FEAR

We fear the things we shouldn't fear: airplane rides, public-speaking, asking someone on a date. Planes are incredibly safe. Public speaking is generally safe. Asking someone sets one up for a yes or no answer.
We don't fear the one thing we should fear. The swine flu may get us, and it may not get us; but something will one day get us. Since that day is coming, why aren't people in a frenzy to get the answer to Where will I spend eternity? Why isn't that ever breaking news?
It is breaking news. It's called the Good News. It's called the Gospel.
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER of God unto salvation.

Props

I just want to hand out some props to a dedicated group. The LTC Band has stayed committed for several years now. They get to church early and stay late. They don't complain (and if they did, they've earned a couple). They have practiced in garages. They have practiced in a barn. They have practiced in tight spots. They have played indoors and outdoors. They have graciously played at Events and Places when we asked them to even if they really didn't want to. They can set up and tear down in less than 20 minutes ( I think). They are worship leaders. They enjoy what they are doing. They are good at what they do. I am proud to be associated with them. ---I believe they serve as one of the best teams at this church. Model them. Catch what they've got. And while you're at it compliment them....no, how about picking up their amp or something...carry something for them...heck, carry them out to their car on your shoulders. Take them to lunch. But never, ever gripe about anything you do at church.

God is...

God is not an object to be worshiped. He desires a living, loving relationship with us. Objects tend to be dead. Objects can be put up and away by us. We can cover up objects or hide them. We can pull objects out of drawers or out from underneath the bed as we determine we need them. We are in control of the amount of time we actually spend with objects. Our God is a living God. He is a loving God as He has shown in public. Incredibly, God desires for us to walk with Him daily; and He has made it so easy via the Holy Spirit. Jesus physically left and is coming back. However, He sent the Comforter to live within those who are "in Christ"; so that we can live daily with Him. (not hunt Him down, conjure Him up, or pick up a representation of Him) I don't know why, but God loves us so much, He wants to constantly hang out with us. Will this ever effect how we live our daily lives?
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. --Rom.12:1-2

Best Day/Bad Day

"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."--Mt.3:17 God the Father blessed Jesus (the one and only Son)with these words in public testimony right after Jesus' baptism. God affirms, confirms, claims Jesus, identifies with Jesus, shows love and fatherly pride at the baptism. ---But this awesome time of blessing was immediately followed by the Holy Spirit leading Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. God didn't tempt Jesus, nor does He tempt us. However, He allows temptation and welcomes it. Temptation is proving ground. It shows who we are for. It is where choices of the will are made. Note also that some of our best days are followed by the most challenging days. God had faith in the Son. He believes in you. As we face the tempter today, let us believe and trust God; and not believe the devil and his bag of lies.

Can they do that?

Our new cpr (small groups) are about to start up a new semester. This time we are really emphasizing that each group do a community service ministry project during the 13 week semester. Evidently the "older" college group didn't get the memo. They got together Saturday (yesterday) and did some serious yard work: cutting down a dead tree, grass-cutting, weed-eating, shrub trimming for an 80something year-old blind woman. They had heard how she had been getting ripped off by people taking her money and not doing the work. ---I am so happy to worship and serve with such a great group of people. And yes, you can go above and beyond in the name of Jesus...it's what He does. That's how He rolls...that's how we ought to roll. Let's do more of this and make His name famous.

Those Wiley Computer Thingies

I don't know if they are called worms or what so I called them thingies. I'm talking about whatever tracks you down because of a word in your twitter...maybe it should be called a "tworm" since they like to make up words. ---Here's the story. My twitter status read the other day: "mental health restoration day...if you see me in WM in my pajamas...forgetaboutit." Ha ha funny, right? I needed a day to just get my head back on. Well, within five minutes of that twitter status change, I have a psychologist from Canada following me on my twitter account and a guy that has dealt with bi-polar following me. Today, a guy that helps the elderly started following me on twitter. ---What is going on? I'm sure these are nice people, but surely a "tworm" was at work considering the timing. I think my mental health is almost restored. Thank you and good day.

Worship

The portrait of real worship is when we serve God by serving others. It's not necessarily in the song or in the quiet. It's not even in consuming mass quantities of Scripture. But when we die to self, and live for Him who died for us and was raised again---well---that's not more evident than when we are doing something for someone that can do nothing for us. Yes, worship God in song. Yes, worship God in the quiet; but the portrait of real worship is when we minister to others.

Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer

When someone asks you a question are you supposed to tell the truth or say what they want to hear? Evidently Miss California made a stink we she told how she honestly felt about gay marriage when the question was posed to her on the Miss USA Pageant. She just told the truth of how she felt, and some feel she lost because of her answer. I could care less about the Pageant, but kudos to her for standing true to her faith. When did one group of people lose the right to say what they felt? Don't bother answering that...it was rhetorical.

Operation Noah Rebuild

Operation Noah Rebuild is a three-year partnership project (through August 2009) between New Orleans churches and associations, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the North American Mission Board to help New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers are needed to rebuild homes; start, restart, or strengthen churches; and reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ. ---There is so much to do here. We helped an 82 year old widow finally get back into her house after spending 3 years in a fema trailer. That's just a drop in the bucket. NOAH has a smooth operation, and we pray that other churches and states will get involved. We were moved by the young people that came from Virginia on their Spring Break to hang drywall. Awesome! They didn't play. They worked hard. We had hope for the city as a neat little house newly renovated with a pristine yard was surrounded by homes that should be demolished. They have picked up to carry on. Why care? Why try anymore?---Maybe the little bit that we and others have done have instilled a little bit of hope. Pray for this city. Go as God leads. Oh yeah, we'll be back.

Endurance

We had two teams at work today in New Orleans. There is still so much devastation here. So many people have given up, but then there are some that have endured. We are having the privilege of finishing up an 82 year old lady's home. Other groups have come before us, and she has about 10 more days left in a fema trailer. ---How long is too long for camping to you? She has lived in a small camper for three years. She has endured. ---There is so much to do, you sometimes feel like you're just spinning your wheels. Yet, we must step up or give up. I praise God for the health to be able to help out, and to work with others that will give of their time and money to serve others.

N.O.A.H.

Check out Operation NOAH rebuilding New Orleans on the internet. God has blessed us that 9 of our folks will be working there this week. Our desire is to be a part of not only rebuilding homes, but lives. Considering Hurricane Katrina was a few years ago and much is still in ruins in that area; we can see that it takes perseverance to carry on the task. Think about the people that have been waiting this long to get back into their home. And we can't wait 24seconds for a taco. Pray hard. Let's persevere in the journey of life together.

A Time for Reflection

Paul McD stepped on this five-footer on his way out the door to work Monday. Neither snake nor human were harmed. He did say he took time to reflect on "why" after he released the reptile near the creek. If you don't know who Paul McD is, he sits behind me in church every week. This Sunday tell him that you are glad to see him. He is like Daniel Boone or Davey Crockett. He used to wade in chest-deep water in rivers at night time. ---Paul is cool.

FAN-STINKIN-TASTIC

The Easter Event went great! Thanks for all your hardwork. Kudos to Sandra Whitley for organizing a smooth operation. The kids had a great time. We were able to bless a lot of families with all kinds of free stuff from food to bowling. Nearly 800 people enjoyed the festivities, and some found the church the next day. It was really a pleasure to see all the LTC folks working together. ---In the last couple of weeks, between the Fair, Saturday and Sunday Easter Weekend twenty people placed their faith in Christ! ---Let's make His name famous in our community by serving in love in whatever way, whenever we can. God bless.

Weekend

Busy weekend. Wonderful weekend. LTC folks are workers (True Servants).We can only hope some were moved toward a right relationship with God. Two professed faith in Christ on Saturday. I'm still waiting to hear the results of Sunday. ---Good Easter lunch with the folks, and a good visit with my grandmother who is 98 years old. Wow! NINETY-EIGHT. that is two shy of 100. Kind of miss the college group tonight, but I have to admit...a little rest does the body good. Now, getting ready for the New Orleans Mission Trip this week (THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION IN CHURCH)---Pray hard.

What if?

What if there was no forgiveness? What if there were no second chances? We take both for granted. Forgiveness makes the world go round. God's mercy is new every morning. In Christ our forgiveness is forever. New life is possible. I'm thankful for the cross of Christ, and the Great Resurrection. Amen.

Why did he have to die?

If there is more than one way, then why was Jesus pierced for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities? And why was this prophesied more than 500 years before it happened? The punishment that Jesus absorbed on the cross brought peace or reconciliation to those who have faith in Christ. We have all gone our own way and lived a life separate from God. Like the proverbial prodigal son, we moved out and tried it on our own. But the LORD has laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all. (see Isaiah 53) Praise the LORD! Watch the Passion of the Christ. Read Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; the four Gospels pertaing to the death, burial and resurrection of our LORD.

Resurrection of Christ...Tried and Tested

1Cor.15:1-8---The Resurrection of Christ was fact. A whole bunch of people saw Jesus after the Resurrection. There were many witnesses still alive at the time Paul wrote this. There is an undercurrent in our world today denying the need for faith in Christ alone. There is a mentality suggesting that God has provided more than one way to reconcile things between He and man. If so, THEN WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? WHY DID JESUS TELL US TO TAKE THE GOOD NEWS TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH?Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except by me.” You can look at that one of two ways. 1. Jesus sure is narrow-minded. 2. Be thankful that God has made the way home plain and simple. Which side of the cross do you stand on? The side that mocks him, or the side that confesses your sins, and calls him LORD? God has sent the Spirit of His Son into the hearts of those that believe in Him, and we can experience Christ today! He is alive! [see Gal.3:26, Gal.4:6]

True Story

So I'm standing by this kid at our softball game (2yrs ago), and he says, "Cool, you've got 'Mr.T' on your shirt."Immediately, his dad popped him on the head, and said "No son, that's Jesus." To which I replied sheepishly, "No, your son is right, it's 'Mr. T'." The two adults were slightly embarassed and the kid was...well, right. Who could blame the dad...it was our church softball team?---Anyhooo... I say all that to show the almost new shirt design...

AND I do love the creator of these images, and in no way want to curtail creativity.

Tax Collectors and Prostitutes

On Tuesday of Passion Week Jesus was followed by the chief priests and elders who desired to shut him up. As Jesus entered on Palm Sunday the people were singing praises to God on behalf of Jesus. The little children were calling out His name. Consequently, the chief priests and elders sought to put an end to this Jesus. They questioned his authority. They questioned his motives. Meanwhile, he questioned their sincerity in seeking the truth. In Matthew 21:31b-32 Jesus tells them (the Jewish religious leaders) that (the hated) tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of them; because the tax collectors and prostitutes actually believed John’s message and repented of their sins. John the Baptist pointed, unapologetically, to Jesus as the Lamb who would save the world from its sin. Thank Jesus today for bringing, bearing and being the truth. Give Jesus significant time today.

Prep

I will get up real early to put a special rub on the ribs in preparation of the feast. I let them thaw the night before, rub them down in the morning and then put them in the crock-pot on high for six hours. The before-hand preparation is key to having them ready for the grill, and thus falling off the bone at feast-time.---We take time to prepare for the meals and other things we like. This is Passion Week...God was thinking of us this week many years ago. STOP and contemplate the cross throughout this week.The Cross means so much. My sins are paid for. I have been set free. God bought me out of slavery (from sin). I have been delivered. I have been rescued. God loves me. I have become the righteousness of God in Christ. I have an inheritance as a son. God is my inheritance. LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.-Ps.16:5(nlt)—

It Doesn't Seem Right

Noise to the left and noise to the right, friends pulling on friends and all kinds of distractions; and still someone listens to the Good News about Jesus Christ and receives Him as Lord and Savior. It just doesn't seem right that it can happen like that; but that is how it happens on a daily basis. Maybe it's not a band in the background, or a talent show loudly making noise on the other side; but it is the noise of life trying to steadily distract people from a loving Savior. And yes, friends don't only let friends drink and drive; but they will pull them away from listening attentively to the Truth of Jesus Christ. On more than one occasion I've seen someone zoning in and listening as I shared with them about Jesus only to see a friend come along and yank them away. ---So, when the Holy Spirit cuts through the dense forest of distraction; it doesn't seem right that people can get saved through all the noise. Yet, in truth if we are to be saved; it is almost always through some kind of noise. Seventeen saved in two days at the noisy fair! Share in your world today, and the days ahead. Trust God to do that thing He does.

Burst of Air and Twenty bucks

Rain, rain finally went away and then it left behind this forest in my backyard. It had to be cut, no if, ands or buts. My potential weapons: 1. Weed-eater-Ha! 2. Three-wheeled patio lawn mower. Only if I absolutely have to, but I don't think the little fellow can handle "the bush." 3. Twenty-year old-on-its-last-leg riding mower with several problems. I already battled getting the old LR tire off and replaced, but couldn't get enough of a power-burst of air to seal. The battery finally couldn't be jumped. Things were looking dim. 4. Contemplated purchasing a lawn-mower, but Dave Ramsey appeared in my conscious and I held my ground. 5. Borrowing came to mind, but I don't think you borrow lawn-mowers because it's hard to explain you didn't hit something. * Thank God for relationships. I thought about someone that could loan me some air. A new friend... best friend (David) brought me a burst of air to take care of my tire issue. Then $20 took care of my battery. Life...it's a little bit of time, and a lot about relationships.

Help

God help me. You are the LORD that I can’t see, but can see. I see you in everything, but I don’t see you physically. The illusion is that you aren’t there, but the reality is that you are there. Unfortunately, I live in the land of illusion. In the land of illusion my world is what matters most. In the land of reality, I matter least; and you matter most. Help me Lord in my daily struggle to die to self, and to live for you. I am thankful for your patience with me. I think you are patient with me, because you know my heart. My heart is for you. O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;You maintain my lot.-Ps.16:5