Children say the funniest things sometimes. My friend, Ryan Braught who is planting a Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, PA shared the wisdom of his son tonight... 6 year old Kaiden said, "I hate tomatoes as much as I hate the devil!"
I couldn't agree more!
Monday, May 31, 2010
CoJ's 2010 Graduates... College and High School
Katie Morgan Hayman graduated from Salisbury University. She is pictured with her mom, Mary Kay. Then with friend, Caroline Hutchison.
Carline Hutchison and Kevin Brown have been in youth group since the beginning.
Group Pic shows... Kevin Brown and Titus Zan graduated from Mardela High. Josh Layfield from Parkside High. Kaite Hayman from Salisbury University. Caroline Hutchison from Wicomico High. Mycal Gresh from North Caroline High. Congrats to all!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Graduation Thoughts...
I would share the the graduates a simple way to keep themselves out of trouble in all areas of life. Three little words can make a lasting difference in the choices they make and the roads they travel. Three little words have the power to change the course of their lives and help them develope the potential God has given them.
The three little words are a question that they can learn to ask of themselves. No one else needs to ask it. The answer will be immediately obvious and they won't have to think long to know what it is.
This question can enhance their lives in relationships, finances, job choices, time management, social activities. And because the question is only three words, they will never forget it.
Those three little words that make one powerful question are... "Is it Wise?" If they learn to ask that question of all situations they face, they will travel roads that take them far! If they need to justify or rationalize the answer, then they are not being honest in the answer. Usually within seconds of asking the question, "Is is wise?" they will know the answer to whatever decision they are trying to make.
Graduates, for years you have had the benefit of adults in your lives to give you guidance... now you are about to embark on a journey that might take you away from the direct influence of those adults... so, I encourage you to learn to ask the simple little question, "Is it Wise?" at every crossroad you reach in life! Best wishes for an Exciting next chapter in your lives!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Grace... Grace... And More Grace!
Grace is awesome! And it is many things...
It is the prayer you offer before a meal! It is a persons name. It is something that is experienced and it is something that is extended.
I've been thinking alot about Grace lately!
Perhaps because I had the experience of going into a place where someone had authority that I was challenging on behalf of another and pleading for the extension of Grace! That was not a comfortable experience for me, but one that because of the Grace I have experienced in my life, I was able to walk into with confidence that Grace was with me and in the end... Grace was extended!
The grace I am talking about is UNDESERVED FAVOR! Just like the Grace God offers to each of us, through his son, Jesus! It is an incredible gift!
What has your experience of Grace been? And out of that experience can you be willing to share Grace with others? Receiving and Extending Grace will make the world we live in a BETTER place!
It is the prayer you offer before a meal! It is a persons name. It is something that is experienced and it is something that is extended.
I've been thinking alot about Grace lately!
Perhaps because I had the experience of going into a place where someone had authority that I was challenging on behalf of another and pleading for the extension of Grace! That was not a comfortable experience for me, but one that because of the Grace I have experienced in my life, I was able to walk into with confidence that Grace was with me and in the end... Grace was extended!
The grace I am talking about is UNDESERVED FAVOR! Just like the Grace God offers to each of us, through his son, Jesus! It is an incredible gift!
What has your experience of Grace been? And out of that experience can you be willing to share Grace with others? Receiving and Extending Grace will make the world we live in a BETTER place!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Fear of the Lord
So many places in Scripture it says something about "Fear of the Lord". Today's reading in Proverbs says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom."
Does that mean that I am wise when I am afraid of the Lord?
I am afraid (no pun intended) that too many people hear it that way. They think that they are to be afraid of the Lord. In fact, just last night I had someone ask me if it was okay to cut back on their giving because they are incurring lots of additional expenses now. The concern was that they were afraid of what God might do to them if they did.
I think it is better to understand the Fear of the Lord as encouraging us to know God's place in our lives and in our world. Elevate him above all else. Lift him up to the top. And when we live our lives with God at the top or as I like to say, "as the center" we are wise.
So, the fear of the Lord is not being afraid of God... but is keeping God at the center or the top of our lives. Living in AWE of him and who he is and knowing that he is the source of all that is. That is what it means to fear the Lord!
Does that mean that I am wise when I am afraid of the Lord?
I am afraid (no pun intended) that too many people hear it that way. They think that they are to be afraid of the Lord. In fact, just last night I had someone ask me if it was okay to cut back on their giving because they are incurring lots of additional expenses now. The concern was that they were afraid of what God might do to them if they did.
I think it is better to understand the Fear of the Lord as encouraging us to know God's place in our lives and in our world. Elevate him above all else. Lift him up to the top. And when we live our lives with God at the top or as I like to say, "as the center" we are wise.
So, the fear of the Lord is not being afraid of God... but is keeping God at the center or the top of our lives. Living in AWE of him and who he is and knowing that he is the source of all that is. That is what it means to fear the Lord!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Fair....
Life isn't always fair! That is an understatement for sure!
It is also a reality and a lesson we, as parents must teach our children.
We are working on that lesson this week in our house.
The one thing we can do when life isn't fair, is decide or choose what kind of response we are going to have to the unfairness. While we may not be able to choose the circumstances, we are able to choose the way we face those circumstances. Taking the high road is always best. Learning from the situation is good too! Not allowing the injustice to get us down is also great!
It is also a reality and a lesson we, as parents must teach our children.
We are working on that lesson this week in our house.
The one thing we can do when life isn't fair, is decide or choose what kind of response we are going to have to the unfairness. While we may not be able to choose the circumstances, we are able to choose the way we face those circumstances. Taking the high road is always best. Learning from the situation is good too! Not allowing the injustice to get us down is also great!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Not to worry!
Been thinking about the passage in Matthew 6 where Jesus teaches us about not worrying. It is easy to say Do not worry. But it is much harder to do, isn't it? We worry about all kinds of things. Some of us are world class worriers!
Realized something today that makes it easier for us NOT to worry... and that is immediately after telling us not to worry about our food or clothing, Jesus reminds us of the one fact that should make it EASY for us NOT to worry... he says, "your heavenly Father knows that you need these things." Knowing that God knows our needs means that we have NOTHING to worry about! God has it all under control! He knows our needs and all we have to do is trust him to provide for those needs. And Jesus reminds us that if God cares for the birds and the flowers, then he will care for us! So, because God knows our needs, we have nothing to worry about!
Now he doesn't stop there... he gives us one more encouragement... to seek after God and God's kingdom. If we focus our eyes, thoughts, mind, heart on God and God's kingdom, and we know that God knows our needs, then what is there to worry about?
Overwhelmed with God's love and provision!
Realized something today that makes it easier for us NOT to worry... and that is immediately after telling us not to worry about our food or clothing, Jesus reminds us of the one fact that should make it EASY for us NOT to worry... he says, "your heavenly Father knows that you need these things." Knowing that God knows our needs means that we have NOTHING to worry about! God has it all under control! He knows our needs and all we have to do is trust him to provide for those needs. And Jesus reminds us that if God cares for the birds and the flowers, then he will care for us! So, because God knows our needs, we have nothing to worry about!
Now he doesn't stop there... he gives us one more encouragement... to seek after God and God's kingdom. If we focus our eyes, thoughts, mind, heart on God and God's kingdom, and we know that God knows our needs, then what is there to worry about?
Overwhelmed with God's love and provision!
Friday, May 21, 2010
From Rows to Circles....
There are so many valuable things that happen when we in the church move from rows to circles!
Earlier this year, we had some fellowship meals in people's homes. Small groups of people who did not know each other very well gathering in someone's home around the table for a meal and the connections deepened! Still hearing positive things that happened at those meals. There are valuable things that happen when we move from rows to circles!
The Wednesday Small Group is about finished for the summer.... one more session, Many positive things came from those weeks of gathering around the circle! Deepened connection with God and with each other. For some the spiritual growth has been very rich and deep. And it is evidenced in the discussions each week. There are valuable things that happen when we move from rows to circles!
This fall, we will be offering some more opportunities to move from rows to circles. A Financial Peace University group with Dave Ramsey will gather and a Book 2 in The Apprentice Series... The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ. Don't miss out on the valuable things that happen when you move from rows to circles!
Earlier this year, we had some fellowship meals in people's homes. Small groups of people who did not know each other very well gathering in someone's home around the table for a meal and the connections deepened! Still hearing positive things that happened at those meals. There are valuable things that happen when we move from rows to circles!
The Wednesday Small Group is about finished for the summer.... one more session, Many positive things came from those weeks of gathering around the circle! Deepened connection with God and with each other. For some the spiritual growth has been very rich and deep. And it is evidenced in the discussions each week. There are valuable things that happen when we move from rows to circles!
This fall, we will be offering some more opportunities to move from rows to circles. A Financial Peace University group with Dave Ramsey will gather and a Book 2 in The Apprentice Series... The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ. Don't miss out on the valuable things that happen when you move from rows to circles!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Solitude... Sabbath!
This week our Wednesday night small group is practicing the soul training exercise of Solitude. The task is to get away by ourselves and discover who we are as God's children. Quiet time, reflection on scripture, silence... all part of the experience.
Yesterday, I was feeling the need for some extended time... so, I took a sabbath from work! As a preacher, I don't get Sunday off! And lately, my weeks have been VERY FULL! And with an office in the house, it is hard to separate my work from my life! It is easy to try to take a day off, but then quickly allow a little of this and a little of that to creep in. So, yesterday, I decided I was not going to do anything work related at all! And what a refreshing time I had!
Everyone of us needs a time of solitude and sabbath in our lives! God knew that and that is why he commands us to Remember the Sabbath. Not to turn it into a regulation to impose or feel guilty for not taking... but to find refreshment and renewal! It is amazing the difference it can make in our lives!
Try it!
Yesterday, I was feeling the need for some extended time... so, I took a sabbath from work! As a preacher, I don't get Sunday off! And lately, my weeks have been VERY FULL! And with an office in the house, it is hard to separate my work from my life! It is easy to try to take a day off, but then quickly allow a little of this and a little of that to creep in. So, yesterday, I decided I was not going to do anything work related at all! And what a refreshing time I had!
Everyone of us needs a time of solitude and sabbath in our lives! God knew that and that is why he commands us to Remember the Sabbath. Not to turn it into a regulation to impose or feel guilty for not taking... but to find refreshment and renewal! It is amazing the difference it can make in our lives!
Try it!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Seen on a Sign...
Normally, I don't like the cheesy sayings on church signs... but this one caught my eye yesterday on my way back from the District Office for Gieta Gresh's Ordination Interview...
"God loves Fruits of the Spirit NOT Religious Nuts!"
"God loves Fruits of the Spirit NOT Religious Nuts!"
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Serve God, Save the Planet...
The news of the oil leaking into the gulf is heartbreaking!
I've been thinking a lot about it and the role we have as caretakers of God's creation. Started reading a book called Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth. This is from the back of the book... "Not long ago, J. Matthew Sleeth had a fantastic life and a great job as chief of the medical staff at a large hospital. He was living the American dream - until he saw an increasing number of his patients suffering from cancer, asthma, and other chronic diseases. He began to suspect that the earth and its inhabitants were in deep trouble. Turning to Jesus for guidance, Sleeth discovered how the scriptural lessons of personal responsibility, simplicity, and stewardship could be applied to modern life. The Sleeths have since sonld their big home and given away more than half of hat they once owned..."
In the book he shares these two provoking thoughts...."The Earth was designed to sustain every generation's needs, not to be plundered in an attempt to meet one generation's wants."
"At the end of a materially rich day, consumerism says, "Buy more." At the end of a spiritually rich life, God says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
I've been thinking a lot about it and the role we have as caretakers of God's creation. Started reading a book called Serve God, Save the Planet by J. Matthew Sleeth. This is from the back of the book... "Not long ago, J. Matthew Sleeth had a fantastic life and a great job as chief of the medical staff at a large hospital. He was living the American dream - until he saw an increasing number of his patients suffering from cancer, asthma, and other chronic diseases. He began to suspect that the earth and its inhabitants were in deep trouble. Turning to Jesus for guidance, Sleeth discovered how the scriptural lessons of personal responsibility, simplicity, and stewardship could be applied to modern life. The Sleeths have since sonld their big home and given away more than half of hat they once owned..."
In the book he shares these two provoking thoughts...."The Earth was designed to sustain every generation's needs, not to be plundered in an attempt to meet one generation's wants."
"At the end of a materially rich day, consumerism says, "Buy more." At the end of a spiritually rich life, God says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Final Obsession Post
One more post on Obsessed People by Francis Chan...
"People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world."
"A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God above and before every other thing and every other being."
"People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace."
"People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with God. They are nourished by God's word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages."
A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God."
" A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying "Thank You!" to God. And obsessed person knows that there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God."
"People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world."
"A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God above and before every other thing and every other being."
"People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace."
"People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with God. They are nourished by God's word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages."
A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God."
" A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying "Thank You!" to God. And obsessed person knows that there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Obsession Continued...
Continuing to share quotes from Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love...
"People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to him."
"Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth."
"A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be 'humble enough' and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving his people."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to him."
"Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth."
"A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be 'humble enough' and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving his people."
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Obsessed!
I have been reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. And love his chapter, "Profile of the Obsessed." In it he defines what an obsessed person is...
"People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back."
"People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back."
Saturday, May 8, 2010
You See What You Look For...
Take a look and what do you see?
GODISNOWHERE.
Depending on what you are looking for, it affects what you see. Do you see God is Now Here? Or do you see God is No Where?
Jesus says "Seek and you will find."
Jeremiah proclaimed that if "you seek God with all your heart, you will find him."
So what are you looking for? Because what you look for is what you will see.
GODISNOWHERE.
Depending on what you are looking for, it affects what you see. Do you see God is Now Here? Or do you see God is No Where?
Jesus says "Seek and you will find."
Jeremiah proclaimed that if "you seek God with all your heart, you will find him."
So what are you looking for? Because what you look for is what you will see.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Known for what?
In Acts 11:26, we read, "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
Did you catch that... they were CALLED Christians. Not NAMED Christians! What would it be like if people knew that we were Christians by the way we lived our lives?
Did you catch that... they were CALLED Christians. Not NAMED Christians! What would it be like if people knew that we were Christians by the way we lived our lives?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Baptisms are Exciting!
I think Baptisms are exciting!
We had 3 on Sunday at Community of Joy! And total of 6 join Community of Joy!
More thoughts from AND
Still processing through the excellent book AND - The Gathered AND the Scattered Church by Hugh Halter and May Smay.
They write about a discovery they made... we have found"if you try to start a church or grow a church, you often attract people who just want to do 'church things'; but if you start with a mission, God will draw people together and church will happen naturally." And they write that their church isn't "a church that does mission; it's a mission that has become a church, and the people who now do church together clearly acknowledge that this new way of living is better ecclesial rhythm than simply adding a church gathering at the end of every week. Again, what brings meaning to your gathering is how well you scatter."
They write about a discovery they made... we have found"if you try to start a church or grow a church, you often attract people who just want to do 'church things'; but if you start with a mission, God will draw people together and church will happen naturally." And they write that their church isn't "a church that does mission; it's a mission that has become a church, and the people who now do church together clearly acknowledge that this new way of living is better ecclesial rhythm than simply adding a church gathering at the end of every week. Again, what brings meaning to your gathering is how well you scatter."
Great news!
Just got back from my second 3 month followup with the doc post my diabetes diagnosis. And my A1C, which is a 3 month average of blood sugar levels dropped again... went from 10.8 to 5.9 to 5.6 this time! Thanks be to God!
Cholesterol and blood pressure are great and weight loss continues... 4 pounds away from losing 50!
Cholesterol and blood pressure are great and weight loss continues... 4 pounds away from losing 50!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Rites of Passage....
Today is Sr. Prom at Wi Hi... Caroline's Senior Prom... she has allowed me to post a picture of her now and no more until she gets to look at them...
Here she is with her date Tyler and her best friend Brittany and Friend Kevin. And I am going to take father privileges and post a pic of her mom and I with her (after all, I bankrolled a portion of it!)
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