Monday, August 30, 2010

Sometimes

Sometimes it takes all day Monday to process the weekend. We had a great meeting with our ministry leaders on Saturday morning, and then the LTC Kidz went and ministered at the Nursing Home. I love that these kids aren't waiting to grow up to minister, but are doing very effective and much needed ministry right now. And then Sunday...Wow! Great to be together, and atttempt to fathom God's grace. We trust God's Word just does what it does. And then we were flustered early on that morning to hear that part of our "A" Team set up crew: Don and his kids were in a car wreck. We praise the Lord, because from the looks of the demolished car it should have been worse. They are battered and bruised, but should be out of the hospital by tomorrow. Now, we'll see LTC step up and see our friends through this. ---In the midst of all that, it was great to see three of our guys go and minister at the hospital together for the first time. That was pretty cool to reflect on. It's amazing how God has brought a team of people together!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Excuses for not joining

Four reasons people don't join a church:
1. They don't want to learn and grow in the Scriptures.
2. They don't want to obey God's Word.
3. They are selfish and don't want to love God by serving others.
4. They don't recognize that God has given them all that they have, and sure don't want to give any away.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Observation

LT is not a place of people that look just a like. We are not models. We are not cookie-cutter type people. We are just people. Imperfect people. People with pasts. People with issues. We are people just trying to make it. ---Live with compassion for one another.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Where the grass is greener

In Psalm 100 it simply states that we are the sheep of His pasture. Why are we always looking for greener grass? The grass has to be greenest where God is!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Lonely in the Crowd


Not long ago a couple found my wife on Facebook and started just catching up. We knew them in the past, but never really hung out. Well Teresa tells me one night that this couple would like to go out to eat or something like that. Honestly, I went into the mode that I bet a lot of us fall into...I started thinking of why I couldn't do this---not because I didn't want to hang out with them. I think I just knew I would be pretty busy the rest of the week. Yet, all I was going to do that night was chill out (which is cool, we do need to chill at times). But then T told me that they had already asked her a couple of times; so I was like wow (sensing a need). So, I said "sure." Let me preface the rest of the story,by saying I am no-way better than anyone. I just learned something from this that I think too valuable to not pass along. I believe it is a core problem with our culture. From our discussion that night, I gathered that they have been around a good group of people for 10to15 years, and seemed to have no friends. I've got to admit, that when this hit me I was heart broke for them; and God did what only God can do, and pointed out to me that this is way too common in our society. These were good people that like to do fun stuff,yet no one from their "crowd" truly knows them. I thank God that they took a proactive step by getting us off the couch and out of the house. People, we all need friends. Are there people in your crowd that are lonely? Look out for them. Give up a "chill" night and hang out. It won't kill you, and it may save someone else. And who knows...you might make a friendship! Friendships are essential to real life.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Unimportant

Go away for 7 days and the world doesn't completely cave in. Most pastors (who aren't normal people by the way)fear taking a vacation whether they admit it or not. They feel like the flock needs to be held and cuddled continually. Yet, the pastor will go crazy if he doesn't get out of "dodge" every now and then. AHHHHHHH. It was good to be away, and God was gracious enough to not let everything fall apart (not that I know of anyway...just don't tell me). I've got to admit, this time away came at just the right time for Teresa and me. I was getting stressed and feeling the wounds of combat; and I didn't even know it. Thanks church for "stepping up" and letting us relax. ---Old sarge is back though...so pray hard, and let's go. Love ya. It is a privilege to serve the LORD with folks that want more than the status quo.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Vacation

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm not supposed to be near a computer on vacation, but...you know how that is. I'm really trying to relax and chill; and am doing pretty good at that. Even though I did all I could to prevent problems from arising Sunday, I really wasn't worried about it, because we do have a great team of people that goes deep. (even with many out of town) I've heard Jared did great in his debut sermon. I figured he would, if he preached from his heart. Sunday is great, but it still is more about what we do the other six days of the week. So take that sermon and any other sermon you hear to heart and apply to life. Pray hard this week. Get to know God through His Word. And go! Say "yes to the what." Do what God tells you in prayer and from reading His Word. ---Couldn't help the above.---Vacation: Have you ever noticed when you are out of town and you people watch? The people you see remind you of people back home. Even though you are miles away and trying to chill, you are still reminded of home.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Week N Review

What an incredible week last week! We ended up with over 50 + LTC man/woman hours loving Jesus by serving our community in meeting the needs of people that needed help. Work was done by men and women inside and outside. This doesn't even count the home and hospital visits people made that encouraged others. ---Meanwhile, our LTC Kidz summer team has been doing their thing with the Fun Fridays.---And then comes Sunday. It was a time of great refreshment for me, as I and we as a church repented of our lack of devotion to prayer to our Great God. It was great to see the church stand as one. I really believe that along with loving God and people as outlined by God's Word will be the catalyst to turn this community right side up!---Remember those two things this week: Love God and people; be devoted in prayer.

Imitators

Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Make no mistake, my justification comes thru the shed blood of Jesus. It is wholly his work. Therefore my salvation is by grace. I am saved from the wrath to come due to sin. My hero is Jesus Christ. All other heroes are imitations.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

What if Ants Got it?


This is crazy, but I was thinking what if ants "got it"? Bear with me. Ants are creatures that are very organized. Ants are hard-workers. They lift way over their own body weight. They can travel to places humans and animals can't get to. They can go through the cracks in walls. Some can even kill humans with their bite. ---I was helping another guy remove a tree that had been struck by lightning and we could not get away from all the ants on the ground. Fortunately, they were not interested in eating us. ---But what if they were? What if they figured out that there were a whole bunch more of them than just the two of us. What if they figured out that there is a boat load of them and they could sneak into our houses at night and take over...like in one of those crazy movies? The queen ant could rule the world! I know it sounds stupid, but I actually got this crazy thought in final preparations of my most recent sermon. What if we (believers)actually got it? If we really were devoted in prayer, and if we happily loved God and other people; what would happen? How would the world finally be transformed? Could it help being changed if we only "got it"? Here's to hoping that we will get it. Devote yourself to prayer. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. Let's see what happens!