Reason for the Season

Pearl Tingle send me a great link to a short Christmas video. It is great!

"O Holy Night" sung by Josh Groban;

The link below shows beautifully why it is called Christmas, not the holidays, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/v/Z_ypUnnqr8Y&autoplay=0

Luke Chapter Two

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

The Narcissistic Church

(Paul Johnson sent me this article he found. It is very good)

The names say it all.

YouTube. MySpace. And, of course, ipod, itunes, imac, and iPhone.

If there is a theme to our day, it’s that “it’s all about me.” The technical term is narcissism. In Greek mythology, Narcissus is the character who, upon passing his reflection in the water, becomes so enamored with himself that he devotes the rest of his life to his own reflection. From this we get our term “narcissism,” the preoccupation with self.

The value of "narcissism" is the classic "I, me, mine" mentality that places personal pleasure and fulfillment at the forefront of concerns. Historian Christopher Lasch went so far as to christen ours “the culture of narcissism,” calling it our new religion.

Now as Christians, this should be antithetical. We follow a savior who said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many;” “Whoever wants to be first must become last;” “Whoever wants to be great among must become the slave of all;” and then bowed in submission to the Father Himself and said, “Not my will, but yours.”

Yet a spiritual narcissism has invaded our thinking where the individual needs and desires of the Believer become the center of attention.

Have you ever heard the way we talk?

“I want to go where I'm fed" or "I need to be ministered to” rolls off our tongues without even blushing. We walk out of a worship service and say, "I didn't get anything out of it" as if worship was about what we received rather than what we gave to God.

And it’s killing the church, blinding our vision, paralyzing our mission, and muting our voice.

But is it simply a reflection of a narcissistic culture? Or could it be something we secretly feed ourselves?

Consider the first two questions any organization must ask itself (courtesy of Peter Drucker): What is our mission? and Who is our customer? The second of these involves crass language, I know, for any church. But let’s consider them a moment. First, what is our mission? I would argue that it is to seek and to save the lost (how could we have a mission other than the one Christ had and then entrusted to us as the church?). Yes, the Great Commission involves discipleship, but I tire of those who pit evangelism against discipleship, as if doing one prevents concentrating on the other. It’s a both/and, not an either/or. But more to the point of the mission, if you never reach anyone for Christ, who, exactly, will you be discipling? Evangelism must be in the vanguard.

From this comes the second question: Who, then, is our primary customer? It is inescapable: if our mission is to seek and to save and then disciple the lost, then our “customer” is the one who is lost. Here is the breakdown: most churches have, as their primary focus, reaching and then serving the already convinced. From this, services rendered to the believer become paramount, and other churches become the “competition.”

Which means that we are not victims of a culture of narcissism; we are purveyors of it.

There are those who would say that the place where spiritual narcissism runs amok is in contemporary approaches to outreach that seek to cater to the unchurched – as if these churches are abandoning orthodoxy in any way possible in order to gain warm bodies. Most, of course, are doing nothing of the sort. In truth, the real narcissism is among the churches catering to the believer, making their needs paramount to such a degree that the lost are, well, staying so. Because nowhere does true spiritual narcissism face more opposition than in a church which is choosing to die to itself in order to reach out and serve those around them.

Then it’s not about whether you are fed, but whether or not you have learned to feed yourself and, best of all, feed others.

Then it’s not about whether you are ministered to, but whether you are, yourself, a minister to others.

Then it’s not about whether you got anything out of the service, but whether you gave God anything of service.

And that is a church that has died to itself enough to….live.

James Emery White

Pressures of Ministry

The numbers are staggering. 80% of pastors feel discouraged in their role and 50% would leave the ministry if they had another way of making a living. The numbers are even higher for the spouse where 85% struggle with depression and 80% wish their spouse would choose another profession. 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with spouse and that ministry has a negative effect on their family.
40% report a serious conflict with a parishioner once a month.
33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
75% report they’ve had significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.
58% of pastors indicate that their spouse needs to work either part time or full time to supplement the family income.
56% of pastors’ wives say they have no close friends.
Pastors who work fewer than 50 hrs/week are 35% more likely to be terminated.
40% of pastors considered leaving the pastorate in the past three months. Such numbers are too profound to overlook.

To enter ministry is to often enter a world of pain, discouragement and frustration. It is because of these statistics we need to prepare our young people who are being called into the ministry. We must prepare them for real work, serious work.

What are some key ways we could and should prepare people for the ministry?

The first step to make sure their perspective is to maintain a biblical view of themselves and their ministry. In many ways our culture has placed unrealistic expectations on pastors and church leaders and their role. Leaders are pressured to lead the church to new heights of attendance and increase the number of programs within the church, all with little funds and sometimes little help from the congregation. Furthermore, our culture has instilled within us the expectation that life should be free from difficulties and hardships. This almost sets leaders up for failure or at the best, disappointment.

The scriptures warn us that to enter ministry is to enter a life of difficulty and struggles (2 Corinthians 7:5; 11:24-29). We are also in the midst of a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). While leaders may complain about the hardships they face, Paul saw it as a badge of honour to suffer for the cause of Christ (Colossians 1:24; see also Philippians 1:29 where the word “granted” is the Greek word referring to a graciously given gift). The reason he had this perspective is because he recognized that the strength from ministry comes not from ourselves or even our training, but from the hand of a sovereign and gracious God who empowers us to accomplish His purpose (Col 1:29).

The second perspective is to make sure that leaders are taking care of themselves and their families physically and emotionally. God recognized the importance of rest when he instituted the Sabbath day. This is equally true for leaders in ministry. Working seven days a week is a recipe for burnout in ministry and neglect of spouse and family. We need to make sure that leaders take the time to be renewed and take the time to be with family and spend time with their children. God makes it clear that He expects us first and foremost to care for the needs of family so that they do not become the sacrificial lamb on the altar of ministry (1 Timothy 3:4-5).

The third perspective is leaders need to develop a network of individuals who can offer support, encouragement and perspective. Moses needed Aaron and Joshua, Paul needed Barnabas and Titus. Tragically 70% of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. They need to develop these relationships. It may be with a fellow pastor in the community, it may be with a fellow missionary, it may be with a friend that they can talk with once a week or month. If they do not have a close friend, then they need to start praying for one, immediately.

Fourth, leader must seek help when they need it. Often there can be a “pastoral pride” that exists that hinders leaders from seeking help. Pastors especially can feel the pressure to always have their act together and that it is somehow a sign of weakness to seek the help of others. They can forget that leaders also are human beings struggling in a difficult ministry. There are times when pastors need to be “pastored.” There are times when leaders need the counsel and input of others. There is no shame it getting help. Proverbs states that it is the wise who seek the input of others. It is the fool who thinks that he does not need the assistance of others.

Leaders need to realize that ministry has been, is, and always will be a difficult and painful calling. They must also realize that ministry will continue whenthey are gone. Everything does not centre around the leader but around the LORD. However, leaders must also realize that God’s grace is always sufficient and that where there is trouble there is also His sustaining hand.

I love being a pastor at Royal Heights. I fall in the 20% bracket where I enjoy my minstry. I have real friends. I have a loving wife and family. I am priviledged. Thank you LORD!

15 Characteristics of the Small Church

While no church will manifest all 15 of these characteristics, in most cases there will be several that predominate.

1. The small church is relationally driven.
There exists within the congregation a family atmosphere where individuals are considered part of a bigger family, where relationships become more important than performance and organization.

2. The small church works through informal channels.
Because of the close relational bonds, decisions are often made over coffee rather than formal meetings. While policies and procedures for conducting church business are important and should be implemented, they should be communicated informally and in relational terms, rather than through formalized channels.

3. The small church works as a whole.
When the church acts, it acts as a whole rather than as individual parts. The whole congregation makes decisions rather than a representative few. People desire to know what is going on in every program and ministry even though they are not directly involved. The ultimate decision-making authority resides within the congregation rather than within the board or pastor.

4. Power and authority reside in the laity rather than the pastor.
The small church is owned and operated by the laity rather than the pastor. While the pastor may retain the title, the power of the church belongs to the people who have built and directed the church for generations. If the pastor comes into conflict with that power, then the pastor will often be asked to leave.

5. The small church relates as a family.
The small church functions as a family. To become part of the family, a person must be grafted in. This depth of relationship takes time to develop, thus making it difficult for first timers to be included.

6. Communication occurs through the grapevine.
Everyone knows what is going on because everyone talks about it. The rule of thumb regarding the grapevine is that the smaller the church and more close knit the people, the more the grapevine will be an asset.

7. Traditions and heritage undergird the structure, ministry, and culture.
Within the small church, traditions are more than ruts; they are the stories and bonds that tie the present congregation to previous generations. Because the small church values not only the present membership, but also past members, traditions play an important role within the life and expression of the church. They are slow to change for change constitutes a break not only from the past, but from the past membership.

8. The church functions and worships intergenerationally.
Because they are a family they want to be with the whole family. To divide the congregation by age is to split the family. People in the small church not only enjoy being with other family members; they often resent any segregation (other than during the Sunday school).

9. The focus is on people rather than performance.
In the small church, the focus shifts to the individual person instead of performance. Thus, a person is kept in a particular position even though there are others more qualified and could do a better job.

10. They have a place for everyone.
The small church has a place for everyone. Whether it be the mentally slow person who runs the sound system, or the retired grandmother who teaches the adult Sunday school class, everyone is given the opportunity to be involved.

11. The small church values relatives.
Because of its size, the church often has a higher percentage of people related to other members of the church. This interrelatedness has tremendous impact in the life of the congregation. One way it impacts the church is in the selection of key leadership positions.

12. The small church values generalists.
In an age of specialization, the small church values and utilizes generalists who can do a number of different jobs and responsibilities. Because there are few workers to perform the multiple tasks within the small church, there is a greater value placed on leaders who can do a number of things satisfactorily rather than an individual who can do one thing extremely well.

13. There is a place for everyone and everyone has a place.
Place is extremely important in the small church. Like a family that sits in the same place for every meal, people sit in the same place Sunday after Sunday. When they are absent, everyone notices their places are empty and they are missed. Place is also a symbol of their belonging to the church family. It symbolizes their security in a world that is insecure. It becomes part of the memory and story of the congregation.

14. It has a different calendar and different timetable.
Small churches have their own calendars around which they function. These calendars are often seasonal and tied to the employment base for the community.

15. Small-church attenders are givers.
People in the small church have a strong sense of ownership of the church. As a result, they are willing to give their time and money to the church. However, often they view giving differently. Instead of giving from the standpoint of a set amount, they approach it based upon the needs of the church.

Don't Take The Day Off

So you want a day off. Let's take a look at what you are asking for.

There are 365 days per year available for work.

There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have 2 days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work.

Since you spend 16 hours each day away fron work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available.

You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break which counts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available.

With a 1 hour lunch each day, you used up another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work.

You normally spend 2 days per year on sick leave.

This leaves you only 20 days per year available for work.

We are off 5 holidays per year, so your available working time is down to 15 days.

We generously give 14 days vacation per year which leaves only 1 day available for work.

There's no way I'll let you take that day off!


Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

redeem - to buy back.

How many days have we let slip through our fingers? Let's get back,...for Christ.

The Power of HABIT

The Power Of Habit

You may know me.
I'm your constant companion.
I'm your greatest helper; I'm your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am at your command.
Half the tasks you do might as well be turned over to me.
I'm able to do them quickly,
and I'm able to do them the same every time
if that's what you want.
I'm easily managed, all you've got to do is be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want it done;
after a few lessons I'll do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great men and women;
of course, servant of the failures as well.
I've made all the great individuals who have ever been great,
And I've made all the failures, too.
But I work will all the precision of a marvelous computer
with the intelligence of a human being.
You may run me for profit, or you may run me to ruin;
it makes no difference to me.
Take me. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.
Be firm with me and I'll put the world at your feet.
Who am I?

I Am Habit.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 15th Anniversary Edition - Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Stephen R. Covey / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families By Stephen R. Covey / Saint Martin's Press

Sam Walton and Church Growth

SAM WALTON’S PRINCIPLES AND OUR CHURCH’S GROWTH:

Sam Walton died in April/92, after becoming one of the richest men in the States. He had extraordinary success in creating and building the Wal-Mart discount chain. The following are “Sam’s Rules for Building a Business”, in his own words:

RULE #1: Commit to your business. I think I overcame every single one of my personal shortcomings by the sheer passion I brought to my work.

RULE #2: Share your profits with all associates, and treat them as partners. In turn, they will treat you as a partner, and together you will all perform beyond your widlest expectations.

RULE #3: Motivate your partners. Money and ownership aren’t enough. ...Set high goals, encourage competition and then keep score.

RULE #4: Communicate everything you possibly can to your partners. The more they know, they more they’ll understand... Information is power and the gain you get from empowering your associates more that offsets the risk of informing your competitors.

RULE #5: Appreciate everything your associates do for the business... Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise.

RULE #6: Celebrate your successes. Find some humor in your failures. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

RULE #7: Listen to everyone in your company. And figure out ways to get them talking. The folks on the front lines - the ones who actually talk to the customers - are the only ones who really know what’s going on out there.

RULE #8: Exceed your customers’ expectations. If you do, they’ll come back over and over.

RULE #9: Control your expenses better than your competition. This is where you can always find the competitive advantage... You can make a lot of different mistakes and still recover if you run an efficient operation.

RULE #10: Swim upstrean... If everybody else is doing it one way, there’s a good chance you can find your niche by going in exactly the opposite direction... I guess in all my years, what I heard more often than anything was: a town of less than 50,000 cannot support a discount store for very long.

WHAT CAN YOU APPLY TO... OUR CHURCH?

Before We Can Counsel

Before we can do Christian counceling we must have councelors meet these four qualifications:

1.We must agree that the authority of the Scriptures is foremost. By “authority” I mean that when the teaching of Scripture conflicts with any other idea that is presented, the teachings of the Scripture will be accepted as the truth and the other idea will be viewed as unacceptable. To emphasis this, I mean regardless of the other ideas support from the world’s Psychologists and research that seems to contradict this truth of Scripture.
Example: The world says, homosexuality is an alternate life-style, instead of sinful behaviour. The world says, Alcoholism is a disease, instead of sinful behaviour.

2.We must insist that the Bible is God’s infallible, inspired, inerrant revelation in written form.

3. We must agree that Scripture is to be the guide over our thinking.

4. Since Scripture is our guide and mind of God. We will:
a) spent time in the study of the Bible and not just with humanistic books on counseling. (Read through it)
b) our bible study times will be regular so that we remain fresh in the Word of God.
c) we will have a working knowledge of the basic Bible doctrines.
d) we will be in regular fellowship with a Bible-believing church so we may exercise the Spirit’s gifts as we ourselves grow in the knowledge of our Lord. (Can't counsel if you don't come into the church community)

Obedience-Based Discipleship

My friend, Millar Z. is a Chinese man who has the attitude "git-r-done!" He trains believers all over the world. He is practical and deep at the same time, while always expecting to see God work as he walks with Him.

He put some notes down on his discipleship thinking that are worth looking at:

"Genesis to Revelation tells us what God wants man to know about.

Question: Are we obedient in the way we are approaching communities with the gospel?

Matt 21:33. Parable of the vineyard owner who left the country. After some time sent back a servant to check on the vineyard. Beaten and sent away. More sent. More beaten and some killed. Finally sent the son. Killed. Question Jesus asked, “What will happen to the tenants?” Destroyed. Vs. 43, speaking to Pharisees. Fruit means many things - people saved, churches established, mature believers, etc.

Expectation of God is that we produce fruit.

If not, the pronouncement is that what we have will be taken away and given to someone who will produce fruit.

Question: “Are you producing fruit?” “Are you winning the lost, starting new churches, leading believers to live mature Christian lives that transform their communities?”

Word is clear. If not, everything will be taken away.

Our responsibility as leaders is to help our leaders produce fruit. We must produce. Are we making disciples, starting churches, reproducing ourselves into others?

Definition of leaders includes people who produce more leaders. Leaders produce leaders. If you’re not producing leaders you are an administrator, not a leader. We are looking for leaders.

Likewise real churches produce more churches. A church that does not produce more churches is not a church, it is a Christian club. By definition churches produce more churches.

Obedience results in churches reproduces churches on a regular basis."

Millar puts the weight where the weight should be. These are great questions to ponder and even greater commands to obey!

"...He made the Stars also!"

Moses is the Prophet of God who records the very revelation of how the LORD created. Moses pens out in the beginning words of Genesis the work of the Lord. He gives a list of what God was doing each day during creation.

Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.

With ONLY FIVE WORDS he tells of the one of God's most powerful display of power. Only five words!



The Eagle Nebula is an amazing example of the mighty hand of God.



Here are some posts of some amazing photos of the creative power of the LORD.








If this is some of the things our God has made can you imagine what He is like? How awesome and breath taking He must be. No creature can stand before Him in pride, all must kneel to His authority and strength.

LORD< I kneel! Praise Your name.

Thanksgiving is Here!

With the world enconomy in the state it is in there can seem that there is little to be thankful about BUT this wouldn't be true.

It becomes more important to have a thankful heart in hard times than even in good. So many people are hurting it is good to be their encouragement.

Here are so famous quotes of thankfulness:

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward


The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer


Gratitude is the memory of the heart. ~Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French


Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern


If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart


You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. ~G.K. Chesterton


If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. ~Frank A. Clark


Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~Jackie Windspear


He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus


There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. ~Joseph Addison


Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. ~Estonian Proverb


Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~Henry Ward Beecher


Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things. ~Horace


When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. ~Chinese Proverb

Lots of Babies!

Every where I look I seem to see a little baby. Mary & Don's Carla, just had a baby girl! Babies, babies babies!

Here are some Question and Answers about children:

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A: For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
A: 'Cause you're fatter than they are.

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labour?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

God loves babies! How do I know? He said, "You must be born again!"

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

Wouldn't be great to fill the church auditorium up with new borns? Those for the first time seeing the brand new world of faith? Those who come with so much hope and potential in the Son?

Go have children!

How Long is Eternity?

The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index recorded a paper loss of $1 trillion across the market for the day, a first!

Bill Bryson (in his book, Notes from a Big Country) gives a fascinating illustration of just how much this is:

If you were locked in a vault and you could keep every dollar bill you initialled, (we're assuming that you initial one bill every second and that you don't need to eat, sleep or take comfort breaks!)do you know how long it would take you to make a million dollars?

Twelve days of non-stop effort would earn you a million dollars.

120 days would give you $10 million.

1200 days - $100 million. That's over three years to get a paltry $100 million ... Still a long way to go ...

After 31.7 years, you'd be a billionaire.

But wait, there's more ... we're still only at the billionaire stage ... Keep initialling, Kiddo!

After initialling a dollar bill every second without stopping, it would take you 31,709.8 years to get to your first trillion!

"How long is eternity?"

How long will I exist either with or without the eternal rewards God wants me to have? If you’re a non-Christian, how long will you exist out of the presence of God?

If you had a bird in your backyard next to a sandbox. And you take a pail, fill it full of sand, and then let some of the grains of sand fall through your hands. One bucket of sand has thousands of grains of sand.

Let’s imagine that you could instruct that bird to pick up one of the grains of sand in its beak, fly to the moon and drop it off. Let’s say it takes one million years for the bird to get to the moon. He puts the grain of sand down and flies back to earth. It takes a million years for him to get back. He then picks up the next grain of sand and flies back to the moon. He drops off that grain and flies back to earth—a million years there, a million years back.

One by one the bird takes each grain of sand in your sandbox to the moon. When he is finished, you take him down to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach which runs along the coast. You tell him, "I want you to start clearing off the sand on this beach one grain at a time."

He starts there, then works his way up to Miami, then to Jacksonville, Hilton Head, Charleston, New York City, Boston, and up toward Maine. He takes each grain of sand to the moon one at a time, a million years there, a million years back. When he’s done with all of that, you take him out to the West Coast and from Mexico all the way up to California and Oregon, you tell him to take one grain of sand at a time and fly it to the moon.

When the bird finishes with all of that, you say, I’ve got this other little spot called the Sahara Desert. I want you to clear the sand off of that place one at a time." When he finishes that, you say, "Three-fourths of the surface of the earth is water. Let me drain the oceans dry. At the bottom of the oceans you have a lot of sand. Take all of that sand to the moon, one grain of sand at a time, a million years there, and a million years back."

When he finishes, if you could add up all of the millions of years it had taken to remove all of the sand from all of those places, eternity would just be beginning. (How Long is Eternity? By Dr. John Ankerberg)

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

“ I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Sunday, the First of the Week

Ahhhh, what another great Sunday. During Bible study we had discussion on the actions of Joesph testing his brothers' love and care for each other. Those who attended were deep and right on track.

Service came and the worship team was ready to bring us to worship. Their spirits were full and they sang from an abundance. God was in the room inhabiting the praises of his people.

Many guests were there this morning. New faces seeking the Lord. I could see them worship. The joy on their faces revealed their hunger for God.

Paul, our missionary friend, sang a special music on the spur of the moment. Bill & Frankie were present, the bringing back of old friends. Elaine, had her birthday, which made her a little older (not in spirit).

Home Group met later in the evening. A new girl attended. She wants to get baptized. Excellent worship and study. People were real.

Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Sitting in Dallas, Texas

Here I am sitting in a hotel conference centre in Dalls, Texas. The conference is hosted by Russell Brunson, an Internet savvy, young man who knows how to make real dollars on the web. There is no hype here, this is the real deal.

I am so impressed with the young minds now started to figure things out. I'm 49 and can see that the next generation has alot to offer. They think outside of the box because they don't see a box. Their ideas are crisp, clear and very thought out. They appear undisciplined but are just the opposite in real life.

I have learned much. Some of this stuff needs to be brought to our young and up and coming young men and women in the spiritual field. A young person could "easily" have a workable online business that could care for their needs as they do their mission work in small, un-finaniced places.

This reminds me of David and his men,..." who were designated by name to come and make David king; 32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;" 1 Chronicles 12:32

When we are aware of what is happening in the world around us we learn how to connect with what is really happening not what we think is happening. The church must be looking at similar questions so we stay as a true value to the world at large. Jesus is ALWAYS the true value of EVERY generation and EVERY nationality of people.

JESUS IS THE ANSWER!

700 Billion Dollar Bail Out

The United States is facing some difficult times. The Congress is meeting to discuss a 700 Billion dollar aid package for some of the major companies that are facing financial ruin. As I watch the news I can see the stress on people's faces as they try to figure this all out.

I also read the the Lehman Brother's Bank CEO made $22.1 million dollars as a salary with stock options in 2007! I don't know about you but don't you think that is a little high for a wage package? I wonder why the company was in trouble!

The price of things are in turmoil. What could a person buy with 700 billion? People don't know what they should do about this problem. What will they do with all this money?

Judas Iscariot discovered what he could get for a few dollars, thirty pieces of silver to be exact. He could sell Jesus to his enemies!

Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

The world has always had a fascination with money. The LORD before the beginning of time decided that the price of His Son would be set at thirty pieces of silver. Such a small amount for what it purchased!

These thirty pieces of silver moved Judas to do the worst deed in all of history. Even today not many would call their child, Judas, because of what he did. This small purchase price was worth more than the 700 billion dollar bail out. This small purchase saved the human race.

To God be the Glory great things He has done!

Remember to pray for America. That God would give them wisdom on how to best handle this overwhelming challenge. America needs of understanding and compassion during these difficult hours, not our complaints and criticism. Pray for the still great nation to our south!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin'
It's early morn
The taxis waitin'
He's blowin' his horn
Already I'm so lonesome
I could die

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

Evr'y song I sing, I'll sing for you
When I come back, I'll bring your wedding ring

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
'cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go

Now the time has come to leave you
One more time
Let me kiss you
Then close your eyes
I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come
When I won't have to leave alone
About the times, I won't have to say

I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go
---John Denver

I'm heading off to Dallas, Texas tomorrow and gettin' my bags packed. The conference is about the internet and stuff like that. It should be interesting.

When a person gets ready to leave on a jet plane there are some things he has to go through.
~He must have a ticket.
~He must have his flight all paid for.
~He must think what he wants to bring with him because he can't bring it all.
~He must bring what is important for when he gets to his destination.
~He looks with anticiption of those he will be meeting on the other side.

A person could take this little trip and compare it to our life here on earth, as we prepare to go to heaven.
~We must have a ticket, that's Jesus' gift of Life for us.
~The ticket must be paid for, that's Jesus' giving His blood for us.
~We are not bringing much with us, only the things that are important, that's other humans, those who we declared the gospel to and they recieved the Son.
~We look with anticipation of those we will meet on the other side. Who are you anxious to meet and see again in heaven? I want to see my father, my friend, Terry, my brother-in-law, Rick and a few other friends I know!

God is a good God BUT if you want to see Him when you pass away, YOU BETTER HAVE A TICKET!

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

How Do You Come Back When You Are Down?

1 Kings 19
1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel[a] touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel[b] of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.
9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

All of us go through times of discouragement. How do we come back from it?

According to this passage of Scripture, there are three causes of discouragement.
1. Physical strength is overtaxed.
2. Focused on self- "I only, am left."
3. Focused on circumstances and not God.

We all seem to have a certainway of handling these times of discouragement.
1. To run from the problem.
2. To hide ourselves.
3. To go into self pity.

There are three key truths we should believe:
1. God's love is consistent - unconditional!
-sing this out as you drive, in the shower.
-personalize music
2. God's love is revealed in special ways because of sin.
3. God's love anticipates coming need.

How does God deal with us in our down times?
1. He gives us rest
2. He speak to us
3. He reveals Himself to us
4. He reminds us of past victories
5. He links us into someone else

Sheila's Birthday Today

Sheila Fedoruk's birthday is today! She is now ___________ years old! Another year has come and gone. Life is passing us by.

Not!

Sheila is a believer. She is ageless. It is like Mary being told by Jesus that there is no age for believers. Their earth suits get old but the true essence of the person never dies or ages.

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Sheila, you are never aging! Isn't this GREAT! You have never aged a day after you accepted Jesus as Lord. You entered eternal life!

Birthdays come and go and we keep a record of how many times our earth suits have been travelling around the sun but the spirit of man is ageless. Never to die, never to age, to be everlasting.

Let the world keep their fasination on keeping the earth suit looking young as long as it can. We are on a different level, our inner man is being renewed every day!

Happy birthday Sheila, I will be saying this to you for the next zillion years!

The Errors of the Jehovah's Witnesses Cult

"A Cult is a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.", so says the dictionary.

Another thing about a cult is that they claim to be Christian while not following the accepted doctrines of the church. We don't call Buddhism a cult because they do not claim to be Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because they deny that Jesus is God the Son while trying to claim they are Christian.

The main heresies taught by Jehovah's Witnesses are as follow:
1. Annihilation
2. Denial of the Deity of Christ
3. Denial of the Deity of the Holy Spirit
4. Denial of Eternal Security
5. Denial of a Literal Burning Hell
6. Denial of Literal Second Coming of Christ
7. Denial of the Physical Resurrection of Christ
8. Denial of the Trinity
9. Salvation Through Works
10. True Church Theory

We are told to watch out for false teaching that comes. Check all teaching against the Scriptures. Jehovah's Witnesses went so far in their sin that they ended up writing their own Bible so they could change many key passages of Scripture.

We would do well to heed the warning Peter gave to those in his time...

"2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does[a] not slumber."

What is Prayer?

What is prayer?

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord.
The Bible speaks much of prayer. But, sometimes, too often, we ignore prayer and seek to accomplish in the strength of our own wills those things that we desire to have or happen. For those of us who are too often guilty of this, we need to bow our knees, confess our sin, receive God's forgiveness, and beg that the will of the Lord be done above our own. God is sovereign and loving and He knows what is best for us and others, even if it doesn't always seem to make the most sense.
We so often come to the Lord with legitimate requests for healing, conversions, and needs and yet the answers we hope for often do not come. We wonder and sometimes doubt. Yet, we persevere and praise God. We pray because we know that God hears us and because we desire to see results. We should pray by faith, trusting God. We should pray consistently, trusting God. We should pray for healing, trusting God. We should pray for others, trusting God. We should pray and when our prayers are answered or are not answered remember this: If we knew what the Lord knew, we wouldn't change a thing.
Prayer changes the one praying because in prayer, you are in the presence of God as you lay before Him your complete self in confession and dependence. There is nothing to hide when in quiet supplication we are reaching into the deepest part of ourselves and admitting our needs and failures. In so doing, our hearts are quieted and pride is stripped and we enjoy the presence of God. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
I am reminded of another benefit of prayer: peace. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:6-7).
I suppose that we can test our prayer life and dependence upon God by the peace or lack of peace in our hearts. In all things we are to seek the Lord and in His continued presence peace will surely be our gain.
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY www.carm.org

Lunch With Friends

Today I got back from a pastor and wife retreat just across the USA border. Wanda and I pulled the car into our yard and there was our friend, Paul Johnson. There was an instant smile across our faces.

"Hey, good to see you!"

"Same"

"I have to go out right now but Tim and I will meet you for lunch, eh?"

"Great!"

I drop Wanda off at the house and head to the office. I'm greeted by Mary was a big smile, "Glad to have you back!"

I walk into my office and do a little work. I hear voices in the back room, out I go to investigate. Mary Lou is sitting with Shelia and Art in the converance room having lunch. Laughter.

I walk in, "Hey, there he is. Good to have you back!" More laughter, teasing and the picking on each other begins. "Well, I have to run off to go for lunch. See ya."

I met Tim and Paul for a 1PM lunch over at a resturant. Then Dave Bjork comes in and joins us. Instantly we are bugging each other and laughing.

We order. We continue to talk and laugh about the various situations we were in this past week. Each person was a different way of looking at life and yet each person caring deeply for the other.

We finished eating and Dave immediately picked up the tab (we all convientately were too slow to get the bill before he did). He pays for the meals. Tim says, "I'll leave the tip". More laughter, bugging and acting like men.

We all promise to connect again soon and we're off. Driving back, I think to myself what a great bunch of friends I have. I feel priviledged to call myself their buddy. They always bug me lots, make fun of my directions and my wierd ways but that's why I love 'em. I can be me.

Friendship is a precious thing. I pray each person in the congregation at Royal Heights would be able to say, "I have a friend that goes there."

Today, I thank the Lord for my friends.

Trouble at Wall Street

The Dow industrials dropped 504.48 points, or 4.4%, to 10917.51. AIG shares declined 61% amid a steep fall for financial stocks. Oil settled below $100 for the first time since.

Yikes! The money markets are all at great risk. These are the best of times and the worst of times...! Fear and risk were words used lots on TV this morning when it came to taking about wall street. The "safe" investment companies were no longer.

People reacted by moving their money to Treasury bills so they could stop trying to figure it out and let the banks and govt handle the mess. Sure they get less percentage return but also less headache.

People lost billions of dollars today! And yet all this wealth does not equal even one human soul. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Jesus warned us to invest not where Warren Buffet or Bill Gates were putting their resources but where He was investing,...in the human soul. The soul of a man is beyond the wealth of this planet and is completely safe from the up and downs of the market.

Luke 12:29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."

Jesus, instructed us where to put our main investments, in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. How are your investments doing? How many human souls are in the Kingdom because of your personal investment into them?

Invest wisely. Invest in the Kingdom of God!

Stranger Angels

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

This verse gives me the eerie feeling of the X-Files. Are we really entertaining heavenly angels that come down as humans and walk amongst us? This verse says,"yes".

What if we had the attitude that every person we meet might be an angel who reports back to the Lord how we're doing loving our fellow man. It would sober us up for sure, wouldn't?

Back in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah this was definitely the case. Angels came down and witnessed first hand how the earth was doing in caring for their fellow man.It was not good. The cities ended up being destroyed because of their bad behaviour.

How many angels have you entertained? Did they smile and report back to the Lord that there is a person on earth who loves all people. There is a person who is not prejudice before all that he meets.

Facing Your Giants

1 Samuel 17:4 And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

The story of Goliath is told all around the world. It is a story that connects to each of us. We all have giants that we have to face.

How to you face a giant?

Giants are large and frightening. They are not easily conquered. They have real strength and are intimitating because of their size.

David, is like us in the story. He is small in size and is overshawdowed by the size of Goliath. Our problem as big and so was David's. But...

44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”

The key to conquer the goliath in your life is your view and understanding of your God. Is your God really real? Is He the One who is sending you into the battle of life or are you out there alone?

We must get like David, "...our God will deliver us." Believe!

Question about the Bible

We are sitting at Chapters as a family and Wanda is reading us a series of questions from a book of Bible questions. It is good to see the kids know many of the answers. Many stories quickly come to mind with each question.

See how many you can answer:

1) How many books are there in the standard Bible?

2) At the time of the census which was conducted by Moses in the first chapter of Numbers, which of the twelve tribes of Israel was the largest?

3) Which of the following animals were the Israelites forbidden to eat by the Old Testament?

4) When were Israelites required to free their servants?

5) Who climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus as he entered Jericho?

6) How many hours did Jesus remain on the cross?

7) Who was chosen to replace Judas as the twelfth apostle?

8) Who did Peter raise from the dead in Joppa?

9) What two men in the Bible never died?

10) What is the longest book in the Bible?

911

The pain of the 911 twin towers is remembered today. People will be crying, reflecting. praying, forgiving, hurting and trying to understand it all. This is a real subject of hurt for America, with no simple answers.

Today, Let's seek not to "understand the why" but to answer with "what now, Lord?" What would You like for me to do in light of what has happened? How can I glorify You in and through this situation?

Let's begin by lifting these families that have expereinced real, heart-wrenching lost before the Lord.

"Father, we come to You today because You are our God. You are a God of comfort and compassion. We ask for Your hand of love on the lives of those who will remember 911 as a time of great personal loss. Move each soul to the act of forgiveness. Move them to the act of love. Move them to the act of community and friendship.

Lord, You created the world and called it "good". We, in our lust for independence from You, decided we knew best. We ask forgiveness for our arrangance. We are sorry Lord.

Continue to call us back to Your ways. Call us back to loving our fellow man and for caring for our neighbour. Call the nations to repentance and grace. Stop the evil man and reward the righteous in all their ways. Bless the nations, Lord.

Lord, may the mighty power of forgiveness and love begin with me. Thank You, Lord."

God's Business Plan

Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Jesus was a young lad and yet He knew He MUST be about His Father's business. What is this business? What was Jesus doing? What was He surprised they would not know He would be doing?

In the verses before these verses we get to see what Jesus was doing. What He understood as the Father's business.

Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

He was instructing people in the ways of the Father. Church, this is the Father's business. We are to continuously introduce people to a clear understanding of the ways of the Father. Jesus was so clear on the ways of the Father that He called Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Father's business. If we miss Jesus we miss the Father's business on this planet.

Let's get about the Father's business by telling others about His Way.

Holidays

I am on holidays until the 15th of August. Check back.

TV Shows

I was watching TV tonight and was just reflecting on the constant amount of stories that come out of Hollywood. Few with good character as the base. Many with confused morals and dark characters as the heroes.

What makes a good story?

I read the Scripture and see the stories of God. Many also deal with the low morals of people and the lostness of man. The difference is these stories are real and give us an in depth look into the heart of our Creator. We learn real truth.

Hollywood is amusement. Amusement is an activity that keeps you busy but has no real purpose. Like an amusement park's ferries wheel going around and around yet going no where. The Bible is entertainment. Entertainment is the ability to grab hold of you and not let you go until the story is told. Hollywood tries to be entertainment but comes in as amusement in real life.

We all like a good story. Be the story.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

A Good Service Today

Sunday morning is always a treat. The morning starts with me leaving the house and walking 100 steps to the church building (I live in the house next door). I quickly finish off the bulletin inserts and get them printed off. I hear the prayer meeting going on in the next room, Vi is praying.

I go upstairs to the Adult Bible study that is just beginning. We are studying in the book of Genesis (for the last six months) about the story of Jacob wrestling with the Lord. Pearl is teaching and doing a great job.

I sneak out early and speak with Dave about 300 Salmon he has coming in on Monday. Dave is a man that must stay busy to stay sane. He juggles 24 things on a daily bases and only drops one or two. 300 fish,....wow! I speak to Dave about calling my phone during the children's part of the service so it will ring.

I meet the mission team we have sleeping at the church all week. They come from Kansas and are on mission. Thirteen young people seeking to experience God. Kevin,the leader, agrees to introduce their group during the announcements.

I go into the auditorium to set up my computer for the power point presentation that is used during the service. The power point takes hours to work through but people seem to enjoy being able to see and hear the message. I set things up. Margaret mentions that this is Gloria's final Sunday before see heads to Beijing. I make another power point to use during the announcements. As she leaves Colleen mentions we have bread to give away. I quickly make another power point to use during the announcements. Jim mentions that Mike is heading to China to live and he's at the airport now. I make another power point to mention this during the announcements.

An Iranian couple come and give me their power point to use in the sermon this morning. The power point isn't ready and needs to be revamped for the service. I reworked and re size their presentation.

Callie comes to see where she will be singing during the sermon. I take her through the sermon presentation so she can she where she will fit in. She smiles and goes back to her two new friends so has invited that morning.

I finish setting the computer up and notice Johnston standing beside me. Johnson is a man who is stranded with his family in Canada. I have them staying at the church until we help them get back home. Johnson wonders how things are going and if we can find something for him to do. I reassure him as I look at his wife and two young children sit quietly at the back of the church. Stress.

I notice Bryan and Janelle come in with their baby, who will be dedicated today. Grandparents are smiling and extended family is waiting. I hear a baby crying, not Keziah. I see Spanish family beside them and remember they want to join the church today. Go over and confirm.

Service starts, the room looks half empty. Everyone is still at the coffee bar. My son, Simon is cooking Salmon for all the missionaries. His first major connection lending a hand. I pray things will go well for him.

Worship continues. Room is filling up. People are happy. Their is a good spirit in the room. Trish is leading with Jim, sounds good. A baby is crying. Lots of clapping during the songs. Announcements. Everything well fine, Kevin came on cue.

Children time. Dave's phone is not making my ring. Finally. I talk about prayer. Kids wonder what I saying but happy they are the centre of focus. BAM leads them off.

Sermon time. Dedication goes well. Iranian couple hit a home run. Callie is on key and moves us to the Heart of Worship. Simon is still cooking somewhere. Pray for Gloria and Mike. Preach on "How to Stop Procrastination". Spanish family of four come forward and join. Everyone hugs them.

Get to the front door. The ones that really need a hug leave early. They are hurting.I give lots of hug today. Encourage a 7 year old quietly who got embarrassed today. Smiling. Hugging.

Get mission team ready to eat. Shelia is smiling. Things look good. Simon has got the fish cooked and in the board room. We sit down and eat. Clear tables so I can show them the differences between USA and Canadian people. Present the info and the gospel.

Home time, it's 3PM.

I sit on my favorite chair. Wanda asks how was service today. (She had spent her time cooking porgies for the mission team). "It was a good service today"

Leadership Quotes

Many leadership quotes are words from the Bible just rearranged in a different way. The wisdom of Jesus, who was only thirty to thirty-three years old when He spoke His profound sayings, has never been found to be in error in 2000 years. The words Christ spoke are words so deep and true.

Since we see Jesus' words all over the wise words of others it would serve our propose well to read His words. Read these leadership quotes and think of the scriptures and see if the essence of the thought are not first found there!


Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.
Peter F. Drucker

Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.
George S. Patton

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.
Dwight Eisenhower

Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too.
Robert Half

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.
Theodore Roosevelt

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.
James Crook

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.
St. Augustine

The question, 'Who ought to be boss?', is like asking, 'Who ought to be the tenor in the quartet?' Obviously, the man who can sing tenor.
Henry Ford

Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
Lewis Grizzard

Sitting In A Coffee Shop

The world is changing at a tremendous rate. I'm sitting in Chapter's coffee shop working on my sermon. I'm preaching on "How to Stop Procrastating" so I better get this completed before Saturday at 12 midnight.

Our present day world is a marvel to behold. I drove up here in my van. Paid for my coffee with my debit card. Connected to Hotspot wireless with a credit card. With access to the web I can look up my sermon passage on 110 different Bible versions. I can review the passage through hundreds of commentaries. We live in amazing times.

Yet, is it said of us, "They have turned the world upside down", like was sai of the early disciples? Why did their world notice Christianity when they had no vehicles, no laptops, no wireless and no internet? How did they see and be apart of the changes of tranforming their world?

What the answer be "the Holy Spirit"?

We live in a world that has so much stuff and yet so little real power. Power according to the Bible is when a life can be completely transformed. This takes "God power". It can not be faked or tricked. It must be real. A real encounter with God's Son must occur.

Today's world has so much stuff, how do we get more of the early church's power? How do we say "silver and gold, I have none but such as a have, stand up and walk!" Church let's ask for thepower of the Holy Spirit to come visit us. Let's ask for transofrmed lives.

Holy Spirit come fill me...

Spurgeon on Substitutionary Atonement

Spurgeon was a great preacher of his day. The reason: The power of the Holy Spirit in his life and sound doctrine. He understood the importance of the cross; the death and resurrection of the Christ. May we speak with the same passion.

"Those who set aside the atonement as a satisfaction for sin also murder the doctrine of justification by faith. They must do so. There is a common element which is the essence of both doctrines; so that, if you deny the one, you destroy the other.

Modern thought is nothing but an attempt to bring back the legal system of salvation by works. Our battle is the same as that which Luther fought at the Reformation. If you go to the very ground and root of it, grace is taken away, and human merit is substituted. The gracious act of God in pardoning sin is excluded, and human effort is made all in all, both for past sin and future hope. Every man is now to set up as his own savior, and the atonement is shelved as a pious fraud.

I will not foul my mouth with the unworthy phrases which have been used in reference to the substitutionary work of our Lord Jesus Christ; but it is a sore grief of heart to note how these evil things are tolerated by men whom we respect.

We shall not cease, dear brethren, in our ministry, most definitely and decidedly to preach the atoning sacrifice; and I will tell you why I shall be sure to do so. I have not personally a shadow of a hope of salvation from any other quarter: I am lost if Jesus be not my Substitute. I have been driven up into a corner by a pressing sense of my own personal sin, and have been made to despair of ever doing or being such that God can accept me in myself.

I must have a righteousness, perfect and Divine; yet it is beyond my own power to create. I find it in Christ: I read that it will become mine by faith, and by faith I take it. My conscience tells me that I must render to God's justice a recompense for the dishonor that I have done to His law, and I cannot find anything which bears the semblance of such a recompense till I look to Christ Jesus. Do I not remember when I first looked to Him, and was lightened? Do I not remember how often I have gone as a sinner to my Savior's feet, and looked anew at His wounds, and believed over again unto eternal life, feeling the old joy repeated by the deed?

Brethren, I cannot preach anything else, for I know nothing else. New dogmas may or may not be true; but of the truth of this doctrine, I am sure.

If anybody here is preaching the atonement, but does not like it, I dare not advise him to cease preaching it, but the words tremble on my lips. I am firmly persuaded that the unwilling or cold-hearted preacher of any doctrine is its worst enemy. It comes to this, in the long run, that the wounds of truth in the house of its false friends are worse than those given it by foes. If you do not love the cross in your heart's core, you had better let it alone. I can truly say that I preach the atonement con amore, with all my heart.......

Observers will have noticed that the joyous element has gone out of many pulpits. The preacher does not enjoy his own subject, and seldom speaks of having been in the Spirit while he was discoursing. He likes twenty minutes' preaching a great deal better than forty; and he is peculiarly apt to merge his two week-night services into one.

Nobody enjoys modern doctrine, for there is nothing to enjoy.......

I would like to rise from my bed, during the last five minutes of my life, to bear witness to the Divine sacrifice and the sin-atoning blood. I would then repeat those words which speak the truth of substitution most positively, even should I shock my hearers; for how could I regret that, as in Heaven my first words would be to ascribe my salvation to my Master's blood, my last act on earth was to shock His enemies by a testimony to the same fact?

Taking the Month of May/June Off

Check back July 1

Church Organization

In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy demands that Linus change TV channels and then threatens him with her fist if he doesn’t. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they are nothing, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold.” “What channel do you want?” asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, “Why can’t you guys get organized like that?”

A church body that is organized is not as administratively powerful as a church as a people powerful church. The administration of a church body is always done through the love for the people.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

As we grow as a church and desire to remain administratively strong it is so important to remember that church is about people. People are to used as a means to an end, they are the end (in Christ). Jesus said that He came to save the lost.

Our hearts must be open to work with people that are not always thinking like we are in every situation. We must learn to love and place people in the body of Christ where the greatest use of their passion we be required. Where they will come to their full potential in Christ.

I thank the Lord for His church as it grows in number and depth. Royal Heights is a great church because it is filled up with a diversity of people who desire to live their lives before the King.

But I HATE him/her!

Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Lord teaches us to not be like those who have no God; who have no Father in heaven. We are to be different from the world in our heart and behaviours of others. This can be a real test of our trust in Christ. Are we willing to come to understand what He was teaching His disciples in this few verses?

What makes it "okay" for us to begin to hate another person? What happens to our thinking?

We normally first get some reasons for our hate:
1. I have a right to hate, I was wronged.
2. The offense was too great.
3. They are not truly sorry.
4. They'll do it again.
5. They did it again.
6. I'll be a hypocrite if I forgive, because I don't feel like forgiving.
7. I'll forgive, but I won't ever forget.

What are the results of this hate build up?
1. Stress
2. Self-inflicted re injuring
3. No more sense of love
4. Bitterness
5. Walls that keep others out

Eph 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."

Our do you experience the act of Forgiveness?

You MUST choose...

Choosing to forgive another by remembering the complete forgiveness you have in Christ. By first looking at your own life and the ways YOU DISOBEY God and how you experienced His forgiveness. Wat areas have we sinned against our Lord?

To experience the forgiveness of others I must...
1. Remember the cross
2. Choose to forgive them

Many people refuse this SIMPLE way to come back into balance with others and the Lord. Pride, self-righteousness, blindness and fear keep us from experiencing this divine gift of forgiveness. We do not have to extract every once of justice from every wrong inflicted. God will make it right one day.

Trust Him!

How Do You Know You've Been Born Again?

You must have a heart-felt response to God.
This response includes repentance for sin (Mk 1:15; Acts 26:20)
Trust that Christ died for you and your sins (Heb 10:10; Rom 3:24 - 26)
A desire for Christ to come into your heart - become Lord of your life. (John 1:12; Rom 10:9)
You may not understand all doctrine but by the Holy Spirit you know that you have encountered the holy and living God and you need a proper relationship with Him.
Now new birth is relational in nature - involving two people beginning a new relationship.
It is not just God's action or yours alone. John 1:12 - 13
Holy Spirit will say to you that you are truly God's child - Rom 8:9, 14 - 16
Regeneration (Born again; new birth, Accepting Christ) does not change your "flesh" - body & soul
Your "flesh" will still look for fulfillment outside of Christ.

You will love the Lord, your King and Saviour.

A Depressed Prophet

1 Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Elijah’s mind was focused on Jezebel instead of the LORD. He was overwhelmed with her threat. "He was afraid and arose and ran for his life" (v. 3). It is ironic but Elijah had just killed all the false prophets of Baal to whom Jezebel swears. She swears to do to Elijah what he has done to them! They are no more. They are powerless. They don’t exist. Instead of trusting in God as he had done in the past years, he ran for his life. He left God out of the picture. He wasn’t thinking rationally.

A depressed person will have some of the following characteristics. These have been adapted from a number of professional sources including Norman Wright, Gary Collins, Larry Crabb, Aaron Beck, Frank Minirth, Paul Meyer and others.

· A depressed person has feelings of hopelessness, despair, sadness and apathy. It is a feeling of overall gloom. A paralysis of the will sets in, and there is a movement toward personal deadness.

· The depressed person loses perspective on life, work, family and friends.

· The depressed person experiences changes in physical activities––appetite, sleeping and sex. The lessening of sexual interest should always raise the question of depression. Some lose interest in food while others attempt to set a world eating record. Some sleep constantly; others cannot get to sleep easily, or wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep.

· The depressive has a general loss of self-esteem. He feels less and less positive about himself and questions his own personal worth. His self–confidence is very low.

· There is a withdrawal from others because of a groundless fear of being rejected. The depressed person’s withdrawal brings on some rejection by others. They cancel favorite activities, fail to return phone calls, and seek ways to avoid talking with or seeing other people.

· The depressed person seeks to escape from problems and even from life itself. Thoughts of leaving home, running away or avoidance of others is common. They feel life is hopeless and worthless. Therefore, suicidal thoughts are common.

· The depressed person is overly sensitive to what others say and do. He may misinterpret actions and comments in a negative way and become upset because of those mistaken perceptions. The person cries often and is sad.

· The depressed person has difficulty handling his feelings, especially anger. Anger is particularly difficult since it can be misdirected toward self and others. A sense of worthlessness and lack of knowing how to deal with a situation produces anger at oneself. This can be directed outward at others.

· There is usually an underlying feeling of guilt that may be real or imagined. Frequently he feels overly responsible for other people’s feelings.

· Often depression leads to a dependency state upon other people. This further reinforces a feeling of helplessness. The depressed person then becomes angry at his own helplessness.

Depression is real but it can be overcome. Read the rest of 1 Kings 19 and see how the Lord encourages His depressed prophet.

Practical Love - Real Love

Love is a strange concept to figure out. How does a person live out the reality of unconditional love?

God is Love! Since we believe this statement to be true than it stands to reason that we MUST be connected to this Being of Love. Your expression of unconditional love will be in direct proportion to your relationship with the Lord. This is NOT just talk this is critical.

When we, as believers, put ourselves in the Love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 we can see the power that love brings to the lives we live. The power of real love!

This is the Apostle Paul's description of love.

Use your own name in the blanks:

"________ is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. _______ does not demand... (his/her) own way. _______ is not irritable or touchy.
_______ does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do... (him/her) wrong. _______ is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out."

Now rewrite the rest of the passage, using your mate's name in the blanks:

"If you love _________ you will be loyal to him (or her) no matter what the cost. You will always believe in ________, always expect the best of ____________, and always stand your ground in defending ____________."
(1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7)

Lessons on Integrity

What does it take to be a person of integrity?

Integrity:
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.
3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

What does a Christian person with integrity look like:

Be a person of prayer.
Keep your word and tell the truth
Put your family before your work.
Learn to love others, even when they seem unlovable.
If you must offer a critical comment to someone, do so alone.
Do not put yourself in places of temptation.
Be willing to admit your mistakes.

These 7 things by Dr. Draper are a good understanding of integrity. Love is the key. For if we give our body to be burned and have not love it profits us nothing.

May we be people of integrity.

The Law of the Garbage Truck Connection

http://www.bewareofgarbagetrucks.com/home.htm

Twelve Step Church

Thomas F. Fischer writes some great insightful articles. Here's one of the Twelve Step church.


This "Twelve Step" program will almost certainly guarantee that you will be pastoring a declining ministry in only a few short years...or sooner (that is, if you or the church lasts that long!)

The Twelve Steps

1. Blame someone else for your problems...and expect others to take care of them for you. After all, they are supposed to bear my burden, aren’t they? Besides, how is this church ever to get anywhere as long as this church has any problems? We’ll just have to wait until the problems are all taken care of. Then we can start to move ahead.

2. Be a victim, act like a victim, lead like a victim, and respond like a victim. After all, doesn’t God help victims? Just sit and wait for God. Someday He’ll fix your problem for you and make it all better. Then you can have a happy ministry.

3. Resist change regularly, religiously, and righteously. Avoid seeking new challenges and pursuing new initiatives. Divert initiatives which might prove uncomfortable, refreshingly different, or those things which "just won’t work here." Be sure to structure a "sound" Biblical argument for your "pious" position. After all, you are the pastor. Isn’t that your job?

4. Keep on doing more of the same. As they always say, "The old way always works better if you work harder." And didn’t God, the Bible or some religious person say, "God helps those who help themselves?" If you’re really dedicated, you’ll work really hard...for Jesus of course. Now get to work...harder!

5. Make your organization as peaceful as you possibly can. Make for a peaceful today even if you have to mortgage the organization’s future. After all, if we can make today peaceful, we can certainly make our future peaceful too, can’t we?

6. Control everything you possibly can. Intervene whenever possible. After all, everyone loves a "hero"...especially religious ones. Grab for control at every opportunity. It is for their own good, right? If necessary, go down fighting for this control if you need it. Isn’t that what "faithfulness" is all about?

7. Hang on to the expendable, the inefficient, the unimportant, the habitual, the comfortable, and the familiar. After all, God loves the simple things, doesn’t He?

8. Pull back, take your time, minimize the risk, delay every decision possible and, above all, play it safe. After all, there’s really no need to have members involved in visionary discussions which will only require pain, sacrifice, and growth to implement...is there? Besides, God wants His money used for more important things.

9. Fight as many battles as you can, defend the undependable, and take your eye off that which is important and essential for "winning the war." After all, who has time to look at the big picture when they’re so pre-occupied with hustles and bustle of the the day-to-day and moment-by-moment tasks of ministry?

10. Attend to your own, your members’, your leaders’, your staff’s, and your church’s survival needs. After you have completely taken care of all their needs, then devote all of whatever energy remains for the unchurched. After all, the unchurched probably don’t really care anyway. If they did, they’d be in your church, right?

11. Motivate others by guilt, manipulation, fear and other mind-games as much as possible. Watch over their every move. Intervene to "fix" what they did wrong every single time they fail. After all, it is their church. You wouldn’t want them to be making mistakes now, would you? And, if it isn’t just so, can you imagine how many people would be upset? We can’t have that! After all, this is a church. It’s God’s house!

12. Take God off the "shelf" only when you want to bring Him to worship or when you need Him to get you out of trouble. After all, what more could He be doing in the church that you aren’t already doing? Besides, if He gets the idea to do something miraculous and exciting, can you imagine how it would hurt this church? Do you know how many people would get upset? It would simply be downright ungodly, now, wouldn’t it?

The Law of the Garbage Truck

My friend Sheila, sent me these words of wisdom...

'The Law of the Garbage Truck'

How often do you let other people change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back onyour heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she/he can get back her/his focus on what's important.

Five years ago I learned this lesson in the back of a taxi cab in Indianapolis. Here's what happened:

I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head
around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.' He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so . . . Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

What Happens to Bring Revival?

Book, "Fire in your heart" Sammy Tippit

Talks about an awakening within the church comes when God's people become a praying people. The ones who pray for the multitudes will never be known by men. He will be known well by the Father.

We hear of the Moodys and Billy Grahams but seldom hear of the common people who have prayed for the Evangelists.

7 Characteristics of the messengers during the Great Awakening of the 18th century:

1. They taught the supremacy of Holy Scripture.
2. They preached the total corruption of the human nature.
3. They taught that Christ's death upon the cross was the only satisfaction for man's sin.
4. The preached the doctrine of justification of faith.
5. They taught the universal necessity of heart conversion and new creation by the Holy Spirit.
6. They spoke of God's eternal hatred against sin and of God's love for sinners.
7. They preached that there was an inseparable connection between true faith and personal holiness. They never allowed for a moment that any church membership or religious profession was the least proof of a man being a Christian if He lived an ungodly life.
Jonathan Edwards believed that, "every experience of God could be counterfeited except those with an insight into His holiness." All who see God's holiness - repent!

Great Welsh revival from 1902 to 1905 was "Bend the church and save the people" On Thursday morning, Sept. 29, 1904, a young Welshman, Evan Roberts and 19 friends went to hear an evangelist named Seth Joshua preach. Joshua prayed, "Bend us, Oh Lord, bend us."
The Holy Spirit did a deep work in Evan Roberts. He fell on his knees, weeping and cried out to God, "Bend me! Bend me! Bend us!"

He began to live and understand, "Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Evan Roberts soon brought a message that would ultimately be used to shake the nation. The message became known as "The Four Points":

1. Is there any sin in your past that you have not confessed to God? On your knees to God!
2. Is there anything in your life that is doubtful? Away with it!
3. Do what the Spirit prompts you to do.
4. Publicly confess Christ as your Savior.

The results - within a year there were more than 100,00 conversions to Christ.

Jonathan Edwards recorded the five evidences of a genuine spiritual awakening:

1. It exalts Jesus Christ.
2. It attacks the kingdom of darkness.
3. It honours the Scriptures.
4. It promotes sound doctrine.
5. It produces an outpouring of love toward God and men.

The day is coming! The day is coming when the Spirit of Our Lord will again come across this land!