think the motives of your heart are not known? Do you think your deeds are not seen? I know your deeds and a day will come when they will be revealed for all to see. Know that I have always loved you and taught you all you need to know. If there is anything you received from me that remains, strengthen it, obey it, and change, starting this very moment in time. If you do not change, your very breath will be stolen from you when you least expect it and you will not get it back.”

“Phil, my dearest Phil, I know your deeds and they have blessed me. I know that despite the difficulties in your life, you have kept my words near to your heart and turned towards me. I know that you loved me and you know I have always loved you. I tell you the truth, one day your brothers will fall at your feet in awe of the love we shared; they will weep as their eyes are opened and they see all we shared and all they missed. A time is coming when the whole world will experience an hour of trial, but since you have endured patiently, you will be kept safe. You will receive my blessings for all time.”

His eyes fluttered closed and his head softly lowered back to the pillow. And with the breath that would be his very last, he exhaled his final words “He who has an ear, let him hear.”

Friends, may we all hear the pleading of the Spirit in our lives; may we all know the urgency of our times; may we all see the repercussions of not changing; may we all embrace the vision to get back to basics and understand why we must.

It’s a New Month…So What?

2008-08-31T17:33:00.001-04:00

During her betrothal, the bride spent time studying what she needed to know to be a good wife and preparing for her new role in life. Part of this preparation was called Teshuva or repentance (Returning in the Hebrew).

This month, beginning at sundown today, is Elul which is a time to search one's heart and draw close to God in preparation for the coming Yom Teruah (Day of Judgment) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Jesus entered the wilderness on Elul 1 in preparation for His earthly ministry. As we enter this new month, we, the Bride of Christ, can prepare ourselves for His coming by studying The Scriptures that refer to His coming. Here’s what we should be about this month:

· Avoid bad company

· Stop sinning

· Witness to what Jesus has done in our life

· Stand firm

· Give myself to the work of the Lord

· Commit to God

· Memorize the Word

· Do not grieve for believers who have fallen asleep

· Comfort one another with these words

· Let us not sleep but be alert and sober

· Put on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet, the hope of salvation

· Encourage one another; build up one another

· Appreciate those who diligently labor among us, having charge over us in the Lord and give us instruction – esteem them highly in love because of their work

· Live in peace with one another

· Admonish the undisciplined, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men

· See that no one repays another with evil for evil but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men

· Rejoice always

· Pray without ceasing

· In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

· Do not quench the Spirit

· Do not despise prophetic gifts

· Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good

· Abstain from every form of evil

· Always give thanks to God for our brethren beloved by the Lord

· Stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught

· Pray the Word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified; that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men

· Keep aloof from every brother who leads and unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us

· Keep working night and day so that we are not a burden to anyone

· Work in a quiet fashion; eat our own bread

· Do not grow weary of doing good

· Faith – believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him

· Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix our hope completely on the grace of Jesus

· Do not be conformed to our former lusts; be holy ourselves in all our behavior; “Be holy as I am holy!”

· Put aside all malice, all guile, all hypocrisy, all envy and all slander

· Long for the pure spiritual milk of the Word, that by It you may grow up to salvation

· Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence

· Keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame

· Be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer

· Keep fervent in your love for one another

· Be hospitable to one another without complaint

· Employ your gifts in serving one another

· No one who abides in Jesus sins

· Let no one deceive you, the one who practices righteousness is righteous

· We should love one another

· Remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ

· Build yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit

· Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life

· Have mercy on some who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire and on some have mercy with fear

· Remember therefore from where you have fallen and repent and do the deeds you did at first

· Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Be faithful until death

· Hold fast My Name; do not deny My faith; do not tolerate false beliefs

· Repent of immorality; Hold fast until He comes; Judge sin in the church

· Be alert; Be ready; Be watchful; Overcome and be clothed in white garments

· Be faithful; Hold fast

· Be zealous; Repent; Open the door

· Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you

· The LORD our God is one LORD and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength and you shall love your neighbor as yourself

· By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored

Praise be to God!

2008-08-31T16:34:00.002-04:00

Let me first say that this week has been a serious roller coaster ride. I am all about roller coasters but not when they are a pattern of life.

Earlier this week, I posted about my situation with the spiritual battle that was taking place in my life and in my marriage. It was a trial of heavy burden and caused me to seek the counsel of not only God but that of my fellow brothers in Christ. Brothers whom I have met through the Lord's ministry in the Berean Journeymen.

Today was the end of my trial and tribulation that I was walking in. Today is a day of a fragrant offering to God the Father who has blessed me in this trial of life and to whom I give all the praise, the honor and the glory.

I didn't understand why Jackie was attacking me spiritually these past two weeks. I didn't grasp much other than God has a plan and it is worth it. I held to that and through the encouragement of Scripture and the fellowship with brothers in Christ, God has proven his power over Satan yet again.

Jackie and I have been doing daily devotionals this week even while in battle. They were awkward to be totally honest yet we both committed to doing them. By doing these, it has illuminated my lack of spiritual teaching and uplifting of my wife in my responsibility as the spiritual leader. It has also made me aware of how together we can grow in faith and love in Jesus Christ.

Today hearing Pastor Dave's message was amazing. It spoke directly to my heart and I believe my wife's heart as well. It was very powerful and was wonderful. I felt like Pastor Dave was talking directly to me and my wife. Jackie has lacked a faith in Christ and I have not shown her what Christ has done in my life with faith.

At the end of the message, I asked Jackie to go to the altar with me... She at first was hesitant but then she walked up with me, hand in hand. We knelt down and I prayed for her and I. I shed many tears on the altar today and I felt the Lords hand on my heart. Nothing compares to my feelings of joy today. I was so overwhelmed I couldn't stop shaking after service! It was great :)

I have learned out of this trial in my life that no matter what, even if it's your wife... God has a purpose and He will be glorified. In standing in the trenches, I remained faithful to God and today He blessed me and allowed me to rejoice in His glory.

I know that I am going to face many more trials in my life and I know that it will be hard and I might loose sight of the finish but I know that as long as I remain faithful to Christ, He will use that trial to build me up to serve Him better. I also know that I can count on my brothers in Christ to help comfort me and give me godly wisdom to wade through the trench of that trial as now I know that I wouldn't have made it on my own.

Thank you all for the words of encouragement, accountability and comfort. Thank you for being obedient to Christ in your life and allowing Him to work through you and help a brother when he was down. Thank God for his mercy and grace that is sufficient to carry us through just for today. To Him be all the praise, the honor and the glory!

Amen

It does make sense...

2008-08-29T03:27:00.002-04:00

This is what I love about this website and Friday morning prayer... If it wasn't for this website and me posting my struggle I wouldn't have gotten several emails with encouragement and counsel. If it wasn't for Friday morning prayer and God bringing Tim and I together, I would have never gone to his house last night and been given godly advice from him and his wife. Nor would I have been held accountable for my thoughts and or actions.

Now, it's three in the morning and I can't sleep but found myself praying :) and God clarifying so many things for me. As Penny clarified for me again last night, it's not Jackie, it's Satan. Even though all this opposition is going on between us I forgot to look at the outcome and what is going to take place today. Even in Jackie's anger, she is demanding to do a daily devotional with me starting today and specifically at 10:30 AM.

I was reminded how focused I am on the spiritual things in our life. Yet it, at times has caused me to stumble because I haven't seen the other positive things in our lives. To me though, our walk with Christ is most important and nothing else truly matters . However, in my current trial, I cannot focus on that as it causes me to stumble. I need to focus on the good that we have together and allow Christ to do his work in both of us.

While in this trial, I can truly say that I understand Pastor Craig's heart poured prayer for this church and it's congregation. I understand and feel the tears that pour from his face as the backsliding of the church in general has caused him grief and anguish not against him but to our Father. I see that and feel that now and I understand those pangs.

Whats more is that I now have just a glimpse of the pangs I have caused Christ in my own life. I see how my walking with sin has caused Jesus to cry in grief and anguish. I see how Jesus truly loved me so much and how heavy his burden was that irregardless he still continued and gave himself up for me on the cross so that I may be forgiven.

I love my wife and I love my church and I love my Lord. It hurts to see our church suffering so much. To see the pains that people endure because they are walking in sin and how much it grieves the Holy Spirit. What I didn't realize is how much of that I bring home and put on my wife.

If this is the one lesson that God has in store for me in this trial of life right now, I fully embrace it and thank Him for teaching me. For allowing me to feel His pain and totally know that it is only a millionth of what He feels and has endured for me and for you. Now I get it! It makes sense.

Please continue to pray for me and my wife. Thank you all for your support. Thank you Lord for guiding us and teaching us. Thank you for everything...

It makes no sense...

2008-08-28T14:56:00.002-04:00

I am really at a loss. Have you ever wanted something so bad that you would give anything for it? Add to that; believed anything to make it happen in your own mind? This is what I face myself struggling with this week, well even last week for that matter.

I would give up anything! I am dead serious ANYTHING if I knew that it would bring my wife and I together as ONE in Christ. My prayers, my thoughts, my actions have all been to lift my wife up. I thought we had made an amazing breakthrough but I guess I was wrong. Maybe I want it so bad that I have made myself believe things were truly happening in our marriage.

For the past two weeks it has seemed that I have been under attack by Satan and my wife has been his primary weapon of choice. Jackie has been using things of the past to bring me down. She has been making selfish comments and pride has been ruling her life.

I have not made mention of this to her because I knew it would only fall on a hard heart and make things worse. I have just continued to pray and try and live godly life as an example as I continue to get plundered by her attacks. I know it is Satan but even still when it comes from your wife, it hurts.

Jackie and I got into an argument the other night and my frustration was nothing regarding the argument it was about her spirituality and lack thereof. As I did not feel comfortable telling her these things until I had spoken with my mentor. I believe there are somethings that when said can further cause damage then healing if not done appropriately. Thus, I waited until I could seek godly counsel.

When Jackie and I went counseling at church last night the issue came up and we were able to have individual counseling with Mike and Carolyn. I explained myself to Mike and he gave me godly advise and assured me of my right/wrong thoughts. When we joined back together as a group (the four of us), Jackie couldn't let it go and had to keep pushing that button.

I got caught up in the emotion of things and lost my temper and became further under attack by Jackie wanting evidence of her wrong doings. The Holy Spirit captured me and I apologized before I made things worse. Yet, Jackie didn't seem satisfied and it finally came out of my concern about her spirituality. Mike politely tried not to tell Jackie about my spiritual struggles with her but she kept pushing.

Mike told her my concerns with her backsliding attitude. This was by her own admission several weeks ago when was asked about her spirituality, "I know I should be reading my Bible and doing things at church, I just don't want to." She was further informed how I long for spiritual unity with her in our marriage. How she has become a "stumbling block" in our marriage and spiritual relationship.

In the closing of the session that night, she blamed me for her backsliding from over a year and a half ago when we attempted to do a devotion one day. Today right before she went to work, we got into another verbal argument and it came out that it is my fault for her spirituality. Now because of the events last night, I am now a "holier than thou", judgemental, unloving, man. It was a back lashing like none I have experienced before on this spiritual of a level.

Never once has Jackie taken responsibility or accountability for her actions, she has always made excuses and blamed others for her faults of spirituality and some issues in life. She continues to struggle with pride, selfishness and control. I tell you these things not to make you think badly of my wife. My wife is a loving and caring woman. I know this because she led me to Christ. The thing that is important to see is that when she stopped walking with God, Satan stepped in and started planting seeds and they have taken growth.

Hear me please! I know it is not my wife that I am at war with. It is Satan and it is wholly spiritual. My struggle is with keeping that focus and not allowing her actions and words bring me down. I am at such a loss right now I really don't know what to do. I am so disappointed and so emotionally drained right now that even tears provide no comfort but just a further sinking depression.

I love my wife with all my heart, soul and mind. There is nothing that can prove that in her mind though. It is hard to walk when you are wrongly accused and persecuted especially when it comes from your wife. I don't understand why she can't realize or come to grips that its not me that wants her to change, it's Christ. She is so infused in this world with her stubborn pride that she can't seek Christ and admit her wrongs and faults. The last thing I would ever do is say, "I told you so". I would come to her side and rejoice with her in the coming home to her Lord and Savior. I just realized as I write this of how Christ felt when he was nailed to that cross. How He was wrongly persecuted by the ones He loved! Yet, I still struggle with finding comfort and just cry.

I miss my wife! There is so much that we could share together walking in Christ. My heart is so torn and I cannot find the comfort and joy in this trial. Though I know I need to turn it over to God and know that it is His will that be done and for His glory. I just wish I could have something for the pain. We are told to pick up our cross daily. Today, my cross has become heavier to the point that I cannot burden it much longer.

Lord, my soul truly aches. My bones are splintered and my burden is so heavy. Lord, I do thank you for this trial even not knowing what its purpose is for yet I struggle with finding your comfort. Lord, I don't want you to take this away, I need you to help carry me though. Please Lord, give me my wife. I lift her up to you Lord and ask that you sanctify her and heal her hardened heart. Lord, you know my heart and my soul. Continue to search me and pull the darkness into light that I may be righteous in your eyes. Forgive me of my anger and depression. Lord, teach me your ways. Guide me down your path of righteousness and give me your wisdom and discernment to make the right choices.

Lord I love you more than life itself and long for your coming. I know your purpose in my life and I know it is in your timing and not mine. Thank you for carrying me in these times of trials. Holy Spirit, anoint my heart with comfort. Lord, please just tell me that it's going to be okay. Not with what I want but because knowing what you have in store for me is greater than I can comprehend.

Please help me Father...

Donald Miller's Prayer

2008-08-28T12:34:00.001-04:00

Thank you Pastor Dan for sending us the text of Donald Miller's prayer at the close of the DNC. This "put meat on the bones" of one of my current studies. I did not watch the convention nor do I know anything about Donald Miller.

On the surface, this prayer appears to go to the heart of many of our nation's current "issues" but it sorely misses the main issue: the sin in the hearts of men. It reads like a shopping list written by one who has it all figured out and is working their own plan, all the while failing to acknowledge God's sovereignty of will and purpose. There is no worship, no allegiance, no submission and no confession; only gimme, gimme, gimme... more of the same rhetoric we hear (and speak) every day.

Please do not be discouraged by my comments but we cannot approach a Sovereign, Holy God on our terms, which this prayer seems to be doing, and also know that these comments are directed as much - if not more - to me as to yourself and others.

Our nation is at a crossroads. We ourselves, our leaders and our nation have set our own idols of pride, self-sufficiency, lust, pornography, selfishness, wealth, etc. up in our own hearts and we have put right before our faces (and right before the faces of the world) the stumbling blocks of our iniquity and we expect God to hear our prayers? Just watch the nightly news, the conventions and listen to the spoken words and you will see the fruits of this prideful arrogance.

Ezekiel 14 describes one instance when the elders of Israel did what we have done and God's response is sobering:
"Should I be consulted by them at all?" God would not even listen to their prayers! Instead, in verse 6, He says, concerning men, [6] “Therefore say to the house of Israel (and He says this to us as well), ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations. [7] “For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person. [8] “I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from among My people. So you will know that I am the LORD."

and concerning nations in verse 13, He says, [13] “Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, [14] even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord GOD.

Perhaps we don't have a famine of bread (the eating kind) but we certainly do have a famine of The Word, Jesus The Bread of Life, righteousness, joy, peace and fellowship in our land and in the world.

So what is God looking for, what is His will? 2 Chron 16:9 provides part of the answer. [9] “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." and 2 Chron 7:14 provides the rest, "If My people who are called by My Name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."

It all begins with us, The Body of Christ, humbling ourselves (by wholly submitting to God's sovereign will) and praying (not for what we think we want or for what others need but for His sovereign will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven) and seeking His face (by abiding [living our lives] right up next to Jesus, in His shadow, leaning hard on Him) and repenting (turning to The LORD instead of to ourselves or others in all matters) of our wicked ways - THEN I will hear from heaven (He won't hear until His conditions are met - we cannot approach God on any other terms than His), will forgive our sin, and will heal our land.

Even at this crossroads; we can choose the path of surrender and righteousness and deliverance or we can choose the path that leads to destruction.

This is why we are meeting to pray on Friday mornings. This is why we must continue to place ourselves upon the altar of God each day. This is why we must seek His face in worship and at the altar after worship. Not just us men but everyone who is called by His Name.

See You at the Altar

Tom

Urgent Prayer Request - Joe Bowman

2008-08-27T08:53:00.002-04:00

Many of you brothers may know Joe Bowman. He has been visiting our church while he is working in Mansfield. He lives in Texas. He is hear working on a book on the history of Mansfield. He has been attending Berean, and has also attended morning prayer, and Men's Sunday School.

His 23 year old granddaughter Callie Bowman had a brain aneurysm yesterday and is in critical condition in Dallas, TX. He called me this morning and ask that our church and men's prayer group be praying for Callie, their family and him while he travels to TX.

Please share this request with others.

Thank you,

Tim

What is a spiritual life?

2008-08-25T05:51:00.003-04:00

There is a great interest today in moving beyond studying and knowing about God to experiencing God and in living spiritually transformed lives. This process of spiritual fulfillment comes in the way of spiritual discipline. Spiritual disciplines are defined as the disciplines and practices that draw us closer to God. But what really is “Spiritual Discipline”? To answer this I want to point us to several understandings; what the spiritual life is, how to achieve spiritual life, and the nature to spiritual growth.

Dallas Willard said, “Distorted ideas about spirituality, spirituality wrongly understood, are one of the primary sources of human misery and rebellion against God.” So, what is the spiritual life? In Scripture we see Jesus spending time teaching people not what they needed to know but what they thought they knew. He changed their distorted thoughts. To begin to truly understand spiritual life, we need to seek and understand what spirituality is. That only comes through submission to the Father and the illumination of the Holy Spirit in God’s Word. The spiritual life is seeing our life from God’s perspective. Jesus came to talk about “life”. In John 10:10b, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

We can achieve spiritual life through Christ but we need to first check our distorted thoughts at the door. First, we need to understand that to have a deep and meaningful spiritual life we don’t have to be religious scholars with a master’s degree or a PhD. In Acts 4:13, Luke recorded, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled.” Spiritual life only comes through Jesus Christ and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, we need to get clarity of the gospel. We have all heard the term “Bar code Christianity”, if you haven’t let me explain. When you go to the grocery store and make a purchase, they have those nice “self-checkout counters”. Those work buy just passing the bar code of the product through the scanner and presto, it’s done. It’s quick and it’s easy. We fall into that same concept in Christianity. We know that to be saved, all we have to do is accept, profess and proclaim Jesus Christ (in short). Then we just stop, we don’t move on we continue to “sit in the bag”. Spiritual life is not a “quick fix”. Jesus Christ didn’t die on the cross for our sins to only have a “minimum requirements” Christianity.

Some other roadblocks that we can run into are of our own sabotage in this quick fix world. How many times have you said, “It’s to hard” and just give up? (I was one of those guys several years ago). Or, “I didn’t get any results so I stopped” (been there, done that and got the t-shirt). The latter is more common with the microwave generation that society has created. Are you starting to see why Jesus spoke truth in love? We have a vast amount of distorted thinking!

“Spiritual disciplines are a means to an end – not an end of itself.” We do not have spiritual disciplines to “prove ourselves to God”. If that is the case, we/you/I are on the wrong track. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. – Ephesians 2:8. James Dunn stated, “In Jesus’ day the vast majority of Rabbinical teaching focused on three areas of law: dietary, circumcision and Sabbath keeping.” These were all identity markers. They showed who was in “my group” and who wasn’t. An example of today would be a “rough looking” man with tattoos all over, wearing a black leather vest and boots. You would likely associate him with a “biker” or (my personal favorite) a “Harley dude”. God is calling us to transformation not outwardism.

Now that we have briefly covered the "what spiritual life isn’t", lets look at "what spiritual life is" and the nature of spiritual growth. We are plagued with “now syndrome” in today’s society. Spiritual growth can sometimes be fast in certain areas of our lives. The problem is that like a drug, once we have it, we want it all the time. In reality, true spiritual growth is usually slow. Like a newborn baby, you have to craw before you walk and it doesn’t happen over night. There are seasons of desert and rapid growth.

There are stages of spiritual development. It is the up/down roller coaster ride of life. They are labeled as consolation and desolation. Consolation is when we are on top of the mountain. Many have experienced this when they first come to know Christ, but it’s not just related to when we are first saved it is in our daily walk as we continue to grow in Christ (changing seasons). Desolation is our valley time. It is when we feel distant to God. It can come in many forms and temptations. The key to remember is that this desolation time is not necessarily our fault. Think of Jesus after 40 days in the desert of fasting he was then tempted by Satan. It wasn’t anything He did it was an example to us of spiritual development. It is in these times of desolation that it further emphasizes why we need to be involved in small groups, bible studies, prayer teams, discipleship, etc.

Spiritual growth demands authenticity. You can’t “fake it to make it”. On a personal note, when I first accepted Christ into my life in early 2002, I “faked it to make it”. I had no clue what I was doing and brought a lot of presuppositions from the Catholic Church. It wasn’t until Christ started to chisel away at the outer roughness to find the diamond inside. Now He is starting to fine cut, polish, and mold me into His image. Spiritual growth requires an authentic hunger for God in knowing and experiencing Him.

So when we discuss spiritual life, transformation and discipline, whose job is it? Is it Gods? Is it ours through a militaristic approach of rigid rules and regulations? It is a paradox. You can’t earn it yet it demands a response. It’s a both/and situation. You have to want it and be willing to work at it by seeking God’s guidance and submitting to Him. You can’t expect it to just happen and it requires discernment.

In closing I heard the greatest example of what spiritual life and discipline is and since I am a nautical man at heart it made since to me. The spiritual life is like sailing. When you are in a motor boat, you are in control. You control the speed and direction that the vessel travels. However when you are sailing you are not fully in control. It is not passive yet it is dependent on the wind. You have to move with the current and steer but ultimately the wind is in control. Without submitting to the current of the wind you might end up drifting into the rocks.

“How do you recognize and respond to God’s movement in your life?”

SEE YOU AT THE ALTAR

NOTE: The quotes in this posting were obtained in my counseling class from the lecutre notes of "Issues of Biblical Counseling, CCOU 202". The layout of this posting is from my learning experience both at Liberty University and that of my own knowledge and experience graciously given to me through the illumination of the Holy Spirit by the power of Jesus Christ.

4th week of August Prayer & Praise

2008-08-22T07:50:00.002-04:00

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100 (NIV)

PRAISE:

Praise for the changing seasons and the ability to see and know that God is in control of all things.
Praise for working of the Holy Spirit in our Pastoral staff to embark on a new vision for the church.
Praise for Brother Derrick and his new job as he feels it was through the anointing power of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER:

Brother Ken and his wife - For continued strength and healing in their marriage.
Brother Chris and his wife - For continued strength, guidance and wisdom in their marriage. For the health and safety of their soon to be born child. For anointment of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
For the Children's Ministry as they need 30 more volunteers for next Sundays training.
For Brother Joe and his wife Dee - For spiritual strength and physical healing. May the Lord anoint the doctors and give them wisdom for healing.
For Brother Terry - For a speedy recovery in his health rehabilitation.
For Brother Dan - That the Lord will continue to lead him in the youth ministry as he gets his leaders and himself prepared for a new year. Pray for their lessons as they start the year off in Sunday School with asking "What do I believe?" and on Wednesday nights with "What does grown up faith look like?" and then moving into "Who is God? and what kind of relationship do I have?"
For the Youth Fall Advance, October 10-12th of this year that it will set the tone for the rest of the year for the youth groups.

As always brothers, it is a joy and humbling experience to meet with you on Friday mornings. May the Lord continue to bless you this week. Hope to see you at the Men's Class cookout this Saturday.

See you at the Altar!

Where do you stand?

2008-08-18T16:37:00.003-04:00

This semester in one of my classes, we are studying the book of Revelation. This is the second time I have done a thorough study of Revelation and I truly do enjoy it every time because I learn something new every time. I would like to share some things that I have learned thus far as I have found it to be very interesting.

In the second section of the book of Revelation (chapter 2-3) it contains the Letters to the Seven Churches. What is interesting to note is that these are personal epistles from the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. What I find interesting in these letters is the active movement of Christ as our heavenly High Priest. Not only did He die on the cross for us but now He is our resurrected and living Lord clearly communicating to these local churches. As the letters are personal to each local church, the principles dealt with are universal in nature and apply to us today.

I am not going to review all of the churches addressed however, I do want to point out several keys highlights that were of interest to me and that you as well might find interesting and useful. As these points of interest are reflected on the church themselves as a whole, I turned the table slightly and applied these thoughts & questions to my own life. I hope you will find this of interest as well.

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church

Often suffered under the hands of the Romans.
Majority of Jewish population was anti-Christian.
Most revered and influential churches of its time because the leaders were willing to lay down their lives for Christ and the gospel. (Polycarp, Apostle John's personal disciple, is said to have died with calm dignity and unflinching courage as he was burned at the stake.
The life of the church member was one of poverty, slander, imprisionment and death.

"It is difficult, if not impossible, for most modern Christians to comprehend what it must be like to risk all you have for Christ. Most of us struggle with concerns about public embarrassment or social rejection. We know little or nothing about laying down our lives for the gospel."
- Dr. Ed Hindson

Am I really willing to lay down my life for Christ? Am I truly ready to suffer poverty, public humiliation, imprisonment and even death?

Pergamum: The Political Church

In this city, politics was religion and religion was politics.
Christians were faced with constant temptation to compromise their beliefs and practices for political gain.
False doctrine: The doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans.

It is important to see the challenge laid upon the church by Christ.

The love for the truth - "We cannot tolerate doctrinal error under the excuse that we must love everybody. Fire and foremost, we must love the truth and let it b e the final authority in the church."
Desire for holiness - "We cannot win a lost world with a worldly Christianity... Integrity is the missing ingredient in modern religion."
Willingness to repent - "The Lord called upon this church to repent of their compromise. If He insisted they repent, how much more would He call upon us to do the same!"

How many times do I not stand up for the true Word of God. Do I just sit back and allow someone to pervert the holy, inspired and authoritative Word of God? Am I willing to "bend the rules" when it comes to the doctrine of Christ to make someone feel better? How is my integrity?

Laodicea: The Putrid Church

Often identified as being the "black sheep" of churches.
Centered on pride, self-sufficiency and dependence upon material wealth.
Refered to as "lukewarm". As cold and hot water have legitimate uses but lukewarm water is distasteful and serves no functional purpose.
Material prosperity wasn't even being used for God.
Self-sufficiency kept them from reliance upon the total sufficiency of God. ("It describes vividly the respectable, nominal, rather sentimental, skin-deep religiosity which is so widespread among us today." - Leon Morris)

Am I backsliding? Have I become "lukewarm" to Christ? Am I allowing my pride and personal possessions to come between me and my Lord? Am I being sucked into a worldly flesh?

These were just a few of the things that I really clued in on as we have been discussing Revelation 1-4 last week and this week. There is so much more but these are the highlights of my thoughts. I am not sharing my answers to these questions as for me and for you also is personal with Christ. It is a conversation I encourage you to initiate with Christ and search yourself and have Him shine his light into the depths of your soul.

In these seven letters, we have the Lord's personal encouragement to keep the faith, suffer persecution, remain zealous, and seize the opportunity to spread the gospel. For me, it brings me to my knees in seeking forgiveness because even knowing God is fully behind me, at times I coward because of my personal fleshly comforts.

As this has been wonderful to gain yet another perspective into the book of Revelation, I am posed with a question from Christ, "Were do you stand?" Honestly, before this last week and today's class, I thought I was doin' pretty good. Today was a new day for me as I am seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to become more in the image of Christ. That is no easy challenge!

Where do you stand?

Just felt like writing...

2008-08-17T09:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a lot of fun yet stressful at the same time for me personally. Jackie was working and it was just Audrey and I. We went to the ice cream social at Burton Park with the church and had a lot of fun. After we left there, we went to our friend’s house for a social event he was having for the fireworks. It was equally as fun to attend and we both had a lot of fun.

Your probably asking yourself by now, “Okay, how was that stressful?” In the midst of things I found myself distracted because my focus was on my daughter. I was always watching were she was at and what she was doing. Was she okay, was she getting into harms way, was she being polite with other people… the common things that parents worry about (at least I hope you other parents worry about that or I am just a worry wart). These things were constantly going through my head and it actually caused me to be side tracked in many things like saying hello to people and goodbye or not allowing my focus to be on their conversation but on Audrey.

In the Gospel of John, Chapter 1:12 it says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”. As I lay in bed last night, I reflected on our day and wondered, is this what God feels like everyday? Maybe I was just having the “first child jitters” worrying about everything. I focused my attention on being a child of God.

I wondered how God feels about us at times when He is watching over us. In Scripture we read how we bring joy to the Lord, how we grieve the Holy Spirit at times through our wrong actions, how God sent His Son for us and yet some of us still turn away from Him even as “proclaimed” Christians. I know the emotions that I go through with my daughter and can’t imagine what God feels with all His children.

Then I remembered, God is omniscient (all knowing). He knows everything about us, around us, in us, and the future of us. He is omnipotent (all powerful). Everything is in His control! He has power and dominion over everything. There is nothing in creation that isn’t under His control. Lastly, He is omnipresent (everywhere). There is no place in creation that God isn’t! There is no place that God does not reside.

This brought me great comfort as I read Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Even though I as human flesh worry about my daughter and other things and question everything, God doesn’t. He already knows! I am called to trust in Him and Him alone and not question His ways (as it says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways”.) When I trust, submit and obey… He will direct my paths!

So what is my point? Honestly, I have no clue! I just felt like sharing this with everyone. Maybe it’s just a bunch of rambling words to some, I don’t know! I just felt like writing it :)

Are we missing it?

2008-08-15T22:29:00.007-04:00

Tonight, I felt the urge to go out and just go for a walk. I had a lot on my mind, and I wanted to spend some time just mediating, praying, and talking to God. I had read Dave's post earlier, and it had me examining my life, and my true faith in God. I, like Dave, and many others have been going through a lot of struggles over the past few weeks and months, in fact in this economy and society I think many are questioning themselves, their purpose, their lives, and their direction.

While I was walking, I could not take my eyes off of the heavens above. It was the most glorious site and feeling to see how vast and beautiful a universe our Father has created. Then it hit me, the past many years, I've been walking through my neighborhood, admiring the wonderful homes, and the landscaping, and nice sidewalks and quiet streets. Tonight I was looking up at one of the homes in my neighborhood, with the backdrop of the stars, and planets, and moon, and the crisp deep blue sky. The house didn't even compare, and I'm standing right in front of it. If I stepped back a 100 yards, or 1000 yards, or 10000 yards, then how insignificant would that house be, but the heavens and God's creation would be as significant as it was when I was in front of the house. We cannot back up far enough to not see God's creation. We can close our minds to it, and walk right by it, and focus on the insignificant things right in front of us, but God's creation, will tend to overwhelm the materialism and wealth over time.

Romans 1:20 states that we are without excuse for not recognizing God in his creation that he has placed all around us. In fact it states the God's invisible qualities, eternal power, and divine nature have "been clearly seen" through his creation. The definition of "clearly" is "without a doubt or question. WITHOUT A DOUBT!!! God's creation, that is all around us is so amazing and so divine and so eternal, and so vast, and so beautiful, that we should be "without doubt" of God's eternal power, and divine nature.

My question though is are we missing it? I've been missing it. I've walked by God's creation, day after day, and thought the cars, and homes, and business, and 401k and image, and reputation were important. Yet they don't even compare to God's greatness and vastness, and presence. They pale in comparison.

Imagine if you would, that you stack all of your wealth and belongings, and importance into your front yard of your home. Bring it all out there. Stack up your cars, cash, credit limits, boats and rv's and atv's, and jewelry, accomplishments and awards, stocks bonds and gold, artwork, electronics, and computers, don't forget your designer clothes and everything else that means something to you. Now imagine if you will, next to your house, and front lawn, is Bill Gates houses and all his front lawns (I'm sure he has several homes and several front lawns), and all his stuff. Next to him, your stuff will seem pretty insignificant. Yet, lets take a few steps back, lets keep backing up until we are 5 or 10 miles from the two lawns. What do you think you would see? God's creation would overwhelm both of your homes, and all the belongings. In fact all of your stuff would be so insignicant when surrounded by God's creation, you probably would struggle to see it at that distance, yet God's creation would be jumping out at you and be saying "Look at all I've created and done compared to one of your biggest and richest man on earth". Jeremiah 10:11 states, "Tell them this: 'These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.' " Yet, in our society, we focus on people like Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, and other super rich celebrities and we aspire to have all that they have. We believe that if we had all those things we would be satisfied and happy and have peace in our lives. I believe God is saying, "Why would you want that, when it's so insignificant to what I created?" I venture to say that most of us, given the opportunity to have a friendship with someone like Bill Gates, or Tiger woods, or some other super rich and famous celebrity or icon, would jump at the chance. We would probably think being friends with them, might have it's financial perks and benefits. But, the last time I checked, these two and most others like them are not reaching out to be friends with the general public. According to God's word these perks and benfits would be worthless anyhow, Jeremiah 10:14-15 Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. Yet, the creator of the heavens and earth, the creator of all things, and all life does want to have a relationship with us. He wants to have a relationship with everyone of us. A personal relationship!!! One of the greatest things about a relationship with Christ is that it does come with perks and benefits. The most imporantant being our salvation and eternal life! Can anyone else offer that?

Are you missing it? Are you focusing on what God has to offer, or what the world is offering? Believe me, this is a struggle for all of mankind, and the bible shows us, it has been a struggle time and time again. Do not let satan convince you that because you struggle in this area that you are unworthy of a relationship with God. Do not let satan convince you what the world has to offer is real and tangible and what God is offering is not. Take a few steps toward God's way and away from the world's way, and see if God does not reward you and bless you and make his face shown to you.

See You at the Altar,

Tim

Where do we stand?

2008-08-15T17:27:00.001-04:00

It seems over the past several weeks many guys have experienced a heightened level of difficulty in their lives; whether it be higher levels of stress at work, marital challenges, family struggles, lust battles, financial uneasiness, physical ailments, you name it. Goodness knows my hat has been thrown into that ring as well.

Unintentionally I allowed some of these things to wash over me a bit and was feeling a bit overwhelmed; and the more I felt overwhelmed, the more I seemed to focus on the issues I was facing. Thankfully through words from a few Christian brothers, through the Word of God, and through the Spirit’s silent whisper during this morning’s prayer gathering I was reminded the true issue at hand was the object of my focus.

Friends, we all know in this world we will have troubles, so where we end up following the difficult times comes down to our response during those times, and our response will be borne out of where we place our focus and trust.

When I am pressed, will I focus on the difficulty or will I intensify my focus on Christ? When I feel struck down, will I dwell on the potential pain caused by the issues or will I place my trust in God’s faithfulness to make good out of my difficult situation? Let me dig even deeper…can I honestly say I really trust all the words of the Bible? Am I willing to trust Christ, regardless of how bad I perceive my situation to be? Do I really believe in God’s promises for those who trust and obey Him?

Friend, do you really trust the words of the Bible? Are you really willing to trust Christ, regardless of how bad you perceive your situation to be? Do you really believe in God’s promises if you trust and obey Him? I would encourage us not to look at our initial response to uncover the answer but examine our actions and attitudes both in the face of trials when doubt can emerge as well as in times of ease when complacency is all too prevalent.

If our actions and attitudes during these times reveal an honest answer of “most of the time”, then do we still pursue repentance during the other times and feel an urgency to hold even more unswervingly to the hope we profess? Or are we patting ourselves on the back? What will it take to move us beyond where we stand today if we do not choose to change ourselves?

If our actions and attitudes reveal an honest answer of “sometimes” or “not usually”, then do we recognize the dire need to step back and really examine where we stand and acknowledge that a change is needed? Last week I asked a Christian friend of mine how his relationship with Christ was progressing, he responded rather nonchalantly that it was in essence pretty much so-so but that he was fine with that and comfortable with where he was. I definitely appreciated his honesty but was struck by his apathy. Yet how many times have I found myself feeling that way if I’m really being honest? How many guys at Berean regularly feel that way inside right now? What will it take to move us beyond where we stand today if we do not choose to change ourselves?

Pruning, discipline, trials…heightened levels of difficulties…regardless of their source (spiritual warfare, flesh, etc.), God allows them for a purpose; do we trust in his purpose despite the pain? If a difficulty in our lives will ultimately bring us close to God; and if being united with Christ such that his joy is in us and our joy is made complete; then is not God’s allowance of the difficulty the most loving thing He can do?

Friends, let us examine where we stand…do our thoughts, actions, attitudes show we are engaged in the being of a “Christian” or do they reflect that we merely enjoy the idea of it? Where do you stand?

Praise & Prayer Requests...

2008-08-15T07:49:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful day of prayer this morning. It is so uplifting to be with men that whole heartedly pray for the glory and honor of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am so blessed when I come away from a Friday morning. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful opportunity to be with these men! What an honor it is to be apart of Your ordained ministry and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives!

PRAISE:

For brother Ken - His wife is starting to read the Bible more now
For the church - As we are starting new fiscal year, it is wonderful to see how God is working in our lives and speaking to out hearts.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

For Sister Sharon and Brother Tom - As they start a new school year teaching that the Lord will speak to their hearts and give them the words to share with their students as testimony for Christ. Also, that they may continue to be godly role models to our adults of tomorrow!
For Brother BJ and his wife, Heidi - For safety and wisdom as they partake in a mission trip in Peru August 14th through August 24th. May God's Word be lived out through their lives and the Good News spread to all who hear.
For Brother Tom - That God will continue to care for the crops and provide rain for a plentiful harvest.
For Brother Ken - That God will continue to give him wisdom and knowledge in his life and marriage. For his wife that she will draw close the Ken and seek the Lord in her life.
For Pastor Nates son (Matthias) - As he is now a teenager this week, as he matures, that he would devote himself more and more to Christ Jesus, understand Him and love Him more.
For the Children's Ministry - That Pastor Nate and Jenni will have the guidance of the Holy Spirit in training the new teachers and that there will be an abundance of volunteers.
For the Ukraine missions team - That their debriefing and evaluation for this coming year will be filled by the Spirit and offer clarity of thought and insight into what they could do to reach more for Christ with His love.
For Pastor Dave - As we embark on a new vision of Berean, "All for ONE: ONE for all". The word ONE is capitalized because it stands for Christ. All for Christ: Christ for all. The vision is a calling to follow Christ through three words that represent discipleship: GROW, SERVE, SHARE.
For the upcoming THIRST conference in November - That God will do a mighty work through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and that we might catch the vision to be united, loyal followers of Christ through Berean. Also for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the Life Action ministry team that will be coming for a four day conference on spiritual renewal: THIRST. We all need a THIRST for God.
For our government - For godly leaders that they may seek Christ for godly wisdom, strength, and discernment to lead our country, state, county and cities in a way that is pleasing to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thank you all for coming again this morning. I pray that as we continue to seek God in our lives and completely submit ourselves to Him that we will truly come to know Him and give Him all the praise, honor and glory.

SEE YOU AT THE ALTAR

Pray and doubt;
you'll do without.
Pray and believe;
you will receive.

Answered prayer...

2008-08-13T15:31:00.004-04:00

Today somethings have occurred that have just blown me away and have reminded me of how amazing and powerful my God really is. What is even more astonishing is that to me this is overwhelming praise and joy but to Christ... We are so, scratch that, I am so plagued at times with small thinking. I put my faith in Christ and He has delivered me and given me a blessing that I may give Him all the praise the honor and the glory. Today's events were an answer to prayer and a uplifting movement in my soul which I needed this week!

I have shared this situation with some in a personal email as I have been asked not to disclose some of the information at this time but I will soon post it publicly on this blog! God has blessed me today and has spoken to my heart in His Word and I leave it with you.

Psalm 40:1-8 (NKJV)

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; my ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, "Behold, I come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart."

When I read this Psalm today, it described my thoughts and emotions perfectly. Thank you Lord for giving me Your living Word and for speaking to me and lifting me up in blessing and teaching. I love you and I thank you. To You be all the praise, honor and glory!

Amen!

See you all at the altar!

Weekley Praise and Prayer Requests:

2008-08-08T16:54:00.005-04:00

Good afternoon brothers, grace and peace to you all. I hope that you have been able to go outside and enjoy the creation of God our Father. It has been a beautiful day outside all day! May you continue to be blessed and lift those up who are down and help them as you are lead by the Holy Spirit.

PRAISE:

From Brother Dave - He stated that the Lord has blessed his wife with a some free time on Wednesday nights (which she was praying for) and they were able to come together as husband and wife to prayer on Wednesday.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

For Brother Tom - For the Lord to continue to watch over his crops, that they will continue to grow and bring forth a good harvest.
For Brother Geno - For spiritual strength and wisdom also for continued physical healing. Also continue to pray for his children that they will be obedient and seek God's will in their lives including his daughter that she will openly accept Christ into her life.
For Brother Chris - That he and his wife will continue to reconcile their differences and they may glorify God's kingdom by reuniting in their marriage.
For Brother Derrick - For spiritual strength during times of physical pain and that him and his wife may continue rejoicing in the Lord for the new milestone in their lives as husband and wife.
For Brother Ken - The he and his wife will continue to seek God's guidance in their marriage. Also for his children that they may come to know Christ.
For Brother Tim - For his daughter and their family in this time of suffering and medical aggravation that they will be provided comfort and peace. Also, for the doctors that they will be given wisdom and knowledge as how to properly heal.
For our Pastors - For continued spiritual wisdom, strength and discernment as they continue to seek the Lords will in their lives and be submissive and obedient in His guidance for our church.

Thank you all for coming this morning. Again it was a pleasure and true joy to be with you all. On a personal note, thank you for your laying of hands upon me. It is joyous to know that I have brothers and friends who care about me. As I still feel like I have a spinal cord wedgie in my lumbar, I am trying not to allow it to bother me. I think this is a good endurance builder as I know there are those who are less fortunate than me experiencing pain and suffer that I haven't even began to know.

Gracious Father, I thank you for your mighty hand upon us as men at Berean. I praise You for the blessings You are doing in our lives. I thank You for loving us so much to give us your only Son. Lord it is an honor and a privilege to meet on Friday mornings with these men and profess your glory and seek your guidance in our lives. Father we lift up all the men of Berean that they may draw closer to You and seek your Kingdom. May we never walk alone knowing that You are always at our side and that we can rely on fellow brothers in Christ to help lift us up when we are down. You are our Rock and our Strength. You are our Lord and our God. You are our Love and our Life. To You we give all the praise, the honor and the glory!

Amen

The suffering that you have now
is just the black velvet upon which
the diamond of God's glory
is going to be revealed.

--Charles H. Spurgeon