Different Kind of Sunday

Last Sunday was a really different day for me. We didn't have church at NewSpring. As I was debating about what to do, where to go, I thought about watching something on the web or TV but decided I wanted to go to church and worship with other people.

I thought about First Baptist Spartanburg and their Genesis service. I've heard good things about it but it's in the Hangar and there are no seats, only concrete bleachers. Since I have back problems occasionally, I quickly nixed that idea.

Then I thought about Sea Coast Church. I looked them up on the web and pondered it a little but nixed it too.

So I ended up at the 10:30 service at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville. I had not been there in about 2 1/2 or 3 years. It turned out to be a pretty traditional service. They had an acoustic set for the worship time and an older man - the missions pastor - preaching. The music was good and the auditorium was full. The service lasted about 63 minutes from beginning to end.

The one thing that was different was communion. The communion juice and wafer were prepackaged and picked up at the door with the bulletin and a pen as you entered the auditorium. The commercially produced product had a little wafer about the size of a nickel and about as thin as a dime. It was sealed on top of the juice which was in a little round container the size you'd get cream for your coffee in at a restaurant.

Since it was still early in the day when Brookwood let out, I decided to go check out Redemption World Outreach Center. That service was at noon and lasted until about 2:15. It was loud and jumping and shouting and all sorts of commotion. There were dancers on stage and in the aisles. People stood and talked out loud during the message - talking to the pastor, agreeing with what he said. They probably had about 3500 or so people there.

Both pastors were preaching on the prodigal son - which is what Perry preached about at our Christmas Eve services. Hearing 3 different views on this same passage was interesting. But I have to say going to other churches helps to reinforce in my heart that I am right where God wants me to be!!

Merry Christmas

We took a special Christmas offering this year at NewSpring Church. When Perry first announced it an amount of money came into my head. That amount was more than I would have thought of on my own but I said OK, Lord, I will give that.

THEN, my washing machine broke and had to have a new computer board put it - not cheap! (Coulda bought a new cheap washer for the price of the board and installation.) THEN, I developed a leak in my roof. The roofer says my 20-25 year old shingles need to be replaced. THEN, I thought about the money I'd agreed with God to give to NewSpring. I told God none of this would deter me. I would not lessen the amount I would give. So I wrote my check and mailed it in about 2 weeks ago.

On Wednesday, my boss handed out pay checks because we were closed Thursday and Friday. When I opened the envelope I had a NICE Christmas bonus. I had absolutely NO expectation of receiving a bonus and would never have imagined getting one of this amount.

On Wednesday I thought, wow, how generous of my employer. On Thursday night as I drove home from our Christmas Eve services it clicked in my brain that this was the same amount I had given to the Christmas offering. I thought, how great is our God that He would replace the money I gave to Him. My heart was so full of His love and care for me that I wept as I drove toward home. God continues to amaze me!!

Gripped by the Greatness of God

As this year winds down and a new year begins, I am focusing on all that God has done that shows His greatness, His awesomeness. Not just to me personally but in the world; not just this year but in years past.

One of the first things that came to mind was the taking down of the Berlin wall. Although President Reagan got a lot of credit for that, it was really a God thing. After all the years of hatred, fear, and distrust, the "fall of the wall" was - in my mind - all God.

Even earlier than that I believe our putting men on the moon was a God thing so that we could really see and understand how tiny we are in the whole scheme of the universe.

More personally, in the 17 years I wandered in the wilderness God never took His hand of protection from me even as He let me get to the very brink of destruction.

My business closing was a God thing because I had to rely on Him and trust Him as I never had before. God showed up in a BIG way financially through it all.

I believe my mama's stroke 6 weeks before my daddy died was God's hand on her life. It was His way of protecting her from the hurt of losing her partner of 70+ years. It prevented her from finding him dead, from having to make choices about moving out of the house, from loneliness and fear.

My brother living 15 years longer than the doctors said was God working in all our lives, teaching us faith, giving us hope.

My son's marriage and his children are the beginning of a work I believe God is going to do in my son's life.

My being at NewSpring Church is definitely God's doing. He said "I'm doing a new thing!" and "Look and see" . I have been amazed at all that He is doing!!

In 2009 God has supplied me with an incredible peace about the future. As I contemplate retirement, as I think about new ways to serve Him, as I seek to fulfill my purpose to glorify God I am confident that I am His and that nothing can snatch me from His hand.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do in 2010!

Thank You, God!

Every time I read a post from Perry about people who surrendered their lives to Jesus; every time I hear about the shoe give aways in all 4 cities; every time I read the NewSpring blog about lives that are changed because of the web service I am so grateful to God for bringing me into the family of NewSpring Church.

I just wish I had listened earlier. I was so comfortable and satisfied where I was that I did not want to go anywhere else. But God was insistent. When I wasn't responding, He allowed the circumstances of my life get to a point where I HAD to listen. I HAD to make a decision.

This is not the first time God has let me get into those situations. You'd think I'd learn to just do it because delayed obedience is disobedience and is a sin and that creates all sorts of problems. It's a lack of total surrender to God's way in my life...me still wanting to be in control. I should know by now that NEVER works out!

Marks of the True Christian

I've been reading through the Bible this year but have gotten a little behind. Instead of being in Revelation I have just finished Romans. But that is OK. The purpose is not to finish in a year but to read with fresh eyes the Book I have read so many times.

My Bible has those little subtitles in each chapter. When I came to this one for Romans 12:9-21 I knew God was about to tear at my heart and my sinful nature. As I read this passage and then read it again and again I was convicted of how far short I fall. Which causes me to fall on my face in gratitude for the grace of God that forgives my sin and gives me another chance.

Even if I don't seek vengeance when I have been wronged, do I mentally and in my heart wish for it? Do I abhor evil? (Abhor is a STRONG word!) Do I bless those who persecute me? Am I even vocal enough in my stand for Christ to BE persecuted? Am I patient in tribulation? Am I constant in prayer?

Lord God, You still have so much work to do in me to conform me to Your Son. You are the Potter and I am the clay...help me to submit willingly to Your molding.

I Am Still Overwhelmed

As I was listening to Perry today as he preached at NewSpring I was once again overwhelmed with God's grace and mercy on my life.

I really thought about where I was and where I am and how differently my life would be if God had not pursued me and I had not said, "Yes!" when I knew I was hearing his voice.

Sometimes His voice is not as noticeable as it has been at other times. Part of the reason for that is the busyness of life. Perry challenged us last week to turn off the noise - at least occasionally - to be able to hear Him. Christmas is the perfect time for that. I don't want to be so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the what to buy and what to cook that I forget that most wonderful miracle when God became a man and walked among us because God loves us. Not just "us" or "the world" but ME! God loves ME. God died for ME.

That's not a selfish statement but a recognition that God is personally involved in my life, my hopes and dreams, successes and failures, good times and bad. In all of it God is watching over me, guiding, encouraging, aiding, strengthening. He provides me with contentment and peace and fills my heart with joy!

For me this season is not about "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" but "THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY SOUL!"

My Christmas Challenge

I have been thinking about how self-centered I often am in my prayer life. From now until Christmas, I am not going to ask God for anything except for the requests that come through the church.

For me, personally, I am going to pray only prayers of thanksgiving and praise. I am going to thank God for something different everyday and praise Him just because He is worthy of my praise.

I am not going to ask for anything for me or my family - no "me/mine" prayers - not that there is anything wrong with that. I just want to change my focus. This Christmas I want to focus on all that has already been given to me by the Most High God. And not just the visible stuff but the air I breathe and my heart that beats and ears that hear. I want my Christmas to be immersed in thankfulness.

I believe as I focus more on Him, He will be able to speak more clearly to my heart about the direction my life should take in the new year.

Persecution

I was reading a story posted today on Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579979,00.html about the government going into the compound of a mega church in China, arresting the pastors, damaging the church and trying to scatter the believers. It amazes me, though, that as persecution comes, the church grows. The people may be in hiding but they still spread the gospel.

In America my faith costs me so little yet I have been given so much. I don't have to worry about the police storming the doors of my church or throwing me in jail or beating me up yet at times I refuse to speak the name of Jesus. Am I afraid of someone shunning me or laughing at me or not liking me any more if I am so "radical" that I take Jesus into the workplace or my neighborhood.

I've just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Part of his challenge is to really seek God and what He would have me do with the abundance I have been given. One of the things he did was downsize his house so he would have less house payment and more money to give away. His church in California is giving away 58% of all they take in financially.

And it's not JUST money he talks about giving away. He also talks about time and energy and giftedness. I get so comfortable in my own little world that I often forget about the "least of these" that Jesus challenges me to help. Reading this made me think of Matt Beasley and his LOT project in Anderson. Matt is a college student who was burdened for the kids from the projects and decided to do something to help and the L.O.T. (least of these) project was born. http://thelotproject.com/The_Lot_Project/The_Lot_Project_Anderson_SC_Homepage.html

As I celebrate Christmas and the God who gave His best, His only Son, I am challenged to give my best, to even give until it hurts. Especially since I don't face any persecution or hardship in my walk with Jesus.

Child-like Faith

Perry made a statement Sunday that I totally agree with. He said the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God. I believe that with all my heart. Sometimes I read something and wonder why God allowed it to happen or why He allowed certain people to be killed, especially children. Sometimes I just don't understand but I accept it all as part of God's revelation of Himself to man.

We had a brief discussion last week at home group about whether the earth is relatively young or millions of years old. We also touched on the other people in Genesis when Cain left home and found a wife.

I've thought about that a lot over the last week. I've read that portion of Genesis any number of times but this week I came to the conclusion again that if the Bible says God created everything in 6 days, I believe it was 6 literal days. Not millions of years or even 1000's. And if the Bible says Eve is the mother of all the living, I believe it. And that the flood covered all the earth even to the mountain tops and all the people and animals not on the ark drowned, I believe that too. I won't argue with anyone about their views but I have concluded I believe what the Bible says.

I have struggled at times to have child-like faith, just to take God at His word. I believe He gave us the ability to think and to reason and to search the scriptures for His truth but not to question what He says.

I can't answer questions about the ice age or the dinosaurs or carbon dating or how long it takes a diamond to form. I can't explain light years or black holes or the expanding universe or if there are people on other planets. I don't understand famine and poverty and the struggles most of the world faces. There are lots and lots of things I just don't know.

But I do know that God created me and loves me and watches over me and takes delight in me and adopted me and will keep me His for all eternity. As I think about that it brings tears to my eyes - the awesomeness of it just about overwhelms me. Because I know He loves me, I know I can trust Him and trusting Him means I can believe Him - even about the things I don't understand.

Money, Money, Money

Money is going out the door around here faster than I would like but I am just grateful I have the money to go out the door.

So far this year I have repaired my AC - had to run a new line for the coolant because the old one was cracked; my washer - new computer board; and now my roof - got leaks and I still have the original roof (20+ years old).  The price is quoted and the roof will be replaced as soon as the roofer can get to it which may be mid January.

And it's time for the Christmas offering which I had agreed with God on an amount BEFORE the washer and the roof went out. But that will not nullify or lessen the amount I believe God wants me to give.

He is soooo good to me! Family, friends, church, job, health, His love and patience with me and I just trust Him. He will provide - He always has and I have no reason to doubt Him now!

What Constitutes Success

I was in a discussion one day with a friend about Paul and Barnabas and John Mark and Silas and their journeys and how God was working through them.

My friend commented on the fact that Paul and Barnabas got into a severe argument about John Mark. He had left them in the middle of their journey to return to Jerusalem.  After Paul and Barnabas got back to Jerusalem and stayed for a while, they started out again. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark; Paul did not. The argument was so tense that the two men separated. Paul and Silas went together and Barnabas and John Mark went together.

My friend asked who was right Paul or Barnabas. He contends that Paul was because we don't hear about Barnabas any more. I said that is the wrong way to look at it. You can't measure the right or wrong, the success of the ministry by how visible it is or how many chapters of the Bible are dedicated to it.

Although the book is anonymous, it is generally accepted that this same John Mark is the writer of the Gospel according to Mark, the first written account of the life of Jesus. I believe that without the encouragement of Barnabas, he might never have written this account. It is also believed that he used the sermons and teachings of Peter as the basis for most of his writing. Peter was in Jerusalem and not out on the road like Paul was.

Too often I think we look at people and ministries and churches and make judgments about their "success" based on our worldly viewpoint. I think many of us will be surprised when we get to heaven at those who are found faithful to God's calling because they didn't seem very successful to us.

The Wonder of it All

I'm reading a new book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It's about being radically in love with Jesus. At the beginning of the book he talks a lot about the magnificence of God. He had a short video on his web site about the size of outer space - or maybe more correctly - how small we are in all the billions of planets and suns and galaxies out there.

That prompted me to go the the Hubble images web site. I am really overwhelmed that the God who created all this vast, far-flung universe also created me. And like the universe He created me for His glory. I am utterly in awe of a God who made me purposefully and who loves me more than I can ever imagine. My mind just can't grasp it but it does cause me to worship Him.

I was watching a PBS show on the space program and one of the astronauts who went to the moon said how sure he was - after seeing everything from a different perspective - that there is a designer, an intelligence behind it all. I'm glad I did not have to go to the moon in order to understand and believe that.

I don't ever want to lose the awe I feel in seeing a sunset or clouds scudding across the sky or seeing the flowers bloom and trees bud in the spring or feeling the warmth of the sun in the summer or watching my grandchildren grow and develop knowing that they too are uniquely created by God.

Spend to Save

I saw a few of the Black Friday sales ads on TV last night. One was 3 women who were talking about how they were spending to save.

That is such a backwards mind set...if I spend $10 on this t-shirt, I save $8. Well, no you don't, you spend $10. I can't remember when I have been shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving - too many people, too much traffic and too much money spent. It is so easy to get caught up in the "on sale" mentality and purchase way more than intended.

I have a few presents to buy for the grandchildren and the gift I want to get may get gone but if it does, I will go to plan B...and they will never know the difference. I don't remember anyone's life being devastated because they didn't get the gift they wanted. Even me when I was a tomboy and wanted guns and footballs and got baby dolls as a child. The excitement of Christmas morning with packages and paper and laughter and family overshadowed any unreceived gift. And after a few weeks it became "old" and was just another toy in the toy box anyway.

Grounded in God

My devotion this morning included this statement, "The apostle Paul had a strong and steady underlying consistency in his life. Consequently, he could let his external life change without internal distress because he was rooted and grounded in God."  Paul suffered some of the most horrible abuses yet never stopped praising God and never stopped praying for his friends.  

That is what I want more than anything. To have the faith that God is in control no matter what the circumstance so that nothing shakes my faith and nothing hinders me from pressing on toward the prize.

In Acts 4 Peter and John had been brought before the religious leaders and threatened with bodily harm and warned to not speak about Jesus but in Acts 4:29 they pray not for protection but for the ability to speak boldly in the face of the threats. That is grounded in God. Not looking for personal safety or comfort but in speaking the name of Jesus to a lost and dying world. 

Twenty Ten

There is just something so science fiction-y about living in the year 2010. It seems hard to believe that some of those science fiction books I read back in the 50's and 60's have come true to a degree. We have put men on the moon and have a space station orbiting the earth. We have aircraft that span the globe and wireless global communication that were the stuff of vigorous imaginations 50 years ago.

And now I am living in the year 2010. I'm not sure exactly how we will say the year. Just saying "10" seems off somehow even if we write it that way. But no matter...I am thankful to be alive so see all that is taking place! I think it's kinda cool that God chose me to live is such a time as this.

Acts 1:8

As I have been reading through the book of Acts, I keep thinking about "the beginning" of the spread of the Gospel. Jesus told his followers that they would be the instrument He would use to spread the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to all the world.

Jesus had selected 12 followers to be His closest friends, men He would mentor to be the leaders of this revolution. By the time Jesus ascended into heaven that number had grown to 120. These men became powerful speakers, boldly proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am a believer today because of the faithfulness, the boldness of these men.

What if I had been one of the 120 in that day? Would I have done my part to tell everyone about Jesus? Would I advance the Gospel? But the challenge is NOT what would I have done 2000 years ago but what will I do TODAY! The truth of the saving grace of Jesus Christ is still spread primarily by individuals who invite family and friends to church, who share Jesus when the opportunity arises, who live lives above reproach. Am I doing what I can to be a leader of this revolution?

Today is just as challenging as it was in Bible days. With all the interest in Eastern religions and New Age and atheism and witchcraft and politics as salvation and money as salvation and the stock market or laws or government or public figures. We look to anyone and anything OTHER than Jesus Christ for our salvation. But nothing else works. EVERYTHING else will lead to destruction.

Lord God, help me to fulfill the role You have called me to. To be obedient in all the little things You ask of me. To be unafraid to speak when opportunities arise.

Christmas Time

I don't think I am a scrooge or a bah humbug person but I'm not particularly glad that Christmas music is already on the radio. Maybe it's because I get so tired of hearing the same songs over and over. Or maybe it's just a hold over from my retail days.

When I owned a retail store, we went to the gift shows in January to purchase Christmas merchandise for the upcoming season. That was 3 or 4 days of total immersion in Christmas. The merchandise would begin to arrive in my store about May. Over about 3 months merchandise would arrive, be unpacked, priced, repacked.

Because I owned a flower shop and things were hand-made, about September we began to make Christmas arrangements for tables, doors, mantels, etc. Then by mid to late October we began to put merchandise on the shelves...more and more until there was almost nothing but Christmas by Thanksgiving.

And Christmas was around (hopefully in lesser quantities) until the after Christmas sale. Then right after New Year and inventory, left-overs were packed up and 3 weeks later I went back to the show to buy Christmas for the upcoming season.


So maybe I just got Christmas overload for the 30 years I worked retail. 

Jesus vs Religion

One of my favorite devotional books is Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest". I don't know when this book was first written but Chambers died in 1917 so it was a long time ago. In the 1960s the book was updated with modern language and modern word usage.

Today I read something that I guess I knew but had not really thought about. Directed to men who were studying to be preachers of the Gospel, Chambers said, "If we simply preach the effects of redemption in the human life instead of the revealed, divine truth regarding Jesus Himself, the result is not new birth in those who listen. The result is a refined religious lifestyle..."

I thought about sermons I've heard in various churches and on TV and realized I have heard many sermons about the "effects" that didn't say a whole lot about Jesus. The "refined religious lifestyle" is what Jesus fought  against while He was on earth. I don't know why it is hard for us to comprehend that first and foremost we MUST have a relationship with Jesus. We can be religious all we want but that doesn't save us, doesn't result in new birth.

Eye Witness Testimony

Some people who don't believe that the Bible is the word of God or perhaps are just looking for an excuse to discount the Bible, will pick out random verses that "disagree" or seem to contradict each other. As I have been reading through the Gospels it struck me that these same people would not find it odd that two people observing a current incident might have a different take on what happened.

I have heard law enforcement people say that many times witnesses to crimes give very different descriptions of people or cars or who was where.

I say that to say that if the Gospels were more "identical", if every story used exactly the same words, if every writer saw the event the same way, I would be more inclined to think it was all just copies of copies of copies and not a uniquely inspired version of the same event. Even the fact that some of the events surrounding Jesus are in each book and some in only one, tells me that God used each man's personality and perspective to say just what God would have him say.

The fact that every verse does not "agree" is not a reason to discount the Bible. Rather it is a reason to celebrate the unique giftedness of the men God used to give eye witness testimony of His story.

The One You Have Chosen

Perry started a new preaching series at NewSpring this week. The series is aimed at singles primarily and is titled "Don't get married until..." This first message was "until...you hear from God."

As Perry was reading the scripture from Genesis 24 one phrase that really stuck out to me was in verse 14. As Abraham's servant was talking to God about how he would recognize the woman from Abraham's family and be able to make the correct choice, he said, "...let her be the one You have chosen for your servant Isaac." The one YOU have chosen.

Yes, Abraham's servant had conditions - she needs to say and do this and that - but ultimately he wanted the woman that he believed God had already chosen for Isaac. And when Rebecca came along, she said and did what the servant had asked for. And then the servant bowed down and worshiped God.

When it's all about God, He comes through in a big way. I don't have to stress over stuff, just seek His face knowing that He already knows, that He already has plans, that He loves me passionately and wants only the best for me...in all areas of life, not just marriage.

Christmas Offering

Perry mentioned today that we will be taking a December/Christmas offering. He told us to begin praying about what we would give. Not just a "$5 thank you Jesus" offering but a real expression of God's faithfulness and my gratefulness.

As soon as he said "give", a dollar figure came into my head so I'm pretty certain that figure is what God would have me give back to Him. But that doesn't mean my mind is closed to what God might want me to do. I am open to whatever God wants from me. God may increase the figure but I certainly don't believe He would ask me to give less. I like it when God speaks and I am listening!

I agree with Perry that I need to give more to my local church than para-church organizations. Not that these organizations are unworthy, just that God asks me to support His church before everything else. Giving is as much an expression of my worship of God as any song I might sing, of any service I might perform, of any words I might speak.

Thank you, Jesus, for caring for me; for providing me with a job and income that I might give back to you. I want to be like the widow who gave out of her poverty - giving until it hurt - rather than those who had plenty and only gave a little.

Who Touched Me?

There is a story in the Gospels about a woman who had suffered from a "discharge of blood" for 12 years. During this time she had gone to many doctors and no one was able to heal her even though she had spent a lot of money. Basically, that means she had an incurable disease.

As the crowds pressed in around Jesus, this woman - who was trying to remain unseen (possibly because of the type of illness she had) - believed with all her heart that just touching the fringe of Jesus' garment would be enough to heal her. And she was right!

Jesus immediately knew something had happened and asked, "Who touched Me?" The disciples seemed to think this was a pretty silly question to ask because of all the people trying to get close to Jesus. But Jesus knew this touch was different. The woman confessed what she had done - and why - and Jesus blessed her for her faith

What about me when I try to "touch" Jesus? Is my reaching out to Him superficial? Am I seeking Him with pure motives? Do I really believe He has the power and the desire to do what is best for me...to bring HIM glory?! Would Jesus look at my faith and bless me?

This woman was a "nobody" in her day but she reached out to Jesus and her life was changed forever. Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, is still in the business of changing lives for all eternity.

Glory to God in the Highest

I like the fact that God's first public announcement about the birth of His Son was to shepherds out in the field. Plain, ordinary men who were doing plain, ordinary work on a plain, ordinary day that was made extraordinary by the appearance of a multitude of angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!"

It pleases me that God did not plan to go to "church" or to the priests or the religious leaders or the political leaders to make this world changing announcement. I don't know why that is except that it helps to assure me that God really cares about ordinary people living ordinary lives...which means me. His salvation is for ALL people. His Word is to be shared with ALL people. People without the training or "learning" to understand but who simply believe.

When the angels left, the shepherds said let's go find this baby and see what has happened in Bethlehem. No questioning, no hesitation just an immediate trip into town. My prayer is that I would respond with the same urgency, the same faith when God speaks to me. Luke 2:8-20

God's Faithfulness

Mary's response in Luke 1:46-55 to God's startling revelation that she would have a son who would be the Son of God and her cousin Elizabeth's confirmation of this, is a beautiful expression of God's faithfulness. I wonder if I would have that much faith and trust if I had to face something so life changing or life shattering.


A few verses later, God unloosens the tongue of Zechariah as soon as Zechariah agrees with God about the birth of John the Baptist, the son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age. Gabriel had told Zechariah that he would not be able to speak until after the child was born because he, Zechariah, questioned whether he would actually have a son.

God always does what He says He will do. Always has, always will. I don't know why it is so hard to remember that at times.

Help My Unbelief

As Jesus went around the countryside healing the sick, Sometimes He said don't tell anyone about this but the people were so excited that they could not keep the news to themselves. (Mark 1:40-45)

Other times Jesus told them to tell others (Mark 5:18-20). Whether Jesus said be quiet or tell others, everyone had to tell someone because Jesus had touched their lives. Do I keep Jesus to myself or do I tell everyone I know?

Sometimes I think that maybe I don't recognize the touch of Jesus on my life. I should recognize that my health, my job, the air I breathe, my family, my friends, my church...every good thing is a gift from God.

When the disciples would question Jesus, more than once He asked do you not understand? Even after walking with Him every day, they still did not always understand how or why He did what He did or who He really was. Unfortunately, I am that way too. I have walked with Jesus for lots of years and sometimes I just don't have a clue. I can imagine Jesus shaking His head saying, "Nancy, do you not yet understand?" And then I want to cry out, "I believe, help my unbelief!"

Ah...Life

Sometimes I think I want to take a break from everything...work, church, grandchildren, life in general. Sometimes I think it is because I have not been getting enough time for me. Not me is a selfish way but me in a just sit and read a book way. Me in a do what I want to do - or do nothing at all - way and not feel that I should be doing something.

Part of it is not feeling well over the last week. And part of not feeling well is being too busy the week before. Well, actually, for about 10 days I was not home any evening before 9 or 10 and not home two weekends in a row. But I did get to sleep a lot Saturday afternoon and that helped.

Getting in this mood does make me begin to think seriously about retiring. My fear is that I might become a hermit if I didn't HAVE to get up and get dressed and get out of the house. Or I might get one of those comfy chairs at Barnes & Noble and put my name on it and read...a lot.

Even today I was torn about getting up at 4:30 to be at church by 5:30 and spend the whole day there but when I finally left at 2:45 this afternoon I was really glad I had been there. I like the roady part of the day - the movin' out and loadin' up at the end of the day. And we had a good day production wise too. So all in all it was a GOOD day. (Having over 100 salvations wasn't shabby either!!)

But I still might retire next July!!

Saved from God

I was listening to James McDonald yesterday. He's on the radio while I am at work so I don't get to listen very often or don't get to hear all that he says. James has been one of my favorite Bible teachers for many, many years.

But yesterday he said something that made me stop and think - especially in light of the series we have been in at NewSpring on How to Survive the End of the World. James asked, "Why are you saved; what are you saved from."  Many will say I am saved from my sins or saved from hell but James says that is not right. We are saved from God.

God's wrath is real and in the end times that wrath will be poured out on all who have not received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who know Jesus have been saved from God's wrath because Jesus has already born the wrath of God on our behalf. Those who do not know Jesus will face God's wrath personally. And I don't think any of us want to do that - or have those we know face that wrath.

Healing

One of the things I like about the way God put the Bible together is how different the 4 New Testament Gospels are. I've been reading through Matthew and he was writing originally to the Jewish community.

Because of that he tells how Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy. He will tell of something that happened or something Jesus did and then give the Old Testament reference for the prophecy Jesus fulfilled. Although I have never done an in depth study of this I find it extremely interesting to go back and forth to see how God did exactly what He said He would do.

Matthew also talks frequently of Jesus compassion for the people and how He healed all their diseases. (Matt 9:35-36, Matt 12:15, Matt 14:14) Healing all who come to Him is something I believe today. The problem is we look for healing here on earth or healing of bodies when healing of souls may be a greater healing.

I believe with all my heart that my brother was healed the instant he died. He suffered for 20+ years but when God sent His angels to take him home, I believe he was instantly healed. My daddy, too, who was bent over with arthritis, whose hands and knees didn't work so good anymore and my mama who had a stroke are well today! And I can't wait to see them again when God finally takes me home.

Flood Damage

I did not have the grandchildren last weekend because I went to Austell, GA with a group from NewSpring so I had to be in Anderson by 6:30 AM on Saturday. Now that was some serious kind of tired by the end of the day.

Our group of about 100 went to the area SW of Atlanta where the flooding was about a month ago. The group I was with went to an older neighborhood with houses that had already been gutted but all the trash had to be moved from the yard to the street so the city would pick it up. The trash included furniture, drywall, insulation, clothes, lumber - pretty much everything in the house. We did this at 2 houses then raked the yards to get up all the small debris.

The devastation was unbelievable. The water line was clearly visible about 2 feet up on the roof line of these single story houses. One house we saw and that will be demolished was sitting at a 45 degree angle to the foundation.

After lunch we moved to a relatively new subdivision where the rest of our team had been working in the morning. These 2 story patio homes had been flooded to the 2nd story. Many of these homes had already had the "big" trash hauled away but the yards were still littered with glass, drywall scraps, pens, utensils and that kind of thing. So we spent the rest of the afternoon getting up as much of the leftover stuff that was buried in the mud of their yards. We even shoveled and bagged the mud along the curbs.

Because we had a large group of men, they were able to move a redwood deck that was still in tact but was sitting in the front yard of a house 5 houses away from where it supposed to be. About 35 or so guys picked it up and walked it to the back yard of the house where it belonged.

We didn't see many homeowner because they can not live in their houses but those we did see were grateful to have the help. We also ran into a group from Samaritan's Purse that was helping to do a lot of clean up. They too were really glad for the the extra help.

The two men I spoke to that were homeowners were still in shock I think. The floods were so sudden and the loss so devasting that they just can't quite come to grips with it. It's been a month and they are still "homeless". Their dreams and plans are shattered right now along with their homes. Even though the waters have receeded the pain is still there.

Between the Testaments

I was reading the other day a brief outline of the history of Israel during the years between the Old Testament and the New Testament. It was kinda weird reading about Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony and Alexander the Great and how they fit into this time frame.

I remember studying about these guys in history class or learning passages from Shakespeare in English class but for some reason I never really connected them as part of God's continuing story; as part of His preparation for the coming of His Son. 

It made me realize once again how ALL of history is in God's hands; how MY life NOW is part of His continuing story. Often I think of the Bible as "then" and me as "now". Although I know God is still very active in the world and in my life personally, I sometimes have a disconnect with that reality. I guess when that happens it's because I am not spending enough time in prayer or in the Word.

God IS alive. His purposes are never thwarted by man - or anything else. Even if I don't do what He wants, if I make wrong or bad choices, He still works to make His purpose succeed. And He has already told us the end of the story...Jesus wins, His saints win, God rules and reigns forever and ever and ever!

Great White Throne Judgment

Last Sunday Perry preached snapshots from the book of Revelation. One thing he talked about briefly was what he called one of the most disturbing passages in Scripture...the Great White Throne Judgment as recorded in Revelation 20:11-15.

Tonight as I was coming home from Membership Class, I heard part of  Skip Heitzig's message on this same passage. He called it one of the most frightening things in Scripture. As Skip talked about it, he likened the throne room to a court room with a prosecutor and judge but no defense, no jury, no debate of guilt or innocence, no parole, no time off for good behavior. Just open the books!

No name written in the Book of Life? Then judgment is based on your works, your thoughts, your motives, your actions but no one can stand before a holy God on his own merit. Without Jesus we are all doomed.

Then he said perhaps the reason Christ followers are not there is so friends and family who are condemned will not look at us and ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" What a sobering thought that is!

Wii

I bought a Wii this week. I'd been saving my money for a while so I could get one for Christmas so the kids would have something to do here when the weather is bad during the winter. But I found out the price dropped a few weeks ago by $50 so I had enough money now to buy one.

To say Nathan and Bella had a good time playing is probably the understatement of the century. I was really surprised how well Bella could do. She KO'd Nate once in boxing and almost beat him in bowling...she did beat me in bowling. And she loves playing golf. Although her score has always been too high to win, she did get a birdie on one hole.

They played a gazillion times and mostly Nathan won but Bella was really able to hold her own. I think it was good use of $200 - especially since it was a planned expenditure.

Fall for Greenville

Went to Greenville today to enjoy some good food and music and crowds! I shared eating tables with 2 sets of couples at different times. One couple was from Union and one was from Charleston. The woman of the Charleston couple had never been to Greenville before although the guy is from Easley. She was really impressed with the charm of the city and the quality of the food at the event. She was glad that there were local, non chain restaurants with food to sample.

It was supposed to rain but turned out to be a beautiful day although rather warm and muggy. I spent some time down by the river where it was nice and shady and much cooler that up on the street. And I spent the last 30 minutes or so I was there sitting on a bench just watching the crowds. Sure was a huge variety of people - young and old, preppy and trashy, collegiate and biker.

If it's not raining I'll be going back again on Sunday with Jeremy and Holly and the children. Tomorrow is Bella's 5th birthday and they thought she might enjoy playing on all the kids stuff before she has her real party. Now what would be good to eat that I didn't try today...hmmm!

Life and Life

I've been thinking a lot about life and death recently. Two ladies in our office each have a family member that is approaching death. And then people ask questions about my parents and my brother who have all died. So it keeps it close to the surface and in my mind. On top of that Perry is preaching about How to Survive the End of the World.


As I have thought about all this over the last few weeks, I've decided that what I will experience is life and life, not life and death. I've always known that but I want to really make that the thought of my heart and my mind. I don't want to focus on the death of the body, the destruction of this earthly tent as Paul put it, but on the abundant life I have RIGHT NOW. And the absolutely wonderful (I can't even think of words to describe what eternity will be like) life forever in the presence of the Lord.

I don't want to leave this world early because I want to see my grandchildren grow up and my son accomplish dreams that he has and I have so much life to live. But at the same time the anticipation of Heaven, of seeing Jesus face to face, of being reunited with my family, of living forever and forever and forever with NO sorrow or sickness or envy or hatred or anger or tears or loneliness or fear or regrets or sin or ... The list goes on and on of how wonderful Heaven will be.

As long as I am on this earth and have the ability to talk and to read and to write and to share Jesus with others I need to keep doing that. All of that is preparing me to truly worship God in spirit and in truth!

Prophecy Fulfilled

I was reading about Phillip in the book of Acts the other day when he went running up to the chariot of the eunuch, heard him reading the Scripture, asked did he understand, then explained - beginning there - all about Jesus.

I remember on the road to Emmaus after Jesus was resurrected, He met some disciples and starting with Moses told them all about the Himself and how He must suffer and die and be resurrected.

As I've been reading through the Old Testament, I've read all those prophecies but how ready am I to tell that story with chapter and verse. Even though I may be able to say this is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah, I don't think I am "up to snuff" when it comes to knowing where something actually is in Genesis or Isaiah or Zechariah.

Then I wonder is it because I don't think it is important to know that? Do I need to be a Biblical scholar to do that? Even if I don't memorize the verses or know the chapter in the book - or even the book itself - should I be able to tell the story from scripture to anyone who might ask, including the Old Testament prophecies and how they were fulfilled in Jesus Christ?

Remembering where they are will be the hard part. I read just the other day in Zechariah about the king coming riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey, but WHERE was it?? Maybe I need to make notes as I read, not after. DUH!!

Judgment Seat of Christ

Perry preached a great message today in the series How to Survive the End of the World. I really appreciate the reminder to be a good steward of my time, my money and my gifting. I am so grateful that Jesus has already paid the price for my sins so I don't have to worry about standing at the Throne of Judgment.

But I will be held accountable for the the stewardship of all God has given to me. Some days I think I'm doing OK. Other days I know I am not. As Perry said I am not perfect and will make mistakes and sometimes stupid decisions, but I should be constantly growing in my relationship with Christ so that I am using my time, my money and my gifts to help grow the kingdom of God - to help reach those around me who don't know Jesus.

Can't wait to hear Perry preach through Revelation in one message!! Already looking foward to next week.

Nothing Ever Changes

One of the things reading the Bible shows me is that people never change. From the time of Adam, we have wanted to be our own king, our own god. We want to control our lives. But everything I read in the Bible shows that leads to disaster.

We really don't learn our lessons - even if we are taught with the hard teaching of painful experiences. I'm not talking necessarily about individuals but about people in general. Over and over again in the Bible, the prophets told the people of impending disaster. It always came to pass and the people repented for a time but them went right back to their evil ways.

After 9/11 and Katrina and other catastrophic events the churches are often filled with people because they are afraid. But give it a little time and many will drop out and go back to their "usual" lives.

The most important thing that never changes, though, is God. He never leaves me or forsakes me. He always loves me and cares for me. Zephaniah 3:17 reminds me of God's care. I really like this passage - makes me want to shout for joy.
¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,
       he is mighty to save.
       He will take great delight in you,
       he will quiet you with his love,
       he will rejoice over you with singing."

Spread the Gospel

On Sunday Perry began his new series on "How to Survive the End of the World".  One of the things he talked about was the spread of the Gospel to other lands. This "movement" began with 12 men who were faithful to preach what they knew and God began to increase the church in large numbers.

One of the things that is pretty obvious when I read Acts is that the Gospel was spread initially because of persecution. The Bible tells us in Acts 8:1 that when the persecution started the people were scattered BUT as they were scattered they were preaching the word.

If I am pushed out of my comfort zone, do I shut up or speak out? These men and women were running in fear of their lives. Their persecution meant death yet they spoke about Jesus everywhere they went. Am I willing to spread the Gospel within my sphere of influence? I willing to put the salvation of those I know above my personal comfort and feeling? Not always, I'm sorry to say, but with God's help that will change.

Mornings

Not all mornings are welcome in my life. Sometimes I stay up too late or don't sleep well at night then, when it is time to get up, I dread it.

But I love mornings like today. My windows are up, the house is cool, the birds are singing that just before dawn concert. What a great time to be awake and taking a few minutes just to sit and listen. To think about the creative God who gave such different voices to the birds, who made the seasons that bring change not only to nature but to people...we think differently in different seasons.

Makes me really grateful that God has given me the ability to hear, to see, to smell, to taste, to feel and to appreciate His creation. Just how awesome is it that God made all this diversity, all this beauty, all this sound and then made man with the ability to enjoy it.

Habakkuk

This is a really cool book. It opens with Habakkuk complaining to God...where are You? Why don't You do something? Basically he is saying don't You even care what is happening to us?

God comes right back at him and says:
 ⁵ "Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed.
       For I am going to do something in your days
       that you would not believe, even if you were told."

I think that is what He still says to us today. You can't even imagine what I am going to do. Look around, be amazed, I am at work all around you and sometimes you are just clueless. That's one of the reasons I like NewSpring's celebration of all God is doing - it's not us but Him and yet He lets us, wants us, to be part of it.

Habakkuk has more than that one complaint but God, of course, answers them all. Habakkuk comes to understand that "the righteous shall live by faith" 2:4 and "the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord" 2:14 and "the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him." 2:20

But my absolute favorite part of this book, and indeed one of my favorite passages in the Bible is the conclusion of Habakkuk's prayer in chapter 3:17-19.
¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
       though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
       though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
 ¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
 ¹⁹ The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
       he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
       he enables me to go on the heights.

No matter what I WILL rejoice in the Lord, I WILL be joyful in God my Savior. That is one of the things missing in America today. We have forgotten how to rejoice in the Lord. We want to grumble and complain and ridicule those who are far from God. But God is still doing a great work. He is still on His throne. There is still reason to rejoice.

Take Refuge in the Lord

Sometimes when things are not going well, I have a tendency to take refuge in books or solitude or chocolate chip cookies. At one time in my life that refuge was in a liquor bottle or sex. But God says we are to take refuge in Him.


"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him." Nahum 1:7

Sometimes I forget that I am God's and that God is mine. He is my Father. He loves me more than I can possibly imagine. He wants only the very best for me. He gave His Son's life for my life. Why would I ever doubt Him? Why would I ever seek refuge any place else? Why would I go anywhere but to God when I have a problem of any size?

Often I think I can handle this, it's only a small issue. But that is where I go wrong. God wants to be involved in every aspect of my life - big or small. I have heard people say, I've tried everything so I guess it's time to pray. That is so wrong. The time to pray is before doing anything, before trying to solve anything.

God knows those who take refuge in Him. I want to be one of the people who go to God first with everything, not as a last resort.

Potential

As my home group is reading and discussing the book "Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybels we talked last week about recognizing potential in people. I've thought a lot about that.

How can I recognize someones potential? Does that mean I should be able to see the Sunday School teacher in the drug addict? Or the team leader in the business man? Or the middle school youth worker in the rebellious college student?

I don't think I can do that. Does that mean I am not "in tune" with God? I don't think that is necessarily true. But I have thought about seeing potential as remembering what it was like for me to be lost...the emptiness, the futility, the frustrations, the lack of contentment. If I can meet people living far from God and remember what I felt and how I lived, then I can relate better to them. I can not dismiss them as unworthy of my time or energy. I can remember how God changed my life and know that they too can have the peace of God and the fruit of the Spirit. The love, joy, peace, patience, etc can exude from their hearts and minds and life can be lived with real purpose. The real potential of every person is to have a new life in Christ, to be a new creation.

What Does the Lord Require

Micah 6:6-8 really speaks to my heart. What do I bring when I come before the Lord? Is it how large or important my gift is? Is it how great the sacrifice? Not at all.

What the Lord requires of me is to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before Him. vs 8

How do I walk humbly? By recognizing that EVERYTHING I have is from Him; everything I am is because of His touch on my life. By accepting myself as uniquely made and gifted by God to be who I am; I don't need to try to be someone else. By acknowledging that He paid the price for my salvation. By not worrying about "stuff". By spending time alone with God. By being obedient to His commands. By recognizing the victory is already mine. Micah 7:8 reminds me of that victory and 7:18-19 of His love and forgiveness.

Minor Prophets

I used to think that the Minor Prophets - the reference to all those "obscure" books toward the end of the Old Testament meant that they were not very important or didn't really have much to say. Obadiah is only 21 verses, Jonah only 49 where Isaiah is 66 chapters and about 75 pages in my Bible.

Of course most everyone knows the story of Jonah and the whale. In fact a lot of non believers find Jonah to be so ludicrous as to make the whole Bible unbelievable because of that one book. Who could really believe a great fish could swallow a man and the man could live? Well, Jesus did! Most of the others books are not stories in the sense that Jonah is; most are telling of God's coming wrath for the sins of the people.

But they are not called "minor" because they are less worthy but simply because their written prophecies are short. One of the most preached verses on tithing is in Malachi. Some of my favorite verses are in these books. It's nice to revisit them occasionally and to be reminded again and again of God's faithfulness. Despite all the gloom and doom of these prophets, their love for and faith in the sovereign God is huge.

The Yard Police

This morning I found a note taped to my front door from the yard police in my neighborhood. Although it was addressed to me personally, I don't think it was to just me. It had been up there for 4 days 'cause I rarely use my front door.

It was from one of the ladies on the board of the homeowners association. She has been spending her money on Round-Up and her time digging up the grass in the cracks and along the curb. She told me that now that it is cleaned up I need to keep it that way. I should not leave any clippings or dirt by the curb because that promotes weed/grass growth in unwanted places. I did actually spray round-up about 6 weeks ago on all the cracks and crevices in my driveway and the sidewalk. I just didn't think to do the street.

The reason I don't think this was for just me is because there are several of us who don't cut our grass every week or spray the weeds as soon as they come up. I saw the weed killer lady working on the sidewalk across the street from me about 7 AM a week or so ago. And I saw the lady who lives across the street sweeping the street and getting up the dirt a day or two ago. Although she sweeps her driveway every couple of days, I've not seen her do that before. I'm not sure anyone cares quite as much as those on the board. Every time I get minutes of the quarterly meetings, the only people in attendance are the same 3 or 4 people out of the 76 homes in the neighborhood. I've been here almost 3 years and no one new has come on the board.

I understand that it is important for home values and safety to keep the neighborhood looking well groomed and sidewalks free of trip hazards. And I admit my yard very rarely looks well groomed - the grass gets cut but that is about it. I am trying to make myself care about it but I just can't seem to do it. There are so many more things in life that I care about and prefer to give my time to.

I probably should not have bought this property because I really am not a good owner. Maybe if the economy makes a rebound, I'll put it on the market and see if I can sell it and go back to renting and letting someone else take care of everything.

The End Times

Perry is starting a new series on September 27 about the end times. I am so excited to hear what he will say. I have been through a year long study of The Revelation to John and find it most fascinating. Perry is doing a 5 part series and preaching on the entire book of Revelation in one sermon. That ought to be a whirlwind trip. Maybe I find it fascinating because I have been a sci-fi fan for many years and some of the revelations seem to be so strange as to be almost incomprehensible, almost science fiction in nature.

In the Old Testament there are prophecies in Isaiah, Daniel and Joel, maybe others. In the New Testament there is Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 2, and of course Revelation. Ever since Jesus ascended into heaven we have been in the end times awaiting His return. And although Jesus clearly says no one knows the time except the Father, people in every generation speculate is it now.

Having just recently read Daniel and Joel has peaked my interest so it's not really a sci-fi connection. It is more my desire not to taste death but to meet Jesus in the air; to be changed in the twinkling of an eye; to be on earth to hear the trumpet and see Him descend from Heaven. Of course watching it from the other side, from Heaven, has it's on special moments...seeing the Lamb come forward to take the scroll; seeing preparation for the battle of Armeggedon; already being in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

All I can say to that is "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Amos

When I read  the prophets and their words from God, I get tired of hearing of all the disaster God is going to bring. But God's judgment is real and there will come a time when I will stand before the throne of Almighty God and His son Jesus and the books of my life will be opened and read. Will I hear well done?

But in the days of Amos, God goes down the list of those that will face his judgment. God names a people or city and says "because they...so I will..." He lists several who have handed people over to Edom, Edom because they took the people and Moab for killing the king of Edom. Edom is under judgment but so is the guy who attacks Edom.

One of the things I notice through out the prophets is that God is very specific about the judgment that will come and why it will come. God is not random in His actions. I have heard people say a loving God would not send "good" people to hell. But God has been very specific - My Son is the only way to Me so if you don't accept Him, I will not accept you. John 14:6, 2 Timothy 2:12

It's very tragic to think that there are people who have no concept of an eternity without God. As evil and perverse as our world is, the Holy Spirit is at work holding back and counteracting so much of the evil. An eternity spent pursuing the emptiness of the lusts of the eyes and the flesh would be bad enough but add in Jesus' description of the lake of fire and darkness and it becomes horrible.

Help me, Lord, to share this truth with those I love, to help people on their journey to know You.

Rend Your Hearts

In Joel 2:12-13 God is telling the people of Judah and Israel to return to Him in repentance and He will relent from bringing disaster on the people.

The people would often tear their clothes in anger or dismay over wrongs but God did not want this outward appearance of repentance. He wanted their hearts. "Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning, and rend your hearts not your garments."

God is always after my heart. Who ever or what ever controls my heart is what I worship. God wants it to be Him and Him only. I should want it to be Him only because He is the only one who can satisfy all the deepest longings of my heart and because "He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." In verse 32 God tells us "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." That a WooHoo if I ever heard one.

There have been times in my life when I have worshiped people or my stuff or my reputation or my ambition but that never works. It always ends with a feeling of emptiness, an is this all there is feeling. Only God can sustain me and fill all the needs of my life.

God's Plan

I was watching Louie Giglio earlier on a live stream from the Passion Conference. He was speaking to college students but he spoke God's word directly into my heart.

He was speaking from Ephesians 1 about the riches and power and wisdom and revelation that God longs to give to me. Not so I can brag about all this stuff; not even to share it with others but so that I can know more about God.

I have the same power in me from the Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. This same Spirit wants to give me wisdom and revelation about God so that I can know God. God created me individually and knows me by name. God has a plan for me, even if I don't know what it is.

Even though I know this I really needed to hear it tonight. Especially the story he shared about Hannah who is a young woman serving in an African country, backpacking alone to share the gospel with people who have never heard of Jesus. She replied to Louie's blog that she would be watching the Passion conference and mentioned where she served. He replied that he wanted everyone to pray for her. Then, bam, her mother died unexpectedly and she is now on her way home for the funeral.

Louie said he doesn't presume to know why things happen when or how they do, but his and Hannah's lives intersected when they did because God knew she would need the 6,000-10,000 people watching to be praying for her. That just overwhelmed me with God's love and faithfulness and provision for my needs. He is always on my side!!

Rain Righteousness upon You

Hosea 10:12 (English Standard Version)

¹² Sow for yourselves righteousness;
   reap steadfast love;
    break up your fallow ground,
for it is the time to seek the LORD,
   that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

I read this scripture several days ago but all that happened at NewSpring over the weekend had me reading it again. God brought 276 people into His kingdom...the fallow ground of their hearts was broken and they sought the Lord in repentance and God rained righteousness upon them. Also 906 people took their next step with Jesus by being baptized by immersion.

What really amazes me is that so many of the people being baptized were "spur of the moment" decisions. The baptism was planned and many had already signed up but large numbers were people saying yes to Jesus right then, on Sunday. I love being part of a church that expects God to do HUGE things and prepares for it.

Our church provided towels, shorts, t-shirts, underwear, sports bras and feminine hygene products for anyone who wanted to be baptized. Perry preached about recognizing and submitting to Jesus. He talked about the infant baptism. He talked about the need to be baptized after salvation. He talked about baptism being the next step after salvation. He challenged people to do it "right now" and they did. One guy was watching online; knew he needed to be baptized; drove to the Anderson campus and got dunked.

It really makes me think, though, about people I DON'T ask to church for whatever reason. I am not giving them an opportunity to "break up the fallow ground." I have the responsibility to ask, God has the responsibility to save. 

God is SOOO Amazing

God just keeps blowing my mind with what He is doing in, around, through, with NewSpring Church.

Today, Sunday, September 13, 2009 saw the first unofficial services at NewSpring Columbia. The actual launch date is September 27. Even though they are not officially open, there were 132 people in attendance and 6 people took their next step with Jesus by being baptized.

NewSpring, Greeville had approximately 140 people declare publicly they are Christ followers by being baptized.

All campuses together (with 2 services still to go in Anderson) have seen 185 salvations and 649 baptized today. Brad Cooper saw a woman in Anderson get baptized with a house arrest anklet on! Today we have seen college students, kids, high school students, married couples, brothers and sisters, young & old, white, black, Hispanic go public with their faith in Jesus. Anyone who does not believe God is still active in the lives of people through HIS church are missing something big!!

All I can say is THANK YOU, JESUS for letting me be part of this!

Inquire of a Piece of Wood

Hosea 4:12 "My people inquire of a piece of wood..."

One of the issues that confronts me is idols. In this verse God seems to actually be making fun of His people. Who would inquire of a piece of wood? The next part of the verse says, "and their walking staff gives them oracles".

I read that and realize that I don't go to a piece of wood as in an actual idol - a wooden figurine - and expect it to solve my problems or make me feel good about myself or heal my diseases. But what about TV? I actually don't watch TV but their are so many people who put their trust in Oprah or Dr. Phil. Or they spend so much time watching American Idol or Big Brother or Home and Garden or the History Channel or ESPN that they can't find time to read God's word.

I'm not talking about people who don't know Jesus, but people who claim to be Christ followers.

What about earning money or staying in shape, exercise - those can become idols too.  For me it's books. I love to read. Sometimes I will spend hours reading a novel and never pick up the Bible or find time to pray. Although I may not be looking for "salvation" in those books, if it takes away from my time with God; if it becomes more important to me than my relationship with God it has become an idol, a piece of wood in my life.

God Doesn't Mince Words

In reading through the prophets I see over and over again that God doesn't mince words when He confronts the people of Israel and Judah with their sin.

In the book of Hosea, he goes so far as to tell Hosea to marry a prostitute because Israel has been playing the whore with Him, whoring after other gods and looking to kings for their salvation. I think sometimes we want a pretty, pacifist, calm God who would never show any wrath or punish us for any wrong; not a loving father who disciplines but a doting grandfather who overlooks.

But God is a Father who disciplines, who calls it like it is. We often pussyfoot around issues and are afraid not to be "nice" with people. I don't mean I think we ought to shake our finger in someone's face and tell them they are going to burn in Hell but I do mean that sin needs to be confronted with lots of love but also lots of directness.

Final Thoughts on Daniel

Several things in the book of Daniel really speak to me every time I read them. Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 comes after he studies the words of Jeremiah the prophet and finds out how long the captivity will last. Verse 3 says, "Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes."

Do I seek God with that kind of fervency when I want to hear from Him? Or do I pray half-hearted prayers and then wonder why they seem to bounce off the ceilings?

Another thing about Daniel's prayer is his confession of sin. This is the guy who refused the king's food rather than defile himself; who faced the lions rather than give up worshiping his God; who was given wisdom by God to interpret dreams. Yet he recognized that he was just as sinful as all those who had actually done all the things he didn't do.

Reminds me of what Brad said Sunday...sin is not something I do, it is what I am. I am desperately sin sick. Daniel recognized that even when he lived in a time of "good works" religion. I have recognized it in myself and have confessed my sins and asked Jesus to cleanse me of all my unrighteousness...and He did! Its not about anything I can do, but all about what Jesus did on the cross.

Daniel even recognized this when he ended his prayer in verses 18-19 with "For we do not present our pleas before You because of our righteousness, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, hear, O Lord, forgive, O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not for Your own sake, O my God because Your city and Your people are called by Your name."

Follow Your Heart

Brad Cooper preached yesterday at NewSpring. I went to the Anderson campus because I was out of town during the morning. It was about time for a road trip to Anderson anyway. I love the Greenville campus and my friends there but there is something really special about occasionally going to the Anderson campus. But I digress...

Brad preached a great message on lie #3 in the series Five Lies of the Devil. This lie is "Just Follow Your Heart." Brad read Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?

The enemy tells me to "follow my heart" but God tells me my heart will deceive me. The only way to be sure my heart does NOT deceive me is to allow God to own my heart. If my heart belongs to Jesus, if I am seeking Him, He will transform me to have a heart like His...a heart that allowed Stephen, as he was being stoned to death, to cry out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Acts 7:60

The prayer Brad mentioned that I personally need to pray more often is break my heart, Lord, for what breaks Yours. I want to be concerned about my family, neighbors, co-workers, friends and acquaintances who are far from God. But am I? No, the cares of this world, my own needs and selfishness get in the way many times of God using me to make a difference in people's lives. The thing for me to do is to implore God to give me His eyes, His ears, His love for a lost world. I need to be constantly in tune with what God is doing around me.

Holiday

Here it is a little after 7 in the morning and I have already put in a full day. I'm headed to the mountains for Labor Day weekend.

I'm really looking forward to this because I don't take many vacations for rest and relaxation. Just about every day off this past year has been busy. Last March I took off to volunteer for Unleash. Memorial Day and 4th of July were spent with friends but it was a large crowd which is never restful for me. My actual vacation was spent in Kenya working harder than I ever work at home.

But now...it's ME time. This annual trip to Lake Junaluska with some old friends is a time to just do nothing. I usually read a book or 2. Beth and I are the slobs on this trip. Sometimes on Saturday we don't take a shower or get dressed until lunch time. We just sit in a rocker and watch the mist rise off the lake as we drink our 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee.

So now, I have finished cleaning the house and packing and am about to go to work for half a day. Really looking forward to some genuine down time.

Belteshazzar

Belteshazzer is better known to most people as Daniel. I like reading about him because he was held in captivity for so long under 3 kings in Babylon and yet never abandoned God nor compromised his beliefs. There is so much to learn about God and His faithfulness in trying situations.

Daniel was one of the young men (probably a teenager) taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. As near as I can tell, he was there for most, if not all, of the 70 years of captivity. Daniel was threatened with death on more than one occasion but even in the face of death, he would not let go of what he knew God expected of him. When he was praised for his ability to interpret dreams, he gave all the glory to God.

He didn't say "woe is me". He didn't rail against his captors - he actually did so well that he became one of the great leaders of the country. He showed respect for those in authority. That respect did NOT cause him to break God's law by worshiping the idols that were erected by the king.

God was faithful to Daniel and his friends. God gave them wisdom, protection, confidence and peace. He walked with them through the fiery furnace and the lion's den. They EXPECTED God to be there, to take care of them and He did.

There have been times in my life when I didn't expect God to show up or I wanted Him to show up in a different way. As I've grown older and had more experience with God, I too am confident that whatever comes my way, God will show up. Now it doesn't matter HOW He shows up or even what the outcome is. I want to be like those men who faced the fire and say, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18

Love of Money

Recently a man in SC won a huge lottery of $260,000,000. I kinda like seeing all those zeros - makes it harder for me to imagine it. The largest check I've ever seen had no more than 4 zeros.

This man, who seems to be a very nice, humble guy, a retired state employee was giving God the glory for his win. Brought up a conversation with a lady at my work about God and gambling. Maybe God did let this guy win so that God would get glory. Is gambling a sin? Is spending $2 on a couple of lottery tickets worse than spending $4 on a cup of coffee? Does it depend on your ability to pay the $2 or $4 or you motives? Does gambling mean you don't trust God to provide? This guy was saying God provided for him by the lottery.

What about all those who never win, who spend more than they should, pursuing a dream that never comes true. Perry mentioned in his sermon Sunday that if you make $50,000 a year (and many Americans do and consider themselves poor) you are in the top 1% of wage earners in the world.

Too much money can be a curse from the enemy. Look at a lot of young athletes who make huge amounts of money and end up in jail or even dead from the excesses all that money allows. The Bible doesn't say money itself is evil but it does say the LOVE of money leads to all sorts of problems.

But you don't have to have $260M to be in love with your money. People in America pursue money in all sorts of ways, not just gambling. Some work and let their time with family suffer so they can have lots of stuff. Some cheat and steal (like Madoff) so they can "have it all". In Mark 8:36 Jesus said "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Having money or stuff in and off itself is not a problem, it's where your heart is that matters. And the only place that matters about your heart is Jesus.

Money Message

Perry preached a great message today about my finances. I always need to hear these messages. I don't have any debt except my home but it is so easy to get off the budget without a reminder of what my priorities should be.

As I've looked at my budget again I find that I am wasting money that could be going into savings or additional principal payment on the house. When I say wasting I mean buying lunch and/or sodas at the drive through. I make tea every week and can take that AND my lunch so I don't have to spend money. The reason I don't is usually laziness; I don't get started early enough to get the sandwich made or the tea poured.

I find that I THINK I remember how much spending money I am supposed to allow myself but then don't actually check to see if my rememberance is correct. Now that I have looked I find that I have been spending more than I should...getting off budget. Living on the budget gives me enough to save for the special meals out and other occasions that might come up. Living off the budget can get me in the red in a hurry.

Bella Started School

Bella started school last Monday. She is in K4 at Pine Street School. She was excited about going to school because her big brother, Nate, is in 5th grade and she has been dying to be able to go to school too.

When she and Nate came Friday night, I began to ask Bella questions. I knew she wanted to go initially, I just wanted to be sure she wanted to go back again. And she does! She has 3 friends Mattie, Madison and another girl whose name she couldn't remember but said she is always nice. There is an AnnaBella in her class who uses both names. I had hoped Jeremy & Holly would start using Arabella instead of just Bella but they didn't and with an AnnaBella it's probably just as well.

Bella has decided she doesn't like the spaghetti at school but the hot dogs and sloppy Joe's are good. She also likes taking a blanket & pillow so she can take a nap. I don't think Bella has taken a nap in a long time. She is older than most of the other children because she will be five in October and some of the children have just turned 4. Being older is not a bad thing though.

She is excited about all that she is learning and being where Nathan is and just growing up. Had to measure her this weekend to see how tall she has grown. I hope she will continue to like school and her teachers and make friends easily.

Authority

Authority.

Sometimes I like authority...when crowds or traffic are controlled in an orderly manner. When the boss praises my completion of a project. When I am the authority.

Sometimes I DON'T like authority...when the blue lights go off in my rear view mirror. When I am reprimanded for something (doesn't matter if it's justified). When the rules are hard or unfair.

At one time I did a lot to buck authority, especially as a teenager and young adult in the 60's and 70's. But I find as I get older that I appreciate authority more and more. Even if I don't agree with the authority I RESPECT the authority of the President or the IRS.

Jesus had some things to say about authority. Concerning His life/death He said,"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again." John 10:18

In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18) Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

The people listening to Him teach said,"What is this? A new teaching - and with authority!" Mark 1:27

Jesus is the one authority I need to REALLY take seriously - not just respect but to listen to and to obey. He is the absolute authority; the voice that spoke the world into existence; the one who conquered sin and death.

"Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night." Revelation 12:10

Sad Commentary

As I was reading in John today, I read something that made me sad. In John 12:42-43 we are told "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue, for they loved praise from men more than praise from God."

When I read that I wonder how could you not confess your faith when you were right there with Jesus, seeing and even participating in the miracles, hearing His teaching. Fear of the religious leaders, fear of their wrath, fear of the consequences. Of course the synagogue was central to all they did and it was the only church. They needed the priests and the ability to sacrifice for their sins. They needed a place to pray. They needed a place to meet God. Excuses, excuses!

In churches all over America every Sunday there are people who will not take a public stance for Jesus. Their heart may be pounding out of their chest and they KNOW that Jesus is tugging on their heart but they think about what people around them may think if they stand up or walk to the front. They are afraid to confess their faith in Jesus because they fear men more than God.

And I can't say anything about them - either the people in Jesus day or today - because I have had times in my own life when I have feared men (or women) and what they might think of me if I spoke up about Jesus; if I took a stand against risque jokes or really foul language; if I told someone you just need to give your life to Jesus. What excuses do I make to justify MY failure to publicly confess Jesus?

Victory

As I've been thinking about Perry's message last Sunday, one of the verses that comes to mind is from Jesus in John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV)

I believe a lot of the reason we worry so much and don't have victory over all the issues of life, why a crises can come and devastate us is because we don't really believe Jesus has overcome the world. We expect our "victory" to come when we get to Heaven but then we fight, and even fear, death which is what is necessary for us to get to Heaven. Won't go while I'm still alive!

What we really need to take hold of is that we have victory over all our troubles right here, right now if I have committed my life to Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those are the things I need to deal with just about anything from the death of a loved one to a financial crises to marriage gone bad to disrespect in the work place to loneliness to illness.

If I want to have victory in this life, I have to REALLY believe what Jesus says. He says He has overcome, so I have overcome; He will provide so I shouldn't worry about any of it. Jesus was betrayed by one of His inner circle. He was lied about, His motives were questioned. Everything I could possible face, Jesus faced in His 33 short years on earth. He KNOWS what I go through - physically and emotionally when times are tough. He can help because He sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to be with me always.

5 Lies of the Devil

Perry started a new series this week at NewSpring. In the message this week he talked about the lie that God will never give you more (or put more on you) than you can bear.

I have heard that all my life. I'm not sure I have ever used that phrase myself but I think I have believed it. But as Perry told us Sunday, that lie is to keep us from declaring our inability to cope or to deal with the situation and just fall on our face before God in desperation and need of HIM to intervene.

Perry talked about Jehoshaphat and Paul. Jehoshaphat was king of Judah. Things had been going pretty good for him when he received word that a vast army was marching against him. He gathered all the people to fast and pray and declared to God that he did not know what to do.

When God told him to march out against the enemy, Jehoshaphat put the singers, the worship leaders at the front of the army singing "Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever."

For those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ, the battle is God's...the cancer is God's, the marriage is God's, the financial crush is God's, the wayward child is God's. He does not intend for us to fight our battles alone. He does expect us to worship Him, to trust Him, and to give the battle to Him; to declare our inability to face this "foe" without Him.

I have seen Christ followers who are almost ashamed to admit that they are having problems. They don't want anyone to know that they are struggling. Somehow facing a struggle with your child or your marriage or your money or your health means you don't have enough faith or maybe you're not really a Christian...all of which is another lie!

I know how hard it is to admit I can't handle something. When I closed my family's business, I went through a whole series of what ifs with God. As I think about them now, they were very self-centered what ifs. When I finally said I trust You, You do what is best, I was so overwhelmed with God's peace, with knowing that whatever happened it would be OK, I found giving up my income and my job with no prospects of any became one of the best times of my life.

That's all God wants from anyone when the times are uncertain, when times are hard...just to rely completely on Him!

Sometimes - Questions

As I am reading through Ezekiel, I come across things I don't always understand at first reading. Like God telling the people He will restore them and His servant David will be their king. This is about 400 years after David died.

I don't know who Gog, of the land of Magog is but he's mentioned in Revelation also. God is changing gears in chapter 38 talking about in "latter years". Is this an end times prophecy? He's been talking about returning the people from Babylon to Israel after the 70 years of captivity.

I don't understand why Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the mountains - not people, but land - to tell them God will make them fertile and people will live on them again. Since God spoke "land" into existence, and Jesus calmed the seas with a "Be still", I guess that means that EVERYTHING can hear the voice of God. I think I knew that but I just hadn't really thought about it that way.

Chapter 37 starts off with Ezekiel prophesying in a valley to dry bones who put themselves together and get muscles and flesh and finally breath and become a great army-because Ezekiel did what God asked him to do. Now, really, how weird is that but this shows that God is sovereign over even death. NOTHING is too hard for God!

One thing I don't question is God's desire AND ability to take a hard, callused heart and turn it into a soft, pliable heart that He can use for His glory. The reason I am so sure about THAT is that He did that for me. He radically changed my life, my perspective, my desires and all to bring Him glory. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

God Is GOOD!

Had a great Guest Services team meeting last night at NewSpring, Greenville. I guess there were about 100 people there. I didn't realize being on the Prayer Team which is part of the Sunday Care Team is also part of the Guest Services Team.

Got to meet some other people on the prayer team and see lots of others that I don't normally see. We also got some statistics for what's been happening around NewSpring since our move to the CFC:

• Salvations - 37
• Avg attendance - 1467 (over the summer & July 4th!!)
• 1st timers - 187
• Avg GS volunteer - 115
• 1st serves - 119

Those numbers just blow my mind, especially the 37 salvations. I know churches that don't have 37 A YEAR and God has moved and blessed us to allow us to see 37 in TWO MONTHS! God is doing GREAT things and I am so excited to be part of this.

Thus Says the Lord God

Several things I have noticed about the book of Ezekiel as I'm reading through the Bible. I'm up to chapter 31 now and the first thing that really caught my eye as I started reading was how many times Ezekiel says "thus says the Lord God" (ESV translation.)

Number 2 on that list is how many times God says "they shall know that I am the Lord". And He says that whether He is talking about something that is going to happen to the people of Israel and Judah or to the people of Egypt or Babylon or Tyre or any of the other peoples He mentions.

The events He orchestrates are make Himself known not just to people who know about God but also to people who don't have a clue who He is. That is God's mission and purpose - for people to know Him, to be in relationship with Him.

The third thing that just struck me yesterday as I was reading is the time line of the book. The people were to be in captivity in Babylon for 70 years. The book is not in chronological order because it opens with "in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month..." and tells of the great vision of God Ezekiel had. Repeatedly he uses times such as these...in the 6th year, 6th month, 5th day; 7th year, 5th month, 10th day.

Two things strike me as interesting about this. First, the very fact that he is precise with the time line indicates that this actually happened. This is not a made up story. Second, Ezekiel knows without a doubt when God has spoken. That says to me that Ezekiel is really looking for God to speak to him - anticipating that it will happen. He recognizes the voice of God and is ready to act on it.

I don't know HOW God spoke to Ezekiel but I know that He still speaks today. I too can hear God's voice if I am anticipating He will speak to me, if I am reading His word so I can recognize His voice (He never says things that contradict His written word) and if I am ready to act on it.