Vision

I can't get the thoughts about vision and discipline out of my head. As I shared in the annual meeting Sunday night, I believe that it's time to turn a new page and pursue what God has called us to do in the future.

Not only that, but we also need the discipline to make the vision become a reality… Here’s how that breaks down practically for all of us…

We can have the VISION to lose weight and be healthy…but until we get the discipline to move our rear ends off of the couch and onto the treadmill…that vision just isn’t going to become a reality!

We can have the VISION to really know God and know His Word…but until we get the discipline to actually open His Word and read it for extended periods of time, that vision just isn’t going to become a reality.

We can have the VISION to have a really great marriage…but until we get the discipline (and wisdom) to understand that marriage is not our opportunity to be served but rather an opportunity for us to serve, then the vision of a great marriage isn’t going to become a reality.

We can have the vision to want to find a wife and have a great marriage…but we're disciplined to get out of bed before 11am, get a job, make some money and get out of debt so that your home and car are not the same thing and pursue JESUS with EVERYTHING…then the vision of finding a Proverb 31 woman probably just isn’t going to happen.

We can have the vision to have a great ministry that accomplishes great things for God’s Kingdom…but until we get the discipline to STRIVE to hear HIS voice, to read as much as we can, to pray harder than ever before and to seek wisdom from people, even the ones we may disagree with…then our vision will always be a “prayer request” and never a reality.

(It’s amazing the number of people I meet who have been praying about doing something for five years or more…and they claim they are “waiting on God.” Uh…God made an undeniable move 2,000 years ago with JESUS on the cross…odds are He’s actually WAITING ON YOU–STEP UP!)

Huge vision means extreme discipline! This concept is ROCKING my world right now and directly challenging me to change/alter many of the things I am currently involved in.

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About Sunday

Some observations about yesterday...

1. The sermon topic wasn't the most fun thing to talk about, but it did make a powerful impact in many of your lives.

2. Isn't it so true that we can wear a mask with two sides? We put on one face with one crowd and a totally different mask with another. It's like we have spiritual schizophrenia.

3. Confrontation is a very difficult thing to do. But even harder still is confronting hypocrisy in our own lives.

4. As always, worship was incredible!!! I really enjoyed the new song from youth camp.

5. So far this year we have seen 84 people cross the line and make a commitment to Jesus!!! That always pumps me up!!! That's why we exist!!!

6. If you missed the annual meeting last night, you missed out on hearing what God has done here over the past year. But more importantly, you missed hearing about where He is leading us in the future!!! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!!!

7. This series about "Toxic People" has been really insightful and helpful, but next Sunday we're going to begin a new series that you don't want to miss. The new series is "Fearless".

Battles are inevitable but victory is not. We often find ourselves fighting enemies that are stronger than we are. So how do you stand fearless when there's so much at stake? Do you have what it takes? You don't want to miss it!!!

8. Be encouraged this week and share the love of Jesus with everyone you meet. And if necessary, use words.

I love you all and look forward to seeing you again in worship next weekend!!!

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Team Work

On May 26, 1959, Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Harvey Haddix accomplished something no one else in baseball has accomplished. He pitched 12 perfect innings in a game against the Milwaukee Braves. It was enough to set a record, but it wasn’t enough to get a win.

The score was tied at zero in the bottom of the 13th when the Braves’ leadoff hitter reached first on an error. Two batters later, Joe Adcock knocked in the winning run. The Braves took the game, 1-0. And Haddix took the loss.

The Pirates had men on base all afternoon — more than a dozen altogether — but they couldn’t manage to get any across homeplate. And so, with no help from the offense, Haddix’s brilliant record-setting performance wound up in the L side of the ledger.

Today many leaders are convinced if they themselves can maintain a certain level of brilliance, it will be enough to guarantee the success they’re looking for. While brilliance won’t exactly work against you, it will never take the place of teamwork. You’re not enough by yourself. Whatever it is you’re trying to do, you can’t do it alone. You need a team — a team of team players.

Not only does that include a team of fellow believers that come along side you and offer support and encouragement, but also your spouse. If you're married, you are a team.

Solomon wrote, Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend (or spouse) can help him (or her) up… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands (husband + wife+ Holy Spirit) is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:10, 12)

I encourage you to remind your team members today that you’re committed to doing your part. You’ve got their back, and you’re thankful that they’ve got yours!!!!

Have a great week and remember to invite someone to Church Sunday!

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About Sunday

We had a great Father's Day weekend! What a joy to see all the children running around handing out gifts to all the Dads that were present. Sunday worship was even more incredible. I never cease to be amazed at how God speaks thru His word and takes the simple words of a country boy like me to change lives... I'm truly humbled...

1. I never realized how many folks struggle with being controlled and manipulated. Many of you were set free yesterday!!! That's great!!!

2. Dustin and the band lead us in worship in a very special way! I'm thankful for how they all sincerely love Jesus and love to lead His people into His presence.

3. Keep Jennifer, Adam and all the others who are with the youth group at "Big Stuf" youth camp in Panama City. I'm looking for God to do some amazing things!!!

4. As summer approaches, attendance tends to dwindle, however, God continues to bless us with numerous visitors and many of them are interested in joining MVC!!!

5. Don't forget about the budget proposal this Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m.

6. Some of you already know this, but over the past year we have been talking with a realtor about possible purchasing the Ford Building in Black Mountain. The building would have been a great step in handling the continuing growth. However, approximately a week ago, a commercial company purchased the building with cash. That's okay... God has a better plan!!!

7. Hope you all are spending some quality time with your kids this summer. Statistics show us that when parents take an active interest in their kids' lives, they are much less likely to get involved in activities such as drug abuse, alcohol, violence, and etc.

As always, I love you all and am already excited about next weekend!!! Even on a Monday!!!

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Happy Father's Day

Believe it or not, this list was published on Craigslist a while back -- it's called Things My Father Taught Me. It was written in honor of a man named David McDonald, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 72. His son remembers him as a "precious father, beloved husband, and right good fellow." I thought this might stir up some memories of your own father this weekend.

Here are some of the better items on the list:

- Return borrowed things in better shape than when you borrowed them.

- Foul language is a sign of a limited vocabulary

- Everyone is a friend until proven otherwise.

- Tabasco won't kill you even if you eat it by the spoonful.

- Don't watch the clock when you're at work.

- Fish can see you if you look over the side of the boat.

- Never go to bed angry.

- That which does not kill you will hurt like the dickens, but it will make you stronger.

- Family is the most important thing on earth.

- If you don't know something, go to the library and learn it.

- There is a difference between an excuse and a reason, know the difference.

- The world can change everything about you, except your point of view...unless you allow it to.

Happy Father's day!!!

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About Sunday

What a wonderful day to be with the family of MVC yesterday!!! Worship was awesome; the response was great; and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ was exalted and lifted up!!!

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and encouragement for my mom. After her fall last Sunday, we discovered that she had severely lacerated her nose and had broken the cartilage in 2 or 3 places. She was also cut into her tear duct. Most of the damage was contained and taken care of by the cosmetic surgeon. She will have to go back in this Wednesday for a complete "Nose Job". So continue to pray. Now about Sunday!

1. It was great to see the house packed again. Even the earliest service had a more robust crowd than usual. God is continuing to add to our faith family daily!!!

2. We issued an invitation to membership yesterday. As of now, we have 13 adults and 9 young folks who plan to be part of MVC the second week of July! There is still time to get on the list!!!

3. Many of you came to me after the service yesterday and said basically that I had been reading your mail!!! I haven't, but the Holy Spirit has. Isn't it amazing how much He cares for us?

4. Every week, we continue to see decisions being made to follow Jesus. Praise the Lord!!! That's what we're here to do... Lead others to discover the love and grace of our Lord!!!

5. The budget for the rest of 2010 was published and made available yesterday. I hope you got a copy. If not, they will be available next week as well.

6. Just a note on the budget - in a time where the economy is in obvious recession, MVC has managed to grow financially this year and finish in the black!!! In fact, this has been the best year financially since I have been your pastor. Thank you all for being obedient to the Lord!!!

7. I hope you will plan to make the Annual Business Meeting the last Sunday of this month. All active members will be voting on the budget.

8. According to our constitution, and "Active Member" is someone who is a current member of Mountain View, attends at least 50% of the worship services per year, and supports the ministry of the church financially.

9. I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!!! I can hardly wait until next Sunday!!! I am so tremendously blessed to do something I truly love, and to be able to do so as a full-time pastor!!! God is Good!!!!

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