It’s Mac Tonight!

Well, it’s official…I have crossed over into the world of Mac! I know, there are many of you celebrating my new found freedoms (and power) – while at the same time, there are those of you who don’t understand the inticement of the Mac World. Well, let me try and explain.

For me the shift to Mac had to do with some of the frustrations I was experiencing with the PC. Over the last year or so I have been creating videos to correspond with my messages (preaching) and felt very limited by the PC. It would freeze up, shut the programs down or just be so slow at rendering and finalizing the project. With Mac, everything is seamless and quick. There has been a bit of a learning curve – but very little! All in all it has been a good move for me. In fact, the quality of the media I’m able to produce now far exceeds the things I’ve done before with a PC. So in short..I’m sold!

Now I know it’s been awhile since my last post…I will try to do better!

Here’s a closing thought for. I heard this from one of the men I deeply respect in Pastoral leadership. He said when it comes to technology and media (as the church), “…we ought to be on the cutting edge and not the lagging edge!” I heartily agree! Let’s do everything we can to culturally connect and speak the language our culture and world are speaking. And in all we do, lets do it as unto the Lord…and for His glory!

A value I am continually embracing is – irrelavance is irreverence! Strive to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

World Changers

It’s fascinating to me to think about the role of the church in relationto this world. Some people see ‘church’as a location. Others see it as a meeting that takes place on a weekly basis. Still others think of it as a man made institution or community group. Those who are heavily religious look at the church astheee power tool for manipulation or self-righteous bigotry. But there church is nome of these things. The church has been beat described a ‘the hope of the world!’ It is quite literally the ‘ekklesia’ (in Greek), or’the called out ones’ in our modern day English. Butcalled out of what? According to the apostle Peter, the church is that group of people who have been called out of darkness and into the liht of Christ. There church is a living, loving, culturally relevant organism built of people who have put their faith in Jesus. And our primary roles to play are to honor God and change our world with the love of Christ. If church isore about YOU than it is OTHERS than your understanding of the church is off base. I encourage you to rethink your definition of this great movement that Jeaus created…and see if you are living out your calling of being a world changer and voice of hope! And if you’re not – then begin today!

A Dangerous Prayer!

Here’s a prayer I am asking my congregation to consider praying on a daily basis to help us discover better opportunities to share of faith in Christ with others. It’s simple but powerful. I adapted this prayer from a recent blog I found from Mark Batterson (pastor of National Community Church). Maybe you should join us in praying this prayer as well!

“Lord, I pray for an opportunity to share my faith with someone in some way. It’s not up to me to decide who or when or where. But I know why. Because you love them and want a relationship with them. So Lord, surprise me with opportunities to share my faith.

Forgive me for trying to do your job for you. You are the one who convicts of sin. You are the one who draws people to yourself, but help me do my part as I become salt and light.

Help me see those opportunities to react compassionately and listen patiently and even to speak kindly to others. And, through my words and my actions, help me plant seeds of love in the lives of others. Give me boldness when it’s time to speak. Give me restraint when it’s time to listen. Give me words to say. But more importantly, give me ears to hear.

Lord, help me be sensitive to the prompting of your Holy Spirit so I can see the divine appointments you send my way. Help me not to be afraid of questions I cannot answer. Help me not to be afraid of people’s reactions or rejections.

Lord, help me preach the gospel every day, when necessary, with words. In Jesus name, amen!”

Life Before Cell Phones

Does anyone remember the CB Radio?

This is something that brings back such fond memories for me. Now, let me say right up front…I do wish to go back to a CB styled life, but I do love the memories.

It happened today. I was reading a book and something I read really challenged me. It was as if the author was speaking right to me…and almost without thinking, I responded (in my head): 10-4! Now, for the record – I didn’t say it aloud. I didn’t talk to myself…that RARELY happens!

However, with just the thought of those numbers 10-4 came a flood of emotions and thought. And I was reminded of those times as a kid where we would be on vacation and Daddy would let me sit up front and talk on his CB Radio to all of the truckers and the other vacationers on the road. It was so much fun. With a CB (unlike a cell phone), everyone has a “handle” or a “call name” – and mine was “Little Bear”. Daddy’s was “Big Bear”. I have always wanted to be just like him. Well, all of those thoughts and emotions caused me to google the phrase “10-4″ and along with it, I found a lot more codes that CBers use. I thought you might enjoy them. — Over!

10-1 = Receiving poorly
10-2 = Receiving well
10-3 = Stop transmitting
10-4 = Message received
10-5 = Relay message to _____
10-6 = Busy, please stand by
10-7 = Out of service, leaving the air
10-8 = In service, subject to call
10-9 = Repeat message
10-10 = Transmission completed, standing by
10-11 = Talking too rapidly
10-12 = Visitors present
10-13 = Advise Weather/Road conditions
10-16 = Make pick up at _____
10-17 = Urgent business
10-18 = Anything for us?
10-19 = Nothing for you, return to base
10-20 = My location is _____
10-21 = Call by telephone
10-22 = Report in person to
10-23 = Stand by

Well, there were many more…but I think that’s enough. Over and out!

Thinking About Freedom…

Alright, if my math is correct – this week marks the 233rd Independence Day Celebration for America! It was on July the 4th in 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this coming Saturday will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues (and in my case – a huge fish fry with all the fixin’s). I recently discovered a website which indicated that potato salad and potato chips are the most popular food items found at Fourth of July picnics across the nation (http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/011920.html). That same site also noted that in 2007, we imported $217 million dollars worth of fireworks. I think the majority of that money was spent by my neighbors (as they love to shoot off their fireworks).

Well, we have come a long way as a nation. Freedom! There’s nothing like it. But I thought I’d add one quote from one of our greatest presidents – Abraham Lincoln. Let this comment stick with you today…and consider the ramifications of it. He said,

“We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation. But we have fogotten God.” - Abraham Lincoln

Let’s put first things first…and celebrate God’s goodness to us! Blessings.

Sticking Close!

Okay, so I thought I might share a bit of my own devotion today.  In John 15:1-8 1 Jesus says,

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”  John 15:1-8 1 (NIV)

Now, let me just make a quick observation from this passage. Here it is — Jesus used the phrase, “Remain in Me!” – not once, but 5 times! Now, as far as communication goes…anything that is repeated or emphasized again and again is always key (or central) to the message being shared.

It’s fascinating to me to see how directly and with almost a sense of abandonment that Jesus does this. His is so in the face of those around Him…and it is without hesitation that He makes His point clear.

He states the most important thought here again and again. He says, “Remain in Me!” Now, if you get nothing else out of this post – get this…Jesus wants you to emphatically understand the importance of sticking close to Him!

I’m sure this seems obvious – but here’s what I got out of this. First, this is so important to our daily living…because the the vine is always the source of everything needed to not only survive, but thrive. And secondly, because all fruit has it’s beginning in the source!

Everything good that we long to produce in our lives will only come from the source…the vine — Jesus!

Think on these things!

Fatherhood

Let me begin by stating that I know this picture of me and my two oldest boys is quite scary! But come-on, that’s real life stuff!

Well, I’m currently re-reading one of my books by Dr. Myles Munroe this week as I prepare for FATHER’S DAY next Sunday morning. He entitled it, Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men! It really is a very good book…it’s very detailed, but good. In the next to the last chapter he addresses the topic of being a good father. And I thought I might share just a few of the key points he makes in this chapter to inspire and encourage you as you think about the role and purpose of the father this week. He writes:

“A father is meant to represent the fatherhood of God to his children. Never before in the history of the world have we been as much in need of good fathers…Certain men think their ability to produce a child makes them a man…These men don’t know the meaning of being a covering, protection, and rold model for their children. many men were never toaught what it means to be a good father, and their own fathers did not provide good examples for them…In a large number of homes today, fathers are absent, due to separation, divorce, and the rising number of out-of-wedlock births. Other fathers live in the home bnut are absent from the family for all intents and purposes…Gentlemen, we have a tremendous calling ahead of us. Our task involves changin not only our own perspectives of fatherhood, but also those of our children, especially our sons. We have to communicate to them the standards of God, so that the trend I’ve just described can be reversed.”

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FATHER

1. A Good Father Knows The Heavenly Father.

2. A Good Father Loves The Mother Of His Children.

3. A Good Father Loves His Children.

4. A Good Father Is Responsible For His Children.

5. A Good Father Teaches And Instructs His Children.

6. A Good Father Trains And Disciplines His Children.

7. A Good Father Encourages His Children.

8. A Good Father Comforts His Children.

Well, I think that is enough for one blog. i don’t want to overload you with information. But, I do want to encourage you to think on these things. And, if you’re a father – evaluate how you are doing at the fulfilling the greatest role and calling ever given to you. And if you aren’t doing so well…the start over today! Don’t beat yourself up over the past — just begin again right now. Live up to your calling and experience fatherhood the way it was meant to be!

Building the Team

I know that the idea of ministry being a “Team Sport” is still somewhat foreign to many pastors and church leaders…but I am totally convinced that this is the best and most biblical way of approaching ministry. Yesterday I shared with our church family that our “Team” was growing again. Soon we will be celebrating a new addition to our pastoral staff. Pastors Sam & Beth Adair will be moving to Greenville, SC at the end of the summer to develop our Youth Ministries.

Sam has served in Youth Ministry for the last 4 years in Missouri while his wife has served overseas as a missionary to university students in the Netherlands. They have so much to offer by way of gifts and calling…and I am thrilled to partner with them in reaching our amazing city for Christ.

It was the apostle Paul who wrote, “Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12(TLB)

Here’s the thing, “CHURCH” is not an organization in any way. It is much more accurately described as an organism with living, breathing, moving parts…which all work together as one! And as Paul would note – we all must work together for the “common good” (1 Corinthians12:7). That common good is the vision and mission — literally, that thing to which we have been called as a body: To serve this culture and win the lost to Jesus Christ.

As we look towards the next chapter of our ministries at TFC (Trinity Fellowship Church), we do so with great anticipation as the partnership with Sam & Beth leads many students into an authentic relationship with Christ!

Culturally Savvy…

Okay, here is a very powerful quote from William R. Inge about culture. He writes, “Whoever marries the spirit of this age will find himself a widower in the next.” That statement totally reminds me of those days growing up when leisure suits and polyester pants had gone COMPLETELY out of style…and yet there were those who proudly wore them (years later) who obviously had no idea they were passe’! Oh it was funny to most  — but if you were the one wearing the polyester…not so funny, huh?

Culture and society changes often! As a Christ-follower it is really important that I base my life and my passion on the person of Jesus Christ and not the cultural representations of Him. Meaning of course, that I stick to the core of my faith and not be detoured by the on and off ramps of culture. This, however, is not an easy task. Without even realizing it I find myself lulled into a lethargic stroll into culture. Now, it is vital that I understand the culture and speak the language of the culture – however, I must not be “baptized” into a lifestyle that is based on the culture in which I live. As I recall, the Bible challenges me to live IN this world but not be OF this world!

In the book I am reading by Dick Staub entitled, The Culturally Savvy Christian, he writes,

“The 1960’s gave rise to a general hopefulness that we were on the verge of a new age that would be ushered in by popular culture. Instead, we have produced a spiritually confused, superficial popular culture that is artificially sustained by technology, money and marketing. If you believe, as I do, that humans possess innate spiritual, intellectual, creative, relational, and moral capacities, it seems clear that what we see today is a diminishment of God’s image on the part of both the creators and consumers of popular culture…American Christianity, which initially set out to transform culture, is itself in need of transformation.”

Wow! Those are tough and heavy words…and yet, I believe they are probably very accurate.

I  recommend you pick up this book and read it for yourself. Oh, and one more thing…give the polyester a break. Box them up and give them to Goodwill!

Lawn Day at the Hill House!

Downtown Greenville, SC (Falls Park)

Is it just me, or does anyone else like to get out the house on the weekends and work in their yard? There is just something so rewarding about transforming an overgrown yard into a work of art! I absolutely love it. The time alone, listening to the hum of the mower, the sun on your back, the sweat in your eyes (okay – I could do without the sweat)…but don’t all of those things just make the experience very rewarding. And, after a long week in the office or on the computer – I am grateful for the opportunity to do something physically challenging that doesn’t take a lot of thinking! Where I live (in the upstate of South Carolina), it has rained nearly everyday for the last 2 weeks…so the yard was huge, the humidity was sky-rocketing and the experience was very fulfilling! If you hate yard word and detest the outdoors…well, I am sorry. I still love it! I guess I should be grateful to my mother who always had me pull weeds and my dad who always had me cut the grass as a kid. It’s a little strange to be looking back and having warm memories for the chores I used to dread. Funny how time and place can change your view of things!

Here’s to the weekends and a lush green yard to mow!

Later.

PS – by the way, I found the picture above from a blog about real estate, and it noted that Greenville, SC was recently ranked the 4th best place to live in the America (out of the Top 100 places). Go figure…I can’t believe it was ranked so low. It is #1 in my book! Check it out at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/514320/greenville-sc-ranked-4th-best-place-to-live-