Light Steps

A Chance to Make a Real Difference

2011-06-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

This is a long story; epic even. I am going to try to make it brief. If you are close enough to my life to know this person that I'm talking about, please, don't use their name in this very open forum. If you want to know the person's name, I'd rather convey that face to face, and I'd be glad to share more than I am sharing here.

There's this young man; I've known him since he was 9, 10 or 11. He's a neat young man. He was raised by a single mom, and his father has never been in his life. It's been my privilege to stand and act as his father on many occasions, both in the physical and spiritual strength. He's in a fix and I am appealing to giving people to help him.

He's going into his senior year in college this year. Coming from a very poor family, and not being an academic by nature, completing three years of college has been a true and wonderful blessing. Football had been giving him a partial scholarship and student loans have been carrying the rest of his expenses. His grades were suffering from all the requirements of football, so he will forego his senior season and concentrate on finishing strong in the classroom. He's in summer classes, taking extra courses, attempting to raise his GPA.

He's in financial trouble due to some past decisions / actions and I am appealing to you readers to help out.

Between his senior year of high school and his freshman year of college, this young man had a severe two-day long stupid attack. He went along with some guys who committed several break-ins. He didn't steal, but was rightly guilty by association and presence. It was two-days filled with bad decisions on top of 18 years of keeping his nose clean. It was two days that almost, and still threatens, to wipe away his whole future. He almost lost his opportunity to go to school. Fortunately, though many of his cohorts pulled time, he was given a deferred sentence. He was ordered to indeed go to school (should they still accept him and they did) and to make restitution of goods and damages and to pay court costs. The fees and restitution costs were nearly $10,000.00.

He's been making payments and some of the debt has been excused. However, he owes $2,065.00 by August 8. If he doesn't pay his defferred sentence will be revoked and he will go to jail. IF I had the money, I'd just write the check. I don't have it. I have a donation.

This young man is a decent young man. He did act stupidly. He was foolish. It was not characteristic of who he is as a person. He loves the Lord, honors his mom and works hard. The pressures of football and school have made earning any real money extremely difficult. He has had temporary work as it was available and has held part-time jobs, but that's been very limited earnings.

Here's my request and the plan. He's willing to work it off. He's not lazy. It will be a challenge beause of his schedule, so I am going to give him the flexibility his schedule requires and the accountability his life needs. My request is simple: PLEASE GIVE. Please give by August 1, so we can clearly meet the deadline of his court appearance on August 8. If he's paid this amount and if he's still in school, the sentence deferral will still be in play. I have spoken with the court officials and they are adamant that this amount be paid, but they've been gracious in waving some fees that would have made the amount larger.

I promise to responsibly superintend your gifts. I promise to hold him accountable and make sure he works for the funds. Youth For Christ always needs things done. We'll make sure he works hard and make sure his work takes care of necessary things. I will report giving (amounts, not people) as they come in and I will use this medium to keep everyone updated on the case and his personal progress.

If this young man doesn't get assistance, I really believe he will be locked up. If he's locked up, he will lose momentum to finish school.

Will you help?

May-June 2011 YFC-Roxboro Newsletter

2011-06-02T11:35:00.000-05:00

3 Story Training

2011-02-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

Co-Laborers in The Gospel,

This coming Saturday, February 26, Youth For Christ is leading / hosting a very important training for our staff / volunteers called "3 Story" (www.3story.org). This is a great opportunity for any believer who wants to grow in their ability to consistently walk as disciple makers.

We are covering all the costs and we'd like to open to the faith community in our area.

Please feel free to share this with your congregation/church family.

Please respond if your intention is to attend so we'll have an accurate head-count for lunch.

YFC-Volunteers: This training will be offered again August 27.

2011-02-14T19:22:00.001-05:00

Last Night's Message from East Rock Community Church

2011-02-14T11:37:00.002-05:00

http://sermon.net/twbowes/sermonid/2608719

2011-02-14T11:36:00.001-05:00

The Core of the Commission

2011-02-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

The Core of the Commission

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

My grandfather was a great man. No, he didn’t do anything great, in so much that the world would grant him any sort of accolades. He was great because I knew he loved me; without a doubt, he loved me. Our relationship was not perfect, but it was very good.

Everyone called him “Buck,” but I called him “Granddaddy” – pronounced “Grandiddy,” in the very rural northern Piedmont colloquial fashion. Buck loved to hunt. I know he liked to succeed, but I believe it was the actual hunt that he most enjoyed. I loved to be with him. Deer or no, it was him I wanted to spend time with. He loved Walker deer dogs and he loved to hear them “run” deer.

One particular time Buck and I were standing in the edge of a field, on opposite ends, waiting for the dogs to run a deer across our path. The dogs quickly changed directions and Buck jumped in the truck and left; quickly, and without me. A bit dejected, but totally unconcerned, I sat down and waited. A couple of hours later he returned, mumbling something while handing me saltine crackers, a Pepsi and a can of Sardines.

Buck was committed to going after that deer. I’m also glad he was committed to our relationship. I am not sure if I knew the way home.

This is a true story, and I believe it’s a perfect illustration of the condition of most active local churches. Notice, I said active, meaning local bodies of believers who are doing something besides marking off Sundays and Wednesdays with building inhabitation. Active, in most cases, means programs and events and trips. Though it’s all organized, I am afraid we may be settling for less than the true calling God has privileged us to pursue. In other words, it seems our commitment to “go” is strong, but our pursuit of “make disciples” is lacking.

Events aren’t always easy, but they’re always temporary. That’s why we like them. This call to “go” fits right into the groove of events and short term missions and programs. We can heed the “go” part of the Great Commission and do all sorts of things, but the question is are we also pursuing the call to make disciples?

Making disciples is messy, never easy and always requires more commitment than feels natural or comfortable. However, I believe it’s what we are designed for, redeemed for and left here on this planet for. Making disciples is the call, command and commission and we should never settle for anything less.

The difficult part of accepting this assignment is also the blessed part. Namely, the church has to become relationship oriented again. Consider the Garden of Eden; it was only sin that caused Adam and Eve to hide from God. They were designed for fellowship with God, but sin corrupted original design. It not only ruined their relationship with the Lord, but it corrupted their relationship with each other and they felt shame before one another and before God.

Consider the Ten Commandments. As always, The Law reveals the nature of God, but the Ten Commandments show us an outline of relationship too. The first four commandments highlight the right attitudes and actions for our relationship with God.

· You shall have no other gods before Me

· You shall not make for yourself any idols

· You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain

· Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy

He’s first; nothing else before Him or even as important as He is. Respect Him. Spend time set aside just to honor him. Those are pretty clear expectations for relationship.

The remaining six commandments reveal the most basic guidelines for not blowing relationships with others.

· Honor your father and mother

· You shall not murder

· You shall not commit adultery

· You shall not steal

· You shall not bear false testimony against your neighbor

· You shall not covet

Think about it for a moment; if your friend tries to murder you, it’s probably going to have an effect on your relationship, right? Think through these others; any failure to respect these commands damages relationships.

Further, all the OT laws are extensions of these ten. They all reveal God’s nature and show us His desire for how we should relate to Him and relate to others.

And notice, too, that horizontal relationships, which are people to people in nature, are supplied out of the vertical relationship. Meaning, as we walk with God, He sets us right to minister to those around us.

Discipleship is certainly not only a New Testament phenomenon. It’s always been God’s way. Deuteronomy 6:5 sums up all the Law by commanding people to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” God clearly desires that whatever He says to us sinks beyond the realm of knowing into the reality of being. Deuteronomy 6:6 continues “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” But, God never meant for whatever He was doing in us to simply stay in us. Verse 7 gives us God’s expectation of what we’re to do with what He is saying and what we’re becoming: “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

In everything we are hearing and becoming we are to translate to everyone in everything we’re saying and doing.

We know this is difficult. It requires believers to have full-time accountability and full-time activity. It’s a call to a life mission and a lifestyle; to always be in relation to God and to pass that relation on to others.

Many believers are active. Many have the “go” part down pat. Commendation should be gladly given to anyone seeking to serve the Lord. However, let’s not be half-measure people, especially when our half measure is missing the whole point. Going that does not meet the call to make disciples is short-sighted.

A new commitment to pursuing the mission God has given is predicated by a new commitment to pursue the privilege of being a disciple. We walk with God. We are disciples of Jesus. Then, we pass it on. We must be vertically bound and horizontally spent. That’s the only way it will work, because that’s the way God designed discipleship.

Jesus told the disciples “all authority has been given to Me.” Big stuff. Important. Jesus had the authority to send, equip and empower. What did He desire to use that authority for? You got it, making disciples. Go, or more accurately, as we’re going along in life, make disciples. Activity is not the call. We have activity just by living. Making disciples is the call of God.

The Apostle John succinctly embodied the core of the mission: “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). We proclaim what we’ve seen and heard and know and have experienced so that people might walk with us, and, more importantly, they might walk with Jesus. Disciples bidding others to walk with the Master, and not just with talk, but exemplifying the disciples life as we relate to the Master is the core of the mission.

Where does it start? It starts in the cash register.

In one episode some Pharisees were plotting to “entangle” Jesus in His words (Matthew 25:15). Instead of being entrapped by what His own words, Jesus discipled them. They wanted to know whether it was right to pay taxes to the Roman authorities. In His divine genius, Jesus asked them for a coin and questioned them, asking whose image was on the coin. The Pharisee contingency answered that it was Caesar’s image. Jesus’ replied, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's” (vs. 21). Then, Jesus dropped the hammer and gave us the method by which people are to serve the Lord. He continued by saying, render “…to God the things that are God's” (vs. 21). You all know Genesis 1:26 says “let Us make man in Our image.” We are made in His image. We must render ourselves to God. We are His coinage. We must let Him spend us.

It’s simple. Our lives are not our own (ref: 1 Corinthians 6:20). We are to sent and spent. We are God’s coinage and He desires to invest us in humanity, making disciples, and teaching them to “observe” all that He’s commanded us.

We must continually render ourselves to God, sit at His feet, learn of Him and live the life of an intentional disciple maker. That’s the core of the commission: Disciple Making.

My grandfather was always sitting on go. Whether hunting, working or relaxing. He was always ready to do what needed and should be done. The good thing for me is he was also always sitting on “Come on, go with me” too.

Let’s be careful to adopt this mentality in our relationship with the Lord and others. Let’s sit on go, for sure, but let’s make sure our going is making disciples, not just passing time.

Transformation Needed

2011-02-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9; ESV)

I’ve learned a long time ago not to buy clothes for my wife when she is not with me, though sometimes I’ve forgotten what I’ve learned. I can’t explain it, but I am a sucker for sweaters. I see a sweater that I think my wife will like and I just buy it. Maybe it’s because I love sweaters so much! I have plain sweaters, sweater vests, argyles and even a couple of button-up sweater vests. I even have a pink sweater!

What I have learned is my wife does not need, want, desire, request, require or appreciate my tastes in HER clothing. Don’t get me wrong, she’s always polite. She’s kept several, like souvenirs, but she’s worn none of them! This doesn’t even mention the shirts and shoes I presume to pick out for her. Here’s the deal: she has different tastes than I do. Point blank. End of story. I give up. (Until I see another sweater!)

God’s thoughts and ways are vastly different from our own. I don’t imagine many of us need convincing of these fact.

Our tendency is to make God very human, very like us. He’s not. Not even close. However, God calls us to be like Him (ref: Leviticus 11:44 & 1 Peter 1:16). How can it be that God would desire us to be like Him when we know we are so very different from Him? Simple: God desires spiritual transformation for us. Further, God empowers spiritual formation in us!

For that to even begin, we must be “born again,” meaning we must have a spiritual rebirth (John 3). We must be born from above, birthed again to new life in Christ, having died to self and come alive by faith in Christ and the quickening of the Holy Spirit. With that new life comes God’s promise to keep on completing what He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

The promises of what that will look like are incredibly encouraging:

A new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Power for living (John 15:1-5)
Service like Jesus, and more (John 14:20)
Unchained from the power of sin (Romans 6:1-14)
Fellowship with the Living God (Hebrews 11:6)

Of course, there’s more! Since God’s ways are so far from our own, we need spiritual transformation to experience Him. Since these wonderful promises are not attainable by the work of our own power, we need a miracle! That’s what being “born again” is! It’s a miracle!

People surrendering to God in Christ Jesus receive the marvelous help of the Holy Spirit to be born from above into new life with a new nature: TRANSFORMATION!

Too many church people are trying to live a life of religious-do-it-done-it. Wow. That’s not what we’re designed for. We’re designed for fellowship with the Living God. We’re designed to enjoy Him. We’re designed to love God. We’re for life, not just breathing. Sin is a murderous killer, separating us from life, which is in the Living God. It corrupts us thoroughly and spiritual transformation is both the beginning and continuing of healing and restoration.

We will never pursue the things of God in our own nature. We may pursue things we put God’s name on, but they won’t be of Him.

I can’t pick out clothes for my wife. I can’t be like God on my own. I need her help for the clothes. I need God’s help…period. I need God’s help.

Do you desire spiritual transformation? Seek the Lord. He’ll gladly give what He has freely offered.

Introduction to The Warehouse of Youth For Christ Roxboro

2011-02-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

Right Attitude and Right Action

2011-02-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

If My people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV)

Growing up, “Don't blow at me!” was one of my father's favorite rebuking statements. That's the expression he would use when I'd sigh after one of his commands. I think I used up a lot of oxygen doing that growing up. Dad didn't allow “back-talk.” When I say he didn't allow it, I mean he did not allow it! We learned that lesson very young, and adhered to it strictly our entire life. I can't tell you how many times sighing was my form of calm rebellion. There were probably hundreds of times, working in the tobacco field or the garden, in which Daddy corrected me and I'd sigh and he'd say, “Boy, don't blow at me!”

There is something to be said for doing the right thing with the right attitude. Discovering what is the right thing to do can be hard. Doing it with the right attitude can be even more difficult.

2 Chronicles 7:14 is written to the people of God; people known to be God's people. It's a promise and a warning. God used Solomon to build the Temple. Solomon finished that task and God gave Solomon a dream. The promise was simple: God will forgive and heal. The warning was simple too: But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes...I will pluck you up... (2 Chronicles 7:19ff),

However, and this is our subject for today. Do you notice what conditions and what mechanism God gives to the people? God tells them to pray. Simple, right? Well...

It's not as simple as it sounds. God desires us to seek Him in prayer. That's the right thing to do. Too much prayer involves seeking our own wants and needs and desires. Consider the blunt words of James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you have asked wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Our petitions to the Lord should involve seeking His face, His will, His desires, His plans; it should involve seeking Him. The best way for your prayers to be answered in the affirmative is to pray according to the desires of God.

Not only must we pray according to God's will, but we must also humble ourselves. Certainly, this is not in our nature! Our flesh loves to be exalted. We even think of it as an American right to be full of “swagger” and pride. It's not a Christlike characteristic at all! He even described Himself as lowly and meek (Matthew 11:29). James speaks bluntly on this as well: humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you (4:10). When we push ourselves under the Lord, giving Him honor above ourselves and submitting to His will over our own, we can trust His good providence to lift us in His good time and for His good reason.

Last time, this article addressed God's command to pray for other believers. One of my deepest and most abiding prayers is that the people of God would become serious about humbling ourselves and seeking the Lord's face. We need to turn from our wicked ways and pursue the Lord. We need God to heal our land. Politics and policy won't fix America. Better schools won't fix America. A stronger economy will not heal America. A larger, more effective military force will not fix America. We need God.

Let's not be as foolish youths, “blowing” at authority and going through the motions of the wrong thing with the wrong attitude. My dad wouldn't tolerate it and I am sure our Father will judge it as well! Let us indeed humble ourselves, seek the Lord and pray. It's the right attitude and the right action for approaching our Father.

Pray for Other Disciples of Jesus

2011-02-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:15-17, ESV).

One of the most blessed things about working with a ministry that works with many denominations is that I get to work with many denominations! Sounds too simple, doesn't it? When ministry kept me in one denominational arena, I rarely looked out. Sure, our fellowship gathered with local churches from two other denominations each Thanksgiving and with a neighboring church of a different denomination for Resurrection Celebration, but we didn't have a real and regular practice of being together. Though I was passionate about our distinctives I was also often bound by them, kept from fellowship with people who love Jesus too. I'll tell you what I am learning: it's easier to write people off than to pray them up.

If prayer were to become a ministry for believers – notice, “if” – the first place we need to start in praying for other believers! Really. I'm serious.

Now, wait a minute...calm down...I know, I know...someone is already finding ways to exclude others: “I do pray for believers but them people ain't Christians like me!” The problem is that most of them people are saying the same thing about you!

Don't mistake my tongue and cheek method as irreverence. It's not that at all. It's an accusation. One of Jesus' clearest indicators as to whether someone is a disciple of His is whether such a one has love for other disciples. He said, “By this all people will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Uh oh. Some folks are in trouble!

The Apostle Paul was pretty clear about who he was talking to in the letter to the CHURCH at Ephesus. He was writing to the “saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus” (vs. 1). As a matter of fact, Paul was clear in communicating that all of God's plans and blessings were in Christ. Grab your Bible and consider Ephesians 1:3-15 very carefully, noticing each time it says something like “in Him” or “in Christ.” God's plan is “in Christ” for sure, so for people who understand that much – that God's plan for “things in heaven and things on earth” is united in Christ – I call them Family. When it comes to The Family, I desire to know and love you all.

All that being said, let's get to the ministry of praying for other believers! Perhaps you don't even know if they are believers. Pray the simple words of Ephesians 1:17 for yourself and for them, asking God to give each of you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Paul said, “For this reason...I do not cease to give thanks for you.” What was his reason? Simple, Paul said his reason was that he'd “... heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints...” Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers because he saw their object of their faith, Jesus Christ, was right and their love for each other was evident. WOW!

Whoever you are out there – Red, yellow, black and white. Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic, Non-Denominational and all other “Jesus is the only way!” folks you can find. Poor, rich, middle-class. Native American, European, African, Hispanic, Asian. City folks and country people. Southerners, Westerners, Northerners. Whatever distinction you may have that Satan wants to use to separate us. – if your faith is in Jesus and you love other believers, I want you to know I have a ministry of prayer towards you.

Who's with me? If you desire to be known as a disciple of Jesus, love others who love Him. If you love them, pray. Pray by the mighty hand of God that we show the world we are His by our love for one another.

YFC-Roxboro "Praises and Pleas"

2011-02-11T09:43:00.001-05:00

Youth for Christ Roxboro

Praises and Pleas

the week of February 13-20, 2011

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:5, 8.

Praises: Thank You, Mighty God, for sending us Sebastian Trivino from Bogota, Colombia’s YFC and for sending him this week with a YFC group from Canada to a YFC group from Honduras. Thank you for our partnership with YFC in Esteli and for the family of 185 YFC chapters in the USA and hundreds of chapters in 120 other countries. Thank You, Loving Father, for the thousands of children and teens here in Person County and for the 5 YFC chapters in NC seeking to reach tens of thousands of teens in a dozen towns and cities. Thank You, Lord of the Harvest, that You send us as laborers into the field. Thank You, Shepherd, that You trust Your sheep to point out the wolves, to have part in the Son’s inheritance and serve You with fear and rejoice in You with trembling. We thank You, Jehovah Jireh, that the call to serve is a privilege.

Pleas: Lord God, we humbly ask, send more laborers into the field. Wake up slumbering believers, and set them free to serve. Equip feeble hands for the work. Give workers directions (vision) for the fields. Give us tools for the work. We trust You, O Lord, to both send us to the work and harvest from our labors.

A Day With Jesus

2011-02-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

These nuts love Jesus!

YFC-Roxboro "Praises and Pleas"

2011-01-24T17:33:00.000-05:00

Youth For Chirst Roxboro

Praises and Pleas

the week of January 23-30, 2011

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, He told this parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell...” Luke 8:4-5a

Praises: Thank You, Mighty God, for calling us from the marketplace into the field. Thank You for giving us opportunity time and time again to serve. Thank You, Father, for continuing to give us crowds and groups and individuals with which to share Your truths. Thank You, Lord, that saints are willing and running to be equipped. You, our God, are the source of our supply, granting us wisdom and resources for the work. You, Jehovah Jireh, are the source of our supply; granting YFC-Roxboro the grace of calling and the strength for its pursuit. Thank You for the opportunity to stand in Your presence and to come in and go out as Your kingdom servants. Thank You, Holy Father, for stooping to know us and for consenting to send us. The fields are white unto harvest; we praise You for the season of work.

Pleas: Our Lord and our God, call more laborers unto the field! Father, whether in our large crowds that gather at The Warehouse or for My Life Matters Club, or our medium-sized crowds that gather for Campus Life or for basketball shoot-arounds, or our small groups that gather for discipleship or our individual meetings with students, make us hardworking and faithful farmers of Your fields. Encourage our hands to be steady on the plow and quick to the seed bag, plowing hearts with our prayers and casting the Word as seeds upon the ground. Make our staff (board, paid and volunteer) willing to cast the seed at every turn. You, Father, judge and prepare the ground. You, Father, are the Lord of the harvest. Make us willing workers of the field. From classrooms, to gyms, to parking lots, to The Warehouse, to back rooms in churches, to Wal-Mart, to every point in between, empower us, Holy Spirit, to go out an sow Your seed. Father, grant Your servants new and fresh desire to become acquainted with the Holy Seed that is Your Word. Make us deft in it's employment, willing to cast it, familiar with is application and ready in season and out to give a reason for the hope that is in us.

Great, Spiritual Expectations

2011-01-12T14:57:00.000-05:00

When you give...

And when you pray...

And when you fast...

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much...

(Matthew 6:2, 5,16 and Luke 16:10, ESV)

As parents, my wife and I have tried to instill wise money stewardship in our children's value system. We have three rules of governance for every bit of money they receive, and we expect them to exercise these rules without our badgering. You can walk up to them at any time and ask them “What are the three rules of money?” and they'll just spout off the answers. The rules:

Sacrifice: always put God first. Use the Old Testament standard of tithing and offerings as a discipline and the New Testament standard of liberal giving as there is need, always seeking to discern what the Spirit is saying and doing.
Save: put away at least 10% for your future and more as you have it.
Spend: always take care of needs first; next consider how your spending allows you to honor God with acts of hospitality and helps; then, and only after sacrifice, save and previous spend rules, spend on yourself.

At 10 and 7, I would not say my children have mastered this mentality and discipline, but I must commend them for their general adherence. They truly seem to have caught the spirit and the Spirit of the thing. It's becoming easier and easier to trust my children with money, because they are maturing more and more in how they handle it.

In my last article I talked about the fact that many people want God to give them a specific ministry and / or purpose in life, yet they have not been diligent or opportunistic about God's general will. Today's article is a continuation.

God has spiritual and life expectations for us. Some of these expectations are clearly outlined during part of what we call “The Sermon on the Mount” as found in Matthew 6. Jesus' words are important. He doesn't say “if you give” or “if you pray” or “if you fast.” Sometimes what isn't said is important. In this case, what isn't said is important, and what is said is even more important. The word is “when” in each case. It reveals expectations.

These, like my expectations for my daughters' money management, are just basic expectations. You know there's more.

Jesus was talking to a society that lived religiously. Their culture was religious. Everything about their daily lives, down to eating or not eating certain foods, was religious in nature and consideration. These were “People of the Book” or “People of the Law.” Even their national government was theocratic in practice. Adherence to God's Law was their very lifestyle. Jesus didn't need to preface his comments, explaining what spiritual discipline meant, before He said, “When...”

What I am getting at is simple, if we want to know the specific, we must become committed to the discipline of the expected.

What follows in the economy of God is simple. When we are found faithful in small things, He increases our opportunity. When we are diligent in the revealed will of God, He opens to us the specific.

Do you want big ministry? Big responsibility? Would you like to do important, meaningful things for the Lord? Good. It's good to desire these things! We all must start by working on the simple expectations of God.

Develop a discipline of giving that honors God's revealed will. Develop a discipline of prayer that engages the Lord and is according to His priorities. Develop a discipline of fasting that increases your spiritual potency. It seems the Lord designed us in such a way these things are meant to be normal.

God has for us all great, spiritual expectations! Begin to obey and watch God move!

Youth for Christ Roxboro Praises & Pleas

2011-01-12T11:34:00.002-05:00

Youth for Christ Roxboro Praises & Pleas 1/11/11

…that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3.17

Praises: For months now YFCR volunteers have been training and practicing, even getting some public speaking tips, and now, Father God, You routinely help them share confirming testimonies in Saturday Night Chapel @ TheWarehouse. As a result, teens are seeking out not just YFCR staff, but volunteers, to ask counsel. And at the same time, Lord, You have unleashed a new season of trust in Person County youth. Middle and high schoolers are confessing struggles with temptations, doubts and questions about You, entrusting info about sexual orientation and confusion. Thank You, Mighty Equipper, for making staff and volunteers not just available, but more than capable, to bring them to Your word for true help.

Pleas: Father, please help the students who attended Equipper Camp during Christmas break to keep applying what they learned. As student leaders, enable them to stand up for You regardless of comments from their peers. For students struggling with sexual confusion and temptations, we ask for open hearts, ready to receive and obey Jesus. Please give each staff and volunteer Your wisdom from above as they counsel teens. Dearest Trainer, we also ask that You enable YFCR board members to employ the training they received this past weekend to do an excellent job for You. May all be complete for Your glory!

Start Praying

2011-01-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling (1 Timothy 2:1-8; ESV, emphasis mine).

I grow weary of people lamenting that they don't know what is their special purpose or mission in life. I don't know if every leader faces this, but I make the assumption they do. I cannot count how many people have approached me and said something like, “I'd serve the Lord if knew what He meant for me to do.”

Hogwash. Yes, as insensitive as it seems and sounds, that's what I meant. God doesn't seem to reveal special purpose to people until they have a solid dedication and regular practice of ordinary purpose. Here's just such a case: PRAYER. The Holy Spirit, in God's word, through the Apostle Paul, made it clear that every person everywhere ought to be praying! Let's get to it!

I love this poem:

THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER

There's a holy high vocation,
Needing workers everywhere;
'Tis the highest form of service,
'Tis the ministry of prayer.

None need stand idly longing,
For a place in which to share;
Active service for the Master,
There's always room in prayer.

In these days of tribulation,
Wickedness pervades the air;
And the battles we engage in,
Must be won by fervent prayer.

There's no weapon half so mighty,
As what the intercessors bear;
Nor a broader field of service,
Than the ministry of prayer.

--A. S. Woolworth

Friend, listen, do you want a powerful ministry? Start praying. Do you want God to entrust you with much? Start praying. Do you want to see the hungry fed? Start praying. Do you want to see our nation changed? Start praying. Do you want to see our leaders act more nobly? Start praying. Would you like a more peaceful family? Start praying. Would you love to serve others? Start praying. Would you love to please the Lord? Start praying.

Do you want to see missionaries sent? Do you want a better preacher or pastor? Do you want more disciplined children? Do you want a more loving, attentive spouse? Do you want to see deep change in your own life? Start praying. Start praying. Start praying!

You already pray? Most excellent. Don't let up!

Be thankful. Intercede for others. Talk to God. Listen to God. Pray.

I have no doubt that people desire purpose and it makes sense that we all want to know what it is God has created and sustained us for. I can't answer that for every person. What I can say is this: (1) The Holy Spirit is the key to fulfilling life and fulfilling ministry because He is a believer’s source of fulfillment. (2) If you want God to open up His specific will for you, you must know you must first receive and achieve God's general will.

Start praying.

Youth for Christ Roxboro Praises & Pleas 1/6/11

2011-01-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

Youth for Christ Roxboro Praises & Pleas 1/6/11

Jesus: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1.17

Praises: Yes, Lord, when we follow, You make many become fishers of men. YFCR student leaders work with younger children at My Life Matters clubs; church groups attend Equipper Camps to learn to lead intentional lives for You; YFCR volunteers spend hours training to make every game and conversation count; YFCR board members are using this weekend to train to be better YFCR servants; and not only do YFCR staff spend days and nights deliberately loving teens, but Tim speaks in a different pulpit each week and takes discipleship training to YFC Nicaragua this month; in his spare time, Brett fishes for souls on the PCC campus. Truly, Lord, You have made fishing for men our passion.

“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish

that their nets began to break. Luke 5.4,6

Pleas: Dearest God, You are so patient with us. Never stop teaching our staff, volunteers, board members, supporters, children and their families as You continually haul us hand over hand toward Yourself. As we experience You drawing us, make us fish like You. Lord, in this new year, please direct our nets once again. Help us find the lost children and hurting families down in deep water where we can’t see.

Things that trip me out...

2011-01-04T00:26:00.000-05:00

Maybe this little write-up should be classified under the "Tim Ain't Right, Y'all" category.

Upfront Disclaimer: DO NOT VISIT THE SITE / COMPANY I AM MENTIONING HEREIN. THERE ARE SOME "ADULT" PRODUCTS SOLD BY THIS COMPANY; NO PERSON IS NUDE, BUT THE PRODUCTS FOUND ON THIS SITE MAY OFFEND SOME. YOU ARE WARNED. IF YOU VISIT IT, DO NOT SAY I DID NOT WARN YOU.

Okay...disclaimer done.

So, today we received an unsolicited catalog in the mail from a company called "Carol Wright Gifts."

I thought to myself, Cool, an "old lady" catalog. Uh...well...uh...if old ladies order across the spectrum of this catalog, well...uh...I just don't know what to say.

I had a little time -- you know the kind of time where you don't have enough to do much, but too much to do nothing -- so I plopped down and began to check ol' Carol out. What do you know, I open the first page and there's the most adorable "Kitten Throw." So, I was thinking, $4.99? For realz? Hey, that kitty looks just like Katie's cat. I'm buying that junk! Me and the old lady catalog were off to a rip-roaring start!

Next page: Oh boy...here's where I got super-stoked-shopping-fever. Ol' Carol has the KYMARO Body Shaper. Don't get it? Well, here's what it will do:

No more bulges!
Smoothes and Slims Hips and Thighs
Lifts Buttocks
Provides Back Support

I will leave it to you to determine which one I was most excited about. Okay, you guessed it...my booty is sagging and, frankly, I've been a bit concerned. But, hey, no more! I was going to order item #70460 in the "nude" color (so's I couldn't see it when I was getting dressed and would be totally fooled into thinking that I really look that good). You aren't sold? Wait! You just need this bit of info: it's only $39.99. Forget losing weight! I just need this here body shaper!

Two pages. Two exciting purchases. I was becoming afraid to turn the page; cardiac arrest seemed imminent.

I was almost overwhelmed by opportunity.

Plaid robes. Couch and chair covers. All in one drapery. Low slouch boots. Genuine suede bag. Fucoxanthin Patch (featuring "Around-the-clock Weight Loss With Fat-Burning Batch" -- yep, you guessed it, item #3 in my bag). Weight-loss ring. Floral Shower Curtain (item #4). Denture Liner (item #5). Healthy Hoof Nail Strengthener (it became item #6 the moment I read the info: "when groomers saw what Healthy Hoof did for their horses, they used it on their own nails!" How could I pass that up?)

Wait...there was WAAAAAAY MORE! Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. HealthMaster "Fruit and Vegetable Emulsifier." No-Spill Strip. 20 cleaning clothes for $7.99. Half-Finger Arthritis Gloves. Damask Chair Cover. The World's Easiest Nut-Cracker (item #7).

Then. Came. Pages. 16 and 17.

If old ladies buy this stuff...

Can I be modest and adult-like and say those two pages are filled with stuff made for people to concentrate on themselves and trust you to understand?

Next two pages: Genuine Leather Credit Card Case. Comfortable Non-Binding Socks. Men's 8-in-1 Groomer. The Back Saver. On and on and on and on it goes...

What?

What the heck?

What the heck-fire?

Why was the catalog aimed at me? Who was it meant for? Who sits around needing this combination of things from a mail order catalog? How do bladder control pills, control tops, canes, robes, nicotine medicine, walking shoes, fat dissolving cream and pages 16 and 17 all go together?

How do inspirational bracelets, escape hammers, shaver sharpener, medical ID bracelets, stainless-steel tea kettles, seat cushions and pages 16 and 17 go together?

How does the "Carol Wright Gifts" shopper go from "Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer" to ~~that~~.

How can Carol keep a straight face when people call in and ask for the "Floral Quilt-Top Bedspread" and one of ~~those~~ in the same breath?

Wow...

What does this say about people? I need, I need, I need...OOOOO....I want. Are people that lonely? Is this the solution? Is THIS THAT important? Must it be couched between the "Wraparound Bed Ruffle" and buy-one-get-one-free "Platinum Edition Cordless Electric Rechargeable Shave Kit"? Must it be wedged between the things people use to put their socks on when they can't bend over and the self setting alarm clock? If you can't set your alarm or put on your socks, how...???

No, Tim, don't pursue these answers.

So, it made me think of a passage.

2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. (emphasis mine; English Standard Version)

You might not "get" what I'm talking about, and, IF you don't, I pray it's because of godly

naïveté. If that is the cause, rock on.

Carol might be selling to old ladies. She might be selling to young men. To whomever she's selling, they're buying more than they bargained for! I put my mentally-carted items away and prepared the catalog for recycling (and a good joke).

Anybody interested in a lightly-looked-upon catalog?

Support Seeking

2011-01-03T12:45:00.000-05:00

Hello, and greetings in the name of our Lord! Following our mission trip to Esteli this past summer, Youth For Christ Nicaragua National Director, Alberto Leiva, visited with us for three weeks earlier this fall. During his time here Alberto attended our Fruitful Disciple training. Alberto has requested that I come to Esteli and perform that training twice in a week’s time for 100+ YFC volunteers and local youth workers during the week of January 27, 2011 – February 3, 2011.

Financially speaking, this is a monumental undertaking. I am writing to ask for your help. Airfare, ground travel, lodging and food will cost $1,800.00. In addition, YFC-Nicaragua will not be able to host a conference of this size without financial assistance, so I will need to raise an additional $1,000.00 to pay for materials and meals and equipment rental for the training sessions.

When we were in Nicaragua last summer, one of our missions was to help YFCN gain new volunteers by increasing their exposure to the believing community as we reached out to the unbelieving community. It worked! Within a month of leaving they had over 35 new volunteers! Now, we’re being asked to help YFCN better equip their new volunteer staff.

So, I need your help to raise this $2,800.00. I know that this looks like a lot of money, but with your help, I will be able to do this. I ask that you spend some time in prayer and ask God for some guidance. The amount is only important in the sense that we’ve obeyed God in our giving. All donations are tax-deductible! I also want you to know that I cannot do this without your help. So, thank you for your time and generous support.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,

Tim Bowes

Romans 12:1-2

Trusting and Obeying and No Other Waying...

2011-01-02T15:29:00.003-05:00

Here is part of a letter I am sending out to people who've made a donation to YFC in the past month and a half. I thought it worth sharing:

This story is too good not to tell...

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving found YFC totally broke, financially speaking. Staff were not going to get paid and bills were due. We closed the offices that day with the simple prayer that God would take care of His business while we spent time with family, thanking Him for giving us all that He had over the past year.

When we're low on finances I usually hit my knees and ask God to show me who to talk to about a gift. Sometimes those choices seem to make sense and other times I don't understand why God is laying a particular person on my heart. Still, it's my practice to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in the needed phone calls, not only on who to call, but what to say. God is always faithful.

This Wednesday was different. Not that I didn't pray, but what God spoke into my spirit was the difference. As I asked God who I should call, I heard silence. Okay, I thought, I can wait. I can wait for God to show me who to call. He didn't give me names. I went into my prayer closet several times over the course of that evening and the answer was silence.

Finally God spoke. It was clear. I know the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me, telling me to “do nothing except to watch Me work.” Uh...okay. Some people would find it a struggle to go ask others for money. I found it a struggle to NOT ask. This was hard. I know the Spirit of God was speaking in my spirit not only to not ask, but to make people ask me specifically about finances and not to talk about it unless asked specifically. Whew...this was big trouble for me!

Over the course of the entire Thanksgiving weekend, not a single person asked me about finances. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I sat down to a late night of prayer, creating an “exit plan” to present to the staff the next morning at staff meeting and to the Board of Directors via email. I felt as “good” as a person could feel, with such a task as that. I slept little; not worried, but burdened for the lives of staff members and their families and the vision God has given me for our county. I sensed something had to give and the ministry would suffer and I wanted to be extra attentive in seeking to understand what that change might need to be and how God would use me for its implementation.

The most wonderful thing happened at staff meeting the next morning. – Remember, the staff had gone unpaid the previous week and I was telling them I did not know when any of us would get paid. I told them I'd rather free them to make sure they could provide for their families at some other job than to keep them with us and make no money. I explained what ministries and activties we'd cut first as we trimmed budget back from its already skeletal form. – The staff was undaunted, full of faith and unafraid! They all desired, like me, to press on and they all desired to walk by faith and trust God to the resourcing as He trusted us with the ministry. I was humbled. And, excited! Sure, I thought, Some things might have to change – maybe we'll have to close The Warehouse, or cut clubs, or get other jobs – but these beautiful people are committed to The Gospel, not the paycheck! YES, JESUS!

So, together, we decided to press on. Let's just do ministry! was our battle cry. $330.00 of $10,000.00 needed dollars came in that Monday and less than that on Tuesday.

I started and never finished an email to the Board of Directors. This is all I wrote: “Tomorrow's mail; tonight's gift; a miracle...any of these could change the necessity of the following email.” Again, I felt a check in my spirit, and I knew it was God speaking very quietly to me again: “stop typing and wait.” So, I did. The next morning gifts started to pour and all sorts of people began to ask me very directly about the financial status of YFCR. I answered and they gave. Many gave who did not ask!

Between Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon, the Lord used you all to give $14,000.00 to The Gospel. It was all a mighty work of His Spirit!

It truly is better to walk by faith than to walk by sight. This experience has been a wonderful affirmation to the faith and faithfulness of our staff. And, the same can be said for many of our volunteers who are so intimately connected to our mission they know the details of what we do and what we do it with as we do.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful experience! Thank you for listening the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you, telling you to pray for us, work with us or support us with resources. Thank you for your commitment to being an ongoing supporter of The Gospel.

Please consider being added to our “Ministry Report” list, which is sent out via email, and request to be added by emailing me at yfcrox@gmail.com. Though we don't have time to report it all, as our staff has time, they report on various ministry activities, testifying of how they see the Spirit at work in young people.

Things We Ought to Die to...Before They Kill Us

2010-12-17T15:34:00.061-05:00

So, maybe I'm a radical. That's what a lot of people will think these types of things are, by the time I'm through. It's cool. God is radically different than our sinful age and culture, so I am hoping to get labeled with Him.

Here goes...you ready?

I must admit, I am looking at this whole situation through the lens of Genesis 19. Let me give a brief review. Lot is living in Sodom. This is Lot's post-Abraham days. He and his uncle / cousin (whatever they were!) had parted the family business and Lot had chosen the lush valleys down near the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot has become a fixture in the town, so much so that he is sitting at the gate, indicating he was a town leader. God has sent to angels to perform His work of wrath and judgment. Lot doesn't know they're angels, and Lot is a gracious guy, so he invites them over to his house. Sodom was totally bereft of morals and the citizen's of Sodom came to Lot's house and demanded to have "relations" (this IS a family site). Lot didn't give his guests over to those sodomizing fools, but he did suggest they could have his virgin daughters. Wow, right? The angels tell Lot to warn his family, 'cause they are going to destroy the town. Consider Genesis 19:14 = So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, "Up! Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city." But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting. Did you catch that? They thought he was joking! This is what happens to the man and woman of God who assimilates too much. IN the world, but not OF the world!

Lot: Fail.

I ran into a guy yesterday at the local Wal Mart. He isn't a Disciple of Jesus. I want him to be. I've shared truth with him many times. I pray for him and I keep pouring into his life. His family is what used to be called "sharecroppers" but now we say "they rent land" or "they have land under contract." This is an important factor to understand for the rest of this story to make sense.

So, they farm this land and the land owner gets a percentage of all they make. They've been on the land since before I was born, so, for sure, over 39 years. They are very rural, down-to-earth, countryfied kind of folk. They plant, work and harvest. Their lives and fortune are tied to land they don't call their own. At the end of the year, if they've made extra while being honest and upstanding in their living and working, they feel accomplished. Land is a big deal to these folks. They don't own it as much as it owns them. They spend their lives in a struggle to coax fruit from the weeds and thorns and rocks. They plant in the land and curse it and bless it, each according the season and the "fortune" of the season.

Remember, these are not Disciples of Jesus, seeing God's Sovereign Hand in abasing and abounding. They are good people, according to the social standard, and even humble people, but the land and its yield, or lack thereof, is a source of joy or pain for them. That land, with it's hills and gullies, streams and ponds, woods and fields, crop and creature is their lives. Not only do they plant, but they cut and improve; they hunt and they fish; they defend and safeguard.

And, you know, this stuff can be serious. These type of guys can get territorial about "hunting ground." In my days as a neo-flat-land-hillbilly, I have seen some ugly episodes. It can be a seriously serious thing when it concerns safety. I've heard of more than one hunter shot by another hunter for hunting to close to one another, either without realizing how close they were or by carelessness.

At any rate, here's the story...so these farmers are working rented land. Some other guys come along who want to rent the land to hunt on. They pay $1,000.00 to rent the land for hunting purposes. The men who've farmed and hunted where they've rented for years must now go to the new hunt-renters and ask permission to hunt the land they've rented. The farmers probably make the landowner much more money than a those hunter-renters.

I hope you can see into this situation. The farmer guys are upset. They feel looked down upon, passed over and degraded. They feel judged in some respects and ignored in others. Notice, I said "feel." There's always another side of the story, and I haven't heard that. BUT...

BUT...

Here's where my dander gets raised. I don't really need to know the whole story. I know this much: these non-Disciples of Jesus are dealing with Disciples of Jesus. This is what gets me. Hey, men of God, just step back and look at your testimony here! Really. Ask yourself: WWJD?

Does hunting matter more than reaching people for Jesus? Is this that important? Is it worth ruining a testimony to be able to say "I am a slayer of venison!"

Why can't we die to hobbies that get in the way?

I think of the words of Paul right here: "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2).

I know, sure...yes, the simple answer could be to fully integrate the farmer-renter into the fold of the hunter-renter. However, that would mean that testosterone would need to be modulated, pride swallowed, possessiveness forgotten and new friends would have to be made. Graciousness would have to be offered (and received) and communication and coordination would need to be resolved. It may be easier to simply quit!

War's 1974 question in song is appropriate: "Why can't we be friends?"

No, I'm not done...

Have any of you guys witnessed the average "church" basketball league? Ugh.

I was 25 years old when I came to the Lord and for about 10 years I really enjoyed "church" league sports. It took a few years for me to see how much the average team shames the name of God by "playing" under the name of some local congregation. I've faced mobs trying to unionize work places with more decorum than the average "church" team.

I really could write a short book on the episodes I've seen where men (and many times their wives, on the sideline) totally blow their testimony, embarrass their local church and shame the name of the Lord. All for what? Really? Someone tell me.

Now, I have seen a FEW (and by "few" I meant less than 5) truly godly hunting clubs and basketball teams. Whew...basketball, not to mention softball...ugh.

Most are hacking, arguing, whining, complaining, cursing groups who literally shame the name of God (notice: I said "most". I know everyone thinks their team is in the few, but, MOST are not in the few. They are in the MOST category.)

Right here where we live, in this little rural setting, the POLICE were called to a game and then asked to act as security for another. Really? Really? .... Really?

Really?

Is it worth it?

Build a gym at your local church building. Beat each other up. Yell at each other. Curse each other. Oh wait...that'd be just as bad, and like a business meeting, which no one comes to anyway. My bad.

No wonder the church is ignored in America.

Remember my opening Lot rant? Yeah.

Cue laughter.

A Democratic Church needs a Coup D'etat

2010-12-12T07:40:00.001-05:00

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes... (emboldened emphasis mine).

Y'all know where that comes from, right? That's the opening of the Declaration of Independence. Many colonial Americans were angry with Mama Great Britain. King George was waging war and imperialism all over the world and he was doing what every ambitious monarch had done before him, he was taxing (straining) his realm to pay for his ambition. Parliament was in agreement, so they were making laws and statutes that accomplished the king's ends.

The main thing dissenting colonials were offended in was they were taxed without representation. In other words, there were no colonial representatives in the British power structure (Parliament). Early Americans wanted a relationship with Great Britain, but not at the expense of not being able to add their two-cents into the discussion.

They wanted a voice and a vote. It required rebellion and war for them to get it. Have you ever thought about that? They had to find a way to justify their actions before a watching world, so they said "when it becomes necessary..." Now, we Americans LOVE to vote. We treasure the process and even elevate its importance to national activity which culminates in "Super Tuesday" twice a year. We love to vote! Goodness gracious, the more riled up some candidate or policy makes us, the more of us get out the vote.

All that is an introduction. Be nervous. It's become necessary that a new rebellion occur. Our power structure is ignoring a very important Voice.

There is MUCH to be said here, but let me start with ONE LITTLE THING: voting in the church.

Really, where did we get such an idea? I can't find a single instance in the Old Testament where the nation of Israel voted toward a positive result, nor can I can find a New Testament church voted. Now, if I'm wrong, okay; I apologize. However, you're going to have to show me. Let me be quick to say that voting is a good tool in a pluralistic society, where many do not place themselves under the rule of God. However, in the church, it's not good, nor is it biblical.

Voting is something most churches hold sacred. Sure, some are run by dictatorial boards or pastors, but even prayer circles, ministry groups, fellowship groups and activity groups vote on this, that or the other on a regular basis. (It usually sounds like, "We decided....")

There are a lot of problems with voting to make decisions in the Body of Christ. Unless it's a 100% vote, someone always walks away feeling like they lost to other people, and, typically, that means someone walks away angry and offended. Secondly, it leaves people room to bully, lobby, practice nepotism, politic, curry undue favor and practice partiality.

The whole process, in a church, typically mirrors the democratic republic process we use in United States politics. We lobby and discuss and banter stats and facts to support our opinion and also carefully and diligently point out our perception of faults in our "opponents" and then urge people to "vote smart." We all know it's hard to see through all that male-bovine-waste. Is it even smart to listen to twisted information to start with? (DEMAND THE TRUTH, but's that a story for another blog post.)

I can chase this rabbit for a long time, but the point is simple, voting is not biblical, and, for the people of God, it's not even wise.

So, that begs the question: WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL WAY TO MAKE DECISIONS?

I got it. I know.

You know how I do this, right? I looked in the word. The answer is simple as all get out: WE CAST LOTS! (NOTE: this is not the lottery. Don't start tripping!)

Here's one of many examples:

Acts 1:23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (emboldened emphasis mine; http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/acts/1.html, ESV).

Here are many more examples: http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=lots

What's the deal with casting lots? Let's unfold it just a bit. In the cited case, as you probably know well, Judas Iscariot was out of the circle of the Apostles. He was to be replaced. There were some requirements (ref. Acts 2:21-22). There were a limited number of dudes who fit the bill, so they put those two guys names out there and cast lots. In other words, in a very simple definition, they pulled a name out of the hat. What?!?!?!

Am I advocating (so-called) luck? Nope. I am advocating Providence. Let God decide. Sure, people can rig things like this, but IF we don't, Providence can choose. Then, we're not left to "swallow" the decision that people made. Rather, we're left to "swallow" what God is doing. We can fight men and we can assert our wit and will and we can try to turn things around. We can fight God too, but we will lose. Such a time as this is when we might find ourselves working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Say we don't like God's decision, okay...we'll have to sweat and bleed in prayer and seeking His face until we are reconciled to His will again.

There is no where in the revealed will of God where democracy among His people is advocated or propagated toward any productive end. When we use our logic we often defy the will and way of God.

I am always asking myself the following question: What would it look like if the Holy Spirit ran the church?

Here is one small step towards that end. We NEED God to take the "power" and "decision making" out of our hands. We NEED God to be boss again. We NEED to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. We NEED to acknowledge Him in all our ways and allow Him to direct our paths.

We were endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights and one we need to reassert is His rule in our lives and in our churches. We do NOT need the consent of the governed. We need the direction and power of God. It is the right of God to overthrow our unjust church government!

Granted, this is the tip of the iceberg, but I believe I am floating on the right one! We don't need a voice so much as we need His.

I KNOW this much is true: IF we don't turn the church back over to God, He WILL take it back. He WILL remove the lampstand of a local church. There is much that may need to be surrendered for a local body to give themselves back over to God, but here is a positive first step; stop voting and start letting God decide.

Our Declaration says that government should not be overthrown for "light and transient causes." The same could be said of the church. However, regarding who we are allowing to govern us as believers is NOT a light and transient cause; it's major.

I pray God take us over if we won't give ourselves over.

Give Rash Mad Cash & No Quarrel Bash = Sin Lashed to Sad Past

2010-12-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! MONEY!

It's an attention getter, all right. Jesus knew what was close to folks heart, and He was all about getting at someone's heart, so He'd hit that money theme in a hot minute.

I'm fixin' to back door your mind on a concept that we give little thought. Ya ready?

(OK, hip talk exhausted...back to hick talk. I tried to be cool; I just ain't. My bad.)

Peep this (still tryin'):
So, according the minds that be, which, in this case, is the editors of the English Standard Version of Scripture, this passage is about Anger, and I believe that and I'm cool with it (like I need to be cool with it for it be cool, right?). However, I think this passage reveals many other things, and one of which I'd like to tap into is our attitude IN giving. So, read this a couple times and let it sink in. Trust me, you'll learn a lot more than you thought and a lot more than I'm thinking, but I want to touch on this attitude deal, so read the passage and then we'll get on with my thoughts.

Matthew 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. (http://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/matthew/5.html)

Sure, Jesus is talking about the heart, and we know that's what this whole discourse known as the "Sermon on the Mount is all about...the heart...things of the heart...sin of the heart...strength for the heart. Right here, plain and simple, Jesus connects murder to being an issue of the heart. We've all heard someone say "Hey, I ain't ever killed anyone." Jesus says the issue of sin is in OUR HEARTS; our hands/mouth are the valve of the sin, but it's born, raised and lives in our heart.

What an interesting way Jesus engages the listeners. "You heard it said..." That's a hyper-polite way of saying, "Y'all didn't get what We meant by 'Thou shalt not murder!' so let me set your brain waves to a new shore line." See, we need this, right? We need to know it's not just that we keep the bullets in the gun, but we must have a heart that keeps the hate out. Wow...this really is transformational stuff, IF we take it to heart.

How does Jesus drive the point home? Interestingly enough, He attaches the discussion to resources. Remember, Jesus is talking to Jewish people who understand offering as a privilege, lifestyle, act of culture and worship, and, basically speaking, a very normal part of every day life. When Jesus says "if" you are offering He is not speaking in a hypothetical sort of way, like we think of making an offering. What He is doing is placing a deep lesson in the middle of a normal discipline.

Let me say this...I have NO IDEA who does or might read my blog...I am writing this because it was stirred in me and I had to let it out. I'm feeling like the prophet who said, "there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot" (Jeremiah 20:9).

Here's where I get to this one little minor point I feel the need to hit on.

That being said...you may or may not have a discipline of giving. Truly, ALL of us have a discipline of giving, but what I mean is the discipline of making offering to the Lord. It seems what Jesus is talking about is a very "spiritual" activity, not just pulling something out the pocket and dropping it in a passing plate. There's some thought and interchange indicated here. IF you are giving AS you are interchanging with the Living God and HE shows you that YOU HAVE SOMETHING against someone....

...what?

Whoa. Wait. Hold up.

It's almost like Jesus is advocating deep thought with giving. Could it be? Is He advocating something spiritual about giving? Is He saying it could be a platform for sin-analysis? You tell me.

I know this much. The average offering collector is afraid for offerings to become God-honoring-spiritual in nature because the average church-pew-sitting-giver is not really interested in discipleship-worshipper godliness, so the collector is afraid they'll stop giving if we make this a "spurutchel" endeavor.

I think such thinking makes for better offerings because it makes for better offerers. Jesus is challenging hearers to resist going through the motions of doing religious formation and get into motion with relational transformation.

This little thought opens up so many other avenues, such as, wise giving, generous giving, conflict resolution, the principles of reaping and sowing, judgment, reconciliation, humility, obedience, bondage, freedom, and O SO MUCH MORE!!!! (Man, God's word goes hard!)

I have a simple encouragement today: EXPECT offerings to be an exchange between yourself and God; one where the Holy Spirit speaks to you and one where you obey. IF it's an issue of sin; repent. IF you've done wrong to your brother, or ANYONE, get it right. Clean your vessel before pouring something out of it for the Lord.

Think of Cain and Abel...that ol' boy had something against his brother, for sure! Where did that start, ironically? At the time of offering. It went unresolved, and what was in Cain's heart made it to Abel head through Cain's club (or some device). The murder in Cain's heart was made murder in actuality when it went unchecked and the issue went unresolved.

Listen, you know it and I know it, we have all kinds of things in our heart. It doesn't have to be murder to kill our walk with God. All sin is death. Before we offer, while we offer, when we offer, if we offer...a dime, a prayer, a bit of service...whenever we offer, whatever we offer, let's meet with the Lord and listen to what He says.

If we give rashly, and even if it's a mad amount of cash, but we don't bash the quarrels in our hearts then we'll be lashed in sin and our unresolved sad past.

Let's take the teaching of Jesus to heart.

Transparency Got Me

2010-09-10T23:15:00.001-05:00

I love it. I can't lie. I love the new Domino's advertising campaign and I love the new crust and I love free pizza. Wait, I haven't gotten any free pizza, but I did want to mention that I love it.

However, my blatant appeals for free pizza notwithstanding, my point today is something else entirely. This very morning, at Septemeber 10, 7:30 real-American time, I saw a refreshing commercial. I may be naive. I may have just bought into another slick ad campaign. I may be an idiot. Whatever I might be, I like what I saw.

They've had this campaign going for a while in which they are urging customers to take a picture of their pizzas when delivered. The concept is that they don't need to set up picture ops by spraying their pizzas, or nailing them to a board or whatever tricks advertising people use. They say the product is good enough to stand AND it's good enough that anyone could photograph it at any time and it's still good. Not all pizzas are being delivered in tip-top shape, so you can imagine that some pictures are coming in of some jacked-up pizzas.

I remember the "Avoid the Noid" campaign that I thought was so cheesy that I could care less if there pizzas were. That was the 80s and Dominos pizza crust tasted like cardboard to me, and had about the same texture. However, the toppings were good and the Noid was fun enough, in a weird way, to give ol' DP a run. They aren't that way anymore.

Apparently they realized they needed change. They've made it. They made a commitment to improve their pizza and I think they've done a good job of doing that, and, in so doing, have changed their whole image. It's worked on me; no Papa's except when in conjunction with the Mama's.

This leads me to the part I really like. The CEO, or some high ranking official, of Domino's displayed a picture a kid sent in of a recent pizza order. The pizza was stuck to the inside top of the box. The executive seemed genuinely upset; he seemed genuine when he said he would not abide by poor quality such as that. He promised to make sure Domino's remained vigilant until all needed changes were realized to make Domino's good again.

They stepped up. Domino's seems transparent. I'm buying it. Matter of fact, I really did buy Domino's for lunch. It was good too!

If it's fake, they got me. I'm fooled. My tastebuds are fooled. My senses are fooled. IF that's what they are doing, they got me.

There are tons of lessons here, but big one sticks out to me: BE TRANSPARENT. Where there are flaws, deal with them. Where there are weaknesses, shore them up. Where there is failure, admit it. No excuses. No smoke. No mirrors. Domino's said they needed a better crust. They concocted one. They said their pizzas would stand on their own, without the aid of fancy photography. They failed. They confessed. They renewed the commitment and continued the campaign.

My goodness. What would happen if we ran our lives like this? Transparent. Confessional. Purposeful. Intentional. Correcting. Genuine.

Maybe Domino's could teach us a few things about our witnessing campaign.

Things that make you go "Hmmm..."

2010-09-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

I love children, rock music, education, government, teachers and America. I think you need to know these things before you read any further. Some of the young people tell me that I "go hard," so I think some disclaimers are in order this morning.

America has become a weird hodgepodge of morality defined by illogical standards. I saw a strange episode recently that highlighted this. I don't even know if I can tell it without gettin' crazy, anticipatin' love and music...er...wait...

I meant without passion. Boston showed up in my mind.

During the course of my pastoral duty, I was having lunch with some elementary students. I always LOVE these times. Kids say the darndest things, so talking with them is a joy. They also have a beautiful, simplistic faith that seems to energize my oft-complicated view of things and remind me to simply trust and obey. (I think this is an unusual case of digress to progress...little to do with the story, but good to remember!)

So, that's the scene. Me. Lunch room. Kids. Gettin' it.

It was in a smaller school, the kind with the gym / lunch room combo that is a curtain pull away from being an auditorium. A gym class was happening on the other side of the big curtain, right beside us. Music was playing and directions were being shouted. We Will Rock You by Queen began to play. My first thought was, Dang, we did gym to no music and these kids are jammin' out! Hmmm...I do remember listening to The Sound of Music once while we did a cake walk. Wow.

Then, I began to look around and notice children all over the cafeteria KNEW THE SONG. What? This is Justin Bieber / Hannah Montana territory. They know Queen? Have I been transported to Backyonderland? Children not only knew the song, but they were singing and dancing! Even short adults are tall in elementary school, so it was easy to look over the whole crowd. I noticed it right away; it was like the first few kernels of corn beginning to pop, then more as students spun, snapped, clapped and boogied in their seats.

Then it hit me...THIS is allowed in school, but prayer, the Bible and faith is not? Hunh? What? See...what had happened was...

Did I mention "Hunh?"

I love rock-n-roll. I know many people would automatically grade me a pagan for that admission, but, pfffttt... I do really like it. I like Queen. Don't believe me? Check out my iPod. You'll see. Still, I don't hold Queen up as any sort of example for morality. Their lead singer was a homosexual. Sure, he was an awesome singer, maybe one of the best rock singers of all time. I'm not here to drag that guy down or run his name through the mud. He's deceased. It's unproductive. I know America's morality-nouveau equals homosexual equals cool. However, as antiquated as He might be, God still calls it sin. I'm not even here to debate that. The thing that hit me is that we have so promoted this stuff in schools that kids KNOW it and RESPOND to it at the drop of the hat.

Don't get me wrong, I KNOW that a child's morality and education MUST BE THE PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY. Not only do I know it's not the school's job to raise my children, but even if I didn't think the system was broke, I wouldn't want them to. That's my job.

I'm just saying...

Its' a strange place, both in time and geography, where we can't talk about Jesus in the public schools, but Freddie Mercury is "normal". Did I miss something? Okay, maybe it's just time. Maybe time fixes morality in such a way that 30 years down the road everything is noble. Maybe they'll beebop to Marilyn Manson in a few years. Sure. That must be it. Just more time and Jesus will be cool again, right?

I guess Elvis' gyrating hips would not be much of a stir anymore. But, that Jesus still is unsafe and controversial. The nerve of Him!

It's not the music. It's not Freddie. It's not even the issue of homosexuality. It's the illogical way we seem to go at things in America. YOU -- yes, YOU, Mr. Government -- can decide what is cool for my kids to hear in school, and THIS is what you chose? THIS is what we got in the trade when we (The Church) silently let you begin to dictate too much of what's good and right? Really? How did you arrive at that decision? What criteria did you use?

Don't worry. This is not a public outcry. I'm not worried. I am thoughtful. I will teach my children. I will obey the Lord and shape their moral compass according to Him. I will teach them to love all kinds of good things; maybe even a few Queen songs, with a discerning ear / mind, of course.

It's our own fault anyway. Kids don't beebop, boogie, clap or sing in church either. Perhaps our worldliness is more contagious than our godliness...

Ouch.

Fruitful Disciple

2010-09-09T22:10:00.001-05:00

I believe I can teach the whole church something that WE all need to know.

Sometimes it probably comes across as arrogance, but I truly don't mean for it to come out that way. I am confident in what God wants to do in and through His church. It's not because I am "in the know" with some sort of special gnosis. I'm not. I only have two things going for me, and I can't take credit for either thing. First, God's word is pretty clear on the subject at hand. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is speaking with absolute clarity on this issue because it's constantly coming up.

What's the issue? Discipleship. Being and making disciples. Simple. We've got to get back to this. It WILL flow out of an abiding relationship with God. It just will. The cacophony of attention-grabbing, peace-stealing things that hammer at our attention every day only push that Still Small Voice further into whereverland; we need to hear and heed That Voice. Not to mention the hundreds of gods who sink claws into us; gods that look like hobbies and innocent "fun"; even religious goulash that has pious or sacred words as its identifiers steal away genuine stuff of faith and fellowship with Almighty God. We've got to get back to the main thing; walking with Jesus -- as a disciple -- WHILE teaching others to walk with Jesus -- as disciples.

I'm not talking about event-based evangelism. I am not talking about event-based teaching / learning (like most Sundays are in the average fellowship). I'm talking about The Church getting down to the blessed, privileged business of walking with Jesus. It's not new, but it's not being done on a wide-scale either. Hey, Lady...yeah, you...Ms. Church...hello? Let's talk. I've got some things I want to whisper to US. And, some things to shout.

And, I am tired of beating up the already-bruised-and-beaten Bride of Christ. I'm tired of blaming. I am tired of apathy. I am tired of complaining. I decided about 3 years ago to forsake that speech, and I'm learning to forsake the attitude. I'm going in a different direction. I am simply going to pursue the biblical mission of making disciples, gleaning from believers everywhere those who are hungry and ready for MORE...you know, that kind of MORE in Ephesians 3:20...the kind of MORE that says "GOD IS ABLE" to do more than we can even imagine! I am going after that. That's my mission. Make and grow disciples. Period.

I have a message. I have a vision. I have purpose.

Sure, it's not original. Praise God, it's HIS and it's antique, even pre-historical. Sure, it's the same drum I've been banging to people close to me for a few years, but I heard a man say one time that it's okay to keep plucking one note when it's THE NOTE. This is the note. I am taking the show to a larger audience.

So, maybe I'm talking to the wind, but I'm talking nonetheless. So, I might be unoriginal, and that's cool. I might SEEM arrogant, and even though I don't want that, I'll take that rap if it serves the purpose to awaken the ears of folks to the message.

You interested in getting into this? Come to Fruitful Disciple. Theme: Discipleship. New? No. Relevant? Absolutely. Important? Imperative.

I got something to say to you. Are you willing to listen?

2010-01-22T13:16:00.001-05:00

If you came to the blog for the vision video, please look on my channel on YouTube: revtwbowes

Thanks!

Broken

2010-01-20T17:46:00.001-05:00

Apparently, my site is broken.

2010-01-20T10:05:00.001-05:00

God is good!

Ellington Designs and Promotionals

2010-01-20T01:02:00.001-05:00

Hey, all my friends...check these people out for your design and promotional needs. I highly recommend this business out of Halifax County, VA. Tell them Tim Bowes referred you and you'll get the special treatment for sure!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/pages/Scottsburg-VA/Ellington-Designs-Promotionals/130970010398?ref=ts

30 Days of Vision, Part 6

2010-01-18T21:38:00.003-05:00

30 Days of Vision, Part 5

2010-01-17T23:17:00.002-05:00

Alberto and Minerva from Youth For Christ Nicaragua

2010-01-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

30 Days of Vision, Part 4

2010-01-16T15:02:00.002-05:00

Big Dream

2010-01-16T14:27:00.001-05:00

If the Lord will allow it, I am going to drive all the way from Alaska to Brazil one day. What do you think?

30 Days of Vision, Part 3

2010-01-15T11:46:00.003-05:00

30 Days of Vision, Part 2

2010-01-14T16:44:00.002-05:00

30 Days of Vision, Part 1

2010-01-13T13:25:00.002-05:00

Shaken and Stirred

2009-12-24T12:08:00.000-05:00

“…He stirs up the people…” (Luke 23:5 – ESV)

If you’re from around here, or have lived here long, you know about our great traditions of cooking hog meat and pots of stew. Apparently these practices are not normal everywhere, but my belly sure does appreciate the normality of our local eating customs!

Every year my father-in-law, one of his friends, and his two brothers cook a stew on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The key to cooking a stew is a good recipe. Assuming you have a good stew recipe, you need a good crew of stirrers. One thing you do not want to happen is for your stew to stick to the pot! This is catastrophic! Thirty gallons of ingredients can be wasted if not stirred properly, but this same potpourri mixture of meats, vegetables and other stuff can be a wonderful treat if cooked slowly and stirred properly.

Funny…sometimes a good stirring is just what’s needed, with both stews and people.

The snippet of Scripture in today’s devotion is taken from the end of Jesus’ earthly life and it’s very appropriate for this time of year, even as we celebrate the beginning of His earthly life. This comment was made by the religious leaders of Israel who had arrested Jesus and taken Him before Pilate to be tried and punished. They had many complaints, but one of the main accusations was that Jesus “stirs up” people with His teaching. It’s true! He’s guilty!

It’s perfect that Jesus was guilty of stirring people up with His teaching because His whole life was about causing a stir.

The announcement alone that Jesus was going to be born of Mary’s womb stirred Mary and Joseph up in a terrible way. John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb at the very presence of the fetal Christ. God called a census through the Roman government that stirred up thousands of people as they were charged with being counted in their ancestral hometowns. He even moved critters out of barns just so He could be born!

An angel came down from heaven, announcing His birth to shepherds, interrupting their work. A multitude of angels joined the herald angel to worship Immanuel as He was being born. All of this ruckus occurred before the Christ Child set a tiny foot on the soil! He certainly was responsible for stirring things up!

The Christ Child made the star move and led Wise Men to Himself. He caused the scribes to search scrolls and ponder prophesies. He made Herod the king so nervous that Herod called out the troops to kill Jesus (they failed, but I guess you knew that). He made His family move from one place to the other until they settled, at some point in His childhood, in Nazareth.

Even then, as he grew to be a young man, Jesus astounded religious teachers and stopped the family caravan whilst they searched for Him.
When Jesus began His earthly ministry He really stirred things up. He made religious leaders insanely angry. He made demons run away by the hordes. He made sickness disappear and forgave sins, sometimes to the fury of religious system. He made political figures have to consider the worth of His ministry and the intent of His actions. He made people leave their jobs, forsake their sins, and transformed lives. He made sisters disagree and brothers switch allegiance. He denied Satan and embraced the down-trodden. He incensed the proud and healed the humble. Jesus turned society, the church, homes and the government on its ears!

Yes! He stirs things up! Even today, we can stand on Him as the cornerstone or be crushed by Him as the Rock of Ages.

Frankly, the truth is that if Jesus’ hasn’t stirred you, you’re probably stuck and in danger of being burnt. As for me, I am thankful to be shaken and stirred.

Luke #70 – Gift of Grace Shared

2009-12-18T07:48:00.001-05:00

Luke #70 – Gift of Grace Shared
“And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, ‘Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, ‘Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.’ And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him” (Luke 5:7-11 – King James Version).

My dad had a friend named Charlie when we lived in Texas that was a lot of fun to be around. Charlie loved kids and he did a lot of nice things for us. The first time I met Charlie he asked me to come over to his house; “It’s on the lake; you can go fishing,” he said. Well, fishing or no fishing, I didn’t know that fellow very well and I wasn’t too keen on the idea. My dad said, “Go ahead, boy, it’s all right.” Trying to find something that might interest me, Charlie said, “I’ve got a big, pink yacht over there and you can ride it!” Well, now…that changed things dramatically! First off, I liked riding boats and secondly a pink boat was a sight that shouldn’t be passed over. I decided to go.

On the way over to Charlie’s house he stopped at a convenience store. “Do you want a piece of gum?” asked Charlie. “Well, I guess so; thanks,” was my weak reply. I didn’t want to turn down Charlie’s kindness, but I wasn’t (nor am I now) in love with bubble gum. If I had to chew the stuff I wanted Super Bubble. I got a piece and was blowing bubbles pretty good when Charlie came out of the store. I noticed right away that Charlie had one of those large, plastic buckets of gum under his arm. He got into the truck and presented the bucket to me, exclaiming, “It’s all yours!” Though I neither needed nor wanted that much gum, I liked Charlie from that moment on.

We had not been in Texas long, so I was in want of making new friends. I found out that many kids went to the Dairy Queen every day. I went down to that ice cream shop and handed out gum. I made some new friends with that big bucket of Super Bubble. The bonus was that I was making friends with gifts that didn’t cost me a dime. (For the record…Charlie did have a big, pink boat…it was grand!)

When I reread these verses today I remembered good ‘ol Charlie and that story above. The big boat and the chewing gum served to get my attention and from there Charlie and I became good friends. Charlie was always good to me, so I tried my best to respond in kind.

The great catch of fish got Peter’s attention. From there he went on to become well acquainted with the Lord Jesus. How did Jesus first get your attention?

I cannot help but notice that Peter’s first instinct was to share the Lord’s blessing. Peter and his fishing mates “beckoned unto their partners” and both ships were filled with fish. The Lord has blessed us all in some way and many of us in many ways. What have you shared from His benevolent hand? I gave away gum that cost me nothing just as Peter gave away fish that cost him nothing. The Lord Jesus gives us things all the time (even the air of our lungs and the blood in our veins) and I truly believe He intends for us to share. Has God blessed you with money? Share it. Has God blessed you with the abundance to have more things (cars, property, clothes, houses, food, etc) than you have NEED of? Share them. Every thing we have comes by His grace and we have the RESPONSIBILITY to share those things. If Peter had kept all the fish his ship may have sank (verse 7). He gave them away and both boats nearly sank! We are drowning in things! We NEED to give some of them away before they pull us under!

The story with Charlie stops at things, but the truth of Jesus’ giving only begins with things. Christ then called those fellows to become fishers of men. Sure, they would continue to share the things that God gave them, but a higher gifting was at hand. The giving would be better as well as the gifts. Where once Peter had only fish to share, now he would be given the privilege of sharing the message of life (Acts 3:6)!

Do you want to give away something that cost you nothing? Do you want to have the proper response to the grace of God? Share the grace that has been given you! Share liberally for the supply is unending. Share confidently; “fear not,” the Giver will insure the gift! Share often, it cost us nothing and the price (a dear one at that), has been paid! Rather than material gifts that may weigh us down to near sinking, the gift of life in Jesus lifts us up! SHARE IT! Bubble gum will serve to make friends for a moment; the gift of life makes friends that last forever. Share it!

Luke #69 – Reality Series

2009-12-17T10:23:00.001-05:00

Luke #69 – Reality Series
“And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, ‘Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, ‘Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.’ And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him” (Luke 5:7-11 – King James Version).

Do you watch those reality shows on TV? I am very wary of them. Reality is defined as “state or quality of being real” or a “resemblance to what is real.” These shows are real, because there are real things happening to real people, but it stops there. There is a fine line right here…these shows are drama, not reality. Regular folk DO NOT go and live on a deserted island with people they cannot stand and hardly any food. Regular folk do not get into vats of cockroaches or eat live critters. Regular people do not get their spouse from a game show. Regular people do not trade wives for a month to see if someone else’s is better. This is not reality, but I am afraid that through popular television, people will begin to think that it is. All that it is TV setting people up to perform an unrehearsed drama and sacrifice their self-respect at the altar of ratings.

Today’s Scripture presents us with reality that we would rather think of as fantasy. The Lord Jesus causes the fisherman to receive such a great haul of fish that their nets brake. At the command to cast out and fish, Peter had been obedient, but he did not believe any thing would happen. When Peter saw the great haul of fish, his unbelief was revealed and Peter fell before the Lord confessing. The reality is that much of the church walks behind a veil of unbelief.

What do I mean by that? Simply this, we go through the motions, careful to do the right things, but we don’t really believe anything will happen. We are like some surreal “reality” show that fakes the appearance of true reality. We pray because we are supposed to, but do we expect God to not only hear, but to move? Do we have unbelieving hearts that need to fall broken before God?

Another plain reality is this: when we see or realize the power of God, we will fall down before Him. When we have an encounter with the Lord Jesus we will fall down before Him crying, “I AM UNWORTHY!” Too often we are trying to get some kind of warm fuzzy feeling from Jesus, when what we should have is an awesome reverence for Him.

Another plain reality: when Peter realized the power of this God-Man, Christ Jesus, Peter’s concentration was no longer on the stuff. By stuff I mean the fish in this particular case. His concentration switched from things to his soul condition and Peter’s concentration also switched to worship of Christ. Too often we want stuff from the Lord, but what He wants from us is worship.

Another plain reality: the moment Jesus got those guys attention He gave them a new agenda. Their agenda was no longer fishing for fish, but fishing for souls. Too often we want the stuff, and we want our own agenda, and we want Jesus on the side or mixed in with that mess. Jesus calls His followers to a new, different, higher, and better agenda. It is certainly not a personal agenda.

Another plain reality: when Jesus calls and when we respond, it cannot be a half-hearted venture. Verse 11 says that those fellows “forsook all” and “followed Him.” Can each of say today that we have taken this posture with the Lord? Are we trying to cling to the old man, the old life, and the old way? Are we trying to have this life and the one Jesus offers at the same time? They have very different ends; which do we want?

Another plain reality: our service and devotion to Christ is not conditional. Jesus gave no time frame to these fishermen’s call. He gave them no mission directive; it was an open ended call to follow Him…come what may…at His discretion.

I really believe that today’s church (that’s you and me) wants something that resembles the Christian life, but we don’t want it to be too real. We want ratings over reality. The reality is that we are sinful people in the presence of a holy God. We cannot act as if it is any other way and we cannot ignore God’s holiness or our sinfulness and claim to know Him or serve Him. It is not a drama, but a reality. The reality is that we cannot live the old life and the new life at the same time. We MUST forsake all to follow Him. God will not settle for our definition of a reality that “resembles” something other than the real deal. God will not settle for a dramatic reality that is anything but real. He wants real people, sure, but He wants people to be real with Him…recognize who we are and who He is, count the cost, forsake it all, and follow Him and His agenda. Are we living television’s idea of reality or God’s?

2009-12-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

Get in Step with the Spirit (MHBC)

2009-12-07T21:25:00.002-05:00

Luke #68 – Under New Management

2009-12-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

Luke #68 – Under New Management
“Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.’ And Simon answering said unto Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.’ And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake” (Luke 5:4-6 – King James Version).

I had just left class in Wake Forest when my cell phone rang. It was Care and I could tell she was very upset. “What’s wrong?” is all I said. “It’s Katie,” Care replied, “Her arm is hurting and she has been crying for over an hour. I can’t tell what’s wrong with it!” I said, “I am coming!” When I got home (about an hour later) Katie was still crying. Now, Katie is a daddy’s girl, so when she saw me she began to cry all the more. I sat down and pulled Katie into my lap. I began to inspect her arm and she commenced to wailing all the harder. I thought her arm might be dislocated. She had fallen while walking; as she was holding Care’s hand, Care tried to catch her. That sounded like something that might cause her arm to pop out of place. I have been involved in all sorts of injuries and thought I could pop it into place…wrong move! I thought Katie was going to fall apart she was screaming so loud. Flustered, at wits end, and tired of my little girl being in pain I concluded that a trip to the emergency room was in order. Then it occurred to me that we had not prayed; asking God to intervene. As per James 5:15-16, I prayed, believing God to move. Katie let me lay hands on her and I petitioned God with confidence. After the “Amen”, Katie wouldn’t let me touch the arm anymore. We got in the van and headed for the hospital. I wondered What did I do wrong? Before we were half way to town, she lifted the arm above her head and declared, “My arm is all better!” Praise God!

As Simon Peter had been fishing all night and I imagine he was pretty tired, yet at the word of Jesus, Peter pressed on. Under new management the fishing crew hauled in a catch that was too great for their equipment! After an experience like that I would imagine that Peter would want Jesus as a fishing partner anytime!

MANY lessons can be found here in this simple piece of Scripture. We can learn to press on, even when tired. We can learn a lesson in obedience; even when the situation seems bleak, just obey the Master. We can learn a lesson in trust; let God have His way and trust the results to Him. We can learn a lesson about usefulness; it’s not that we need grand equipment or strategies, but that we need to allow everything for the Lord’s usage. We can learn a lesson in preparedness; be ready to be used or to have your possessions used (remember…when this passage began, those fellows were cleaning the nets – verse 2).

There is a lesson that just jumps out at me for today. It is a lesson about management. I cannot stand those signs that are often seen on car plates or bumper stickers that say “God is my Co-pilot.” Phoooey! He ought to be the pilot! Personally, I don’t want to drive! I did that for a while and wrecked my life! The Bible says that there is a way that SEEMS right to a person, but that way leads to death (Proverbs 16:25). Mankind doesn’t need someone riding shotgun, watching them wreck the ride. We need someone to grab the wheel and not fight the direction He wants to drive in.

Peter’s fishing enterprise came under new management and the results were vastly different. That’s what I want! Take over my life Lord! I am tired and weary, but at Thy bidding, I will give this enterprise to You! I want to turn every part over to this God that does so much with so little; my mind, my time, my hands and feet, my mouth, and yes, even my money. Even when it comes to giving tithes and offerings the Lord God will bless until the equipment bursts (Malachi 3:10). The Lord God Almighty wants to take over our lives and produce a better and different product than what we were doing. How about it, my friend? Are you under new management?

When I finally wised up and let the Lord take over Katie’s injury, His results far outweighed what my efforts produced. It might have seemed like a small thing, but it taught me a great lesson in having the proper management in charge. The Lord God, in Christ Jesus, has healed my dislocated soul, repaired my broken heart, and mended my distorted mind. I sure am glad I gave this messed up project to Him! It was not easy…I had so much work in it that it was hard to turn it over. I wasn’t sure He could or would fix it at first, but now I am running over with HIM! I glad He fired that old man and Jesus took over management of my life!

2009-12-05T14:12:00.001-05:00

Luke #67 – The World Was His Pulpit

2009-12-05T02:21:00.000-05:00

Luke #67 – The World Was His Pulpit
“And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down, and taught the people out of the ship (Luke 5:1-3 – King James Version).

Recently my wife and I were talking to an old friend, Bob McLaughlin, at our neighborhood swimming hole. I met Care at the pool after going to the grocery store, a chore that Care particularly hates. The baby went with me and Katie Ruth went with her mom to the pool. Bob said, “Care, stop being so rough on your husband.” My extremely good-natured wife was puzzled, saying, “Bob, what are you talking about?” “Well,” Bob continued, “you get to go to the pool while Tim takes the baby to the grocery store. I already know he does all the cooking in the house. Give the boy a break!” I was laughing my head off by this point. Care, without missing a beat, said, “Bob, all that may be true, but I have to listen to Tim preach everyday!” Knowing my penchant for a soapbox and a sermon, Bob said, “Yep, didn’t think of that…that does change everything…Tim should do more since you have to listen to him all the time!”

The night before this incident I went fishing with my brother and nephew, David and Travis. We were on a pontoon in the middle of the night, in the middle of McGhee’s Mill; we had played several games such as naming songs with certain words in the title (always a good thing to do while waiting for catfish to bite!). We began playing another game; we started telling Bible stories. The rules were simple: tell the story from memory and in our own words. Things like this sharpen our ability to share BIG truths from the word of God in ways that are easily grasped. I was with a group of teenagers once, doing the same thing, at a bunch of picnic tables. Afterwards, one young lady said, “I didn’t know I knew so much about the Bible!” Most of us would be surprised by how much of the Word is implanted over the years; we might not even begin to understand how much is there until we begin letting it out. Sharing sharpens.

I think it is totally amazing that Jesus was always ready to teach people; lead them in understanding God’s word. The entire world was His pulpit! Jesus did not need just the right circumstance, the right time, or the right place. Everywhere He went He was ready to preach and teach. He taught in the local worship halls, on hillsides, in the street, or beside (and IN) a lake. We would do well to emulate Christ in this!

Sometimes I do my greatest preaching in Wal-Mart. Being a local boy, I see tons of people I know when I shop, or at the swimming pool, as I fish, when I go to ball games, or wherever I am in and around town. How will people know about the love and plan of God unless someone tells them (Romans 10:13-15)? I want to be ready in season and out; ready at all times to share God’s word with people, that as I go along, folks may be helped and changed (2 Timothy 4:2; Galatians 6:9). I notice too that Jesus didn’t need to get into or out of priestly robes to share God’s word. One moment He was teaching and preaching and the next He was fishing (verses 3 and 4). Nothing interrupted Him; He went about His day and every moment was an opportunity to share God’s messages of salvation and judgment. He was always ready! Can we say that we are following His lead in this?

I don’t just hope it will happen, that I get to share; I pray it happens! I prepare; I constantly read and study Scripture. I often preach to the empty walls of my house so that I will be ready to preach to people. I tell Care all the time that I am going to make a pulpit with wheels so I can roll it all over the house practicing my preaching. Care hears more sermons than anyone, but she is helping me prepare and we are growing together. Sharing sharpens.

Friend, the devotional thought for today is simple: don’t wait for the right place, time, or circumstance to share God’s word. Don’t think that you’ve got to do it at church only. Don’t think that you can’t share in Wal-Mart while wearing shorts and flip-flops or at your work place wearing a polo shirt or work boots. The thing we need to do is be prepared. Study and share; both sharpen. The world was Jesus’ pulpit…everywhere He was and went…can we say the same?

2009-12-05T01:59:00.001-05:00

2009-12-05T00:24:00.001-05:00

Fat Body, Big God and Discipline = Entry #5

2009-12-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

Still fat. However, I want to rejoice in God at my pursuit. I am not dieting, but I am making choices. The big choice is to eat and drink with more wisdom. I have been doing that. I have been drinking extremely reduced amounts of tea and soft drinks. For example, I only drank three soft drinks and one glass of tea between the beginning of September and Thanksgiving. I must confess, for most of Thanksgiving weekend, I ate and drank whatever I wanted to eat and drink. I simply enjoyed the holiday gatherings.

That's been a good change, but it's not simply a declaration. It's been facing every meal and every snack by making good choices.

I haven't weighed in a long time, and don't care to do it now.

After much prayer, this week I started to consciously cut down on carbs. I haven't gone nuts, but I've really cut back. I didn't throw the croûtons out of my Caesar salad yesterday, but I didn't eat the bread with it.

Lord, help me, I'll get there...

Luke #66 – Hand in Hand

2009-12-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

Luke #66 – Hand in Hand
“And He preached in the synagogues of Galilee. And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 4:44-5:1 – King James Version).

I love to play billiards. I hardly play these days for lack of time and a decent place in which to do it. Recently, I was playing at a friend’s house. A young person saw me using two items on the end of my stick and wanted to know what I was doing. First, I showed them a small block of blue chalk that I put on the end of my stick to help the stick and ball make good, non-slipping contact. Later on, the young person saw me using an abrasive tool on the end of the stick. “Doesn’t that take all of the chalk off?” asked the teenager. It was good thinking and I said as much. Then I explained that many times the end of a pool cue becomes so slick that it will not and cannot hold chalk. One must take the abrasive tool and rough the shooting end of the pool cue; this roughing process not only softens the tip, but it provides a means by which the chalk can then stick to the shooting end of the cue. Both items not only have a place, but are very much needed to help the cue function properly.

In today’s verses we find our Lord Jesus teaching in the synagogues and on a lake shore. As you investigate the Gospels you will see that Christ shared the message of salvation and how to properly walk with God no matter where He was or what platform He had to speak from.

There are two key things that this passage makes me think of. First, we need para-church organizations. Some Christians frown on para-church organizations, but I am a great fan of these ministries. Often an organization that works outside the boundaries of church life can have a more focused ministry than the staff and laypersons of the local church could have. In the same way, many times a church cannot go where a para-church ministry can with laws that govern the separation of church and state. Also, the average church has many ministries going on at one time and a para-church organization can devote itself fully to one type of ministry. Many times a para-church ministry focuses on more than one thing, but I have never seen nor heard of a para-church ministry that has as many different ministries as any local congregation.

The church is a well organized body whose main focus is growing saints into the fullness of Christ Jesus. The synagogues of Jesus time functioned much in the same way. One moment Christ was teaching in the organized synagogue and the next Jesus was out on the lake shore doing the same thing. Both of these ways of ministering to people were important in Jesus’ time and are important today.

The second thing this passage makes me think of it the fact that we must leave the hallowed walls of the church building and meet people where they are. Too many times we sit back hoping people will be dazzled enough by our programs to come to us when what we need is to take to them what they need. Jesus understood that there was plenty of ministry to do to people in organized religion, but there was a lot of ministry to do outside of that as well.

Like the sanding tool and the chalk, para-church ministries and the well founded, organized church do not seem to go hand in hand, but they do. Like the two tools for preparing a pool cue to function properly, both in-church and outside-church efforts are needed. The sanding tool prepares the stick for the chalk. Outside-church and para-church ministries often prepare people for church.

Support and participate with God honoring para-church organizations. Get out of the church walls and meet people where they are. The point is not to bring them to your church, but to introduce them to your savior. That introduction alone will get the vast majority into a church body. Church work and the work done outside of the walls go hand in hand. Forsake neither…support and participate in both.

Luke #65 – Crumbs or Buffet?

2009-12-03T22:49:00.001-05:00

Luke #65 – Crumbs or Buffet?
“And when it was day, He departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought Him, and came unto Him, and stayed Him, that He should not depart from them. And He said unto them, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.’ And He preached in the synagogues of Galilee” (Luke 4:42-44 – King James Version).

I am notorious for picking up hitchhikers. The way I figure it is that for a few moments, at least, I have a captive audience to share the Gospel with. I also figure that if a person is walking somewhere and is trying to get a ride along the way, then they aren’t walking because they necessarily want to walk. That tells me that person may be experiencing some difficulty or some laziness…either way; I think they are people to whom I can minister.

While in Roxboro, NC I picked a fellow up one day who told me that he had been walking from Georgia to Virginia. He’d been sleeping under bridges and eating hand to mouth, as he was broke. We went through a fast food drive through, and I headed toward South Boston, VA where the man said he was from. Along the way (I was driving slowly) I shared God’s love with the man and shared God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. He listened, but did not respond. He wanted me to drop him at the Hardees in South Boston. As we stopped in the parking lot the man asked me for some money. I immediately gave him enough to use the pay phone. I asked the man did he own a copy of the Scripture; as he did not, I gave him a Bible. I also attempted to give him an Eternal Life tract, but he refused. I guess he wanted a ride in my car and the food I could provide, but he didn’t want the greatest gift that I had offered, which was Jesus (not that Jesus is mine to give, but you know what I mean). Here’s the kicker…while the man was on the phone I put a $20 bill in the tract. He didn’t take the tract, which was of greater importance than the money, and he missed out on the money too. The only other money I had was $7 and some change; I gave it to him and headed home. He got the crumbs when he could’ve gotten the buffet.

As was plainly stated yesterday, the people of Capernaum did not want Jesus to leave. They begged Him not to go. I could not help but notice that when Jesus says that He must go preach, not one of them says, “OH, PLEASE STAY HERE AND DO THAT!”

You know, it seems like the folks in Capernaum then are just like the people around here now. They want Jesus, but only on their own terms. They want the healing touch of Jesus and the salvation that would keep them from hell, but they don’t want to give their lives to Him. They want what He has without obeying what He says. It seems people want God’s love without God’s requirements. People seem to want to experience Christ’s healing hands without heeding His call to holiness. It seems people want the power without the preaching! They want the call without the conviction!

Those folks in Capernaum wanted what was good for them, but were not concerned about the kingdom. That’s the way of most people and churches these days. If it doesn’t help them personally or grow their own church, they seem to not be interested. Christ wasn’t concerned with putting Capernaum on the map (so to speak), rather He was concerned with the Kingdom which is never limited to a map or an individual.

Human beings, by our sinful nature, are selfish and self-centered. Christ ministry on earth was centered on the will of God and He stayed focused on that. He looked beyond what was comfortable for Himself to what was good for us all and profitable for the Kingdom; had He not, He would have never died on that cross. Human beings, also by our sinful nature, tend to worry more about pleasing our bodies and satisfying our minds than seeking what’s best for our souls. The body is like grass that fades away. The soul, whether in heaven or hell, lasts an eternity.

The problem with that mentality is that if we seek to please ourselves first and God second, not only will we lose what we put first but will lose what we put second as well. Also, the opposite is true too; if we put God first and ourselves second, then we will gain God and He’ll take care of us (Matthew 6:33). That man to whom I gave the ride refused the sermon and missed the $20…he missed the greater temporal blessing and the more important heavenly blessing. I see that happen a lot with the way Christians spend their money. We work hard to buy a boat, a new truck…whatever ...during the process many forsake giving SACRIFICIALLY to God, or even forsake tithing. Ten years later, if that long, the boat is gone; the truck is gone and all that money that was spent didn’t make a hill of dry beans to the Kingdom of God. Sure, we can use boats and trucks and bigger houses to serve God, but how often is that done? Most of the time we are just trying to please self. I wish it was only a little money that was at stake. Take Jesus and get the whole package…salvation and security (salvation alone is plenty security!). Try to create your own brand of security and you’ll miss the whole deal.

Who is Jesus to you today? Is He simply your personal assistant; someone you call when you need help or when there is something you want? Are you heeding the things He says? Do you want His sermons or simply His favors? Do you want God to only give you what you want and leave everything else alone? Will you take the cross or only the crown? If any of us want Jesus, we’ve got to take the whole package. Don’t take the crumbs and miss the buffet. Beg Him to stay for a healing touch AND for a convicting sermon that heals the soul eternally.

Luke #64 - I Get Sad When You Leave

2009-06-11T15:58:00.001-05:00

Luke #64 – I Get Sad When You Leave
“And when it was day, He departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought Him, and came unto Him, and stayed Him, that He should not depart from them” (Luke 4:42 – King James Version).

At the writing of this story, Katie was a wonderful little 3 1/2 year old person that God had blessed my life with.

Recently, she and I were reading a book about feelings. The book identified and gave the proper name to a range of feelings that we often feel. It has helped Katie tell me how she feels on several occasions; it’s not often that a young child her age knows how to tell someone that she is “disappointed.” I asked Katie several questions about her feelings, like “What makes you happy?” and “What makes you angry?” Of course, she gave me childlike answers like “When I go to church.” or “When someone takes something from my hand.” Then, as she often does, she floored me. I said, “Katie, what makes you sad?” Already seated on my lap, Katie laid her head against my chest, began to rub the back of my head, and said, “When you leave.” I almost lost it! I nearly began to weep. I realized that my child so loved me that she was saddened when I was not around.

Another story (if you don’t mind)…I am always amazed that the young people I minister to hate to go home from retreats and camps. I usually cannot wait to go home and see my family. Something occurred to me one day when we were packing up after a retreat. During these various outings these kids find themselves in an insulated environment, away from routine and distractions, and they meet with God. When it comes time to leave they do not want to go because they are afraid that the preciousness of that encounter with God cannot be duplicated in another place.

Jesus went to spend time alone with God and the people followed Him, sensing that He was preparing to leave Capernaum. They had seen and felt the awesome power of God’s healing in Christ Jesus. They had felt the dear touch of God and wanted Him to linger among them. They wanted more! Nearness to this wonderful power had become sweet and they begged the Christ to stay.

When God stepped down from heaven and took the form of man in Jesus it was Isaiah’s prophecy coming to life…God was with man (Isaiah 7:14)! He walked among us, talked with us, died for us, and defeated death and sin for us. Jesus healed, taught, and broke the power of sin and broke the bonds of sin. I cannot blame the people of Capernaum for begging Jesus to stay.

For the believer today, we need not hearken to some certain place or cling to a location for we have a much sweeter Jesus amongst us…by that I mean to say that He is no longer ONLY “God with us” but GOD IN US! Praises to His wonderful name! Bless God, O my soul, bless God! By His dying on the cross; by His going up, ascending to the Father, He provided a coming in for Himself…an indwelling in believers that assures us the never ending access to His presence. After all, that was His promise (John 15:5; Matthew 28:20). We do not have to depend on a solitary moment or place to experience His presence.

Were we like to Christ as my sweet little girl is to me…that we would be saddened by His absence, or even at the thought of the possibility. Were we to so love our Lord that to not be near Him would make us sad, we would finally grasp the intimacy that He wants with us.

The sad truth is that He doesn’t leave us, we leave Him. We sin or become apathetic. We drift away, sometimes not even knowing exactly how it happened. Maybe it’s got something to do with the distractions. Maybe it’s got something to do with busyness. I am sure it has a lot to do with lack of focus and much to do with our selfish and sinful hearts.

This much is certain…if we seek Him, He will be found (2 Chronicles 15:15). That’s a promise that we should gladly accept and pursue. He will not abandon us (Deuteronomy 4:31; Joshua 1:5; 1 Samuel 12:22; Hebrews 13:5…and many more!). We simply must walk in His ways and in humility meet with Him in prayer and the Scripture. Trust me, He’ll show up.

How sweet is fellowship with Christ to you today? Are you saddened when He’s not near to you? Do you need a place or a certain feeling to meet with Him? Seek Him out today; beg Him to be near. He will.

Luke #63 - Time For Everything But That

2009-06-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

Luke #63 – Time For Everything But That
“And when it was day, He departed and went into a desert place” (Luke 4:42a – King James Version).

I remember very plainly that I was sitting in my office when the planes struck the twin towers in New York. My pastor and I went to his house and watched the news. We did not speak for an hour and a half. We were listening; we wanted to know what went wrong and were in stunned silence at the events that we witnessed.

Every time I go to the doctor the nurses put me in this little room. Eventually the doctor comes in and at some point he sticks a stethoscope on my chest and back. We both like to talk, but when he is doing that we are both silent as church mice. I want him to hear clearly to tell me what’s wrong and he wants to listen intently to hear if anything is wrong. I don’t want a single thing to interfere with a proper diagnosis.

I was working through a personal prayer and repentance guide at a recent retreat when I became convicted of the time I actually devoted to my prayer life. Part of that morning’s retreat instruction was to spend time, and I mean serious time, praising God. As I went through my repentance guide I kept thinking I pray quite a bit, but I don’t have the time to spend that these instructors are urging me to spend in prayer! Finally, the convicting voice of God broke over my protests and excuses and made me realize that I have time to watch Sportscenter almost every day and many times TWICE a day. I realized that I MAKE time for the things that I want to do!

I know that you all know where these illustrations are going by simply reading the Scripture for today. Jesus rose early to have QUIET time, alone with God. I am sure that the hectic ministry that He did in Capernaum required a time of refreshing, but I believe that more than that was His desire to fellowship with God on a personal and intimate level.

Having a meaningful quiet time is essential for a good walk with God. We can say we don’t have time, but we seem to have time for anything that we WANT to do. We have time to pursue hobbies. We have time to go to movies, watch TV, listen to music or play video games. I have been freshly convicted of this and Lord, before You even now, I repent. Having a quiet time with God is not only something I want, but something I desperately need. Do you feel this is important too? Do you feel the drawing of God; calling you to spend more intimate time with Him?

Most of our days are filled with shocking events; our emotions are shocked. We need to sit still before the Lord in the morning to prepare for those things and sit still before the Lord during them so that we may survive and thrive during them, and sit still before the Lord after these events to recover from them. We need to hear from God; gain HIS perspective on things.

There are things wrong with each of us; most of it sin that we may not even realize (sinful thoughts and attitudes are often hard to detect with a quick analysis). Like going to the doctor, we need to be silent and still before the Great Physician as He examines us and shows us the things that ail us. We need all the distractions to be out of the way that we may hear clearly during these quiet times with God.

More than recovering from days of shock and more than being examined, we need to experience intimate fellowship with Almighty God on a regular basis. That may require that we rise early or depart from our normal routine. I am sure we will have to sacrifice something to make time for God. I am also sure we won’t regret it. The question: will we do it? When it comes to spending time with God, alone, unimpeded, it seems we have time for anything but that.

Luke #62 - Too Close for Comfort

2009-06-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

Luke #62 – Too Close for Comfort
“And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, ‘Thou art Christ the Son of God.’ And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ” (Luke 4:41 – King James Version).

Relay For Life is a wonderful fundraising organization that helps the American Cancer Society help raise funds to fight cancer. Individuals form teams and do various fundraisers; then, the teams get together for an all night, non-stop relay in which team members take turns walking to symbolize the twenty-four hour struggle that cancer is for those stricken with any form of the disease. I wholeheartedly support what they do and have helped them raise money for several years.

I say all that to let you know that I support them; these next comments will not be flattering, but will serve as a perfect illustration for today’s devotion. Recently a team from our church participated in the all night relay event. We were given shirts to wear. On the back of the shirts were the names of corporate sponsors. One was a tavern; I blacked it off my shirt. I won’t endorse drinking in any way. The Bible never says “Thou shalt not drink!”, but I have seen too much damage done by alcohol (Scripture does say “Don’t get drunk” but I haven’t found many folks that drink without wanting to be drunk!). Another sponsor that sickened me was a company called PHE. I have no idea what the p, h, and e stand for, but that company sells pornography. I blacked that out too (FERVENTLY!).

One person saw me marking it off with my paint marker and asked me why I was doing it. I simply told them that I refused to walk around with that trash on my back. They didn’t know what the company sold. When I told them they said, “Well, at least they are giving money to a good cause.” To which I replied, “If it were up to me, Relay for Life wouldn’t take a red dime from them. Dirty money, earned by immorality and sin is still dirty!” Needless to say, I feel pretty strongly about this. The person then said, “Well, I didn’t know what it was and most other people won’t either.” I said, “I don’t care what other people know; I know and God knows the filth they peddle.” The person then said, “Well, people can look at other shirts and know what it was that you crossed out.” I replied, “They sure can…and I hope someone asks me why I crossed it out. I will be pleased to tell them.”

We live in a world that compromises too much! We have church buildings full of people who compromise too much! We have too much to do with too many things that God would call evil and hellish! Sure, we are to be IN the world, but not OF the world. Christians live by a different rule (or at least they should) than that of the world.

Some of you may think I am going a bit far with this, but I don’t. We are to be different than this world. The Living God abides in believers and He did not tolerate evil in any form. Don’t forget this; He loved sinners and hated sin. I don’t hate the people that produce pornography; I love them. Their sin is no worse than mine. I don’t go around wearing advertisements for my sin on my shirts and I’ll not wear theirs either! I am not having a part of it! I do hate pornography and will stand against it any chance I get. (For the record, I stand against gossips, murderers, drug dealers, grudge holders, pride, and the entire host of sin that Jesus stood against too!)

That day, as Jesus walked around Capernaum healing people, He casts demons out of some of the people. When the demons came out they identified Jesus as the Christ. Jesus told them to hush! He did not want to be identified with these fallen, evil creatures so even their accolades were unwanted. Those demons were telling the truth; Jesus was and is the Christ, but Jesus did not want any part of their rebellious endorsements…even if it was the truth. Jesus was not denying the truth, but He was refusing association with those evil ones who were saying it.

I’ll you as plain as I can do it…we need some of this in the church today! We need to disassociate ourselves from a bunch of this mess! Too many people are endorsing things that God would hate! I don’t care how much money some company or person gives to a church or good cause, evil is evil and sin is sin and we should have no part with any mess like that!

Listen, I could write a list that would take days to read noting the things I have seen Christians consciously and unconsciously endorse, but I want to make a simple point. It’s up to each of us as individuals to let God deal with us on the trash in our lives. My point is this: Christ wouldn’t let a demon speak a truth…a good truth, that He is the Christ…because He didn’t want any association with them, yet we have part with trashy things that are just plain trashy with no kind of goodness or truth about them at all! It’s wrong and ridiculous! It’s time to get right and live holy! It’s time to cast away the altars to this world and live solely for God! We are sojourners, foreigners in this land that is not our home…it’s time for us to realize that too much evil is too close for comfort! It’s time to get uneasy about the junk we endorse and allow. It’s time to live Godly! It’s not time to be politically correct; it’s not time to be tolerant to a fault. Love the sinners, hate sin. Rebuke evil by the power and in the name of Jesus; let’s clean up and live wholly for Him!

Remember this too…it’s not our actions that most concern God, but the heart attitudes that cause the actions. If we get our hearts right…get the demons and sin out of our lives…our actions will get right.

Luke #61 - Demons? Here? Now?

2009-06-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Luke #61 – Demons? Here? Now?
“And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, ‘Thou art Christ the Son of God.’ And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ” (Luke 4:41 – King James Version).

It was late at night and I can’t even remember the city I was in, but I lay awake watching that city’s local news. There was a high speed chase on the streets that night; praise God no one was injured and the culprit was apprehended. As the news teams talked with the police, I could see the man in the background, sitting in the police car. He kept insisting that a demon was after him. The policeman chuckled and said, “He’s hopped up on dope.”

Drugs do make people do some strange things, but I cannot believe that every evil or strange things that are done these days can be accounted to drugs alone. That man may have been on drugs that night on the news, but whatever was the case, he looked awfully scared. Whatever was after him scared him more than those policemen. Even considering drugs cannot account for all the crimes and horrible things that are done. I believe, just in Jesus’ day, there are still demons at work within and around the realm of mankind.

Now that reality doesn’t sit well in many minds of the day, but that doesn’t change the truth of it one iota. What then do we do with the knowledge of this reality? We pray against evil; we cast evil away by the power and in the name of Christ Jesus; we win those captured souls to our Lord. Paul said, “A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:10-18 – NLT).

No matter the stage, no matter the odds, stand against the powers of evil that are raging. Not only did demons possess people in Jesus’ time on earth, I believe they still do. We need to realize and be ready for them.

I know this…demons could not stand to be around Jesus! So, that’s where I want to be…near Jesus! He promised He would never leave us and I am going to do my best to stick with Him. As a matter of fact, I want to be so true and pure of a vessel for the presence of Christ that demons get almighty nervous around me or flee altogether. There is nothing in me, save that presence of Christ in the Holy Spirit, which can stand against these supernatural powers, so I know, if for no other reason than to keep me from this evil, that I want Jesus to be near me and in control of me.

How about that? Demons in the 21st century might sound strange, but I truly believe they are at work here and now. I know this too…my conquering and good God is still alive and still on His throne! He reigns! He is jealous over His children! He is able to save! I will call upon His name and He shall my shield and strength be! Jesus’ touch cast out demons; my prayer is this: Take not Thy hand of mercy and grace from me, O God of my strength and salvation!

Luke #60 - I Can Help

2009-06-04T08:49:00.001-05:00

Luke #60 – I Can Help
“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, ‘Thou art Christ the Son of God.’ And He rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that He was Christ” (Luke 4:40-41 – King James Version).

At my chiropractor’s office the lady always answers the phone with this greeting: “It’s a good day at Williams Chiropractic! This is Rana; I can help you.” I usually am lying on the table getting my neck snapped back into proper order when I hear her say that and I wonder; “Oh yeah...can you?” Rana is a nice lady and Dr. Williams is a wonderful chiropractor and they both have confidence that the chiropractic field can make the world feel better. Rana answers that phone and declares she can help with such surety that I want to believe her when she says “I can help.” Sure, my neck feels better, but there is so much more wrong with me!

Jesus started His day in Capernaum teaching in the synagogue. He cast out evil spirits from a man and healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Now the crowds thronged around Him with divers, or all kinds, of sickness asking for healing. He moved among the crowd touching people and casting out sickness and demons. That must have been a beautiful scene; to watch the Lord Jesus tenderly laying hands on person after person and dramatically changing their lives.

When Jesus said, “Come to me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” He meant it! That was His way of saying “I can help!” There are a lot of people in this world who want to help, but none like Jesus.

There are a great many unsolved mysteries of the human body known as sickness; man cannot cure them all and in many cases do not have the first clue as to how to treat or maintain them. I would be presumptuous at best to say I have any clue. Though I know Jesus CAN heal them, I would be doubly presumptuous to try to guess why He does in some cases and does not in other cases. Yes, some sickness IS caused by sin and can be cured by repentance (a subject that is little talked of these days). Yes, some sickness is to glorify God, that as He works His glorification in us we praise Him beyond (or in spite of) our circumstances. Other than that I just don’t know.

What I do know is that Jesus did not come to the earth, live and die to heal every sickness, but He did come to fill the pain with Himself. The disappearance of human suffering will not happen this side of heaven, but the filling of God through Christ Jesus can happen the moment we turn in full surrender.

Let me challenge you to think about something…

Who do you turn to FIRST for your health, emotional, spiritual, and mental sicknesses?

Do you turn to doctors, friends, 12 step programs, psychics, or any other of the host of worldly solutions? Yes, God uses doctors and friends and the occasional 12 step program (though I am POSITIVE He doesn’t use psychic weirdos who take money to tell people junk!). The question at hand is not who God uses; the question is who do you turn to first?

Even the demons believe in Jesus and tremble; today’s verses teach us that. They obviously recognized and feared His power. Do we? Today’s lesson is really quite simple…no matter the problem you may be facing, turn to Jesus. He may not heal your sickness, but He will fill you with Himself. Whether in the throes of depression or grief, burdened with sin, or beat down in the body, there is nothing He cannot handle and we certainly will not surprise our sovereign and omniscient God when we come to Him with our problems. His holiness may be offended by our sin, but His healing hand of grace will answer confidently with “I can help!”

Fat Body, Big God and Discipline - Entry #4

2009-06-03T09:04:00.002-05:00

What I love about the battle of my weight is the battle. I mean, listen, I love to fight! The life of faith is marked by fighting. And, as I’ve been here before, I can tell you I am in for a fight. It is a good picture of walking with Jesus; I am constantly faced with choices and I battle my own desires, I fight against my own ignorance and I war what is “normal.”

I contend also that it is a personal battle and a corporate one as well. What I mean to say is how I am in the fight by myself, because it’s my choices that have to be faced and it’s my problems and it’s my weight. It is also corporate because God has already sent some prayer warriors and encouragers alongside me; some cheerleaders and friends who are wanting and wishing the best for me.

I am already encouraged by that. It is amazing to me that a few small posts on my pretty obscure blog have brought 2 people into this war with me. I am being honest; albeit through my normal lens of humor and straightforwardness. I am testifying of struggle and hope and anticipation and God’s people are responding with encouraging words and prayers. I mean, hey, it’s like church ought to be!

Which brings me to one of my oft exercised side sermons…

What if we did truly share our struggles and dreams with our brothers and sisters in Christ? What if we braved confession? What if could? Would? Did? I am constantly confirming two things the Holy Spirit has taught me in relationships: (1) a person loses steam when they try to argue someone who is humble; (2) honest confession is met with kindness. We desperately need this honesty! We need confession. We need the support that the Family will give in response to our confessions of struggle and need.

Sure, there are some who won’t understand. There are some that will ridicule. There are some that will laugh. Sure. Okay; good. That’s just the way it is. But, in my experience, for every 10 people that drag you down it only takes one to erase all of that junk and lift our spirit!

Therefore, I offer these verses to you (and myself):
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

I know James says to “confess yours sins” and that is necessary. Also, it is useful to confess our struggles. Both are often encased in a stronghold. We need the prayers of righteous people; we need to see the problem, have the right mind about it, and go to war against it. We need people who will tell us the truth and desire God’s best for us. We need prophets, accountability partners and cheerleaders. We need people that will lay a willing hand to our burdens!

Onto something else…

I was riding a stationary bike and I noticed that it would tell how many calories a person burned as they exercised. When I noticed this I had burned 140 calories and had ridden about 4 miles in 20 minutes. Suddenly I remembered that a Mt. Dew has something like 170 calories. I thought, “Hey, no danged wonder I am fat! I am putting in more than I let out!” (I know, you are thinking, “Duh!”) However, what was so sobering, so weirdly sobering, is to put numbers to that stuff.

I like numbers. I know them. However, I have added them up in my case. It’s called math. I am working with a negative that has built up to positively too much weight!

Now that I’ve made this calorie discovery I am afraid that some cad may reveal to me the dangers of sweet tea. If you know, keep it to yourself. One thing at a time!

Luke #59 - The Natural Response

2009-06-02T13:02:00.001-05:00

Luke #59 – The Natural Response
“And He arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought Him for her. And He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them” (Luke 4:38-39 – King James Version).

This is a true story, but I won’t name the physician because I don’t want people bugging him. I didn’t have insurance and I didn’t have money, but I was sick, sick, sick! I went to a doctor in town and said, “I don’t have any money right now, but I WILL pay you. I don’t have insurance and cannot afford a prescription.” I knew this particular doctor to be a Christian, so I appealed to him for help. Not only did he see me for free, but he provided the medicine I needed for the very painful sinus infection that I had at no charge. Needless to say I am a great admirer of that doctor these days. I would recommend him to anyone. As a matter of fact, I recommended him to a single mom who was strapped for cash, but had a sick child. He did the same thing for that lady’s child that he did for me. Now, there is not much I can do for this guy, but if ever I can, you’d better bet your bottom dollar that I will be quick to do it! I pray for him daily and thank God that He used that doctor as a minister of His grace. I think that is a natural response to his kindness towards me.

I am amazed at the power and tenderness of the Lord Jesus. He entered Peter’s home and found there a sick woman; specifically the mother-in-law of Peter. She was sick; Jesus told the fever to go away and by jingy if it didn’t! WHAT POWER! I see His tenderness in every healing He performed. He cares about people and wants to show them His love and mercy.

I also see in this passage a woman who responded to Jesus’ kindness. He healed this woman of her sickness and right away she served Christ. I think that is a natural response to the goodness of Christ…to serve Him.

Many times we serve God out of fear; fear of punishment or fear of His wrath. That’s good! We ought to fear God; we ought to have a great reverence of Him. We ought to realize that His judgment and wrath are perfect and serve Him so that we might avoid those things.

I believe the woman in today’s verses served Christ out of appreciation and out of love. Jesus is still in the business of healing today. Sometimes He uses the hands of doctors for His own and sometimes He does it miraculously. I went with a group of men to pray for a woman that had been diagnosed with two kinds of cancer. The next week the doctor’s could find NO trace of cancer in her! We prayed and God healed!

Physical sickness is horrible and I will not begin to say that I am an authority on why God heals some and does not heal others (that is a discussion for another day!). What I do know is that there is another sickness that is worse than any the body might endure. That sickness is sin and Jesus desires to see every case healed. The cross is the cure for ALL sin! It is the medicine He has provided and prescribed for sin sickness. Not only did He prescribe it but He paid the entire bill! Rather than paying from His pocket, Jesus provided this cure by paying with His life! Have you had your dose?

Further, I hope I am writing to some people that have experienced physical healing, but especially spiritual healing. I want to ask you, how have YOU responded to His grace? Have you responded by serving Him? Did you rise up from His healing power ready to give Him your all? I think it is the natural response!

No excuses…are you serving God in response to what He has done in your life? If not, hop to it!

Fat Body, Big God and Discipline - Entry #3

2009-06-02T11:42:00.004-05:00

So...I finally weighed...I hadn't wanted to weigh, but now I've done it. I weigh 340 pounds! I can't and don't want to believe it myself. Yes, a lot of it is my beard and muscle. Okay, I know. And, I also know that in my case it means more sexy to spread around. Still, that's heavy! However, I think I was heavier last week before I weighed. I know the way I was soaking down soft drinks that simply quitting them was a good move in this endeavor.

I've been doing great! I don't feel lighter...hmmmm...I think it's this danged gravity!

Katie's First Recital

2009-06-02T10:24:00.004-05:00

Katie was magnificent! Please take a moment and listen to her on the video!

The Man Rules

2009-05-28T08:32:00.002-05:00

I don't know where this came from originally. It was sent to me by a WOMAN! (My good friend, Sandy Whitt, as a matter of fact.) It's funny and I like it.

These rules are so simple a cave woman could do them!

The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down.
Finally, the guys' side of the story. ( I must admit, it's pretty
good.) We always hear " the rules " from the female side. Now here
are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered "1 " ON
PURPOSE!
1. Men are NOT mind readers. ( FIRST & FOREMOST RULE )
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it
down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining
about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports, It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do
not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just
say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's
what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways
makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it
yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during
commercials..
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach,
for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We
have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like
nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the
hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer
you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine..
Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to
discuss such topics as Football or Hockey.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch
tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping

Fat Body, Big God and Discipline - Entry #2

2009-05-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

First, an update on what I said I would do:
What will I do?
1. Stop drinking soft drinks (I will finish the few ginger ales I have, but no more). (DONE and DOING)
2. Check into getting a health club membership and start riding a bike. (Not checked yet, but I will)
3. WHEN I snack, snack healthy. This means I need to buy some fruit. (No fruit, but no snacks either)
4. Pray God make me HEALTHY, not necessarily skinny. (Doing)
5. Pray God becomes glorified in this struggle. Indeed, it is a struggle. (Doing)
6. I WILL NOT become entangled in a fad. (Doing)

I want you to go back and check out the video called “Campus Life Showdown #2” (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1013908324659&saved)...it's a great illustration. I did all that you see there for the show...I did it to pump the kids up; to have something funny to end our Campus Life meetings on. I would have done this if I weighed 179 lbs* However, when you are overweight, people say things that you know they are saying without wisdom. I turned to some students and said, "Who do you think will win?" One kid immediately said, "You will! You are fat and [he] is skinny!"

If you are overweight, you’ve heard stupid things like that. It really doesn’t bother me (much). It has taught me to try to understand people’s struggles; we’ve all got them.

You won't believe this...

A friend saw Entry #1 and sent me what was quite possibly the most affirming and encouraging email / letter I have ever received in my entire life. My friend told me she was always impressed that I am "Tim Bowes" no matter what, I am happy that someone recognized that, because, in the words of Lynyrd Skynyrd, I am just "a simple man..."

One thing I want to say today in the spirit of journaling this adventure is that I believe the Holy Spirit has led me here. I believe God is calling me into an area where I am not in control; an area where I am uncomfortable; an area in which I will have to learn new disciplines, and to “beat my body under” yet again.

I have gone through dramatic weight gains and losses on multiple occasions. It’s always tough. This is the longest I’ve been and the heaviest I’ve been. All of my weight gain has accompanied one of, or all of, the following things:
(1) An injury; back, knees, ankle
(2) Stopping another bad habit; drinking, chewing, smoking
(3) Worse eating habits, especially rushing to eat, eating at odd times and eating NOTHING
(4) A physically easier job
(5) Getting older (“Of course,” you’re thinking, “we all get older! Duh!”)
(6) Sheer laziness

It’s helpful recognizing some of the causes. Hopefully I recognize the strongholds that God wants to strike down.

This time has to be about worship and habit change. If it’s not that, it’s nothing. If it’s not that, it’s just another endeavor of the flesh. I don’t want that.

Thanks for reading and for those encouraging friends who spoke to me or sent me an email. Pray for me, and I’ll be praying for you…

*The weight my doctor says I SHOULD weigh.

Fat Body, Big God and Discipline - Entry #1

2009-05-25T08:36:00.006-05:00

So, here goes...I am going to journal a struggle. I am going to seek the Lord in this thing. Along the way I am going to journal some frustrations, some victories, some hopes, some prayers, and a host of other things. Whoever reads this, good. If you are offended, stop reading. Okay?

I bet you are wondering, "What is he even talking about?" I'm overweight. I hate it. I hate what people mumble about me. I hate the insinuations and the judgment. More than that, I hate that people are right about it. It IS a lack of discipline. It IS a problem. It DOES NOT glorify the Lord. I believe it ruins my witness. How can I urge people to discipline and holiness if I seem to be overindulgent myself?

My friend Andrew said, "Tim, your testimony could be much stronger if you weren't so overweight." (He didn't say it exactly like that, but that's what he meant.) I agree, Brother Andrew. I like the way he said it; blunt, but with love and truth.

Fact: I have some genetic issues.
Fact: I have a thyroid issue.
Fact: I use these things as crutch.
Fact: I DO NOT exercise properly.
Fact: I DO NOT eat properly.
Fact: I attempt to justify my overindulgence by saying things like the following:
A. I don't drink, smoke, do dope, or chew tobacco anymore, so I've got to do something.
B. My knees and back kill me when I run or do most kinds of exercise. (This is true, but it's a cop-out; pure and simple.)
C. My schedule makes eating healthy and regular difficult. (True, but, again, it's a cop-out.)
D. Eating healthy is expensive. (Don't know if it's true, but I believe it is!)
E. I work too much; it's hard to fit a work out into my schedule. (True, but...you know, a cop-out!)

Belief: I believe God can help me.
Belief: I believe God will help me.
Belief: I believe He is asking me to show discipline and hard work in this endeavor.

Desire: I want a quick fix.
Fact: We don't always get what we want!

I do not want to lose weight because of vanity. I do not want to lose weight because I fear or care for the comments of man. I don't.

I want to run the race in a way that will honor the Lord.

Whether I eat or drink, no matter what I do, I want to do it to glory of God.

So, here we are, day one...

What will I do?
1. Stop drinking soft drinks (I will finish the few ginger ales I have, but no more).
2. Check into getting a health club membership and start riding a bike.
3. WHEN I snack, snack healthy. This means I need to buy some fruit.
4. Pray God make me HEALTHY, not necessarily skinny.
5. Pray God becomes glorified in this struggle. Indeed, it is a struggle.
6. I WILL NOT become entangled in a fad.

What can you do?
1. Pray for me.
2. Encourage me.
3. Keep faddish diet ideas to yourself. (Forgive the bluntness, but I am sick of everyone sending me links to diet gurus and the such.) (More on this later.)

My confession to the Lord:
Father, I am way out of shape. I do not believe I am glorifying you. I do not believe you want me to be unhealthy. I do believe you want me to be an example in all things. This is a stronghold; a struggle; often a sin. You are right, Spirit, in convicting me. I agree. I desire to walk with You in all things. Please, Father, help me. Jesus, You say if I ask for anything in Your name the Father will grant it; I ask for victory for the Father's glory in Your name, and I pray in Christ Jesus, my only hope. Amen.

YFC Mission Statement Video

2009-05-13T17:07:00.003-05:00

Volunteer Announcement #6

2009-01-30T10:13:00.002-05:00

Have a listen!

Duke Basketball Tickets; Duke vs. Maryland, January 24 @ Noon

2009-01-09T10:44:00.001-05:00

Friends,

By the gracious hand of a good friend I have in my possession three tickets to a Duke basketball game at Cameron Stadium in Durham, NC for January 24 at Noon.

They are three seats in section one (seating chart: http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=218099)

I would love to offer them as a "silent auction" via email with ALL PROCEEDS going to benefit Youth For Christ Roxboro. Their face value is $30.00 each. Bidding begins at $90.00.

Pass this along to whoever you think would be interested.

Please send in (1) your name and (2) your bid to yfcrox@gmail.com. Bidding will end Thursday, January 22 @ Noon.

Thanks!

--
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus the Son,
Tim Bowes
Executive Director
Youth For Christ-Roxboro
Romans 12:1-2

Belly Flip

2008-12-03T09:01:00.002-05:00

I did the cheesy fan thing...

2008-12-02T14:06:00.003-05:00

That's me and Ron Thomason of Dry Branch Fire Squad. Outstanding show.

Free Greek Class in Person County

2008-11-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

There will be an exciting opportunity to learn to read your New Testament in Greek! Dr. David Black, Professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, will be offering a course at Bethel Hill Baptist Church. It is entitled “Greek For Dummies”. This is open to anyone over the age of 10. The class will begin in mid-January at Bethel Hill and meet weekly on either Monday or Thursday night from 7-9PM (no later than 9). You don’t need any foreign language experience, or even a high school diploma! There is no fee for this course! The only thing you have to purchase is Dr. Black’s textbook, “Learn to Read New Testament Greek” You can get that on Amazon.com for about $15 used. The course will last 8-9 months (taking some weeks off). By the completion of the course you will be able to read and translate your Greek New Testament! This is open to anyone who is interested. Homeschoolers are welcome. Pastors are welcome. Church members are welcome. Unbelievers are welcome too!

If you are interested (no commitment needs to be made right now) please email Jon Glass at jon@cavelbaptist.com by December 30th. Also, let me know if you prefer Monday or Thursday evening.

Jon Glass

Pastor

Ca-Vel Baptist Church

336-504-5789

http://connectwithgod.wordpress.com

November 15, 2008 Warehouse Events Flyer

2008-11-14T15:20:00.001-05:00

Volunteer Announcement #5

2008-11-13T12:30:00.003-05:00

Dearest Volunteers,

You might not have the ability to view videos because not all of us are blessed with highspeed internet service.

I'll be managing Ye Olde Warehouse this weekend, so I am pumped about a chance to serve students and to serve you and with any of you who feel the Lord sending you this way.

Speaking of that, only come because God is indeed sending you. Now, wait, that's not me being a meany, that's just my way of saying it is not my intention that anyone be guilted into serving. It should be an act of joy provoked by the Spirit of God. Know what I mean?

So, the gist of this video is a begging of servants to come out to serve this Saturday night, November 15 from 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM or in one of the partial night windows, meaning from 4:00-7:00 PM or 7:00-10:00 PM.

We think we'll have a decent group of volunteers on Friday night, but the more the merrier there as well.

Also, it's stated in the video that I love it when people come up with ministry ideas that they can bring to the table. We can do all sorts of sports related things or even craft-related ideas.

I really want all of us to own the ministry, so the more ideas that are generated by the church teams or by individual volunteers the better we are.

BE CAREFUL: IF YOU COME UP WITH AN IDEA IT SHOULD BE AN "I THINK, SO I WILL" type of idea, not simply a "I THINK, SO Y'ALL SHOULD" type of idea. I can be an "I THINK, SO I NEED" or an "I THINK, SO WE SHOULD" type of idea too.

I love to hear from you all!

Love in Christ,
Tim
Romans 12:1-2

Dodgeball League Flyer

2008-11-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

Click on the picture to make it larger.

Rachel attacked by a troll

2008-11-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

The Wedge: Nostrils Beware

2008-11-07T21:57:00.002-05:00

Mumble Gets and Quits a Job

2008-11-05T11:28:00.003-05:00

Election Results, Part 1

2008-11-05T09:26:00.004-05:00

Friends,

It would utter foolishness to let your hearts be troubled this morning. God is immovable, unshakable and in total control. Regardless of who won, God is King, President and Unanimously Unelected LORD; HE is Sovereign and HE is the Boss.

So, rest in Christ this morning. Don't worry about the parties, revel in the Person of Christ.

Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. --John Wesley

J-Law Gets a Job as an Endorser

2008-11-03T14:15:00.006-05:00

Mumford "Mumble" Muffield: Antivenin

2008-11-01T13:49:00.002-05:00

The Wedge: Buttocks Threats

2008-11-01T13:35:00.002-05:00

The Wedge: an Introduction

2008-10-31T11:11:00.002-05:00

Volunteer Announcement #4

2008-10-31T10:51:00.002-05:00

Ministry Report

2008-10-28T19:16:00.002-05:00

Volunteer Announcement #3

2008-10-28T14:11:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest technological wonder, A.K.A "Tim's face in a box"

Middle School Dodgeball League

2008-10-24T12:57:00.002-05:00

Volunteer Announcement #2

2008-10-23T14:17:00.003-05:00

Please listen to this short announcement concerning THIS AFTERNOON and this weekend.

Tim

A plea for a Christian Brother

2008-07-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am writing to humbly endorse a great friend and fellow laborer in the Gospel in his calling as a laborer in God's East Asian fields. This man, Mr. Casey Adams, is serving his second summer with us here at Youth For Christ as a summer intern. In 2006 Casey served as a "Warehouse Staff" and this summer he is serving as both Warehouse Staff and Co-Director of our summer day camps. We love Casey!

We are also proud that Casey is a "local boy", hailing from the Roseville community and calling Clement Baptist Church his home church, where he also completed an internship in 2005 under the leadership of Pastor Hal Dickerson.

In recent years Casey has graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in religion and pursued further studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The latter studies are being "interrupted" by this calling to go unto the "ends of the earth".

Here's the beginning of where I am asking you all to help:Casey must raise all the money he needs for his 12 month mission to East Asia. He is being sent by God through Campus Crusade for Christ. His ministry will be to college students in East Asia.

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JULY 19 there will be a benefit dinner held for Casey in the fellowship hall of Clement Baptist Church (http://www.clementbaptistchurch.org/directions2a.html).

The benefit will consist of a chicken plate dinner ($6.00 per plate) and live music. The benefit will last from 4:00-7:00 PM.Now, I believe $6.00 is a mighty low price to pay to help send a "called" man to the place God desires to send them. As a matter of fact, I encourage you all to eat a LITTLE and GIVE A LOT!

I have never believed in "coaxing" people to give by asking them to buy things, so I offer this endorsement and make this plea very humbly. I would encourage you to stop by the benefit and leave a generous gift; Casey still needs to raise in excess of $7,500.00 before he leaves in August.Please, as the Spirit moves you, please consider a gift to my co-laborer and friend.

The Scriptures finds the apostle John commending BELIEVERS for their support of one who sought "no help from the pagans" (3 John 1:7), so I appeal, to you in the faith, in a special way.If you cannot come to the benefit a gift can be sent to 66 Roseville Loop Rd., Roxboro, NC 27573. Any checks should be written to Campus Crusade for Christ.

If you have questions about Casey's mission or would like for him to speak to your Sunday School class or entire church, please call him at 336-504-4885 or feel free to email him: casey.adams@uscm.org

Luke #58 – More Than a Good Teacher

2008-07-07T08:10:00.002-05:00

Luke #58 – More Than a Good Teacher

“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, ‘What a word is this! For with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.’ And the fame of Him went out into every place of the country round about” (Luke 4:36-37 – King James Version).

It was a funny scene…let me tell you about it. I am 5’10” and weigh 297 pounds. Needless to say, I am a big ol’ boy! There is a lot of me packed between that first and seventieth inch. I was having an after church discussion with some of the young women and young men of my youth group about cheerleading and gymnastics. Brittany Brown, a talented cheerleader and athlete in her own right, had performed several gymnastic moves and we were discussing the difficulty of said moves. She did a thing called a toe touch. That involves holding one’s hands straight out, palms up, and jumping up and touching the toe of one’s shoes to the palms of one’s hands. I said, “I can do that.” Several of the youth laughed, especially one young man. Well, I’ll let you know that I did it, not once, but THREE times in a row. The young doubter tried several times without any success. I used that little experience to teach them not to judge a book by its cover, nor to take people at what they say only, but to understand their commitment and ability by what they can and will do.

When Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum the people there were “astonished at His doctrine” (verse 32). He was a teacher of no comparison; those people had never heard a person teach with such power and knowledge. Now they were amazed in a whole new way. Not only did Jesus teach in an amazing way, but He had POWER in His words. With little effort, Christ spoke and by His words the demons were forced to leave from the man. The people basically said, “What kind of word is this?” because they were amazed that Jesus’ words didn’t only make sounds but caused action. Clearly He was more than a man. Clearly Jesus was more than a good teacher. I think this account of Jesus casting the evil spirits from this man is one of the places we can firmly establish that Jesus is God.

There is another lesson in here for us today. There is the lesson of living what you say. I am wearied of people who know all the Christian talk but display little of the Christian walk. We know how to give all the Christian answers and to say all the right church phrases and repeat all the Sunday School answers, but there HAS to be more! God desires that we produce spiritual fruit, not that we sit around naming them! Don’t get me wrong; knowing all the Christian facts and the lingo in which to express them is not a bad thing. What I am saying is that if there is not some action to match those words, well, we had better check ourselves. There are too many people that are all talk and no action!

Jesus would have earned fame with His teaching alone. It was different and He was different. His teaching was more than reminding people of rules; He taught them how to apply God’s word and how to live it. He did not do that alone. He did miracles and lived in a way that showed there was more to God’s word than knowing it and being able to talk about it.

Do you want to be known near and far? More importantly, do you want fame before the Lord? Here’s how to get it…don’t just talk “God stuff”, but live it. Jesus was more than a good teacher…He was the word come to life. I believe He desires the same from us. I don’t think that my youth would have been satisfied by me simply saying I could do a toe touch, but they were very satisfied when what I did matched what I said I could do. I think the same applies to our Christian lives. We must do what we talk!

For the educated folk...

2008-07-03T21:16:00.002-05:00

Luke #57 – Damaged Goods Cart

2008-07-03T08:25:00.001-05:00

Luke #57 – Damaged Goods Cart

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God.’ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Hold thy peace, and come out of him.’ And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not” (Luke 4:33-35 – King James Version).

Two little stories…

When I was a kid I didn’t go into town very often. When I did, it was mostly to go to the grocery store. One of my favorite things about going to the grocery store was looking at the damaged goods. The store we shopped at always had one or two shopping carts sitting in the main aisle filled with dented cans, torn boxes, and other damaged containers. I loved to sift through those carts searching for a treasure. We didn’t buy much junk food, so a trip to the damaged goods cart often yielded some treasure that mom would buy for me just because it was priced to sell.

Second little story…I used to do prison ministry. I was privileged to minister to many hurting people in jails. I also was privileged to introduce a few to my Savior. While in town one day I ran into a fellow that I’d led to Christ while the man was in jail. I asked him how things were going. He’d found a job and was doing well with one notable exception; he was not going to church. When I asked why that was he said, “Nobody wants a convict in their church.” “How do you know?” I asked, “Have you tried to find a church?” “Oh, yeah,” he said with a touch of sadness, “I have tried a couple. Everything is fine until I share that I have been locked up. People change when they find that out.”

When I read today’s passage I think of those two little stories. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and it left the man. It is notable to mention that the spirit left the man “and hurt him not.” Jesus sent the unclean spirit away, but Christ did not send the man away. That will preach!

We tend to forget that when a person is freed from an unclean spirit or from the bondage of sin the person is still there though the sin is gone. The old man has passed away and behold, there is a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Often we cast off the new person because of the reputation of the old man. We must remember to keep the person, minister to them, accept them, love them, and disciple them and at the same time rejoice with them that the old man has been cast off.

We forget that sin occurs with sinners and sinners are people. We want to be rid of the sin, but we get the two mixed up sometimes and cast the sinner off with the sin.

At the end of the day we are all damaged goods. None of us is perfect (Romans 3:23). It’s as if Jesus rummaged through the damaged goods cart of the world and picked out some choice treasures and bought them. The difference is that Christ did not pay a reduced price for we who are those damaged goods…He paid dearly and fully with His precious blood. He took damaged things but paid the full price. That, my friends, is a beautiful thought and reality!

I recently heard someone say that it is not our common good or our common social status that draws us together, but our common need for Christ to minister to our weaknesses. It’s not that we have like hobbies or equal bank accounts; rather we have the sin sickness in common and the Savior is the solution for us all.

Personally, I love damaged goods. I have found that once the package is peeled away or torn off, it is the stuff inside that counts. The amazing thing is that Christ takes goods that are damaged inside and out and MAKES them whole and worth using.

How do you view the sinner? Should they be cast off with the sin? Should damaged goods be allowed into your fellowship? Do you hunt for damaged goods that you can carry to the Master? Do you welcome damaged goods and treat them as equals in Christ? If you don’t you obviously have forgotten exactly how bent, broken and torn you were when the Savior redeemed and restored you.

There is an old saying that goes something like this: “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” That comes from the fact that families in medieval times all used the same bath water for their bi-annual bath. They used it by order of age, from the oldest to the youngest. Often, by the time it would be the baby’s turn the water would be so dirty that one might not be able to see the baby in it, thus creating the certain danger that the baby might be tossed out with the dirty water. We, as the church…the manifest presence of Christ in this world…need to throw out nasty bath water (sin), but we need to be careful not to toss baby Christians out with it.

However we state it, there is the simple fact that sinners are kept and sin is thrown away. Don’t forget that! If God doesn’t love damaged goods, then He doesn’t love anyone because that is exactly what all of us are. Let us be like Him in this regard. If we don’t excitedly search through and use the damaged goods of this world, not only will we miss out on a great many treasures but we basically throw away the merchandise. Remember these things when you minister to people.