Please check my photo album to see some of the pictures of the 2007 R2C2 Easter Egg Hunt. Today was simply amazing. Sorry for the folks we invited and didn't come. YOUR loss - It really was something to see today. I am betting there was over 4000 people registered and probably another 1000 who just walked up from the side lots, parking in the grass and the fields - many did not come through the registration area. There where so many smiles - so many friendly people - people asking where our church was, can I get more information, thank you - this was so awesome. It really was a great day - a day a church - a family of people come together and share something with those in the community. Its an outreach of what Jesus instructed each and every one of us to do every day of our lives. To spread His love and to spread His word. I am praying for huge crowds the next few weeks as people take the next steps and finding out who Rocky River Community Church is. We are a church for people - come as you are and relax - enjoy the music, a hot coffee and some friendly smiles. We met two families today - one from Illinois and the other from Alabama. Long way to come but glad they did!
Thank You Lord for an awesome day. I thank You for the outreach today as we reached out to the community. Many times today we looked at each other in amazement - looking around at the thousands of people - cars lined up and out of the park where we couldn't even see the end of the line - The smiles on everyone's face - Lord thank You for a church who cares about people. Thank You for giving us what we need to make a difference in a world that is broken but when things like this happen Lord - its hard to hold back the tears because its about You changing the lives of so many folks. I am still in awe here Lord at a hard days work - serving You - serving the church and our family - and serving the community. There is no other place we would rather spend..... Serving others!
I pray in Jesus name,
Amen
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Eggs are ready to roll....
Well tomorrow is the big day. Rocky River Community Church's Easter Egg Hunt @Frank Liske Park - Cabarrus county - largest Easter Egg Hunt. We are expecting over 7000 folks to be coming out. We have hired police officers to help with traffic along with our many police officers that attend our church. We have over 30,000 eggs to distribute - local businesses have donated so many door prizes - Easter bunny is going to be there with pictures taken for free. Everything is free.... we have 5000 Frisbees with our church information - and we are expecting big visitation the next few weeks. WOW - we have 30 or so awesome people at the church office tonight serving and putting everything together for tomorrow. Land is staked out where the hunts will take place - this is going to be AMAZING!!!! Carol you have done an awesome job - on the radio - on 91.9 radio station web site - all the local news papers - flier's all over town and in businesses - magazines - signs posted at the busy corners of our community. Its been a wild ride....and a team committed to God and His Word.
I will be posting pictures in the album - along with a blog entry that should be the best ever! God - YOU are awesome....... this is going to be an event like no other!
Father I pray for an awesome day tomorrow - for all the people that will be with us tomorrow - and for those families. May we do something big for You - May we reach someone tomorrow for You. May Your word sweep over our community. Help us Lord accomplish this tomorrow. Thank You for loving us Lord - may we do something SO big tomorrow - its going to be amazing.
Amen
I will be posting pictures in the album - along with a blog entry that should be the best ever! God - YOU are awesome....... this is going to be an event like no other!
Father I pray for an awesome day tomorrow - for all the people that will be with us tomorrow - and for those families. May we do something big for You - May we reach someone tomorrow for You. May Your word sweep over our community. Help us Lord accomplish this tomorrow. Thank You for loving us Lord - may we do something SO big tomorrow - its going to be amazing.
Amen
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Its not just a lunch.....
Please pray for Kyle - he has the dreaded stomach flu - my wife and I were so proud of him this week. He came home from school and he told us his classmate did not have any lunch today so he shared his lunch with her. The next day he offered to buy her lunch when she again showed up with nothing to eat. I don't know why she has had this happen the last few days, there is something going on in her life and I pray its nothing big. Just something a family must get over and move on. I pray Jesus is in this home and for my asking her tomorrow~ If she needs help with lunch - I will buy her lunch the rest of the year - she is one of my kids on fridays when I go see them. I so much enjoy that time of smiles, of no worries about school, friends, home or parents. Just me and some cool kids! I think about how my son just took it upon himself with no prompting to do this for his classmate - a friend - this is something Jesus would have done. Did he learn this from us? Sunday school? Where does this come from?
I may have to ponder that some more but I do pray he continues with his big heart - his Jesus like actions and it shows to other kids around him. Thank You Lord for an awesome son and a big heart like Yours!
Friends -most of us are adults reading this blog - but is this something you would do for a friend? Someone you dont even know? Think about how life changing this is for someone who needs a hand, needs some help - it may just turn their life around and to know they are loved and someone cares enough about them to do something. This is the message Jesus wants us to know and to be the example. Serving others -
Love you all and I pray you are making a diffence in the people around you - amazing at how little effort it takes to change the direction of a life. Might make all the difference in the world to someone.
Randy~
Philippians 2
1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
I may have to ponder that some more but I do pray he continues with his big heart - his Jesus like actions and it shows to other kids around him. Thank You Lord for an awesome son and a big heart like Yours!
Friends -most of us are adults reading this blog - but is this something you would do for a friend? Someone you dont even know? Think about how life changing this is for someone who needs a hand, needs some help - it may just turn their life around and to know they are loved and someone cares enough about them to do something. This is the message Jesus wants us to know and to be the example. Serving others -
Love you all and I pray you are making a diffence in the people around you - amazing at how little effort it takes to change the direction of a life. Might make all the difference in the world to someone.
Randy~
Philippians 2
1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Positive living..........
The Apostle Paul share with us Ephesians 4:
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The Lord has called us to be a light in dark places. The world is a dark place and sin is rampant. Negativity is everywhere we look and basement people are at every turn. Its easy to get caught up in the worlds view - the news is a good example. A few months ago I gave up the paper. I check out what is on sale on Sundays, the home section on Saturday and the garden section on Thursday in our local paper - that is all I read. My bible takes my time in the mornings now as I eat breakfast, have my coffee, pray for my day and the day ahead for my family, my small group and for my church. I pray for any additional prayers that are pressing on my heart that day. I thank God for my mom and where she is. Priorities have taken an adjustment the last year especially. I don't care to watch MSNBC, Fox news and CNN. Its because if you want to be depressed and see everything that is wrong in the world - start there. God wants us to live in prosperity and in His light. To be the light in the dark world around us. Its hard to be the positive person in every situation and be thankful for everything in our lives - good or bad. There was a comment recently made to me because of a prayer that I send out sometimes via email - "Hey - let me know what your God does with your prayers - let me know if God shows up and does anything with them, but don't hold your breath." Sad when all some people have in their life is the hope of others. The happiness and fulfillment in life is all based on others. Sickness is only cured by doctors who have been trained by other doctors - who take money from drug companies, who see as many patients as they can, who are sometimes only out for the buck - you are leaving your health and cure - on them? Sad..... when the God of the universe is waiting on you to call His name. Sad when you tell me - where is this God when mom is sick? She never did anything to anyone - sad that the world is going to hell and you say - I am too old to do anything about it. Everything around me is falling apart BUT as long as it doesn't affect me - I am not getting involved. God has called us to be the light in a dark world. To reach out to others and be Christ like in what we do and say. Why would God show up and give you the miracle in your life if all you have done is turn away from Him during the good times? Why would God answer that prayer and heal your cancer or sickness when you say "don't hold your breath? Funny thing is, God will show up and do those things if You put your heart and soul in His hands. That's the kind of God we all have - not just me or my brother and sister at church. He is OUR God - for everyone! Continue to watch and do the things that drag you down loved ones and you will never get out of the pit that you find yourself in right now. Negativity is easy to fall into - frowns are easier on the face and requires less muscles to move than does a smile!!! Be the light in a dark world.... many are waiting on you, depending on you and searching for you. God included...... He is waiting ..... just humble yourself and drop your pride friends.... its keeping you from God. Pride in thinking that church is for women and children - pride that says I am too old to make a difference - pride that says I cant let anyone see me like that. Jesus is cool in case you havent noticed!!!
My uncle Buster is a man who has lived a life of faith. He has done so much for the Lord over his life and He is a God loving man in his heart and soul. You can pick him out of a crowd - he serves and does good things for his church, his family and those in his community. He has led probably hundreds of people to Jesus over the years, many of which he probably doesn't even know. Buster will make a difference in the world until his time comes to answer the call from heaven. He is making a difference in many lives - a significance on the world. He is not too old to do anything and God continues to bless this man in so many ways. Its an honor to know him and I am thankful for his prayers for years and years on my behalf. God answers prayers loved ones - I am testimony to that!!! Don't you want to be remembered in such an awesome way - a positive way - making significance and a legacy for those in your life and those around you?
Drop the pride today and live for God. I'll be in the balcony - cheering you on.....
The Lord delights in your prayers requesting His help.
He delights in your prayers of faith and uses them to move aside the obstacles that stand before you.
He uses your prayers to thwart the evil intentions of others against you, to destroy the works of those who seek to persecute you,and to demolish the devil's efforts to destroy you and steal from you.
God has given you a very powerful tool in prayer - it is a tool that activates the forces of heaven on your behalf and builds a wall between you and the forces of hell.
Charles Stanley~
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The Lord has called us to be a light in dark places. The world is a dark place and sin is rampant. Negativity is everywhere we look and basement people are at every turn. Its easy to get caught up in the worlds view - the news is a good example. A few months ago I gave up the paper. I check out what is on sale on Sundays, the home section on Saturday and the garden section on Thursday in our local paper - that is all I read. My bible takes my time in the mornings now as I eat breakfast, have my coffee, pray for my day and the day ahead for my family, my small group and for my church. I pray for any additional prayers that are pressing on my heart that day. I thank God for my mom and where she is. Priorities have taken an adjustment the last year especially. I don't care to watch MSNBC, Fox news and CNN. Its because if you want to be depressed and see everything that is wrong in the world - start there. God wants us to live in prosperity and in His light. To be the light in the dark world around us. Its hard to be the positive person in every situation and be thankful for everything in our lives - good or bad. There was a comment recently made to me because of a prayer that I send out sometimes via email - "Hey - let me know what your God does with your prayers - let me know if God shows up and does anything with them, but don't hold your breath." Sad when all some people have in their life is the hope of others. The happiness and fulfillment in life is all based on others. Sickness is only cured by doctors who have been trained by other doctors - who take money from drug companies, who see as many patients as they can, who are sometimes only out for the buck - you are leaving your health and cure - on them? Sad..... when the God of the universe is waiting on you to call His name. Sad when you tell me - where is this God when mom is sick? She never did anything to anyone - sad that the world is going to hell and you say - I am too old to do anything about it. Everything around me is falling apart BUT as long as it doesn't affect me - I am not getting involved. God has called us to be the light in a dark world. To reach out to others and be Christ like in what we do and say. Why would God show up and give you the miracle in your life if all you have done is turn away from Him during the good times? Why would God answer that prayer and heal your cancer or sickness when you say "don't hold your breath? Funny thing is, God will show up and do those things if You put your heart and soul in His hands. That's the kind of God we all have - not just me or my brother and sister at church. He is OUR God - for everyone! Continue to watch and do the things that drag you down loved ones and you will never get out of the pit that you find yourself in right now. Negativity is easy to fall into - frowns are easier on the face and requires less muscles to move than does a smile!!! Be the light in a dark world.... many are waiting on you, depending on you and searching for you. God included...... He is waiting ..... just humble yourself and drop your pride friends.... its keeping you from God. Pride in thinking that church is for women and children - pride that says I am too old to make a difference - pride that says I cant let anyone see me like that. Jesus is cool in case you havent noticed!!!
My uncle Buster is a man who has lived a life of faith. He has done so much for the Lord over his life and He is a God loving man in his heart and soul. You can pick him out of a crowd - he serves and does good things for his church, his family and those in his community. He has led probably hundreds of people to Jesus over the years, many of which he probably doesn't even know. Buster will make a difference in the world until his time comes to answer the call from heaven. He is making a difference in many lives - a significance on the world. He is not too old to do anything and God continues to bless this man in so many ways. Its an honor to know him and I am thankful for his prayers for years and years on my behalf. God answers prayers loved ones - I am testimony to that!!! Don't you want to be remembered in such an awesome way - a positive way - making significance and a legacy for those in your life and those around you?
Drop the pride today and live for God. I'll be in the balcony - cheering you on.....
The Lord delights in your prayers requesting His help.
He delights in your prayers of faith and uses them to move aside the obstacles that stand before you.
He uses your prayers to thwart the evil intentions of others against you, to destroy the works of those who seek to persecute you,and to demolish the devil's efforts to destroy you and steal from you.
God has given you a very powerful tool in prayer - it is a tool that activates the forces of heaven on your behalf and builds a wall between you and the forces of hell.
Charles Stanley~
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Bridges......
As I get ready to unload here and dump what is on my mind - I see that I have posted 100 articles - 100 heart felt thoughts and have shared 100 times myself with you to read and try to understand what I am feeling, not only for myself but for you and for the God who loves us. I think this is an amazing thing to be doing. I have had 1000's of hits on this blog - people from all over the world - people making comments - I encourage all of you to share your thoughts on all this - to open your mind up and try your best to understand what I am trying to share and spill out of my heart. Leaving myself open like this takes courage and faith in Jesus that I am not wasting my time but making a small difference to someone - and making a difference for Jesus in sharing His word. Thanks for all who read this blog and are faithful in your replies. Spread the Good News loved ones. Together maybe we are making a difference in the world.
Today I want to share with you Ephesians 4:
7So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 2Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
What words and instructions to live by! God has blessed and called us the peacemakers. He also has called us to reconcile the broken relationships in our lives, especially those who both parties know Jesus. Its not right to sit back and let things go by because we dont want to get involved or dont want to stick our nose in. I have been struggling with this because I have 2 parties in my life right now that I am in the middle of if I so chose to be - do I or don't I. It might be messy but if it works out and these folks get their lives back together and are where God wants their relationships to be - then it was worth it. Will it be hard to do? Will it be painful in some regards - I am sure. Scared? You bet..... I know the relationship between my brother and my dad is not what it could be. I know the relationship between my cousins is not where it should be. Can I do anything today that I have not done already? Is the problems bigger than me? You bet ya.... I dont know what to do with all this nor how to proceed. It will take effort and forgiveness for everyone to start over. What is broken and how did it get this way? I am not ever sure but I bet you also have someone in mind - a relationship in your life that 2 parties are not what they could be. We are called to make bridges for Christ. To love each of them and not lay down the laws. Laws seperates us and demeaner us. Love brings us up and raises the bar on what we should be doing.
Loved ones, don't you want to fix something that is broken? Have the courage to mend that broken bridge and restore that relationship with the loved one in your life - by Gods grace we can mend and heal. All it will take is a little faith and courage to step out from where you are today.
Lord I pray for the broken relationships in our lives and the relationships that are not what they could be. I pray for the courage for them to forgive and to forget - to move on past the hurts and misunderstandings that have taken place. Lord mend these broken bridges and bring them under Your wing and blessings.
I pray in Jesus name,
Amen
Today I want to share with you Ephesians 4:
7So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 2Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
What words and instructions to live by! God has blessed and called us the peacemakers. He also has called us to reconcile the broken relationships in our lives, especially those who both parties know Jesus. Its not right to sit back and let things go by because we dont want to get involved or dont want to stick our nose in. I have been struggling with this because I have 2 parties in my life right now that I am in the middle of if I so chose to be - do I or don't I. It might be messy but if it works out and these folks get their lives back together and are where God wants their relationships to be - then it was worth it. Will it be hard to do? Will it be painful in some regards - I am sure. Scared? You bet..... I know the relationship between my brother and my dad is not what it could be. I know the relationship between my cousins is not where it should be. Can I do anything today that I have not done already? Is the problems bigger than me? You bet ya.... I dont know what to do with all this nor how to proceed. It will take effort and forgiveness for everyone to start over. What is broken and how did it get this way? I am not ever sure but I bet you also have someone in mind - a relationship in your life that 2 parties are not what they could be. We are called to make bridges for Christ. To love each of them and not lay down the laws. Laws seperates us and demeaner us. Love brings us up and raises the bar on what we should be doing.
Loved ones, don't you want to fix something that is broken? Have the courage to mend that broken bridge and restore that relationship with the loved one in your life - by Gods grace we can mend and heal. All it will take is a little faith and courage to step out from where you are today.
Lord I pray for the broken relationships in our lives and the relationships that are not what they could be. I pray for the courage for them to forgive and to forget - to move on past the hurts and misunderstandings that have taken place. Lord mend these broken bridges and bring them under Your wing and blessings.
I pray in Jesus name,
Amen
Monday, March 26, 2007
From the Balcony....
Do you think God changes lives? Do you think God changes the lives in your family or in someone you know? I think He does when given the chance. I am proof to that. As we go about our lives we are all at the ground level but many of us live in the basement and many live in the balcony. I am not talking about above or below anyone or the standards of living -I am talking about how we see things. Do you see the negative in everything, the bad in every situation? Its not going to get any better or why won't this person get it already? Living in the basement where nothing changes and God can't reach you.....Or do you live in the balcony where you encourage and motivate - you see the good in everything and in everyone. We all have faults but don't dwell on the fact that there are issues and problems - but focus on the good in every aspect of people. These are the people I want to be around - no matter what kind of day I am having or how I am feeling they just lift us up and encourage us, they have nice things to say and offer smiles and a helping hand to everyone regardless of the situations and the struggles that today brings. I think God has blessed me as an encourager - I try my hardest to focus on raising people up and telling them they can do it! To keep up the fight and pressure to succeed where they are today. Can't should be removed from the dictionary because it defeats us before we even get started.
The news of my friend Joe has been hard on me the last few days. To come together yesterday as a church family and lay hands on him, to pray for him and his family is something to experience if you have never been invited or close enough to someone to experience it first hand. I remember back when Jimmy called me to the front after the service and prayed for me and for my mom with a church family around me - Joe included. Carol, Kyle and I were not even members I don't think then but regardless the church extended the hands of Jesus to pray for us - for mom. Its taking part in this family that many non church people don't understand and don't see much value in it because they don't have anyone this close to them in their lives - until it happens to them. Then they see the value in it and cherish the moment.
No matter what we are facing today- Jesus has given us hope. Hope to press on and to endure together as a family - as a team. The balcony has a cheering section loved ones. No matter how hard the race is, we don't give up - we run through the pain as my old track coach used to scream at me. I am yelling for you friends - keeping the pressure up and the encouragement up. Sometimes I feel as if its - all I know to do.
2 Corinthians 4:
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”[c] 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Father - help us live in the balcony of life Lord - looking to encourage others and making a difference in their lives as we show them Your love and Your word. Never let us give up hope and help us press through our struggles Lord. Rise us from the basement and change our thinking - we know You change lives Lord - help those around us so that we may all be on the same page - the same cheering section looking down on the theatre of life. Nothing Lord is over - until You say - its finished.
Amen~
The news of my friend Joe has been hard on me the last few days. To come together yesterday as a church family and lay hands on him, to pray for him and his family is something to experience if you have never been invited or close enough to someone to experience it first hand. I remember back when Jimmy called me to the front after the service and prayed for me and for my mom with a church family around me - Joe included. Carol, Kyle and I were not even members I don't think then but regardless the church extended the hands of Jesus to pray for us - for mom. Its taking part in this family that many non church people don't understand and don't see much value in it because they don't have anyone this close to them in their lives - until it happens to them. Then they see the value in it and cherish the moment.
No matter what we are facing today- Jesus has given us hope. Hope to press on and to endure together as a family - as a team. The balcony has a cheering section loved ones. No matter how hard the race is, we don't give up - we run through the pain as my old track coach used to scream at me. I am yelling for you friends - keeping the pressure up and the encouragement up. Sometimes I feel as if its - all I know to do.
2 Corinthians 4:
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9 We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 10 Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
11 Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. 12 So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.
13 But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”[c] 14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Father - help us live in the balcony of life Lord - looking to encourage others and making a difference in their lives as we show them Your love and Your word. Never let us give up hope and help us press through our struggles Lord. Rise us from the basement and change our thinking - we know You change lives Lord - help those around us so that we may all be on the same page - the same cheering section looking down on the theatre of life. Nothing Lord is over - until You say - its finished.
Amen~
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Psalm 139~
I guess with the warm weather and the Tar Heels playing we had a light night at the Bateman Rock group meeting. It was good to see some smiling faces for those who came - I wanted to share with the group Psalm 139. With today's news of our dear friend Joe - the news of 2 families breaking up in our church. Satan is laughing right now and we must focus our eyes on Jesus - He is the strength and the courage so that we may press on and through these tough times. Thanks to Pastor Jimmy for preaching his heart this morning. Happy Birthday Jimmy....
Psalm 139 -
A David Psalm
1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! 7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute— you're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. 13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.
Father - thank You for this day Lord even if we don't understand the things that are taking place in our lives. Our storms and trials are all for a reason and we need help Lord to focus on You - to raise our expectations of You to help us through them. Lord thank You for knowing us more than we know ourselves and thank You for Your love and the promises you have given us. We are never alone even when we feel alone - we are loved even when we don't feel any love. Keep us encouraged Lord - eyes focused on bigger things than this world can offer us. May Your hands touch those today who need healing and miracles in their lives.
I pray in Your sons most awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
Psalm 139 -
A David Psalm
1-6 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! 7-12 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute— you're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. 13-16 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.
Father - thank You for this day Lord even if we don't understand the things that are taking place in our lives. Our storms and trials are all for a reason and we need help Lord to focus on You - to raise our expectations of You to help us through them. Lord thank You for knowing us more than we know ourselves and thank You for Your love and the promises you have given us. We are never alone even when we feel alone - we are loved even when we don't feel any love. Keep us encouraged Lord - eyes focused on bigger things than this world can offer us. May Your hands touch those today who need healing and miracles in their lives.
I pray in Your sons most awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
Saturday, March 24, 2007
A little Guitar picking....
A little down time. Wow this is so much needed. As so many things are full throttle in life and people around us are in desperate need - sometimes we need to pause and just regroup - a little refresh so that we can give that 110% when its called for.
Today at the cabin we just played - a little in the creek and in the sand - listened to the wildlife and enjoyed the sun and warmth. A little Kenny Chensey doesn't hurt anytime when the soul needs a little music - as well as some Third day!!!
Kenny Chensey:
"This year was the first time I sat by myself on a chair with a guitar and played a song I wrote by myself… It's funny how I can get up there with the band and all that energy, but I was scared to be that person I started out as: the guy playing for tips in college, with nothing but a dream and acoustic guitar.
"To be that naked, it's pretty scary, because there's nothing to hide behind. But at the same time, its showing people who you really are - and when you're brave enough to do that, I think you're really putting it out there, just like when you first started, which is pretty cool."
Many times we put ourselves out there for God to see and others in our lives. I can't help but to think about many in my life as I am sharing my Jabez prayers, my blog and many things I have written and shared, our small group and church friends.... I never opened up myself as much as I have now and sometimes its scary to be honest. When you leave yourself open like this it leaves yourself open for shots from others, criticism and lack of understanding from people who used to understand you. Its what happens when Christ takes over and your life begins a new beat to a different drum. The thing that Kenny has that many artists don't is he is real and when he went on stage one year with his Vacation bible school shirt on from his hometown church, I knew we had something real and something lasting. Carol, Kyle and I have seen him 3 times and have heard every one of his songs - nothing compares .... August in Charlotte.... we will be there again. I was even baptized in his concert shirt - nothing could be finer........
Kyle keep picking that guitar.... nothing is easy that is worth anything.....
Cabin life in the mountains - time to go talk with mom and look to the heavens for a few....
Randy~
Today at the cabin we just played - a little in the creek and in the sand - listened to the wildlife and enjoyed the sun and warmth. A little Kenny Chensey doesn't hurt anytime when the soul needs a little music - as well as some Third day!!!
Kenny Chensey:
"This year was the first time I sat by myself on a chair with a guitar and played a song I wrote by myself… It's funny how I can get up there with the band and all that energy, but I was scared to be that person I started out as: the guy playing for tips in college, with nothing but a dream and acoustic guitar.
"To be that naked, it's pretty scary, because there's nothing to hide behind. But at the same time, its showing people who you really are - and when you're brave enough to do that, I think you're really putting it out there, just like when you first started, which is pretty cool."
Many times we put ourselves out there for God to see and others in our lives. I can't help but to think about many in my life as I am sharing my Jabez prayers, my blog and many things I have written and shared, our small group and church friends.... I never opened up myself as much as I have now and sometimes its scary to be honest. When you leave yourself open like this it leaves yourself open for shots from others, criticism and lack of understanding from people who used to understand you. Its what happens when Christ takes over and your life begins a new beat to a different drum. The thing that Kenny has that many artists don't is he is real and when he went on stage one year with his Vacation bible school shirt on from his hometown church, I knew we had something real and something lasting. Carol, Kyle and I have seen him 3 times and have heard every one of his songs - nothing compares .... August in Charlotte.... we will be there again. I was even baptized in his concert shirt - nothing could be finer........
Kyle keep picking that guitar.... nothing is easy that is worth anything.....
Cabin life in the mountains - time to go talk with mom and look to the heavens for a few....
Randy~
HOW to WOW
Galations 2:20
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Is there anything more incredible than that? The God of the universe has chosen you and have given you a piece of the kingdom to have and share for all eternity. The same God who comes into your heart when you put your trust in Him and let lead your life. The same God who can transform your life from selfishness to giving to others. Too many times we put a lid on God - we don't expect Him to do anything supernatural for us. Miracles happen everyday and many times God intervenes in our life when we don't even know it.
Many of us are still stuck in the HOW mode of God. As we begin our walk with Christ, we learn so many things about God and His ways. We can't help but to think HOW because we as humans are inquisitive and we want to know HOW. Leaping from HOW to WOW is when we become followers of Christ and not just sitting on the sidelines. WOW in Christ is when God is moving us and showing us many things that many times we can't explain. Its when we have full faith and trust in Jesus that He shows up and WOW's us with the supernatural.
My friend Shelley - lost her job last week. With a shock of this happening and the sting that it leaves - God instantly removed that by the end of the week. How turned to WOW when a contact was brought out of the dark and a job lead was plopped in her lap. The dream job - the job that offers hope right now for my dear friend and her family. It is the Divine Appointment that God has put together for His faithful and trusting servant. When Shelley called me Friday - there is WOW in her voice!!! This is what I am talking about here.... when things happen that God has had His hands in and we just can't believe our eyes.
Its time for many of us to move from the How - to the WOW. Experience God loved ones, and let Him WOW you. It's time to get off the fence - time to get off the indecision in life - are you a Christian or not?
Colossions 3:1
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Take the lid off of God - expect Him to deliver - Expect Him to show up when you need Him. Focus on Him for the everyday routine but also during those times of struggle and hurt. Focus loved ones - and set your eyes upon Jesus. WOW is only a step in faith away.
Love you all,
Randy~
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Is there anything more incredible than that? The God of the universe has chosen you and have given you a piece of the kingdom to have and share for all eternity. The same God who comes into your heart when you put your trust in Him and let lead your life. The same God who can transform your life from selfishness to giving to others. Too many times we put a lid on God - we don't expect Him to do anything supernatural for us. Miracles happen everyday and many times God intervenes in our life when we don't even know it.
Many of us are still stuck in the HOW mode of God. As we begin our walk with Christ, we learn so many things about God and His ways. We can't help but to think HOW because we as humans are inquisitive and we want to know HOW. Leaping from HOW to WOW is when we become followers of Christ and not just sitting on the sidelines. WOW in Christ is when God is moving us and showing us many things that many times we can't explain. Its when we have full faith and trust in Jesus that He shows up and WOW's us with the supernatural.
My friend Shelley - lost her job last week. With a shock of this happening and the sting that it leaves - God instantly removed that by the end of the week. How turned to WOW when a contact was brought out of the dark and a job lead was plopped in her lap. The dream job - the job that offers hope right now for my dear friend and her family. It is the Divine Appointment that God has put together for His faithful and trusting servant. When Shelley called me Friday - there is WOW in her voice!!! This is what I am talking about here.... when things happen that God has had His hands in and we just can't believe our eyes.
Its time for many of us to move from the How - to the WOW. Experience God loved ones, and let Him WOW you. It's time to get off the fence - time to get off the indecision in life - are you a Christian or not?
Colossions 3:1
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Take the lid off of God - expect Him to deliver - Expect Him to show up when you need Him. Focus on Him for the everyday routine but also during those times of struggle and hurt. Focus loved ones - and set your eyes upon Jesus. WOW is only a step in faith away.
Love you all,
Randy~
Friday, March 23, 2007
Behind the scenes.....
You know when you watch a movie - there is so much that goes on behind the scenes its amazing. Setup of the movie shot - building stages and lights - setting the scenes - taking care of all the hired hands with transportation, meals and lodging. Months on end to shoot a movie or scene on location. Its amazing that all this gets pulled together and all the hard work from so many people just to get it on the screen. Many times these folks are away from home and their families for months on end - different countries and sometimes in hard conditions. Everything is not at the beach where its warm and sunny!
During our trials in life - we struggle and make the best of what WE can do with what WE have. God has a better plan during this time and if you are not in God word and focused on Him - sometimes these times of struggles are longer than they need to be. Sometimes we sink further than we need to go. Sometimes we take others with us when our decisions affect others - like our children and our families. Today I got news from our Pastor and he has had a tough week. Satan has pulled the strings and has attacked in all kinds of areas. In the lives of our church members, the focus of our church and our church building plans, he is attacking the core and is at center stage. We got news about our dear friend that his cancer is back and the doctors are coming up with a game plan yet again. Satan is real and Satan is out to destroy - but God delivers during these times if we stay focused on Him and out our faith and trust in Him. There is good behind the scenes and even when we don't see and feel God working - He is. We may not see and feel the results until much later after our trials but the results can sometimes only be because of God. As one door closes another door opens and that door most of the time is a better door than the one that just closed. Faith - loved ones - Trust - loved ones - God is testing us and growing us during these times.
Galations 3:
2-4Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God's Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!
5-6Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God.
Friends turn over the faith and trust you have in yourself - Let God take the wheel and lead you. Sometimes that requires a change of our plans - so God can do His plans. I know many around me who are struggling with things in life - think they have another chance - I got time to accept Jesus but I can't right now - I have all this to work out and I have done too much in my past. God accepts you as you are friends - come to Jesus as you are. Behind the scenes waiting on you...... waiting to make that final cut and throw away all the bad tape - the unused parts so that we all may sit front row to the blockbuster about to open. Just like in the movies.... only the best parts are left to show everyone. Everything else has been washed clean and thrown away.
Get some popcorn - its show time. Season Premier........... The movie is YOU.
Thank God for the behind the scenes work in your life....
Randy~
During our trials in life - we struggle and make the best of what WE can do with what WE have. God has a better plan during this time and if you are not in God word and focused on Him - sometimes these times of struggles are longer than they need to be. Sometimes we sink further than we need to go. Sometimes we take others with us when our decisions affect others - like our children and our families. Today I got news from our Pastor and he has had a tough week. Satan has pulled the strings and has attacked in all kinds of areas. In the lives of our church members, the focus of our church and our church building plans, he is attacking the core and is at center stage. We got news about our dear friend that his cancer is back and the doctors are coming up with a game plan yet again. Satan is real and Satan is out to destroy - but God delivers during these times if we stay focused on Him and out our faith and trust in Him. There is good behind the scenes and even when we don't see and feel God working - He is. We may not see and feel the results until much later after our trials but the results can sometimes only be because of God. As one door closes another door opens and that door most of the time is a better door than the one that just closed. Faith - loved ones - Trust - loved ones - God is testing us and growing us during these times.
Galations 3:
2-4Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God's Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!
5-6Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God.
Friends turn over the faith and trust you have in yourself - Let God take the wheel and lead you. Sometimes that requires a change of our plans - so God can do His plans. I know many around me who are struggling with things in life - think they have another chance - I got time to accept Jesus but I can't right now - I have all this to work out and I have done too much in my past. God accepts you as you are friends - come to Jesus as you are. Behind the scenes waiting on you...... waiting to make that final cut and throw away all the bad tape - the unused parts so that we all may sit front row to the blockbuster about to open. Just like in the movies.... only the best parts are left to show everyone. Everything else has been washed clean and thrown away.
Get some popcorn - its show time. Season Premier........... The movie is YOU.
Thank God for the behind the scenes work in your life....
Randy~
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Faith when in the darkness.... take heart!
"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led," writes the great saint Oswald Chambers. "But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing him who calls us to go."
My dear friend Shelley, my heart hurts for you with all that is on the plate right now. I wish I could see the future but all I can see is our Lord and Savior - His face -His open hands - His arms wanting to pull you and your family close at this hard time. He will provide everything if we just trust in Him. I too believe in God and all He stands for and all He has done - but there are still times unbelief in my life. Its easy to have strong faith and love for God in good times. Its the hard times that really puts us to the test and we have to endure a hardship in life or a giant struggle. As I look back with my mom I know this was my time to come to Jesus and fully understand Him and what He means to me. I think everyone has a season of opportunity that is open to us to accept Jesus and His free life changing salvation. I think we have that opportunity each and every day but there are those seasons in our lives that we are RIPE for the harvest. If we are already there and in tune with God and His plan for our lives - our trust builds and our understanding deepens. We will be able to share the Good News with others in more effective ways. Shelley my dear - I pray that God leads you to the next place in life. I know it will include Jesus in this new place and direction and I pray its a chance right now - a season that the fruit is ripe - for your family to come to Jesus. Abraham loved God - Paul loved God - I know You love God.
Father - I believe, God - help me overcome my unbelief. I believe, God - help me to live like I believe. I believe, God - help me to make decisions like I believe. I believe, Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you. Help us Lord believe when its hard to believe and help us Lord put our trust and full faith in You Lord during the days and decisions ahead. Lord Shelley's family needs her right now, her family needs Steve right now and Lord her family needs You right now. Shine for them - the season of the harvest is ripe - pick them Lord and remove the doubts in their hearts to "if" YOU would do this now - to "Of Course" YOU will do this now. I pray in Jesus name who is above all other names,
Amen~
My dear friend Shelley, my heart hurts for you with all that is on the plate right now. I wish I could see the future but all I can see is our Lord and Savior - His face -His open hands - His arms wanting to pull you and your family close at this hard time. He will provide everything if we just trust in Him. I too believe in God and all He stands for and all He has done - but there are still times unbelief in my life. Its easy to have strong faith and love for God in good times. Its the hard times that really puts us to the test and we have to endure a hardship in life or a giant struggle. As I look back with my mom I know this was my time to come to Jesus and fully understand Him and what He means to me. I think everyone has a season of opportunity that is open to us to accept Jesus and His free life changing salvation. I think we have that opportunity each and every day but there are those seasons in our lives that we are RIPE for the harvest. If we are already there and in tune with God and His plan for our lives - our trust builds and our understanding deepens. We will be able to share the Good News with others in more effective ways. Shelley my dear - I pray that God leads you to the next place in life. I know it will include Jesus in this new place and direction and I pray its a chance right now - a season that the fruit is ripe - for your family to come to Jesus. Abraham loved God - Paul loved God - I know You love God.
Father - I believe, God - help me overcome my unbelief. I believe, God - help me to live like I believe. I believe, God - help me to make decisions like I believe. I believe, Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you. Help us Lord believe when its hard to believe and help us Lord put our trust and full faith in You Lord during the days and decisions ahead. Lord Shelley's family needs her right now, her family needs Steve right now and Lord her family needs You right now. Shine for them - the season of the harvest is ripe - pick them Lord and remove the doubts in their hearts to "if" YOU would do this now - to "Of Course" YOU will do this now. I pray in Jesus name who is above all other names,
Amen~
The Word we never want to hear -
Terminal
The definition of terminal - situated at or forming the end or extremity of something. Occurring at or forming the end of a series, succession, or the like; closing; concluding. Pertaining to or lasting for a term or definite period; occurring at fixed terms or in every term.
When the bible was written and recorded, during those times if you had leprosy then you were unclean. A terminal illness - a disease with no cure or hope of any kind. When someone was close to you or approached you one must yell "Unclean" so others knew to stay away from you. If you entered a house with leprosy, many times it was burned down afterwards or cleaned in such a way that those living in it had to live elsewhere for many days. Today sin is our terminal disease - our leprosy. Friends there is no cure for sin - its a terminal disease that leads to the same place - death. During the time Jesus was on earth, He cleaned leprosy from people and made them clean. He cleaned their sins but because leprosy was something everyone could see and knew was a death sentence - Jesus healed them. Just like He does today - He cleans us and washes us clean - white as fresh snow. Friends we are all terminal, from the moment we are placed on this earth our time is coming. Do you think you can just sit back and wait, work the deal out with God that it will be all OK - I have always done it before - I have time and it will all work out?
My father n law has cancer. He is terminal- everyday he works hard with blood tests, shots, treatments and medicine - he goes to doctors all over specializing in his cancer. As of now there is no cure but if there was - don't you think he would take it? Sin is terminal and should be treated the same as this cancer. It is killing us but many times we don't even know it. We are not aware of the sin in our lives or we don't want to face the harsh reality of it and examine ourselves in the mirror. How our lives and loved ones around us would be so much different - we cannot change others but we can change ourselves. Jesus is our miracle treatment - or wonder pill.
So what is keeping you? A cure is closer than you think....... my moms cancer was terminal but her soul was not. She lives because she had the miracle treatment - JESUS
Acts 4:
8-12With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
"HIS NAME IS JESUS"
Pride keeps us from God - humble yourself and remove the pride in your life. My mom did it - you can do it. The mirror is waiting.........for a new reflection - a new "you" to shine back on.
The definition of terminal - situated at or forming the end or extremity of something. Occurring at or forming the end of a series, succession, or the like; closing; concluding. Pertaining to or lasting for a term or definite period; occurring at fixed terms or in every term.
When the bible was written and recorded, during those times if you had leprosy then you were unclean. A terminal illness - a disease with no cure or hope of any kind. When someone was close to you or approached you one must yell "Unclean" so others knew to stay away from you. If you entered a house with leprosy, many times it was burned down afterwards or cleaned in such a way that those living in it had to live elsewhere for many days. Today sin is our terminal disease - our leprosy. Friends there is no cure for sin - its a terminal disease that leads to the same place - death. During the time Jesus was on earth, He cleaned leprosy from people and made them clean. He cleaned their sins but because leprosy was something everyone could see and knew was a death sentence - Jesus healed them. Just like He does today - He cleans us and washes us clean - white as fresh snow. Friends we are all terminal, from the moment we are placed on this earth our time is coming. Do you think you can just sit back and wait, work the deal out with God that it will be all OK - I have always done it before - I have time and it will all work out?
My father n law has cancer. He is terminal- everyday he works hard with blood tests, shots, treatments and medicine - he goes to doctors all over specializing in his cancer. As of now there is no cure but if there was - don't you think he would take it? Sin is terminal and should be treated the same as this cancer. It is killing us but many times we don't even know it. We are not aware of the sin in our lives or we don't want to face the harsh reality of it and examine ourselves in the mirror. How our lives and loved ones around us would be so much different - we cannot change others but we can change ourselves. Jesus is our miracle treatment - or wonder pill.
So what is keeping you? A cure is closer than you think....... my moms cancer was terminal but her soul was not. She lives because she had the miracle treatment - JESUS
Acts 4:
8-12With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
"HIS NAME IS JESUS"
Pride keeps us from God - humble yourself and remove the pride in your life. My mom did it - you can do it. The mirror is waiting.........for a new reflection - a new "you" to shine back on.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Character - what does it mean to you?
It was a tough day today without my friend Shelley at work. I just hope the worst is over now and that department at our work can refocus and rebuild now. Had an OK day today even though I walked around all day with a sour taste in my mouth with how people treat each other. Sometimes flexing our muscles to put down another person is just plain wrong no matter the issues at hand. I wonder why in most cases when people just don't like each other or have words that they cant work them out or at least make an attempt at it. Most Hollywood marriages are like this when they have an issue and just break it off - done - stick a fork in it because they are moved onto the next thing or they react to what people might think or do. God is our only judgement - and people need prayers more than anything else in life. Even if they are wrong on every aspect of something - forgiveness can be obtained and wounds heal. My friend Shelley will bounce back bigger and better after all this because she loves God and trusts in Him - He will move her to greener pastures and this will be a learning experience long forgotten. Could all of this have been avoided.... maybe not but doing people with dignity and honesty makes for a good character - and that is what God is looking for most.
I am reminded today as I am still flying high from Sunday's church service and all that is going on and will be going on -
Gods work done Gods way will not lack Gods support.
Got to love it that God has our backs..... pray for focus in your life today and doing something in your life today that would make God smile.
I am reminded today as I am still flying high from Sunday's church service and all that is going on and will be going on -
Gods work done Gods way will not lack Gods support.
Got to love it that God has our backs..... pray for focus in your life today and doing something in your life today that would make God smile.
Monday, March 19, 2007
My dear friend Shelley .....
Shelley - I know you read this from time to time and do hope and pray you get this in the coming days. I value your friendship and will miss you at work. Today is a case where the bad people won the battle but the war continues on. Take the high road and honor yourself and God with who you are - You are His above all things! God removed the people in your life today that have been dragging you down for months - surround yourself with God loving people and those who will raise you up and pray for you and your family. I pray we stay in touch and can continue or friendship that God placed together for a reason but if it is only for a season - I understand. God has the plan even when we don't understand. We may know one day when its time why this has happened. We have been through some things together and have grown closer to God together and understand so much more today than we did a year ago. You became my sister in Christ when my mom died over a year ago and I learned to lean on those around me - may I get the chance to honor you if you should need me or ask me. My family and I are here to help in anyway we can .....
Forever your brother in Christ,
Lonnie
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
The Injustices of Life 16 I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”
18 I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. 19 For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe[a] and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.
Forever your brother in Christ,
Lonnie
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
The Injustices of Life 16 I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”
18 I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. 19 For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe[a] and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.
Reflections.......
Just how I am feeling today. There is something happening at work today that I can't seem to look at but I know that it is not good. As the last 4-5 days had me flat on my back - I am going to focus myself and hopefully those around me who really know me on what Job did - give God all the praise and Glory for everything in life no matter what is happening around me which we have no control over - the sin deal is done and sometimes we get hurt in the middle of it.
Continue to pray loved ones and give thanks to Jesus for all He has done and all He will continue to bring us all through. Feeling better today and I have a promise of tomorrow that will include Jesus in my heart. Thats all that really matters most.
Lord no matter what is really going on today I pray we see Your reflection in the calm pool of Your living water when we look down to see what we are today. I pray for those around me today Lord who need You more than ever and a friend who will understand. Help us be that person for that someone as we do this life together all under Your loving care. Help us focus on Your promise of tomorrow as You surely will be there along side of us then and forever more. Help us remove the disease Lord of those around us who are dragging us down and move us to greener pastures so that we may see and hear You more clearly than ever before. What is happening now is for a reason in our lives and with our eyes focused on You - the best is yet to be revealed.
Amen~
Psalm 23
A David Psalm 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Continue to pray loved ones and give thanks to Jesus for all He has done and all He will continue to bring us all through. Feeling better today and I have a promise of tomorrow that will include Jesus in my heart. Thats all that really matters most.
Lord no matter what is really going on today I pray we see Your reflection in the calm pool of Your living water when we look down to see what we are today. I pray for those around me today Lord who need You more than ever and a friend who will understand. Help us be that person for that someone as we do this life together all under Your loving care. Help us focus on Your promise of tomorrow as You surely will be there along side of us then and forever more. Help us remove the disease Lord of those around us who are dragging us down and move us to greener pastures so that we may see and hear You more clearly than ever before. What is happening now is for a reason in our lives and with our eyes focused on You - the best is yet to be revealed.
Amen~
Psalm 23
A David Psalm 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Just a day of worship...... NOT
WOW - is all I have to say. Yesterday Carol and I barely made of off the couch. The last 3 days have been nothing but a blur! Still feeling the affects of the stomach crud - feeling pretty low and food was no where to be seen since last Wednesday night. I got the call yesterday to help with the Baptism tub and another call to help with setup/breakdown. How could I say no? I prayed God would help us through this time of service. Not one thing went right this morning but it all came together 5 minutes before the service started. God was in control - He was testing us to make sure we had faith in His timing and His delivery. We couldn't find the key to the trailer, the hose was missing, we had to change vehicles, the janitor at the school couldn't find the key to turn the water on. We found the hose - outside in the frozen tundra all night - when we did find the key to turn the HOT water on we had to unfreeze the hose and blow out the ice burg that was in it and the HOT water was Luke warm at best. Only 1 person showed for setup this morning and Jeff and I were running around with our hair on fire - but you know what? We got it done - and we had 5 minutes to spare. I did not even want to move this morning - I through my bagel out the window on the way in this morning at 7am because I still cant hardly eat anything. Coffee is a thing of the past and I can't move around for more than 15 minutes without tiring. I know how the Survivor people now are after days of no food and still have to work and compete every day for the show. Whew... but all along - God brought the smiles and the hundreds of people that showed today with family and friends to be Baptized - we not let down. God provided that way, the strength and the courage to say YES when I really wanted to say NO to doing all this today. I am the type of person who likes things organized and run smoothly but I am learning that this is not Gods way all the time. He puts us into something and checks us out sitting back and watching to see how we do. We learn something about ourselves along the way when we know God has our back and provides what we need to endure - serving on blind faith!Nothing makes me more proud to serve those Baptized today entering Gods kingdom and showing publicly their faith to all their friends and family. Nothing is more important - that is why I said YES - I am in - I get it. Thanks to the folks who kicked some butt today serving and for Pastor Jimmy Britt for an awesome message and for Brandon and the band for playing some awesome music and the 300 or so people there today packing and raising the roof!
As I was sitting watching those being Baptized today - a few of the children I have become friends with and it honors me to be helping in Sunday School - teaching them the love of Jesus. Its a deciding factor for them if we can show these children the love that Jesus has for them when they are young - so they will carry that throughout their lives and help them in times of struggles. Me of all people taking part in something this big and important. I never saw myself as a kid person - I have always felt I couldn't relate and how was I to act around them. I have my own son to be silly around how can I do that with someone else child? I do.... and love it! I am proud of everyone today .... it was such a blessing to take part of something so important.
This reminds me of Job from the Bible - how he had everything and God was so proud of him. He was faithful and honorable to God in every way. The devil asked God why he chose favorites over Job and in a way took a bet with God - that he could over take him and turn Job against God. God told the devil to do whatever he wanted but he could not physically hurt him. God had confidence in Job- just like He has confidence in you. The devil took his riches, his homes, his servants, his live stock and all his family possesions - and finally his family.
Job 1:20-22
20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped:
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
I pray today for the person who is struggling with the things in this life that they feel God is to blame. I pray that you will one day realize that "you didn't get screwed" - all you need in life is Jesus and when you finally "Get it" - you will be amazed at the doors that God opens your heart to - the possibilities in life and the friendships that Jesus will bestow upon you. There is more - so much more than what we see. I pray for those who have hangups and struggles that keep you held down and in bondage, bondage from yourself, from others, relationships and moving on with your life. Gods abundance and His horizon forever expands if we ask Him and accept His free gift. Gods love endures forever and ever - Amen
As I was sitting watching those being Baptized today - a few of the children I have become friends with and it honors me to be helping in Sunday School - teaching them the love of Jesus. Its a deciding factor for them if we can show these children the love that Jesus has for them when they are young - so they will carry that throughout their lives and help them in times of struggles. Me of all people taking part in something this big and important. I never saw myself as a kid person - I have always felt I couldn't relate and how was I to act around them. I have my own son to be silly around how can I do that with someone else child? I do.... and love it! I am proud of everyone today .... it was such a blessing to take part of something so important.
This reminds me of Job from the Bible - how he had everything and God was so proud of him. He was faithful and honorable to God in every way. The devil asked God why he chose favorites over Job and in a way took a bet with God - that he could over take him and turn Job against God. God told the devil to do whatever he wanted but he could not physically hurt him. God had confidence in Job- just like He has confidence in you. The devil took his riches, his homes, his servants, his live stock and all his family possesions - and finally his family.
Job 1:20-22
20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped:
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
I pray today for the person who is struggling with the things in this life that they feel God is to blame. I pray that you will one day realize that "you didn't get screwed" - all you need in life is Jesus and when you finally "Get it" - you will be amazed at the doors that God opens your heart to - the possibilities in life and the friendships that Jesus will bestow upon you. There is more - so much more than what we see. I pray for those who have hangups and struggles that keep you held down and in bondage, bondage from yourself, from others, relationships and moving on with your life. Gods abundance and His horizon forever expands if we ask Him and accept His free gift. Gods love endures forever and ever - Amen
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Psalm 133 -
Well baseball practice was cold - even the coach from NJ was freezing - so he cut the practice 1/2 short and this was our first practice. As I was sitting and freezing - Psalm 133 comes to mind. The last few days of being under the weather has me thinking who knows we are sick down here 1,000 miles from now where? Sounds like a country song but really who knows? The people that are connected know- thats who. The others are just going through life the way they see fit with whatever they can get from it. You know this salvation thing should be at the top of the list for everyone. We worry about all kinds of other stupid stuff like shopping, politics, buying beer on Sundays in SC,democrat vs. republican, the war in Iraq, my next promotion, my job stinks, why wont anyone help me? - so many other things. For some - their salvation is something they will think of right near the end - if your lucky enough to have that chance. Its nice knowing the handful of people in our lives we are on the same page with things. We are very different but we understand each other. Can you say that about yourself and those around you? I bet sometimes you think nobody understands you - and I too sometimes feel that way but its that time I know God is trying to show me and teach me something. God understands..... He understands everything we go through - every emotion and thought.
I hope those who know Jesus really know Him and not leaning on Him just in emergencies. I bet many times we just call on Jesus when we have things falling down around us and we have no other place to turn. We all should enjoy the peace and comfort that only Jesus can give us during everything we go through - good and bad.
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.
Heavenly Father - I give you my worries and my problems - thank You for taking care of my family this week. I pray for those who don't know You and only might call Your name in emergencies. Your grace is avaliable to all of us all the time. Thank You for this wonderful gift You have settled in our hearts.
Amen
I hope those who know Jesus really know Him and not leaning on Him just in emergencies. I bet many times we just call on Jesus when we have things falling down around us and we have no other place to turn. We all should enjoy the peace and comfort that only Jesus can give us during everything we go through - good and bad.
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.
Heavenly Father - I give you my worries and my problems - thank You for taking care of my family this week. I pray for those who don't know You and only might call Your name in emergencies. Your grace is avaliable to all of us all the time. Thank You for this wonderful gift You have settled in our hearts.
Amen
BB Bracket.....
Well for the first time in my life I can say I have seen enough basketball. Funny thing is, I don't really like basketball all that much except when UNC Charlotte is playing. On TV - boring for the most part - there is nothing like seeing a game in person with 10,000 of your closest friends all screaming and all cheering for the home team. I am glad I did not pick a bracket this year - Duke is out in the first round. I feel bad for Brandon who works for us at work - he had Duke going almost all the way. His bracket is busted! Anyways - I enjoyed watching that game even though they lost as well as the Winthrop game. Hats off to you guys down in Rock Hill. First ever win in the big dance.
So just in case you have not heard - Carol has the crud now. She is up and moving around a little this morning but it takes some time to get your feet behind ya after 24 or so hours of bathroom worship. Nothing more humbling that your face in the bowl and swapping back in forth. I gave up and just sat with the garbage can in my face. Ok details...... enough of the bleeping details. I think its the coffe doing it..... 3 days without coffee and I am wired on 2 sips now and I cant even blame Carol for making her mud - I made it.
All will work out.........I forgot to cover my lettuce plants last night - 29 here this morning. Bummer...
Randy~
So just in case you have not heard - Carol has the crud now. She is up and moving around a little this morning but it takes some time to get your feet behind ya after 24 or so hours of bathroom worship. Nothing more humbling that your face in the bowl and swapping back in forth. I gave up and just sat with the garbage can in my face. Ok details...... enough of the bleeping details. I think its the coffe doing it..... 3 days without coffee and I am wired on 2 sips now and I cant even blame Carol for making her mud - I made it.
All will work out.........I forgot to cover my lettuce plants last night - 29 here this morning. Bummer...
Randy~
Friday, March 16, 2007
the day after.......
Hey thanks for all the phone calls and emails yesterday and today wondering how I am doing. I appreciate it all very much. The stomach thing is no fun so try and avoid it at all costs. I couldn't help but to think about mom yesterday since I was flat on my back for over 24 hours- how my back hurt and my hips hurt. Humans are not made to lay flat for too long! Once all the other junk passed along it was my back and hips hurting the most and not being able to do anything about it. I remember mom laying there so long she had blisters on her skin - how that must have felt - I really don't even want to know. But I am on the mends now - Carol thanks for taking care of me - and I pray you don't get this crap.
Pastor Jimmy went down to NewSpring Church in Anderson SC yesterday - I thought about going to this church leadership meeting just to volunteer - I wanted to see what our church is going to grow to in the next year. Sounds like from people posting their findings, it was a great conference. I cant wait to read what Jimmy and his staff learned. I think its awesome to go to a leadership conference and everyone comes back fired up and ready to do something big or add something wild to their church services, advertisements, whatever it may be!
I posted the other day that I wanted to take a pause - get away for a bit - not that I have had much time to think or even felt like it - my mind is starting to get going again and reading all the posts from big time church leaders and common folk like myself from NewSpring - I am again thinking BIG - and I know God will move me to the next place in Bigness. That's a word right?
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
I think about the lettuce seeds I planted last week - how the package says to plants them so far apart and so deep - I just scatter them and pat them under - hoping they all take - just like when I am with others and God is using me .... I hope God takes with everyone. I can't wait till Sunday. We are doing a baptism and Jimmy will be doing his 2nd part of SexEd - and last week my Rock Group didn't meet - so this is going to be an exciting day. Pray for my lettuce - the squirrel is digging there - must be a devil squirrel........ got to go.
Love you all,
Randy~
Pastor Jimmy went down to NewSpring Church in Anderson SC yesterday - I thought about going to this church leadership meeting just to volunteer - I wanted to see what our church is going to grow to in the next year. Sounds like from people posting their findings, it was a great conference. I cant wait to read what Jimmy and his staff learned. I think its awesome to go to a leadership conference and everyone comes back fired up and ready to do something big or add something wild to their church services, advertisements, whatever it may be!
I posted the other day that I wanted to take a pause - get away for a bit - not that I have had much time to think or even felt like it - my mind is starting to get going again and reading all the posts from big time church leaders and common folk like myself from NewSpring - I am again thinking BIG - and I know God will move me to the next place in Bigness. That's a word right?
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
I think about the lettuce seeds I planted last week - how the package says to plants them so far apart and so deep - I just scatter them and pat them under - hoping they all take - just like when I am with others and God is using me .... I hope God takes with everyone. I can't wait till Sunday. We are doing a baptism and Jimmy will be doing his 2nd part of SexEd - and last week my Rock Group didn't meet - so this is going to be an exciting day. Pray for my lettuce - the squirrel is digging there - must be a devil squirrel........ got to go.
Love you all,
Randy~
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Prayer request....
Wow how life can turn on a dime. Friends and loved ones - please pray for my dear friend Lynn's and her mom as well as Lynn's family. I learned today that Lynn's mom has breast cancer and decisions will be made this Friday as far as course of action and treatment options. Please keep them in your prayers and pray to God for healing hands, a comfort that only Jesus can provide and to keep this family pulled closer together. May they experience Gods blessing and grace first hand as they walk together during these tough days ahead.
We all may have a differences - we may be from different parts of the world with different customs and beliefs - but we all know the same things when it comes down to a loved one like a mom who is sick and needs those around them. I will keep you all posted...
Lonnie~
Father - I pray for Lynn's mom - for Lynn and her family. Pull them close Lord so that they may experience Your comfort and Your healing hands for this cancer that is in her moms body. Lord I pray for good reports and a team of doctors and nurses who are the best that the hospital can offer her. Lord I pray You supernaturally come and touch her heart today so that she will have the peace and comfort that her mom needs right now. May she be a light for You for her family and friends to see. I pray for those who don't know You during this time that are close to this family - may they see something here Lord that draws them in to Your loving arms. Thank You for loving this awesome and long time family - loved ones that are close to my heart.
I pray In the power of Your sons Holy and most high name in Jesus,
Amen~
We all may have a differences - we may be from different parts of the world with different customs and beliefs - but we all know the same things when it comes down to a loved one like a mom who is sick and needs those around them. I will keep you all posted...
Lonnie~
Father - I pray for Lynn's mom - for Lynn and her family. Pull them close Lord so that they may experience Your comfort and Your healing hands for this cancer that is in her moms body. Lord I pray for good reports and a team of doctors and nurses who are the best that the hospital can offer her. Lord I pray You supernaturally come and touch her heart today so that she will have the peace and comfort that her mom needs right now. May she be a light for You for her family and friends to see. I pray for those who don't know You during this time that are close to this family - may they see something here Lord that draws them in to Your loving arms. Thank You for loving this awesome and long time family - loved ones that are close to my heart.
I pray In the power of Your sons Holy and most high name in Jesus,
Amen~
God's Best~
I think for the first time in my life - especially the last year and half - that I am looking at the world from inside out - looking at the world with a new perspective and a love for people. I can't do everything for those around me - I need to loosen the grip and care that I have held so close to me for the last year and half. Before becoming a Christian, it was all about me - getting what I needed and wanted - for my wife and son - everyone else was fair game. In a way, I rolled over you or tried to anyways but now, I want to walk along side you and be the encouragement to bring you through those difficult times and share with you during the happy times. I want to lead my hand to Gods hand for you and hand you off in a way so you can experience Jesus first hand! ... the last year closing my eyes and seeing my mom's face cheering us on has been awesome but I know the race is not done, God is not done with any of us! I just have a practical peace about me now that focuses on Jesus - even if I don't know everything or have all the answers to anything it feels like - I just want to walk along side people and let the share in the love that Jesus has for them.
Yes I get aggravated - upset and sometimes go off the deep end - I am only human but my eyes are focused on God and I am pressing through this hard time it seems I am in. Letting go of that rope is harder than I thought it would be. I have to do it and its with Gods grace I will be able to. Its time for more hands to lead to Gods hands..... hopefully I can accomplish something that God seems to be drawing me to.
I have done some extra work the last few weeks with fixing some computers and such and people have shared their thank you's with me via a card or a smile/conversation and in terms of payment - that is all I need. Money is not my object anymore - just a chance to share Jesus with them. I have signed a few cards for folks thanking them for the opportunity to help them or with a payment invoice that has $0 on it and an invitation to visit us at our church - signed at the bottom with "Gods Best" - and then my name..... I have gotten a responce everytime I have done that. Its not my best - or your best- or their best or anyones best - but Gods Best - puts it on a entirely new playing field doesn't it?
God's Best,
Randy~
Yes I get aggravated - upset and sometimes go off the deep end - I am only human but my eyes are focused on God and I am pressing through this hard time it seems I am in. Letting go of that rope is harder than I thought it would be. I have to do it and its with Gods grace I will be able to. Its time for more hands to lead to Gods hands..... hopefully I can accomplish something that God seems to be drawing me to.
I have done some extra work the last few weeks with fixing some computers and such and people have shared their thank you's with me via a card or a smile/conversation and in terms of payment - that is all I need. Money is not my object anymore - just a chance to share Jesus with them. I have signed a few cards for folks thanking them for the opportunity to help them or with a payment invoice that has $0 on it and an invitation to visit us at our church - signed at the bottom with "Gods Best" - and then my name..... I have gotten a responce everytime I have done that. Its not my best - or your best- or their best or anyones best - but Gods Best - puts it on a entirely new playing field doesn't it?
God's Best,
Randy~
Pieces of the puzzle......
Do ya ever just feel like you need a pause in life? I am feeling that way this morning - well actually for a few days now. Just needing to call a timeout and get some refocus going on here. Too much rattle in the brain I guess ~ struggling with a few things ~ people in my life right now that my heart hurts for and with the struggle of letting go of the rope. I guess in many ways I will experience this even more when my son is old enough to make his own decisions and life choices. I don't look forward to those days ahead because I feel like we have much work to do and training left undone. We are still trying to get through the multiplication table and we are moving to fractions now. Seems we are on a speed trip here and slowing down is not an option. Hey I am a quiet person - shy at times and don't like to make much fuss or have confrontation - unless its my old Judo days then look out.
I pray for some quiet refocus soon and God takes my heart in a direction it needs to go -need to learn something but maybe I am fighting it..... not sure. Sometimes things just don't make any sense...... like me this morning LOL.
More to follow....
Randy~
I pray for some quiet refocus soon and God takes my heart in a direction it needs to go -need to learn something but maybe I am fighting it..... not sure. Sometimes things just don't make any sense...... like me this morning LOL.
More to follow....
Randy~
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Top 4 complaints @church....
I just wanted to share with you a few things I am learning this week as I study the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren - this guy is amazing!!!
When Rick Warren started Saddleback church – he went door to door for 12 weeks asking these questions.
1. What do you think is the greatest need in this area?
2. Are you actively attending any church?
3. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
4. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
5. What could I do for you? What advice can you give to a minister who really wants to be helpful to people?
Four Basic Complaints –
Church is boring, especially the sermons. The messages don’t relate to my life.
It is amazing how churches are able to take the most exciting book in the world and bore people to tears with it. The problem with boring preachers is that it causes people to think God is boring. The unchurched aren’t asking for watered down messages, just practical ones. They want to hear something on Sunday that they can apply on Monday.
The church is more interested in my money than in me – Due to the highly visible fund raising efforts on tv and other Christian organizations, the unchurched are incredibly sensitive to appeals for money. Saddleback explains before each offering that the offering is for the church family – visitors are not expected to give.
Church members are unfriendly to visitors – If I go to church I want to feel welcomed without being embarrassed – Many people feel like church is clique. When they don’t know the inside terminology, songs, or rituals they felt foolish and felt the members were watching them in judgment. The greatest emotion that a visitor or unchurched person feels when they visit a church is – FEAR. Do whatever it takes to make visitors welcome and wanted without feeling watched.
We worry about the quality of the church’s child care – The church must earn the trust of parents! If we want to reach young couples, we must have an excellent program for their children.
Most of the unchurched are not atheists – they are misinformed, turned off or too busy.
The reason why I posted this is because when I go to church now - I want to be part of the solution and be a part in the process. I dont want to just come to the service and go home - I want to be connected - sharing - enjoying what God is doing to people who come through the doors and seeing the changed lives. I want to be serving in whatever capacity God leads me to do. Have I ever done any of this before - NO! Its all new - God opening doors and exposing me to what He wants to do in me. How awesome is that? I just can't believe that people would walk away from what I am experiencing..... its hard to believe I was there once also. Man I can help but to look forward and ask God to keep moving me, my family, and my church family in a direction He wants to take us. Took something BIG in my life to happen to get me where I am today.... but my heart was right and my life was ready to accept the life God had waiting for me all along. Thank You Lord for accepting me and I am sorry it took me so long and I rejected You for so long.
Press on loved ones......
Randy~
When Rick Warren started Saddleback church – he went door to door for 12 weeks asking these questions.
1. What do you think is the greatest need in this area?
2. Are you actively attending any church?
3. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
4. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
5. What could I do for you? What advice can you give to a minister who really wants to be helpful to people?
Four Basic Complaints –
Church is boring, especially the sermons. The messages don’t relate to my life.
It is amazing how churches are able to take the most exciting book in the world and bore people to tears with it. The problem with boring preachers is that it causes people to think God is boring. The unchurched aren’t asking for watered down messages, just practical ones. They want to hear something on Sunday that they can apply on Monday.
The church is more interested in my money than in me – Due to the highly visible fund raising efforts on tv and other Christian organizations, the unchurched are incredibly sensitive to appeals for money. Saddleback explains before each offering that the offering is for the church family – visitors are not expected to give.
Church members are unfriendly to visitors – If I go to church I want to feel welcomed without being embarrassed – Many people feel like church is clique. When they don’t know the inside terminology, songs, or rituals they felt foolish and felt the members were watching them in judgment. The greatest emotion that a visitor or unchurched person feels when they visit a church is – FEAR. Do whatever it takes to make visitors welcome and wanted without feeling watched.
We worry about the quality of the church’s child care – The church must earn the trust of parents! If we want to reach young couples, we must have an excellent program for their children.
Most of the unchurched are not atheists – they are misinformed, turned off or too busy.
The reason why I posted this is because when I go to church now - I want to be part of the solution and be a part in the process. I dont want to just come to the service and go home - I want to be connected - sharing - enjoying what God is doing to people who come through the doors and seeing the changed lives. I want to be serving in whatever capacity God leads me to do. Have I ever done any of this before - NO! Its all new - God opening doors and exposing me to what He wants to do in me. How awesome is that? I just can't believe that people would walk away from what I am experiencing..... its hard to believe I was there once also. Man I can help but to look forward and ask God to keep moving me, my family, and my church family in a direction He wants to take us. Took something BIG in my life to happen to get me where I am today.... but my heart was right and my life was ready to accept the life God had waiting for me all along. Thank You Lord for accepting me and I am sorry it took me so long and I rejected You for so long.
Press on loved ones......
Randy~
Service no matter what we face......
I have heard over the last 2 years of being a Christ follower that people will test our faith - they will mock you and question you with verbal attack. Why is this? Why do the people who have no questions, no desire to find out about God but yet call themselves educated, mock us and attack us with nothing more than words and their beliefs? My wife had this happen to her yesterday with someone close to her - I had this happen a few months ago and it took me days to get over because it really is upsetting. We all who follow Jesus have had this happen to us - maybe even someone in our families or someone who is close to us attack us this way. It really is nerve rattling but God calms us down and all we can do is pray for these people. If their hearts are not open and soft enough to listen and examine the facts of Jesus - then no amount of prayers or reasoning will bring them closer to understanding God and their salvation.
My lite bulb is on friends - I understand that I must move along now after battling mostly with myself and pleading with God to move certain people in my life closer to Him and to accept Him. Its time to move to greener pastures and continue my work for the Lord. No work for the Lord goes in vain friends and there is no place I would rather be serving!
1 Corinthians 15:
33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[g] 55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
So my brothers and sisters in Christ - move along, pick up your mats and continue working and serving our Lord. A few knock downs from people who don't understand will not stand in our way. Feel sorry for them and pray that one day - they may feel the way we do! Fired up for Jesus!!! Sunday's a comin......... and Tuesday's should be just as good as Sundays!
Randy~
My lite bulb is on friends - I understand that I must move along now after battling mostly with myself and pleading with God to move certain people in my life closer to Him and to accept Him. Its time to move to greener pastures and continue my work for the Lord. No work for the Lord goes in vain friends and there is no place I would rather be serving!
1 Corinthians 15:
33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."[g] 55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
So my brothers and sisters in Christ - move along, pick up your mats and continue working and serving our Lord. A few knock downs from people who don't understand will not stand in our way. Feel sorry for them and pray that one day - they may feel the way we do! Fired up for Jesus!!! Sunday's a comin......... and Tuesday's should be just as good as Sundays!
Randy~
Monday, March 12, 2007
Time for some fishing...
Not fishing at Lake Adger - even though that sounds great right now as the weather is warming and I am sure the bass are biting..... but fishing for people. Reading my Purpose Driven Church book tonight making some notes for our Sunday night Rock Group meeting and this is what I have learned... or atleast reminded of.
Go where the fish are biting – Go to where the people will listen. Take advantage of the responsive hearts that the hold spirit prepares.
Matthew 10:14 – “If a home or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake its dust off your feet.”
We aren’t supposed to pick the green fruit but to find the ripe fruit and harvest it. We are not supposed to stay around unresponsive people.
It is not good stewardship to continue badgering someone who has rejected Christ a dozen times when there is a whole community of receptive people waiting to hear the Gospel for the first time. The Holy Spirit wants to direct us to the people he’s already prepared to respond. Jesus told us not to worry about the unresponsive. Shake the dust off your feet and move on.
The Apostle Paul’s strategy was to go through open doors and not waste time banging on closed ones. We should not focus our efforts on those who aren’t ready to listen. There are far more people in the world who are ready to receive Christ than there are believers ready to witness to them.
Friends - what do you think this means in your own words? Comments please.....
WOW - Light bulb going off here........ Ok Lord I get it. I am on it..... I understand - a promise is a promise but the seeds are planted - its in your ball park now. I have some fishing to do!
Father - I pray for those seeds - for it is all I can do - the rest is up to You Lord.
Amen ~
Go where the fish are biting – Go to where the people will listen. Take advantage of the responsive hearts that the hold spirit prepares.
Matthew 10:14 – “If a home or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake its dust off your feet.”
We aren’t supposed to pick the green fruit but to find the ripe fruit and harvest it. We are not supposed to stay around unresponsive people.
It is not good stewardship to continue badgering someone who has rejected Christ a dozen times when there is a whole community of receptive people waiting to hear the Gospel for the first time. The Holy Spirit wants to direct us to the people he’s already prepared to respond. Jesus told us not to worry about the unresponsive. Shake the dust off your feet and move on.
The Apostle Paul’s strategy was to go through open doors and not waste time banging on closed ones. We should not focus our efforts on those who aren’t ready to listen. There are far more people in the world who are ready to receive Christ than there are believers ready to witness to them.
Friends - what do you think this means in your own words? Comments please.....
WOW - Light bulb going off here........ Ok Lord I get it. I am on it..... I understand - a promise is a promise but the seeds are planted - its in your ball park now. I have some fishing to do!
Father - I pray for those seeds - for it is all I can do - the rest is up to You Lord.
Amen ~
God being first....
The day that my son comes to me and asks me - "Dad are we going to church today?" is the day I have failed. I don't know if he will ever ask me because by midweek he can't wait for Sunday - Neither can we!! Our Rock group parents all have similar stories in their families - the kids can't wait till Sunday. God gets the first day of our week - He gets the first hour of my day - He gets the first of our money - He gets my first attention.
Do you ask yourself on Sundays if you're going to church or not? Does family or friends call you or do you call them looking for someone to go with you? I think you need a reorder - a new church if the message does not have passion in it and it speaks to you and you are involved - connected and experiencing God. NO distance is long enough for someone to experience a church that does this in your life. People walked for days to spend an afternoon with Jesus - and they didn't even know who he was!!
Don't sit and mark the check box off in your life - LIVE IT - EXPERIENCE IT - Get involved and get moving..... be part of something already. God deserves to be first - and the answer is YES we are going to church - and YES we can't wait to get there! My eternity is not going to be based on an excuse - I am not going to stand in front of Jesus and try to explain to Him that I didn't feel like it or I had nobody to go with me or it was too far or people might see who I really am. Friends you can go to church and feel comfortable, feel welcomed, feel moved by the PASSION that a pastor has for you and you are moved by the message, feel a direction in your life because of Jesus - than you are at the wrong place and its time to move along. Don't settle just because its comfortable or because its convenient. Expect God to deliver and He will. All it takes is a little faith. Nike came out with the slogan - just do it. Horrible shoe but great slogan to a shoe empire. one excuse is as good as another - what will be your next excuse? - think God hears that excuse? - what do you think his response is to that? I wonder......
Randy~
Do you ask yourself on Sundays if you're going to church or not? Does family or friends call you or do you call them looking for someone to go with you? I think you need a reorder - a new church if the message does not have passion in it and it speaks to you and you are involved - connected and experiencing God. NO distance is long enough for someone to experience a church that does this in your life. People walked for days to spend an afternoon with Jesus - and they didn't even know who he was!!
Don't sit and mark the check box off in your life - LIVE IT - EXPERIENCE IT - Get involved and get moving..... be part of something already. God deserves to be first - and the answer is YES we are going to church - and YES we can't wait to get there! My eternity is not going to be based on an excuse - I am not going to stand in front of Jesus and try to explain to Him that I didn't feel like it or I had nobody to go with me or it was too far or people might see who I really am. Friends you can go to church and feel comfortable, feel welcomed, feel moved by the PASSION that a pastor has for you and you are moved by the message, feel a direction in your life because of Jesus - than you are at the wrong place and its time to move along. Don't settle just because its comfortable or because its convenient. Expect God to deliver and He will. All it takes is a little faith. Nike came out with the slogan - just do it. Horrible shoe but great slogan to a shoe empire. one excuse is as good as another - what will be your next excuse? - think God hears that excuse? - what do you think his response is to that? I wonder......
Randy~
Just a plane trip......
I heard a story this morning that I wanted to share because it is moving and its exactly my point in making a difference in the lives of people around us and people we meet in our daily lives.
A woman (Paula) was on a business trip and was getting on the plane for her return flight home. She has an isle seat and was looking forward to spreading out and taking a nap on the plane because nobody was next to her. Just before the plane doors shut, a man and a woman get on the plane - they sit next to her - thus - ruins her nap home. A man sitting in the middle seat gets comfortable and a lady in the window seat opens a book. Paula decides since she cant nap now she pulls out some work and decides to work on a manuscript that she had been working on. At the top its title is written - My walk with God. After a few minutes the man next to her says to her - I am sorry but I couldn't help to look over and read the title of your paper. God - tell me about this God. She begins slowly and tells him what she is writing - a message/manuscript for a talk she was doing at a church - and what God has done in her life. After a few minutes of talking she reaches down and get her bible - she explains to the man the important scriptures over the years that have meant the most to her and why. After an hour of discussing and sharing - God nudges her to give this man her bible. She argues - and says Lord - why - this is my bible - I have tears on my bible and notes. After a few minutes of arguing with God - she takes out all her papers and notes in the pages and gives the bible to her new friend. He refuses but she tells him God told her that He wanted him to have it. So he accepts and says to Paula - that nobody has ever explained God to him before - never had he realized that God was his direction in life and he promised Paula he would study it and read it. After the plane landed and they said goodbye - the woman in the window seat stopped Paula and told her how touched she was with her testimony and how she opened up to the man sitting between them. She was going home to make her marriage work and to rededicate herself to God because she was made aware of the direction her life was taking and she wanted no part of it. She thanked Paula and said goodbye. 3 weeks later Paula gets a call - its a woman on the phone and she told Paula that she got her number from a bible that her husband had - how he came home this time from his business trip "different" than all the other trips in years past. He took the week off following his trip and read that bible you gave him. She thanked Paula for sharing Gods word with him because she had been doing that for 25 years and it didn't seem to be making a difference.
Paula was on her next speaking trip out of town at a small local church. She was tapped on the shoulder and it was her friend from the plane! He said he was driving down the road and he stopped - he said something made me come in to this church - I was headed to a bigger church down the road but something told me to come in here. Paula didn't share her written story that day - but shared their story to everyone at that little country church on that glorious Sunday morning.
Friends we never know when God calls us to do something - even during the normal routines we have every day. God is calling us to do something bigger and reaching to those around us. We never know when we might do or say something that will change the course of someones life. Its stories like this testimony here - God is working - even when we can't see Him.
A woman (Paula) was on a business trip and was getting on the plane for her return flight home. She has an isle seat and was looking forward to spreading out and taking a nap on the plane because nobody was next to her. Just before the plane doors shut, a man and a woman get on the plane - they sit next to her - thus - ruins her nap home. A man sitting in the middle seat gets comfortable and a lady in the window seat opens a book. Paula decides since she cant nap now she pulls out some work and decides to work on a manuscript that she had been working on. At the top its title is written - My walk with God. After a few minutes the man next to her says to her - I am sorry but I couldn't help to look over and read the title of your paper. God - tell me about this God. She begins slowly and tells him what she is writing - a message/manuscript for a talk she was doing at a church - and what God has done in her life. After a few minutes of talking she reaches down and get her bible - she explains to the man the important scriptures over the years that have meant the most to her and why. After an hour of discussing and sharing - God nudges her to give this man her bible. She argues - and says Lord - why - this is my bible - I have tears on my bible and notes. After a few minutes of arguing with God - she takes out all her papers and notes in the pages and gives the bible to her new friend. He refuses but she tells him God told her that He wanted him to have it. So he accepts and says to Paula - that nobody has ever explained God to him before - never had he realized that God was his direction in life and he promised Paula he would study it and read it. After the plane landed and they said goodbye - the woman in the window seat stopped Paula and told her how touched she was with her testimony and how she opened up to the man sitting between them. She was going home to make her marriage work and to rededicate herself to God because she was made aware of the direction her life was taking and she wanted no part of it. She thanked Paula and said goodbye. 3 weeks later Paula gets a call - its a woman on the phone and she told Paula that she got her number from a bible that her husband had - how he came home this time from his business trip "different" than all the other trips in years past. He took the week off following his trip and read that bible you gave him. She thanked Paula for sharing Gods word with him because she had been doing that for 25 years and it didn't seem to be making a difference.
Paula was on her next speaking trip out of town at a small local church. She was tapped on the shoulder and it was her friend from the plane! He said he was driving down the road and he stopped - he said something made me come in to this church - I was headed to a bigger church down the road but something told me to come in here. Paula didn't share her written story that day - but shared their story to everyone at that little country church on that glorious Sunday morning.
Friends we never know when God calls us to do something - even during the normal routines we have every day. God is calling us to do something bigger and reaching to those around us. We never know when we might do or say something that will change the course of someones life. Its stories like this testimony here - God is working - even when we can't see Him.
Being glad in all our days.....
The 12th of March already.... where is time going? Still adjusting to the 1 hour spring ahead - I just don't see why we can't just leave it where it is!! The older I get, the harder it seems to adjust to this hour thing. I woke up this morning and it was dark out, thinking it was still in the early morning, I was ready for a few more hours of sleep until the clock went off right after that. Has anyone ever wanted to throw the alarm clock before? I have heard about people throwing phones and other stuff but never actually seen it done! Just wondering......
Last night Carol and I had off from our Sunday night Rock Group meeting - it was a good break but I have to admit - I missed everyone.... looking forward to get back on track next week. Carol and I had a chance to sit and watch Extreme home make over. Carol loves that show and I myself have not watched it much - but she was sitting there last night telling me how much she loved that show - I couldn't tell from the tears falling!! This show makes a difference in the lives of those the show is about. This family had their house burn down - no place to live and the next week the oldest son dies in a car wreck. Talk about a hard couple of weeks. The son was a organ donor and his heart went to a family who's daughter needed a heart - they got to meet on the show. Whew - hurt and joy all wrapped tight there! House was paid for by the donations of those who want to make a difference for this family. A new house and a new chance at life. A reset - a mulligan a DO-OVER! I have to say though - this family has been through some tough things but together they remain strong. They in many ways, seem to be a stronger family as if nothing could come between them. The loss of a loved one has become the magnet that draws them closer together. I wish I could say that about my family - I really do. In many ways we all have drifted since my mom left and in many ways I feel like I am thousands of miles away, when in reality I am only an hours drive. I am thankful for my church family, my rock group family and the love of my wife and son and those in my family who have stepped up to the plate when our families have needed it most. I feel like I have many who have my back and are leaning on me for all the right reasons. I am doing the best I can with fulfilling my moms promises but sometimes I wonder if I am making any headway what so ever. Its during those times when I am quiet and still that God talks to me - he sends me someone to remind me that its in His hands. Its still hard to believe at times that mom is not here - sometimes it really grabs me and its like a dream or something. Its then that I look upward and thank God that mom is where she is and how I need to dig deep and press through - press through for others - reach out to people and make a difference - however small or large that may be. Our time here loved ones is short - make the most of it. I have so much I want to share with my son - so much I want to teach him and show him - show him how much I love Jesus so that when he is older and has a family himself he will be that much more ahead because he will know what is expected because he will have had a good example to go on. The love his mom and dad had for Jesus - it showed in their lives. I never thought I would be taking part in a Sunday School class - never the less help teach it. Never did I think I would be praying with 20 kids around me and sharing with them that we are family and their prayers matter to God just as much as mine do or their parents do. Never did I ever think, me the selfish sinner would not want to be any place on earth that God is not. Sometimes I come to work and God sends me people - He sends me friends who need direction and they need help - they need to see God. Friends - we all need some direction - we need to put down our selfishness and help those around us see and feel the maker of the universe. He cares about you - He is waiting on you - nothing is more important to Him than you are.
I love you all - but I have fought hard the last year for my family. I wonder how long I can keep this up? No amount of evidence or prayers lifted for you will do anything until your heart is opened and you are grabbed by God. I wonder how He will do that in YOUR LIFE? Might not be exactly the way you think it will be...... Friends God can take you places you never thought was possible. Doors will open and people will come into your life and make a difference. Surround yourself with people who will bring you up and not drag you down. Our lives are like the seasons - and with that comes change. Its time for a change.......
Psalm 90:10-14 NIV
The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Lord, help us focus on the joy in our lives even as we struggle and have faults in everything we do. Help us make a difference for someone today so that we don't focus all we have on our selves. Help us focus outward and just maybe Lord - Your light will shine for someone who doesn't know You - You have so much to offer, so much to give and You have done so much for us already - thank You for Your unfailing love and Your promises Lord. May we be setting a good example for our children and families and doing Your will over our own.
Amen~
Last night Carol and I had off from our Sunday night Rock Group meeting - it was a good break but I have to admit - I missed everyone.... looking forward to get back on track next week. Carol and I had a chance to sit and watch Extreme home make over. Carol loves that show and I myself have not watched it much - but she was sitting there last night telling me how much she loved that show - I couldn't tell from the tears falling!! This show makes a difference in the lives of those the show is about. This family had their house burn down - no place to live and the next week the oldest son dies in a car wreck. Talk about a hard couple of weeks. The son was a organ donor and his heart went to a family who's daughter needed a heart - they got to meet on the show. Whew - hurt and joy all wrapped tight there! House was paid for by the donations of those who want to make a difference for this family. A new house and a new chance at life. A reset - a mulligan a DO-OVER! I have to say though - this family has been through some tough things but together they remain strong. They in many ways, seem to be a stronger family as if nothing could come between them. The loss of a loved one has become the magnet that draws them closer together. I wish I could say that about my family - I really do. In many ways we all have drifted since my mom left and in many ways I feel like I am thousands of miles away, when in reality I am only an hours drive. I am thankful for my church family, my rock group family and the love of my wife and son and those in my family who have stepped up to the plate when our families have needed it most. I feel like I have many who have my back and are leaning on me for all the right reasons. I am doing the best I can with fulfilling my moms promises but sometimes I wonder if I am making any headway what so ever. Its during those times when I am quiet and still that God talks to me - he sends me someone to remind me that its in His hands. Its still hard to believe at times that mom is not here - sometimes it really grabs me and its like a dream or something. Its then that I look upward and thank God that mom is where she is and how I need to dig deep and press through - press through for others - reach out to people and make a difference - however small or large that may be. Our time here loved ones is short - make the most of it. I have so much I want to share with my son - so much I want to teach him and show him - show him how much I love Jesus so that when he is older and has a family himself he will be that much more ahead because he will know what is expected because he will have had a good example to go on. The love his mom and dad had for Jesus - it showed in their lives. I never thought I would be taking part in a Sunday School class - never the less help teach it. Never did I think I would be praying with 20 kids around me and sharing with them that we are family and their prayers matter to God just as much as mine do or their parents do. Never did I ever think, me the selfish sinner would not want to be any place on earth that God is not. Sometimes I come to work and God sends me people - He sends me friends who need direction and they need help - they need to see God. Friends - we all need some direction - we need to put down our selfishness and help those around us see and feel the maker of the universe. He cares about you - He is waiting on you - nothing is more important to Him than you are.
I love you all - but I have fought hard the last year for my family. I wonder how long I can keep this up? No amount of evidence or prayers lifted for you will do anything until your heart is opened and you are grabbed by God. I wonder how He will do that in YOUR LIFE? Might not be exactly the way you think it will be...... Friends God can take you places you never thought was possible. Doors will open and people will come into your life and make a difference. Surround yourself with people who will bring you up and not drag you down. Our lives are like the seasons - and with that comes change. Its time for a change.......
Psalm 90:10-14 NIV
The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Lord, help us focus on the joy in our lives even as we struggle and have faults in everything we do. Help us make a difference for someone today so that we don't focus all we have on our selves. Help us focus outward and just maybe Lord - Your light will shine for someone who doesn't know You - You have so much to offer, so much to give and You have done so much for us already - thank You for Your unfailing love and Your promises Lord. May we be setting a good example for our children and families and doing Your will over our own.
Amen~
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Never a ho-hum day -
Today was a double duty at church today. Missing an hour of sleep and having a hard time falling asleep left us running a little behind this morning but we were on time - just a little rushed. Carol did an awesome job with Sunday school and teaching the kids. I did want to share something with you today because my wife and I did something we have not done before. Before we started - I had everyone come to the front and gather around. Its always cool when you have the attention of children and its in a way that they know they are loved and belong. As I told the children they are at church today because someone from their family brought them, I told them they as we are together now and we all know Jesus - that makes us a family too. We are a team when you are in church. I had all the kids put their hands in and I prayed for them. One girl prayed for her teacher - she broke her ankle - another girl prayed for her mom and another told us her dad past away 1 year ago today. So as I sit now and reflect on the lives of those children - they too are in a grown up world. We have struggles and deal with the loss of my mom in my family so to do other people have to deal with that. This little girl is missing her dad now and life just doesn't seem fair at times. It reminds me that just like those kids in Sunday school today - we are a family and we have to stick together. Reach out to someone today - just maybe with that prayer and that time together for that girl in Sunday school - made today a little easier for her.
1 John 3:
Love one another
11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
I pray you have a giving spirit - because no matter what you're walking through today - someone has walked in those shoes already. Help each other along loved ones and let Gods spirit guide you in doing what is right.
Father, I pray today for the person who needs a smile - who needs to know they are not alone and someone has walked in their shoes before them. Lord help us focus on Your spirit in our hearts so that we may do what is right and reach out to others. Lord give us the strength and courage to open ourselves up and let people in - so that we may all begin the healing process and for You to take over our hearts and soul. Grab us Lord and lead us where You want us to go.
I pray in Jesus name,
Amen~
1 John 3:
Love one another
11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
I pray you have a giving spirit - because no matter what you're walking through today - someone has walked in those shoes already. Help each other along loved ones and let Gods spirit guide you in doing what is right.
Father, I pray today for the person who needs a smile - who needs to know they are not alone and someone has walked in their shoes before them. Lord help us focus on Your spirit in our hearts so that we may do what is right and reach out to others. Lord give us the strength and courage to open ourselves up and let people in - so that we may all begin the healing process and for You to take over our hearts and soul. Grab us Lord and lead us where You want us to go.
I pray in Jesus name,
Amen~
Friday, March 9, 2007
Brick by Brick
Our Rock Group has been reading and studying the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren the last few weeks. I am amazed at how smart this man is and how he is leading so many churches across the world today. After reading part of this book, having read the Purpose Driven Life and now I can't seem to put down anything he has written. What can I apply in his teachings to my life? What am I not doing and what am I doing right? Where can I use my talents and what I am learning to lead people to Christ - to lead in my church and lead my Rock Group? The doors are open.....
I came across Ephesians 2:19-22 today while looking up foundations - because I wanted to know where my family stands. How did we get to this point and why are we not standing on better ground.... I am also thinking about my friends, their families and my church family as well. We all come from different places and from different directions but as these awesome people have come into my life - we have a common foundation to life now. JESUS -
Friends we have a foundation to stand on - we have footing in the sand - together we make up the body of Christ because we all play a part in it together. Just like no church can reach everyone - all churches must work together to get the Good News out and bring people to Jesus. We all make up the bricks that build a strong home - to go against the winds, rain, struggles, pressures, relationships, drug addictions, abuse and anything else this world throws us.
Ephesians 2:19-22
19-22That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
Father I pray tonight for those we know who are sinking and who don't have a strong foundation in their lives. Lord struggles and hard ships might have many of us down but You give us the strong footing we need to endure and raise above our issues. Lord thank You for laying down this ground work so that we may press through and continue fighting for You, our families and our friends in this life. May You touch those who need Your touch this evening, In Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
I came across Ephesians 2:19-22 today while looking up foundations - because I wanted to know where my family stands. How did we get to this point and why are we not standing on better ground.... I am also thinking about my friends, their families and my church family as well. We all come from different places and from different directions but as these awesome people have come into my life - we have a common foundation to life now. JESUS -
Friends we have a foundation to stand on - we have footing in the sand - together we make up the body of Christ because we all play a part in it together. Just like no church can reach everyone - all churches must work together to get the Good News out and bring people to Jesus. We all make up the bricks that build a strong home - to go against the winds, rain, struggles, pressures, relationships, drug addictions, abuse and anything else this world throws us.
Ephesians 2:19-22
19-22That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
Father I pray tonight for those we know who are sinking and who don't have a strong foundation in their lives. Lord struggles and hard ships might have many of us down but You give us the strong footing we need to endure and raise above our issues. Lord thank You for laying down this ground work so that we may press through and continue fighting for You, our families and our friends in this life. May You touch those who need Your touch this evening, In Your sons awesome name in Jesus,
Amen
Kids and icecream.....
What a good day today - got to spend time with my kids today at lunch and share a few smiles. I bought some ice cream for the kids who did not have money to get some and that just makes me smile. When I see those kids, you can really see the ones who are needy and need that extra attention and love. I specifically make it a point to hold my hand out close to 2 girls there - they have had a tough childhood with their home life but I pray for just that 45 minutes on Fridays when I am with them - they forget all about their struggles and just enjoy the moment and attention. I guess I am fitting the mold that God has encouraged me in - being an encourager no matter the situation or problem that someone finds themselves in.
I was looking through some of the blogs today that I am behind on looking to see what I am missing as far as a message or something to share with you today. I came across a church who has their service video out there to view and its a church like the one my family attends and they opened the service with a Bob Marley song. I am thinking how cool is that? I will feel all right - Give thank and praise to the Lord and I will be all right. What a great song and it never occurred to me that Bob Marley was a spiritual man and had a song like that. I have heard that song thousands of times, been on the island of Jamaica and have had family get together with his music playing .... but never put it all together until now. I think back a few weeks ago where our Pastor Jimmy spoke about church being dangerous and taking risks - How church has become a church for women and children and men think church is for someone else. Church should be exciting and church should move you to a place where God is leading us - leading our lives and experiencing God in a new fired up way. You want to invite everyone you know and to take part in something so much bigger than ourselves. It changes our thinking and our hearts - it changes our future and if this is not something you are experiencing in church - than maybe its time to check into it.
Today, I am going to share with you some hope. Hope that you have in your life - hope in those children today at my sons class because God loves us - and He gives us hope in this life. Wherever you are today friends, their is victory in this life if you know Jesus. He gives us the hope to carry on because when we finish this life - we have the prize waiting for us. No matter what we are in today - tomorrow can be totally different and our lives can change in a small amount of time. So no matter how low you are - how far you have come - continue to praise God and give Him all the glory - stand steadfast and strong. For God is with you and always by your side.
Psalm 69:1-3
Save me, O God, for the flood waters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold to stand on.
I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.
I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry.
My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me…
But I keep right on praying to you, Lord, hoping this is the time you will show me favor.
God will show you favor friends - keep praying, keep reaching, don't hold on so tight, let people in - enjoy the company that God wants to place in your life. People come into our lives for a reason and many of them are blessings you will never know if your wall is up around you. I think about the people who move here to the south from all over the US - how they feel alone and isolated with not knowing many people or leaving their families. I welcome them to our church where they will be comfortable - they will not be singled out and pointed at - they will have a chance to be taught Gods word and be exposed to people who love them and will care for them and pray for them.
I think about my sons class mates - how they are all special in their own way. The future to our next generation and their minds are easy to mold now and be taught - they are like sponges -except for their times tables (LOL) - but they come from all different walks of life. I love them all the same regardless of who they are - who their parents are - wealthy or not. I want to make a difference when I am there for 45 minutes - they have my attention and my love. When this school year is over I will forever miss my third grade class. They have touched my heart in ways I never thought was possible. Thank you all - I love each and everyone of you just because Jesus has given my heart the capacity to love. Even when and if I don't receive it. More like Jesus and less of like me.
Glad they all got ice cream today - nobody will do without if I have anything to say about it. Smiles today from 24 children and me. :) - God is so awesome...... another door in life opened because of Him.
Randy~
Father, thank You for those children today - thank You for opening the door for me to enjoy their smiles and their excitement when they see me. I love each of them Lord and I know some of them have it hard and life at home is not what it is supposed to be and that breaks my heart Lord. I pray You encourage them Lord and keep them working hard on their studies- I pray for their home life to improve and for You to enter into each of their lives. Lord I pray You keep them all safe and healthy and thank You for the chance to share some of my day with them. I often wonder if I am more excited than they are when we are together - but maybe not - I would call it a tie. Thank You for those blessings Lord and the 24 little hearts that make me smile.
In Jesus name,
Amen
I was looking through some of the blogs today that I am behind on looking to see what I am missing as far as a message or something to share with you today. I came across a church who has their service video out there to view and its a church like the one my family attends and they opened the service with a Bob Marley song. I am thinking how cool is that? I will feel all right - Give thank and praise to the Lord and I will be all right. What a great song and it never occurred to me that Bob Marley was a spiritual man and had a song like that. I have heard that song thousands of times, been on the island of Jamaica and have had family get together with his music playing .... but never put it all together until now. I think back a few weeks ago where our Pastor Jimmy spoke about church being dangerous and taking risks - How church has become a church for women and children and men think church is for someone else. Church should be exciting and church should move you to a place where God is leading us - leading our lives and experiencing God in a new fired up way. You want to invite everyone you know and to take part in something so much bigger than ourselves. It changes our thinking and our hearts - it changes our future and if this is not something you are experiencing in church - than maybe its time to check into it.
Today, I am going to share with you some hope. Hope that you have in your life - hope in those children today at my sons class because God loves us - and He gives us hope in this life. Wherever you are today friends, their is victory in this life if you know Jesus. He gives us the hope to carry on because when we finish this life - we have the prize waiting for us. No matter what we are in today - tomorrow can be totally different and our lives can change in a small amount of time. So no matter how low you are - how far you have come - continue to praise God and give Him all the glory - stand steadfast and strong. For God is with you and always by your side.
Psalm 69:1-3
Save me, O God, for the flood waters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold to stand on.
I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.
I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry.
My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me…
But I keep right on praying to you, Lord, hoping this is the time you will show me favor.
God will show you favor friends - keep praying, keep reaching, don't hold on so tight, let people in - enjoy the company that God wants to place in your life. People come into our lives for a reason and many of them are blessings you will never know if your wall is up around you. I think about the people who move here to the south from all over the US - how they feel alone and isolated with not knowing many people or leaving their families. I welcome them to our church where they will be comfortable - they will not be singled out and pointed at - they will have a chance to be taught Gods word and be exposed to people who love them and will care for them and pray for them.
I think about my sons class mates - how they are all special in their own way. The future to our next generation and their minds are easy to mold now and be taught - they are like sponges -except for their times tables (LOL) - but they come from all different walks of life. I love them all the same regardless of who they are - who their parents are - wealthy or not. I want to make a difference when I am there for 45 minutes - they have my attention and my love. When this school year is over I will forever miss my third grade class. They have touched my heart in ways I never thought was possible. Thank you all - I love each and everyone of you just because Jesus has given my heart the capacity to love. Even when and if I don't receive it. More like Jesus and less of like me.
Glad they all got ice cream today - nobody will do without if I have anything to say about it. Smiles today from 24 children and me. :) - God is so awesome...... another door in life opened because of Him.
Randy~
Father, thank You for those children today - thank You for opening the door for me to enjoy their smiles and their excitement when they see me. I love each of them Lord and I know some of them have it hard and life at home is not what it is supposed to be and that breaks my heart Lord. I pray You encourage them Lord and keep them working hard on their studies- I pray for their home life to improve and for You to enter into each of their lives. Lord I pray You keep them all safe and healthy and thank You for the chance to share some of my day with them. I often wonder if I am more excited than they are when we are together - but maybe not - I would call it a tie. Thank You for those blessings Lord and the 24 little hearts that make me smile.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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