Christmas Friendship

Christmas is such a wonderful time for getting together with friends. You eat, give gifts, share stories, laugh, cry, and have a wonderful time together. Have you ever thought of Christ as your friend and celebrated His birthday just as if He were present with you and all of your friends here on earth? The fact is, He is with you during every moment of celebration. The problem is, we don't recognize His presence and celebrate with Him. To many of us, He only exists in our liturgy or our practice of religion. Dwight L. Moody once said, "A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." 

Jack Zavada put it this way: "When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with Him to the gift of eternal life with the Father. But He gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: His frneidship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and He saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend."

Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15 NIV)

Isn't it great to know that Jesus wants to be your friend? What better friend could you have? Unlike many of those we call friends, He is steadfastly loyal, quick to forgive every fault, a strong support, an encourager, a great listener, and so many other things that I couldn't even begin to describe how great of a friend He is. He wants nothing but the very best for you and He never gets jealous or upset whenever you excel... So this Christmas, see Him for more than "the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." See Him as your friend. Make the choice to enter into a deeper friendship with Christ during this Christmas season. When you give Him your heart and trust Him to be your friend, you'll find that your life will never again be the same... "What a friend we have in Jesus!" His friendship is such a great gift He freely gives to all who will receive.

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IOU Christmas?

Can you imagine waking up on Christmas and finding a sticky note under the tree that simply read, IOU, Santa? Well, for many folks, this year may turn out to be a lot like that - especially if we think we have to spend tons of money to have a happy holiday. Of course we all realize that Christmas is more than presents under the tree.... it's the season to be jolly, to share the love of Christ in manger, to reconnect with family and friends. But somehow we've also included shopping and big ticket items as gifts. If your family is like the Bennetts, this year may have to be just a little different than in years past. But maybe the change will cause us all to focus on the true spirit of the season rather than the commercialism of the holidays. I read something this past week that by Gay Norton Edelman where she recommends several ways we can all have a richer Christmas without all of the outrageous expense. I've included six of her recommendations below:

From "Christmas Without Cash" by Gay Norton Edelman...

1. Manage Kids' Expectations. At a time when the financial reality requires that it has got to be the love and not the stuff that matters, let your kids know that you’re opting for a simpler, more heartfelt [Christmas] season. They can handle it. But don’t say, “We can’t afford it.” Say, “We’re choosing to keep it simple and creative this year. We’re going to focus on being imaginative aboutgifts and emphasizing togetherness, not shopping.” If you believe it, they will, too (even if they do groan and roll their eyes). Help them gain perspective by volunteering as a family (actually having contact with the people you’re helping is the best form of give-and-take there is). Collect donations for food banks or give time at an animal shelter. Show them how much you believe in their giving little hearts and prepare to be awed!

2. Make Creative Coupons. Be honest--if you had the choice between a piece of jewelry or soneone to clean out your fridge, you'd probably pict the kitchen first aid, wouldn't you? Most people would rather have more help than more stuff. Get on the computer and have a ball thinking up things you can do for people you cherish. Then write up fancy certificates or hand-lettered index cards. Give your adult son a coupon for a half-dozen freshly ironed shirts, your teenage daughter a free pass from Saturday chores, your significant other…well, use your imagination and make sure he or she opens the gift privately!\

3. Suitable for Framing. Find a nice poem or create something your loved one can frame (or polish and use one of those frames in your bottom drawer, or pick up a simple one at the dollar store). How about the serenity prayer for your 12-step buddy? Or your sister’s favorite Psalm (such as, “Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10)? Wrap and add a bow--at my house we sometimes use the Sunday comics or, for fans, the sports section, as wrapping paper--and you’re ready to rock and roll! Not long ago my friend Karen printed out a list of pithy healing statements for me in my favorite color, purple (sample, from Mother Teresa, “Intense love does not measure; it just gives”). It’s hanging in my dining room right now.

4. Name Game. The best gifts say, “I know you. I think about you. I understand you.” Several years ago I created an acrostic for my friend, Karen, making a simple poem using the letters of her first name. I did it on the computer, but if you have nice penmanship, you could do it by hand. Write the person’s name vertically, then use each letter to begin a fun, loving statement about the person. It was such a simple gift, but she had tears in her eyes when she read it. “Nobody’s ever done something with my name like that,” she said. Another option is to put the person’s name on a hat (maybe with a slogan) or t-shirt (with a favorite photo).

5. Grandma, We Love You! Have everyone—the kids, the grandkids, the in-laws—write love notes, with specifics on what they’re grateful for and what their favorite times have been. Embellish with hand drawings. Cover a shoe box with pretty paper, stuff the love notes inside, and watch the feelings flow. Or do you have a relative (like my sister-in-law Eve who never misses a birthday, anniversary, orholiday for anyone in our huge family) who likes to send as well as receive notes of good cheer? A thoughtful gift could be an assortment of lovely stationery and some cool custom stamps. (There are several sites that make them. Or just go to the post office and have them show you their assortment of commemorative stamps.)\

6. Share Your Soul. Take a page from the tradition of prayer beads. Make or buy a string of pretty beads. As you string them, one at a time, speak a special prayer “into” it; if store-bought, just touch each bead and say a prayer as you do. Make each brief prayer meaningful for the recipient (e.g. May you find true love, may you make a dream come true, may you do well in school this year, etc.). Find a lovely jewelry-sized box and present it to your loved one with a special note. Either explain that each bead has a special prayer in it or list the prayers. (I’m doing this for my sweet big sister, Anita, who totally deserves this kind of blessing.) You can use the same principle with a knitted or crochetedscarf or afghan—pray with each stitch, then present with a note on the item’s history. You could even go with recipes—copy your favorites into a pretty pamphlet, adding a prayer or a simple, affirming quote with each one, then bake one of the dishes and present it all together.

These are just a half-dozen ideas. I'm sure you can come up with many more on your own. Just keep in mind that it's not the commercial buzz that makes Chrismas special, it's the loving, sharing, caring spirit of the Christ-Child, Jesus of Nazareth.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year!

kb

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God Took Off His Mask

Our heroes usually wear masks so their true identity can't be known. Like Spiderman, Zorro, Batman and the Green Lantern. And who could forget the most favorite masked man of all? The original ---the Lone Ranger.

We benefit from their kindness -- they frequently save the world from bad guys -- but we don't know who they really are. They may be our heroes, but our knowledge of them is limited.

There's a sense in which the same could have been said about God. In the Old Testament we learned about him, we saw how his people benefitted from his kindness, but we couldn't really know him personally, intimately. It was like he was behind a mask.

On Christmas Day, the mask was removed. He revealed himself to us through his Son so that we may known him as he really is. This is why, when Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, Jesus said, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)

God's plan is not to be our hero. He wants to be more than the one we call on in times of trouble. He wants to be our constant companion, our Father, our friend. He wants us to know him personally. This is made possible through his Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to us two thousand years ago. This is why we celebrate his birth.

--Steve May

edited by kb

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Big Yellow Hornets & A Brother Born For Adversity

The Bible says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.”. As a young Christian, when I read that verse, I would normally think of some fight or argument I had had with one of my brothers and think, “You got that one right King Solomon!” I’ve since gained another perspective however, one that is most likely the impetus for King Solomon’s writing the verse. As many of you know, I absolutely enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply camping by the lake, there’s something especially tranquil when I can be alone with God in my thoughts without distraction. Among many of my challenges in life, however, I am highly allergic to bee stings. Over this past fall, I had the joy of joining my best friend and a couple of other men for a deer hunting excursion to South Texas. The first morning of the hunt, I climbed a ladder and entered a hunting blind, only to be assaulted by a team of about a dozen hornets. Unfortunately, in my haste to pack for the trip, I overlooked an important item – my “Epi-Pin”, an auto injector of the drug epinephrine. After a fierce melee, the score of my encounter with these assassins from hell was bees -1 sting; Kevin – 12 kills. But the fact that I was ahead on the imaginary scoreboard didn’t stop the bee toxin beginning to course thru my veins. God graciously allowed me to complete the hunt that evening and get back to camp. Just about the time I got there, however, I began to exhibit all the signs of a person who needs immediate professional medical treatment. I can also assure you that there is not an overabundance of emergency rooms or hospitals in Yancey, Texas. But was during this time that began to understand hat it means that a Brother is born for adverity.

My best friend Don quickly arranged for a box of Benadryl to be delivered ASAP to our hunting camp. By the time the medicine arrived, I was already beginning the early stages of “Shock”. I was seeing white stars; the lymph nodes were swelling under my arms; a rash was breaking out on my back, and I was finding it harder to breathe. In haste, I took 4 times the recommended amount of Benedryl and lay down with an ice pack on the back of neck where I had been stung. Shortly, I was sound asleep. My buddy Don was worried about my condition as he knew I was highly allergic. But not being able to get into my room, he was on the phone, looking thru the window, and making sure I hadn’t killed myself in the process of trying to stay alive. I think he must have stayed up most of the night checking on me periodically to make sure I was still breathing. Even when I awoke and was totally delirious and talking out of my head, he stayed right by my side and made sure I was going to be okay… to me, that’s what it means to have a true friend. Some one who thinks more highly of others than they do themselves, and will be there when times are good and when times are bad. Fortunately, the Benedryl did its job and I was fine by morning, but just to have someone there who refused to run away… to have someone I trust and love contact my wife and keep her reassured. To know that no matter what happened, I had a friend right beside me, is a friend who was born to help you and me thru the adversarial conditions we encounter in life. I’m blessed that I can call Don a true friend and confidant…. I love you my brother…. Kevin

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You Can't Do That In France!

Why do we still celebrate Thanksgiving? Because it’s the American thing to do….. and we DON'T LIVE IN FRANCE….. IF THAT OFFENDS YOU GO LIVE THERE. You can’t do STUFF LIKE THIS IN France! According to the History of Thanksgiving, accounts have pointed to feasts of thanksgiving as early as 1565 in the New World, the celebration that has traditionally been deemed "The First Thanksgiving" occurred in 1621. In 1620, the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It held colonists, later known as Pilgrims, who had left England in search of greater religious freedom. Unfortunately, the Pilgrims arrived in December, and many of the new colonists did not survive the harsh winter. With the help of local Native Americans, they were able to plant crops in the spring of 1621, and thus enjoyed a bountiful harvest. With the crops assuring a better winter, the Pilgrims planned a feast of thanksgiving. It is this image of colonists and members of the Wampanoag tribe enjoying a meal together and giving thanks for the fruits of the land that has served as inspiration for the holiday to this day. We still celebrate by overeating, giving, cooking, getting together with friends, and having a wonderful time of fun and fellowship during this time of year as an expression of thanksgiving. There’s really nothing magical or mystical about it…. Just a good old “Thank you partner…” and most of all, “Thank you Lord for your provision, both physically and spiritually thru your Son Jesus Christ.

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Deer and God's Spirit

In a couple of days I have the privilege of traveling to Texas to hunt with a few friends. If you know anything about hunting, you know that Texas is famous for their Whitetailed deer – especially if you’re hunting in the Southwestern part of the state. There are very few places in the country that produce such quality deer herds. One thing most of them have in common is nutrition. Not only are there massive quantities of acorns from small scrub oaks, but the farmers plant bumper crops of corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and all sorts of other agriculture. So the land is prepared for the deer without any effort on their part…. All they really do is gorge on the feastings. When you look around this country of ours, there seems to be an outpouring of God’s Spirit in certain geographical areas. Out west, Rick Warren and Saddleback are going thru a huge time of revival. Down south, Ed Young Jr. Is experiencing a great move of God. In Atlanta, Andy Stanley and North Point Community church is going thru the same thing. And I haven’t mentioned Lifechurch.tv or the Village chuch, or Willowcreek, just to name a few…. So what’s the difference? I believe it’s the spiritual soil. Just like the farmers plant crops and till the soil, in these places, warriors are being strategically placed by God to pray, prepare, and make way for a mighty move of God… I know it works… it’s happening all over Mountain View Church right now. And I’m glad I’m a small part, aren’t you?

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Snow, Trash Piles and Grace

As I watched the snow blanket the ground this morning, I was amazed at how the bare spots on the ground, piles of debris, trash piles and leaves were transformed into beautiful objects of sculpture. My first thoughts were of how God’s grace covers our sins and where there may be imperfections and flaws, His holiness has a way of turning even our worst failures into works of art. But there is an even greater event at work in God’s grace. Where snow only covers up the barren ground and hides the mess underneath, the mess still remains. The beautiful thing about God’s grace and forgiveness is that He doesn’t just cover up our sin, He takes it away. In fact, the bible says He removes it from us as far as the East is from the West. Our sin is buried in the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered against us again… God dumps it in the ocean and hangs up a sign that says “No Fishing”. When the snow outside melts, the debris will remain. But when the spiritual snow of life melts, nothing but righteousness, holiness, and the grace of God remain… aren’t you glad? I sure am!

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Life Sucks then you Die

THERE’S AN OLD URBAN SAYING THAT WE USED TO USE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, “LIFE SUCKS AND THEN YOU DIE!” EVER FELT THAT WAY? IF SO, MOST LIKELY YOU'RE BEOMG BOGGGED BY EMOTIONS AND DROWNING IN THE SAME OLD WAY OF THINKING EVEYDAY. So what can we do about it? One obvious thing is to change the way WE'RE doing life. In other words, if you don’t see the point in living, you’re missing the point of life entirely. If your life is totally running amuck and out of control, you've done something to let it get to that state. You made a choice or a system of choices that lead you to where you are now.  You may have even even started to give up on life. Think about it this way: If you’re driving down the road and you get tired. But instead of pulling over and resting for a while, you sthink, "Hey dude, I'll just set the cruise control and coast a while.  How long do  you think you’ll last? Not very long! You’ve relinquished control completely and what's worse isi that you've put your trust in nothing. to nothing. Unfortunately, that’s what happens whenever we live life without purpose, direction and personality responsibility. But there is an alternative… surrendering your life to a higher power. I’m not talking about some “pie in the sky” hoping beyond hope that things will work out, but a deepening of responsibility. You make a personal choice to align your life with the principal tenants of what you believe. You choose to cooperate with the greater good. But in order to do that, you have to give up your resistance in life and deciding to create a joy and a deep abiding trust instead of  life of pain.  In actualtIy, you don’t give up control. You keep control while following the plan, purpose and roadmap of the one to who you have surrendered control. Consequently, you ram a few less trees…. You stay  out of more ditches, and you’re more apt to keep your life between the lines.  So… are you doing that? OR does life pretty much suck right now?

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Frozen Treats and a 5 year old

As I prepare to depart to visit our sister church in Nicaragua, I am struck by the striking differences in our people. In a country where the average household salary is more than $46,000.00, the pollsters are reporting that on this election night, the number one concern of our citizens is the economy and personal prosperity. That’s amazing to me. Our 401Ks sink by 10% and we’re fearful to face tomorrow. Are we afraid we won't be able to buy a new car this year or that we won't be able to get that upgraded flat screen TV? Maybe we're concerned that we won't be able to eat out more than once a month or have to scale back on our vacation plans. Compare that to the economy of Betel and Trojilo, Nicaragua where the average salary is some where between $2.50 and $5.00 per day in an economy where the cost of living is roughly equivalent to that of ours. Speaking of new cars, most folks who live in these villages walk. In fact there may be 2 cars and 2 motorcycles per 1000 residents. The food that they eat is grown and harvested from the wilderness. Most of them have never taken a vacation to visit an amusement park or rent a cabana at the beach. They can't afford to go out to eat at a restaurant.... even a soft drink is a HUGE treat. Their education system is severely lacking and the opportunities for the average citizen can’t begin to compare with the opportunities available for us. Yet in the midst of hardship, they’ve found a way to be optimistic. Their outlook is positive if they have enough food for today and time to spend with the kids around an old radio listening to some preacher on a distant channel. Their faith in God is strong… they’ve had to depend on Him for survival, not just a raise in pay or a new car. Somehow we’ve gotten off track in the United States. Our lives are a dream for most third world countries, yet we want more and more and more… We’ve forgotten how to be content and have become greedy, selfish, and caring for few people other than ourselves. One event in Betel, Nicaragua I’ll never forget happened when I bought a frozen juice treat for a young boy. He ran to his house and gathered all his friends to share what the treat. When all was said and done, he had nothing left for himself. Sort of gives a fresh perspective to Paul’s exhortation to give preference one to another doesn’t it? I think I spent every Cordoba I had that day buying frozen treats for every kid in the village. I learned a powerful lesson that day from a 5 year old… One that speaks straight from the heart of God. I’m sure I will learn another dozen or more this trip as well. It’s funny how we go to minister to these “poor” people and come back home having been blessed beyond measure and enriched by their ministry and love. I wish you could all go with me….

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From Your Dad...If you know Almighty God

I met with my small group tonight & was reminded once again of Father’s great and wonderful love for us all… My BB brain can’t comprehend the love He has for us… I thought I would print out the words to Father’s Love Letter for those of you who have never before read or heard this wonderful message of grace…. May it fill your hearts with as much joy as it does mine….

My Child,



You may not know me, 
but I know everything about you. 
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. 
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. 
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. 
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. 
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. 
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. 
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. 
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, 
for all your days are written in my book. 
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth 
and where you would live. 
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. 
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. 
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented 
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, 
but am the complete expression of love. 
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child 
and I am your Father. 
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. 
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. 
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. 
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. 
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. 
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless 
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. 
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. 
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. 
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul. 
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. 
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, 
you will find me. 
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you 
the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. 
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you 
than you could possibly imagine. 
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you 
in all your troubles. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, 
I am close to you. 
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, 
I have carried you close to my heart. 
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away 
every tear from your eyes. 
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain 
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you 
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. 
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. 
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, 
not against you. 
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression 
of my love for you. 
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love. 
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, 
you receive me. 
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you 
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party 
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, 
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child? 
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. 
Luke 15:11-32



Love, Your Dad
Almighty God


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Altar Calls, Pulpits & 3 Point Sermons

Some folks have got a little upset with me because I’ve started doing a few things differently during the sermon on Sunday Morning. First of all, I’ve stopped using a pulpit (or the sacred desk) as some prefer to call it. As you know I now sit on a stool beside a small table. Secondly, I’ve stopped using the traditional 3 points and closing with a prayer when I preach. Some of you don’t care for that much, but quite frankly I don’t think it matters “a hill of beans” whether you sit or stand, or use points that all begin with the same letter, or simply talk and share illustrative stories to teach the truths of Scripture. A lot of churches and pastors have adopted trends and practices over the years that really have nothing to do with their faith. Yet, if the tradition is broken it’s almost as if the unpardonable sin is committed. For example, one trend that many of us have adopted is the altar call. What do you know about the history of the altar call? Is it biblical to raise your hand when the pastor says, “If you said that prayer, please raise your hand”? I say that sometimes, but what about the person who doesn’t feel like raising his or her hand? Are they excluded from God’s grace? Is it wrong not to want to go down front so everyone in the congregation knows you’ve got problems? Are those who do go down front somehow privy to a more divine outpouring of grace and forgiveness? I don’t think so… In fact, when Peter preached at Pentecost and 3000 were saved, there is no mention of raising of hands or coming forward. If you check, you’ll see that the altar call didn’t even come about until about 150 years ago when it was made popular by Charles Finney. In some congregations, people come to the altar week after week and they’re still the same. There’s no change. Maybe they’re thinking, “Maybe it will work this time! Maybe this will be the day when I get really zapped!” And there are also those in the congregation who think God isn’t moving unless you have an altar call and people stream forward. We try to reduce our walk of faith down to a few manageable things, that way we can control the process and perform up to some acceptable standard (whatever that is). It’s like we’re looking for one little trick, one more step to success, 3 keys to the Spirit-filled life, or something else spectacular that will make our life finally fall into place. And that is a primary reason I have stopped following the traditional approach to preaching 3 points and closing with a prayer. I don’t want anyone to mistake the form for their faith. Or, to believe that by following a system you can make yourself more acceptable to God. Maybe that’s a challenge to your belief system – I certainly hope not. The truth is, there is no magic formula or 7 step approach to being a “good” Christian. The bottom line is that as a believer, everything necessary for you to experience the Spirit-filled life, the abundant life, the joy, peace, and comfort of Father God has already been completed in Jesus Christ. You are loved by God unconditionally. He doesn’t require you to do anything but rest in His love. Jesus is with you always for He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. So relax… learn something new… open a new page in life and continue to discover the wonderful plan and purpose for which you were created. And please don’t come and complain to me because you don’t like the way I sit at a table to preach or the form of my sermons… Quite frankly, I don’t really care… remember, it’s not a performance thing.

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Friends

My dad once told me that a person is extremely blessed to have just one true friend in life. The person who has two true friends is doubly blessed indeed! Of course I didn't believe him when I was a teenager... I knew everything back then - didn't we all? Ha! We make many acquaintances thru out our lives. People pass into and out of our circle over the years like water flowing under a bridge. Most of these people we may call our friends but in reality they are simply people to whom we have been introduced and with whom we have shared time. As I have grown older, I understand what my dad was talking about. A friend is so much more than simply an acquaintance. It’s someone who will be there whether times or good or bad. Like King Solomon said, “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17). A friend is someone who, although distance and time may separate you, one second of being reconnected and it’s like you were never apart.  A friend tells you the truth even when it hurts. That’s what King Solomon was talking about when he also wrote, “The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive” (Prov. 27:6). A friend won't run away when you face trouble. A friend will stand shoulder to shoulder with you even though they may be threatened and scared. But true friendship doesn’t happen automatically. It takes an investment of your love and trust. You have to be a friend in order to gain a friend. You have to be willing to be transparent and vulnerable. That’s not easy nor is it comfortable, but it’s necessary if you want to have more than casual acquaintances in your life. It’s the same way with a relationship with Jesus. In order to know Him, you have to expose your heart to His grace and surrender to His plan for your life. But when you do so, you make a friend for eternity. And the Bible tells us that He “is a friend that sticks closer than a brother”. I am truly thankful for those I can call friends. I am wonderfully blessed.

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Catalytic

From my earlier days in Chemistry lab, I learned that a catalyst is a chemical substance that when introduced to a chemical reaction, will speed up or increase the reaction. Unlike other reagents used in chemical reactions, a catalyst is not consumed in the process, therefore it does not materially affect the other substances. This past week the Mountain View Staff participated in the Catalyst Conference 2008 held in Atlanta, GA. As various catalytic events were introduced and catalytic speakers talked, we were each challenged with great content, inspired by powerful worship, and purposed towards working together to be the Church and to serve as Leaders in our communities and culture. Truly I was moved, overwhelmed, blessed, and gained a sense of empowering when the conference was over. People from all walks of life gave motivational and encouraging remarks, but the one common theme that ran thru the entire time was that the Church must find out how to come together and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. It’s time to lay aside the slick plans and programs that are focused on man-made agendas and get on the agenda of the Lord… which hasn’t changed. We’re called to make disciples, love God and love one another. What a simple, fresh reminder! The catalysts we discovered at this conference were many and I dare say they affected us profoundly in our pursuit of Christ. I can hardly wait to see what happens as we get out of the way, focus on loving and serving the Lord, and allow the Holy Spirit to minister in and thru us as His instruments... this is an exciting and powerful time!

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God Has Called You

What has God called you to do? If you’re a believer, you’ve been called to do something. Many times we struggle with that. We might even start getting involved in ministries and religious works, trying to figure out where we belong. And then after pouring our energy into trying to make some sort of ministry “work” for us, we grow tired and weary. That’s because we often allow the work of ministry to become more important that what we’re all called to do. So what are we all called to do? Jesus said, “follow Me”. And that’s the primary calling we all have. When we get away from that, we will find ourselves wandering in the desert, spiritually dried up and weary as we operate in our own strength instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to operate thru us. Believe me, you won’t last very long trying to do ministry without the Holy Spirit’s empowering. You’ll fall flat on your face – I’ve been there… But when that happens, Father God isn’t disappointed or upset with you. In fact, it’s all part of His plan to refresh, refill and reenergize you. You’re still important to Him and He still has much work to accomplish thru your life. Just remember that our part is to follow Him. He has a way of taking care of everything else when we make that our life’s priority. 

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Freedom

Do you ever long to be free from the junk of this life? Free from the stress? Free from the problems? Free from the insecurities? Free from the disillusionment? Free from the discouragement? Well, the Apostle Paul said in Galatians, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Ah yes... but that sure seems much easier said than done to me. One minute I think I'm living in freedom, then something comes along and ties me in knots again... But we can choose to be free if we will surrender our heart, mind, soul & strength to freedom in Christ. In fact, until we are experiencing and living in the freedom of Christ, we will remain in bondage... bondage to unrealistic expectations, bondage to our own unmet goals. And ultimately, when we realize how insufficient our strength and abilities in the flesh really are, we'll hit a downward spiral of burnout. I can tell when I'm hitting that downward spiral... I become controlling, frustrated, and judgmental. I find myself trying to please everybody, and live up to impossible expectations. Then I get even more frustrated because I can't get everything done. What about you? Do you ever find yourself trying to be a god? If only we could consistently live in the freedom that is ours by birthright... without fear of judgement and rejection... what a beautiful world this would be! 

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Blessings, Burnout & A Bunch Of Bull

As many of you know, I took last week off for a pastor’s retreat in Oklahoma. Wow! What a much needed time of refreshment and restoration I experienced. There’s something that happens when we can get away from the hustle of life and relax in the Spirit of God. It’s amazing how my view changed as I soaked in the sap of the tree of life. Kim Wenzel, the host of this retreat is a wonderful teacher and man of God. Together we explored numerous truths from Scripture that not only helped me sort thru several struggles I have been going thru, but also reaffirmed in Whom I find my strength. Not that I ever forgot, but sometimes I confess that I think everything is up to me! (I’m sure none of you struggle with that, right?)  One thing Kim talked about was how we are so geared to be success oriented in our Christianity. We feel that if we’re not being blessed with health, wealth and prosperity in life, something must be wrong. But in reality, that way of thinking is a form of selfishness. We believe that if we do the will of God surely He will bless us beyond measure. And if we’re not being blessed, we think that we’re not doing something right. But the people we read about in scripture didn’t experience that kind of life. In fact, many of the heroes of our faith would not have been successful in our American, Christian culture. Many times the cause for spiritual burnout comes from striving to live a successful Christian life or have a more successful ministry. And a lot of us aren’t as focused on God as much as we’re focused on the success part. Yet Jesus told us to “seek the kingdom of God first…” The impetus for all that we do must be God. The power for ministry that happens in and thru our lives must be the Spirit of God. If we try to live life by our own power – by the flesh and for our own success – we’re quickly headed for trouble. When we’re operating solely in our own strength, our own wisdom, our own ability and know-how, we’ll strive to climb the ladder of success and self-promotion. And eventually, some one very likely will come along and knock the ladder out from under us… where does that leave us? Flat on our faces. But how much does worldly success matter in God’s economy anyway? Not a lot… God measures success much differently. He may make you the King, like David. But He also may ask you to live your life on some isle of Patmos with stale food, no bed, and alone like the Apostle John. You may be promoted to second in command of Egypt like Joseph. Or you may suffer trials and hardship like Job. Regardless, keep God as your focus. Don’t get pulled away by the “pipe dream” that you can have a better life now if you’ll just work harder for the Lord. That’s a bunch of bull. And it most likely will lead you to disappointment, disillusionment, and burnout… If the best we have to look forward to is this life and our circumstances, we’re a pitiful bunch of folks. Thank the Lord this is not our destiny.

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Worship In All That You Do

What is worship? Many of us have heard about “worship wars” in the church, when traditionalists and contemporary parishioners battle over style and type of music. But is that really what worship is all about? The Apostle Paul speaks of worship in Romans 12 when he says that we are to present our bodies, our lives, all that we are and all that we have, unto God. In fact, he calls that our spiritual and reasonable act of worship. Jesus said that those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship is far more than music. Worship is our first responsibility to God and it speaks of bring glory to the name of God with all of our being. Worship is not for us. Many times folks have come up to me after church and said things like, “Man, I thought worship was awesome this morning!” or “I so much enjoyed the worship today.” That’s an incorrect view of worship. Worship is not for us. Worship is from us, for God. And when we offer our uninhibited worship to the Lord, He responds. CS Lewis once said, “In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” So how do we worship? We can worship Him in everything. Whatever we do “as unto the Lord” becomes an act of worship. The Apostle Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 10, “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” When we do everything as if we were doing it for Him and not for anyone else, we are worshiping. I see many people worshiping God on Sunday mornings during our services. Who are they? Those who pray not to be heard by others, but to truly listen and communicate with God; those who sing with hands and/or hearts lifted to the Lord, not so they can be heard by others, but to express their love and adoration to the Lord; those who minister and work in various ministries, not so they can be praised or seen, but as an offering of service to Christ. That’s what worship is all about. It’s not just in your actions, but how and for whom you express and do whatever you do. So, how are you worshiping God today? The Bible says “God is seeking those who will worship Him…”

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Parenting & an Empty Nest

As I have been preparing for a new series on parenting, I've kept my eyes and ears open for any sort of information on the subject. While driving to my office on Tuesday, I heard some interesting facts from Dennis Rainey and Family life today on 106.9 The Light radio station. Something that really struck me was the fact that 88% of our children will walk away from the Christian faith once they leave home… Folks, we're not meeting the mark when it comes to preparing our children to face the world. In fact, several experts on the show said that if Christian parents were given a grade for our parenting skills, overall we would be failing.

I think we've somehow gotten away from the biblical role of parents. We've bought into the lies of our culture that tear down the family unit and undermine the importance of the role & relationship of the husband & wife with their children. Maybe it's because of advertising, or marketing, but we've accepted the idea that the child is the center of attention in everything. I'm not saying children aren't important - they are... but they're not more important than the marital relationship. And they also should not determine the priorities and practices in the home. For example, in today's world, parents are seen primarily as the providers for their consumer children. That sort of statement can lead us to believe that everything parents do has to be focused on the children... In other words, the parents work for the happiness of the children. We might feel that way sometimes, but that's not the biblical approach to parenting. Yet, so many parents fall into that trap. That's why we have a lot of spoiled brats and so many 25 - 30 year old kids still living at home! Why on earth would they want to give up a sweet deal like that? 

Parents, our primary job titles are not - chauffeur, butler, maid, slave and money source. Of course, we will have to do some of that as a part of life, but those jobs do not define our roles. Our primary roles consist of teaching, training, coaching and preparing our children to leave home. And if we are doing those things correctly, we should also lead them from having a total reliance upon us to having a total reliance upon God. I realize it's tough when the kids grow up and leave home... Lynn and I just moved our youngest off to college. But along with the saddness we both felt when he drove away, was such a great joy and sense of pride. Like his sister, I know Hunter's trust is in God. And I have no doubts that he also has the confidence to spread his strong wings and fly to the greatest heights!  

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Rain, Rain, Rain!

As I watched the rain falling this morning, I was suddenly struck with the overwhelming desire for God’s Spirit of revival to fall upon the Church. Like the earth, it seems that the Christian Church as a whole has been going thru a time of drought. Have you ever noticed when the ground dries it begins to crack and break apart leaving little crevices? Those crevices become hiding places for bugs and spiders that set little traps and ambushes to catch unsuspecting prey. I think that sort of thing happens to us as believers when we dry up spiritually. Old habits, sins and things that were once a part of our lives before Christ take up ambush positions in the crevices of our hearts, and before you know it, we’re stuck. As I watched the rain running off the side of our driveway and meander thru one of those crevices, I noticed it washed out all of the junk, the garbage, the dried up bug skeletons. And in a little while, fresh, wet soil began to fill up the cracks, making the perfect place for grass seed to take root and grow. Oh that the rain of the Holy Spirit would fall upon our lives and wash out all the junk that keeps us from receiving the seed of God’s Word and bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Oh God, please send your rain! Thank you for the rain falling outside right now, but even more than that, we need you to rain down on our hearts and our lives! Wash away the sin that has so easily entangled us and make us hungry for more of You! 

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