Kevin Bennett

Honoring my Buddy

2012-01-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

Every now and then you meet someone that has a significant impact on your life. They’re more than just a friend. You connect with them on a much deeper level than you do with most other people. They’re the kind of person that you always trust, never doubt, and you know that they will be there through thick and thin. I’m talking about that special someone who has the unique ability to shape the rest of your life. I count myself to be blessed to have known such a man – Howard Carico. Howard was probably my most trusted confidant. A true warrior – both in the literal as well as in the spiritual sense. A retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant, Howard met the challenge of spiritual warfare with as much determination and tenacity as he met the enemies he faced in Vietnam and Korea. Underneath his “hard” exterior, Howard had a tender heart. God gave him a burden for the lost and hurting, and it showed in the way he lived his life. He was always reaching out to others and sharing the love of Jesus with everyone with whom he met. I loved his expression about the church: “It’s a hospital for the hurting, not a country club for the comfortable”. And that was truly the way he viewed his church. Howard didn’t have a “consumer” mentality when it came to church life. He was a giver – a man who believed that Christians should be about ministering, not just being ministered to. And Howard ministered to many – including me. My life is much richer. My walk with the Lord is much deeper. And my love for the lost is much more passionate because of his influence. I will miss my buddy greatly, however, I know we will meet again “in the sweet by and by”. Rest in peace my brother!

Some Thoughts About Aging

2011-12-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

As I stand at the edge of 2012, I have a few new thoughtsabout life. January 7^th, I turn 51 – an age I never would havebelieved I would reach when I was 21. Things change when we realize that we aremore than ½ of a century old! Some of those things for me are:

1. If I had known I was going to live this long, Iwould have taken better care of myself. Even though in my mind I think I canstill do the things I did in my 20s and 30s, my body is quick to tell mesomething totally different.

2. I realize that I am living in the last days ofmy life. But, that’s okay. I’m not depressed about it, just more aware of thepreciousness of each day. And like one person said, “The game is won in thesecond half, not the first half”. It’s more important how you finish than howyou begin.

3. Some folks think that age equals righteousness.However, I have found that the longer I live, the more I realize how far awayfrom God’s righteousness I truly am. And that awareness makes me more gratefulfor the grace of God in my life.

4. I now value the input of others in my life morethan ever before. At a younger age, I didn’t quite believe that I neededothers. I felt as though I could do everything myself. Looking back on thenumerous mistakes I have made – and they are many – I now realize theimportance of the wisdom, advice, and guidance of others.

5. I am much more appreciative of my wife. After 28years of marriage, I realize that I have spent more time with her than anyother person on the planet. Without her, I would be lost! She completes me andI am thankful to God for blessing me with such a wonderful soul mate.

6. I think less about how much I want to getaccomplished and more about how I can pour my life into younger people so thatGod can accomplish what He wants to do thru them.

7. I value my church more than ever before. I cannow see that God has surrounded me with people with whom I can truly experiencelife. Things haven’t always been all fun and roses – in fact, some years havebeen like hell! But thru it all, I am beginning to realize that the people of thefamily of faith were put in my life by God as part of His plan to shape andmold me according to His plan for me.

8. I can see more clearly than ever before, thatGod doesn’t put us in any church so that we can get our religiousentertainment. But rather that we find the part He wants us to play in reachingthose who have no hope or relationship with Jesus Christ.

These are just a few thoughts. I’msure there are many more things you could add. Lynn and I pray that you allhave a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I’m excited about what Godhas in store for us in 2012!

You Have A Story

2011-12-06T16:24:00.001-05:00

I never cease to be amazed by the stories flooding in abouthow God is transforming the lives of the people at MVC. This week, I had theopportunity to listen a couple of folks that have greatly impacted my walk withthe Lord. One of them is a local leader in our community. His take on “church”has been “religious” in nature rather than “relationship” in nature with othersand with God. He shared about how MVC has been like “a breath of fresh air” forhim and his family. He has never experienced such unbridled worship or outreachto the down and out of our society. And his impact on the people in the circleof his influence has been exemplary. Several of his employees and associateshave began attending the church and their lives have been significantly impactedby the welcoming, loving, caring reception of the MVC family of faith and theministries with which we join. His words to me this past week were, “My wifeand I have shared about the great outreach of the church and how “we” arereaching this community. If there church were open for a service 7 days a week,we’d be there. We so enjoy the fellowship and atmosphere that it’s become arequirement for our weekly lives.” He also added that, “We can’t believe thatthis is an organization that’s not all about “me”, but it’s about “we”, and howwe can change the world in which we live.”

I met with another person this week that wanted to shareabout how MVC had helped him face the disappointments of his past. He sharedwith me about how his childhood had been such a failure in his eyes. Hisparents were divorced when he was a young tot about 2 years old. At the age ofabout 12, he was sent by his father to live with his grandparents. During thoseformative years of school, he missed out on many of the opportunities forchildren to experience life with their mothers and fathers. He made variousexcuses for why they could not attend functions centered around mothers andfathers. And for many years, he carried a huge burden of anger against hisparents, that greatly affected the decisions and choices he made in life.However, just recently, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, he saw how Godhad sovereignly directed the events of his life, and used every challenge toform him into the person he is today. Although for years he regarded this as“fuel” for the anger he carried, he now saw it as God’s redemptive power in hislife. Now, he uses that which was once anger, to be the catalyst forministering to those who may have experienced the same that he experienced as achild.

Now, that’s the power of our Lord! That’s the influence ofthe Holy Spirit thru the lives of those whom are a part of the redeemed! Glorybe to God! He is our “relentless Redeemer”. The One that is in control of allthings! If you’re not already joined with a family of faith that is movingforward in this movement, join us for an exciting adventure toward Christ andthe Glory of God as we “Exalt Him and share His love”! Be a part! You have astory that intersects with the stories of the people in your life, and has beenperfectly fashioned to shows them how their stories intersect with the story ofGod – the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Biscuits, gravy, and a cheese and bacon omelet

2011-11-28T07:29:00.001-05:00

Over the years there have been numerous people come and gothrough the doors of MVC. Of course, there are times when a person’s leavingwas not such a bad thing. But, I would be lying if I said that it doesn’t hurtwhen some of them chose to leave. And it’s especially painful when that personis a long-time friend. How are you supposed to respond when someone you lovecomes to you, or sends you an impersonal email or voicemail that says, “We’vebeen praying about it and have decided that we’re not going to be a part of MVCany longer.” And usually, the notification is followed by an explanation like,“We feel that the church isn’t offering enough of this…” Or, “The church hastoo much emphasis on this area and not enough emphasis on what we like.” Thenat other times, the explanation is, “Someone said something to me that made mefeel slighted.” Or, “I was out of church for two weeks and no one seemed tonotice. Nobody bothered to call and check on me.” What about all the years offruitful ministry that took place in that person’s life up to that point? Whatabout all the friends and relationships that were formed? What about the nightsspent together praying and supporting each other through the sickness or evendeath of a family member? What about the celebrations – baptisms, salvations,weddings, anniversaries, and other significant happenings in life? Don’t any ofthose things matter any longer? The other day I was eating breakfast with mymentor in a small restaurant nearby where we meet almost every Tuesday morning.Over the years, the food and service have been excellent. We have made manyfriends and enjoyed many a plate of gravy, biscuits, and cheese and baconomelets. But on this particular morning, the service was poor, the waitresswasn’t very friendly, and the food was cold when it arrived at our table. Notonly that, but the daily special had changed from the cheese and bacon omeletto a Southwestern omelet. I left the restaurant that day thinking, “I’m notcoming back here anymore! This place stinks! I can’t believe I was treated sorudely and had to eat cold gravy! I also had to pay more for the meal I usuallyenjoyed at the special price.” After a while of steaming, however, I wasreminded of all the good times. Was I going to let one bad experienceovershadow all the years of happy times I had experienced there? How could Ipossibly give more weight to that one morning than all the other mornings ofgood food and great service? The bottom line was – I couldn’t. I was back thenext Tuesday and I’ll be back there tomorrow, enjoying biscuits, gravy and acheese and bacon omelet. I have great friends there that are more importantthan one bad morning and I’m a loyal customer. Sometimes I feel like churchmembers act like disgruntled customers. Just one bad morning and it’s out thedoor. That leaves me wondering if we sometimes would choose to have moreloyalty to a restaurant than we have to our faith family. There’s no doubt thatif you come to MVC for more than a couple of times, you’re going to be disappointed.There will be things said and done that you won’t agree with. The church isn’tperfect because we’re made up of imperfect people. But don’t let a few badexperiences overshadow all the great experiences you’ve had over the years.Church is important. It’s the vehicle God has chosen for His people and the planHe has for shining the light of hope into a dark and fallen world. The Churchis the bride of Christ and He gave His life for Her redemption. So the nexttime you’re tempted to quit because of something that has happened, let thatexperience draw you closer to God instead of pushing you out of the church. Andremember that none of us are perfect – and that includes you.

Thanksgiving Proclamation

2011-11-22T07:17:00.001-05:00

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

Signed George Washington

6 Characteristics of a Good Leader

2011-10-19T15:44:00.001-04:00

I’ve heard it said that you can tell who the leader is bythe arrows sticking in his or her back. Sometimes that might be true, but Ibelieve there are other characteristics that we can identify as the marks of agood leader…

1. Not afraid to takechances. While wildly flailing in the wind is not a good trait for aleader, the good leader will not be afraid to take chances in leading others tothe vision and goal. Even when the economy is sagging and there seems to be nopossible way to realize the dream, the effective leader will continue to be arisk-taker who motivates and leads others to achieve what they previouslythought was impossible.

2. Leads by example. Agood leader should not challenge his or her followers to do anything theyaren’t willing to do themselves. If the mission requires sacrifice, serving,giving, sharing, or whatever, the effective leader will be the first in line.

3. Is loyal to theteam. I’m not saying that a good leader embraces substandard performance,but hanging in there with your team through thick and thin is a necessarycharacteristic of a good leader. A good leader will not check out when toughtimes come. Nor will he or she “throw other team members under the bus” topreserve their own behind.

4. Is able to maketough decisions. Leadership is not easy. Sometimes you will have to makedecisions that aren’t popular and might even affect another person’s career orministry. A good leader knows when tough decisions are required and is able tomake them. Problems won’t disappear on their own. They have to be dealt withpromptly for the sake of the mission.

5. Keeps the visionalive. It is very easy for a church or any organization to get so wrappedup in the mundane, day-to-day activities that the vision and goal is obscured.The effective leader relate, report and communicate the vision in everythingthat happens – to tie in the mundane events and day-to-day activities with the God-givenvision and goal.

6. Is willing toembrace change. When our church began to transition, there were certainprograms, styles, activities and ministries that we put in place. Those changeswere a dramatic departure from the way things had been for years. Over time,however, all the “new stuff” we put in place became old. A good leader knowshow to recognize when a favorite program, style, activities or ministry needsto be changed, replaced, or eliminated all together. You have to know when it’stime to make hamburger from your sacred cows.

This is not an exclusive list of characteristics, just a fewthat I have come to realize in others over the years.

Thank You

2011-10-07T06:08:00.002-04:00

I want to say Thank you – even though the words seem toosmall to convey the extent of my gratitude. October is pastor appreciationmonth, but this year, I am the one who is most appreciative. 2011 has been aroller coaster of a ride! The road was rocky at best, and many times I wonderedif I would survive. But thanks to your love, prayers, and trust in me, God has,once again, proven faithful. Thank you for caring for my family and me. I knowof no other place that I would want to call home. And I’m immensely hopeful forwhat the future holds for MVC. We are living in some of the most critical daysof our time. People are desperately searching for hope and something solid uponwhich to build their lives. We have the answer – Jesus. And I am excited abouthow God will unfold His plan for our lives as we pursue His calling to “ExaltChrist and Share His Love”.

Time for a Comeback

2011-09-27T07:18:00.000-04:00

For the second time this year, one of our local high schoolfootball teams staged a terrific comeback. The first was when Enka High Schoolstaged a 4^th quarter rally to overcome a 3 touchdown deficit anddefeat Pisgah High School 47-43. Then this past Friday, Asheville High Schoolovercame a 29-0 first half deficit to beat Reynolds High School 35-29.

While I am truly a fan of football, these two games show usmuch more than the power of teamwork. They’re a good reminder that it’s nevertoo late for a comeback as long as you don’t quit.

There will be numerous times in your life when you feel as thoughyou’re beaten and the enemy is running up the score. People will question yourmotives. They’ll want to know why you do what you do. And these attacks willgrow as your success grows. They’ll attack your leadership style. Don’t get mewrong, godly leadership is not optional, however, every leader has a differentstyle. And some will attack your style because you’re not like them. Otherswill attack your methods. Listen, people’s opinions of you are not moreimportant than the leadership role God has called you to fulfill. The messagemust remain the same, but the methods we use have to be more than a carbon copyof what someone did successfully 50 years ago, especially when those methodsare no longer successful.

So when you see these attacks coming from all sides, and youfeel like you’re beaten down and defeated, don’t quit. It’s time to stage acomeback.

Consider the Apostle Paul. The first half of his life wasspent trying to destroy the Church. He not only encouraged but also led zealousJews to arrest, beat, and even kill those who claimed to be Christians. He didn’thave what might be described as a stellar spiritual life. But he had a secondhalf comeback. He had a divine encounter with Christ, was forgiven, restoredand called to be one of the greatest leaders of the first century Church.

Consider the biblical Job. He was a man of great moralintegrity and avoided even the appearance of evil. His life was wonderfullyblessed and God prospered him abundantly. But then, because of his fear, Godallowed Satan to torment him unmercifully. All of his lifestock was stolen ordestroyed. His children and his children were killed. He got boils all over hisface and body. His wife tried to get him to “Curse God and die.” But Job, eventhough he must have felt that he was defeated at times, refused to blame God.Then his closest friends turned against him, blaming him for sin that must havecaused this awful demise. Still, Job remained faithful. He didn’t quit. And inthe end, he staged a comeback. He prayed for his accusers. He continued toworship God. “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for hisfriends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10

You may be behind in the game right now. Maybe you’re strugglingin your business, your relationships, your marriage or your relationship withGod. My encouragement to you is, “Don’t quit!” It’s time for a comeback. And ifyou do like Paul and Job and stay in the game, you will come back.

6 Ways to Handle Criticism

2011-09-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

If you’re a leader, criticism will be a part of yourlife. It’s a fact, so expect it to happen. Some of it will be good. Some of itwill not be so good. Regardless, it’s best to be prepared and know how you’regoing to handle criticism. I try to do the following when I encountercriticism.

1. If the criticism is coming from someone that ishypercritical of everything you say or do, don’t give validity to theircomments or suggestions. Dismiss them quickly.

2. If the criticism is coming from someone thatloves and genuinely cares about you, take note of their comments andsuggestions and consider whether or not they are valid. If you disagree withthe person, wait a day or so and then discuss it with them.

3. If the criticism comes from an anonymous source,throw it in the garbage can.

4. If the criticism steers you away from what Godhas led you to do, get away from it fast.

5. Be very careful with criticism that begins withthe statement, “God told me to tell you something…” or “I don’t necessarilyfeel this way, but a lot of people are saying…”

6. Don’t take criticism personally. Incorporate itwhen it’s valid and helpful. Ignore it when it’s not. Your success does notdepend on your critics but constructive criticism can very well give you agreat boost.

Thank You

2011-09-13T18:26:00.002-04:00

Hey folks,
As a result of utilities such as GoogleAnalytics.com, I have been able to track the effects and subscriber statistics of my blog over the past several months and years. In view of the participation and interest, I have decided to change my approach in the following ways:
1. I will publish a leadership article periodically for those of you that follow such posts. And I will endeavor to publish a new post at least monthly.
2. I will discontinue the "congregational" posts as they seem to garner the least amount of activity.
3. I will enable the comments section to allow you to publish your responses to my posts.
4. I hope we will - together - provide encouragement, advice, and biblical direction to the ministries and missions of MVC.
Thanks to all of you....
Kevin

Something well said

2011-08-22T07:58:00.001-04:00

I wish I had the gift of communication like Steven Furtick, senior pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. In a recent post - "God's Glory or Grandma's Tradition", he wrote the following...

He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.

2 Kings 18:4

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

The bronze snake had at one time been an instrument of transformation. It healed people. Saved them from the consequences of their sin. But then the people turned it into an object of worship. And thereby ruined it and robbed it of its power.

This is the essence of traditionalism. It’s not simply holding onto Grandma’s preferences. It’s when we take things. Good things. Effective things. And we end up worshipping them instead of the God who used them for a season. And it can happen to anything.

Hymns. Or modern worship.
Live preaching. Or video preaching.
One campus. Or multiple campuses.
Sunday School. Or small groups.

None of these are bad things, but they’re also not the ultimate thing. And therefore we shouldn’t treat them as such. Otherwise we run a dangerous risk.The very thing that you hold up as a tool for transformation today can easily become an idol of tradition tomorrow.

And God has a way of smashing our idols. Or rendering them powerless.

Don’t get me wrong. We should never lose our appreciation or respect for the things God uses to reach people and transform their lives. But we should also never allow them to steal God’s glory by becoming a greater object of our affections than God or the new ways He wants to work among us.

God’s glory is greater than Grandma’s traditions.
And our own as well.

Inward or Outward?

2011-08-16T09:02:00.000-04:00

I had a couple of dear friends that left the church a while back because they don’t agree with our vision to reach outwardly in ministry and missions. Their preference is a church that ministers inwardly as a priority. I wonder how many of us would have never had the opportunity to be saved if all churches held that philosophy? I like what Perry Noble, the pastor of Newspring Church in Anderson SC says: “Churches aren’t called to contain Christ rather proclaim Christ.” Jesus himself proclaimed that “[He] had come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 He also told the disciples “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 I’m not upset at my friends’ decision, however it does cause me to wonder how many other believers are content to reach inwardly to the Christian world, and pay little attention to reaching the outside world. What about you? How committed are you to reaching outside the walls of organized religion? What are you willing to see happen in the church in order to reach the lost? Every now and then I have someone approach me at church to ask why we can’t go back to a church choir and hymns. Why can’t things be the way they used to be? Well, look at the fruit. There are churches all over the valley that continue to stay trapped in a 1950’s style of worship and refuse to change in order to reach more people. And guess what? They’re dying on the vine. And listen, it’s not just about a style… it’s about a heart condition. Is our heart to placate to the religious folks or see the lost come to salvation? Time for a heart check?

Also, I would like to express my sincere appreciate to all of you that participated in the Sourwood festival this past weekend. We made many new friends, handed out lots of bibles and literature, and shared hundreds of cups of cool Mountain Dew in Jesus’ name. This is a wonderful expression of reaching out to the community around us. I love my church.

Exceeding Joy

2011-08-07T20:00:00.001-04:00

I can’t even begin to describe to you the joy I experienced this Sunday as I was privileged to baptize ten new believers in Christ!!! As I looked around the auditorium, I was very much aware that many of our folks are on vacation and visiting family during the summer months. However, I could almost sense the presence of a heavenly host of angels, gathered together, worshiping our Lord and Savior over the glorious display of His love and grace! I never grow tired of celebrating God’s goodness and grace for every precious soul that is claimed for eternity. It is far greater than the richest treasure this world has to offer! Sure, we have been through a few challenging weeks, but today is evidence that God is still involved and working in our midst. So, let us not grow discouraged and weary in trying to do what He has called us to do. Rather, let us persevere in the confidence that greater things are yet to come for MVC and this city!!! I am so tremendously blessed to be your pastor and I look forward to many, many future experiences with you as we pursue God’s plan and purpose for our future.

Keep the Spiritual Leadership Team in your prayers as we continue to search for the Worship Pastor God has already chosen for our family of faith. We are excited to be on this journey together and can hardly wait for His plan to be revealed.

Rest on Every Side

2011-08-04T12:46:00.002-04:00

I was reading about King Jehoshaphat from 2 Chronicles 20 today in preparation for Sunday. What amazing faith and tenacity this man had! He is surrounded by three armies and facing certain defeat. Yet, he reminds the Lord that they are inhabiting the land that He had given to them through Abraham. He admits that his army is powerless to stop the enemy, however he declares to the Lord, “We can cry out to you to save us, and you WILL hear us and rescue us.” And then he leads Judah in a worship service. God then commands King Jehoshaphat to go out and meet the enemy. As they go, they continue their praise and worship to God. And as the people praise, God throws their enemies into confusion and they begin attacking one another. In the end, the enemies are defeated and not a single blow was struck by Judah against them. Isn’t that GREAT? I believe too many times we get wrapped up in devising strategies and plans to defeat our problems and the problem-people in our lives, that we stray totally away from praising and worshiping the Lord. Maybe, instead of kicking into survival mode the next time we’re threatened, we should do like the people of Judah and begin to praise and worship and “give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love endures forever!” Instead of focusing on the problem, change our focus to the problem-solver! Instead of sitting around with a case of “poor pitiful me”, count out blessings and give God glory! Then maybe we can experience the same thing as King Jehoshaphat. Verse 20 says, “So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” Instead of being surrounded by threatening enemies, he was surrounded by peace and rest. Sounds like a good trade to me!

Rear View or Windshield?

2011-07-25T08:01:00.002-04:00

The other day I was backing out of the carport and broke off my driver’s side mirror on one of the support posts. I was looking in the rear view mirror and lost my view of the other things around me. That got me to thinking about how many of us live our lives. How many times do we live life focused on “what used to be” or “what is behind us” instead of “what is going on now” and “what lies ahead”? The reason the rear view mirror is so small and the front windshield is so large is because what lies ahead is so much more important than what is behind us. Our past failures, disappointments, fears, and etc. can make us feel frustrated, angry, lonely, and stuck. We can get so focused on “what might have been” or “what could have been” that we miss out on what God is doing now and what He plans to do in the future if we keep our eyes on Him. Paul said, “…this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and focusing on what lies ahead, I press on…” Great words for all of us as we move toward the goal that God has for us in Christ Jesus. Be encouraged. There is something great on the horizon and it’s just ahead!!!

Sowing and Reaping

2011-07-21T12:33:00.002-04:00

As we conclude our series on Grace this week, I am going to talk about the principle of sowing and reaping. During my study time, I ran across this article that I thought was pretty good. I am not sure of its truthfulness, but it is a good illustration of reaping what you sow.
The following story appears on the Internet on a site intended for lawyers: A Charlotte, North Carolina, man bought a case of rare, very expensive cigars and then insured them against … fire. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile and having yet to make a single premium payment on the policy, he filed a claim against the insurance company, stating he had lost the cigars in "a series of small fires". The insurance company refused to pay but the man sued - and won. The judge stated that since the man held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable, without defining what it considered to be "unacceptable fire" it was obligated to compensate the insured for his loss. Rather than undergo a long and costly appeal, the insurance company accepted the judge's ruling and paid the man $15,000 for the rare cigars he lost in "the fires". When the smoker cashed his cheque, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of arson. With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the man was convicted of intentionally burning the rare cigars and sentenced to 24 consecutive one-year terms. Sunday Mail 9-11-97 p58

About Sunday

2011-07-12T12:21:00.000-04:00

Hello MVC!!! I truly enjoyed worship at MVC this past Sunday. We continue to see God transform lives!!! Just a few things I’d like to share with you today.

1 – This series is one of my favorites, not only because it’s about my favorite subject – Grace – but also because we are seeing people accepting God’s grace right in front of our eyes!!! I never get tired of seeing folks come to faith in Christ. Thus far that has happened for about 21 people!!!

2 – Keep the community VBS in your prayers. Thanks to all the volunteers that are helping make this ministry possible. I heard we had over 300 children show up Monday!!!

3 – Also be in prayer for the youth camps this year!!! The middle school students are going to Screaming Eagle Camp and the high school students will be traveling to Daytona Beach, Florida. Pray for protection during traveling as well as for a transforming experience in the lives of those who will be participating.

4 – The Spiritual Leadership Team continues to receive resumes for the Worship Pastor position. Please join us in praying that God will give us discernment and eyes to see the person He has for MVC.

5 – If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to volunteer to help out at this year’s Sourwood Festival. This is a HUGE outreach for our church and provides us with an opportunity to share MVC with the community. Come help serve a cold cup of Mountain Dew from Mountain View!!!

6 – Each week I grow to be more and more encouraged by what God is doing and will continue to do in our church. I believe the next phase of MVC is going to be bigger, better, and more of a blessing than ever as we “Exalt Christ and Share His Love” with the people of Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Asheville, and Western North Carolina!!! It is sooooooooo good to be back!!!

See God

2011-07-07T11:35:00.002-04:00

I was talking to my doctor today and he said something quite interesting. He said that he believed that if a person did not see God in this world that they would not see Him in the next world. His comment was not about seeing God on Judgment Day, but about having faith in a God beyond this world. In other words, if a person can’t see God in things here, why would he or she be able to envision an eternal God beyond this life? What a hopeless thought! I began to wonder: how many times have I been so caught up in the battles, events and activities facing me at the moment that I totally missed God? It’s like not being able to see the forest for the trees. The Psalmist David said, “The earth declares the glory of God and the earth shows His handiwork.” God is present all around us. He desires to dwell with and minister to us. Let’s not miss His presence. See God! Glorify and praise Him for His presence and His empowering for His children.

Moving On

2011-06-17T10:16:00.001-04:00

I would like to share a post with you from a man I respect and pray for continually… Perry Noble

I have interjected several “personal” changes to reflect upon and address the faith family at Mountain View in a more personal way….

“To say that God “rocked my world” last week would be an understatement…it was more like a divine slap in the face and a sobering reminder that lost people really do matter to God!

Here’s the way it happened…

Charisse (my three year old daughter) and I went to get ice cream last Friday night. (One of her favorite things to do!) There is a place near our home called “Yogo Express” that has become one of her favorite places…you go in, get a cup, put the yogurt in it, THEN go to the toppings area and put your toppings on and then you pay…by the ounce.

When we walked in the place was slammed, there were people everywhere. So…I held her hand and we walked together to the area where we got our yogurt cups…she wanted chocolate yogurt with mint chips for her topping, so, I put all of that in her cup and then got ready to get mine.

BUT…when I looked down to tell her that hers was ready…she was GONE!

I looked around and didn’t see her anywhere. She had been right by my side five seconds before that… I panicked!

Seriously…the scenarios that can run through a parents mind in a short amount of time are unbelievable.

I began calling her name…and I literally was plowing over people…trying my best to control my heart as it was literally about to explode out of my chest.

Then, after only about seven seconds (seemed like an eternity though) I saw her…she had gone to get napkins for us but had not told me.

I scooped her up and hugged her…and I can’t explain to you the overwhelming joy that shot through my body as I knew that she was not lost! (If you are a parent and this has happened to you…you know exactly what I’m talking about.)

I kept her close to me for the rest of the night…and when I put her down to bed I hugged her a little longer and and little tighter…I thought she was lost, gone…but she wasn’t, and for that I was (and AM) so thankful.

However, later on that evening I felt the Lord say to me, “Now you know how I feel about lost people.” BAM!”

I have preached on the importance of evangelism for a long time. In fact, one of our core values “Evangelism” – finding lost people. But, I had NEVER seen the importance of evangelism through the lenses of a father who is obsessed with the lost!!!

“The feeling God allowed me to feel for seven seconds was one of the deepest, most intense feelings I’ve EVER felt…and because of that Luke 19:10 has taken on a whole new meaning!

God is PASSIONATE about reaching lost people…and HIS followers SHOULD BE AS WELL! Evangelism is not an option for those who say they are followers of Jesus…it is a COMMAND! AND…read through Luke 15 and notice that in each of the three stories something is lost, what is lost is found…and because of the lost being found a party/celebration begins!!!”

Mountain View, we cannot stop doing this…let’s keep doing ALL WE CAN to reach out to people who are far from God! Let’s share our stories with them…let’s get them to church THIS Sunday…and let’s continue to BEG God to give us a harvest of souls unlike the world has ever seen!!!

Unconditional Forgiveness

2011-06-17T10:11:00.001-04:00

respect and pray continually for in his divine calling… Perry Noble

I have interjected several “personal” changes to reflect upon and address the faith family at Mountain View in a more personal way….

“To say that God “rocked my world” last week would be an understatement…it was more like a divine slap in the face and a sobering reminder that lost people really do matter to God!

Here’s the way it happened…

What About Osama?

2011-05-05T10:17:00.003-04:00

As most of you, I watched the reports unfold about the killing of Osama bin Laden. At first, my reactions were of jubilation and great celebration. I was entirely comfortable with the parade of people celebrating in New York’s, Manhattan. At the same time, however, as a follower of Christ, I was sobered by the reality of what had just happened. How should we as Christians respond?
In order to dissect this question, I believe it’s important to define the situation in which we find ourselves. Were we simply targeting a religious icon in an attempt to squelch an uprising? Were we seeking revenge? Or, were we simply pursuing an enemy combatant? I contend that we were pursuing an enemy combatant of the United States.
If that be the case, then the resulting question is whether or not using force is necessary to remove the threat of this enemy of the United States.

When you study the life of Jesus, you notice that he never called a soldier who came to him in faith out of his military duties. Never once did Jesus say to a Roman Centurion, “Leave the Army!” And in His own life, He was known to use force, such as when clearing the temple.
As a result, the idea of a just act of war has been with Christian thinking from the beginning. But it has been very carefully spelled out. According to James Emery White, the conditions for a conflict to be just are as follows:

*There must be an urgent and imminent threat;
*It must be an act of defense against aggression – never simply for conquest or as an act of aggression – only a defensive war is defensible;
*It must be ordered by one who is in authority to do so;
*It must be for a just cause;
*It must have the right intention – it should not be based on revenge, but as an act of neighbor love and protection, with peace as its goal;
*It should be the last resort; peace and resolution should have been attempted;
*The force used must be proportionate to the desired ends – meaning that the evils caused by the war are less than the evils to be righted;
*It must seek to minimize non-combatant (civilian) casualties;
*It must have a reasonable chance of success.

I agree with James on all of these points...

So, what do you think? Did these things meet the threshold of a “just action of war”? Do you think Osama bin Laden had a direct connection to the attacks on 9/11? Did he pose an imminent threat or, by influence, cause extreme prejudice against the United States of America?

Listen, I do not celebrate the death of any person, but I can celebrate the death of evil. So from my vantage point, this was a justifiable action. May God have mercy on the soul of Osama bin Laden. And may God show much grace to the souls that have died at Osama's hands.

What Do We Have To Offer

2011-05-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

I read two very interesting blogs today. One was about “Alignment” by Seth Godin and the other was a very similar topic by James Emery White. I thought I would share the latter with you since it touched a nerve with me.

Why do people go to Walmart? Do they go for the products? For the food? For the friendly greeters at the doors? No. They go because Walmart offers “inexpensive”. That’s exactly what they want.

And because Walmart is in alignment with what people want – meaning, they know it’s what people want and so they give it to them – they are successful.

Play this out with other successful relationships.

People want Apple to offer “cool.” So does Apple. So everyone is happy – despite the prices.

People want Google to provide the location of things on the internet. It does. So we keep googling.

Starbucks? We want legally addictive stimulants, but with cache. Starbucks is happy to comply, which is why Starbucks is now the world’s third largest restaurant chain.

But what happens when things don’t line up? What happens when people want cheap, but the company wants profit?

Or people want to find what they’re looking for online, but the search engine wants to direct me to ads and sites that I don’t care about but have paid for the traffic?

Or people want to walk into a store and find exactly what they want, but the salesperson wants to push certain items and up their commission?

Or people want to watch the movie, and the provider wants to show me commercials?

There is a radical disconnect, and the relationship suffers, or just ends.

Let’s apply this to the church.

What is it that people entering a church want?

I would suggest that they want the church to offer spirituality. Community is a plus, but that’s not what they are primarily expecting when they walk through the doors.

I know that the church isn’t a company; we don’t want to be consumer-driven where the “customer” dictates the product; and that mere “spirituality” is a far cry from the dynamics of life in Christ.

But let the point play out.

People do come for spirituality. They don’t know to come for much more in our day. So that’s what they are looking for. It’s the one thing they think the church has to offer their lives that they don’t already have, and that they may not be able to find anywhere else.

Churches that provide spiritual experience and an introduction to a spiritual life create an alignment with the person that continues the relationship.

Churches that don’t, experience disconnect.

In many ways, this is a significant shift in thinking for those who seek to connect with the unchurched population. In the eighties and nineties, churches were seen as being out-of-touch and out-of-date. As a result, many responded by contemporizing the church. They updated the music, implemented drama and media, and addressed contemporary topics with biblical wisdom. All of which, I might add, I am all for and have written about many times.

Some, however, went too far. They seemed to feel that the goal was to reflect culture as opposed to building a bridge into culture. In the end, alignment was lost. People came wanting spirituality only to find the world they were already in. They wanted God, and they got the Doobie Brothers.

Today the mistake is similar, except now it’s the perceived need to match the world in terms of technology and, perhaps even more, the “hip.”

And again, all fine - to a point. The point where it ceases to be fine is critical, and again comes back to alignment. People are coming for spirituality; how sad it would be if all they got were designer t-shirts and the latest display from Apple.

If you want alignment, you won’t just try and give them “Disney” with your children’s program; you’ll give the parent what they most want, which is religious education and character formation for their child.

If you want alignment, you won’t just give them creative tie-ins using music from Coldplay or Radiohead, but a sense of encounter with the living God.

If you want alignment, you won’t just highlight your Mac’s and sound and light, but a direct and compelling message that brings Christ to bear in such a way it intersects the deepest needs of their life and calls them to radical followership.

You will often hear church leaders say that they are not competing against other churches, but against every other available use of time on a Sunday morning. Or lately, that they are competing against the entertainment industry or technology of the world.

But do we really think that we’ll win people to the church with Starbucks, contemporary music, and high-tech presentations? I think not. If they want Starbucks, they’ll just go to…well, Starbucks. And to Netflix. And to iTunes. And to Apple. It’s not that we shouldn’t make ample use of technology, only that it’s not the greatest felt need of the people who enter our doors.

In truth, we are competing against the spiritual emptiness of the world. When we align ourselves with that need, we actually have something to offer the world that it doesn’t already have.

The Bells Of Easter

2011-04-21T08:17:00.001-04:00

During the days preceding Easter, while Napoleon was preparing to overtake the Austrian village of Feldkirch, the residents gathered to pray for deliverance. On Easter morning the church bells rang to signal the day of worship. Napoleon heard the bells but didn't realize their significance; he thought the bells meant that the Austrian army had come to reinforce the village, so he sounded retreat. When the bells of Easter ring out, the enemies of God are forced to retreat. (McHenry's Quips, Quotes and Other Notes © 1998. Hendrickson)

It Is Finished

2011-04-19T10:46:00.001-04:00

When Jesus died on the cross late afternoon, Good Friday, he cried out one final phrase, three famous last words: “It is finished”. There were probably some within hearing distance who thought his words were a cry of despair, as if he were saying, "It's over. The dream has ended." The truth is, however, it was a cry of victory. "It is finished." This phrase can also be translated "Paid in full."

What did Jesus' death actually pay for? What did it accomplish? Simply put, Jesus' death paid the price for our sins. Through his death, we have forgiveness. With his death, Jesus bridged the gap between God and man, between sin and redemption, between this temporary life and life eternal.

So, when Jesus said, "It is finished," he was saying, "My work is complete...I have paid the price for the salvation of humankind." The writer of Hebrews said, "Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people." (Hebrews 9:28) Paul said: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

The message of the cross is "It is finished." There is nothing you can do to earn more of God's love or to gain his mercy or to deserve forgiveness or to receive salvation. Jesus paid it all. His work is complete. That's why his last words: "It is finished," is the message of the cross.

The message of Easter is: "It is just beginning," because through the power of the resurrection, we have been given new life. It's not that we follow a God who exists somewhere out there, far beyond us. This God becomes part of your life. He comes to take up residence inside you. His Spirit fills your spirit with his presence. He can take a life that is dead with sin and failure, and make it alive again. He does that for everyone who comes to him. He can do that for you.

There are many people today who desperately need an empty canvas. You need a blank slate - a fresh start. You need the etch-a-sketch power of God's forgiveness, and it's available to you. You can begin your new life today. You can become the person God created you to be, through the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Come learn more about this marvelous revelation this Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.

Hang In There

2011-04-14T15:18:00.003-04:00

I read this blog from Steve May and decided to publish it word-for-word for you to enjoy. Maybe it will encourage you as it did me.

"We have no control over most outcomes in life. We do our best to influence them: eat right to stay healthy; drive carefully to avoid an accident; invest wisely to accumulate a net worth — we try to influence outcomes, but we can't control them. Sometimes we get sick anyway, sometimes the car wreck isn't our fault, sometimes seemingly good investments go south.

Several years ago I realized that I couldn't control outcomes, but I could control one thing that is biblically guaranteed to work in my favor every time. What is it? Perseverance. Stick-to-it-iveness. The habit of getting back up and trying one more time. I can't control results, but I can control whether or not I quit. No one else can make that decision for me. It's mine alone.

This is how Johann von Goethe said it: "Perseverance lies within the affordings of everyone; its power increases with its progress, and it but rarely misses its aim."

Here's what he's saying: Persevering is something anyone can do. The longer you do it, the stronger you get, and the more likely you are to succeed.

Every minister, missionary, pastor, church planter and Christian disciple needs to understand this. You'll have a chance, and sometimes many, to give up before you really get going. A greener pasture and a wider path will tempt you from time to time. Sometimes quitting just seems to make sense: it's easy and appears to be painless. But deciding to stay when leaving is easier is often the key that opens the door to God's abundant blessing.

Napoleon Hill said, "Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit." I believe he was speaking from both observation and experience; this principle has certainly been true in my life. Babe Ruth's take on it was, "You just can't beat the man who won't give up." (Even the devil understands this; when you resist him, he flees. James 4:7)

Paul challenges us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Let's begin this week determined to keep doing good. Let it not make us weary. There's a harvest waiting if we don't give up."

Son Shine

2011-04-13T05:52:00.002-04:00

As Spring approaches, we are warmed by the sun rather than frozen by the chilling winds of Winter. I, for one, am glad to see the warmer temperatures! Another thing that happens is that our daylight hours are extended. Instead of waking up in the dark, we wake up to sunshine which lasts long into the afternoon and evening. As I think about the sunshine, I’m reminded that we are to be “Son shine” to the world. Jesus called himself “the light” and called us to be “people of the light”. What does that mean? It means that our lives are meant to bear witness to the love and grace of Christ. Being a witness doesn't always involve passing out tracts or bringing in the most visitors on High Attendance Sunday. Every Christian doesn't have the same gifts, but every Christian can find ways to reflect the light of Christ to the people he encounters every day. Maybe that would simply mean spending time with a co-worker who is going thru a difficult time at home or at work. Or maybe it could be simply having a good attitude even though things aren’t going so swell in your own life. Possibly it could mean that you show patience and understanding with a waiter that gets your order messed up. Whatever, being "Son shine" simply means that you carry yourself in such a way that shows the light of Christ within you. Live your life so that those in the darkness can see his light in you.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Spiritually Stubborn

2011-04-12T10:46:00.001-04:00

One thing I’ve noticed over the years in believers is a type of spiritual stubbornness that causes them to hold back from what God wants for their lives. For example, I’ve seen believers have a problem with another believer only to hold on to a grudge or discuss the issue with numerous other people, but they are too stubborn to follow the teachings of Matthew 18 in resolving conflict. I’ve also heard leaders say during leadership meetings, “I don’t know what the bible says on this issue, but this just isn’t Baptist!” Spiritual stubbornness can cause your heart to grow cold and your ears to grow deaf to the voice of the Lord. It will render both the Christian and the church ineffective. So what are some characteristics of being spiritually stubborn?

1. Being Overly Critical – Some people can find something to criticize about everything, even if they have to stretch the truth. And more often than not, their criticism is based more on exaggeration and deception than the truth. Dale Carnegie once said, “Any fool can criticize—and most of them do.” A critical attitude can cause once-enthusiastic Christians to fall; it can choke the life out of once vibrant churches. The best way to stop being overly critical is to: a) Don’t get caught up in the petty stuff. b) Make sure you know what you’re talking about (know the facts). c) Try doing what you’re criticizing. It’s easy to throw stones if you’re not the one being thrown at.

2. An Apathetic Attitude – This happens so often to churches that focus inwardly and never broaden their vision to what God has called them to be. Our budgets are focused on inward ministry and the comfort of the saints rather than on reaching out to the lost and disadvantaged around us. When we grow apathetic to the lost and stop caring about those who are hurting, we lose our effectiveness, both as individual believers and as a church.

3. Pride – This characteristic is rampant among the ranks of so-called “mature” Christians. They run from seminar to seminar, conference to conference, to book after book, and they can debate and present numerous doctrinal and philosophical doctrines. But the sad thing is, they’re not ministering to others. They have all the knowledge in their hearts, but it doesn’t translate to their hands. They have become “hearers of the Word but not doers of the Word.”

So, where do you find yourself in this post? Have you developed a type of spiritual stubbornness? If so, confess your sin to God and repent. Resolve to avoid spiritual stubbornness by serving. Serving others is the antidote for being overly critical, apathetic and full of pride. And when we’re serving, we’re being like Christ.

How To Handle Frustration

2011-04-11T09:26:00.002-04:00

Frustrations are an inevitable part of life – fear, worry, unhealthy thoughts, enemies, betrayal, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, health concerns, just to name a few. Oftentimes, when we’re facing such things, we tend to feel alone and struggle to work them out on our own. We think, “It’s my problem. No one else is going to fix this so it’s left up to me.” And when we try in vain to rectify the situation, it’s easy to get to the point where we say, “Well, I’ve tried everything I know how to do. I guess the only thing left is to pray.” The correct approach however, is to begin in prayer and continue in prayer. Some monastic communities have practiced this for centuries. They begin their day with prayer. At mid-morning they stop working and pray. At noon they stop working to pray and eat lunch. In mid-afternoon they stop working to pray. In the evening, as they finish the work-day, they pray again. Before they retire for the night, they pray again. Some communities even get up in the middle of the night to pray!
The idea is to return to God again and again through out the day. This helps you remember that Christ is your constant companion—at work and at home. Regardless of the frustrations you may be facing, Jesus is available always; every moment of every day can be spent in his presence. So, throughout the day, return to him again and again. As you do, you can count on these three promises.
1. When you talk to God, he will hear you. Psalm 55:17 says, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”
2. Cast your cares on him, because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:7) David also wrote in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” So when your frustrations are too much for you to bear, turn them over to God. He will strengthen you.
3. Trust in the Lord and he will save you. Psalm 55:16 says, “I call to God, and the Lord saves me.” Don’t trust in your own power and ability to get thru your struggles, trust in the saving power of Christ.

TEMPTATION

2011-04-08T07:46:00.000-04:00

Oscar Wilde is famous for saying, "I can resist anything but temptation." Temptation is one of the certainties of the Christian life; we never fully, permanently escape its presence. And we soon discover that once one temptation loses its power over us, another one comes along to take its place.

There's a Frank and Ernest cartoon where Frank asks, "Why is it that opportunity knocks only once, but every day temptation beats down my door?" Do you ever feel that way?

Jesus understands. Hebrews 4:15 tells us: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin."

The apostle Paul wrote this encouragement to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

When you go through the desert — when you struggle with an onslaught of temptation — it doesn't mean that God has abandoned you, it means that he is preparing you for something big. So prepare yourself. Spend time in the Word everyday. Spend time in prayer everyday. Decide now that God is first in your life, and there will be no shortcuts. When you endure, God will bring his glory to fulfillment in your life.

BIG STUFF

2011-04-06T08:49:00.003-04:00

A seminar leader was demonstrating the importance of making sure the "big stuff" in life is a priority. He showed the audience an empty wide-mouthed gallon jar, then put as many rocks in the jar as would fit. He asked the crowd, "Is this container full?" Of course, everyone said, "Yes." The leader gave them a knowing smile, then poured some gravel into the jar, filling the crevices between the rocks. He asked again, "Is it full?" They were beginning to catch on; most of them said, "Probably not."
Next he poured some sand it into the jar. "Now is it full?" he asked. The crowd had learned the lesson. In unison they shouted, "No!" And they were right; he then filled the jar with water.
Afterwards the seminar leader asked, "What's the point here?" Someone said, "Well, there are gaps, and if you really work at it, you can always fit more in your life." The seminar leader said, "That's not the point! The point is this: If you hadn't put these big rocks in first, you never would have gotten them in!"
He was saying: Make sure you do the big stuff first.
It's a habit we all need to develop. For me, I tend to attend to all the nagging little details first, trying to get them out of the way so I can focus on job one. Problem is, the nagging little details never completely go away. They keep coming back, there's always one or two to distract you. It's best to learn to ignore them and direct your attention to what really matters.
What really matters? This is something each person must define individually. Jesus told his followers that the list should begin with your relationship to God and your involvement in his purpose for your life. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) We often seek after sand and gravel and water, but those things are just filler. The big stuff needs to be done first. Think about it. What's your top priority? How will you tend to it today?

Finding Grace and Mercy

2011-04-05T10:20:00.002-04:00

Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”

When we get to know Jesus, we are getting to know God. What the Bible tells us about God is that He is not the tyrant He is sometimes accused of being. In fact, it is we who are the tyrants. We are the unreasonable. We are the unforgiving. We ourselves are imperfect, but too often we withhold forgiveness from others, as if we consider ourselves superior in some way to others.

However, Jesus shows us what it means to be truly merciful. He is perfect. He lived a perfect life, above sin. And yet, He understands our weaknesses, and He gives us permission to come to him anytime at all—with the assurance that we will always find forgiveness and strength. Let us, then, approach His throne with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

A CHANGE OF MIND

2011-04-04T22:12:00.000-04:00

The Apostle Paul wrote, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Changing the way we think isn't easy, because thinking isn't nearly as easy as it looks. It's hard work. Henry Ford said, "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it."
Most of us allow our thoughts to be carried along by the whim of our emotions. Or we let our circumstances dictate the way we think. However, if you want to experience lasting change, you've got to take control of your thought life.
Instead of conforming your thoughts to the world around you, let the Word of God determine how you think. When you're tempted to think materialistically, think spiritually instead. When you're tempted to think negatively, make the effort to think positive. When you're tempted to give in to thoughts of despair, take a bold step and think thoughts of hope. When you're tempted to think only about this life on earth, learn to think with an eternal perspective.
James Allen said, "You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." It you want to experience change, you've got to change the way you think. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

GOD's LOVE = God's POWER

2011-04-01T10:24:00.003-04:00

In yesterday's post I said that "When we know who Christ is, then we can begin to make sense of who we are in Him." Well, today I want you to know that to the extent that we understand Christ's love, we experience his power in our lives. Paul said in Ephesians 3:19, "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

So what kind of power is Paul talking about? Is he speaking of power to jump tall buildings in a single bound? What about power to blow on people's foreheads and they "go out"? In reality, the power he is speaking of is the most important kind. Power over sin. Power over weakness. Power over fear. Power over shame. Power over despair. Power over rage. Power over lust. Power over greed. Power over pride. Power over doubt. Power over guilt. These are the things that so easily entangle us and drag us down. These are things that make our lives miserable. But the good news is that we don't have to live under their tyranny any longer. God promises us His power. And to receive His power, you only have to yield to His love.

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, "He is truly great in power who has power over himself." If you want to experience power over yourself, over your emotions, and over your circumstances, there are two ways you can go about it. You can try to grit your teeth and thru sheer determination force yourself to discipline, discipline, discipline. Or you can try the Biblical approach. Love, love, love. Guess which one works. (v. 20) Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

If you want to experience the power of God, immerse yourself in the love of God. Pray about it. Think about it. Meditate on it. Contemplate it. Believe it. Receive it. When you know His love, you will experience His power. His power at work within you will revolutionize your life. And you will begin to truly realize who you are in Christ.

WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST

2011-03-31T09:08:00.001-04:00

When we know who Christ is, then we can begin to make sense of who we are in Him. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:18 “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called”. (NLT)

The reality is this: When you are a believer, you can count on the fact that you have a bright future regardless of what you may going thru. You might say, "But I'm in the middle of a crisis". God will get you through it. "But, I'm facing opposition." God will give you the victory. "But, I've already lost so many battles." God will turn the curse into a blessing. "But, I'm in pain!" God will never leave you; He will be there with you to give you the strength you need to overcome every challenge and every setback.

Notice what Paul says... (v. 18) “... that you may know...what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” The word inheritance here refers to the Father's inheritance, not ours. I’ve always read this verse to mean that Paul was referring to all the good things that we inherit from God--heaven, forgiveness, salvation, and so on. But Paul isn't talking about what we will inherit. He's talking about what God will inherit. God will inherit the saints--that is, the church. You and me and the rest of us.

This is God's plan. He sent his Son into the world to die on the cross for our sins so that all who come to Him will be saved and will become a member of his church. (We're talking about the universal church, not this specific church.)

When you become a member of His church, the process begins in which he makes you pure and holy and blameless--a job he promises to finish. And when His work in you is done, He will receive you--along with all the members of his church--as His inheritance, His precious possession to be treasured throughout eternity. This is what God's people mean to Him. This is who you are in Christ.

INADEQUATE YET CHOSEN

2011-03-30T09:30:00.001-04:00

“Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure… Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as He decided long ago.” Ephesians 1:4-5, 11

Have you ever felt inadequate? Untalented? Unworthy? Probably most of us have felt that way. Maybe it began on the school playground with a pickup game of softball basketball. Each side’s captain was choosing the teams and you were picked last. Whatever it was, the feeling of “not measuring up” can haunt us long after we graduate from sandlot sports. In the workplace, in the classroom, at home, we've asked, "If they had it to do all over again, would they choose me? Would they hire me? Would she marry me?" Maybe you've wondered the same thing about your Christian life. "If God had it do over, would He still save me?" Some of you believe that you have been such a disappointment to God that He never would have saved you if He had it to do over again. But Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us the exact opposite. He emphatically states that God chose and accepted you into the body of Christ not because He had to, but because He wanted to. You are part of his plan. From the beginning, He chose you to be part of his family. His unchanging plan has always been to bring us to himself thru Christ. Paul says...(v. 4) Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Whether or not you think it's possible for you to become "holy and blameless", the Bible makes it clear that God thinks it is possible. You may wonder, “How is that possible with all the mistakes and blunders I have made?” Well, the key is that it’s not your plan, it’s God’s. And it’s not because of your efforts on your own, it’s all about who you are “in Christ”. Nothing in your life has ever caught Him by surprise. And yet, verse 11 tells us, “...for He chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as He decided long ago.” That means that long before God made the Heavens and the earth, He knew all about your life – where you would be today, all of your disappointments and mistakes, all of your “inadequacies” and shortcomings. He knew that you would fall short of His glory. Maybe you’ve felt like giving in to regret and giving up, but He has never given up on you. His love for you has never changed. Your past may be littered with failure and defeat, but it doesn't change the fact that God loves you, He chose you, and He believes in you. You have been on his mind from the very beginning.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

2011-03-29T10:11:00.002-04:00

Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus, “Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:8-12

In his book The Winner Within, Pat Riley, former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, talks about the danger of the "Disease of Me." He tells how the Lakers' out-of-control egos brought about one of the quickest falls in the history of the NBA. They won the Championship in 1980 and they were predicted to do it again the following season. Then resentment set in among the players. Some thought Magic Johnson got too much attention from the media. Kareem Abdul Jabbar believed that he was being snubbed by other players. Some players believed they weren't getting the recognition they deserved. As a result, the Lakers shifted their focus from winning to whining. And the following season they got beat in the first playoff round. This is the ultimate humiliation for a reigning champ; it had happened only twice before in NBA history. Riley summed it up by saying, "The Disease of Me leads to the Defeat of Us." When we put our egos ahead of our responsibilities we lose--and lose big. When we think life is “all about us” and we have a “what’s in it for me” attitude, we’re opting out on God’s plan for us in Christ. We begin to think that "we are who we make ourselves to be". But the reality is that it’s not just about “who we are”, but about “who we are in Christ. “ This is why we must adopt Paul's attitude: I am not an important person, but I have an important job to do. And in Christ alone, can I do that job.

On Ephesians

2011-03-27T15:49:00.002-04:00

As Dr. Eley prepares us to dive into the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, I was reminded of the fact that in myself, I am nothing. But in Christ, I am more than a conqueror. And as more than a conqueror, I am a child of God and have a royal inheritance in heaven. Unfortunately not too many folks in the world see it that way. In fact, even in the church, many believers think they will get to heaven based on the "good" things they do on earth and how well they obey all the rules. But Paul tells us a different story.
It's no secret that Ted Turner (founder of TBS and CNN) has a great disdain for Christianity. He once said that Christianity is a religion for losers. He then cracked a joke about hoping the pope would step on a landmine. He once ridiculed Christian CNN employees, calling them Jesus Freaks and suggesting that they should work for Fox.
Despite all that, Mr. Turner, who has claimed to be an atheist, often talks about his acceptance in the afterlife.
In 2003, when he was meeting with a group of Christian to discuss the movie Gods and Generals -- a Civil War era faith-friendly film that Turner financed -- he said: "Look at my philanthropy! The Bible says it's better to give than receive...I'm living like a Christian. I guarantee you I'll see you in Heaven. I'll be like the guy who has the last two tickets in the stadium. I've lived a really good life. I'm going to say, 'Hey, St. Peter, remember Gods & Generals?' This movie is a final bit of insurance that I get in."
It's a little unclear whether Turner really believes his own words, but it appears that he is making the same mistake that so many make. Like I said before, even many professing Christians believe that our acceptance into heaven will be determined by how good we are in this life. Though goodness is a goal, it's not a ticket. We must remember Paul's words...
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Aren't you glad about that? I am!!!

GROWTH COMES THRU ADVERSITY

2011-03-26T04:43:00.001-04:00

Man! What a week! I’m beginning to think that I ought to stop writing about adversity! It seems as if I have had no loss of it in my life since I began this particular string of posts. This past week, I had a bad reaction to some medicine and woke up in the emergency room of the hospital! I thought medicine was supposed to help, not hurt. But when I think about it, that’s the way life is. You go thru adversity and you keep going. It’s not about how hard you get hit, it’s about how you keep moving forward.

Frederick Nietzsche said, "Every talent must unfold itself in fighting." He's saying that growth in any area of your life comes with a price -- and that price is struggle. We experience very little that’s worthwhile in life without some kind of adversity -- the adversity of opposition, the adversity of lost sleep, the adversity of financial pressure, the adversity of loneliness, the adversity of delayed gratification. Even the adversity of the emergency room. A price must first be paid. I wouldn’t have discovered my allergy to that medicine if I hadn’t been taken to the ER. Things could have been much, much worse.

In Ephesians 6, Paul knew that he was in the midst of a fight. He knew that in order to become the man of God he wanted to be, he must daily enter the battlefield to contend with an enemy: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV)

It will do us good to remember that we are engaged in battle, day-in, day-out. It's not a struggle that can be seen with the human eye, but it can certainly be felt with the human spirit. This struggle cannot be avoided; it must be confronted. On the other side, however, victory awaits us, because we do not fight unarmed. We carry with us the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit and the helmet of salvation.

Peter tells us not to be surprised at the fiery trials we face; they're part of the process of growing in Christ. Every talent must unfold itself in fighting; growth comes through struggle.

So no matter where you may be facing adversity - in a relationship, at work, in your walk with God – the obstacle will not disappear on its own. It belongs there. You are called to confront it, through the power of Christ within you, until you can emerge victorious!

4 Steps to Overcoming Adversity

2011-03-18T11:29:00.007-04:00

At some point in life, we all face adversity. It’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”. The difference between success and failure comes down to choice. When adversity strikes, it’s not what happens that will determine our destiny; it’s how we react to what happens.
If you drew a picture of your day, you would find that some days the line is pretty straight with few hills and curves in it. Then there are those days and sometimes weeks where all you have is curves, hills and very low valleys.
On the contrary, a dead person’s day is just one straight line all the time. Day after day, night after night, nothing changes. So it's a good thing that things aren't mundane day after day. Life means a variety of experiences - both in adversity and in prosperity.
We all like the prosperity part, but how do you handle adversity? When things get bad, do you turn tail and run? Do you break down on the side of a highway and abandon your car? Do you end up shattered upon the jagged rocks of adversity? Or do you fight? Do you face the adversity and move forward?
1. Run to Jesus
When adversity attacks, run to Jesus. Don’t shut down or isolate yourself from those who can help you. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus will not let you down. You can trust Him to get you through this turbulence.
2. Cast All Your Cares
Casting all our cares on Jesus is a spiritual step toward freedom. Scripture says, “Cast all your care on Him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Casting our cares on Jesus requires us to give our adversity to Him.
Sometimes, however, one prayer session isn’t enough. Some adversity has several dates booked on your calendar. Every time fear tries to grip you, pray, “I cast all my cares on you Lord because I know you care for me.” And say that in your heart over and over again until the burden is lifted.
3. Submit and Resist
Scripture also admonishes, “Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he shall flee” (James 4:7). Notice this twin advice for freedom from adversity, “Submit to God.” That means that He becomes your Commander. You release your will to Him and let His Word govern you, your actions, your situation and your entire life. You also release the outcome of the adversity to Him.
The second half of that scripture assures, “Resist the devil and he will flee.” He didn’t say ignore the devil, hide from the devil, deny the devil’s existence, or compromise with the devil. God said to resist him. You resist the devil just like Jesus did. When the devil attacked Jesus in the wilderness He said repeatedly, “Devil. It is written.” You can do the same.
4. Keep An Eternal Perspective
Joseph was able to see God’s hand in his circumstances, as evidenced with these words to his brothers, “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Gen 45: 5-8).
God’s ways are higher than our ways. He knows and understands every detail of your life. You may never understand the “why” of your experience this side of heaven, but you can nevertheless trust a holy, sovereign and loving God.
Just as He did in Joseph’s life, He is working right now to help us overcome our adversity. You see, God isn’t just focused on “here and now”. He’s focused on our eternity with Him. And He is working all the things of our present life for the eternity we will spend with Him.

Pressing On

2011-03-16T20:48:00.001-04:00

When Lynn and I were stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky, one section of the highway thru Clarksville Tennessee was named “Wilma Rudolph Highway”. A lot of folks don’t even know who she was, but her story is a great example of overcoming adversity. Wilma Rudolph was the 20th of 22 children. She was born prematurely and doctors didn't expect her to survive. She did make it, but at the age of 4, she contracted double pneumonia and scarlet fever, which left her with her left leg paralyzed. At the age of 9, she removed the metal leg brace she had depended on for the past five years and began walking without it. By 13, she had developed a rhythmic walk, which doctors said was a miracle. That same year, she decided she wanted to begin running. She entered her first race and came in last. For the next three years, she came in dead last in every race she entered. But, she kept on running until the day came that she won a race. Eventually, the little girl who was not supposed to live and then who was not supposed to be able to walk would win three Olympic gold medals.

The Apostle Paul once said, “one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 Paul faced enormous trials and adversity, but he refused to be held back by the battles of the past. With his faith in God, he pressed on thru the adversity to reach the other side. That didn’t mean that the adversity wasn’t hard, it simply meant that with the strength of Christ, he would persevere. You and I will never know what the Lord has in store for us until we do the same.

Adversity

2011-03-14T08:41:00.002-04:00

Chuck Swindoll tells about commercial transportation of codfish cross country, which was a problem for quite sometime. At first the fish were frozen and shipped, but they lost their flavor in the freezing/thawing process. Next they were shipped live in tanks, but they arrived at their destination soft and mush, the meat having lost its texture.
Someone then had the idea of shipping the cod with their natural enemy: the catfish. From the time the codfish left the east coast, they were chased around the tank by catfish. When they arrived at market, they were as fresh as when they were first caught. No loss of flavor, no loss of texture.
Each one us at times will find ourselves in a tank of inescapable circumstances, which is painful enough. But there are also some God appointed "catfish" to bring sufficient tension that keeps us alive, alert, fresh, and growing. It's all part of God's project to shape our character so we will be more like his Son.

Satan's Plan

2011-03-10T07:03:00.002-05:00

How will Satan attack your church? Does he have a primary strategy, one that seldom fails? Yes.

He’ll go after your church’s community. He’ll do everything he can to infect it, make it sick, and hopefully, have it die.

In the gospel of John we have the poignant final words and prayers of Jesus to His disciples before the cross. Between John 13 and John 17, it can only be said that Jesus pours out His heart. It is considered by many to be among the most moving sections of the New Testament. What occupied Jesus the moments before His atoning death for the sins of the world? Not surprisingly, His concern that the world would recognize His gift. And how would that happen? Christ’s torrent of prayer and pleading begins and ends with a passionate call for unity among those who claim His name. The observable love between those who called themselves His followers was everything. Why? Jesus said it would be this unity, and this unity alone, which would arrest the world’s attention and confirm that He was from the Father.

As has often been pointed out, when the Bible talks about such loving unity, it doesn’t mean uniformity, which is everyone looking and thinking alike. And the biblical idea is certainly not to be confused with unanimity, which is complete agreement about every petty issue across the board (though within churches there should be unity of purpose and an agreement on the major issues related to doctrine and mission). By unity, the Bible means first and foremost a oneness of heart - a relational unity. Being kind to one another, gracious to one another, forgiving of one another - not assuming the worst, shooting the wounded, or being quick to be suspicious. Biblical unity is about working through conflicts, avoiding slander and gossip, and being generous in spirit.

Unfortunately, many churches do not know how to treat community illnesses. So let’s get practical about some remedies:

Community Allergies: This is when two or more people in the community experience conflict, a personality clash, strong wills locking, or simply offend one another in the normal course of interaction. This calls for an immediate application of a strong antihistamine, specifically the one found in Matthew 18:15: “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him - work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend.” (Msg)

Community Growth Aches and Pains: This is when your church goes through a growth spurt, starts a new service or adds a new campus, or even opens up a new entrance - anything that separates people from each other in ways they were not separate before. There is an inevitable sense of community “loss” because people don’t see everyone they used to see the way they did before. This is unavoidable if a church is going to be healthy, but it still needs an aspirin in the form of Acts 2:47 to keep it from becoming a splitting migraine (just to remind folks that a Spirit-filled church is one that is growing): “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (NIV)

Community Bumps and Bruises: This is when your church faces procedural or logistical hiccups that cause hurt feelings. It doesn’t take much - long lines, poor administration, unreturned phone calls, insufficient communication, or a youth retreat from hell. This calls for a quick Acts 6 X-Ray and physical therapy: “...as the believers? rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers… They said…’brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Everyone liked this idea,… So God’s message continued to spread. (NLT)

Community Infections: This is when a person (or persons) exudes a spirit that invades your church and creates division. They engage in hallway or parking lot conversations that spread dissent. They undermine the leadership. They cast suspicion and doubt. This is a serious ailment, even cancerous, and must be met with a round of radiation found in Titus 3:10: “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” (NIV)

Sources: James Emery White, Christ Among the Dragons (InterVarsity Press).

A Wonderful Life

2011-03-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

This past Christmas, we all watched numerous reruns of past Holiday movies like: “Christmas Story” and “It's A Wonderful Life”. My favorite is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It’s a good, heartwarming story. James Stewart is a struggling banker who learns that even though life on earth isn't perfect, it can be wonderful. We may have trials and troubles, we may miss out on some of our dreams, but still, it's a wonderful life.

Christians, more than anyone else, should believe this. We can all say that It is a Wonderful Life, because a relationship with Jesus makes it wonderful. We don't live in a perfect world; there is sorrow and sadness and misery and violence and poverty and hunger and war and injustice everywhere. If I didn't believe in God I would be overwhelmed with the futility of it all. But the fact is, because of God's involvement with the human race, life is not futile. In spite of the problems in our lives...even in the midst of the problems in our lives...we can experience an abundance of joy—because God has made this a wonderful life thru His Son Jesus Christ.

Who Moved

2011-02-28T09:47:00.002-05:00

A married couple was driving down the road. The wife turned to the husband and said, "What's happened with us?" "What do you mean?" the husband asked. She said, "We're not like we used to be."

"How did we used to be?" the husband asked. "We were closer. More connected. We held hands all the time. In fact, here's a perfect example right now. Remember when we'd get in the car, and we'd sit right next to each other, with me there in the middle." The husband turned to her and said, "Who moved?"

This story illustrates an important Biblical principle: If you're not as close to God as you used to be, you're the one who moved. He didn't move. If you want to get back to where you used to be, you need to move in his direction. In fact, if you want to be closer to God than you've ever been before, if you want to reach a new level in your relationship with him, all you need to do is move in his direction.

for a little while

2011-02-25T09:06:00.006-05:00

During the early 1980s, Western Carolina University's football team struggled immensely. The 1980 and 1981 seasons managed to end the season 4-7 and 3-7-1. In 1982, the team barely squeezed out a winning season 6-5, but most people believed that the struggling team would go down the tubes with a losing season in 1983.

1983 started out badly, with losses to Clemson and Wake Forest. But things turned around after that. The team eventually ended with an 11-3-1 record and finished second to Southern Illinois in the Division II National Championship Game. They didn't win the outright championship, but clearly they had a great season.

Quite a turn around. And it didn't happen by accident. But the point I want to make is this: It happened. The worst football team in the Southern Conference played like the best team.

Personally and professionally we all will have losing seasons from time to time. A losing season may tell us that it's time to start over, but it doesn't tell us it's time to quit. If you've suffered some setbacks—and we all have or we all will—it doesn't mean that your best days are forever behind you. There's a big season right around the corner.

Peter said, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." Trials and troubles run in cycles, but the promises of God are permanent. They're always true.

Remember Peter's words: "for a little while..." Just like the Western Carolina football team back in 1981, with a humiliating losing season, you may be struggling in certain areas now. But those struggles are temporary. Look where the same Western Carolina football team ended up in 1983. That can be you too. You'll experience a turn around, because God's promises are forever.
Obedience pays off. It pleases God, it benefits you, it blesses others. These are the rewards for obedience.

The Word For You Today

2011-02-23T14:55:00.003-05:00

I thought today's devotion from MVC's booklet "The Word For You Today" was very appropriate. So, for those of you that do not get this booklet, I have posted the devotion below....

“Serve…with gladness.” Ps 100:2 NKJV

Anything God gives you is first a gift to enjoy, then a seed to sow. Do you have a good education? Leadership ability? More money than you need? God has given you seeds —sow them. There are basically three kinds of people: those who can’t see, or refuse to see the problem; those who see the problem, but because they didn’t personally create it are content to leave it to others; those who see the problem and though they didn’t create it, are willing to assume responsibility for solving it. Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, said: “I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. Finally I ended up asking Him to do His work through me.” When you come to believe, really believe that service is God working through you, you’ll understand that serving others is the highest calling of all. Dr. William DeVries thought that way. He’s the surgeon who pioneered the artificial heart, and he’s the kind of doctor who shows up at the hospital on Sunday just to cheer up discouraged patients. He even changes dressings, and if a patient wants him to stick around and talk he always does. His friends say he’s “an old shoe” who fits in wherever he goes. He wears cowboy boots with his surgical scrubs and repairs hearts to the music of Vivaldi. “He’s always got a smile lurking,” says his friend Dr. Robert Goodin, “and he’s always looking for a way to let it out.” The truth is, “arriving” is not a place where others serve you but where you serve them “with gladness.”
Hope you have a blessed day,
kevin

Persistence

2011-02-21T14:45:00.002-05:00

If Columbus had turned back, no one would have blamed him. No one would have remembered him either. --Unknown

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. -- Theodore Roosevelt

My Sabbatical Journey - Part Four

2011-02-18T17:59:00.000-05:00

So, as I wrap up my blog about my Sabbatical Journey, you may be wondering, “Kevin, are you cured yet? Are you ready to come back and be our pastor? Are you okay?”
First of all, I am not cured. Short of a miracle, PTSD never goes away. You just have to learn how to cope with the disorder. I am stronger now than I was before the six week treatment, but I’m still anxious, a little fragile and hesitant, but I’m still ready to do what God has called me to do. Besides, it’s not in my power that His ministry is done – it’s in His power. And the Bible says that “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.”
Am I ready to come back and be your pastor? Yes! I believe that our best ministry comes from our weaknesses. I have no doubt that God called me to Mountain View as the Senior Pastor and I am ready! I am also humbled to be your pastor, and humbled by the disorder with which I have to deal with daily.
Am I okay? I certainly hope so. Like I said before, however, “I’m not cured.” But all in all, I see improvements that I believe will take me to levels I have not yet experienced. That being said, please keep me and Lynn in your prayers as we pray for you all regularly. In Christ, your loving pastor, Kevin.

My Sabbatical Journey - Part Three

2011-02-17T10:27:00.003-05:00

I know that the things I have experienced over the past years have not only impacted me negatively, but have also impacted others in the same way. One of the characteristics of PTSD is a shortened memory span. It’s similar to amnesia or a form of dementia. Sometimes I might ask Lynn the same question 3 or 4 times because I’ve forgotten that I asked her at all. At other times, the condition has caused me to withdraw from others and not want to be around anyone at all. This is a very common characteristic with PTSD. I also haven't handled stressful situations very well, and have a deep sense of insecurity. Suffice-it-to-say, this is a terrible disorder with which to live.
But on the more positive side – I have received help in many of these areas and have great hope that I am better prepared to deal with the issues when they arrive. At the VA center, I underwent training for stress management, anger management, family issues, relaxation techniques, cognitive process therapy, one on one counseling, group counseling with other veterans with PTSD, spiritual formation (Christian), sleep therapy, cognitive logic therapy (for memory), evaluation and confirmation of medicines, and a whole host of other things. All of these were very helpful and I firmly believe they will make a profound difference in my life. Thank you for allowing me to share so honestly with you all. I am blessed to serve in a body where I have liberty to do that. I love you all and look forward to what God is going to do in the future.

My Sabbatical Journey - Part Two

2011-02-16T16:24:00.003-05:00

The beginning of my struggle with PTSD began soon after the Gulf War in 1991. While serving as the commander of an airborne company, one of my officers died literally in my arms as I tried desperately to save him. Another of my soldiers was horrifically killed at the same place due to a mortal head wound. And at a different place and time, another officer committed suicide right in front of my command post. Statistics tell us that most soldiers who are exposed to any event that results in psychological trauma will experience PTSD in some form. But if the soldier still experiences trauma after 3 months or so, the disorder is considered chronic. I have experienced PTSD for twenty years, so my disorder is chronic. At times, my life has been a living hell. I couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t take this condition away. No one understood what I was going thru. I was hesitant to share with anyone about my struggles because I was fearful that I would be labeled as mentally challenged, mentally unstable, or any other number of undeserving names. I felt guilty and responsible for their deaths since I was their commander and gave them orders. So I stuffed it down, gritted my teeth and tried to tough it out like any good ole southern boy is supposed to do, right? Unfortunately, that doesn’t work. So that brings me to where I am now. I have tried everything I know to come to grips with PTSD, but I haven’t found the secret yet. However, I had been researching several programs that specialize in the treatment of the disorder. Imagine the surprise when an open slot “just happened” to fall in my lap. (Yeah right! I don’t believe in “just happened” things in the life of a believer.) So I sensed this was the provision of God and I volunteered to go. I felt that the therapy, counseling and treatment I would receive would not only benefit me, but also my family and my church. I’m glad I chose to go. I have learned a tremendous amount about my condition and thru teaching I now have several “tools” that are helping me cope with PTSD. I no longer feel like I’m going insane. I don’t want to hide this condition anymore. And I now know that PTSD is not some sort of label that disqualifies me from anything. Other people may think so, but it’s really just another medical condition like diabetes. I didn’t choose this disorder. I didn’t do anything to cause it. I didn’t ask for it. And it’s not my fault. By God’s grace, I feel I have led a productive life for 20 years with the disorder – twelve of those years have been in ministry. And I think I have many more productive years ahead of me.

My Sabbatical Journey Jan-Feb 2011

2011-02-15T17:41:00.008-05:00

As you all know I have just returned from a 6 week sabbatical. Each year during the month of January as well as several days in February, I take a sabbatical to plan, fast, write and pray for guidance in the year to come for MVC. This year, things were a little different.
For several years, I have experienced what is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition was caused by traumatic events that occurred during my time in the US Army – and specifically during the Gulf War. I have nightmares that wake me up at all hours. My reaction when I awake is so violent at times that I have punched and kicked Lynn. She has been afraid of being around me when I have these dreams. As a result, we can no longer sleep in the same bed together. I scream and wake up with night sweats and my heart pounding. The dreams then lead to struggles with bouts of major depression as well as anxiety. All in all, PTSD has greatly affected my life in a negative way.
During this past year, my struggles with PTSD were so great that I have had recurring thoughts about dying and even suicide, although I don’t believe I would have killed myself. I have withdrawn from close friends and developed a deeply ingrained distrust of anyone and everyone. During the month of November, I came to the end of my rope, so to speak. I knew that I needed help. Fortunately, at the same time my sabbatical, a spot became available at the Memphis VA for an enhanced treatment program – PTSD Residential Treatment Program. I quickly volunteered for the vacant spot. The total cost of the 6 week program (minus transportation) was paid by the VA and I felt as if this opportunity was prearranged and ordained by God.
The first of January 2011, I flew out of Asheville to Memphis, Tennessee. This began a journey of 6 weeks that has led to healing, better understanding of PTSD, better understanding of myself as well as tools that hopefully will help me cope with this condition. I have also been humbled and now realize just how badly I have been affected by this disease. To be honest, I am nervous about sharing this on my blog, but I want you to know what has been going on with me. I will try to let you know a few things about my stay in Memphis and my current state of mind in upcoming posts.
I also want you to know that I am back. I have no plans to leave. And I am still excited about what God is doing at MVC!!! I love you all!!!

Renewal

2011-02-14T08:35:00.003-05:00

It was wonderful to be back in worship with you all yesterday. I am so hopeful and excited about what God is getting ready to do at Mountain View. I sensed it as I walked into the worship center. The music was rolling and hundreds of you were worshiping our God with abandonment. It was like a refreshing, renewing wind had blown into the building.

As many of you know, I have just experienced 6 weeks of renewal and refreshment in the Holy Spirit. Renewal is a vital part of our lives.
A term that Brasilian Christians often use is the equivalent to our word "renovate." It's used to describe the renewal a person experiences when being filled with the Holy Spirit. I've heard pastors and believers refer to how their ministry changed, or how their lives changed, after they were "renovated." It's similar to how we use the word "renewal", but I like their word better, because it implies a remaking, a restructuring of the heart, which is what we all need. It's a makeover, and every person is desperate for one. I'm more convinced than ever that we cannot be effective in ministry without this constant and never-ending, continuously ongoing renovative work of the Holy Spirit. We need to be made new, and we need to be made over; that can only be accomplished through the power of God's Spirit.

Paul said, "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NAS)

That renewal is in reality a renovation; it's the process of transformation that God works in us until we become like Jesus. How does it happen? In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul indicates that we have to look beyond what is seen, beyond the struggles and limitations of our earthen vessels, and set our eyes are the things that are not seen, the things that are eternal.

Everything we deal with day in and day out tempts us to focus on the temporary: money problems, health problems, relationship problems, and so on. But if we can look beyond these things, and focus instead on the presence of God, we can experience the renovating work of his Spirit.

Sabbatical

2011-01-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hey folks. I will resume my blog at the end of my sabbatical - the first week of February.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T00:23:00.003-05:00

For those of you that missed the Christmas Eve candle light service, I have listed a few observations below:
1. As always, we had a great crowd turn out to celebrate the night before Jesus' birthday.
2. The MVC campus and stage were beautifully decorated - a big shout out to those of you that helped.
3. Russian tea, hot chocolate, and coffee from Nicaragua were a perfect match for the Christmas cookies that were served in the coffee house.
4. Candle light, the Christmas story, and the reason Jesus came to earth were all very moving stories as we prepare for Jesus' birth.
5. Our wishes are that you and your family will enjoy a GREAT Christmas and a Happy New Year this year - 2011 will be an even better year!!! I am confident!!!
6. Please plan to attend this Sunday - Dec 26th for a very special Christmas Service!!! Bring a friend!!!
I love you all and pray that God's blessings will remain upon each of you and your families throughout this Christmas season!!! Merry Christmas!!!
Kevin

About Sunday

2010-12-21T00:30:00.002-05:00

A few observations about yesterday...
1. The children, youth, and praise team did a magnificent job sharing the love of Jesus thru music! What a wonderful way to move into the Christmas season.
2. One man told me that he wanted to give to the building fund because it was obvious that we have a huge hole in the roof - he was referring to the snow falling on the stage!!! lol!
3. The song "Away in a Manger" that was sang by the children blew me away! It took me back to my own childhood and how excited I would get when we started singing carols, putting up the tree and wrapping presents.
4. There were several decisions made for Christ today as well as numerous re-dedications to Christ!!! Folks, that's why we exist!!!
5. I felt the business meeting went well but I wish more of you would come to these gatherings. We had 43 folks there.
6. The budget was approved for Jan-Jun 2011. We also voted to begin a building fund campaign to support numerous improvements on the church campus. The building fund campaign will start in February.
7. This Friday night, December 24th, at 9:00 pm, we will have a short candlelight service at the church. I cordially invite each of you to attend and bring a friend.
8. Lynn and I, along with the staff of MVC wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!

If I Were A Goose

2010-12-15T08:26:00.002-05:00

There was once a man who didn’t believe in God, and he didn’t hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused. “That story is nonsense!” he said. “Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!” So she and the children left, and he stayed home. A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.

Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn’t see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn’t go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew aroundthe field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It’s warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn’t seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn’t catch on. Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn.

Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. “Why don’t they follow me?!” he exclaimed. “Can’t they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?” He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn’t follow a human. “If only I were a goose, then I could save them,” he said out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn–and one by one the other geese followed it to safety.

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: “If only I were a goose, then I could save them!” Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. “Why would God want to be like us? That’s ridiculous!” Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese–blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized.

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: “Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!”

Let the spirit of Christmas begin in your heart.
(The author of this story is unknown)

You're not alone

2010-12-09T08:14:00.001-05:00

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt all alone? You’re facing so many things that you feel no one could understand what you’re going thru. I’ve been there numerous times. A lot of those times, I handled the situation incorrectly. When we get into a rut like that, it’s easy to withdraw from our friends and family. Sometimes we even withdraw from God. But that’s the opposite of what we should do. If God had intended for us to struggle thru life all alone, He wouldn’t have put 6+ billion other people on the planet. Maybe it’s embarrassment that keeps us away. It could be a feeling of failure or disgrace or anger. Whatever the reason, withdrawing does not lead to healing and spiritual health. I know for me, sometimes I feel like “the preacher” has to have it all together so I can’t share my problems with others. No one can know. If they did, I wouldn’t be effective as a pastor any longer. Of course that’s a total, flat-out lie. I don’t have it all together. I probably have more issues than anyone in the church. And even though it’s hard sometimes, the best way for me to work my way thru a struggle is to confide in a friend. Turn to God in prayer. Open the Psalms and start reading the encouraging words of David. And believe with all my heart that “He will never leave me nor forsake me”. This time of year, it’s common for folks to get what is called “the holiday blues”. If you find yourself struggling, don’t withdraw. Don’t recede into a dark room and pull the blinds. Get out. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Talk to Jesus. No matter what you’re facing, He understands. You are not alone. He is with you.

About Sunday

2010-12-06T08:30:00.002-05:00

What an incredible Sunday!!! I know the weather was bad, but that didn't stop the Holy Spirit from being there!!! A few observations...
1. Although the second service attendance was a little less than usual, the first service was a lot larger than usual.
2. It has been a long time since we had 8 baptisms, 5 new members join the church, and 9 decisions for Christ all in the same service!!! That pumps me up!!!
3. Thanks to those of you that volunteer for our weekend worship!!! Yesterday would have been tough without you parkers, greeters, and those who spread "snow melt" on all the icy places!!!
4. The Christmas music is getting me excited about Christmas day!!! Don't forget that next Sunday, Dec 12th, is the Christmas program - 9:30 and 11:00 am. Come and bring a friend!!!
5. Also mark on your calendars the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 9 pm. That is always such a special evening.
6. I also want to remind everyone of the annual business meeting next Sunday evening. Some exciting things are happening!!! Come celebrate what God is doing.

About Sunday

2010-11-28T19:48:00.003-05:00

What a great Sunday! I was excited just seeing the CHRISTMAS decorations - especially the beautifully adorned trees!!! Thanks to all of you that helped create a festive and reverent atmosphere for the church!!! Now, some observations from this morning...

1. I had a great time this morning explaining the foundation of what we believe. There are so many among us who are confused and have accepted the lie that all religions are "created equal".

2. When you heard the sermon today, did it resonate with you personally? What about with the interaction you have with your friends?

3. So many of you got a chuckle out of the "God Goo Orb" religion. That's really a belief, if you can believe it!!! Man, we're really messed up on this mudball we call earth.

4. Do you know enough about your beliefs that you could share them with your friends? Do you think you could answer the question, "Who do you think God is?"

5. If you're uncertain of what you believe, how do you ever hope to convince another person that what you say you believe is right? Something to think about.

6. Four people prayed a prayer of faith and made a decision to follow Christ this morning - that always stokes me!!!!!!!!!!!

7. Thanks for sharing in Bill Friedrich's ordination. I can think of no one who is more deserving than he... Thanks for serving Bill (and Wanda)!!!!!

8. Can you believe that CHRISTMAS is upon us? It took me by surprise when the announcement was made about Saturday's parade!!! Hope you plan on being there and supporting MVC!!!

9. The service ended today on a sorrowful note. There are so many people all around us that are confused, discouraged, unhappy, hurt, and any number of other challenges. God has called all of us to minister the grace and love of Christ to them... Are you? What have you done in response to His love and blessings in your life?

I hope you all have a great week! Look forward to seeing you all later!!!
Blessings in Christ,
Kevin

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:23:00.001-05:00

It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” (Luke 17:11-19, The Message)

This is a great passage as we celebrate Thanksgiving. We read it and understand it, but so many of us don’t practice it. We don’t return to the Lord and thank Him for His blessings.

One thing that has always bothered me is the fact that we only set one day aside to give thanks. Shouldn’t giving thanks be a regular, on-going, daily event? I thank so, and I encourage you to not only give thanks today, 11/25/10, but everyday.

About Sunday

2010-11-22T07:22:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone. I have thoroughly enjoyed bowhunting in Illinois for the past two weeks. I must have seen 150 deer, but none that I took with my bow. I was looking for a special buck and he never came within range. I had a great time however, and now I am excited to be back in full swing at MVC! Yesterday was an awesome day of worship...

1. At least 5 people made the decision to become Christ followers. That always thrills my soul!!!

2. Isn't it true that many of us live a life where we believe God is to be our servant and make us happy instead of a life where we are to serve and glorify Him?

3. It's amazing how God wants to bless us with treasures, promises, joy, peace, strength, and innumerable blessings, yet instead of pursuing His blessings we pursue the temporary things of this world believing they will make us happy... Go figure...

4. Next week we are going to tackle the lie that says, "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere." Can't wait for that one...

5. Thanks to all of you for your generous support of Operation Christmas Child. Approximately 20% more boxes were given this year than last year. That's awesome!!!

6. I was overwhelmed by the surprise video and presentation at the end of the service. It's hard to believe that yesterday was my tenth year anniversary as your senior pastor. I am the most blessed. You have all shown me and my family much love and we look forward to what God is going to do in the next ten years.

7. My prayer is that all of you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!! Spend time with your family and friends. Eat turkey and ham. And watch some football. But don't neglect to give thanks to God for His tremendous blessings!!!! I love you all - Happy Thanksgiving.

8. We spoke of an annual business meeting to be held Dec. 12, 2010. At this meeting, we will be presenting an updated constitution.

About Sunday

2010-11-14T19:19:00.003-05:00

What a glorious day to return from a few days hunting!!! I so enjoy gathering with all of you for a time of worship and fellowship!!! A few thoughts about this day....
1. Thanks to all of the veterans who have served our nation in the military armed forces. What a great honor to stand with all of you for this time of celebration. It was such a privilege to honor and recognize you all. You are special in all of our hearts!!!
2. I believe this new series is going to challenge our hearts in a way that we've never been challenged before. Why? Because it will cause us to examine the foundations of our belief systems and identify any areas where we have accepted less than the truth. But in order for the truth to be revealed, we must be vulnerable to the fact that we may have already ventured into the gray areas.
3. Many of you approached me after the service indicating that you found yourself questioning whether or not you had fallen victim to the lies of the enemy... That's a good thing!!! Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let Him convict you of anything in your life that may be contrary to the truth of the Scriptures.
4. I was so blessed to hear that the women's event - "Holiday Extravaganza" was so successful. You ladies have so much to teach us men in the area of fellowship and discipleship.
5. Yes, I did use the illustration from Caddy Shack where the people thought poop was floating in the pool. I also talked about peeing on an electric fence... Go figure! I'm pretty much an everyday guy I guess!!! And I'm proud of it!!!
6. We will have our annual business meeting December 12th and at that meeting we will approve the 2011 budget and vote on constitutional changes.
7. I'm going back to Illinois this week to hunt for the monster whitetailed deer that got away!!! I will be back for Sunday's sermon, however. I'll see you all then!!!
Love you all and count it a tremendous privilege to be your pastor...
Kevin

Hunting

2010-11-11T10:25:00.001-05:00

As I'm sure you've noticed, I haven't posted to my blog this week. The reason is because I am in wonderful Illinois bowhunting!!! I'm having a great time although Mr. Big Buck hasn't crossed my path yet. I'll catch back up with you all next week...
Love you all,
Kevin

Pride and Prayer

2010-11-03T10:12:00.002-04:00

As I watched the Pittsburg Steelers play football this past weekend, one player clearly stood out. He is a rather small defensive back who packs a wallop like a freight train and plays with no fear. In seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Polamalu has won two Super Bowls and played in five Pro Bowls.

With his success, Troy strives to maintain Christian character. In an interview with CBN, he said, "Pride is tough. You go to high school, and it's pride, courage. It's all these types of words that we use to motivate us. I don't think there's anywhere in the Scriptures ... where pride was ever a positive characteristic of anybody. That kind of egotism is a really tough struggle—especially in this business. ... It's a big struggle of mine."

Polamalu goes on to say that it's not the obvious things that are the hardest to deal with in his life.

"The big things are the easiest to turn away from. It's the accumulation of small things that are hard. People know adultery's bad and murder's bad. I'm not going to go out and sleep with the first girl I see. But when your eyes start wandering, and you become a little more jealous and envious, and these passions start rising up inside of you -- that's when it really becomes dangerous. Because the Devil doesn't work that way. His strategy is always to be very subtle and continue to build on top of that evil seed that he planted."

What keeps him rooted? Prayer. Polamalu says, "As your prayer life becomes more and more fine tuned, and your conscience becomes more and more fine tuned, you're able to start plucking away at these things."

My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:1-2)

About Sunday

2010-11-01T09:33:00.004-04:00

A few thoughts about yesterday...
1. What a great Sunday. Worshiping with you all never gets old.

2. I want to remind you of the challenges I made last week, especially the part about each person inviting one person to be your guest at church. I believe if we will do this, we can double the size of our faith family before the new year!!!

3. We saw at least 10 decisions made for Christ yesterday. And that always pumps me up... it's why we exist!!!

4. Thank you all for the kindness that you showed me and my family for pastors appreciation month. It is such a wonderful blessing to serve as the pastor of this church.

5. Thanks for all of you that helped with the Fall Festival last evening - from the cooks, to the game leaders, to the security guards. The estimates are that more than 1000 people showed up and experienced the love of Jesus as we took it to the streets!!!

6. I would like for all of you to pray for the people that came in contact with folks from Mountain View during the festival. Ask God to work in their hearts and bring fruit to the seeds that were sown.

7. Hopefully a week from now I will be having a great time relaxing and enjoying life from a tree stand!!! I can hardly wait!!!

8. It's hard to believe that Lynn and I have been at Mountain View for 10 years!!! The average tenure for a pastor at a church is only 2 1/2 years!!! Thanks for putting up with us!!! We love you all and are excited about what God is going to do in the future!!!

Potential

2010-10-28T15:33:00.002-04:00

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!!!

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

2010-10-27T14:07:00.001-04:00

A Goal Line Stand

2010-10-27T07:24:00.001-04:00

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)

About Sunday

2010-10-25T08:27:00.003-04:00

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

Be Prepared

2010-10-20T11:21:00.004-04:00

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.

About Sunday

2010-10-17T18:13:00.004-04:00

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!!!!!!!

Make a Difference - 1

2010-10-15T17:05:00.000-04:00

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.

The Spirit-filled Life

2010-10-13T19:01:00.001-04:00

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?

About Sunday

2010-10-11T10:31:00.003-04:00

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.

Yielding to the Holy Spirit

2010-10-05T13:51:00.004-04:00

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.

About Sunday

2010-10-04T09:35:00.002-04:00

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!!!

Your Spiritual Gift(s)

2010-09-30T07:22:00.002-04:00

Do you know what spiritual gift or gifts you have? Paul mentions the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, as well as in his letter to the church in Ephesus. Have you discovered how the Holy Spirit has gifted you? Gifts are defined by the benefit they give. That's why there's a difference between a talent and a spiritual gift.
For example, singing isn't a spiritual gift. Lots of people can sing. However, the people in our church that lead us in worship, sacrifices nights for practice and weekends for our services. Their spiritual gift is service, and their vocal ability gives them the opportunity to practice their spiritual gift. If these gifted folks were suddenly unable to sing, they would find another way to serve.
You don't need talent to be gifted. The Spirit has given you a gift that you can use to build up others. Maybe it is giving. Maybe it is teaching. Maybe it leadership. What do you think it could be?
Using your spiritual gift puts purpose into everything you do. It becomes an act of obedience to God. It goes from being a hobby to being a ministry. You're not just playing the piano, or working in the nursery, or leading a committee, or dropping a few bucks in the plate--you're ministering to others. You are doing the work of God. The result is that the seemingly mundane details take on new meaning--suddenly they are filled with eternal significance. Discover your spiritual gift and put it to use.

The work of the Holy Spirit

2010-09-29T16:04:00.001-04:00

"It is the work of the Holy Spirit that has made the difference in the life of the church. It is he who empowers us; it is he who convicts us and strengthens us." Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, said that if there was one message he could preach to the church, it would be a message about how to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That's how much of a difference the filling of the Holy Spirit can make in a person's life.

I've known many people who have given up trying to live the Christian life--it's too hard. The fact is, it's not just hard, it's impossible. It's impossible to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit's power. The Holy Spirit is the oil that makes the machinery of your life run smoothly. Have you ever driven a car without oil? You know what happens, don't you? The engine locks up and breaks down. It's the same way for a Christian who lives without the oil of the Holy Spirit in his or her life.

Some of you have been walking in the Spirit for many years; for others the idea of being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit is a new concept. But the fact is that all of us--from the greatest to the least of us--need the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This Sunday we'll look at what the Power of the Holy Spirit can do for you. I hope you will join us!!!

The Fullness of the Spirit

2010-09-28T06:43:00.003-04:00

D.L. Moody once said, "I firmly believe that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and self-seeking and every thing that is contrary to God's law, the Holy Ghost will come and fill every corner of our hearts; but if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and self-seeking and pleasure and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God; and I believe many a man is praying to God to fill him when he is full already with something else."

The fullness of the Spirit is God's promise to all believers. But if we think He can be just an "add-on" to the rest of our lives, we're wrong. We must first come before God in brokenness and surrender, asking Him to forgive our sins of selfishness, pride and every thing that is contrary to His Word.

That doesn't mean we must be perfect. Nor does it mean that we will never have sin crowd our hearts again. But we must be obedient to God, repent of our sin and pursue holiness. And with that firm resolve, continually surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to flood your life. The Spirit of God will breathe life into you. Do your part and then let God do His part.

In the book of Ephesians Paul commands us, Be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) The fact that he expresses it this way, as an imperative command, tells us that being filled with the Holy Spirit is an act of obedience on our part. And it's something we initiate by asking for it and claiming it as God's promise.

About Sunday

2010-09-27T07:32:00.003-04:00

A few thoughts about Sunday…

1. It was great to have the men from Georgia and Florida with us. We had a wonderful time together this weekend at the men’s conference. If you missed, we will be having another one next year!!! Plan to be there. You won't regret it.

2. Okay, confession time - I goofed up in the second service yesterday. Don’t know if you noticed, but I talked about Peter addressing the Sanhedrin and being killed. It was STEPHEN!!! I felt like such a dork!!! Thanks Dad for keeping me straight.

3. I’m excited about this new series. We laid the foundation yesterday and this coming week we’re going to build.

4. I’m pretty sure we had 2 people walk out of the service during the sermon. Man, if what I said Sunday upset them, they might want to consider taking a vacation away for a few weeks!!! But like one of my pastor buddies said, “If you aren’t offending at least someone each week, you’re probably not preaching the Bible”!

5. Isn’t it great that Fall has arrived? Hopefully some of this hot weather will dissipate into cool days and changing colors.

6. Hey folks, I don’t tell you enough, but I am tremendously blessed to serve you as your pastor. Thanks for your prayers, support, love and encouragement. This weekend, I realized that Lynn and I will have been here 10 years this November – AMAZING!!! God is good!!!

Being Spirit-filled

2010-09-23T09:47:00.003-04:00

Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, once said "If there were only one truth I could share with the Christian world, it would be 'how to be filled with the Holy Spirit,' for there is no single truth that is more important to the believer."

So what does it mean to “be filled with the Holy Spirit”? When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, that doesn't mean you get more of the Spirit. It means that the Spirit gets more of you. "Being filled" with the Holy Spirit means "being led by" or "controlled by" the Holy Spirit. This is the key to victorious living.

Paul said...So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

The obvious question, then, is "How do I get filled with the Holy Spirit?" Let me warn you up front; it’s not easy. You’ve got to do all the right things, say exactly the right word, and follow a difficult specific procedure to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Here’s what you have to do…

ASK in faith BELIEVING....

That's it. If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. That's what it takes.

You receive the Holy Spirit the same way you receive salvation--through asking. Paul said, Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? (Galatians 3:2)

Being filled with the Spirit is a matter of asking to be filled and making yourself available to him. Be filled and live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Living Without Power

2010-09-22T07:35:00.006-04:00

As we begin a new series this Sunday called Paranormal, I thought I might post a few blogs about the Holy Spirit. I came across an article recently that I think is a great illustration of living the Spirit-filled life.

When Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida in 1992, the home of a woman named Norena was severely damaged. She received an insurance settlement, but it wasn't enough to finish the work necessary to bring her house back to standard. Her contractor stopped working the money ran out, and the house was left without electricity.

Norena is elderly and of limited means, she had no choice but to accept the situation. For the next 15 years she lived without power. No hot showers, no air-conditioning, no light to read by at night. Finally someone found out about her situation, and informed the city of Miami about her situation. The mayor arranged for a electrician to come to the house; it took only a few hours of work for power to be restored. Norena said, "It's hard to describe how it feels to have electricity. It's overwhelming."

Many believers live a Christian life that is like a half-constructed home. Power is almost within their grasp, but they continue to live in the dark, day after day, year after year. It doesn't have to be that way. Jesus made us a promise...

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

If you're a believer and feel like you're living in the dark, in a half-finished house, I want you to know that power is within your reach. That's why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, and it's why Paul challenges us to be filled continually with the Spirit. He is our source of power and you don't have to live without Him.

About Sunday

2010-09-19T23:08:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful day of worship!!! It's amazing how God inhabits the praises of His people. A few thoughts about today.
1. About a dozen professions of faith this morning!!! That always pumps me up!!!
2. The worship today was incredible!!!
3. I knew there was a great moving of God's Spirit this morning because the attacks starting coming as soon as we left!!! That's great!!! As my dad says, "If the devil isn't attacking, then you're probably not doing anything."
4. I am looking forward to the upcoming series on the Holy Spirit. I'm not going to be timid in tackling some tough issues.
5. Hope you all will join in and help with the collection for Nicaragua. The pile is growing but I would like to see alot more!!! Thanks for what you're doing.
6. Men, if you don't have any plans for the weekend, remember the men's retreat. We will play golf Friday morning at Bald Mountain - 9:38 am. And at Black Mountain Saturday morning at 11:00 am. Both evenings we will have a meeting at the Laurel Ridge Lodge at 6:30 pm. Hope to see you there!!!
7. It was good to see many of our friends return from summer vacation.
8. I am so looking forward to what God plans to do this year in and thru the faith family!!! Can you sense the excitment? I can!!!
Blessings to all of you!!! Have a great week!!!

"In the mean time"

2010-09-17T14:56:00.005-04:00

This past week, the whole staff attended a leadership conference in Anderson S.C. at Newspring Church. The last speaker of the day session was Stephen Furtick. His presentation was truly profound! He spoke of how the disciples were on the sea of Galilee, rowing with all their might against a terrible storm. Their valiant efforts had at best taken them less than half the way across the sea. They were stuck in the middle of a huge battle against the winds and the waves. And they were saying, "Jesus, we've done all we can do to make it thru this storm! Why aren't we there yet?" His comment was, "They weren't where they were before, but they also weren't where they were supposed to be." They were in the middle of what you might call "the meantime". What do you do when you're in the meantime? When you know from wince you've come and you also see where you're supposed to go, what do you do? What we see from the disciples was a determination to keep rowing. They kept pushing against the winds and the waves. Then suddenly, Jesus came walking on the water. He came to them and calmed the winds and the waves, and the disciples made it across the waters. The unknown variable in this journey was timing. The Scriptures refer to uncertain times like "when". When the disciples pushed off from shore. The next uncertain is when they arrived to the other side. Neither of these were defined in the Scriptures. They are only listed as "then" and "when". So when is then and when is when? It's simply when it's then and when it's when. We can't put a time table on where God wants to take MVC. We can come up with our 1, 3, 5 year, or beyond plans, but God only knows when it's then and when it's when. So what do we do in the meantime? First of all, we stay in the boat. We don't jump ship and try to go back to where we were before. We also don't jump ship and try to swim to the place where we think we're supposed to be. We just stay in the boat. And if we stay in the boat, we will see Jesus. He will be there for us and calm the winds and the storms. Isn't that a comforting thought? Doesn't that give us a surge of boldness? I believe this passage defines where we are as a church. We certainly aren't where we used to be, but we haven't yet arrived at where we're supposed to be. So what do we do in the meantime? We stay in the boat and wait on Jesus. He will calm the winds and the waves and make a way for us to get to the other side. We've got to have faith in His faithfulness and trust in Him to make the way!!! Let's keep embracing the Savior in this endeavor He has given us... I'm all in! Are you!

God's Game Plan

2010-09-14T12:31:00.003-04:00

Man, I am excited that football season is here! Last night was a football fan’s paradise! Who ever heard of two Monday Night Football games back to back? It was wonderful.

Of course all the hype and marketing leading up to last night started weeks ago. And while the media were preparing their strategy, the teams have been preparing their strategies. They've been watching film, looking for weaknesses, and developing defense and offensive plays as they put together a game plan.

Football in the NFL is a lot different than the football we played in the schoolyard when we were kids. We’d show up, put two teams together and say, “OK, let's try this play—maybe it will fool them...OK, that didn't work, so let's try this play—maybe it will fool them."

That's not how it's done in the National Football League. Each coach approaches the game with a specific plan: this is how we'll shut down their running game, this is how we'll exploit weaknesses in their secondary, this is how we'll position ourselves for the big play, and on and on. And since about 95% of the players in the league play at the same level—there are only a few true superstars—it is the team with the best game plan that usually wins. That's why when a team consistently loses, the coach that gets fired. He makes the game plan.Some people approach life like we played schoolyard football. Every play is a whole new game—just one desperate attempt after another to find something that works. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can follow a game plan that will turn your life into a championship season. How? By following God’s game plan for your life.

And when you discover His plan for your life, that day is the day you start moving in that direction. You may not win any trophies or accolades halfway through the first quarter of the first game of your rookie year. You still have to play out the season—every game, every down. And with every single play, keep moving and following God toward the plan and the call that He has placed on your life.

God called Billy Graham to be one of the most influential Christian leaders of our era. He appointed him to preach the gospel to millions, to lead thousands to Christ. When Billy Graham accepted Christ as a teenager, God's call on his life was activated. But it was decades before God's game plan for him fully unfolded. God has a plan for you and has made a call on your life. It may be a while before it fully unfolds, but it can be activated today. Simply tell God, "Whatever it is you have for me to do, I will do it. And with your help, I will live every day like it is the most important day of my life.” Then consistently surrender thru active obedience to His leadership. And don’t forget, He calls the plays!

About Sunday

2010-09-13T09:35:00.003-04:00

A few thoughts about our time of worship yesterday.
1. I believe I get more excited about gathering together with all of you each Sunday. It just gets "gooder and gooder"!
2. Isn't it great to know that even in the midst of uncertainty, doubt, confusion, trouble, and questioning, God is still in control and He is working in your life thru it all?
3. Just remember that God's delays aren't denials.
4. I am sure that some of you feel as though you're stuck in the "canyon". God has given you a dream and you're about to give up because nothing seems to be happening. Don't despair. God is still in His Holy temple.
5. This week during your prayer time, don't forget to take time to close your mouth and open you ears. Ask God to speak to you. He wants to communicate with His children.
6. God speaks to us sometimes audibly, sometimes thru His Word, sometimes thru our circumstances and sometimes thru other people.
7. I never get tired of people experiencing life-change. We had several folks that became followers of Jesus!!! That's why we exist!!!
8. It's also great to see folks become a part of the MVC family of faith!!! God is doing some amazing things here!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!!!
I'm sure that if He told us, it would blow our minds!!!
Blessings to all of you! Have a wonderful week!

The Canyon

2010-09-08T09:51:00.003-04:00

In our study thru the book of Habakkuk, we’ve been talking about how we all will go thru times of being in the canyon. Times when we don’t understand where God is or what He is doing. We may even feel abandoned and left alone to fend for ourselves. Times like this should be expected in our journey of faith. A lot of Christians, however, don’t want to accept that. We have a misperception that the Spirit will always lead us down an easy path, where the road is well-paved and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful — but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, in order for you to become the person God wants to be, you have to spend a little time in the canyon.

The Bible makes it clear that God doesn't tempt us with evil, but sometimes He does lead us into situations where we have to learn to trust Him. Following Jesus is not an easy path. We're guaranteed victory, but we are not exempt from the battles of daily life. In the book of Romans, we're guaranteed to be more than conquerors. That means that there will be situations in life that we have to conquer.

There will be times when the Spirit of God leads you into the canyon — when the miracles seem to cease, when the blessings seem to stop flowing, when loneliness abounds and there appears to be no one around to hear your cries. If you find yourself there, it doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. It means that he is preparing you for something big. When you're in the canyon, you'll face many temptations - the temptation to despair, the temptation to rebel, the temptation to throw in the towel. You'll also find yourself faced with the opportunity and desire to get out of the canyon. But in order for you to reach your full potential in God, you have to wait and endure the canyon. You also need to remember this: Just as the Spirit of God will sometimes lead you into the canyon, He will also ultimately lead you out of it. Canyon experiences in life are temporary. So never forget, if you're in the canyon, God hasn't abandoned you, He's preparing you.

The Waiting

2010-09-07T08:58:00.002-04:00

Near the end of Paul's life he wrote...

...the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is store in for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

James said... Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

God’s desire is that we would endure. That means we are willing to wait. It also means that we stick with it and not give up. We’ve all seen people who gave up on their faith. Some completely turned their backs on God. Others may not have turned against Him, but they gave up the dream they once had for doing great things for God.

Why? One reason is because things got too hard. They expected it to be easy but things didn’t turn out that way. But in my experience, that's not how the Christian life is. God has promised us a great life, but not an easy life. As James begins to bring his letter to a close, he addresses the topic of endurance.

In verse 11 he writes: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered."

Have you noticed how much respect Billy Graham gets from the media and people around the world? Why do you think that is? It's because he has endured. He's made mistakes through the years, but he didn’t allow that to deter him. In his autobiography Dr. Graham says that there are things he wishes he had done differently. But he never quit. He never gave up. And now, we consider him blessed because he has persevered.

Joe Paterno, head football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, is also a good example. He’s been there for 50 years. Some years were good and some years were bad. He's won National Championships and he's had losing seasons. He's been carried off the field in victory and he's had alumni calling for his resignation. And yet, he has persevered. God wants this for you. He wants you to wait on Him and not quit. His desire is that you endure until the very end, because those who endure are blessed.

About Sunday

2010-09-06T09:57:00.002-04:00

What a great day of worship yesterday!!! Some observations about our time together.
1. It was really great to see so many of you at worship given this is Labor Day weekend.
2. I also met several first time guests that are new to the area and are looking for a faith family.
3. We had 10 people make the decision to follow Jesus!!! I always get pumped about that.
4. It was wonderful to have baptisms at both services today! I get excited when believers decide to go public with their testimony!!!
5. The Owen Warhorse Football team looked GREAT this morning all dressed in their jerseys and sitting on the front row!!! You young men looked like the champions you are!!!
6. I enjoyed the first study in Habakkuk. Hopefully there will be a huge response to LifeGroups this week!!! This is going to be one of those challenging topics!!!
7. Things are gearing up for a wonderful fall season! I hope you have plans to be a huge part of what is "fix'in" to happen around here!
Thanks for allowing me the freedom to be your pastor without feeling like I have to fight every step of the way. It is truly a blessing for me to serve you all. Great things are happening here!!! But greater things are yet to come!!!

Perseverance

2010-09-02T11:39:00.003-04:00

From 1991–2005 the Braves were one of the most successful franchises in baseball, winning division titles an unprecedented 14 consecutive times in that period (omitting the strike-shortened season in 1994, in which there were no official division champions). The Braves won the NL West 1991–93 and the NL East 1995–2005. The Braves advanced to the World Series five times in the 1990s, winning the title in 1995. If you've followed the Atlanta Braves you know that their seasons have been up and down since 2005 - mostly down since they won the World Series. For the past couple of years they haven't done very much at all. But this year, they are winning their division and are one of the top teams in the league. That didn't happen by accident, but that's not the point I want to make. The fact is, it happened. They're winning again and in contention for the pennant.

We will all go thru seasons of ups and downs, winning and losing. A losing season may tell us that it's time to start over, but it doesn't tell us it's time to quit. If you've suffered some setbacks, that doesn't mean that your best days are forever behind you. There's a big season right around the corner.

Peter reminded his readers of the great rewards to come, and said, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." He reminded his readers that trials and troubles are cyclical, but the promises of God are permanent.

Remember Peter's words: "for a little while..." If you're where the Braves were in 2007, look at where they are now. This can be you. You may be struggling in certain areas now, but those struggles are temporary. You'll experience a turn around, because God's promises are forever.

Obedience pays off. It works. It pleases God, it benefits you, it blesses others. These are the rewards for obedience.

Unsolvable Problems

2010-08-31T23:36:00.001-04:00

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you had problems that seemed unsolvable? You’ve tried to work things out. You’ve prayed fervently. But there seems to be no answers or solutions. There is a principle in scripture that most of us wish wasn’t true, but it is… the principle is this: Pain precedes growth. In fact, you can’t have growth without pain.

Thru the pain of discipline, perseverance, and self-denial, we have great opportunity to grow in our faith, reliance and relationship with Christ. Just like every workout makes an athlete a little stronger, so every problem or temptation we endure makes us a little stronger. Peter says...(v. 7) These [problems] have come so that your faith...may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Next time you find yourself in this type of situation, remember these truths.

1. God is Faithful: He will not give us problems to match our strength--He gives us strength to match our problems. And He promises that His sstrength sufficient and available when we need it.

2. Every Problem Can Work Out For Our Best: Think of Joseph, sold by his own brothers as a slave, then unjustly accused of misconduct in Potiphar's household, he ended up alone and in prison in a foreign land. But it was these very events that led to his eventually becoming a ruler in Egypt. His life at one point seemed to be an unsolvable tragedy. But in the end, it worked out for the best and became one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible

No matter how bad things look, remember that God takes great pleasure in turning the tide in the course of our lives. And sometimes the way He does so is by allowing us to have problems we cannot solve on our own. But don’t forget His promises...

• Our God turned the curse into a blessing.(Nehemiah 13:2)

• The Lord your God...turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. (Deuteronomy 23:5)

• And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love Him...(Romans 8:28)

If you’re facing a storm that seems unsolvable, even if you’ve caused it yourself, the most important thing is not the storm but how you react to it. If you are a child of God, the storm is really nothing more than a rain delay--and God's promise is that eventually you will win the game. Yes, you will have problems in life that you can't solve. We all will. But those problems are temporary. And keep in mind that the problems we face are not meant to take the strength out of us, but to put strength into us.

About Sunday

2010-08-30T12:45:00.004-04:00

A few thoughts on an incredible time of worship on Sunday.
1. Yes, the sermons over the past 3 weeks have been challenging, but I believe you are ready to step up to the plate and allow God to take us to the next level!!!
2. I did say that religious questions from church people make me want to puke! When are we going to understand the important things about what God has called us to be.
3. I never get tired of people's lives being changed. I can't tell you the number of folks that have told me this series has challenged and motivated them to serve.
4. Way to go 1st service!!! You continue to grow!!!
5. Next week we begin a new series in Habakkuk! I'm really looking forward to this Life Group study. I believe it will speak to a lot of us.
6. Thanks for your response to the Nicaragua Christmas gift drive. You guys are awesome! I know we're going to overwhelm the children down there with what you'll do over the next month!!!
7. Keep inviting your friends to church!!! Take the role of evangelism seriously... People are dying and going to hell without Jesus. Let's make a difference.
8. I hope after the past three weeks, the vision and mission of MVC is clear to everyone. I seriously believe this is what God has called us to do and be as a family of faith.
9. I love you guys and feel tremendously blessed to be your pastor.

What's holding you back?

2010-08-26T11:21:00.003-04:00

I was catching up on some of the blogs I follow when I ran across something a friend of mine had posted. His name is Perry Noble and he is the pastor of Newspring Church in South Carolina. His story is incredible! It's amazing how God started with 15 people 10 years ago and grew Newspring to be a church of somewhere around 15,000 today! Yes, I said 15,000 and in the booming metropolis of Anderson, SC!!! The blog Perry posted was so relevant to the series we've been going thru that I just had to unashamedly rip it off and post it here!!!

WHAT'S HOLDING YOU BACK?
I don’t think people fall short of what God has for them because He isn’t revealing Himself…I think many do so because He does reveal Himself, but in Him doing so we are forced to face several things that MUST be overcame if we are going to achieve what He has for us…such as…
#1 Fear
If you don’t say “oh crap” when God reveals what He wants for your life…then you probably didn’t hear from God!
We will never become who God has called us to be and do what He has called us to do if we do not face our fears.
David faced his fear and stepped out to face Goliath.
Moses faced his fear of not being able to speak and went before Pharoah.
Noah faced his fear of not knowing how to build a boat
People that accomplish great things for God MUST fight through their fears because reality is than God has never asked anyone to do anything that was easy (other than receiving Christ!)

#2 People
When you want to do something great for God there will always be LOTS of people who try to tell you why you can’t do what HE said you can do! My advice…never listen to anyone who is not doing anything tell you that you cannot do anything. OR…in other words, NEVER take dance instructions from a person who just stands against the wall and does nothing but criticize those who are trying to stay in rhythm.

#3 The Procrastination Lie
I know so many people who swear than “one day” they are going to do what they “know” God has called them to do…but…”one day” for most people NEVER comes…because in their minds “one day” is when everything is in place and doing what God has called them to do does not require any step of faith at all.

“I will do it one day” is a lie that we tell ourselves in order to justify our disobedience. God doesn’t speak to hear Himself talk…His word is not to be considered but to be obeyed.

#4 Underestimation of Him Working Through You!
If God has called you then He has also equipped you and will sustain you. Of course the task at hand is large and seems “impossible,” that is why Zechariah 4:6 says it is by HIS Spirit and II Corinthians 12:9 says that HIS power is made perfect in our weakness!!! He didn’t call us because we are “able,” we are nothing more than common jars of clay (see II Corinthians 4:7) that He wants to use for HIS glory…and He has a history of taking ordinary people (Acts 4:13) and doing extraordinary things through them!

Persistence

2010-08-25T12:13:00.003-04:00

As I think about the past few weeks and the mission God is laying before us, I pray that we follow His leading and don't give up on the dream. It's easy to have a pep rally and get pumped up about a plan, but when the rubber meets the road, many people lose their enthusiasm. My hope is that we will persevere. That we will be persistent at pursuing God's plan for MVC.
Seth Godin once said, "Persistence isn't using the same tactics over and over. That's just annoying. Persistence is having the same goal over and over."
I believe what Seth is saying is that persistence means that you have an unshakable focus on the goal, not on the strategies we use to get there.
Often times when we're not immediately successful, we want to trash the goal. How many times have you heard someone say, "We can't build a selfless community in our church; we can't have an effective discipleship ministry here; we can't grow as long as we're stuck in this location."
But the goal isn't what needs to be trashed. In fact, the goal probably doesn't need to be re-evaluated. It's the methodology of reaching the goal that needs to be "tweeked".
When God has given us a mission, that's our goal. And when we've nailed down that goal and incorporated it into our identity, we can't let it go. We may need to change our approach, but we must remain persistent to reach the goal. Goals, not methodologies, require persistence.
"I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us up to heaven." (Philippians 3:14)

About Sunday

2010-08-24T20:54:00.005-04:00

What an incredible day of worship this past Sunday! I never cease to be amazed at how God shows up to meet with His people. Some of the things I observed:
1. Yes we did play Danger Zone for the opening of each service. I wish we could have played more than that to keep us reminded of why we exist - we are a Dangerous Church.
2. This Sunday we broke a record for attendance in the first service. In fact, over the month of August, our lowest attendance was 320... That's pretty awesome for summer!
3. We're getting ready to gear up again for LifeGroups! I'm excited about getting together again with our group and I hope you are as well!
4. I can't imagine what would happen if the church of today would become like the church in Acts chapters 4 and 5.
5. No matter what we think, the church is something that Jesus put into motion 2000 years ago. We might not like the idea, but it's the organization and organism that He chose to spread the Good News of His grace and love.
I can hardly wait to see how God is going to reveal His plan for Mountain View from here. It will take all of us! Let's not sit around and wonder what God's going to do next. Let's join together and ask God what He wants to do thru us next!
This coming Sunday, we're going to continue to look at the DNA of a dangerous church - a church that doesn't settle for the status quo, but presses the boundaries to reach the lost and hurting around us.
I love you guys and believe that there are much greater things to come in this city, this county and throughout Western North Carolina!!!

Bringing out the best

2010-08-20T19:07:00.002-04:00

I read a great story this week about George and Barbara Bush. No - I'm not getting political here, just talking about real life! So, George and Barbara were on the campaign trail and stopped to get some gas. The attendant happened to be an old high-school sweetheart of Barbara's. George later told Barbara, "Just think. If you had married him, you'd be the wife of a gas-station attendant."
Barbara very quickly told him, "George, you're confused. If I had married him, he'd be president of the United States."
It's amazing how some people have the ability to bring out the best in others. Maybe Barbara Bush is one of these people, I don't know. But I do know that this is something all leaders, all parents, all husbands and wives must strive to do: Help others become what they can be.
Is it easy? Absolutely not! It's a difficult task to help others develop their potential. Paul compared it to childbirth. He said to the Galatians: "Oh my dear children! I feel as though I am going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." (Galatians 4:19)
When it comes to building others, what's the difference between inspiring them and nagging them? The tone of voice you use is the first indicator.
The second indicator is the words you choose. Are they accusatory or encouraging? Do they imply doubt or belief in the other person's ability to reach the goal?
The third indicator is your willingness to hang in there with them. If you're constantly threatening to withdraw from the relationship, to wash your hands and walk away, you're not inspiring them -- you're loading them down with guilt.
Paul told the Philippians that he was confident God would finish what he started in them. [Philippians 1:6] Let's show that same confidence to those whom God has given us to lead.

IMPOSSIBLE? NOT!!!!

2010-08-17T15:45:00.005-04:00

 Jesus said, "With God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

If we truly believe and trust in Christ, this principle should not be a problem for any of us to accept. In fact, it should be the driving force behind all of our ministry efforts. It's not enough to play it safe, reaching only for goals within our grasp. We should be bold enough and courageous enough to attempt things so huge for God’s glory, that unless he intervenes, we will fall on our faces.

Think about the goals and projects you're currently involved with. Are there any impossible things on the list? Is there anything beyond your reach? If not, maybe it's time to aim a little higher.

Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying that all things are easy. Accomplishing the impossible will mean hard-work, persistence, determination, and faith. When you decide to pursue the impossible, however, you can also expect criticism, doubt, naysayers, and hurt.

I’m also not saying that all things will be immediate. Reaching worthwhile goals requires a long-term investment.

And neither am I saying that all things will be painless. Personal sacrifice is part of the process.

It may not be easy, immediate, or painless, but for those willing to step out in faith, be bold enough to trust God to do the impossible, and be willing to pay the price of perseverance, the reward will always be greater than the investment.

As Paul said..."Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

So, what are you attempting that's impossible?

About Sunday

2010-08-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

A few thoughts about our time of worship this Sunday.

1. I meant everything I said about God’s desire to see us blanket Black Mountain, Swannanoa Valley, and East Buncombe County with the love of Christ.

2. I want to ask each of you to memorize and put into practice the mission statement of MVC – “We exist to exalt Christ and share His love.”

3. The core values (principles) I spoke about yesterday are the guiding factors that direct our mission. I believe all of them are characteristics of all followers of Christ.

4. Worship is an innate expression of your heart if you have experienced the love, grace, and forgiveness of our Lord. And when we join together in corporate worship, something supernatural happens because God is present. And it’s in that environment that the Holy Spirit ministers to us and thru us and hearts are changed.

5. Nurture is a responsibility of those that have a saving faith in Jesus Christ. We teach and learn from each other the lifestyle of Christ, the promises of believers, the joy of serving the Lord.

6. Evangelism is simply telling others about what Christ has done in your life. Showing them, thru words and deeds, the hope that can be found in our Savior.

7. And the natural expression of a member of the family of God is to serve others. That’s what Jesus came to do – “to serve, not to be served.”

8. If we could somehow make these four principles, values that we live our lives by, this entire part of the state of NC would be turned upside down. And I am just bold enough to believe that can happen – starting right here!!!

9. If you weren’t “fired up” yesterday, you were probably asleep!!!

10. As always, it was good to welcome new people into the family of faith at Mountain View… Remember – you are owners, not just members. Members have rights; owners have responsibilities.

11. As you listened to the dreams I spelled out yesterday, maybe there is some area where you have contacts, passion, or the ability to help in this endeavor. If so, please let me know. It takes all of us.

12. A lot happened this weekend – especially at the Sourwood Festival. Thanks to the hundreds of you that showed up to serve and to help. We exalted the name of Jesus and shared His love with a lot of people!!! And the praise band rocked the stage!!!!!!! You guys truly let the love and passion you have for our Savior shine brightly in and thru you.

I am pumped about this series – I know it’s a short one (only 3 weeks) – but I know that God can do some amazing things here if we will only let Him!!!! Love you all!!!