Potential

Do you ever get the sense that you’re not living up to all that you could be? That you’re not reaching your full potential? Or are you obsessed with helping your child or grandchild reach their full potential, and you're worried that they're not there?

That’s important to me – especially now that I have reached the half-century mark in life. I want to be the kind of person who lives to my full potential and inspires and equips others to do the same.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.”

His point was that it doesn’t matter where I came from, what circumstances I was born into, what my parents or grandparents did or didn’t do. It is up to me to be the best me that I can be.

Do you or someone you know feel stuck in the past – past decisions that they’ve made, or past decisions that others have made for them? The good news is that you can be free from all of that!

Lincoln became President at the age of 52; and at the age of 56, he died. When I think about his age, and what he accomplished as President, his words at the age of 40 are so profound – “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

I’ll be 50 in January 2011, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how much “life” I’ve enjoyed in my years so far. I feel really great about the life God has given me – about the family I’ve been blessed with and the work that I love to do. But I know I haven’t lived up to my full potential yet. I’m on a journey to live my life’s purpose, achieve my dreams, and live up to my full potential. I hope you’ll come along with me. We don’t know how many years we have left, do we? So, we’ve got to make the rest of our years count, regardless of what they may be… and in so doing, we can make the most difference in our world today!!!

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You know where my mind is today.......

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A Goal Line Stand

A former head coach of Louisiana State University football team once said, "You learn more character on the 2 yard line than anywhere else in life."

As you all know, I really enjoy watching a good game of football – especially if the Greenbay Packers are playing.

I especially like to see a good goal line stand. That’s what it’s called when you’re on about the 2 yard line and you’re either about to score or the other team is about to score on you. That's when it's time to dig in. If you’re on defense, the 2 yard line is where you find out whether you have the fortitude to make a last minute stand against defeat. If you’re on offense, it’s about pushing the rest of the way through to the end zone and scoring a touchdown.

Maybe you feel as though you’re on the 2 yard line now -- advancing toward success or fighting off defeat. Or maybe you’re experiencing both ... because, unlike football, in life it's possible to be both places at once.

So, take a look at the challenges you're facing today. What do you need to do? Push a little harder in one area? Stand a little stronger in another? Most importantly, we all need to persevere, to persist in doing good one more day, making one more effort to accomplish that to which we have been called.

"Let us not become weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:10 KJV)

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About Sunday

A few reflections about Sunday.
1. In the same spirit as the Geico commercials - Did yesterday's sermon create some tension in the church? Is it a bad idea to get into a snowball fight with pitching great Randy Johnson?
2. Tension is a good thing, however. We're stretched thru tension. We grow thru tension. And because of tension, we make decisions.
3. I am still amazed at God's challenge from Malachi 3:10 - "Test Me in this".
4. I read this post the other day - "Humanity has ever been the same. Gold is to be a servant. It is when we elevate it to a god that we are in serious trouble. "The love of money is the root of all evil." If you have means, make them count for the Master." Very well put.
5. Isn't it so true that sometimes we can get so busy talking religion that we neglect to do the practical! The church is called to make a difference. You and I do our parts by giving, serving, loving and sharing.
6. The statistic about Christians and tithing still gets me -- People that call themselves "believers" give less than 2% of their income!!! That astounds me!!!
7. It's incredible how we will entrust our eternity to Christ, but we don't trust Him with our finances.
8. I hope many of you will take the challenges from the sermon seriously. If you will, you'll find that God is faithful in more ways than you could ever imagine!!!
9. Hope to see you next week. We're going to talk about "walking the talk".
10. Kudos to Adam Hatton!!! Officiated his first marriage this weekend!!!
Love to you all. kb

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Be Prepared

As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn colors we know that it is time to get prepared for a seasonal change. You probably start to change your wardrobe from short sleeves to long sleeves and add jackets and sweaters. We also prepare for the leaves. They’re beautiful while they’re on the trees, but when they fall it’s time to get out the rakes and leaf bags. Preparation is important.

Can you imagine heading into winter with nothing but summer clothes? Or into fall without rakes, and the tools necessary to keep the lawn work done? To be prepared we store seasonal things away so that they are ready to be used when the time is right.
The way that we prepare for the changing seasons is also how we prepare for the changing situations in life. God’s Word says in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
God’s Word is a storehouse of words for any situation just as our attics and crawlspaces that keep our seasonal items. Whenever we need Christmas decorations we go find them. The same is true with we need to correct, rebuke or encourage. We simply go to God’s Word to find the words we need in whatever situation.
Situations change all the time. For the one who thinks he is right all the time, God’s Word may show him that he is wrong. For the one who breaks the commands of God, the Word speaks words of reproach to bring him or her back to God’s ways. For the family that is struggling or the individual whose faith is weak, God speaks through his Word to give comfort and guidance.
We all possess the ability to use God’s Word in any situation. We may think we are not qualified because we have spent little time in study. But when the time is right God gives us the words to say. He lets the words pour from our hearts in ways we never thought possible.
And yet the more we immerse ourselves daily in the wealth of information the better we will be able help in any situation. As we study and grow in our faith and knowledge it will be like a well marked box in the garage. We know just which box to open to find the garden tools. So we will know which passage to turn to as we give correction, rebuke and encouragement.
The seasons will come and go, but God’s Word remains the same forever. No matter what the situation is we can always turn to God’s Word for the right thing to say.

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About Sunday

What an amazing day at Mountain View. I'm not sure if I've had as much immediate feed back after a sermon as I received today. A few thoughts about Sunday....
1. I was surprised that so many of you felt as though you were correctly taught about speaking in tongues for the very first time.
2. Even those who come from 'ultra-charismatic' backgrounds were receptive of the teaching as we expounded the truth of God's Word.
3. My hope is that the teaching from today will impact our lives in such a way as to guide our behavior. God is still on His throne and He is still speaking to His people. But He has also prescribed a manner in which these things take place (1 Cor. 14).
4. Yes I did say that some preachers totally confuse me when in the middle of their sermon they blurt out something like - "shab baba dobe, I feel the Spirit here today!" Where is the interpretation so that all of us might agree? How can we say amen! or join in thanksgiving if we don't know what is being said?
5. Tongues is certainly a subject of controversy, but it shouldn't be that way. If we would all take time to read 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14, most of the confusion could be cleared up.
I realize that this study has touched a nerve in numerous folks. My goal has not been to create confusion, but to point out the truth clearly based upon God's Word.
My hope is that each of us will take these lessons and the Scriptures and do our own investigation as to the validity of the gifts of the Spirit and what our gifts might be.
As always, I want you to know that I am unbelievably blessed to be your pastor. I love each and every one of you and look forward to our journey together in the future. I sincerely believe that God wants to change Western North Carolina thru this family of faith.... And that can only happen thru the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!!!!!!!

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Make a Difference - 1

Most people I know want to live a life of significance. Unfortunately, many of them aren't really sure what that means. It involves more than fame and fortune; it involves making a difference. How do you go about doing that? In spite of tremendous opposition, the early church made an impact through a commitment to social action, holiness, discipleship and evangelism. So how does that apply to our lives today?
One thing we can do is share with others what Jesus has done for us, and let them know how they too, can have a relationship with him. If we give others a chance to respond to the gospel, and not just a slick sales pitch, they will experience the life-changing power of Jesus first hand.
We've got a story to tell the world. It's a message that truly can make a difference in people's lives, a difference that will last forever. So, we must be careful how we share our message. If we come across like religious bullies we may drive people away and they'll never hear what we have to say. But if we don't take the initiative to tell others, how else will they hear the gospel? The only way we can achieve the right balance is to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, focus on telling others about Jesus, and then let them respond. That’s how Philip shared his faith with the Ethiopian. Philip teaches us that sharing our faith is not confrontation, it's communication. It's connecting with another person so that we can help them connect with Christ. We have an upcoming series which will show us the importance of sharing our faith in such a way as to attract unbelievers instead of “scaring them off”. Hope you will join us beginning October 24th.

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The Spirit-filled Life

Over the years, I have seen many examples of how living the Spirit-filled life changes people. I've seen it happen to Methodists, Wesleyn’s, Baptists and Fundamentalists and Liberals and people of every other imaginable faith tradition. When they experience a personal connection with the Holy Spirit, their life goes into overdrive. Their prayer life changes, they experience a new joy; they experience power over sin; and they feel a closeness to God that they've never felt before.

This is what Jesus said would happen. He told his disciples...

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16)

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27) After the resurrection he told the disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit is a life-changing experience. It's an experience that opens the door to power in your life, and peace in your life, and the presence of God in your life. The Spirit-filled life is not intended to be an option for believers, it's intended to be a given -- an essential part of living the Christian life.

There is so much more to the Christian life than just having your sins forgiven. We also receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit--and that changes everything. When we live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we have a deeper relationship with God than we could ever imagine. When we live the Spirit-filled life, He controls and directs our every step. And He gives us the power to live life day by day. So have you experienced the wonderful Spirit-filled life?

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About Sunday

A few thoughts on the wonderful time we shared together in worship Sunday.
1. No doubt God was in the house. The Holy Spirit prompted me to open up the second service in a time of prayer. It was obvious that many folks needed that time. I'm glad I obeyed the Spirit.
2. The worship time was truly anointed. I never cease to be amazed at how "the Spirit of the Lord inhabits the praises of His people."
3. Yes, I did say that if you wanted to learn more about the issue of tongues come back next Sunday. Lay down your traditions at the door and open your heart to the Word of God.
4. And yes, I did say that even though spiritual gifts aren't odd and freaky, there are a lot of odd and freaky people who claim to have spiritual gifts.
5. The main point about spiritual gifts is that they are given for the common good of the Body of Christ. It's not a spiritual gift that is to be used in the church if it doesn't build up the church.
6. When I said I didn't have the gift of healing, I didn't mean that I won't pray for you if you need to be healed. The Holy Spirit is the One who does the ministry of healing and He can do so thru anyone He chooses. It's sort of like the spiritual gift of evangelism - not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but all Christians are called to evangelize the lost.
7. I hope this series is serving to clear up a lot of the confusion that has entered the Church today. I want only the truth from God's Word, don't you?
8. Thanks for your continuing prayers for my leg. It gets better with each passing day.
As always, I am so honored to be your pastor. These days are the best of my life and I look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.
See you next Sunday - Bring someone with you! And get here early. Because of the sermon topic, I am expecting a large crowd.

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Yielding to the Holy Spirit

As I was researching the web for information concerning this week's message on the Holy Spirit, I ran across this article from James McDonald.
I believe it is totally applicable to our learning to live the "Spirit-filled life".

"So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.' " - Acts 1:6-8

Every good thing God wants to shower on your life comes through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit. Everything. The fruit of the Spirit, understanding of God's Word, love of worship, strength in a trial, grace to forgive, compassion for the lost, comfort in heartache, boldness in witnessing, power in ministry; all of this is yours when you live the Christian life in the Spirit's power. And conversely, none of it is yours when you attempt to live the Christian life any other way. Without the Holy Spirit, God has made no other provision for you to live the Christian life.

The Holy Spirit is the power. Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." There is no Christian life apart from Christ in you and Christ is only in you by His Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ told His disciples that "if I go, the Comforter will come, if I don’t go, He's not coming. I have been with you," Jesus said in John 14:16, "but He will be in you." That's the promise of the Holy Spirit - not Jesus by your side talking to you, but His Holy Spirit in you, actually living out the Christian life through you.

Yes, with our will we can respond obediently to what we know pleases God - like worshiping, and walking with, and working for Christ, but even in the middle of that, the power to live the Christian life is "Christ in you the hope of glory," as Colossians 1:27 says. That's why Jesus said to the disciples in Acts 1:8, "Just get in a room and wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200." The disciples probably wanted to get a plan together for building the church. "Can't we work on the brochures?" But Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. He knew they didn't have the capacity to do anything in their own flesh/power. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses for Me." "When you have the Holy Spirit you'll be able to do it all." The Christian life is yieldedness to the Spirit of Christ living His life in you. Are you yielded to Him? He's the key to victorious Christian living.

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About Sunday

Yesterday was an incredible day for me - actually, every Sunday is always an incredible day!!! It reminds us that the tomb is empty, God is on His throne, and the Holy Spirit lives inside us!!! A few thoughts about yesterday:
1. Dustin led us in worship in a wonderful way - despite the fact that he had a migraine!!! The longer he worshiped, the better he felt!!!
2. It was great to see so many of you taking books home with you. I realize that some of you may not like the fact that we are clearing out the library, but it is necessary. The nursery has grown to the point that our babies and toddlers must be separated. The library is being converted to the toddler room.
3. From the response, I know that this sermon series is touching a nerve. Some of you are learning about the Holy Spirit in this way for the first time!!! That excites me.
4. Thank God for the 20+ people that responded to the message!!! That rocks my boat!!!
5. I have no doubts that God wants to do much, much more in and thru the lives of His children. That's why He sent the Holy Spirit. Why is it that so many believers refuse to surrender their lives to be filled with Him?
6. My prayer is that we will be filled with the Spirit and have the knowledge to understand how high, how wide and how deep the Father's love is for us.
7. I am looking forward to next week when we will be talking about the Gifts of the Spirit!!! Come early so you can get a seat and bring someone with you!!!

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