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Just for the record...

2010-10-12T10:49:00.001-07:00

THE MCMATH'S LOVE WASHINGTON DC!!!
We absolutely love:
Our friends that qualify to be our family.
The pastoral staff and people of National Community Church.
Ebenezers coffee on Capitol Hill.
Hebesha Ethiopian Food.
The District of Columbia and Virginia.
Our friends that qualify to be our family.
Yeah, I said that last one twice because they're the most important.
I'll always remember driving into DC last Monday
night. We rounded the corner and there it all was - the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol building. Warm feelings flooded my heart. Glenda made the comment, 'I could live here again.' And you know what?
She's right.
I could live here again too.
The McMath's love Washington DC!
And I just want to say thank you Jesus for giving us the gift of living here for an entire year - we will treasure the time forever.

Technology In The Church

2010-05-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

I was recently given the honor of speaking at the Arkansas District Section 8 All Church Conference in West Memphis.

My subject was 'Technology In the Church.' That's a huge topic - one that I really didn't feel qualified to expound upon, but I simply shared what I've learned along my journey and how it applies to this area of Arkansas. I was told that it was well received and I appreciate those encouraging words.

Modern technology isn't always welcome in our churches for various reasons . I believe you can chalk this up to misunderstanding, lack of knowledge, and/or the shortage of funds to equip for this kind of ministry. Some argue that if we use modern technology in our preaching/teaching then we're using the world's methods to preach the Gospel. That argument is EXTREMELY flawed and downright hypocritical. I'll prove my point below.

I like what pastor and author Mark Batterson (theaterchurch.com) said:

'Irrelevance is Irreverence'

In fact, that's one of the main core values at National Community Church in Washington D.C. and I agree with it 100%. How in the world can I attempt to fulfill the Great Commission if I'm grossly irrelevant to the people I'm trying to reach? If me and my church look, feel, and sound like were stuck in the 40's - me and my church will not reach the people of our current decade. It simply will not happen. This is what Rick Warren said on a recent Twitter post:

'A church stays small when a pastor uses an outdated preaching STYLE. God called u for today's hearers, not 500 or 50 yrs ago.'

Now, don't misinterpret this quote from Pastor Rick - he's not slamming small churches - he's addressing a church/pastor and their irreverence in being irrelevant to the people around them. Jesus was not irrelevant nor will He ever be, but unfortunately, sometimes we are.

Just keeping it real. Don't throw a rock at me yet.

Now, this blog will be a little lengthy because I'm going to present the notes that I used at the conference. I'm doing this because I know that there are many ministers out there that need some points of reference when they're approaching their deacon boards or finance committees to solicit funds to help present the Gospel via multimedia.

If you use the below information to do just that - remember, watch your attitude and spirit. If you walk into the meeting with the mindset that you're going to shove this down their throat.......I'll save you some hurt.......don't do it.

Present the facts with love - leave the rest to the Holy Spirit.

***

(NOTES FROM THE SECTION 8 ALL CHURCH CONFERENCE)

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CHURCH - WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO BE WORKING FOR JESUS AND USING TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY TO ANNOUNCE THE GREATEST NEWS THAT THIS HELL BENT WORLD HAS EVER HEARD - HERE IT IS:

"JESUS LOVES YOU – HE DIED FOR YOU – HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD FOR YOU – HE WANTS TO TAKE AWAY YOUR SINS – HE HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE – AND WHEN IT’S OVER HE WANTS YOU TO JOIN HIM IN HEAVEN FOR ALL ETERNITY!"

NOW, I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT THE NEWS REPORT I READ TODAY DIDN’T SOUND ALL THAT GOOD COMPARED TO THAT STATEMENT!

I BELIEVE IN JESUS AND HIS GREAT COMMISSION AND I’M GOING TO USE TECHNOLOGY TO BROADCAST HIS MESSAGE – AND IF I DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE IT – I’M GOING TO LEARN OR LET SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO USE IT TO GO AHEAD AND USE IT FOR JESUS!

NOW, USING TECHNOLOGY IS NOT USING THE WORLDS METHODS – IF WE ADOPTED THAT PHILOSOPHY THEN:

- WE CAN’T DRIVE OUR CARS TO CHURCH.

- GET RID OF THE HEAT, THE AIR, THE CARPET, AND THE LIGHTS.

- WE CAN’T USE A BOOK TO SING OUT OF OR A WALL TO SING OFF OF.

- WE CAN’T USE THE SOUND SYSTEM BECAUSE TAYLOR SWIFT USES ONE - CAN’T USE A COMPUTER – WHY? BECAUSE BARAK OBAMA USES ONE - THE WORLD TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THESE THINGS – SO WE CAN’T.

WE BETTER PUT ON OUR SANDALS - WALK TO THE NEAREST FIG TREE – UNROLL THAT BIBLE SCROLL WRITTEN IN HEBREW AND GREEK – AND SCREAM REAL LOUD SO EVERYONE CAN HEAR US – AND THEN WALK BACK HOME TO EAT LUNCH BECAUSE BUFFETS ARE NOTHING BUT A WORLDY ATTRACTION!

HMMMMMM. WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT LIKE THAT – WE’VE BEEN USING THE WORLDS METHODS/TECHNOLOGY IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIVES AND INSIDE THE WALLS OF OUR CHURCHES FOR A LONG, LONG TIME.

WHEN IT COMES RIGHT DOWN TO IT - PERHAPS WE JUST HAVEN’T BEEN KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY LIKE WE SHOULD!

THAT’S WHY WE’RE HERE TODAY TALKING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY!

This is a massive subject. This topic could go in several different directions and cover many topics:

- Equipment – what to use, how to use it, and why to use it.

- Video projectors

- Sound systems

- Photography

- Computer software

- Should I use a Mac or a PC?

- Videocameras

- Podcasting your messages

- Should we put our videos on YouTube or the Christian version they call Tangle?

- Should we use FaceBook, Twitter, other social networking avenues?

- Hundreds of topics could be covered and I don’t know that much stuff – so I’m not going to pretend that I do.

- THERE ARE SOME IN THIS ROOM THAT ARE MORE QUALIFIED TO TALK ABOUT THESE DIFFERENT THINGS.

NOW, WHAT I’VE BEEN WORKING ON THE LAST DECADE IS LEARNING MORE - EXPERIMENTING MORE WITH VIDEO AND VIDEO EDITING IN MINISTRY.

PASTORS, YOUTH PASTORS, LAY LEADERSHIP ARE ALL AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN THEIR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT – WE WON’T BE ABLE TO COVER THE WHOLE THING TODAY – IF YOU’RE HERE AND YOU’RE ALREADY ADVANCED IN WHAT I’M GOING TO BE DISCUSSING – PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCEREST APOLOGY – I DON’T WANT TO WASTE YOUR TIME – BUT I DO HAVE A FEW THINGS TO SHARE THAT I THINK YOU’LL FIND INTERESTING!

WE’RE GOING TO DISTRIBUTE SOME ‘HOW-TO INFORMATION’ TO IF YOU WANT TO START OR YOU’RE JUST GETTING STARTED WITH THIS.

AND I’M GOING TO SHOW A VIDEO AT THE END ABOUT A PASTOR THAT’S 59 YEARS OLD – HE WENT INTO AN ULTRA TRADITIONAL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH SETTING – MOVED THE CHURCH ORGAN TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STAGE - PUT A 65 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV ON THE PLATFORM – HOOKED IT TO A COMPUTER – USES IT WHILE HE PREACHES – HE’S ONLY BEEN THERE 2 YEARS - AND HE’S LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT – YOU’RE GOING TO HEAR HIS TESTIMONY IN A FEW MINUTES AND IT’S A GOOD ONE!

NOW, LIKE I SAID EARLIER – I AM MORE FOCUSED ON THE AREA OF USING VIDEO AND VIDEO EDITING TO ENHANCE – NOT REPLACE – BUT ENHANCE OUR METHODS OF COMMUNICATING THE GOSPEL TO THE:

- UNCHURCHED

- THE DE-CHURCHED

- THOSE THAT ARE IN CHURCH AND THEY DON’T KNOW WHO IN THE WORLD JESUS IS AND THEY COULD CARE LESS.

I FIRST STARTED USING VIDEO WHEN I WAS A YOUTH PASTOR AT HUNSTVILLE FIRST A/G – KIDS LOVED IT – DREW THEM IN – VIDEO TOOK OUR YOUTH MINISTRY TO ANOTHER LEVEL BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO NOT ONLY TELL MY KIDS ABOUT JESUS – I COULD EXPLAIN HIM TO THEM PREACHING OUT OF THE WORD AND BY USING ILLUSTRATIONS ON THE SCREEN.

HAD MY BIBLE IN ONE HAND AND MY REMOTE IN THE OTHER.

I BECAME LEAD PASTOR AT THE SAME CHURCH AND WE USED VIDEO IN OUR ADULT SERVICES.

FAST FORWARD 10 YEARS – I CONTINUED TO CREATE VIDEOS TO HELP COMMUNICATE THE GOSPEL – HELP TO INSPIRE AND INFORM.

AND THEN BEFORE I KNEW IT I HAD ACCEPTED AN INVITE TO NATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH IN WASHINGTON DC TO JOIN THEIR PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR – SPECIALIZING IN THE AREA OF MULTI MEDIA AND I’M STILL LEARNING TODAY!

CURRENTLY WE’RE ITINERATING AND ON OUR WAY TO MADRID, SPAIN TO WORK WITH INTERNATIONAL MEDIA MINISTRIES – THAT TEAM IS USING TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCING VIDEO THAT REACHES 53 DIFFERENT LANGUAGE GROUPS WITH THE GOSPEL.

SO, WHERE DO WE BEGIN? I’M GOING TO START WITH THE FOUNDATION OF MY PHILOSOPHY FOR USING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CHURCH ESPECIALLY VIDEO AND VIDEO EDITING.

JESUS’ METHOD OF USING PARABLES - d) a parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning:

MATTHEW 13:34

34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them,

NLT

34 Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables.

HE STOOD IN THE MIDST OF THOSE CROWDS AND HE PAINTED HIS PREACHING WITH STORIES AND PARABLES AND IT CREATED A VISUAL IMAGE IN THEIR MINDS.

JESUS BELIEVED IN THE POWER OF STORY TO COMMUNICATE HIS MESSAGE. I BELIEVE WE NEED TO DO THE SAME THING.

HOW DID THE PEOPLE REACT TO JESUS’ MESSAGE?

I LIKE WHAT THE TEMPLE GUARDS THAT WERE SENT TO ARREST JESUS TOLD THE PHARISEES IN JOHN 7:

4    ….. “No man ever spoke like this Man!”
   MT. 7:28-29
   28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

I KNOW THAT THAT VERSE IT TALKING ABOUT HIS AUTHORITY – BUT I BELIEVE THAT HIS AUTHORITY AND CREATIVITY WENT HAND IN HAND.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I’M DOING MY BEST IN FOLLOWING JESUS EXAMPLE WHEN IT COMES TO PREACHING AND TEACHING.

THIS IS A PRECIOUS MESSAGE – HOW AM I COMMUNICATING IT?

BRAD – I WANT TO USE TECHNOLOGY IN MY CHURCH.

WHERE DO I START?

1. PRAY

- ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST HOW HE WANTS YOU TO WORK HIS FIELDS.

- WHAT DOES HIS TIMING LOOK LIKE? NOT YOURS – BUT HIS?

- DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE BELLS AND WHISTLES BECAUSE THAT GETS EXPENSIVE. IT’S BETTER TO SEE WHAT GOD THINKS YOU SHOULD DO FIRST INSTEAD OF HAVING $10,000 WORTH OF EQUIPMENT JUST SITTING THERE THAT YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO USE AND ALL THE DEACON BOARD SEES IS THE $10,000.....SITTING THERE.

- WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT THIS AND DON’T BUY OR DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM HIM – BECAUSE EVERY CHURCH IS DIFFERENT.

- DON’T RUSH OUT AND BUY IT JUST BECAUSE WILLIE GEORGE AND JEANIE MAYO BOUGHT IT.

- WE NEED TO PRAY. THIS IS HIS MONEY THAT HE’S ENTRUSTED TO HIS PEOPLE THAT THEY TRUST US TO USE WISELY!

- NOW, I’M IMPULSIVE – A LITTLE IMPATIENT – I HAVE TO FAST AND PRAY BEFORE I WALK INTO BEST BUY – I’LL NEVER FORGET ONE WEEK WHEN I WAS PASTORING – I WANTED TO GO FORWARD IN MY VIDEO MINISTRY BUT I HAD NO VIDEO CAMERA – NO MAC COMPUTER – NO PC – JUST HAD THE CHURCH VIDEO CAMERA – THANKFUL BUT I WANTED SOMETHING MORE PROFESSIONAL.

- I FELT LIKE I WAS BEING LED TO TAKE THIS VIDEO THING TO THE NEXT LEVEL – WE’D BEEN DOING VIDEO PROJECTS FOR 6 YEARS AND I TOLD GOD THAT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW I WAS GOING TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL – I DIDN’T EVEN PERSONALLY OWN A CAMERA.

- MY SPIRIT WAS WILLING BUT MY BANK ACCOUNT WAS WEAK!!!

- 1 WEEK LATER I GET A CALL FROM A MAN IN OUR CHURCH – HE SAID, BRAD I BELIEVE THE LORD WANTS ME TO BUY YOU ANYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR VIDEO MINISTRY. WHAT DO YOU WANT?

- I SAID – BROTHER, YOU HAVE JUST ASKED ME A DANGEROUS QUESTION – AND THEN I SAID SOMETHING THAT I COULDN’T BELIEVE CAME OUT OF MY MOUTH. I SAID – OK, BUT LET ME PRAY ABOUT IT. HOW STUPID IS THAT – THE MAN JUST OFFERED ME HIS WALLET AND I SAID WAIT.

- SERIOUSLY, I WANTED TO TAKE SOME TIME AND SAY LORD, WHAT DO YOU THINK? I DID THAT.

- I CALLED HIM BACK THE NEXT MORNING AND TOLD HIM THAT GOD SAID YES.

- BEFORE I KNEW IT – 1 WEEK LATER AFTER I PRAYED – I WAS SITTING IN MY HOME AND I WAS HOLDING IN MY HAND A $5,000 VIDEO CAMERA THAT THE LORD GAVE TO ME AND I’VE BEEN USING IT FOR HIM EVER SINCE.

- IF HE DID THAT FOR ME – HE’LL DO SOMETHING FOR YOU.

PRAY.

2. ESTABLISH A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE THAT WILL EMPOWER YOUR VISION.

- I ALREADY GAVE IT TO YOU - MATTHEW 13:34.

- MT. 28:19 – THEREFORE GO MAKE DISCIPLES.

- HOW DARE WE TAKE THE GOD BREATHED – HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERED SPECTACULAR WORD OF GOD……..AND MAKE IT BORING, CONFUSING, AND COMPLICATED?

- PENTECOSTALS SHOULD BE THE MOST CREATIVE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.

- JESUS USED PARABLES – I LIKE TO USE POWERPOINT TO ILLUSTRATE HIS PARABLES – AND WHEN I LOOK AT MATT. 13:34 I BELIEVE HE’S OK WITH THAT. (KEYNOTE FOR THE MAC PEOPLE).

- I LIKE TO READ A SCRIPTURE ABOUT GIVING AND THEN SHOW A 3 MINUTE VIDEO CLIP THAT SHOWS THEM WHY THEY SHOULD TITHE. DON'T JUST TELL THEM - SHOW THEM.

- MAKE SURE YOU ESTABLISH A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE WITH WHOMEVER IT NEEDS TO BE ESTABLISHED WITH AND THEN TELL THEM YOU’VE PRAYED ABOUT THIS AS WELL.

ESTABLISH A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE THAT WILL EMPOWER YOU.

3. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

a. DO YOU NEED A LARGE FLAT SCREEN TV TO HANG ON THE WALL IN ORDER TO PUT SCRIPTURES ON, PICTURES, VIDEO ILLUSTRATIONS.

b. DO YOU WANT TO BEGIN RECORDING YOUR MESSAGES ON VIDEO OR AUDIO AND THEN CREATE A PODCAST SO YOUR CONGREGATION CAN GO ONLINE AND WATCH OR LISTEN TO YOUR MESSAGES.

c. I LOVE THIS BECAUSE NOW LOCAL PASTORS IN ARKANSAS ARE ABLE TO HAVE A MINISTRY THAT CAN REACH AROUND THE WORLD AND IT COST THEM VERY LITTLE FINANCIALLY.

i. LUCAS ALAN CRUIKSHANK – 16 YEARS OLD – LIVES IN COLUMBUS NEBRASKA – HE CREATED A CHARACTER ON YOUTUBE CALLED FRED FIGGLEHORN BACK IN 2005. *WIKIPEDIA.

ii. AS OF FEB. 2010 – 462 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE WATCHED LUCAS LITERALLY ACT LIKE A 6 YEAR OLD WITH ANGER ISSUES.

iii. IF LUCAS CAN ACT SILLY AND OFFER UP CHEAP COMEDY. YOU AND I, WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – CAN HAVE A MESSAGE THAT OFFERS MIRACULOUS HOPE.

iv. BY THE WAY – IN CASE YOU DON’T KNOW YOUTUBE IS FREE AND I BELIEE IT’S FORMAT IS THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION.

d. DO YOU WANT TO REACH OUT TO YOUR AUDIENCE WITH VISUAL IMAGES THAT WILL KEEP THEM FROM TUNING YOU OUT?

i. TESTS SHOW THAT A FOCUSED ATTENTION SPAN (a short-term response to a stimuli that attracts attention.) CAN BE AS LITTLE AS 8 SECONDS.

ii. SUSTAINED ATTENTION SPAN (the level of attention that produces the consistent results on a task over time.) IN HEALTHY TEENAGERS AND ADULTS CAN BE UP TO 20 MINUTES AT A TIME.*

1. SO IF YOU DON’T GET SOME OF THEM IN THE FIRST 8 SECONDS – THEY’LL TURN YOU OFF, START MESSING WITH THEIR CELL PHONE, PLAYING WITH THE BABY IN FRONT OF THEM, OR READING THAT WEEKS EDITION OF HICALL. AND YOU’VE SPENT 10 HOURS ON THAT MESSAGE.

2. SPEND $10 AND AN EXTRA 10 MINUTES GETTING AN ILLUSTRATIVE VIDEO.

iii. ALL OF THIS IS SUBJECT TO FATIGUE, HUNGER, NOISE, AND EMOTIONAL STRESS.

iv. YOUR CONGREGATION EXPERIENCES ALL OF THOSE EVERY SUNDAY. IF YOU’RE PREACHING FOR 45 MINUTES YOU BETTER HAVE JESUS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THAT HOMILETICAL TRUCK!

v. *Dianne Dukette; David Cornish (2009). The Essential 20: Twenty Components of an Excellent Health Care Team. RoseDog Books. pp. 72–73. ISBN 1-4349-9555-0.

4. INVESTIGATE. WHAT DO YOU NEED?

a. A FLAT SCREEN TV, A VIDEO PROJECTOR, CABLES, A SCREEN ON THE WALL, A COMPUTER, WORSHIP SOFTWARE, EDITNG SOFTWARE?

b. VIDEO CAMERA?

c. KNOWLEDEGE ON HOW TO USE THIS?

d. SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU AND GUIDE YOU?

i. SIDENOTE – IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN THIS TECHNO STUFF TO YOU – THEY’RE PROBABLY IN YOUR YOUTH GROUP AND THEY WILL WORK FOR FOOD.

e. NOW, I’VE PREPARED SOME THINGS IF YOU’RE JUST GETTING STARTED.

f. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS – MY CELL PHONE, EMAIL ADDRESS IS INCLUDED – I’M ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

5. CONSIDER THE COST!

a. DO YOU HAVE A BUDGET FOR THIS?

b. IS IT DEPLETED? PROBABLY.

c. DO YOU NEED TO PLAN A FUND RAISER THAT DOESN’T INTERFERE WITH SPEED THE LIGHT?

d. IN MY OPINION – WE SHOULD NEVER SPEND THE MONEY THAT’S GOING TO SPEED THE LIGHT OR BGMC ON OUR TECHNO GADGETS.

e. JUST REMEMBER MY STORY ABOUT MY CAMERA – GOD CAN AND WILL PROVIDE.

f. DON’T ROB BRO. DANE AND BRO. RON SO YOU CAN MAKE A VISA PAYMENT!

g. I’M SORRY FOR BEING SO BASIC BUT YOU’D BE SURPRISED HOW MANY WELL MEANING CHRISITANS FORGET THE BASICS WHEN THE BELL’S AND WHISTLES BEGIN TO BLOW!

6. IF YOU GO TECHNO - WATCH OUT FOR THE NO-NO!

THERE COULD BE SEVERAL NO-NO’S SAID HERE BUT I ONLY HAVE TIME FOR ONE. AND IT’S A BIG ONE.

DON’T ALLOW TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR SERVICES TO BECOME A DISTRACTION.

THIS IS WHERE MANY CHURCHES THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATH WATER – I DIDN’T SAY IT’S GOING TO DISTRACT – JUST MAKE SURE THAT IT DOESN’T. ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN.

I WENT TO A CONFERENCE AT A CHURCH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA LAST YEAR – THE CHURCH WAS MEDIUM SIZE – AMAZING FACILITIES – IT WAS A CONFERENCE ABOUT CHURCH TECHNOLOGY.

THEY STARTED THE CONFERENCE WITH WORSHIP – THE WORSHIP LEADER WAS A YOUNG MAN WITH AN ELECTRIC GUITAR – THEY HAD 3 SCREENS GOING AND HE WAS ON EACH OF THE SCREENS – AND THEY WE’RE RUNNING SOME KIND OF SOFTWARE THAT WAS TURNING HIM INTO SOME KIND OF PSCYCHODELIC SWIRLING MASS COMING RIGHT AT YOU – I DIDN’T KNOW WHETHER TO PRAISE THE LORD OR DUCK AND COVER.

WAS HE DOING WRONG – NO!

I BELIEVE IT COULD WORK IN SOME SETTINGS – OUTDOOR CONCERT OR SPECIAL SERVICE FOR THE UNCHURCHED AND DE-CHURCHED – AND HARD CORE FANS OF JIMMY HENDRIX - IF ITS PROPERLY FOLLOWED UP WITH THE POWERFUL MESSAGE OF JESUS.

BUT I WAS DISTRACTED – HERE’S WHY – I WALKED AWAY NOT GOING – ‘WOW WHAT A SAVIOR’ - I WALKED AWAY SAYING - ‘WOW – WHAT A SHOW.’

ANYTIME THE METHOD COMPLETELY DISTRACTS FROM THE MESSAGE THEN WE HAVE TO STOP AND RECONSIDER OUR METHODS.

IF WE PUT MORE TIME INTO THE LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION INSTEAD OF PRAYER AND MESSAGE PREP - THEN WE’RE IN TROUBLE.

IF AND WHEN WE USE HIGH IMPACT TECHNOLOGY – WE BETTER FOLLOW IT UP WITH THE HIGH IMPACT TRUTH OF JESUS – BECAUSE IF WE DON’T – WE JUST END UP ENTERTAINING THE CROWD.

AND WHEN THE MUSIC AND LIGHTS GO OFF – THE CROWD GETS UP AND WALKS OUT INTO ETERNTIY.

1. PRAY.

2. ESTABLISH A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE THAT WILL EMPOWER YOU.

3. INVESTIGATE. WHAT DO YOU NEED?

4. CONSIDER THE COST!

5. IF YOU GO TECHNO - WATCH OUT FOR THE DISTRACTIONS!

A Quick Quiz On Perspective.....

2010-03-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

(This is taken from a book written by W.B. Freeman)

Putting Things In Perspective

To help put things in proper perspective, take this quiz:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won either a Noble or pulitzer peace prize.
5. Name the last decade's worth of World Series Winners.

Now....

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something.
4. Name a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people who you enjoy spending time with.

Few people remember yesterdays headlines, even ones related to top achievers and those who are considered to be the best in their respective fields.
Applause dies.
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

What's the lesson?

The people who make the most difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, money, fame, awards, or beauty.

They are the ones who care.

***

What can I learn from this?

(1.) We need to remember that we don't put all of our value in things that really don't matter. If there's no eternal value to it - then we probably shouldn't be killing ourselves to achieve it.

(2.) What are my priorities? We've had the opportunity to travel to many different churches this past year and I always try to remind the congregations of one thing:

There are only two things that are eternal - God and people.

Does my life reflect that statement?

We say we believe that but in all honesty I don't think we always live it - I know that I don't. My goal is to make sure that I'm investing my time - my money - my resources on God and people.

Now buckle your seat belt because I'm going to just say what I'm thinking:

1. If I don't take the time to talk to the Lord and read His word on a consistent basis - is He really a priority?

2. If I choose to spend all of my time and money on me and my family and exclude others - is God's Kingdom really a priority?

Sidenote for church people - if I fail to consistently return my tithes to the local church and I fail to give my financial offerings to the Lord then I'm stealing from Him. Is the Lord and His work really a priority if we consistently commit crimes against Him and His church? Is our giving done weekly or weakly?
We fail don't we? Jesus still loves us but His perfect will is blocked until we get this one right. :)

So, Lord, help me to be a giver of my time and resources to You, my family, and your people. Please give me mercy when I fail and the grace through You to correct my perspective.

Enough said.

***

facebook :)

iPic.

I don't get it....

2010-02-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

There are some things in life that I just don't understand. (Above pic???)
Take a look at some of these warning labels:

Do not attempt to stop chain with hands.

Jonsreds Chainsaw

Keyboard not detected. Press F1 to continue.

Various computers

Caution: Never aim spray at your own eyes.

Unknown Pepper Spray

See what I mean. Some things simply leave us standing there with a big question mark hanging over our heads.

My daily Bible reading is in Exodus. Today was chapters 23 and 24. This particular verse jumped off the page today. Exodus 24:

⁹ Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. ¹⁰ There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. ¹¹ And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!

These men in the Old Testament - 74 to be exact - were allowed to experience Almighty God in one of the most unimaginable ways ever recorded. It wasn't just a quick glance up and then look down. They were able to describe in detail what God looked like. I love that verse, 'There they saw the God of Israel.'
It says that they gazed upon Him and survived. And if that wasn't enough - they all sat down and had lunch together. Now that's a day to remember. Eight chapters later - just a few days down the road - 73 of the 74 forgot about their dinner date with God. In Chapter 32 they all came in agreement to construct a calf made of gold so that they could worship it.

Lets do a quick comparison - Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. ¹¹ And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them.

VS.

A shiny stupid man made metal cow.

This is one of those things that I just don't understand. How can you look God in the face and then forget about that experience?

When you think about it I guess it's kind of like being forgiven of our sins that had sentenced us to an eternal hell and then refusing to forgive someone because they offended us by their words or actions. We experience the mercy of God hanging on a blood drenched cross and then burn with murderous hate and bitterness towards someone who ticked us off because of this - that - or the other. When you consider it, we look at Jesus' face and then hold on to our shiny junk all of the time. Hello?

How can we look Christ in the face and then forget what He's done. He did more than just 'dine' with us on a mountain top - he died for us on a lonely hill side.

I suppose before I blast those 73 men and accuse them of being complete morons - we better take a look at our own forgetful selves and remember what we've been allowed to experience. Salvation instead of a death sentence. I'll take that over barbecue any day!

When we allow ourselves to remember the experience of receiving grace and mercy - we WILL NOT:

...talk bad about our church family and pastor - whether if it's on the phone, in an email, or church foyer.

...look across the aisle of the church building and glare at someone in hate as we chew on bitter morsels of past offenses.

...shake our heads with a judgmental attitude towards people in the church and outside of the church just because they don't measure up.

Instead, I believe that we'll be quick to pray when we find ourselves tempted to be unforgiving. How in the world could we not do this? Look at His face on the cross again - how could we forget about that?

But we do.

There are some things in life that I just don't understand.

***

iPic.

funnyhaha.

click the link below to watch - it's hilarious! (I HAVE NO WAY OF CONTROLLING THE POP UP AD'S AND COMMENTS OF OTHERS ON YOUTUBE)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb2tztSqCHY&feature=related

Whitenoise

2010-02-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

White Noise - meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter: a constant background noise: one that drowns out other sounds.
All of us experience white noise on a daily basis. Especially in the area of information exchanged on:

Twitter

Facebook

forwarded emails

pop up ads

etc....

One of my friends in DC was sitting at his computer one day and began deleting people off of his Twitter follow list - his explanation?

'They're posts are white noise - I don't have time for white noise.'

I agree.

We must protect ourselves from constant chatter thats in an all out war for our attention. We don't have time for it - our listening must be selective.

So, this leads me to my blog. I'm just now getting started back with this and I'm going to make it a part of my routine.

I don't want my writing routine to be awash with white noise.

Therefore - I'm going to be experimenting with the entire process.

Right now, I'm going to reduce this to once a week.

Topics will vary. Probably focusing most on the Lord and media.

It will be short. My blogs have been way too long.

Will I add to the white noise blob out there? Yeah - probably - but maybe I can learn something in the process. If you're reading this - first of all I don't know why :) secondly, I'll do my best to add to your day in a positive way.

Wow, see there - you already have a little poem you can stuff in your pocket.

Bible verse: Gen. 50:19 'Am I God, that I can punish you?'

We live in a society that thrives on revenge when mistreated. We could learn something from Joseph if we wanted to.

Movie/TV quote: 'It's not dying I'm talking about, it's living.'
Gus McRae
Lonesome Dove

Hey - except for the Bible verse - I think I've produced some more white noise.

Hmmmm. I guess white noise is up for personal interpretation.

Listen. WRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

That's even more white noise.

:)

ipic.

Love this place - Sasquatch burger - downtown Memphis - go now. That's not me in the pic.
Big Foot Lodge - Sasquatch Burger:
Address: 97 South Second Street, Memphis, TN

funnyhaha.

Click on the link below to watch this classic hidden video episode of edbassmaster. (Disclaimer - I'm not responsible for those random YouTube pop-ups - yikes!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLi1yWasNrU

God sent me here....

2010-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2010
10:10 AM
The Winter Storm is approaching.....
School closed long before it hit (wisdom).

Day 3.....this may turn into a habit. :)

So......here I sit while the sleet is pelting the side of my home office window.
Thank you Jesus for providing a place for me and my family - thankful for those that have been His hands extended to support us while we're here in the U.S. for a few more months.

After two trips to Wal-Mart I'm ready for the day. Here goes.

My daily Bible reading has me in Genesis, the Psalms, and Luke.
I love all of it - but I really love Genesis. Creation, Noah, Abraham....and especially Joseph.

I think I blogged about him last year...

Real quick. This is what I got from today's reading.

Joseph.

His brothers hated him and betrayed him.

Because of them his life was turned upside down.

They throw him in a pit - sell him into slavery.

Joseph ends up in Potiphar's house and immediately has to fend off Potiphar's flusie of a wife. She's so lousy even her name isn't recorded.

She propositions Joseph - he refuses - she cries - Joseph flies - she lies - he winds up in prison.

In prison, he helps out 2 prisoners by interpreting their dreams.

The one that's Pharaohs cupbearer is reinstated - he then forgets about Joseph and leaves him down in the prison....locked up....for 2 years.

Betrayed on three separate occasions.

What goes through a mans mind when he's abused in such a manner?

I read about Joseph and every offense that I've ever experienced loses it's teeth.

I may have been wrongfully treated somewhere in my life but it doesn't compare to this.

Not even close.

Very few of us have.

You know what happens - Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams - God uses this to propel Joseph to be the second most powerful individual in Egypt - God uses Joseph to rescue Egypt from a 7 year deadly famine that affects the entire region.

Enter Joseph's brothers. The deadbeats that started this whole mess.

Listen to what he eventually tells them:

'It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.'

(45.5 NLT)

What would I have said to these misfits? What would you have said?

How would we have treated them? Would we be so bitter that we would attack them with a verbal assault and then banish them from the land?

'No Soup For You!'

-Soup Nazi

I may have done this to them - I know people who would - I even know people who have already done this to someone else in one way or another.

If I look deep enough - I admit that I'm doing this right now.

Joseph says - God sent me here - not you.

Wow.

We scream, 'But Joseph they......'

God sent me here.

One of my favorite professors at CBC was Dr. David Watson. He said something that I'll never forget.

'As Christians - we need to have 50:20 vision - Genesis 50:20 vision.'

'You intended to harm me, but God intended it ALL for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.' (emphasis mine)

In a society that houses people who can get so hurt over something so trivial - hurt to the point that we banish another person - this is a slapping reminder that we lack eternal perspective in so many areas.

God uses it ALL. The good and the bad. The beautiful side of life and the ugly. He's the only one I know that can do this. No one else can even come close.
Praise God.

Pray this with me: Lord, you've promised to be with me just like you were with Joseph. I need the Holy Spirit to give me perspective - to enlighten my dull mind and enable me to see past the nose on my face. Help me to see your big picture. Not just my little crayon colored world that I get so caught up in.

You're the only one that can help me in this. Thank you for working it ALL for good. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen - so be it.

Joseph.

Now there's a guy who had a story to tell.
Thanks for writing this one down Moses.

Good thing you were a blogger too.

Consumed.

2010-01-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

Wow.
Day two.
Here we go.

I came across something in my Bible reading for today. Something I've never really noticed.

Get your Bible if you want....don't just take my word for it...take His Word for it.

Luke 17:26-30. The disciples asked when the Kingdom of God would be established. Jesus answered them by describing the SIGNS that would alert all of those on the planet that judgment was upon them.

Now....we've all heard about these signs all of our lives - the ones that are outlined in Matthew 24. I'm not talking about those signs - wars, famines, and earthquakes - not referring to these today.

The ones I'm talking about are going on right now. 9:34 AM CST - January 28th.
Here they are:

Jesus said in vs 26:
'When the Son of Man returns people will be....

enjoying banquets

parties

weddings

going about their daily business

eating

drinking

buying

selling

farming

building

Jesus said in vs 30 (NLT) 'Yes it will be 'business as usual' right up to the day when the son of man is revealed.'

You can call this the 'Sign of Noah' - and the 'Sign of Lot.'

Jesus said that people were doing this right up to the day the flood came and destroyed them all.

People were also doing this the day that fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed everyone.

Hello....

I call this, 'The Sign Of People Being Consumed With Cares.'

Jesus made it plain that He's coming back when all of this is going on.

Yeah...I know....all of us are involved in this....so what do we do.

Don't allow yourself to be CONSUMED with the CARES of this life. Hmmph...easier said than done Brad. True. But we better do our best to avoid it.

I know people in Huntsville that are consumed.

I know people in Washington DC that are consumed.

I know people in West Memphis and they're consumed.

Am I judging them? Nope - because I've been right there along with them - portions of my life are still there. So what do I need to do?

Ask the Lord to open up my eyes and to see the reality of this lifestyle.

Money is not everything. Material goods - gadgets - and the good life should not control my entire being. It's even dangerous if we're striving to have the greatest ministry in the world and allowing it to consume us instead of being consumed with Jesus.

Pretty much sums it up for the White House, Church House, and My House. How about you? In fact....don't expect the first two to get it right if the last one is living it wrong.

So, Lord, help me to stay connected to you. Your Word. Live a life that puts

You First

Others Second

I'm Third

I believe this will keep me out of the trap - the trap of the consumed.

Love ya.

Hello....again.

2010-01-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hello.....again.

Yeah....it's been a long time since I tried to do this blogging thing.
So, I'm going to give it another shot.

Why does Brad want to blog (and try to be somewhat consistent)?

I want all of my family, friends, and future friends to stay connected with me.
Glenda and I have had the honor and privilege to be a part of peoples lives in:

Springfield, Missouri
Huntsville, Arkansas
Washington DC
Kingstowne, Virginia
West Memphis, Arkansas and the Delta region. :)

And the latest AWESOME group of people that we've met are from across the ocean....

Madrid, Spain.

More about that later on.
I love all of these people - there's not a one that I don't love - seriously.
And if that's the case - why not use the available technology that can keep us in each others thoughts and prayers?

It's a no brainer.

What can you expect from this blog?

A little bit of everything:

My flawed but honest perspective on life.
My thoughts about Jesus and excerpts from our conversations.
Video stuff.
Current events - everything from world events, sports, politics, etc.
Excerpts from the books that I'm reading.
Thoughts from the movies I've seen.
You get the picture.....

Will you always agree with me - no, probably not - and that's ok - we can live with it and still love each other.....at least that's what Jesus tells us to do.

Sometimes I'll probably be wrong and I'll admit that I'm wrong.
Sometimes I'll be right but I won't tell you that I am.

The main reason I'm going to blog is because I need to.
I've spent a decade of my life in full time pastoral ministry. What an honor.
I'm still a minister but the Lord has shifted His call on my life - and my latest assignment has not been as vocal as the previous one.

Quiet is good. But I've not been created to be this quiet.... :)

So, anyways....I'm back.
If I miss a day or two.....or three....I'll catch up.

Love you guys. See you in the days to come.

Grow Up

2009-05-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

'Grow up!'

Have you ever heard that command before?

I have.

I feel like the Holy Spirit is telling me that a lot here lately.

I ran across a book that I've had for some time and I started reading it again.

The title of it is, 'Break The Power of Negative Words.' The author is John Bevere. It's a small book - 86 pages to be exact. Please purchase this book and read it. After you read the book, take it and give it to someone else.

Yeah, it's that important.

Below is a small excerpt of the book.

The subject?

Maturity, obedience, and.........offense.

***

"When we obey the Word of God, which is spoken by the Holy Spirit, we will grow and mature in the times of conflict and suffering. Our knowledge of Scripture is not the key.

Obedience is.

Now we understand one reason why we have people in the church who have been Christians for twenty years, can quote verses and chapters of the Bible, have heard a thousand sermons and read many books, but still wear spiritual diapers. Every time they meet with difficult situations, rather than responding by the Spirit of God, they seek to protect themselves in their own way. They are "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).

They never come to the knowledge of the truth because they do not apply it.

Truth must be allowed to have it's way in our lives if we are going to grow and mature. It is not enough to give mental assent to it without obeying it. Even though we continue to learn, we never mature because of disobedience."

........"There is a false sense of self protection in harboring an offense. It keeps you from seeing your own character flaws because the blame is deferred to another. You never have to face your role, your immaturity or your sin because you only see the faults of the offender. Therefore, God's attempt to develop character in you by this opposition is now abandoned. The offended person will avoid the source of the offense and eventually flee, becoming a spiritual vagabond."

'A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. Proverbs 18:1'

***

Like I said - this is a great book and, in my opinion, a must read for people who 'claim' to know Jesus Christ.

Why?

Because all of us who claim to be 'following Christ' don't always act like we're following Christ.

We often act out the harsh reality of our lives as we follow our emotions, our feelings, and our heavily skewed points of view.

Behaving in that manner spells out three prophetic words for our lives:

Disaster.

So, by the grace of Jesus Christ, I choose - I willfully make a choice - to forgive all offense and offender past, present, and future. I've made up my mind to release everything into the hands of God and make a request to 'overflow in love' instead of flowing over in poisonous rage.

Bless instead of curse.

Forgive and ask to be forgiven.

Ever mindful that the Judge is listening to my words and recording them for future reference when I stand before Him.

Learning to live in peace and joy as I travel this journey unhindered and as light as possible.

'Whew', that's a tall order!

Man, I need to grow up.

Comedy

2009-02-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

I was doing my normal Metro commute in today - reading my daily Bible that I have on my phone (the app is called 'YouVersion' and it's great) when I came across some really humorous situations.

The amazing thing is that these biblical comedy moments are in Genesis - YEAH GENESIS!

Now, you have to read The Book close to catch this so let me set this up:

Genesis 46.

Joseph has just revealed who he really is to his mean brothers - the same guys who traded him away to become a slave - then they took his colorful coat - ripped it up - splotched it with animal blood and then told dad that they found this bloody coat along the way. Is it Joseph's coat? If it is he must be torn to shreds.

Dad (Jacob) is devastated.

The brothers are free of their sissy boy - daddy's little pet - tattle tale of a brother.

Joseph's screenplay begins - the title is not 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat' - a more fitting name for this movie is, 'Boy Interrupted'.

You know the story - if you don't then stop reading this blog and go read your Bible for crying out loud! :-)

Joseph finds himself in a...

Pit...

Potiphars Play House...

Prison...

Pharaohs Palace...

Joseph saves Egypt from famine.

His brothers show up wanting to buy food.

He plays some pretty cool mind games with them.

And now the funny stuff...

Gen. 46:21

Funny Fact #1 - Benjamin names 3 of his sons, "Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. What's up with that? He has some really good Bible names for the others but then it's like he gets a little cooky when the last three are born.

Perhaps Muppim and Huppim are twins that performed a cool puppet skit - an early form of a PBS kids show - I don't know.

Ard? Seriously?

Maybe Ard is the son that ate little bugs like....an......Aardvark? Can't you hear Muppim and Huppim crying, "Daaaad, Ard is licking stink bugs again...he's messing up our 'Super Terrific Happy Hour'!"

Sorry all of you that belong to the biblical scholar society - I realize that their names represent....oh forget it - the names are flippin' hiliarious - let's move on...

Gen. 46:29-30

Funny Fact #2 - Reunited?

Joseph pulls up in his chariot - he sees dear old dad - dad sees his long lost son - the emotional music swells - they run across the field in slow motion - they embrace - tears are flowing - snot is running - everybody is bawling and then Jacob looks at Joseph and says...

"Im ready to die now"

Nice. Just what your newly reunited son needs to hear you say.

'But dad, you just got here!!! Can't you hang around a few days to take your grandkids fishing in the Nile?' I don't think Joseph asked him that but Jacob did stick around for another 17 years. Thank the Lord he got a chance to make up for some of that lost time.

Side note: You ever know anyone who always lived with one foot in the grave? I do....uh or should I say I did....he finally passed....no really - this man's wife and daughter would always tearfully request prayer for their husband and their dad because 'he's inches from death! He'll probably be walking with Jesus before sundown!'

They talked like this for 12 years. Poor guy.

He should have watched Shawshank Redemption and followed Brooks advice:

"Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'."

Gen. 46:33,34 - 47:1-3

Funny Fact #3 - "Don't say the 'S' word.

Joseph knew the ropes. He had a good handle on Egyptian etiquette.

So he tries to coach his mean brothers in verse 33,

"When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your

occupation, you must tell him, "We, your servants, have RAISED LIVESTOCK all our lives..."

It was like Joseph was telling them - 'tell Pharaoh what you do but don't tell him what you REALLY do for a living because the Egyptians despise shepherds. Don't use the 'S' word guys.'

Now, Joseph told his brothers that he was going to inform Pharaoh that they were shepherds but when the time came...he didn't. Now, fast forward to when the hillbilly brothers appeared before Pharaoh and he asked them about their resume - they flat out told him what they did and I imagine them sounding like Forrest Gump when they started talking:

'We are shepherds - in fact our whole family are shepherds - our daddy's daddy's, daddy was a shepherd - I just guess our family likes sheeeeeep - mama always said...'

Just follow the instructions. Don't you wish we could all just follow the instructions?

Do what the Bible tells us to do. Obey the laws of the land like we're supposed to. We fail to do this don't we. Thank the Lord there's grace and mercy for those of us who have a hard time doing what we're told to do.

Gen. 47:7

Funny Fact #4 - Jacob speaks his mind.

Joseph finally shoves his brothers out of the way. Now, he presents his father, Jacob, to Pharaoh. There's no hello - my name is - no, 'how ya doing?' - Grandpa Jacob just starts blessing like there's no tomorrow. Awesome. Finally Pharaoh asks him what I think is a funny question - 'how old are you?'

Jacob gives an even funnier answer - no disrespect intended here but just imagine this crusty old man standing in mighty Pharaohs golden throne room and he say's...

"Well let me tell ya there sonny I'm a 130 years old but compared to my kinfolk my days have been short and not worth a spit in a can.

How 'bout yours?"

Pharaoh just sits there looking at Jacob.

That ends the conversation but THEN - out of the blue - Jacob starts blessing Pharaoh all over again.

Absolutely priceless.

I love the Word.

I don't believe in adding to it but I like to slow down and really think about what I'm reading. The Bible is so fascinating. So powerful. So necessary. So ignored.

But it can also be extremely hilarious in places.

A good rule of thumb for me is to slow down when I read my Bible - look for answers, direction, encouragement, correction and even a little comedy once in a while.

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired."

Proverbs 22:17 (The Message)

What is she saying?

2009-02-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Something really strange happened to me today. Something strange and amusing but also very encouraging!

I had just walked out of Union Station - rounded the corner - and I was walking towards Ebenezers (NCC's coffee house) when I noticed a woman yelling as she was walking. The strange thing was this - no one was walking beside her - no one was really close by - she was just yelling like we were listening. Now, I had my iPod earphones in enjoying some music and I couldn't hear what she was screaming about so I just kept walking behind her - amused at this woman who apparently was a little on the strange side.

Finally, we walked up to the door that lead to my office (the woman has continued to yell this entire time) and I was about to walk through the door when I stopped and took out an earphone so I could listen to what she was saying.

I'm glad I did.

What she was saying grabbed my attention and my heart.

She yelled out.....

"God is going to make a way for you....WAIT ON HIM!"

Now, I've been around people with mental issues - been around them on the west coast and the east coast and sadly listened to them ramble in an agitated and confused state.

But this was different.

She wasn't yelling..........she was PREACHING!

I stopped where I stood and listened to what she was saying.

You may not believe this but I believe that she was

Talking

directly at

me.

Was this woman crazy? Maybe. But crazy or not her words struck a chord deep within my spirit.

God is going to make a way for you - WAIT ON HIM!

Amen my sister - your words have been accepted - and I have chosen to believe not just because you said it but I have seen and heard enough to believe that God is going to do just what you said He will do - you have simply reminded me. Thank you.

Come on Brad - you're really reaching here aren't you.

No - not really.

When God wants to get someone's attention...

He can use a burning shrub or a stupid donkey to do it.

When God wants His will to be done...

He can use the words and actions of prophets or the rooftops and ropes of prostitutes.

When God want's to provide for His children...

He can rain down bread from Heaven or bless a little boy's lunch.

And when God want's to speak to His kid walking on a DC street corner He can use a loud lady with no inhibitions if He wants to!

I believe that God speaks to us through His Word but I also believe that He uses unconventional methods to remind us of those promises that were recorded long ago.

I truly believe He can do this.

I truly believe He did that for me this morning.

Thanks God - I love your style.

Maybe I should take my earphones out more often.

Sticks or Bricks?

2009-02-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

I ride the metro into DC Tuesday through Friday.

45 minutes if there's not a delay.

Joy.

It can be especially when I read or listen to the Word of God as I pass through the valleys, dash over the hills, and slam through the dark tunnels.

I also like to watch the video podcasts of Kerry Shook - a pastor in Houston, Texas.

He's an amazing preacher and I like his style. He illustrates his messages. Those of you who know me now understand why I like the guy.

The one I watched yesterday and today was one of the 'Stairway To Heaven' messages. Go to iTunes and check it out because it's FREE.

I'm not going to cover everything that Kerry spoke about but I will mention the main theme:

Sticks or bricks - what will you have to present to God when you stand before Him?

Are we more focused on the wood, hay, and stubble - the sticks - of our lives?

You know what I'm talking about - the things that are temporary that we devote our entire lives to.

Money

Homes

Cars

50 inch plasma TV's

Money

Careers

Money (yeah, I mentioned it 3 times and we both know why...don't we?)

Is there anything wrong with these? No, but do we keep it all in proper perspective? Do we remember that the 'sticks' are temporary or do we treat them like they're eternal?

Do we realize that we are only stewards and not sole owners of our STUFF?

On the day of of judgment (Bema Seat judgement for the Christian - not the Great White Throne - don't plan on being there for that one) our lives will contain some sticks and some gold bricks (eternal treasures)? The question is - what will we have more of when they pass through God's fire of testing?

Now, do we know what, 'eternal treasures' are?

Eternal treasures - precious stones - are the investments that we have made in people without a hidden agenda. Acts of love with pure motives and right attitudes that have been performed for the Lord.

Someone else may have a different definition but that's mine for now.

Eternal treasures:

Giving generous amounts of your precious hard earned resources of TIME and MONEY to help other people. Giving it to the, 'least of these.' Giving it to Jesus without expecting anything in return.

Now, I could take this a hundred different directions but I'm only going to choose one. So, here it goes...

I've known people who think that they fulfill the command to return their tithe by volunteering their time to the church.

Nope. Wrong.

I've known people who think that they can give money in the offering and then be exempt from acts of service for Jesus.

Nope. Wrong.

Do you know that I could determine what is priority in your life by examining 2 things that belong to you:

Your checkbook. Your calendar.

What would we find?

She loves eating out at nice restaurants. Dropping $25, $45, $55, $65, even $75 is nothing to her...

He loves hunting equipment. Spending anywhere from $150 to $350 every other month is fine for him...

They love going to all the sporting events - 32 hours a month when you figure it all up - it's cake to this couple. But compare it to the 2 1/2 hours they spent investing in the Lord the last 30 days...

Sticks or gold bricks?

And by the way. I'm not trying to be mean. But don't try to tell me how much you love Jesus when you know the above mentioned is out of whack in your life. We see you cry buckets of tears during worship but come on.....seriously? It's rather simple, your heart doesn't line up with your mouth. I'm sorry but 'religious white noise' just isn't on my play list. And for the record I'm not perfect in this area either...but I just admitted it. Love ya - just keeping it real...

Now, we need some sticks in our lives - God knows that.

Stick homes.

Stick cars.

Stick money.

Stick horses?

Stick play time.

But I need to treat all of that stuff like STICKS.

Temporary resources that are here one day and gone the next.

So today my goal is to be deliberate in my actions.

Spend time with Jesus because He is so awesome.

Spend time with my little girls and enjoy them being little.

Spend time making my wife laugh and smile - and that means helping her with the girls and the chores...

Spend time investing in a stranger that I will only come in contact with once.

Prepare to give money on Sunday in order to invest into the Kingdom of God.

Sticks or bricks.

It's my choice...and yours.

Connected. Disconnected?

2009-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Wow. Another post just a few days after the previous one instead of a month later.

Improvement!

Well, we're still waiting on the Lord to send the right person to take over the lease of the house on Capitol Hill. I hope they pray. Maybe they don't pray - maybe they do - but in the mean time all of us will pray for them! Sound good to you?

We're still trusting Him. His plans are way more complex and detailed than mine so I'll just let Him be God.

Since we moved to Virginia I've been riding the metro into DC Tuesday through Friday - that's about 45 minutes. I want to use my time wisely so I've been listening to some different podcasts. So far I've tuned into Andy Stanley and Kerry Shook (Pastor Mark is on my list as well - I just haven't downloaded anything yet :)

Kerry Shook was speaking about living passionately. The first step in doing this is connecting to God or in some instances that all of us can relate to - RECONNECTING to God. I've had to do that last one quite often.

Jesus makes it clear in John 15 - I can't do anything without Him. It's impossible.

This is where 'real living' begins. How connected am I? How connected are you?

Am I consumed with God or consumed with _________________? (Fill it in yourself :)

I know many people who want to be connected but they're to busy being consumed by money. Possessions. Lifestyles. Image. Careers. Unhealthy and sinful relationships. Etc. Everyone is consumed with something. I knew one guy that lost his family because he was consumed with an online video game. He played for 10 - 12 - 15 plus hours a day. He turned on the computer and tuned out his wife and children. Fantasy instead of family. Staring at the glow of a monitor screen instead of the grins of his kids. I like to play a video game every now and then but my wife and kids are precious to me. Priceless. Nothing can replace them. Lord help me to never be consumed with anything that keeps me from seeing You, my family, and others. This story scares me. Sometimes it's good to be scared.

I knew an individual who wanted to become like someone that they adored. They wore their hair like them - dressed like them - made themselves up to resemble them. Tried to take on their personality. This person was completely consumed with their outward image so they began to spend money. Lots of money. Money that this young couple didn't have. How did they do it? Plastic. Being overly image conscious cost them over $25,000....plus their marriage. Think about it. The clothes got old. The makeup was used up. The hairstyle went out of style. Was it really worth it? We can connect with the wrong stuff real fast, can't we? Sometimes somethings end up costing us more than we thought we'd ever pay. Throws a whole new slant on the word 'expense' doesn't it?

You've heard of the same stories.

You know someone.

Maybe you are the someone - maybe the story is your story.

It's a good thing that Jesus is into the reconnecting/restoration business. It's a good thing that He doesn't condemn us. When we come to Him, admit that we've sinned, confess that we've been wrong - He reconnects us and restores us.

Don't misunderstand me - I'm not condemning the people that I've mentioned - I just want to learn from their costly mistakes - pay attention to the warning signs - be accountable to someone. We only live this life once. I sure don't want to look back over my life and say, "Lord, I wish I wouldn't have become disconnected from you - it cost me everything."

So I end today with a prayer that David prayed a long time ago.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Amplified Bible

Connection. Impossible by myself - made possible through God.

I believe I'll plug into Him today.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

John 15:5-7

Trust

2009-01-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

Trust.

Small word. Huge meaning.

Trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. One in which confidence is placed.

Right now - at this very moment - the Lord is teaching me about trust....real trust...not just a Sunday School level lesson about trust but 'Red Sea' trust, 'water in the desert' trust, 'the battle is the Lord's' kind of trust.

Our life change from pastoring to becoming an NCC protege has been all about trust from the beginning. Leaving family, a church family, and friends who are family was very difficult to do. Leaving the security of a paycheck was hard to do - but all of it was necessary. My time in Huntsville was up. My time in Washington DC had arrived. We jumped.

Trust.

Well, to summarize - We moved to Capitol Hill and we we're content until the Lord directed us to move...again...to Alexandria, Virginia. In order to do this we need to sub lease the house on Capitol Hill. We've shown the house several times - people send emails - they call and set up appointments to tour the place - 90% of them fail to show up.

Trust.

Glenda spends all day Saturday showing the house - people act interested, excited, pumped and then we hear that.......they.......passed on the chance.

Trust.

The last one was the hardest because the lady contacts the lease agency and says that she wants the place but they can't process her application because their server is down so they have to wait until Monday. Great! we're home-free.....really? No. She changes her mind over the weekend.

Changes her mind? She can't do that. She did.

Trust.

So here we are - paying for two places - unable to do so - things are looking scary - I'm upset - Glenda is very upset. We're weary. We try to begin second guessing ourselves only to be slapped with the reality that we know that we know that we're supposed to be here.

Trust.

In the middle of all this God keeps dropping comforting words to me - just like a father encourages his discouraged child. For instance: Glenda has this daily rolodex devotional that she keeps near the kitchen sink. One particular day it gave this advice:

"Patience is not learning how to wait. Patience is learning how to wait and have a good attitude during the process." Hmmmmmm.

One of my scripture verses immediately following that tid bit of timely advice was this:

"Wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)

Then this morning, January 13, 2009, on the Metro some where in between Franconia-Springfiled and Metro Center my daily scripture reading directed me to Genesis 22. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son - his only son.

His pride and joy.

The son he loved and cherished.

His heir.

His promise.

So they travel for three days - plenty of time to turn back - but they kept on walking. Plenty of time to figure out a new plan and present it to God - argue with Him - but that didn't happen - father and son just kept on walking.

Finally they arrived at the mountain - started to climb the mountain - and Isaac breaks the silence and says, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

Abraham's heart must have been crushed when he heard that sweet voice say 'Father' and then follow it with that innocent question.

...where's the lamb?

"Abraham answered, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Then the two of them walked on together." (emphasis mine.)

Trust.

It's not by chance that these verses have been in my reading plan the past couple of days. I don't believe in chance. I believe that God wants to speak to us. He's got my attention.

So, I sit here at my desk - typing - no answer in sight but I'm going to make a prediction - He's going to show. I don't know how. I wish I did. I don't know when He's going to work it out but there's one thing that I do know,

He will.

So, during this frustrated, uncomfortable, and downright scary time in my life - I'll keep my ears tuned, my eyes open, and my feet moving forward up the mountain.

Where's the offering? God will provide. He's my only hope.

Trust.

UPDATE....

He showed up. All is well.

Told ya.....

Psalm 6:9

Black Friday

2008-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

I stayed at home. I watched TV. I ran around the house with the girls. I watched a movie. I ate turkey. I avoided Black Friday like the Black Plague. If you ventured out into all the commercial chaos - more power to you (come on - Kohl's opened at 4:00 a.m.)! I've begin to notice something over the last ten years or so - as soon as Halloween is over the malls and department stores plunge head first into Christmas and pretty much ignore Thanksgiving. Oh they may run a few commercials for 20 pound turkeys and pumpkin pie but I see something else competing against pro football and glutton induced napping - it's another full contact sport - Black Friday - and the crowd goes wild!!! Newspapers are larger due to the advertisements and coupons - you sit down to watch Clark Griswold go Christmas light crazy on Christmas Vacation and you are BOMBARDED by Target commercials every five minutes. As my father-in-law would say, "this drives me whacko!" What is it? Black Friday wants only one thing - all the stinking money in your account - and we fall for it every year don't we?

Now, don't get me wrong - Christmas is awesome - the tradition of gift giving to symbolize the Gift of Jesus Christ to this hell bent world is glorious indeed - I never ever get tired of it. I'm tired of the commercialization. In fact I think I hate it. Why? Because it's taken priority in peoples lives. It's a known fact - research it yourself - more people go into debt during Christmas season - more debt means more stress, more fighting, more alcohol consumption, more depression, more anger, more divorce, more suicide - all in the name of 'gift giving and gift getting.' What? How could gifts get such a bum wrap? (pun intended) Gifts are supposed to be happy-love filled-joyous-things aren't they? Yep - you'd think - but everything falls apart when we miss the point and over extend ourselves. I don't have a problem with giving and getting but I do have a problem with going overboard - and that's what's happened to America and many American Christians - it's not that we forget about Jesus we just bury Him under all the commercial clutter. This year, I want to step back and consider what I can do to keep Christ first and commemorate His birthday without losing my mind...and a ton of cash.

So here goes:

1. Sell what you don't need right now. Craigslist or eBay - check it out. It's simple to do.

2. Use this cash for gifts - you can look at it like recycled funds.

3. Keep it simple. Give each child a few gifts instead of forty gifts each. How many times has some parent cried out in exasperation over discarded toys all over the floor - you hear them scream 3 blocks away, "they don't appreciate what they've got!" How can they when they have 36 different games, action figures, dolls, and remote controlled cats? It's sensory overload. Now if you run on to some awesome deals and you're financially able to purchase 20, 30 , or 100 different items (yikes!) - who says you have to give it all to them on Christmas morning? Why not give some of the gifts that day and then wait and give some of them a month or two down the road? Freak your family out some Saturday morning in March. Scream - wake up the whole house - beat pots and pans together as they all stumble into the living room and discover the gifts circled around a potted plant or something! Explain your psychotic weirdness by telling them that this is what Jesus does - when we least expect it and when we least deserve it He blesses us with grace, mercy, and all out goodness (minus the pots and pans). I know, I know, silly stuff but I guarantee you they will remember that year and that lesson for the rest of their lives! Now back to business - some items could even be stored away until next year - you might be saying, "wow now that's discipline" - I just think it's making good sense out of our cents. I think it's better to do it this way then live in regret when the credit card bill shows up.

4. Participate in trustworthy charitable organizations.

Samaritans Purse, The Salvation Army, Toys For Tots, etc. Many churches have a toy drive every year - check into it. Give 10, 15, or 20% of what you're going to spend on your family. It's called sharing. Last time I checked it was a Biblical principle.

5. Keep it simple. It's worth repeating twice. It needs to be repeated twice. We need to read it twice. This is why. Today, December 1, 2008, I was horrified when I read how a man lost his life last Friday. Did he get shot in the head by a mugger? No. Did he get stabbed by an assailant trying to get his Playstation 3? No. Did he get ran over by a truck in a shopping center parking lot? Close. He got ran over by a mob of people at a Wal Mart in New York. Let me say it again. A man was trampled to death by people trying to get into Wal Mart on Black Friday to get a good deal. Lord Jesus help us (The damaged doors can be seen in the pic above).

Ellie Berhun went shopping there the day after the tragedy. She said, "Some man lost his life because a VCR was on sale? Please. It's just to sad for words." It's more than sad Ms. Ellie, it's shameful. How do you think his family is going to feel this Christmas day?

The man that died that morning was 34 year old Jdimytai Damour - a part time employee for Wal Mart. It is even reported that other workers were knocked to the ground as they tried to rescue Damour. Some customers simply stepped over him and kept shopping even after the store announced it was closing because of the death. What in the world were those people thinking? Here is what they were thinking about: A 50 inch Samsung plasma HDTV for $798. A Bissel Compact Upright Vacuum for $28. The Incredible Hulk DVD for $9. Hmmmm, a movie on sale that depicts an out of control 'green' giant that obliterates and destroys everything in it's path - fitting after what happened in New York last Friday. I pray that Wal Mart does the right thing and gives this mans family some financial security until they can get their lives back in order. No, this tragedy is not Wal Mart's fault but there should've been an appropriate plan of action when the crowd began to swell and surge. Knowing Wal Mart, they probably do have a plan to avoid these kinds of accidents but something went terribly wrong on their parking lot.

I believe that story sums it all up and sadly illustrates how out of control this nation is when it comes to materialism. Christmas. What has it become? The capitalization of Christ's birthday. I don't believe Jesus is very happy about it. I know I'm not. Therefore, I think I'll stick to my 5 simple steps and stay away from Black Friday. Sadly that name is more fitting now then it ever has been.

Merry Christmas.

(My apologies - what an eternal post - I'll keep them shorter in the future. 1.27.10)

Thankful

2008-11-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

So much for trying to stay consistent on this blogging thing. Oh well, I hope that everyone is having a great Thanksgiving week. Time to reflect on all of God's goodness to us - past and present. I could fill this blog up with a thankful list so I'll do my best to limit it for the sake of time and space. Almost everyone knows we live in DC now - what an amazing place to live! I'm thankful we have a roof over our heads. I've seen many, many homeless individuals along the streets of DC - several in the shadow of our nations Capitol building. Sunday afternoon NCC served the homeless a Thanksgiving dinner on the lower level of Ebenezers (NCC's coffee house located a block from Union Station). It's easy to focus only on ourselves and our families during the holidays and forget about those who don't have a house or a family to make that house a home. Speaking of family - I'm thankful for mine. We took Macy and Mia to the National Museum of American History the past couple of days. Macy had her own little camera with her - taking pictures of things she thought were cool - the first Washington Monument which is a statue of George Washington - a very large stuffed buffalo and the real C3PO suit they used in Return of the Jedi. We also saw the actual Star Spangled banner - the same flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. Macy was so amazed by it that we went through that exhibit twice. We saw a lot of other amazing things while we there - the top hat that Abraham Lincoln was wearing the night he was at Ford's Theater - the chairs the Gen. Lee and Gen Grant sat in when Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court house - and badly damaged steel columns from the 70th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. When Macy saw this and the large photos of the towers in flames - she looked at me and asked, 'why?' I stood there wondering that myself.
I wonder what the victims families are feeling during Thanksgiving and Christmas time? I believe that's something that every American needs to think about on a regular basis and while we're thinking we need to pray for those families. I can't even imagine what they've had to go through.
Well, theres lots to get done in the next couple of days - this Thanksgiving celebration can get out of hand so my goal is to keep it simple and simply be thankful.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.
1 Chron. 16:34

***

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

Psalm 103:1-3

November 5th - The Day After

2008-11-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well - it's a done deal - we have a new president and vice president - congratulations to President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden on their historical win. I also want to congratulate Senator John McCain and Governor Sara Palin on a hard fought campaign - I'm sure they're ready for some downtime. So.....as a nation - where are we headed? How does this presidential election affect all of us? Let me talk about perspective here. I don't have all the answers - you don't have all the answers - and President Obama won't have all the answers. There is only One who has all the answers because He is and has always been the answer - yeah I know - that's a cliche answer if I ever heard one but let me give you some scripture:

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

***

10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."

John 19:10-11

***

To all of the Americans who didn't get their way last night - let these verses sink in. To all the Americans who got their way last night - let these verses sink in. One man and a political party will never be the answer because they are not the overall governing authority in this world. The first verse is a prophecy that Isaiah gave of the future Messiah - He finally arrived - His name is Jesus and the government is and will be upon His shoulders. Hey, let's not forget - there's another day coming. The second verse is when Jesus makes it clear that Pilate's power was nothing to boast about - it was simply allowed for him to possess for a season. Like I said - we can gain a mile of perspective from these short passages.

I never will forget working at Wood Specialities in Rogers, Arkansas when Bill Clinton became our 42 president. One man working near my drill press walked by - smiled a toothless grin and said, "Bill Clinton is gonna turn this nation around!" Did that happen? I guess the answer to that one depends on who you're talking to. I don't think he did. Did Bill Clinton lead us to an American Utopia? No. Did any president before Pres. Clinton or after him lead us there? No. Will a man or political party ever lead us there? The answer will always be no. Can we grasp this? Will we ever? Now - I realize that presidents and political parties have powerful influence and are to be held responsible for their decisions and actions. BUT, will we ever understand that the success and security of any nation depends upon the peoples response to the one Isaiah is talking about? Let me bring it closer to home. The success and security of this nation does not depend upon the White House - it depends upon two places - the Church House and Your House. Period. In other words, I believe that everything hinges on the Christians who are really following Christ and just how much we allow Christ to influence our entire lives. That includes our decisions and actions being based on love, Christ likeness, adherence to the Word of God, morality, justice, etc. And then take all of that (plus more) and allow the Holy Spirit to permeate our entire being - every day in every way imaginable in order to change us from the inside out. But...we don't always do that...do we? So, what should we do? Christians need to grow up and begin experiencing spiritual maturity - learn to be patient with God - with others - and with ourselves during this painful but productive process. The flip side of the spiritual maturity coin isn't pretty - it's ugly and its known for it's apathy, laziness, materialism, and self absorption. All of the a fore mentioned can describe what many American Christian's allowed to slip into their lives and churches when they saw a conservative Christian named George W. Bush elected for two terms. Can the term 'spiritual coasting' apply here? I believe so. Christians in 'kick back mode' - yep, you bet. I saw it first hand - and I even participated. Yeah - I admit it. How about you?

So to answer the question - where are we headed as a nation? I believe it depends on the Christians - bottom line. We can't pass the buck anymore. Take care of the issues that matter most to God - people issues like taking care of the poor, the sick, the weak, the oppressed, give the hopeless some hope, etc. We must stop trying to abandon these issues and others like it on the governments door step. It's not their responsibility - it's the Churches. Don't believe me? Go read John 6:15 - Jesus cared about people - not politics - His ministry required a towel - not a title (Jn. 13). I've heard this before and so have you - if EVERY Christian TITHED - we could solve the issue of world hunger. I know, I know, we can't afford to do that - how silly of me to suggest such a thing. Christians have credit card bills, two maybe three car payments, Harley payment's, boat payment's, condo dues to worry about,......... Embarrassment should be sitting in about now. Let's do something together - let's re-visit our spending and entertainment philosophies and compare them to helping out on causes like ending the prostitution of little girls in Thailand. Provide for orphans in this nation and in other parts of the world who have lost their parents due to the AIDS virus - enable them to get an education - give so they won't be hungry and naked. God has blessed you and he's blessed me - why not try blessing someone else even if it means we can't go purchase a brand new iPod. So, how do we get started with this? Allow the Spirit of God to open your eyes - ask Him and then watch out - because He will. Go to the Assemblies of God website and do some research, contact your local DHS agency, do a Google search on something that breaks your heart, contact Glenda or me - perhaps we can plug you into someone or at least give you some ideas (go to www.adventconspiracy.org and watch the video. I signed up immediately).

One more thing. I know that I will not agree with our new president 100% of the time. In fact, there are some issues that we're diametrically opposed on but I can't allow that to hinder my spiritual responsibility to President Obama and his administration. I've made up my mind that I'm going to pray for him and his family. I'm going to pray for the Lord to soften his heart, give him wisdom, protect him from harm. I believe that's what the Lord wants me to do. Now, if your man lost last night you may be screaming, "WHY WOULD YOU PRAY IN SUCH A MANNER FOR....HIM?" This is why:

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

1 Timothy 2:1-3

***

"Don't curse God; and don't damn your leaders."

Exodus 22:28 (The Message)

Amen.

Election Day

2008-11-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

The day has arrived. New leadership will be elected for our country. I'm not going to say much on the subject at the moment - perhaps I'll say more throughout the day. BUT I'm going to do my best to get more consistent in my 'blogging' so I hope you enjoy it. I will tell you this - if you want to watch a great message about POLITICS AND THE CHURCH go to www.theaterchurch.com - click the 'resources' tab and then hit the 'media' button. The title of the message is, 'The Political Elephant.' The speaker is Pastor Mark Batterson. This is message #5 in 'The Elephant In The Church' series - I encourage you to watch it plus all the other messages - they were excellent!
Not only will you get to see my pastor in action but you will also see some of my work - I'm the one holding the boom mic :) I loved it. Just a side note - this video was played in all 4 NCC locations - Ebenezers Coffee House - and the 3 movie theaters at Balston, Union Station, and Georgetown. The response was amazing.

Peace.

Book of John Study

2008-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

The proteges at NCC are studying the book of John and I'm really loving it so here's my thoughts on a passage that we tend to zoom past and ignore. By the way - the pic up top is a fig tree somewhere in Israel. Check out the people standing under it - that's one big fig tree!

47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!"
48Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." (J2.47.48)

"I saw you." This is a powerful statement – a reminder – that Jesus knows exactly where we’re at – everyday – every minute – every second – even when we don’t think anyone is watching us – the quiet places – the lonely moments – when we’re at home – driving to work – doing menial tasks – or even when we’re just sitting around under a fig tree – Jesus ‘sees’ us. The Greek word for ‘to see’ is ‘eidon’ and it means to have regard for one – to cherish – to pay attention to – the word even means to ‘discover.’ Nathanael caught the Lord’s attention when he was simply sitting under a fig tree – and the first amazing thing I see here is that Jesus can step into the simple and make it supernatural. I believe that this could possibly be one of the Lord’s favorite things to do – it’s His hobby – show up where it’s normal and splash some color on it – drench the mundane with His presence – don’t believe me? He did it in ‘the beginning’, He did it in Bethlehem, He did it at the wedding banquet when all he had was thirsty guests and 6 stone jars of plain old water – He does it all the time – we simply don’t see it. Nathanael was kicking back under the fig tree – we say, BORING – Jesus says, AMAZING! Just remember the next time you’re drowning in simplicity – look up, you might have just caught the attention of the God of the Universe.

Now, I’ve got to go back to the ‘cherish’ part of this Greek word eidon because the second thing I see is this - Jesus was looking at Nathanael’s heart – believe it or not this word also means to inspect or examine. In other words, Nathanael was under the Lord’s watchful eye and when he least expected it he was under examination – and when he meets Jesus for the first time he receives a compliment he’ll never forget – ‘here’s a man who has no deceit in his heart’. Quick question – can the Lord say that about me after close examination? How about you? Who are we when no one else is in the room? Would you want to invite that person you were talking about on the phone to listen in on your conversation? Would you want the history of the internet sights you've visited to be published in the New York Yimes or at least examined by your spouse and children? Awkward silence follows those series of questions.
Now this isn’t a critical look that God gets blamed for all the time but one of love filled fascination – the way I watch and listen to Macy and Mia when they’re playing – when they don’t realize that I’m watching and listening – many times I’ve just stood there mesmerized – getting all teary eyed – thinking of how much I love them – how fast they’re growing up – how proud I am of them – how thankful I am for them - and they don’t even realize it. So that act – that emotion I experienced watching my kids has God’s fingerprints all over it – it’s like He’s smiling at me and saying to me, “see there – fun isn’t it?” Our Father does it ALL THE TIME. I’m glad He does because it shows me that He’s thinking of me even when I’m not thinking about Him.

And that takes me to my last point – Nathanael was probably not a flashy individual by the world’s standards. We wouldn’t have noticed him. Nathanael would’ve turned our heads if he wore Yankee pinstripe and averaged 50 home runs every season – if he graced the cover of GQ – if he drove a jet black Chrysler 300 – if he…..you get the picture – here’s the cool thing about this – the guy wasn’t doing anything impressive when Jesus said, ‘hey, I want Nate on my team’ – he was just sitting under the local fig tree chewing on a fig.
My point is this – I don’t need to get all caught up in what I can do, what I own, where I live, or who I am – self made men and women don't exist but the Grace of God does. And when it comes to people, Jesus doesn’t look at the ‘wow’ factor – I believe He’s more interested in the ‘who’ factor – the things He notices that no one else does. Examples – the Bible is chock full of them: shepherd boy David, Gideon the big wimp, loud mouth - bull headed – back stabbing Simon, Mark the quitter, etc, etc, etc. - PROOF that simple lives, scaredy cat reactions, and stupid mistakes don’t disqualify us in God’s eyes. The only guy I can think of that was perhaps impressive to behold was Samson – hmmmm…yeah…he was a letdown. Slow it up – don’t forget this – when it comes to focusing fully on outer appearances we've been given a standard - the prophet Isaiah tried to give us a heads up here:

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. (53.2)

Forget all the attractive Jesus’ on canvas that hang in church halls and on grandparents walls – Isaiah warned us – you’re not going to realize who He is because there won’t be any glitz – no glamour. The prophet was right – we rejected Jesus because we didn’t recognize that TRUE greatness lies within the person – not on the outside of the person. We’re still guilty of poor perception 2000 years later – I’m glad He’s not.

Thank you Jesus that even when I don’t realize you care or you’re there – you do – you are – you always will. Thank you for your infatuation with the fig tree moments in my life – help me to always keep my eyes on you because you’ve proven that you can’t take your eyes off of me.

Updates from Washington DC COMING SOON!

2008-10-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! I just wanted to let everyone know that in the coming days I will be posting pics, video, and details of our new life on Capitol Hill. Glenda has a great blog and is WAY ahead of me on this - so if you want all the details leading up to now you probably will want to go her blog, www.journeytoeverafter.blogspot.com - anyways I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you're wondering! Bye for now!

2008-07-02T10:07:00.000-07:00