tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84238654950528310752024-03-14T12:36:04.160-05:00The Quiet Place . . .Musings and reflections from day to day living.Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-23313839518003319862014-08-28T19:54:00.000-05:002014-08-28T19:54:28.086-05:00You Can't Teach DiscipleshipYou can't teach someone into a disciple, though many churches try. In the "great commission" Jesus told his disciples to go and "make" disciples. When we look back at how He made disciples we see many things. First He made disciple-makers, not just disciples.<br />
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Teaching...certainly that is the beginning. God's word should always be the foundation. One must have the information and fully understand it before moving forward without confusion. This is however the extent of most of our discipleship training these days, if churches even have it at all. If I teach someone what they ought to do and they can repeat the instructions correctly back to me, this is called learning. At this stage many church leaders believe they have done their part to "equip" the people. Discipleship is more than learning however.<br />
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Modeling.....the learners need to see and hear about examples of the desired behavior. Leaders your people need to often hear examples of you facing situations and acting the right way. Do you want your people to share their faith? They need to see you do it and hear you tell stories about sharing yours on a regular basis. <br />
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Involvement.....Jesus included the disciples in His ministry. He allowed them to do certain things while under His care. Then came a time that He sent them out own their on to put what they had learned and saw into practice for themselves.<br />
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Accountability.....this is rarely found in church any more. Jesus held His disciples accountable. He expected a certain behavior from them and rebuked and corrected them when the situation called for it. We don't see anywhere in scripture where the disciples got mad and left the group when they were held accountable.<br />
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Cost.......spiritual growth always comes with a cost but it is always worth it. First there is pride. Are you open to being mentored? If someone is serious about discipleship it will cost them time and a shift in their priorities.<br />
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It took three years and the Holy Spirit's presence to make disciples out of those men. When a church is determined to make disciples many will not go with you beyond a discipleship class. Only a few went with Jesus the whole distance. We must take the few who are serious and invest all we have into them. Then instill in them that they are to do the same. This is how disciples are made.<br />
Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-85994729411156790422014-01-28T15:48:00.000-06:002014-01-28T15:48:15.019-06:00An Open Letter To Will My "Former Best Friend"
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do any of
you know Will?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been deceived for
a long time, let me give you some advice from experience, WATCH OUT, he is not
the friend he appears to be! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will I have
known you most all my life and thought you were my friend?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know we have known each other for years, and
have even been closer than brothers but I have changed and am still changing
and you are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your logical
explanation that any help you have given me in making decisions was in my own
best interest made sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that
you have always put me first and that somehow sounds commendable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is that your influence on me has
been greater than anyone else I have ever known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In recent years though those once easy
decisions have become harder and often involves a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I question your advice more and more and this
does not set well with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a matter
of fact at times you have given me headaches, loss of sleep and much stress.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This person
who came into my life years ago and often tries to get my attention, has evidentially
caused you some problems and seems to be turning it up a bit the older I get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it jealously that I sense, fear that this
new “Counselor” will take your place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t worry there is very little chance that I can kick you out of my
life completely but then He is not leaving either. Can we call a truce?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you care about me like you say how about
granting a request?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is one thing that
would make it easier on the both of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since He outranks you, how about coming on
board with us? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-70126002558914655422013-09-25T16:11:00.000-05:002013-09-25T16:11:27.278-05:00The Team God Has Given You.
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The number
one reason pastors leave the ministry is discouragement and the biggest
struggle that leads to that discouragement is the difficulty in leading
congregations to follow the pastor’s God-given vision. I don't know of a single
pastor who has not faced this at some point in his ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">We must
remember that God is the head coach and pastors are the offensive
coordinators. They get to call the plays but the Lord sends those He
wants on the team. As leaders we know our job is to "equip the
saints" but many times much of the equipping has already been done by the
time they arrive to the church. The Holy Spirit has already given
them gifts, God has blessed them with talents and abilities, each has a certain
personality type, everyone has their own love language, their passions and
many bring much life experience with them when they come. While certainly
there is a place for more learning and training, much of the equipping has
already been done. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Corporately,
the church has one mission:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the great
commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But individual churches may
have specific ministries. It is through these different ministries that
we are given the opportunity to carry out the Lord's mission.
This is also why many times what works in one church may not work in
another. God has a specific purpose for a specific group of
believers in a specific location.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Equipping
the saints-at-large is helping them to discover how God has made them and uniquely
gifted them—their specific place in the body, so to speak—and how this all
comes together and is to be used in God's plan. There is no greater
feeling than knowing you are doing what God created you to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lord knows what kinds of players He
needs to run His offense for your team. When you have a team full of
tight ends and run blockers and you try to run a spread offense there is not a
lot of victory. Have you ever taken the church through a complete
discovery process? There are several different ones out there and we are
currently putting together our own to help the churches we serve.</span></span>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-30796932431011916692013-06-28T20:46:00.000-05:002013-06-28T20:46:51.944-05:00Democracy: The Beginning of the EndLong have we felt that the United States has the best form of government in the world. Oh it is not perfect but it has always been leaps and bounds ahead of the rest..... in our opinion. Now in our form of democracy, we elect those who represent us but the people are supposed to have the final say...boy has that changed. The majority of the people in several states have voted in laws only to have the high court trump them.<br />
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Democracy really was doomed from the beginning. We the people have always gone astray even from the very beginning. When the Founding Fathers created the constitution and other documents that this country was supposed to be governed by, most if not all had one thing in common, their moral standard and guideline was the bible. So long as most of the people used the same standard to live their lives, then democracy worked pretty well. When that changes (changed) democracy begins to become worse and worse.<br />
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For the believer the times will get harder as the government begins to redefine more and more issues that God has already defined. This will put the true believer more and more often on opposing sides of our government. Will the church's presence shrink even more or will we fight?<br />
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In scripture the people always got off the right track and never returned on their own. Will God raise up someone to lead the people back one more time or is this it?<br />
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Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-15323638683128066422012-11-07T14:10:00.002-06:002012-11-07T14:10:58.825-06:00Election Results & Sunday School<span style="color: cyan;">I did not follow the news on election night and was satisfied to find out the results early this morning over coffee. I must say that it caught me off guard to learn that the country had voted to give Obama four more years. One would think that in this "results oriented" world that we live in this would be a confusing move. All day there have been many explanations of strategies and what ultimately gave the winning side the victory and maybe there is merit to much of this. In my simple opinion however one thing sticks out more than anything else: perception.</span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;">There is a simple principal that I learned long ago from leaders before me and firmly believe to this day. It is one of the keys to leadership, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care about them." We will overlook some shortcomings in a leader if we really believe that they care about us verses a leader who is smarter and maybe more capable but does not connect. Certainly as a Minister of Education/Sunday School Director the most important quality I look for in a Teacher is that they care about those they lead. Teaching skills can be improved but caring about people comes from the heart.</span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;">I do not know President Obama or Mitt Romney personally. From information resources, listening to others I respect and doing my homework, I am convinced that Mitt Romney has the better plan for American and is more capable of carrying it out. Perception is often stronger than reality and it sure appears to be the case in this past election. The "perception" that was sold to the people is that Obama cares about them and Romney does not. In my simple opinion this mattered as much as anything else.</span>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-72050319528168213222012-07-13T07:39:00.000-05:002012-07-13T08:03:33.685-05:00The Sinner, the Sin, and the Struggle.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Many sins that used to be under the cover of darkness have not only made their way to the light in these times, but are even in the spotlight. Our struggle with sin will never be over completely on this side of Heaven, though with the Holy Spirit's help, the power of prayer, and the assistance of other believers, we can win some of the battles.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Let's look at some tendencies. The dictionary defines a tendency as a leaning or inclination towards something, almost like a gravitational pull in a particular direction. A boy or girl growing up in a home where not much affection is shown may feel unloved and may seek to fulfill this natural need for love later in life in a wrong way. They may seek to have intimate relations (outside of marriage) early and often as a way to make them feel loved, and so a tendency develops. Perhaps a person has always used food to comfort them during stressful times and now they have a weight problem that is difficult to overcome.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">People may be raised in an environment where yelling and screaming and cursing is the norm and they acquire this habit which later becomes a tendency. Having a parent that was a drunk might lead to alcohol experimentation early on that can lead to alcoholism. Someone can be abused by a person of the same sex and end up confused about their own sexual orientation. There are so many situations . . . and I am no psychologist. The point is that these scenarios--and countless others--can cause possible weaknesses or tendencies in our lives that we may always have.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">There are many sins I could use as an example here but I've chosen the sin of homosexuality because it has been in the news so much lately. I pray for the person who has the tendency towards this sin, wherever the tendency came from; not because it is worse than any other sin but because I am limited in my ability to help as I cannot relate. There are those out there however, who have been delivered of homosexuality and can provide help and direction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Please note that there is a difference in struggling with one's sin and glorifying in it. We all have our weaknesses. There is a struggle when our tendencies come up against our will. We know something is wrong but because of our tendencies, the pull towards a particular sin is strong. This battle may last a long time and come with victory and losses, but the war continues on. When two people of the same gender decide to get married, then they are most likely not struggling with this sin any longer and have either just embraced it or tried to convince themselves and everyone else it is not wrong. They are indeed committing to a sinful lifestyle.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">It's important that we remember that lost people are going to act like lost people. We should continue to reach out to them and try to help them find that one foremost thing that every person needs: Jesus. We should do this with love in our hearts but without condoning their behavior or compromising God's Word. For those who choose to continue down this road and claim to be <u>Christians</u>, the Bible again tells us what to do. In 1 Corinthians 5:11 Paul states, "But actually I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one." </span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-25588115903418732972012-06-25T16:12:00.000-05:002012-06-25T16:12:28.881-05:00What if I Don't Agree With the Direction of the Church?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What if I don't agree with the direction of the church?</i> This question comes up in every church sooner or later, so what is the proper way to deal with the issue? What should we do? </div>
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First of all let's establish that disagreeing, just like anger, is not a sin. When times of disagreement come up in the church--and they will, over and over again--a question we should ask ourselves is<i> do we react or respond?</i> We are all emotional beings and without the Holy Spirit to keep these emotions in check at times we may react or respond sinfully.</div>
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God has always been a God of order, it is people who sometimes get it wrong. The church was never created to be a democracy though we have brought this type of government into the church. God has always called men to lead His people and then given those men a vision of what He wants them to do. The leader then shares this vision with the body and they work together to carry out God's plan.</div>
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How to best carry out God's plan can sometimes cause a difference of opinion. I believe a good leader will first spend much time in prayer and then try to the best of their ability to present the vision, the plan to carry it out the vision, and the reasons for the vision and the plan. There should be a time to answer questions and address concerns that the body may have, but <i>not </i>to change the direction God has revealed.</div>
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So if all this happens and we are one of those who still do not agree, what then? We should respond by entering into a time of intense prayer ourselves and seek God's guidance. God is not going to give the man He has called to lead the church one vision and then give someone else in the church a different vision; that causes confusion and that is not of the Lord. </div>
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If we do not necessarily agree with the plan, then the next question we need to ask ourselves is <i>do we trust the leadership? </i>Will God confirm the plan in our hearts later? Can we remain a part of the fellowship without <a href="http://toddpanter.blogspot.com/2012/06/church-conflict.html" target="_blank">stirring up strife</a>? If not, it may very well be God's way of letting us know that it's time to move on, He has another place for us to serve. </div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-56962290905628522302012-06-14T21:20:00.000-05:002012-06-14T21:20:07.772-05:00Church Conflict<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can a person be wronged and then be in the wrong? Church conflict is an age old issue that will never go away until Jesus returns. The early church had to deal with it and I've never heard of a church that has not. The question is not <i>if</i> conflict will come, the question is <i>how</i> we deal with it when it does come. Part of the problem is that as believers are all at different levels in our spiritual maturity. We may all have different ideas and strategies on how to respond when we feel like we have been wronged, and it is a natural emotion for one to become defensive when this happens. What we do or say when we feel like we have been wronged certainly is a spiritual marker in our life. </div>
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Jesus was wronged and did nothing but ask the Father to forgive them. It is very hard for us to do this. However, instead of taking matters into our own hands when this happens, should we not see what the Bible tells us we should do? Matthew 18 deals with this beginning in verse 15. When we take matters into our own hands and do other things--such as spread our hurt to others--then we may find ourselves on the wrong side. Proverbs has a lot to say about those who stir up strife; in fact in Proverbs 6, God says He hates one who stirs up strife among the brothers. Scripture has much to say about reconciliation. One question we might ask ourselves? <i>Is my reaction and/or response making a possible reconciliation harder or easier?</i></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-30435744911890726472012-06-06T16:29:00.001-05:002012-06-06T16:39:56.432-05:00Importance of Selecting Teachers<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;"><strong></strong></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">I would like to deal with some very good comments and a question that were recently left for me on the post </span><a href="http://toddpanter.blogspot.com/2012/05/another-step.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Another Step</span></i></a><span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">. The subject was dealing with SS teacher selection.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Quite a number of years ago our family joined a church which had won consecutive SS Eagle awards for church growth, four years running. I firmly believe that what happened while we were there was the result of what the commenter was questing in my prior post. The pastor was very evangelistic and a good friend of mine and the education guy was also a friend and a man I respected. Their church growth was a case of a formula put into place for church growth, and new classes were created yearly to stick with the formula. There reached a point when the church plateaued because the teachers of most of the classes were not even mature believers themselves and the principle of <i>as the leader goes, so go the people</i> or <i>the student rarely rises above the level of the teacher</i> kicked in. As a result of the spiritual immaturity in the church, many petty problems came up and could not be effectively handled and the church spent many years at a standstill. </span><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Teacher selection is one of the most important responsibilities for the Minister of Education, Sunday School Director and/or Pastor. The commenter referenced James 3 and I totally agree. Many who aspire to be teachers should not or should not yet. It is the responsibility of the overseer to help those in the church to find their place of service and then equip and even mentor them. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">A teacher should never be accepted just because they volunteer and solicitation should definitely not occur from the pulpit. This should take place after much prayer and then after a one-on-one meeting. I would also never allow someone who has not been a member of the church for at least six months (preferably one year), to fulfill the awesome responsibility of a Sunday School teacher. This includes people who come to the church from another church who may have been teaching there for twenty years.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">One notable exception to this might be the following: if a teacher were involved in an accident or had an extended illness or family crisis. There are times when it is necessary to serve (temporarily) out of need and not giftedness. Too many times though, leadership uses this "time of need" situation as an opportunity to stop looking.</span><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">I will even go on to say that the best teachers, and the ones I always look for, are not those who necessarily have a degree or have great teaching skills, but those who are the best Shepherds. The Shepherd/Leader is one who is concerned about those under their care and demonstrates this by keeping up with the lives of their class members and spends time together with class members outside the classroom. Caring about people is not a spiritual gift but a fruit of the spirit. It is a maturity issue. Teaching skills can be acquired and taught, but caring about people is a heart issue.</span><br /><span style="color: cyan;"><strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: cyan;">Let me finish up by saying that when your people grow in their spiritual maturity then most often your church will grow as well. Once a proper leader base is established, the church will never be short on leadership. It should not be the goal for the church leaders to grow the church but to spiritually grow their people. When that is done correctly, a steady, healthy growth should occur.</span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-35395073065035993492012-05-25T10:17:00.001-05:002012-05-25T10:17:30.683-05:00Is Salvation Too Easy?Should we make salvation easier than the Bible makes it? I am afraid in many cases we have and the results have produced very few disciples through the years. Often I have heard a well meaning leader say all you have to do is believe...but believing is not enough, even sincere belief. Is having faith enough? I think that depends on how a person defines faith. These days everyone seems to be defining what things mean to them which does not lead to the most accurate definition in many cases. <br />
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In the salvation experience and process the key lies in transformation. This begins when a person truly gives their life to Jesus and never stops until they leave this life. Could it be that there was a misunderstanding of faith after Paul preached it? This is possible I am sure as there is a misunderstanding of faith for many today. James comes back and further explains what kind of faith the Lord is looking for, the kind that leads to action.<br />
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Repentance is not always included in an invitation yet John The Baptist seemed to think it was important. Many times in scripture we see where Jesus gives examples of the narrow doorway and how hard it really is to be His disciple. Commitment is a word mentioned many times as well. <br />
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Transformation is not just behavior modification, people do that all the time depending on the particular situation they are in. Salvation should produce a transformation that has taken hold of and continues to mold a person's motives. Our behavior should always be improving because more and more we are giving way to this new reprogramming of our thoughts from the Bible and the Holy Spirit.<br />
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Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-80141196302521807412012-05-05T09:00:00.001-05:002012-05-05T09:00:35.214-05:00Another Step<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have now been to dinner with most everyone in the church and we've truly enjoyed getting to know folks and their past histories (how couples met, about their families, how they found their way to Cornerstone, etc.). As we serve together both in and out of the church this information will help even more to build our relationships and make friends. </div>
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My wife began the women's ministry last week and had a great turn-out. She has plenty of experience in this area and is very excited about her role. They will be concentrating on building up and encouraging the women as well as partnering with the overall strategy of outreach for the church.</div>
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In the coming weeks my plan is to meet with each SS Leader in their home to further discuss our overall direction, curriculum selection, strategies for reaching out to visitors, and discovering new prospects. Another concept I will seek to further explain is the need for "open" classes. Furthermore, I will be seeking input on how I might best assist them in this ministry.</div>
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It is already clear that we need two more classes; a young men's class and a young ladies' class, so I will begin praying to see if those leaders might already be in the church. </div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-10172995199499594452012-04-13T19:00:00.003-05:002012-04-13T19:11:48.250-05:00Building Relationships<div style="color: #e06666; text-align: justify;">Anytime a new leader goes into a church one of the very first things he or she should work on is building those relationships. In church life, unlike the business world, the church is filled mostly with volunteers so positional leadership is very short-lived and only gives one a starting place. People do not buy into ideas until they buy into the person. Trust is the number one character trait a leader must have and while it may be given in a small amount in the beginning, mostly it must be earned over time. <br />
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Over the last several weeks we have gone to dinner with six different couples in the church and I must say we enjoyed every single outing. No dinner has lasted less than three hours and the discussion topics were all over the place. I try to make it a point not to talk about church related things at all unless the other party brings it up. It is always interesting to hear about how couples met, what their hobbies are and how they found their way to the church. <br />
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In the men's class I am teaching we recently switched over to the Explore The Bible series curriculum, at least for now. Later other options will be considered. Curriculum choices should involve several factors and the experience of the teacher is a big one so knowing where they are in their spiritual journey is important.<br />
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We will continue to go to dinner with folks every week if possible until we have made one complete round. Also I will begin scheduling a time to visit each man in my SS class in their home for a short visit. In the classroom slowly we will begin the process from learning Biblical Truths to putting them in practice. By that I mean what we learn one week, a challenge will be given for those in the class to go out in the following week and put the truth into action with myself leading the way. I will then encourage my classmates to share their experience the following Sunday...though no one will be called on specifically. They will also have the option to share their experiences via e-mail, phone or text with me if they are more comfortable with that.<br />
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The church has sponsored a little league baseball team and both of the coaches are from our church so we will definitely be attending some of those games. We have invited the whole church out to the camp at the end of this month for a church-wide fellowship which we are also looking forward to. Stay tuned!</div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-78052697303391878832012-03-26T20:30:00.001-05:002012-03-26T20:41:05.146-05:00First Leadership Meeting<div style="text-align: justify;">After everyone enjoyed pizza for lunch and the children were taken care of, the pastor began our meeting with prayer and then put in a video about leadership from John Maxwell. I have long been a student of John Maxwell and was very familiar with the principles being taught, though I do not have the video that was being shown. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the video the pastor introduced me and I took about 20 minutes giving a broad vision of where we are headed in Sunday School. I did introduce a few small changes that will begin on the first Sunday in April. The first was introducing class rolls, which have not been used in the two months we have been here. I also asked the teachers not to think of these as class rolls but instead, to think of them as Ministry Lists (which is how they are officially labeled). The people on this list are ones God has entrusted to our care. Having ones name on this list does not obligate them to a class, bur rather obligates us to them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also wanted all the Teachers from this day forward not to think of themselves as Teachers but as Shepherd/Leaders. The most important characteristic I am looking for in a teacher--or make that Shepherd/Leader--is that they care about those on their ministry lists and demonstrate it. There are some visitor/enrollment cards that will be included in their Shepherd/Leader packets on Sunday and we talked about how important this is. I will also be handing out information sheets for all church members to fill out so we can begin a database. We also briefly discussed the importance of keeping in contact with those on the the ministry list who are in-service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have now been to dinner with three couples in the church and have another one scheduled for Sunday after church. There are some wonderful folks here and we are excited about getting to know them all better. On another note Denise met with the pastor's wife on Friday and has been working diligently on launching the Women's Ministry which should kick-off in April.</div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-82196247863732776612012-03-23T08:00:00.002-05:002012-03-23T09:54:57.331-05:00Building a Dynamic Sunday School<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Over the next year I have decided to use my blog to chronicle the process of building the Sunday School ministry within the church where we are currently serving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the entries will not be daily, I intend to make them on a regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my firm belief that when a Sunday School ministry is built correctly and is the foundation of the church, God is glorified, problems in the church are few, the gospel is shared on a regular basis, both physical and spiritual needs are met, worship is meaningful, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>true disciples are made and there is never a shortage of leaders. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Beginning</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After several meetings with the pastor it is clear we are both on the same page on just about everything, </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">especially leadership and Sunday School. He prayed about us coming to the church and we prayed about it as well. After attending worship services at the church we met with the Church Council to further explain what our ministry is about and to answer any questions they had. It was decided that we could help the church so the following Sunday the pastor publicly announced us. I will be serving as the Sunday School Director.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First Steps</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The pastor and I communicate on a regular basis and one of the things I had mentioned to him that is a normal practice of ours when coming to a new church is to begin forming relationships with the people. We have been to dinner with two couples in the church so far and another is planned for this week. My wife is meeting the pastor's wife for lunch this week and I have already been to lunch a couple of times with the pastor. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have been here now for about four weeks and last week I became the Men's Sunday School class teacher. This was a move agreed upon by all parties. The seating in the class was set-up with four rows of church pews as seating and a lectern up front for the teacher. Before teaching last Sunday I moved the lectern out and brought in padded chairs and arranged them in a circle. I like it when everyone can see each other and it also works better for class participation, which I encourage.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is where we are starting from: one adult ladies class, one adult men's class, one children's class (5 years to 5th grade), one youth class (6th to 12th grade), and a nursery class (infant-4 years). No records are being kept presently, so there is no accurate record on attendance. Our first Leadership (teacher's) meeting will take place this Sunday right after the service where we will provide lunch and childcare. This will be mostly introductory and a vision of the importance of Sunday School and where we are going. Class rolls have been created and will be included with a teacher packet which will be given to all teachers. It will also include Visitor/New Member Cards (which are non-existent currently). My best guess is there around 55 attending the church.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The church just began a new ministry a few weeks ago that I think is a great idea; they sponsored a baseball team. The children's minister here is the coach and another gentleman who helps out in the children's ministry is helping him as well. I can already see outreach ideas popping up for this one!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the gentlemen who was in the Men's SS Class the week before I started teaching was absent last week so I asked the Pastor if he would like to join me on a visit to the man's house Tuesday night, which he did. He is planning on being there Sunday. I also spoke to another gentleman Wednesday night who has been coming to church but not to SS and asked him to join us on Sunday morning which he said he would. I believe my first Sunday to teach we had a total of nine in the class.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is currently no women's ministry at the church, but I have spoken to the pastor about this and how this is where Denise's heart is. He is definitely in favor of starting this up and will speak with the Church Council soon.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have no set/standard curriculum for SS but that will be changing soon as well.</span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-62192752684831926542012-02-24T09:54:00.001-06:002012-02-27T19:55:26.235-06:00Incomplete Strategy<span style="color: #ea9999;">One of the greatest mistakes of my generation, as leaders and teachers in the church, is that we have been satisfied with those in our care simply learning what has been taught. This is an incomplete strategy and does not lead to discipleship. We are experiencing this lack of "true discipleship" all across the country. We believe that it is our responsibility to equip the Saints so we teach and challenge our people but take lightly the area of follow-up and accountability. Lifestyle evangelism and relationship building have taken the place of personal witnessing. Now don't get me wrong, both of these certainly have a place in the believer's life but not at the expense of one on one sharing our faith. It all starts with leadership in the church and for one reason or another we have dropped the ball in this area. Certainly if leaders are not sharing their faith on a regular basis then they can not expect their people to do so. It is important for us to see God at work. If we want our people to invite folks to church, then they need to see and hear about those we have invited and are coming on a regular basis. If we want people to share their faith personally, then they need to hear about our experiences and see God's saving faith in action. Equipping is more than teaching and providing resources it is taking others with us as we go. The Lord has convicted me first of the things mentioned here which is why I have put it in the blog. I used to do these things when I taught a Sunday School class years ago and have made a renewed committment to get back to what I know should be happening. </span>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-72572801273384874912011-12-15T12:43:00.000-06:002011-12-15T12:43:24.333-06:00Band-Aid On A Puncture Wound<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the talks heat up a recommendation is surely coming concerning changing the name of the Southern Baptist Convention/Denomination. It seems to me just one more step down the road we have been on for awhile now. Membership in most all religious groups is down and has been falling so the powers at be scramble to try anything to stop or at least slow down the skid. How exactly will a name change help? Oh I have read the articles and heard the arguments about how "Southern Baptist" carries so much baggage or other peoples preconceived ideas may turn their heads. If the denomination continues to stand firm on their beliefs then all we are really doing is putting on a disguise until they get in the door then right? Was there a survey taken somewhere that is guiding this issue? Is this seeker sensitive taken too far? What is on the horizon....if teaching and preaching that Jesus is the only way offends the majority will that then be toned down as well? Where does scripture say that majority rule should guide the church anyway?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our world is all about trying to fix the external things because fixing the internal problems are hard and take much time and effort. When churches began changing the name of Sunday School classes to Life Groups and everything else under the sun, did the attendance rise dramatically? The church has changed through the years and certainly our methods may need to if it will equate to reaching more people for the kingdom. That being said I have witnessed so many changes that came about because it is what the people wanted and not necessarily what God had revealed to the leadership. Where do we ever find in scripture the people staying on the right road on their own or coming back to God without a Godly leader who comes on the scene to lead them back?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are many smart folks out there with all kind of degrees who would point to this or that as the reasons for the decline of the church. In my simple view it really comes down to one main thing and that is collectively we have not been making true disciples. Now for this to happen the church must be intentional and invest much of it's time, money and resources. When done effectively though the tremendous results can barely be measured. What are the by-products of discipleship? People give without any arm twisting, evangelize by sharing their faith, serve out of love, minister to those in need, are readily involved in mission work both here and abroad and use their gifts to the fullest extent. </div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-9925143711234429012011-07-11T14:35:00.000-05:002011-07-11T14:35:57.655-05:00Do We Owe Anything To The Past ?<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do we owe the past anything? As a believer I know scripture teaches that God forgives us of our sins and once that happens it is not Him who continues to bring those things up anymore. I know also that there may still be suffering connecting with the consequences of past sins. There might be other things that may not have been sins but could have hurt others in our past. I praise God for many people He has saved that have no dynamic testimony so to speak because He saved them <u>from </u>so many things......my children were fortunate to be in this category. I was not. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of my spiritual gifts is prophecy. It comes with an ability to quickly recognize, have a love for and desire to speak the truth. The downside of this gift is that when I write, it sometimes may sound that I am holier than thou and have it all together. This is not the way it is however. I was saved when I was 21 years old and can still remember it clear as day, the place, how I felt and even the Preacher's name. The church where my salvation experience occurred was heavily focused on Evangelism but not on Discipleship. There were many struggles I was dealing with at the time and though my wants and desires had changed, there was little encouragement or support to help me in my new life. After time I drifted away from church and never made it very far down the road of holiness at all. About 16 years ago the Lord led me to join a small country church and I began to study scripture on my own and attend conferences and seminars and came in contact with some very Godly men who challenged me to grow in my faith. It has been a long road, a slow road, a very difficult road even to get to where I am currently in my desire to be a disciple of Christ. While I may not have much difficulty recognizing the truth, it is still very hard at times to make the changes necessary in my life required to line up with it. Sometimes things in our past ignite our passion to help others, this has certainly been the case for me. One of the big reasons our Ministry was created was that God gave me a desire to help others in becoming true disciples and not to have to struggle the way I did. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how much do we owe to our past? Are there people from days gone by that may have been hurt by us, even unintentionally, that we need to go back to and ask for forgiveness? I believe this is what scripture teaches. If we think back there might be a few obvious folks that come to mind but what about others we don't even know about? I have made attempts to meet with some folks from my past and extended invitations to others. Though this could be a painful process, it is the right thing to do and one I want to do. There is no one I can think of I have ever hurt intentionally but there might be some who have been hurt unintentionally. Sometimes the only way we can know, is if they let us know. </span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-26114024627987250862011-06-23T16:07:00.000-05:002011-06-23T16:07:51.410-05:00Are You Contaminated And Don't Even Know It?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a blog I wrote a few months ago there was a section where I talked about being "Exposed or Contaminated". This is a follow-up to that. Simply put how to know if we have moved from being exposed to contaminated is that we have allowed the world to change us...in some cases to even set our standards. Generally this is a gradual process, kind of the way tv has changed over the last 30 years. Some of the things coming on tv today...even during prime time, would never have been considered years ago because the general population would not stand for it. It happened little by little slowly over time, barely noticeable. I think most believer's really don't understand what holiness and sanctification is all about. Is this because we don't spend enough time in God's Word? That could be it but I know several brothers and sisters in Christ who have and continue to spend lot's of time studying the scriptures. We have plenty of knowledge but not as much change in our behavior? When is the last time we made a change in our life because of what the Bible says or due to conviction from the Holy Spirit? It does not happen near as much as it should I can tell you that. Deeper Bible Study and knowledge of the scripture is not enough to grow in our spiritual maturity. It seems to me that many believers have decided that it is my *actions* that count the most. Wasn't this the same attitude the Pharisees had as well? Jesus came along and dealt with the Spirit of the Law instead of the Letter of the Law. I see fellow Christians out there everywhere that watch tv shows and go to movies that is riddled with profanity and lust (though there may not be any nudity). Here is one test to see if we have been contaminated....do we look at the rating of a movie before we decide to go see it instead of finding out for <strong>ourselves</strong> what is in the movie? Is nudity for "arts sake" ok with you? Is it ok to watch programs with profanity as long as we don't use it? Is profanity, "if used in a quote" acceptable? How do tv shows and movies that are full of sexual humor, lying and deceit line up with Philippians 4:8? Certainly books and magazines should be included as well. By overlooking or ignoring these things in our lives we get in the way of the sanctification process. The good news is that we can change and are not stuck in a contaminated state. With prayer, a commitment and some work we can push forward to being the kind of people God desires us to be!</span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-61335767663690060862011-04-15T18:58:00.019-05:002011-09-05T10:13:39.998-05:00Spiritual Guardrails<div><div align="justify"><div><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord has blessed me with much patience and I am thankful for this especially when things come into my life that I don't understand. Our family has experienced much of this, (things we don't understand), on a big scale over the past year but on a smaller scale it happens all the time. Right now there are several things I could think of that leave a question in my mind. As I grow older and hopefully wiser the prevalent message to me from the Master is "I want you to trade understanding for trust, you are not meant to understand everything".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I think my life is about meetings but have realized that this is one very important key to unlocking doors. As John Maxwell says "people don't buy into ideas until they buy into the leader". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the last week I have been on three fishing trips with three different people and have enjoyed every one of them. All three were more than just fishing trips. Went to a fellowship at one person's house to watch a basketball game with a group of people and then out to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant with another group....some of the same folks. Worked side by side with folks who camp up to the camp to help out one day and then just hung out with another group who were on spring break another day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coming up in the spring and summer will be conferences Denise and I will be teaching and others we will be attending. Our prayer is that our house will sell soon though the market does not look very good. Denise will be having another surgery in June and there is a job issue to decide upon as well.</span></div><div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are becoming more and more involved with the folks at the new church start we joined recently </span><a href="http://ignitecity.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Ignite City Church</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and seeking to build relationships and gain their trust. The Pastor has great potential is very doctrinally sound and a great guy as well.....there are many ideas and suggestions I would like to share with him and over time intend to do this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things that has disturbed my heart lately is the lack of believers out there who seem to have no desire to seek a blameless life. Now while we will never be able to live a sinless life while down here on this earth, a *<strong>blameless</strong>* life is obtainable. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Scripture says Job did it, Titus 1:6 says an Elder must live a blameless life, Psalms, Proverbs and Philippians all talk about it as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So what is a blameless life? This is one where we are concerned more about others than ourselves. It is one where we chose to perhaps pass on or give up things that may not necessarily be a sin to us but others may struggle with. When we are striving to be blameless, we seek to eliminate a habit or action that someone might could hold against us or cause them to question our ethics. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is one where there is a huge distinction between us and the world...it is often referred to in scripture as one filled with holiness. Paul refers to this in Acts 24:16 that it is his goal to have a clear conscience before God *and* man. We sometimes take the attitude that God knows my heart and that is all that matters, not so. I just don't see very many folks these days trying to go above and beyond the minimum when it comes to holy living and a large part of the fault rests with my generation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I am sure not knocking other strategies in the church that have led folks to salvation but is this not how things are supposed to work? --> As the church we go out after the lost, not waiting for them to come to us, share the path to salvation, the Holy Spirit convicts them, they accept or reject and then those who accept are brought into the church where they find something found no where else......which is a group of people who love each other and take care of each other and teach them how to live radically different than the rest of the world and in turn share with others the path to salvation? The blameless life is a radical life and is full of sacrifice for the greater good. It is one more concerned with love and responsibilities than our rights and privileges. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So what are "spiritual guardrails" and how do they come into play in the blameless life? These are habits or plans of action we put into place that not only keep us way away from temptation, but steer us clear of things that call our actions into question by others.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can remember years ago when the Holy Spirit placed on my heart one of these guardrails that I put into place and have remained committed to it ever since. I used to do some painting and often it meant I would be in a house doing a job when only the wife or woman was there. Never had I been tempted or accused of any wrong doing but the Holy Spirit said this was not a good idea. If a particular lady said I had done something with her or stolen something it would be only my word against hers. Also what if some other brother was weak in this area and saw that if it was ok for me to do it how could I say to him it was not ok?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c7e2d9; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A guardrail would be that Bosses, pastors, coaches or others which include dating couples, put a system in place and make the commitment that they will not meet with the opposite sex alone. Another one would be that an organization has more than one person handling their money.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c7e2d9; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There are programs that can be installed on our computers to protect us. Someone traveling alone staying in a hotel might ask them at the desk to turn off the cable to their room. Another guardrail might be someone with a debt problem cutting up all their credit cards.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #c7e2d9; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There are certainly too many to list. Oh I have heard folks say these things are silly and I don't need to do these things....and every day another pastor or fellow brother or sister we hear about ruining their testimony because of sin. What is really being said when we say we don't need to do these things is I am strong enough on my own....when we are depending on ourselves that is right where Satan likes to have us! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></div></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-62158582733770878252011-03-26T19:56:00.003-05:002011-03-26T20:03:11.807-05:00Have You Been Exposed or Contaminated?<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Through the years I’ve had several thoughts on this subject on more than one occasion and have even written them down a time or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A week or so ago I heard a ten year old boy use a word in a sentence that took me back to this familiar subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This particular child is a relative, raised in a Christian home, and one could tell that he used it freely and without remorse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now in the last couple of years, even in my own family, I have heard this same word spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It really raises the hair on the back of my neck, as not too long ago it was considered profanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who moved it out of that category?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The culture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>The word I am talking about here is another word for urinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The dictionary says in its slang form it means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">to anger</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>I believe the use of this word by believers is a symptom of another issue.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><o:p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Years ago, not long after being hired on at the Fire Department, it was required of me to “rove” to many of the stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Word came down from headquarters or from somewhere higher up that a particular person from one of the stations had been diagnosed with Hepatitis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now I am not sure which one as there are five different types, but it was strongly advised that anyone who had spent any time at all at that station should be checked for this disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I went to the doctor to be tested, very shortly after receiving the notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now while my memory is not completely clear as to how long this process took, I will never forget the conversation with my doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He called me into the office and said good news, while the test shows you have been exposed, you are not contaminated. While certainly I was relieved at the statement my immediate question was “what is the difference?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said the test showed antibodies in my blood that are only present in people who had been around or exposed to hepatitis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He went on to say that with too much exposure contamination would occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well Doc, I asked, how much is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">too</i> much exposure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He said that it was hard to say and that it varied with each person and that lots of factors figured into the equation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A person’s health and how often the exposure occurred were two critical things in how long someone could prevent contracting the disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The last thing I remember him saying was the least amount of exposure the better, as even a person with the strongest immune system can only resist so long.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><o:p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;"></span></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">There are many things we as believers cannot prevent exposure to if we are to reach this lost world, but how much do we purposely expose ourselves to for no good reason at all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Scripture is very clear that we are to be in the world but not of the world, and this means to not be like the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jesus was radically different, Paul was radically different, but it seems in today’s world there is more and more gray area between who God’s people are and the rest of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do we really grasp the meaning of the Scriptures that say “our body is a temple”, or that “we are to be holy?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we wouldn’t bring something into the church why would we bring it into the temple?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think sometimes we place way too much confidence in ourselves and how strong we are against being influenced. People often comment that just because they read something or watch a movie or a show on TV that doesn’t mean they will follow that example in their own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why does the Bible say to choose our friends carefully or to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God is concerned about them influencing us, not the other way around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Isn’t this another way of saying that with enough exposure you will be contaminated?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Our thoughts become influenced before our behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Exposing ourselves unnecessarily over and over again to profanity, for example, eventually affects our spiritual discernment in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our tolerance level for this creeps up slowly and without even knowing it. When is the last time we told someone who uses profanity that it offends us or that we wish they would not use that type of language around us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>If someone opened a pornographic magazine in front of us would we say something? Would we be shocked, offended, or walk away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What is the difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we went to see a “Christian movie” and there was profanity would we be surprised?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Would it bother us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If the Pastor uses that kind of language in his message on Sunday would it bother us? Have we re-defined holiness instead of accepting what the Lord says it is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Aren’t we living our lives for Someone else now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just because we are not committing a particular sin doesn’t mean we might not be hurting our Christian witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We all have been exposed; the question is are we contaminated and if so what can we do about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>discuss this in the next post. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-32062559985395549112011-03-20T13:08:00.000-05:002011-03-26T13:11:26.129-05:00The Two Week Whirlwind !<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">Before we left for Tampa and the NAMB commissioning service, Camp MACOBA was filled with the Fowler family (Denise relatives).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had borrowed a pop-up camper from some dear friends of ours for her parents to sleep in and her sisters family stayed in tents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When they first arrived the weather was ok then cool temperatures hung around the entire rest of their trip…oh and we had a thunderstorm one day as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A couple cords of wood were burned as folks pretty much hung around the campfire for most of the stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One day Joseph took the kids down to the pond and got stuck so I had to hook the tractor up and pull him up the hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>During this time we celebrated Sawyer’s first birthday and that was pretty cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anytime Denise folks come down they like to make a visit to Rosie’s so we made that visit on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We left out early on Wednesday morning while most everyone was still in bed but did manage to say our goodbyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The trip to Tampa was eleven hours so an early start was necessary.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">Our trip to Tampa was the first time I had ever been in the state of Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As a matter of fact I am the only one I know who has never seen the ocean and I didn’t get to see it this trip either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh we could have driven down to the beach but I want to make this event one where we have some time and are not rushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The NAMB commissioning service is one I will not soon forget and it was broadcast live on the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We met lots of great folks and no two ministries were exactly the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The hotel stay and meals were great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This event was almost an information overload but very helpful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I must admit prior to this past weekend I had many questions and even some apprehensions connected to the NAMB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The new leader taking over and making so many changes early on was a little disturbing along with what I had been reading and hearing in conversations around the local association.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The staff down in Tampa was very good about answering all our questions and never putting us off about anything and I did my share on inquiring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I feel now that everything is going to be ok and NAMB is on the right track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Brother Harold Sellers and Ron Lynch from the Madison Baptist Association even flew down for our commissioning service and took us out to dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is nice to know we have that kind of support in our local association but then again they are two fine men who have really been there for us during this whole process.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">Well we are back and have hit the ground running as there is much to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Today I will have lunch with the head of the local Christian Southern Archers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We formed a partnership with this organization last year and it has been working out well for both parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chris Hester really has a heart for Jesus and in helping kids and is such a fine man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Next I will be meeting with the Pastor of “Ignite” a local new church start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We recently joined this church and look forward to worshiping there and helping them in the coming year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Later on Denise and I will make a stop back at Lighthouse Baptist for church pictures so a busy day is in store.</span></p>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-71753623531650720062011-03-07T13:11:00.000-06:002011-03-07T13:19:34.628-06:00<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Change Is No Respecter Of Persons……<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Change is no respecter of persons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He comes into everyone’s life sooner or later and loves to catch us off guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The world is full of things that have been brought on by his intervention and will continue to be until the end of time. Now many folks don’t like him and will take steps to slow down or just outright derail his arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I have grown older, I like to sit down and talk with Change for awhile and hear what he has to say before making any kind of decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are times when it makes sense to allow him to come, as he will occasionally bring along some friends called Improvement and Happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is not always the case however as he will also try and shake things up simply out of boredom, restlessness, for no good reason at all, or even to give some individual glory for accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Change at times will travel down a long winding road or come suddenly like a thief in the middle of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Shock value is often included in his methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are times we can see him from a great distance and can prepare, but when he shows up suddenly and uninvited, we are then forced to deal with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Change chose this way to visit with our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were on a fast road of expectation, and jubilation and steps had already been taken to travel down this new road when the train ran off the tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How does one with no hope put the train back on the tracks?….I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Those of us with hope know that the One watching over us and guiding us was not caught off guard by this tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We trust Him so much that we believe that even this can be used for His glory and our benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Change often brings along a cousin of his called Grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now this second cousin, on his dad’s side, can help us in the transition process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He moves in for awhile and helps us to deal with others who usually show up called Sadness, Confusion and Anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Faith can be our best friend, especially if he has grown strong. He can stand up to many things well, but if not strong enough when stabbed over and over by Grief, can be weakened and a person scarred forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Satan has used Grief to drive many folks away from the Lord by taking them down the “why” road and seeking someone to blame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Faith does not need all his questions answered and is more interested in restoration and recovery than blame.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I think the train is back on the tracks now, but the wheels are not moving very much yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bearing one another's burdens is what the church is called to do, though not practiced very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now one also must be receptive to those who are sincere in this area as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-76588238136309642532011-02-24T08:33:00.001-06:002011-02-24T08:34:56.810-06:00The Grief Is Still Too Near...<span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">What can be worse than your own tragedy, one that happens to one of your children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are many words that describe the way I feel right now;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>extreme sadness, sympathy, compassion but the one most prominent is helplessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our daughter had the healthiest pregnancy, brought the baby to full term and then the day before she was to give birth the child had no heart beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My heart simply breaks for her and my son-in-law and for our whole family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So much I want to comfort her but yet comfort seems to have left our presence completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My prayer last night was for the Lord to wrap His arms around her and my son-in-law and really draw them close during this time and to let us know the right things to say and do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My prayer is also for their young marriage and the stress this may bring to it. My heart is not full of why questions thought these typically accompany the grieving process early on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have learned this does not lead down the comfort road as they most likely will not be answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As righteous a man as Job was God did not feel the need to answer any of his questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sometimes understanding helps the recovery process come quicker but in this situation a lot of understanding may not be given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So then what does this leave?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only love and trust are left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Recovery is a hill that generally can only be climbed slowly and steadily and is different for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Men and women for the most part do not process grief the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The very things that may bring comfort to a woman may make it more difficult for a man to recover and vice versa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Men often times want to quickly distance themselves from whatever it is that causes them pain while a woman may seek things to cherish and remind them of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Women may want to speak about it often and verbalizing helps them in the healing process while some men do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A common friend we all have in these situations is time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now I don’t believe that time alone heals all wounds but time connected with much prayer and love from those closest to you it is the best remedy we have for tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My heart still breaks. </span>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-1831131242307058082011-02-07T14:18:00.011-06:002011-02-10T08:02:18.739-06:00Monday Morning Weather<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">The weather has been changing here up on Limestone ridge this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As Denise went off to watch Sawyer this morning, I got out and walked as the temps were hovering around 45 and the wind was asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time I had run an errand and come back from the post office, it was raining hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not an hour later the wind has not only woken up, but is running up and down the hills here so hard I had to wind the awning on the RV in to prevent it from being ripped in two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The rest of the day will be a quite one spent inside working on a ministry newsletter and some cards to send out until it is time to head out to James and Kim's for dinner.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">This morning’s study comes out of the book of Hosea and has lead to some interesting thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A friend of mine and I were discussing various things a while back and the subject of a popular evangelist we both knew came up…well actually I brought it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had fallen from grace and damaged his ministry severely because of an affair, and yet I seem to recall he was back again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My friend had told me that he had gone against advice from those who have a specific ministry of helping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>people to be restored and came back too quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I read Hosea I am reminded that before God restored His people He always judged them first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was a time of suffering for their sin against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From what I understand in Scripture, the one who repents and is asking for forgiveness does not set the terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It would seem one’s heart is not right if they have committed a sin against another and then turn around and say okay here is what I am going to do to make things right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we are truly interested in restoring the relationship, we humbly ask, "What can I do to make things right again?"</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The 4th Annual Board meeting of</span><a href="http://http//www.restoringthechurchministries.com/pages/home"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Restoring The Church Ministries </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We brought a new member on the board as another came off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dr. Richards is a fine man and I hate to see him go, but understand his reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He has been on board since the beginning of this ministry and he will be missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the other hand I am very excited about the new member, Dwight Moss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He brings so much to the table and I look forward to working with him in the future.</span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">Met with a rather high profile guy for breakfast last week and if he decides to get involved I believe it will really help our efforts out at the camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like I shared with the Board on Friday, much of my time right now is spent on the phone and having lunch with folks building those relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Met with a young pastor last week and we are praying about where God would have us serve next.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;">One more week until our second grandchild, first child for my daughter,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>enters the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These are exciting times!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am so proud of both of my children and their spouses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just a commercial here if you ever need pictures made check out “<a href="http://www.somethingbeautifulphotography.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Something Beautiful Photography</span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">”</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are many out there who can take pictures and fairly good ones with all these digital cameras and such, but James just seems to have an eye for what looks good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have been updating the<span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span><a href="http://campmacoba.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Camp MACOBA blog</span></a> and just added a couple of new entries…only two more to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The rain and wind are keeping the critters away for the time being but I am sure they are not too far away.</span></p>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8423865495052831075.post-68221578396196581472011-02-02T09:39:00.004-06:002011-02-02T13:07:15.761-06:00Run For Cover<div align="justify"><span style="font-size:large;">It was a good idea to get my walk in and all errands taken care of this morning while the breeze was still a gentle one among the trees. It is now around 1:30 and the breeze has turned into a roar coming over the ridge up here at the camp. The critters have all run for cover...they seem to know what is coming and they have not even seen the radar like I have. The Wind has long been a menace to hunters and fishermen alike and generally likes to show out when he gets a chance. Some trees seems to be holding on for dear life as he pretends to be the big bad wolf this afternoon! Well all the hatches are battened down as the rest of my day will be spent right here in the RV up on Limestone Ridge. The workers came out yesterday and completed stage two of the new gate project. We tried it out and the electronic gate works very well and looks good too. The final stage, which involves some trenching and installing a solar panel, will probably take place next week. I dropped in the mail this morning about 150 postcards for local churches inviting them to the upcoming Sunday School Conference at Willowbrook Baptist. This is one many could benefit from and much prayer will be taking place from now until the day of conference that God will move the hearts of those who need this to show up. The instructor will be Daniel Edmonds and in my opinion he is one of the top five Sunday School Leaders out there.</span><br /><span style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:large;">This past Thursday and Friday I spent on the Eastern Shore. Seems like I remember something about Orcs patrolling these shores…didn’t see any though. The ABREA Annual meeting was held in Fairhope this year and I rode down with a friend of mine from Athens. Dwight Moss is the new Minister of Education at Decatur Baptist and let me tell you he is on top of his game. He came over from Clements Baptist where they were voted as one of the best growing churches in the Southeast in the last five years. The trip is a little over six hours one way. When you spend that much time in a vehicle with someone, the opportunity to know them increases quite a bit. The conference was a good one and the speaker, “Jay McSwain“ did an excellent job. This may have been the best conference on connecting people to ministry I have ever been to. As a matter of fact, we will probably be receiving several training sessions in “Place” (</span><a href="http://www.placeministries.org/"><span style="font-size:large;">http://www.placeministries.org/</span></a><span style="font-size:large;">) to help make us more valuable to the churches we serve. We had the privilege of viewing a new movie that is not coming out until September called “Courageous”. I thought it was the best Christian movie yet. Brent Shaw, who was the ABREA President and our host, did an excellent job. We had fresh seafood at the banquet and plenty of it. I remember meeting some friendly folks such as Wayne Polk and Chuck Ashley. There were packets from Lifeway given out to everyone which included a book. You can always count on Michael Gentry for some goodies. Speaking of Michael, it seems he was battling some kind of bug for awhile there. Saw Rick Ellison and Daniel Edmonds at the conference; now there are two busy guys. At our table was Charles Simmons, Minister of Education at Sardis Springs Baptist. He seems like a fine man who really knows his stuff when it comes to Sunday School and we had much conversation during our stay there. The wit and sarcasm of Mike Davis was missing as he was absent. Someone told me he was using some paper he was working on as an excuse. All in all it was a great trip and I am already looking forward to next year…which by the way is in Coosada. Not sure where that is going to have to Google it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:large;">The rest of this evening will be spent making phone calls and setting up some lunch meetings for next week and preparing for our Ministry Board meeting on Friday.</span></div>Toddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01634301347942080707noreply@blogger.com0