Coffee With Steve

6 We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.

11-12 And all this time our enemies were saying, "They won't know what hit them. Before they know it we'll be at their throats, killing them right and left. That will put a stop to the work!" The Jews who were their neighbors kept reporting, "They have us surrounded; they're going to attack!" If we heard it once, we heard it ten times.

13-14 So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: "Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."

15-18 Our enemies learned that we knew all about their plan and that God had frustrated it. And we went back to the wall and went to work. From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall. The common laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. Each of the builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the trumpeter at my side to sound the alert.

19-20 Then I spoke to the nobles and officials and everyone else: "There's a lot of work going on and we are spread out all along the wall, separated from each other. When you hear the trumpet call, join us there; our God will fight for us."

21 And so we kept working...

God is looking for people who will recognize His plan and cooperate with Him. Sometimes He comes down and gives us a miracle that stops everybody in their tracks. Most of the time He requires that we follow Him step by step trusting His wisdom, His direction and His daily provision.

Keep working!

Do Good and Don't Stop

2008-10-09T08:44:00.005-04:00

Galatians6:7-8

Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

9-10So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

I admit it is a battle not to get fatigued doing what I believe is the right thing. The passage helps us understand that the way to do this is to keep our eyes on the prize of the harvest. Not the long days behind the plow. Keep your eyes on piles of increase that come from pulling weeds and fertilizing and all that goes with staying at it until the harvest comes.

I also think I am being reminded that there is a cooperation here between me and the Spirit of God to do what I can and remember that I have to let Him do what He does. I can plant, I can water, I can weed but I cannot produce one grain of wheat. I can only do encouraging things to make that plant grow.

One other thing, what I am going to harvest and what you are going to harvest may seem a little different to each one of us, but the instruction and one of the secrets to not getting fatigued is found in the section where we are admonished to "every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

I read this morning:

Psalm 133

1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
It's like costly anointing oil
flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron's beard,
flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It's like the dew on Mount Hermon
flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that's where God commands the blessing,
ordains eternal life.

Remeber When

2008-10-08T08:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was Ruth's birthday. Now she is... well she had a birthday. We had a birthday dinner with family and looked at old pictures and things we used to do and you know the drill. We spent time remembering.

I am not going to say how old she is, but she sure has a lot more room for memories than she used to. You know what I mean. What do we do with all those random things from our past. Some of them changed us. Some of them helped shift directions in our lives. The pictures cause us to remember we are different people now than we were.

Well our past has a lot to do with the way we think. We cannot help but be influenced by the events of our past. However I don't want to be overly influenced by it. I believe the future has the potential to be greater than the past no matter how good or bad it may have been. The pattern of God is to use the past to help us in the future if we choose to cooperate with him.

God has a plan for my life. He has always had a plan for my life and my choices have only caused him to reconfigure that plan. He can redirect in a moment and still get me to the place He intends. His ultimate goal is to make my existence a part of His overall plan to bring glory to His name.

Soccer

2008-10-07T07:13:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I saw my grandson play soccer for the first time. Today I will see my other grandson play. How much fun is that? Chase who played yesterday is four. I laughed out loud just to watch those little kids run in a hoard around that ball. The ball never had a chance, nor did the shins of every kid on both teams. They ran, they kicked, they laughed, they smiled and when it was over they got a trophy. They deserved a trophy they had brought such joy to their parents and grandparents and friends. Chase was so proud of his trophy and I was so proud of Chase.

I am reminded of a song we sing in church:

You dance over me while I am unaware
You sing all around, but I never hear the sound.

God put within me the capacity for the love that I have for that little boy and all my children and grandchildren. Chase had no idea how proud I was of him, He just wanted to kick the ball and get the pizza at the end. He would not understand me writing about his soccer game this morning, he's off on another adventure.

I am dancing all around him and he doesn't really know it. I am singing the song about how I will never forget the first time I saw him play soccer and he is completely unaware.

The scripture says that God's love for us is so much greater, so much purer than our ability to love. In fact it says "if you being evil give gifts to your children, how much more will He give..."
The answer is I can't imagine. I just don't know how much He loves me. I am reminded of the rest of the song.

Lord I'm amazed by you,
Lord I'm amazed by you,
Lord I'm amazed by you,
How you love me.

The Playoffs

2008-10-03T10:08:00.003-04:00

In baseball there are two seasons. One is the regular season of 162 games. If you win enough games to qualify for the playoffs you keep playing. There is the Divisional Championship, The League Championship and The World Series. In order to get to each level you have to keep winning. It is in effect win or go home. Win or your season is over. Win or "wait til next year."

Life is always, " this is the last day". This is the last inning. This is possibly your last at bat. Because we are only promised now. What I do today may be it for me. I don't think it will be. I plan to live a long time. But life happens, stuff happens. Maybe it won't be my last day but my last day to have influence with someone else. They die, they move, their circumstance changes.

Their are people in my sphere of influence that will not be reached for Christ if I don't do it. If I don't care enough about them to do something they will be lost for eternity.

I heard about a church that operates with a philosophy called "Invest and Invite". That means that their people are trained and motivated to "invest in their friends and accuaintances" and then invite them to church and events that will give them a chance to accept Christ. That is a good idea. Today I have the opportunity to invest in someone that God has put on my heart to invest in so that they will come to know the freedom that is knowing Jesus.

I gotta go. I have a phone call to make. I need to make an investment. See ya later!

And by the way Go Rays!

Would You Look At That

2008-10-02T08:04:00.002-04:00

I have been thinking about what happened in Samaria with Jesus and the woman at the well. It was a part of a teaching that I shared Wednesday night. Apart from the teaching there were some things I identified as important for that confrontation and miracle to happen.

1. Jesus had to ignore the obvious to go to Samaria in the first place. Jews did not like Samaritans and the sentiment was returned. His disciples would have had to be convinced and conjolled into something they did not want to do.

2. There was a boldness and a risk that was demonstrated for this miracle to happen. You say this is Jesus so where is the boldness. If we understand anything about Jesus it is that He said and the Word always confirms that every act of His ministry was that of a "man" not God. A "man" lead by the voice and direction of the Spirit of God.

3. He had to be sensitive to seeing what the Spirit saw instead of what the obvious was. The obvious was, here is a woman drawing water from a well. Just like so many other women drawing water from the same well. How do you distinguish between all of these women. Jesus saw with the eyes of the Spirit. He saw the natural and He saw with supernatural eyes. God give me the sensitivity to see and respond in my circumstances with the eyes of the Spirit.

4. He had to put himself out for this to happen in the first place. He went out of his way to do something he did not even know would happen. He put his plan and his life on hold because he sensed that their might be something God wanted to do that was outside of His daily routine.

When I look at all of this I am struck by Jesus willingness to not follow anything other than the plan he sensed being directed by the Spirit. We are not lead to believe that He knew the of the incidents in advance or the outcome, but He made himself available to the work of the Spirit of God.

You can dismiss these thoughts or discount them by saying "get a grip we're talking about Jesus here". That is true the same Jesus that said "it is important for you that I go away, because then I will send you the teacher (implying that it was the one who taught Him as a man). The same Jesus that said "these things shall you do and greater things, because I go to my father (and send the Spirit to you)

I'm just saying, "God make me aware of not just what I can see with my natural eyes, but also what I can see through the eyes of your Spirit"

Evil Strategy

2008-10-01T07:27:00.004-04:00

I mentioned in a blog the other day that someone left an article on my desk as a word of encouragement. It was a good word that I have spent time thinking about. Let me share with you the short version.

Someone was praying for church leaders and the Lord opened their eyes to something in the realm of the Spirit. A strategy of the enemy for destruction of God's people. It went like this:

Discouragement - The appearance that everything is going wrong and there seems to be no way out of the difficulties.

Confusion - What does God really want from me? Perhaps we have been wrong all along. Maybe we don't really know how to hear from God.

Loss of Vision - The logical result of confusion is loss of vision. We are discouraged and confused and so what is it that we were really trying to accomplish anyway. The position of the double minded man. Rather than focusing on the goal, we begin looking for alternative goals or just drifting. Usually pointing fingers for blame happens about here also. Either at ourselves or others.

Withdrawal - The end result is withdrawal. What's the use? We throw up our hands and say it is too much for me. I don't know how to go on so I am not. The enemy wins. The Kingdom of God loses and precious time and God strategy is lost.

Sometimes just knowing what is going on is the greatest tool in stopping a train wreck. If you have been thinking these thoughts, recognize them for what they are. A strategy of the enemy. Why would God lead us to think any of these thoughts. These thoughts are based in the failure of God's people. Take courage and be encouraged. God is on His throne and if what you have believed was God's plan for you or your group, see if the plan lines up with the word of God and remember that the plan was developed through God's leading. If that plan fits the book of Acts concept of "it seemed good to us and the Holy Ghost" hang in there. Keep moving forward do not be a casualty of the devil's devices.

Discouragement
Confusion
Lost Vision
Withdrawal

Recognize the scheme of the enemy and reject it outright!

No Change

2008-09-30T05:58:00.002-04:00

Malachi 3: 6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.

It is a comforting thing to know in times like the ones we live in that God does not change. What He was He will be. He is. That is His character.

I was looking this morning at a newspaper and it was telling me all the things that changed yesterday because of financial uncertainty. It suggested changes in institutions that have been rock solid all of my life. Things like GM and Ford that are in big trouble because of money markets changing. I read one place that FDIC could be in trouble if things don't get better.

I don't need to rehearse all the things that are changing for the readers of this blog. You are seeing for yourself. We are all be challenged by what we see changing. We are all considering what changes should we make in our own lives to deal with the cataclysmic changes we see. We should be.

Yesterday I had a friend say to me because of changes that are evident in the church, that possibly after a short while maybe the way we do church will change forever. The church has changed in the past because of shifts in society. The church changed in China when Mao came in. The church changed when Martin Luther declared "the just shall live by faith". The church changed big time when the printing press came into existence, never to go back to a clergy controlled hierarchy. One hundred years ago the church in the world saw a massive change come with the modern day outpouring of the Spirit of God and the resurgence of Pentecostalism.

I am hearing from church leaders everywhere that the economic times we are facing may and probably will have a big impact on the way the church operates. I don't know. I don't know that anyone really knows. One thing I think is for sure. All of the changes that we see in our world and in society right now will produce fast, significant and life altering changes.

In these changing times, in these uncertain times, there is one thing in the church that will not change and for this we can be extremely glad even if we don't really understand it all and that is this; Malachi 3: 6 "I the LORD do not change."

Thoughts

2008-09-29T07:13:00.002-04:00

It is Monday and I am surrounded by my thoughts. Some really good, some really challenging and some just thoughts.

I am thinking there is a way to help people and motivate them to the good works that God has called them to. I am praying God help me to help others accomplish their purpose in this life.

My thoughts on seeing people find Christ are beginning to overwhelm me to the point of panic. Not a bad panic, a positive push that will not let me go.

There are so many good people in my life. I so want to be a blessing to them.

Here's a thought that runs through my mind consistently. Oh God reveal to me the secrets of receiving the "abundance unto every good work" that Paul talks about.

My thoughts on worship are that I have a great God. He is always there, when I sense Him and when I do not. I am determined to be a worshipper.

I wonder if the Rays will win the American League Division Championship. I said I am surrounded by my thoughts, that's just one of them.

I think today would be a great day for God to answer some of my specific prayers. God answers prayer. He never fails. He never loses a prayer sent to Him.

The other day someone sent me a note to encourage me. That means so much!

SOAP

2008-09-26T08:43:00.003-04:00

SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 127
1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

OBSERVATION:

The Psalmist is making it clear that God is in control of His purposes. He says God gives the direction, the resources and the brings the reward or success. He suggest that an over amount of leaning on human wisdom and planning are in vain. There is a clear statement that the work of God is a cooperative effort between the Lord of the Harvest and the workers, but that the heavy side of the work God retains for Himself.

APPLICATION:

I hear the writer saying to me that I should not count on human direction or provision as a source for doing what God has called me to. He clearly says that I am the laborer, but all the abilities come from the Lord. I recall another scripture Zechariah 4:6 " Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” I believe the scripture is warning me that I can place way too much emphasis on my gifts and talents and not remember that Jesus said "I will build my church".

PRAYER:

Father thank you for reminding me that I am but dust. I have not power but the power you give me. Help me to remember that you are the Lord of the Harvest and I am but a laborer. Oh God forgive me for being tempted to tell you when the harvest should take place and under what circumstances.
Lord of the Harvest I call on you today to send laborers into the field. I humbly ask you to help us with your work. Lord I humble myself and ask you to help me remember I am your servant.
I ask you to give me all the provision that I need so that I may accomplish every good work that you intended from before time.
You are my God and I love you and exalt your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Even

2008-09-25T08:00:00.003-04:00

You know it is so hard to stay "even". I don't really think I want to stay "even" and that may be the problem. My personality is made such that I am always wanting to move forward. Let's go to the next level. Let's find a frontier. I just am made that way. Here's the problem. Life is not.

There are times that we must just plod. Just get up and put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. We must keep an eye to the future, can't let those new frontiers be forgotten, but just staying "even" is sometimes the greatest forward move you can make. Those of us who are type "A" personalities are just going to struggle with that whole idea. I think those of us who are not type "A" also have trouble with it at times as well.

If you are going through a difficult time and in one way or another who isn't, it is tough to just keep plodding along. Even though you know what the goal is and your eye may be on the prize and you have all kinds of energy, sometimes it is just keep yourself "even".

God knew I would have trouble with this. He knew because He made me the way I am. He knew I would be an aggressive leader. He knew I would always want to "Charge". So he had one of His friends and mine write me a little note. His name was David and here is what he said:

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

The Greatest

2008-09-18T07:03:00.003-04:00

How these things happen and what they eventually mean is way to much for my little brain, but here is what happened. I woke up this morning and the first thought in my mind was from 1 Corinthinans 13:13 ...Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.(The Message)

Trust Steadily in God: Steve's translation "hang in there with God". Keep believing what you know to be true. The knowledge or understanding of the truth will set you free.

Hope unswervingly: Steve's translation "What God has promised has no chance of failure". When the word says "God is not a man that He could lie" it means it is not in His nature or character to be anything but totally integrous.

Love extravagantly: Steve's translation "well this is a work in progress". I am not sure one ever knows all that this means because life changes, opportunities come, challenges arise, resources change. If the standard is "God so loved that He gave His son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" then I am struggling some with where I go with that.

Then here is the kicker. According to this chapter a lot of things are going to come and go but these three are going to remain. And the best of these three is love. Another translation says the "greatest of these is love". Just when I am feeling good about having some idea that I feel great about on faith and hope I find out there brother love is greater.

I have to think about these things. I don't know why I woke up with that passage in my mind, but I am pretty sure the enemy did not put it there. The challenge for me today and probably for an undetermined number of days is to investigate these thoughts and discover what the Counselor wants to reveal and do in my life and maybe someone else's.

God is so good.
I have faith in Him,
I have hope in Him,
I want to know what it means to love Him.

Numbers

2008-09-16T07:03:00.006-04:00

This morning I was reading Ezekiel 40-41 and Revelations 21. As I was reading it dawned on me how important numbers are to God. Ezekiel is sharing the vision he got from God about the temple and it is nothing more than a blueprint of it's size. When I read Revelations 21 it is a picture of the new Jerusalem and it is a blueprint again. When God gave Moses and later David plans for the tabernacle and the temple the numbers for everything were important. He said to build it exactly the way I tell you. When He gave Moses the ingredients and recipe for the holy annointing oil, the numbers were to be exact.

I am not ready this morning to write about all of the significance of those numbers and that is for one reason; I don't know. However it would take a fool not to realize that numbers are somehow important to God.

Well I am a pretty simple guy. Numbers are important to me as well. "One" is probably the most important to me. Here is a sample of the importance of "One" in my life.

I have one wife. She is the light and the lightening of my life. I love her so much. So, so much.

I have one family. They bring me great joy just to think about them. When I think of my children Crystal and Steve (son-in-law) and their children Hannah, Colby and Chase (happy, happy, happy, happy face), Steven and Michelle (I am hopeful), Taylor and Oliver (dog) it brings an immediate smile to my face. (even Oliver)

I have one set of parents. Oh God, what a heritage and blessing these people are in my life.

I have one God. He is God my Father, Jesus my Savior and The Holy Spirit my guide and source of power. He is my all in all. Joy unspeakable joy. (tears, tears and more tears of joy)

I have one life. Luke 12:48 (The Message) "...Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!"

Friends

2008-09-15T07:08:00.005-04:00

Last night I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends for a couple of hours. As I observed them in the particular setting we were in I was reminded of Jesus calling the disciples. He said he had called them to "be with Him". I love that picture. A lot of things happened after Jesus called those men, but in the end for the period of His ministry, they were with Him.

I love having my friends with me. Sometimes friends laugh together, sometimes they cry. Sometimes they work together. But in the end, no matter what the event or the activity, it is just good to have friends with you.

It is so good to know that friends do not have to be of the same generation, the same social background, they can find one another regardless of circumstances. It is beautiful to see the young friend be the strength sometimes and carry the older. It is good to see the leader be lead by the followers because of the bond of friendship.

Jesus said to His followers "I call you friends". If Jesus was into friends there is a message to the rest of us. We need them. We should seek them out. We should do what ever is necessary to develop them.

There is so much a friend can do for you, but most of all I think what they do best is "be with you".

He Still Speaks

2008-09-11T07:58:00.007-04:00

This morning I was reading in Daniel 2. The story is that of Daniel being challenged with execution if he cannot tell the king what he dreamed and what the dream means, without knowing anything about the dream. That is a challenge. It is a challenge because men cannot see the future nor can they know what they have not been privileged to see. It is called impossible. Men are not equipped to do the impossible. What we can do on our own is pretty amazing. God has given us the ability and imagination to do incredible things. The twentieth century is testimony to that. The creative advancements of mankind in that century make all the other centuries appear to have been sleeping.

However, impossible is still impossible for men. That's why it is so cool that in Daniel chapter two Daniel and his friends go to God with the impossible and He tells them what men do not know. He does the impossible. He speaks to them and gives them secrets and direction that no one else has or has access to. Proving to them and to us that the scripture "with men it is impossible but with God all things are possible" is true.

Here is the really good news. That word from God is still true. That picture of Daniel in a place where he does not know what to say is still a place God can speak and give direction in. He still speaks. As it happens, (you will be so shocked) I know a song like that.


Amidst the hustling clamoring world sometimes it's hard to hear
The voice of God speaking to my soul
But in my quiet time alone when I approach His holy throne
His tender words fall gently on my ear


There are so many who still doubt that God can speak today
They laugh and mock when we say we've heard from God.
Yet, that still small voice of God is heard
Above the doubters of this world
His timeless words ring out with hope today.


He still speaks. I know his voice
Sweeter sound never heard by mortal ears.
And to think that God by his own choice
Would speak to me it makes me rejoice.
He still speaks. I know his voice

Do Ask, Do Tell

2008-09-10T08:01:00.003-04:00

The military had a policy that avoided confrontation as it relates to homosexuality that I do not have any intention of commenting on this morning. I am just struck by the terminology of the policy. Don't ask, don't tell.

When it comes to what God has done in our hearts and in general anything that we are learning, our policy should be the exact opposite. Do ask, do tell. This morning I woke up and prayed as my first conscious act, "God I need to hear from you today..." there obviously was more to the prayer than that, but that was a lot of the substance of my prayer.

I followed my routine and I prayed that the routine itself would not just be routine. Now I read a predetermined set of scriptures. I follow a bible reading plan for my personal devotions. This is what part of that reading said:

Lamentations 4:

17 I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.

18 So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

Wow. You talk about God hearing and answering prayer and knowing our needs before we answer. I was just encouraged. Then I thought that I would check my facebook friends to just to see what was happening with them and the first thing I see is a note by one of the young ladies in our church. Let me share that with you:

Grace for the Moment...by Max Lucado

September 9th

"About Midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God as the other prisoners listened." Acts 16:25

Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation.
It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea.

It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to listen to Elisha and and dip seven times in the Jordan River to heal his leprosy.

And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison. It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed-into-a-corner believers! It was a church with no options! A congregation of have-nots pleading for help!

And never were they stronger.
At the beginning of every act of faith, there is often a seed of fear.

I want that fearful, desperate, backed-into-a-corner faith to rise up in me and our church!! This devotion that I read today just really settled in my heart...for me, for my friends and family, for my church...so, I thought I would share...

I am going through a time of searching and looking for direction in my life and I have hit a wall. This morning out of desperation I said in my prayer "God somehow I need to hear from you today" and I have these things happen within minutes of that prayer.

God is awesome!

Who Am I

2008-09-05T08:07:00.004-04:00

The other day I was in a class and the instructor said "Core Values are those things someone would die for". In other words they are not the things I wish I was nor are they the things that people often think I am. These are the values that drive my decisions and shape my thinking. Now whether or not you believe the statement, thinking about that idea is intriguing.

Everything I am and everything I do is eventually impacted by these values. I guess it would be really good to always be aware of what those values are. There are some things I wish were values but the truth is they really are not. There are things that people who know me assume are values in my life, but maybe they don't know me all that well.

That same instructor suggested to the students in that setting they make a list of 100 life goals. Things that they wanted to do and accomplish before their life came to an end. I believe if one were really honest about what those things were, he might glean from those goals what his real core values are. You are thinking I am going to talk about my core values aren't you? Well, no.
I am just trying to stir you up to allow you to discover yours.

However one of the goals is to go to...and another of them is to be the leader of...He he he he!

I Don't Want To Hold Back

2008-09-04T07:24:00.003-04:00

This morning as I read the Word my prescribed portions dealt with God' judgment on Israel as written by Ezekiel and mankind in Revelations. I could not really grasp maybe all that the Lord wanted to say to me through those scriptures because my heart was so longing for His presence.

I thought Oh God I never want to be in the place of your judgment. Not because of the physical torment but I long for your presence. David said "I long for you, my heart cries out for you." I am there. My heart cries out for the presence of the almighty. There are so many things that cloud my mind. There are so many distractions that want my attention. In the middle of it all, I want Jesus.

This morning I am a little jealous of my creative friends who write songs and poetry. If that was my talent I would write a song that describes the longing of my heart for Him. I want to be in His presence. I know that He loves me and is with me. No matter, I want to feel Him. I want to sense His nearness.

I love His acts, I love His blessings and provisions, but today, this morning I just want Him. Thanks to all the songwriters who have helped me today to express my soul.

"Oh, I need Him, like I never needed someone before"

"I need thee, Oh I need thee, every hour I need thee. O bless me now my savior, I come to thee."

"Oh to be in your presence sitting at your feet"

"I need your more, like flowers need the rain"

"Longing longing for Jesus, I have a longing in my heart for him. Just to be near Him to feel His presence, I have a longing in my heart for Him."

"Shut in with God in a secret place, there in His presence beholding His face, gaining new power to run in the race. Oh how I love to be shut in with God."

How are you today?

2008-09-02T10:14:00.002-04:00

How many times do we walk up to someone that we really do care about and ask them, How are you today? Well, many times. We do not mean to be insensitive and it is not that we really don't want to know how they are doing, we probably don't just "really" mean it at that moment. I see a lot of people in a days time and I don't know "how they are doing". They probably don't tell me and some of them would not tell me.

So what do I take away from this? When I see my friend I can safely assume that he or she is struggling with something. When Sara Palin was introduced as McCain's VP choice she was all smiles, he was all smiles, her family was all smiles. Who would have known that they were struggling with a daughter that was dealing with the realities of bad choices? Who would have known that family had to struggle with whether she should expose them to the kind of scrutiny that comes with this decision especially in a difficult family time? The answer is almost no one.

You meet people everyday that are struggling with the issues of life. You probably do not have the power to solve many of most of those issues. What you do have is the ability to grab their hand warmly hold on just a little longer than some would and look like you really care when you say, "Hello, how are you today?"

Who knows what power that will give that person to go just a little bit further?

Labor Day

2008-09-01T08:03:00.003-04:00

This morning I woke up to a message from missionary friends in Nepal. They are young people that I watched grow up. I thought it would be inspiring and informative to share their story with you today. You can keep up with them on facebook through a group called Envision Nepal.

Here's their story:

Hello, friends! Jason left yesterday for a 11-day trip to one of the most remote places in Nepal. He flew to Pokhara (Mid-West) yesterday and today he, Ryan (another American missionary in Nepal), and 8 Nepali pastors will begin their trek through the Mustang (pronounced Moo-stahng) District. They will be praying for the different villages they pass through and will be looking for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Jason and I have had a heart for this area for months and are very excited about the potential of the 8 pastors that are traveling with him. Our prayer is that they will be touched by the Lord with a vision for this unreached area and will be willing to start "work" in this primarily Buddhist region. Please pray with us for these pastors and their heart for the unreached of their country.

Other prayer requests:

1. Thousands of Nepalis are suffering and have lost everything due to the flooding that has been reported in North India. The dam that protects Southern Nepal from these flood waters was destroyed as well as a primary hydro-electric power plant for the entire nation. Please pray that God will give us wisdom as we endeavor to reach out to the spiritual and physical needs of these people.

2. We have a historic opportunity for the very evangelistic children's video series that we have been producing in Nepali to be aired on National television. Please pray with us as we complete the project and prepare for this opportunity, reproduction and distribution, as well as the funds for airtime.

Your prayers are an essential part of our ministry to the people in Nepal and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

For Him in Nepal,
Kristi Loper

My response:

Hi Kristi

I read your notes with great interest and with a heart for you and Jason and what you are doing there in Nepal. My heart is moved this morning as I am praying for Jason and those that are with him. You guys have had God's heart capture yours and it is such a beautiful thing to see.

I am convinced that when that happens only eternity knows all that takes place. I can only believe that the two of you will be able to view what is happening because of your partnership but be encouraged that even when you don't see ("now we see in part") there will come a day when you will see ALL that God was doing.

God bless and be encouraged today, Ruth and I are praying for you and are so thrilled to see such incredible people involved in such incredible ministry

Steve & Ruth

God bless and have a great day

The Right Thing For The Right Reason

2008-08-30T14:31:00.003-04:00

Today I was privileged to welcome the ninth class of students to our Clearwater Master's Commission. We started Master's Commission because we wanted to invest into the lives of young people. When I was greeting the new parents I introduced them to our children's pastor and his wife and our youth pastor and his wife. All four of them are graduates of our program. I am so proud of the progress these young people have made in their lives and now their careers in ministry.

What a joy to know that our church had a part in that process because we did the right thing for the right reason. Only eternity will tell all of the good that comes from this local church taking a risk on a new ministry nine years ago.

Now what about all of the little things in my life. I believe that is not just the big events like starting a new ministry, but what happens in our lives when we do the right thing for the right reason in the everyday events and labors of our lives. Every twelve inches produce a foot. Every three feet produce a yard. Every five thousand two hundred and eighty feet produce a mile. But it all starts with that first little step. It begins with doing the right thing. And oh what a feeling when you know you did it for the right reasons.

Something I Saw

2008-08-27T18:19:00.003-04:00

I was reading Mark Batterson's blog who had been reading Erwin McManus and Mark made a comment that kind of stopped me in my tracks. He said

"I think there is a such a temptation to copy when it comes to ministry. I wrestle with it as much as anyone else. I think we need models. I've got my fair share, including Erwin McManus. But I remember reading something Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in Self-Reliance: "There is a time in every man's education that he arrives at the conviction that imitation is suicide. He must take himself for better or for worse."
I think there are two simple principles that ought to guide us:
1) Keep Learning.
2) Be Yourself."

Wow! That was really powerful to me today. I have this confidence that God made me to be me. I have this confidence that the Holy Spirit comes with creativity and a plan for my life that will make me uniquely me. It is so easy just to think what others think, do what others do. I want to live my life in such a way that I face the Lord and say I endeavored to do this thing the way you dropped it in my life.

I read my bible like God has a real live word for me today, so why wouldn't I believe that God's plan for my life may have things in it that I have observed in others, but a real strain that looks like a DNA created just for me. Since God loves me as much as He has shown, I really do believe that He has a plan for my life that He wants to reveal through exposure to others, revelation from the word of God, history in general and a clear word that He whispers in my heart and says "Hey Steve try this and see what I will do".

Dangerous

2008-08-26T07:42:00.002-04:00

When did it become safe to follow Christ? When did the element of adventure not be one of the most exciting parts of following Jesus. Jesus said to Peter, "follow me and I will make you". He wants to be the maker. He wants to lead us in paths that are of His choosing. Let's see now who has the greatest imagination, me or God. Who knows the plan and program of world evangelization best, me or God. Who best knows how to equip and provide resource for me, and the questions go on and on. The problem. It requires me being the follower and Him being the leader. It requires me turning loose and making decisions that at the time may be down right frightening.

I want to follow Jesus. I want to have my life make a difference. I want for my legacy to be: Here lies Steve, he followed Christ in the grand adventure and he made a difference.

If I was called home today who would miss me? Well Ruth and the kids, my family and friends would miss me. Maybe a few others that I have built relationships with. Would my neighbors miss me? Would my community say, what will we do without Steve? Would my coworkers say who will carry on God's grand work?

When Uzziah died Isaiah said who will take his place? Who is going to stand for the things He stood for. Granted God had everything under control and told Isaiah so, but that man had made such an impact that God's prophet went to the temple to tell God. Hey God now what are we going to do without Uzziah.

If you want to be missed, you have to be willing to take a risk. If you want to follow God you are going some places that look pretty dangerous. If you want to make an impact on your sphere of influence you have to be willing to listen, hear the voice of God and go where you may have never been before.

Sounds like an adventure to me, let's go. I am willing to become dangerous, how about you.

Where to Begin

2008-08-23T07:33:00.006-04:00

When you have been away for awhile and you want to tell your friends what happened while you were away sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin. I am there this morning. I choose "THE SHACK". I read a couple of books while on vacation but The Shack is one of the most interesting and challenging books I have read in years. I won't talk about it in terms of the plot or the action of the book, but let me share with you what it has done "to" me.

This book challenged the way I think about the way I think. In a really good way I might add. I really don't know where to begin, so I will just wander around a bit.

God is good. It is not that he does good things, or is proactive toward goodness. God is just good and so good it is way beyond my pitiful imagination

When I read "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever" I now think of course He is because in Him Yesterday, today and tomorrow are all just in the phrase "He is".

"God so loved the world" has a brand new meaning to me. "I am that I am" is so much fresher than it was.

One of the greatest gifts that God ever gave me was the gift of choice and I have abused it so badly when it comes to how I choose to relate to Him.

I really could go on and on, but I will not. I am reading the book again starting right where we go into the shack. I want all of those incredible insights to the love, grace and mercy of God to roll over my mind and my soul over and over and over again.

I usually relate experiences like this one to songs because I love music so much. It gives me a hook to hang my hat on. This is the song that comes to mind when I think about this book.

He Was There All The Time

Never again will I search for a fake rainbows end
Now that I’ve found the answer my life is just starting to rhyme
Sharing each new day with Him is a breath of fresh life
Oh what I've missed He's been waiting right here all the time

Chorus
He was there all the time
He was there all the time
Waiting patiently in line
He was there all the time

Thanks for allowing me some time off from this little thing that I do every morning. God bless all of you that read this blog.

Vacation

2008-08-19T07:42:00.002-04:00

Well I am still roaming around Washington DC. Please don't forsake the blog even though you may think I have. I am taking some time to enjoy myself and do some soul introspection. My gratitude for those of you who follow this blog is great.

See you shortly.

Off to The Library of Congress

Still Out There

2008-08-17T07:29:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was at The Call in Washington DC. I was amazed and thrilled to see so many young people going after God. It gives me great hope to see a solid core from this present generation hungry for God.

I pray that great leadership will arise and give them focus and direction for God's plan. As great as it is to see so many come together for prayer, it is only an event if not taken up at the local level and turned into a dynamic plan. Don't get me wrong I am not discouraged at all, I just know that inspiration is only part of God's plan.

The Opening ceremonies of the Olympics are not the Olympics. It just announces that an incredible two weeks of competition is coming. The real work happens with all those local olympic committees and individuals that compete.

Thank God for those who will rise up and give great leadership under the Holy Spirit to this generation in The United States.

Vacation

2008-08-12T10:29:00.005-04:00

Today is purely a vacation day. I will post tomorrow. I am reading a novel. I read a lot but not usually novels. Tomorrow will be some of my thoughts on the book. You really must read it if you haven't.

The Shack. Whoa! and major Whoa!

See you in the morning bright and early.

Extravagant Generosity

2008-08-11T06:51:00.002-04:00

The concept here is not just to be generous, but generosity that is over the top. You know, kind of like the grace of God. I understand that concept. (sort of) God is generous and extravagantly generous with us all.

It is easy for me to think this way in some areas because gift giving is my love language. I easily receive love through gifts and it is my favorite way of expressing love. (a bit of a problem because time and service are Ruth's love language) I can't think of anything I would rather do than give extravagant gifts to those I love. My family, those around me who bless me and work with me, I love sharing good things with them.

I have found the most extravagant thing I can give is my time. It is the most precious commodity we have. When I share my time I usually want it to be with those that seem special to me.

This that I am describing is not what this attribute is about. I think "Extravagant Generosity" here is living this way as a lifestyle with everyone we come in contact with. The ones we love, the ones we don't and the ones we have not made a determination about yet. Why? Because that's what God's extravagant grace is like. He showers it on everyone. Those who openly love him and even those who hate him are the recipients of God's great grace.

Wow what if I could learn to be extravagant with my time to those in my second level of relationships and third and even those that I am just beginning to be in relationship with. Oh yes, and those with whom I have no relationship. You might say you can't spend as much time with the latter as you do the former. True, but maybe extravagance in time is not as much about quantity as it is quality.

Risk Taking Mission and Service

2008-08-10T08:06:00.001-04:00

I am at a loss. I am not totally sure how to write about such a theme. Those who know me would probably agree that I am a risk taker. It is a part of my personality. But I am not sure how to respond to this idea of risk taking service to God.

Where is the risk? If it is done in service to God and the reason for doing it is to honor Him and build His kingdom, how can you lose. We win if we risk everything for God even if it looks like we lose. He said if you want to save your life you have to lose it. And winning and losing is so subjective in God's kingdom. There's my take on it. There's your take on it. There is His take on it and sometimes it is hard to immedeately know what has happened.

If this all sounds like I am not sure, it is because I am not sure. It is our responsibility to present all that we have to Him. If we give Him everything, then what is left to risk. I think this is a question for everyone individually and every local ministry to define and answer for themselves.

I believe in the light of eternity, any risk taken for Him will have proved a worth while task.

Like I said, I really am at a loss. This idea is going to take me a while yet to work out in my own life.

Intentional Faith Development

2008-08-08T08:37:00.002-04:00

How many times have I heard "we left that church because we were not being fed". Give me a major break. Leave because God leads you away for another purpose. Leave because you hate the pastor. Leave because you want pink carpet instead of lime green. Don't leave because you cannot open the word of God and feed yourself.

There, I feel better now.

It is my job to develop my faith. It is the job of my pastor to equip me for ministry and give direction and a path for ministry and fellowship in the locality I live. We live in a time in North America when the availability for discipleship material is unbelievable. Whole bookstores devoted to discipleship. Websites, radio, television networks all devoted to discipling people to Christ.

Oh, AND ANOTHER THING, the bible itself is available in every translation imaginable on the internet. Well I don't have access...can you say public library. There is no excuse available to, well I will say almost anyone for not developing your faith.

If you want to talk about the shepherds we can do that another day. But today let me state it clearly. You and only you are responsible for your spiritual development.

I certainly hope everyone has a great day. By the way, I am on vacation and that is why there may be multiple day spaces between post. I love you guys. You have to keep loving me. And you have to develop YOUR faith.

Peace out.

Passionate Praise

2008-08-05T07:06:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday one of the lyrics from praise and worship was "how can I do anything but praise." That is where I live. I cannot imagine not having praise in my life. There is incredible joy that comes from lifting my voice or my hands or my mind toward heaven and giving praise to
God.

Through a process I have come to the place where my mind comes alive to God and the things of God in my life. Most days one of my very first thoughts is I must get to the word of God. I am absolutely passionate about being in His presence.

I see the value so great that I have instructed the people who put our services together to make as their No. 1 priority: Create an atmosphere that allows people to step into the presence of God if they choose to. Well I choose to. When my quiet time is interrupted it distresses me. I feel as though I have been cheated from one of life's basic needs. I have made it a priority to hear from God through the word and let my mind dwell on what it says to me every day.

Honestly, corporate worship used to be my favorite time of the week. I still love it. I love singing with the church body and I love the encouragement I get from seeing others enter into worship. But my life has come to the place that I cannot live without my private worship time.

I consider this little article for the most part to be a time for me to express my thoughts toward Him. It disturbs me when I am not able to do it because I can't get to the computer or the computer can't get to the internet.

I have a goal. I want to have Paul's testimony be mine. "For me to live is Christ".

Radical Hospitality

2008-08-02T07:28:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 18:24 ...A man that hath friends must show himself friendly...

I am thinking how my life would change if I lived everyday looking for people that need my hospitality and then being intentional about showing it. I am a creature of habit and fancy myself as being friendly. However, I recognize that I am more readily friendly with those I am familiar with.

What relationships am I missing in my life because I do not go out of my way to be hospitable.
When I think about the people that I admire the most, all of them are incredibly hospitable. HELLO, that is probably why I was drawn to them in the first place.

I have met people that I have come to respect and see as great leaders. They have a common attribute. When I am around them they make me feel that I am so special. All of their attention is turned toward me even if I am only in their presence for a few minutes. I go away thinking "wow".

I believe that I could stretch my influence a lot further if I just made a decision to be hospitable and even radically hospitable with people that cross my path on a daily basis. The only thing it is really going to cost me is a little time. Yeah, that's right, the most precious commodity that I possess.

Five Attributes

2008-08-01T15:21:00.002-04:00

I read something today that captured my attention. They are from the book "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations". I am not thinking about them for a church yet, because I have not even read the book.

What if I lived my life with these five things in mind.
1. Radical Hospitality
2. Passionate Worship
3. Intentional Faith Development
4. Risk-taking Mission and Service
5. Extravagant Generosity

You know that would be a pretty good set of goals for anybody. Maybe over the next several days I will share my thoughts on what each of these might look like in my life. Why don't you join me and each day after the post, you could share what it could look like in your life or in any one's life.

See you tomorrow!

Daily Provision vs. Supernatural Deliverance

2008-07-31T07:10:00.005-04:00

I was reading John 2 about the Wedding in Cana this morning and also I read Psalm 107 which refers to God's delivering power and his power to provide in the daily grind of life. I had some thoughts I want to share.

Supernatural provision. I see God's ongoing provision as a cooperative effort for the most part between me and Him. It is a partnership. In the wilderness God provided manna on a daily basis. The people had to follow the cloud, go out and retrieve the manna, do something with it and gather enough on the last day of the week to cover the sabbath. In other words God is always going to operate in a supernatural manner because that is what He is. He is not natural. He is not a man nor does He behave like a man. He behaves like what He is. Our job is going to always be to follow Him and cooperate with what God is doing to receive His provision.

God's deliverance. God showing up in a far greater more demonstrative behavior with a lot less cooperation on our part. Israel was being followed by Pharoah was up a against a wall. They had no way of escape. God only required that Moses stand still and see God's provision. He opens the waterway to become dry ground, the people walk across and when Pharoah follows He destroys Israels enemy and they see Pharoah no more.

I always need God's supernatural provision. I always need Him working in my daily life, giving me the daily manna. His wisdom, His direction, His favor so that I am ministered to and ministered through. However, there are times that I need God to open a way where there is no way because I am at the end of my abilities and manna is not going to destroy the enemy that is after me. In that case I need deliverance.

Sometimes I am being pursued by the enemy even when I have cooperated with God completely. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy and I have put myself in a place where I cannot stand any longer. In either of those scenarios, I need His deliverance.

Psalm 107

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

18 They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.

19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.

20 He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.

21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.

He is faithful. Even when I am not, He is faithful.

Hope

2008-07-30T07:09:00.002-04:00

This morning as my custom is I got up opened my bible and started my daily conversation with the biblical counselors that God has assigned to us. I have in the last year through the help of Wayne Cordeiro seen the writers of the word of God as counselors the Lord has assigned to each of us for our daily strength, comfort and direction. I will write more about that later, but back to today.

I started reading in Isaiah 60
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."

and later I read in Isaiah 61
" 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, ^[a]

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations."

and today I read these words from John 1

48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

50Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

What comfort. What encouraging words. What HOPE! Why? Because these are not just words on paper. These are not just God speaking to Holy men of old. These are not just prophecies that relate to the end times. These are not just the words of Jesus to a man who was about to become his disciple in biblical times.

These were the words of the Holy Spirit to one man today. This man. Steve Lambert had a conversation with people God sent to encourage him today. They were directed to me to come and bring me a powerful dose of HOPE.

God loves me. He will go to great ends to express that love to me if I cooperate with him. One of the ways I engage Him is by listening every day to what He has to say to me.

I cannot put into words the incredible, overwhelming sense I have when I engage God's word as a word to "me". It is not just the bible. It's not just "the good book". It is life. It is HOPE.

What's That in Your Hands? (2)

2008-07-29T06:11:00.005-04:00

When I put the title of yesterday's post up I remembered Moses story from the Bible. God had called him to deliver Israel at the burning bush. Moses was reluctant, telling God he was not the right man and asking the question, how will I persuade Pharoah and the people to follow me? God ask him the question "what is that in your hand?"

The clear statement being that God begins with us where we are. God uses us as we are. We are responsible to him for what we have in our hands. I would like to point out that the staff that Moses had in his hand, God did not put there. Moses had picked up that staff when he ran from the place God had called him earlier in his life.

I apologize for not taking the time to develop this entire story, but this needs to be short you know. Let's just look at the simple idea that God can use us with whatever we have in our hands, even if what we have is not what He really intended.

Moses became one of the world's greatest leaders even though he was reluctant to do so and even though he was misplaced and did not have the visible resources one would appear to need for such a huge task.

God's greatest need from us is that we are available. Now it is not simplistic, but it is that simple. We are called to be His servants. That means we do His bidding using His resources.

Moses started with a stick in his hand, but God gave him plagues to help convince Pharoah. God gave him the parting of the Red Sea to deliver him and destroy his enemy. He was provided water from a rock, manna everyday, a cloud by day and a fire by night. He won battles supernaturally, saw God heal the people from diseases and while he was on the mountain he literally saw the back side of God. Oh yeah, God gave him the Ten Commandments upon which most of the laws of most of the world are based.

All of this started with the question, "what do you have in your hand?" The question is not so much that, as it is, what will you let God do with what you possess?

What do you have in your hands? It doesn't even matter how it got there.

What's That in Your Hands?

2008-07-28T07:24:00.005-04:00

I had an uncle when I was growing up who was so much fun. He was constantly playing games with me and teasing me about things. We all went to church together and I remember standing on the front porch of the church on summer Sunday nights. We would be the greeters (we didn't know that's what we were then) and Uncle Floyd would create games to play with me. One of my favorite games was a game where he would make me guess what he had in his hand and then he would give it to me. I was too young to realize that he was going to give it to me whether I guessed it right or not. He would let me put my small hands in his big hands and feel the object to help me guess it. It was gum or candy or money. It could be a piece of trash and then later he would give me the gum or mints. Those are wonderful memories. He passed away too young and I miss his playful fun attitude so much.

This morning when I woke up the first thought that I had was," God thank you for this new week you have given me". I thought, I don't know what you have in your hand for me today or this week, but I know what ever it is, it will be good. How do I know that? Because God is good. He doesn't just do good things, He is good. His thoughts toward me are good. His actions toward me are good. He is just good.

I have a plan for my day and for my week. I know what I expect to be doing, but there is no way for me to know the variables or the surprises. I cannot know how people will respond to my plans and my actions. They may embrace them or reject them or ignore them, I don't know. But I do know whatever God has in His hand for me this week will be good. It is something he pre-selected just for me. It is something to work His plan in my life.

Jeremiah said it best in Jeremiah 29:11..."I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I miss Floyd so bad. He was so much fun.
I will never miss God, for He is always with me no matter what.
He has something in His hand for me today. I can't wait to find out what it is.

Simple

2008-07-26T08:20:00.005-04:00

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

You know my life really changed significantly the first time I read this Psalm with open eyes. "It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." Boy what a perspective to go through life with. It certainly explains a few things.

He is the creator. That takes a load off of me. I am not responsible for all of creation. In fact I am just a sheep in one little field, in one little country, in one little space in time. He made me and therefore designed in me all of the needs that I have. He is not surprised that I have them. He has already made provision for all of those needs.

So what is my job?
Enter in to His gates with thanksgiving. Be thankful, bless His name. Oh and by the way, "The Lord is God" well that's a relief. He is good, another plus. His faithfulness has been the same in all generations. Such a deal!

Lord, help me to just calm down this morning and realize there is nothing that has surprised you. Nothing has caught you off guard. You are the same God this morning that you have always been since the beginning. Help me to go through this day rejoicing in you and feeding as a sheep in your pasture. In my heart right now, I am shouting for joy, and giving you praise in your presence in which I live in continually.
Amen.

Life

2008-07-25T08:22:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I hugged my friend and sobbed with him in the loss of his precious wife Kristy. Yesterday I hugged another friend's new grandchild Jacob. It almost seems appropriate to close the post right there. Life is so strange.

Milton Dykes has been my friend since childhood. We went to church together. We went to college and sang in the choir together. We did an internship in Columbus Georgia in 1971 together. We are friends. Kristy's brother Terry married a girl from my dad's church that I grew up with. I was in their wedding. They are my friends. This is not the way we plan life, to bury vibrant wonderful people at fifty-six.

I watched that family pull themselves together yesterday at Kristy's service. I went to be a support to them and I came away blessed and strengthened because they ministered to me. They demonstrated the grace and peace of God in way not often seen in this world. You see my friends are Christians and they know that Kristy finished her race and received a crown of righteousness from Jesus her king. She leaves a legacy and a message to all of us we would do well to remember. Life is precious and life is fragile, live today like it is the only day you have left to live.

I held Randy Helm's little grandson, Jacob. He is just adorable. His parent's Josh and Lindsey are so proud as they should be. Life is just beginning for him and for them as a young family. I remember that scenario so well. My daughter is 32 (I think). It seems as though I held her the same size as Jacob just a few weeks ago. Josh, Lindsey hold that baby tight. Life moves on.

Well these are the thoughts of man whom today, really doesn't know what to think.

For Heaven's Sake

2008-07-23T06:38:00.007-04:00

Yesterday and old friend of mine and I were talking and we were enjoying our southern heritage together. We were really digging deep for nuggets from our upbringing and it was great fun. We come from a heritage that makes the word "help" (ha-elp) two syllables and other fun stuff. Afterwards a phrase came to mind that I don't know about it's origin, "for Heaven's sake". I know my Aunt Gladys says it and she makes "sake" into two long syllables (saa-eke).When she says my name it sounds like Steee-veey and it takes a few seconds to get it out.(I love her so much) I am not sure where the origin of this statement is, but there is a phrase in the bible that it reminds me of and one I have been thinking about.

Throughout the Old Testament I have noticed the phrase "name's sake". Do this for your "name's sake". Let this take place "for the sake of your great name". The idea being that the writer's were praying for God to intervene for the "sake of His name". I wonder how much of my praying, how many of my desires are for "His name's sake" and how much is for "my name's sake".

This morning I was praying as I returned from the airport around 6 a.m. I found myself crying out to God and praying that He would answer my prayers for "His name's sake". I was praying that God would make Himself known so that this world would see His name lifted up. Oh to be sure, I wanted Him to do it for "my sake" as well, but I sensed a real energy as my mind and heart were turned away from my own deep needs and I was moved to pray that God would glorify His own name.

We live in a world that often mocks the God that I serve. That doesn't really bother me because I know who He is. I know what He is about. I know what He has done. I know what He will do. But my prayer today is "Father reveal yourself to the world around me so that they may see you and know you as I do." Make yourself known for "the sake of your great name".
If I know my heart, I really long for Him to do just that.

I don't know, maybe that's where "for heaven's sake" came from. Someone wanting to see God move to glorify His name. I hope so, and way down deep inside, if it is, I hope (ho-oope) it is southern (suh-thern) .

My home's in Alabama
No matter where I lay my head.
My home's in Alabama
Southern born and southern bred.

Thank you Jesus (Gee-zus)!

Ain't God Good

2008-07-22T07:03:00.004-04:00

There is a southern gospel song that says "ain't God good to give us so many blessings, undeserving that's what we are". OK pay attention, I am going to let a little secret out. I love southern gospel music. Now Chris Tomlin, he blesses me. Hillsongs has changed my worship forever. Matt Redman and so many others have made such an impact on me in worship, their gift of worship has been an overwhelming blessing to me.

But, Ernie Haas and Signature Sound, The Imperials, Gold City, The Isaccs, The Crabb Family, The Hoppers, these groups and their music are my absolute favorites. Now, that is not what this post is about.

Ain't God good to give us so many blessings. Well in a word, not really. Oh yes God has done so many good things for me, I can never give him thanks for all of it. But faith demands that I believe that God is good because His word teaches me that He is. I must believe the word of God is true regardless of my personal experience. My life has ebbs and flows because that's the way life is, but God's goodness has no ebbs and flows. God is good all the time. Scripture says "the word of God is established in Heaven forever."

There is such a freedom in our faith when we begin to believe because of what He said and not because of what He did.

Well this morning brings news that would challenge that if your faith were not grounded. My good friend Milton Dykes has been left alone here because his precious wife, Kristy has gone to be with Jesus.(christianlovestories.bogspot.com) Kristy and Milton have been life long friends and we love them so much. It is hard to say goodbye and harder to accept why we have to. But yesterday God chose to bring her into His presence. Better for her but not for us.

God bless you Milton. You have been a great blessing to so many in your incredible care for your sweetheart. And of course she was the first recipient of your love.

Now back to my post. God is good. All the time.

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

What Choice Will You Make?

2008-07-21T07:07:00.006-04:00

I have said before, life is about choices. One of the main choices is this, "whose report will you believe?" That is actually the question asked in Isaiah 53:1
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?"
I don't know when you may have read that passage lately, but the question sets up one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus as our Savior and Deliverer."

This morning I woke up after a reasonably good night's sleep. As far as I can see, the circumstances of my life have not been changed much if any, but that is just based on what I can see. The scripture tells me that even though I cannot see it God is working in my behalf. I read II Kings 18 & 19 today and saw that although Hezekiah was surrounded by enemies that were bigger, faster and stronger than he, God changed the natural order to supernatural and delivered him and turned his entire reign as king around.

Today I can choose to believe the report of God' love and mercy. I can choose to believe God's report of healing and deliverance. I can choose to believe God's report of supernatural provision.

Or I can choose to believe what I can see with my natural eyes.

I choose to believe the report of the Lord. His report says:

"by His stripes we are healed"

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

"I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future and a hope"

His report says

II Kings 19:
34 I will defend this city and save it,
for my sake and for the sake of David my servant."

35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

37 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer cut him down with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat.

Whose report will you believe?

I Can Fly

2008-07-19T08:00:00.004-04:00

Well if the "Dark Knight" caused me to think of yesterdays post on hell. Guess what? In Tampa today is "Red Bull's Flutag". Flutag is a bunch of people who create all kinds of pseudo flying machines and jump off a thrity foot high launch over the river in downtown Tampa. I don't guess they fly as much as they fall, but whatever. I also thought of the words to a very old song "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines". I know another song about flying:

Some glad morning when this life is oer'
I'll fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away.

As sobering as the "the dark night" is, exhilarating is the only word for they hope of my life, one of the foundations of my faith, Heaven. Hell is real and Heaven is just as real. Just as yesterday I won't spend a lot of time on the biblical defense. I don't need to, it is there. I just want to say count me in the number that know and believe that Jesus is coming soon.

He is, and I am looking for Him. It is the epitome of everything that I believe. When we die we go to be with Jesus and if we are alive when He returns we go in the rapture. I believe the rapture is imminent. 2000 years ago the writers of the New Testament believed that it was. They had every reason to, Jesus told His followers He would come and get them. They thought today. Count me in that number too. I believe He will come and back and it could be before I go out to dinner with friends today.

AND ANOTHER THING, no more pain, no more death, no more war. Jesus is going to bring us into a new world prepared for those who love Him where we will enjoy unfettered relationship with Him and His family for eternity.

That word eternity is just as long when I talk about Heaven as it is when I talk about hell. Heaven will be wonderful. I grew up singing songs about Heaven and right now they are filling my mind. I am so excited.

Well, I don't know if I will go to the Flutag or not. I would like to, it sounds like fun. I do know that I am going to Heaven and it could be today. My sincere hope is that you are going with me.

I Thessalonians 4:13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

Going To The Movies

2008-07-18T08:23:00.004-04:00

Today is the opening of the "The Dark Knight". I have seen all the marketing, sensed the excitement of Batman fans and now the time has come. Well I am probably somewhat neutral on the movie. To begin with I didn't think I would like the comic book movies but as they have come and gone they have been entertaining.

I also see the title a little differently. Nothing at all to do with the movie because obviously I haven't even seen it, but there is coming a dark "Night". And it is not make believe and it is not going to be a two hour movie.

People who know me are aware that if you gave a theme to my preaching over the years it would have to be "hope". I am a believer in God's love and His desire to reach us with His good news. I believe that God has stopped at nothing to let me know that He loves me. However, contrary to some popular belief, there will still be a judgment. God is a loving God, He is merciful and He wants to have relationship with His creation.

I am not going to go into all of the theological discussion in this short blog, but there is a hell. People who do not accept God's invitation to become His children will go there along with the devil and all his angels. It will not be a two hour movie. It will not be the latest blockbuster from Hollywood. No sadly it will be reality and it will last for eternity.

There is no reason for anyone to go there. God through His son Jesus has made provision for everyone to be in Heaven with Him for eternity. It is a choice. It will be sorrow and pain and grief and torment like no one has ever experienced before for those who are there. It is not designed for men. It is designed for the devil and his demons for their revolt against God and the deception they have made on mankind.

I have heard people as you have and maybe even said myself, "I am going through hell". Well, I was not and neither has anyone else. Hell will be the most awful thing ever.

I don't know whether or not I will see "The Dark Knight". I do not intend for me or anyone I know and love to see "The Dark Night".

John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

2008-07-17T08:36:00.012-04:00

This morning I read a post on Facebook by my friend Cody Starr Barnes. Cody is a young man with an inquisitive mind and a pretty good one. I wanted to share with my readers what he said, so here it is:

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

We are always trying to figure out God like he is a rat in a maze - what’s he going to next......well, I think this or that. I think reverence is required when talking about God. I can’t see any farther than my hand in front of my face, and I can hardly perceive that.

If I want to obtain a greater understanding of God I might want to try understanding his creation, especially the one that is myself. I need to quit trying to serve a God I can wrap my mind around, that’s what an idol is for.

So I think my prayer would be to realize more the inadequacies in my abilities to comprehend God, and for help in showing an extreme reverence when ever I open my mouth about anything of him. I want to understand better the creation that is me.

I was especially drawn to this statement, "I need to quit trying to serve a God I can wrap my mind around, that’s what an idol is for". Wow! I love that. Scripture says "he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or even think". Not to get too existential here but if he can "do" how much "more" is he. I believe that God is all powerful, all knowing, but I believe God is so much more than just what He can do. Oh to be able to develop a concept of "who" He is and not just "what" he does.

I appreciate what Cody "said" but I love Cody for "who he is". Maybe I will have a better life if I start serving the God "who is" instead of the God "who does".

You can't see me but I am crying I am so moved. Thank you Cody for giving me such a gift today.

Random

2008-07-16T07:18:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I was thinking about how blessed I am to have such great people working around me. I love everyone of them and am so proud of their commitment to God, our church and me. So here's to all of my staff at First Assembly. You are the greatest!!

When I read the alarming stories in the newspaper this morning about some banks being in trouble, I wandered how people will respond to that kind of news. I am not frightened, but I was startled.

I hope the Rays get back to their winning ways after the all-star break. (random, random, random)

I love getting connected with friends from my past and staying connected with friends around me through facebook. (Gretchen you are so funny, writing on your arm)

What is up with all this rain and highs in the mid 80's in July in central Florida? I can't wait to hear someone's answer to that.

I know from reading my statistics and talking to people that coffeewithsteve get's read everyday. It's curious to me that so few people comment. HELLO!

One of my favorite scriptures was in my bible reading today Isaiah 26:3-4

3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Ruth got after me for picking on "Monday" (coffeewithsteve.com two days ago). She said, that is a day that the Lord has made so it is good. She is right again. I said to her that I trust the one who made it, but she wasn't extremely impressed. What a wonderful wife! I love her.

I love my children. I love my grandchildren. I even love my son-in-law.

Please don't stop reading this blog because of today's post.

Dunkin Donuts is my favorite coffee by the way.

SOAP

2008-07-15T07:24:00.004-04:00

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 12

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

OBSERVATIONS

There are way too many observations in this little passage:
1. The testimonies of those before us are our guide and inspiration
2. Their stories should move us to righteous action
3. Our race course has been marked out for us already. Run that race.
4. Look at Jesus. He is the standard bearer. He is the benchmark.
5. Realize that we will be overcomers just as He was.

APPLICATION

It is a pattern of God to remind us of our past and His past. I must always remember God's faithfulness. When I remember His faithfulness then I can take on the task that belongs to me. (you know in reality, I'm just glad my course is not the same as many of others I know have been called to run) God has a plan for my life. He has directed my steps and He knows what is best for me. I have not been called to save the world. Jesus did that. My job is to make Him known in my sphere of influence, my world. I MUST KEEP HEART. The plan has always been that I will be more than a conqueror.

PRAYER

Oh God forgive me of my whining. Help me to see your faithfulness in my life and in the life of all of those who have gone before me. I declare again that your integrity is beyond questioning. I thank you that you chose the course I run. Thank you that in doing so, you have already provided everything that I will ever need. I thank you and I pray that you will always help me to remember your love for me is more than my wildest imagination.
Lord I commit myself again today to run the course you have set before me. I confess in faith today, that I will be more than a conqueror.

Monday Monday

2008-07-14T07:20:00.004-04:00

The Mommas and Poppas said back in the 60's "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day". What's up with Monday? Why does Monday want to be such a problem? Who knows?

I just read Hebrews 11 "the faith chapter" and I was reminded of all the people who lived in faith and quite honestly it's not all that encouraging. Sawn in half, did not receive while they were here, goat skins (sounds itchy), and the list goes on. The ones who had the wonderful things happen, had them happen because of unbelievable obstacles in their way. And yet when I finish reading it I am encouraged. I am encouraged because they all had the hand of God upon their lives as they went through their difficulties.

See here' s the deal. The people in this world that can't trust Monday are the people who have faith in God and the people who do not. Because trouble and heartache comes to everybody and you never know when or who is next. "Monday happens!" Can I get a witness?

The difference for me is "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Monday I do not trust you, but I trust the one who made you.

Suffer the little children

2008-07-12T08:22:00.002-04:00

My mind has been turned toward children lately. I came across an old friend who was posting about making an atmosphere that allowed children to step into the presence of God. Our VBS starts in a week. Tomorrow I will dedicate two little cousins. I got an email from a young adult who shared a very encouraging word about Ruth and my impact upon her life as a child over fifteen years ago.

You know, they do grow up. I can't believe my children aren't kids anymore. Where did the time go? Well where ever it went the time for making an impact on children is very limited and from where I sit a lot shorter than it seems while they are growing up.

Tomorrow four parents will hand me their baby to hold and remind them of their responsibilities as overseers. Their families will smile, I will smile, the whole church will smile and then later we will have lunch and celebrate family.

My challenge to these parents, our church and myself is "suffer the little children" to come to Him. Be proactive in creating settings where these children and all the children we have influence over are given an opportunity to sit at His feet and learn of Him.

This young adult that wrote me, thanked me for some specific things that I did that introduced her to Jesus and His presence. She said today she is reaping the benefits of those times and deeds. Indeed we all are.

God give us the wisdom and courage and provide for us the resources to be proactive in raising children in the "admonition and nurture of the Lord".

The next time you see one, hug a children's pastor or a church children's worker. Say something encouraging to a Godly educator that gives unselfishly to impact children. Offer encouragement to parent's who are doing their best to raise children in a manner pleasing to God.

And as for you and me "Suffer the little children".

SOAP

2008-07-11T07:56:00.005-04:00

Scripture

Hebrew 8:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

Jeremiah 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.

Observation

This scripture is prophesied and then repeated to establish that the prophecy is come to pass. We are living in that time where God's covenant is established between Him and a man. He takes the principles of His word and the attributes of His character and establishes them in our heart.
For that to happen, there must be relationship between God and me. This is why it is important for me to be in the Word so that I know what His heart is. God wants to speak to me everyday like every other close relationship that I have. He wants me to know Him. He wants me to have enough information to choose to go after Him and love Him.

Application

I must put myself in an atmosphere where the God of the Old Testament or covenant becomes my partner in the new covenant. How can I fully love Him if I do not know Him. How can I be a participant is His kingdom if I do not let Him write His statutes on my heart.

Prayer

Oh God my heart cries out for you. My spirit yearns to be one with you. It is my joy when your wisdom directs my life. It is my comfort when I know that my steps are ordered by you. It is my peace when I realize my life is in your hands. Help me oh God to stay close to you.

I want your presence to be as close as my own breath. I want my thoughts to be so intertwined with yours I cannot separate them.

Save me and I will be saved.
Heal me and I will be healed.
Touch me and I will be whole.

My life is in your hands.

God's View

2008-07-09T07:56:00.004-04:00

I Samuel 16:7 ...The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

This passage of scripture came to my mind this morning while I was doing my daily bible reading. Something I read caused me to think about this verse. It is really a verse that can bring comfort or judgment.

It brings judgment if your heart is dark. No matter what your skill set or your learning or training, at the end of the day, God is looking at your heart, at your motives. Leadership is a gift and a skill that can be learned. It is incredibly important and plays a massive part in success in every area of life. But this scripture says no matter what men are seeing, in the long haul God is observing motive and I believe that He is going to reward ultimately based on what is in a man's heart.

It brings hope if your heart is bright. I could just write the previous paragraph and be done. It is true for both statements. However let me say a word of encouragement to those who may be discouraged by what they see today. I am going to be honest. All of our work for God is a cooperative effort between us and the Holy Spirit. We do what we can with the resources God has made a available to us and then we trust Him to be God and do what only He can. Sometimes we can become discouraged when we observe others apparent and genuine success, that seems to be based on a unique skill set and an abundant blessing from God himself.
When you become discouraged because of circumstances remember God's word to Joshua in chapter 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Take a look at your heart today and remember it is people who are looking at the outward appearances and God is looking at the heart.

Be Not Dismayed

Augustus Adolphus


BE not dismayed, thou little flock,
Although the foe’s fierce battle-shock,
Loud on all sides, assail thee.
Though o’er thy fall they laugh secure,
Their triumph cannot long endure:
Let not thy courage fail thee.

Thy cause is God’s: go at his call,
And to his hand commit thy all.
Fear thou no ill impending.
His Gideon shall arise for thee,
God’s word and people manfully,
In God’s own time, defending.

Our hope is sure in Jesus’ might;
Against themselves the godless fight,
Themselves, not us, distressing.
Shame and contempt their lot shall be;
God is with us, with him are we;
To us belongs his blessing.

Well Here We Are

2008-07-08T07:50:00.004-04:00

Most of the time that I post on this blog the name is completely appropriate. I am sitting having coffee, just like today. Most of the time my blog sounds a little like, well a lot like what I am. I am a preacher, pastor, minister, leader, father, husband. However the conversation sounds a lot like my preacher role. I guess I just default to my primary public communication tool.

However, if we really were just having coffee, the conversation would probably be more random.

Ruth slept a little late today, so the house was a little more quiet. I don't tell her but in times like that I miss the kids. She thinks I am really loving the empty nest thing and for the most part I am, but not this morning.

I got a new friend on my facebook today. I lived with his family in the summer of 1971 while I was doing a summer internship at Evangel Temple in Columbus Ga. His name is Rich(ie) Wood.

I think my diet should be working faster. I have lost 30 pounds. Soooo...I'm just saying...

I would love to have gone to the daytime Rays game yesterday, but since they lost I'm glad I didn't get to go.

My bible reading was encouraging and challenging this morning. God is so awesome. I can't believe He was able to write through men thousands of years ago over 1500 years and be as relevant to me as He was this morning. I guess that's why He is God. "It is He that has made us and not we ourselves."

I have lunch today with Mike Tedder. He's a nice guy.

Well anyway if you really did go to coffee with Steve, it would probably be a lot like this. I'm usually not very "preachy" (is that a word?) over coffee.

Have a great day, and give me a call if you need me. See ya.

Trusting Him

2008-07-07T06:32:00.006-04:00

In my bible reading today I read Hebrews 4. It is a passage about trusting God, His word and His patterns. There is so much there, I backed up and read it several times. I just wanted to take it all in. I am sure that I did not. There is such power and strength in this passage til it is hard to hear all that the writer is saying in one reading. I am praying that more of this powerful message will be revealed to me throughout this day, but for the moment here is what I received:

" 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Since Jesus is our high priest, the one to whom we go, why wouldn't we have faith. He is the one who is completely faithful. I get the impression we are being told in this passage that Jesus already knows exactly what we are going through, so with confidence, even boldness as another translation puts it, let us expect today to receive mercy and grace.

Webster helps us here:

Mercy:

1 a: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender
2 a: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
3: compassionate treatment of those in distress

Grace:
1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans
2 a: a special favor : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness

O love of God
How rich and pure
How measureless and strong
It shall forever more endure
The saints and angels song

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Well I have had worship today!

Beautiful Morning

2008-07-06T07:55:00.005-04:00

Someone said beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sounds like choice to me. I get to decide what is beautiful.

Well I choose for this day to be beautiful. "This is the day that the Lord hath made." That's enough right there, but I get to decide how I will respond to all that this day brings with it.

There was a song in the 60's (yeah!) by the Young Rascals "It's a Beautiful Morning". I love that song. It's about making a choice to see the good.

It's a beautiful mornin', Ahhh,
I think I'll go outside a while,
An jus' smile.
Just take in some clean fresh air, boy!
Ain't no sense in stayin' inside
If the weather's fine an' you got the time.
It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day.
Either way,
It's a beautiful mornin', Ahhh,
Each bird keeps singin' his own song.
So long!
I've got to be on my way, now.
Ain't no fun just hangin' around,
I've got to cover ground, you couldn't keep me down.
It just ain't no good if the sun shines
When you're still inside,
Shouldn't hide, still inside, shouldn't hide,
Ahhhh..Oh! (shouldn't hide) Ah, ah, Oh.....

(Do, do, Waaa) (Do, do, Waaa)

There will be children with robins and flowers;
Sunshine caresses each new waking hour.
Seems to me that the people keep seeing
More and more each day, gotta say, lead the way,
It's okay, wednesday, thursday, it's okay,
(Ahhh) monday, wednesday, friday, weekday, Ah, Ah, Ohhh.

(Do, do, Waaa)

Ah, Ah, Oh, Oh, (Do, Do - Aaaa)
Wooooo oo oo oh, oh, oh, Ah wo, do, waa
Ohhhhhhh.....Oh, Oh, Oh, ..... (What ever happpened to these great lyrics)

I think the ahs and ohs and do wahs are my favorite part.

Extravagance From Nowhere

2008-07-04T07:30:00.002-04:00

SOAP
July 4, 2008

S cripture
Hosea 1: 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God."

O bservations
I am seeing that God chooses to love. What an amazing thing that God chose to love me. This is love “that while we were yet sinners God loved us.”
God expresses His love through deliverance. We have no hope of deliverance outside of His love and power.
God’s deliverance comes from sources that He chooses and his choice is to deliver us in ways that cannot be explained by man or duplicated by his creativity.

A pplication
My job is to remember that God loves me so much that He went to extraordinary and extravagant measures to rescue me. “ God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Why would I ever expect God to be anything but extraordinary, extravagant and amazing in His demonstration of His love toward me? Why would I ever expect anything less than for Him to deliver me.

P rayer
Oh God, today I begin this day with the confidence and trust that my life is your hands I have the confidence that you will come and deliver me. Lord your pattern in my life, in your word and in all the earth around me is that your deliverance will be extraordinary, extravagant and amazing. In this I rest, Amen.

Rebuilding Websites

2008-07-03T11:04:00.002-04:00

I was reading an article from a person who helps people develop their websites into lead generators for business. He said that many companies are restructuring their websites so that they do a better job of generating potential customers. The next thing in the article went right over my head until just a few minutes ago. Here is what he said:

“What do you think the most important ingredient to a successful internet marketing strategy is? It's going to sound a bit silly and basic, what is this absolutely critical factor? Drumroll please: "YOUR TIME!”

Wow! What do you think is the most important thing in developing anything? Probably your time.

A relationship with your kids, your spouse, your friend

A relationship with God

Doing something that makes an impact on people

Doesn’t it all boil down to investing your time?

We tend to think it is creativity, talent, skills, leadership. All of those are important, but the question is “What do you think the most important ingredient”.

I need to think about that and prioritize my life around what is most important to me and how much of my time I am investing there.

The article went on to suggest that in order to develop a lead generating website, a considerable amount of time must be spent answering questions about the business. So as to communicate to the user the focus of the company.

Wow again. What is communicated to the people around me about the focus of my life when people in my sphere of influence observe where I spend my time?

Good questions, I need to provide good answers. Maybe it is time to take a look at what kind of leads my life is producing.

Where to Stand

2008-07-03T07:33:00.003-04:00

Isaiah 9:7...If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.' "

I was doing my bible reading or as I like to call it talking to my friends and counselors and Isaiah said these words "if you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all". If you do not have confidence in God then where will you place your confidence?

There are times when I feel lonely because I face challenges bigger than I am. Then I ask myself how big are the challenges that are smaller than me. Now there is a question. Most of things I am called upon to do in this life are really beyond my abilities and skill set. Why is that? Because another of my counselors reminds me that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers". Our challenges are not natural, they are supernatural. When I remember this I know that my confidence should only be in God.

Today I will remember that "the battle is not mine but the Lord's".

By the way, I don't want to wrestle against flesh and blood either!

Such A Deal

2008-07-02T06:46:00.005-04:00

Jude ...20 dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

As I read these words this morning I was reminded that the life of faith that we live is truly a cooperation between us and the Spirit. The cooperation puts us in the place of responsibility for certain activities and then promises His power and provision for things which we cannot do.

What a great deal You do what you can and I will do what you never would have been able to do in the first place.

Build yourself up in your faith, keep yourself in God' s love, be merciful to those who are weak. These are things that we can do. We can be in the word to strengthen our faith, we can remember His love for us and we can discipline ourselves to show mercy to others.

What does He do? ..."keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

Let me know if you get a better deal!

Happy Anniversary

2008-06-30T07:11:00.003-04:00

Happy Anniversary!

It will be. I will spend it with the same lady I have spent the last thirty-four. My life is blessed because Ruth is there.

Someone came up with a whole list of things to give on these days. Silver on 25, gold on 50 so on and so on it goes. Those were suggestions of gifts to give your spouse. I don't know but it sounds like department stores and jewelers came up withe the list to me.

I haven't even looked at the list to see what I should be giving Ruth today. But I do know what the gift to give on number thirty five is. It is thanks.

I am thankful for all that God has done for us in these years. Three great kids and three wonderful grandchildren ( and counting I hope). We have been in ministry for all of these years and I am thankful for that and how God has provided. He has placed many incredible people in our lives that have enriched us beyond our ability to explain it all.

But mostly today I am just thankful for Ruth. What a lady. When I ask myself what did I do to deserve such a blessing as she is, the answer is nothing. God just had mercy on me and sent her into my life. She is the sunshine in the morning and the stars at night. That girl is the light of my life.

I don't really know what to give her on this anniversary, (she wants an Alaskan cruise) but I know exactly what to give God.

Thanks!

2008-06-29T06:38:00.002-04:00

This week I saw my kids and grand kids for a day or so at the camp my son-in-law has responsibility for overseeing. Walking around the grounds it brought back memories of my childhood attending the youth camps in Alabama. They were telling me of the crazy games that they play. I am telling you the emphasis here is on "crazy". It is nuts. We would never have been allowed to play games like those and I think I am happy about that. The facilities and resources that are provided for them are astounding especially when I compare them against what my generation had. I was happy for them and just a little bit jealous there had not been some of these things in my day.

However, in listening to their account of the first week of camp one thing has not changed. Youth Camp remains a place where young people come and genuinely get in touch with God. Their lives are still changed in the atmosphere that is created there. For that, I am truly grateful.

It reminded me that no matter where I am, or what circumstances I find myself in, He never changes. The times may change, the resources may be different, the technology may change the style and look of the presentation, but Jesus does not change. Nor does His power to arrest our hearts and speak a word of comfort or challenge.

When it comes to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the old line is absolutely true. "The more things change the more they stay the same."

Thank God!

It was early but good

2008-06-25T08:31:00.001-04:00

This morning the first real thought I had, as soon as I woke up was "my soul longs for the living God". Wow! What a great God I have that is helping me train my mind to that kind of thinking.
My "flesh" longs for me. But my "mind" is being transformed by the power of His word to long for Him.

Rejoice

2008-06-24T07:26:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I expressed my feelings for great concerns that are in my heart. I feel those things deeply. This morning I am sitting here at my computer and considering those things for which I am thankful. I am not going to try to start listing those on this blog. How could I, they are way to many.

I will list just one. Even doing that is scary because the perspective reaches so far. Friends. I am thankful for friends. I will define friends today as those people whom you can count on when times are good and bad. Some friends you only see during the good times. That's okay, it is good to see them. Some friends quite honestly you only see during tough times and I am not really sure why, but it sure is good to see them then.

Today, here is a shout out to all those people who laugh with you when you're happy and cry with you when you are broken. They comfort you when you are sad and celebrate with you when you succeed. I really love those people.

They are my friends, who are yours?

Monday

2008-06-23T12:51:00.002-04:00

Today is Monday and thus far it has for me been less than kind. Mostly just the issues of life that tend to get us down at times. However there are a few things that I am battling that are huge to me and I am not in a position to see how they will turn out good without divine intervention. I suppose being in a place where I must depend on God completely is not really a bad place at all.

That said, I am mad. I am mad that I see so many things in God's kingdom that are not, in my way of thinking the way they should be at all.

I just read an email from a missionary friend asking for prayer for a new pastor in the 10/40 window that was put in jail for his faith. I'm mad about that.

I read another email from an official with our church that is concerned that our missionaries are having a hard time raising their support. I'm mad about that. I got wind of several of our missionaries that are all dealing with cancer. I'm mad about that.

Laura Sebold has cancer that makes me mad, Chris Fought has had a recurrence of a brain tumor I'm mad about that. I'm mad about all the other sickness in God's family that disrupts His people from serving Him. I'm mad!

I'm not mad as hell, but I am mad at hell. I am tired of seeing God's people not receive God's best.

This ministry that I lead has had God's blessing on it for decades, but for some time now there has been a stranglehold on the church. It is financial. It is other things as well, but from my perspective, there is nothing that the church faces right now anymore debilitating than the financial struggle that has endured for years. I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm mad.

Who am I mad at? I am mad at the enemy, the deceiver, the liar, the devil. He has had his way with too many of God's people, too much of God's business for way too long.

Paul says "we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers" and I believe that. He also says "our weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds". There is nothing wrong with being mad. It is a normal emotional response to various stimulus. What is important about anger is how we deal with it and how we choose to handle it.

Here's how I want to handle it. I want to start pulling down strongholds. Enough is enough. Let's become like the widow that pressed in... the blind man by the road who would not be quiet... the woman who would not release the unjust judge until he gave her favorable judgment... the woman outside the house of Israel who would not let Jesus go and told him "even the dogs get the crumbs from the master's table."

Well I don't know about crumbs, I'm too mad for that.
I want to sit down at a banquet in the presence of my enemies.
I want my head to be anointed with oil.
I am ready for my cup to run over.

I'm MAD.

I wonder if I am the only mad person out there. Maybe there a few others who are ready to join me until the strongholds come crashing down.

PULLING THEM DOWN,

Pastor Steve

Good Deeds

2008-06-23T06:08:00.003-04:00

I Timothy 5:25
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Well I guess that is not a surprise. What a joy for me when I see people reach out and do random acts of kindness. It just kind of brightens the day. You know I may not be the recipient but it does me just as much good to see someone bless others.

In fact it makes me want to help as well.

Praying in the Dark

2008-06-21T07:59:00.004-04:00

SOAP for June 28

S 2 Chronicles 20:5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said:
"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us. 10 "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

O The context of the scripture is one where Jehoshaphat is completely overwhelmed with a circumstance which he has no power or control over.
The prayer that he prays is one of confidence in God, but frustration over what has happened.
There is a statement that suggest he has no plan, no idea what to do next because of the severity of the obstacles. They are completely outside of his ability to do anything about them. Jehoshaphat says that these events do not line up with what God's stated direction and promise are for His people.
This last statement of his prayer says that in his frustration and fear and lack of understanding of why this happened his eyes are on the Lord.

A When I find myself in situations that are not in line with what God has promised and the direction He has lead, my job is to completely turn my attention to Him.
There are times when we are to use the gifts God has given to us.
Times to do the things that we have gotten good at with the help of the Lord.
There are times that our skills and God's provision are His solution to our problems.
However sometimes the leader is to just lead people to the presence of God and cast our cares upon him.
Jehoshaphat told God who He was and confessed that he, Jehoshaphat, was not. He built up his faith by recounting the acts of God and rehearsing His promises to His people.
This is a pattern of the people of God in the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.

"Acts 4:24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."

I am in good company to follow this pattern.

P "O LORD, the God who is in heaven.
You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations including this church that I pastor.
Power and might are in your hand, and you have displayed that power in our past time and again.
O our God, you placed this church in this community and raised it up under the leadership of those previous to me. They have lived and worked here and built the foundations for the ministry that has been established for your Name.
But now here are circumstances, opportunities and obstacles that we have no power to deal with. Many of our challenges and opportunities involve financial resources that are completely outside of our ability to produce them.
O our God, will you not invade our circumstances as you have so many times before. For we have no power to face this vast challenge.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. May they remain there.
I declare my complete dependence on you today.

Facebook and the Bible

2008-06-20T06:42:00.004-04:00

I opened a facebook account yesterday. I knew what facebook was, I mean I knew that it was a social networking sight, but I really didn't understand the power behind it's reach. Because of the information stored there and the software that connects people based on the information entered into the program, in a matter of minutes I had people contacting me from all around America. I was connecting to people that I had not heard from in years. Because of the ability to put a picture on the sight, I was flooded with memories of relationships that had not been active for such a long time.

Various ones would respond with kind and welcoming words to the facebook network. It was really just kind of cool. In my bible reading this morning from II Kings 4 and 5 I was connected to Elisha and the Shunamite woman. I was connected again to the woman with the pots and the oil. I reconnected with Namaan and the faith of his servant girl who sent him to Elisha. Something happened there similar to the facebook experience. My faith was strengthened, my courage was bolstered. There was an increase in my trust in God for all things in my life.

It was great on facebook to renew old acquaintances. Time and circumstances and honestly just not working hard at it has removed me from active involvement with those friends. God help me not to let that happen with those friends from the Word. Help me to stay fresh and maintain my relationships with Elisha and the Shunamite and Gehazi. I don't want to be removed from the faith of the little servant girl.

I am going to work at maintaining theses personal relationships through facebook and other tools, I am going to stay in the Word and God's presence so that those other relationships are strong.

What's Up With Demas

2008-06-19T07:20:00.006-04:00

Here is my SOAP for this morning. Philemon was a part of my regular reading and I remembered the passage from 2 Timothy concerning Demas. It is important to remember the cares of this world can be mesmerizing even to "the very elect" the scripture says.

Scripture

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Observations

It is obvious to me that something happened in the life of Demas. In Philemon he is Paul's fellow worker. In 2 Timothy he has forsaken the work and walked away. There was a desire for the world or the things of the world that enticed him and he did not overcome their lure. What a sad thing to be in God's service and have your eyes blinded by things.

Application

I must always be on my guard concerning the desires of my heart. It is imperative that I keep my heart supple before the Holy Spirit and not allow arrogance to rise up in me. I must realize that even those who are called to God's service and have their lives completely submerged in His work can be deceived when they do not keep their minds stayed on Him.

Prayer

Lord I do not want my life to be an afterthought in your kingdom. Help me not to get my eyes on the things of this world. Lord I do not want to be drawn away by serving the creation rather than the creator. Fill me today with your Spirit. Let me walk in your wisdom and understanding. I want my mind to be filled with your beauty and my feet to walk in your guidance. Let my heart be overwhelmed with the knowledge of God. Help me to always distinguish your ways from mine.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Called By God

2008-06-18T07:30:00.002-04:00

SOAP June 18, 2008

Called By God

S 1 Timothy 1

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

O I am a servant of Jesus Christ called by him and placed in this place by His discretion.
God's desire and will is to extend His grace, mercy and peace to me.

A My job is to walk, talk, think and behave like a servant of Christ. His demeanor is one of confidence in His father, so must mine be.

My job is to cooperate with the Spirit of God who called me and placed me in this assignment and be an instrument of HIS. So it is my responsibility as much as is possible for me to show His grace to others, always operate in mercy and be a peace maker.

P Oh God I cannot express my gratitude for your call upon my life. Why would you choose a vessel as weak as I? It is a mystery I cannot fathom. Help me with your supernatural strength and wisdom to fulfill the responsibilities in which you have placed me. Open my eyes to the opportunities to be an instrument of your grace and mercy in the lives of others. Help me as I follow the leading of your Spirit to actively be a peacemaker. In Jesus name, Amen.

Facing Fear

2007-09-14T08:15:00.000-04:00

This Sunday I will be sharing the third part of the Lion Chasing Series at church. The subject is facing fear. Tough subject. Who wants to? I mean it just sounds unpleasant. I'd rather go to Disney World. (well it's a little hot for that, but you know what I mean)

We have to face fear to function in this world. The fear of letting go so that we can walk for the first time. The fear of being left by our parents to go to school for the first time. One of my great fears was the first day of Junior High School.(Loooooong story)

I can clearly remember the fear that gripped me when I took Ruth to the hospital because a baby was about to be born.

Hey, here is one of my favorites. "Sir we need to do a colonoscopy." I mean Come On!

But:
I really love walking.
I'm really glad I learned to read and write.
I'm Reeeeaaaaalllly glad I got out of Junior High School.(I wouldn't go through puberty again for anybody)
I love my beautiful children that Ruth gave me.
I cannot tell you how glad I am that I do not have gall bladder disease anymore.

Hey, face your fears.

911

2007-09-11T08:03:00.000-04:00

Today we remember.

Dear Jesus,

I ask you to be with the families of those who lost loved ones on this terrible day. Even these six years later their hearts are heavy because of the separation. Only you Lord can really heal the pain of such loss.

Help us to evaluate these circumstances as your children and realize that in the worst times of loss you can bring opportunities for lifting up your name. God give us the courage to make decisions as people of faith that will bring real peace, your peace to our world.

Amen

Intentional

2007-09-11T07:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I spent time with some old friends and some fairly new ones. I love spending time with friends laughing about great memories and making new memories. There are not many things in this world that are better than having time with friends.

However, in the last few years I have been intentional about taking those relationships and giving effort toward being productive, especially toward the Kingdom. Sunday I said in a teaching that I believe that God sees to it that we are in the right place at the right time through our lives even when it does not seem to be so.

What if I opened my eyes and realized that God is behind so many of the relationships that have come my way? What if I was intentional about allowing those relationships to add to God's kingdom in a genuine and organic manner?

I do not believe it would take away from the good times and all the laughter, I believe it would create even greater memories than the incredible ones God has allowed me to experience with my friends to date.

Just a thought.

God Has A Plan

2007-09-10T08:20:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here this morning reading stories from people in First Assembly's past. The stories I won't try to share here today, accept to say listen for them in church and watch for them here on the blog in the future. (I have to figure out a way to share them)
There are tears on my shirt as I read the stories and see the common thread of God's grace and providence. As I find a beginning point in a family where someone invested themselves into others, the thread of the grace of God follows that investment and families are blessed to the second and third generation.
God keeps good records and He never forgets those bless Him and build His kingdom.
I don't even know if what I am saying makes a lot of sense to you reading, but know that i am overwhelmed as I look at God's amazing grace.

I love my wife

2007-08-31T21:53:00.000-04:00

My wife comes home tomorrow from ministering to her mother for the past five days. She feels so privileged to get to sit by her mom's bed for a few days. She cooks, cleans, provides care and just sits and talks to her mother. Most of the time she really gets no real response from her. However, today she said "Mom do you remember how to whistle?"

And guess what? She does. She puckered right up and gave out a cute little whistle. Thank God for the simple things that happen in life.

I really do love my wife and I am glad she will be home tomorrow.

Master's Commission

2007-08-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

Today we started receiving new students to Master's 07-08.

What a great joy, what a great privilege to have these young people on our campus and in our ministry.
What a great joy to have leaders like Dan and Maria Atchison and all of their staff to invest into these young people.

Man, I am blessed.

As I said earlier, I am stoked!

Sunday's Coming

2007-08-31T21:40:00.000-04:00

Sunday's coming and I am stoked. My second sermon in the Chase The Lion series is about overcoming big odds.

I have been thinking today about how Gideon must have felt when he went to battle against 150,000 with an army that had been cut down from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300. How would a man feel to send 300 out to surround 150,000 and really without any of the weapons that we think are necessary.

I know until your God is a really big God you just can't do it.

As I approach this Sunday,

Dear Jesus help me and all of those to whom I minister. We need a clear picture of how big your are. A clear picture of how awesome you are. I pray that we will see that the battle for transformed lives can be won with weapons we have not thought of before.

Jesus, I want to be your servant, and the servant of your people. Help me to see how that role works in a changing world and a changing church.

See all of my guys this Sunday.

Giddy up, let's go

2007-08-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

I have had a long day. Appointments this morning, more in the afternoon, planning sessions, meetings tonight, and Ruth is not at home this week. God bless her, she is helping to be a caregiver for her mom.

I've still had a long day.

So how happy am I to come home late tonight and find that the college football season has started.

Giddy up let's go and ROOOOOOLLLLLLL TIDE ROLL!

Why

2007-08-30T22:10:00.001-04:00

Good communication usually needs to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why. But as I have thought about that for the last few days, I have come to realize that for me, I usually make my decisions based on the why more than what, when and where.

I have been asking myself about the reason I do what I do. I believe it is about the why. I am in the business of ministry because I really do want to see lives changed. I want to see people transformed.

Styles of ministry will come and go. Methods of ministry have changed and will change again. But the reason for forging ahead for me is WHY to do it. Transformation.

Lion Chasing

2007-08-28T06:12:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I started a series on Chasing Lions, or recognizing opportunities and going after them. My question today is how do you recognize those opportunities? I don't think it is as difficult as we sometimes make it.

The scripture is clear that we are called to be good stewards. That means doing the best you can with what you have. If the opportunity that you have is to be kind to your neighbor, then there is your opportunity. If opportunity for you is taking on a responsibility that you are a little uncomfortable with, then do it with all your mind, all your heart and all your strength.

Wait a minute, that doesn't sound like lions. When David was called upon to defeat Goliath for the future of Israel, he recounted faithfulness in his past with smaller responsibilities.

Hey don't forget that Lions come in all sizes.

Transformational

2007-08-25T07:54:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a friend of mine about a project he represents across the continent of Africa. He raises funds to dig drinking wells and build churches together. What a transformational idea. I understand that 25,000 people a day die in Africa from complications arising from the lack of clean drinking water.

He tells me that whole groups of people who were completely closed to hearing about Jesus are now open because someone reached out to meet a felt physical need in their communities. In many cases these same people have persecuted those who would bring the gospel message. He related the story of meeting with community leaders (some of them muslim) and hearing them say, we have persecuted you and not allowed you into our community. Why do you want to dig a well for us? The result being that the door for digging the well and building a church was opened. An oh yeah, the community leaders are providing the property for the well and the church.

I am thinking that those who have been closed to Jesus in other cultures including mine, will probably respond to that kind of love. We simply must recognize the felt need, organize, produce the resources and go to work.

It is not simplistic, but it is simple.

Tomorrow I start a new series in church about Chasing Lions. I cannot remember when I have been so excited about series of teachings. Can't wait!

What was God thinking

2007-08-23T08:42:00.000-04:00

I just got off the phone with my son. His name is Steven and he has just moved to Atlanta. He has a new job with a media company selling advertising. I have another son named Taylor. I got to talk to him this morning too. I have a wife and her name is Ruth. She is the light of my life and I love her so much, can't imagine living without her.

Hey, I got to talk to her this morning too.

Well, I have a daughter and a son-in-law, Crystal and Steve (the Steve thing runs in the family) and three grandchildren, Hannah, Colby and Chase. I haven't talked to them today but I just decided I am going to.

Family, what was God thinking? He was thinking something really, really good.

Thank you God for this gift of family you have given to me, give me the wisdom to know just how to appreciate them, amen.

I Quit, Well Maybe Not

2007-08-22T06:01:00.000-04:00

I was reading an article in which Tommy Barnett was cataloging people who wanted to quit. Jeremiah, Abraham, Peter after Jesus was crucified, all of these wanted to quit. Then there was Thomas, Noah, Moses, John the Baptist, these guys all wanted to quit. The great Winston Churchill whose famous quote is "never, never, never quit" wanted to quit.

I know another guy who has wanted to quit, me. However, after reading this list of famous "I wanted to" quittters, I don't feel so bad. In fact, I am encouraged. It looks like to me, that people who wanted to quit were people who were doing something. In many cases, they were in the process of the "signature" accomplishment of their lives. Noah was building the ark, Winston was defeating the Germans. Peter was on the verge of becoming the emotional leader of the New Testament church.

When I was in my youth program (right after the war for southern independence) we had a "thing" we sometimes did. It was called popcorn testimonies. One person would stand up and say " I thank the Lord for___________" and as they sat down they would point to another person and say your turn, etc. etc. etc. Let me say this morning, I thank the Lord that, by His grace, through his keeping power, because of his abundant love for me, and through the disciplines of the mentors He has brought into my life, I DIDN'T QUIT, I WILL NOT QUIT, I CANNOT QUIT!

I am pointing to you. It's your turn.

Thank you, thank you very much.

Steve

Rose Colored Glasses

2007-08-21T08:12:00.000-04:00

I was reading an article about change by the AG superintendent-elect George Woods this morning on futureag. He was talking about working with young and old to create the change that our fellowship needs to experience.

A mentor of mine said to me "when you look at a challenge always use both the dark colored glasses to get a picture of stark reality and rose colored glasses to see what opportunities the challenge brings."

George Wood said that his mentor told him "Let your emphasis be on the creative and constructive above the critical and corrective."

I thought what a great two punch approach to look at all the challenges of life.

Any thoughts?

Welcome

2007-08-20T10:43:00.002-04:00

I'm glad you have decided to have coffee with me. I am going to be talking about life in general and how life's challenges affect us. I have a number of challenges in my life now. I have been reading a book by Mark Batterson titled In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. His thinking has challenged me to start looking at life's challenges as the greatest opportunities. I think I am going to spend a little time today thinking about how I could engage some of the biggest lions I have seen lately.