life with mike.

regifting...

2011-06-02T11:52:00.002-04:00

A confession from a pastor...I regift. People are incredibly generous to pastors, and I'm very grateful to the generosity I've been given by many, many people. Often times they express their love for me and Sara Beth with a simple note, a gift card to a nice restaraunt, or my favorite...cash money.

But with every good thing, some gifts I've gotten are just not something I'm going to use. A Sandy Patty Christmas Album?...NAH. Christian breath mints?...Seriously!

Last night, I regifted a preaching point.

I listen/watch/read/digest a lot of preaching material from multiple pastors and great leaders from around the world. I love to find quotes that really drive home a point for the listener. But last night, I went deep into the well to an acronym my good buddy Dean Inserra used one night years ago when he was asked to speak improntu to a group of middle schoolers. Here was the acronym...

F - Faithful
A - Available
T - Teachable

The point of Dean's message...God doesn't want perfect people, he wants FAT people. Out all things that I've inhaled over the last 10 years of study, this is one acronym that sticks out like Shaq among a playground full of migits. I'll never forget, and I pulled it out last night. It's funny. It's unexpected. And most importantly, it sticks. God uses FAT people. Don't ever forget that you don't have to be perfect, just FAT.

Dean, thanks for the gift that keeps on giving.

pray for the world...

2011-06-01T08:42:00.001-04:00

Hey Church!

Just wanted to let you know about a great resource to help you pray for the mission of God around the world. Right outside of the church office on the information shelf, you can pick up Commission Stories. It's a great newspaper highlighting the mission efforts currently taking place around the world. You can use it to educate yourself about global missions, and even better, you can use it as a personal prayer guide to pray for our missionaries and the movement of the Gospel into new people groups.

Let's be for the Gospel for the world.

help with Mission Nicaragua

2011-05-23T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hey Church!

Our Mission Nicaragua Team met with our Tallahassee church partner (Canopy Roads Baptist Church) to plan, dream and create our VBS for the children and families of Monte Fresco, Nicaragua. Below is a list of supplies that are needed to help best reach the families in Nicaragua. You can help by supplying as many of these items as possible. If you are able to help, you may bring any of these items by the church office during normal business hours (Mon-Thurs 8-5 or Fri 8-12) and they will be sorted for travel.

Along with this list, please continue to pray about your financial contribution to help send our team to Nicaragua. Our team is currently raising individual support ($1000.00 each) outside of the church with all donations received through the church going to help reduce the overall cost for the entire team. You can contribute by simply marking "Mission Nicaragua" on your check memo or designating the funds through the church office.

Needed VBS Supplies (Preferred New or Lightly Used)

1. (8) Tarps for Sitting Areas: http://www.harborfreight.com/11-ft-4-inch-x-11-ft-6-inch-all-purpose-weather-resistant-tarpaulin-7431.html
2. (8) Twister Games: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Twister/894797
3. $500.00 for Bible story, craft, hygeine, and puppet show supplies

Needed Items for Children's Hygiene Bags

1. Toothbrush
2. Toothpaste
3. Small Hairbrushes and Combs
4. Flip Flops

Needed Items for Mother's Hygiene Bags

1. Shampoo (Hotel Size)
2. Lotion (Hotel Size)
3. Body Wash (Hotel Size)
4. Fingernail polish
5. Ponytail holders/headbands/barrettes, etc.
6. Small Hairbrushes and Combs
7. Flip Flops

my favorite...

2011-05-17T13:28:00.002-04:00

My favorite thing to do as a pastor is baptize. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing that I am able to partcipate in the picture of one's public declaration of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. And nothing is better than when the church gets that picture of one moving from death to life, from sin to salvation, from self to Christ and celebrates like they should. Gone are the days of an inner joy and a half-hearted smile. Here are the days of celebration! Following baptism, the church should look like heaven when a sinner repents...see Luke 15.

I could give up alot of things about being a pastor, but the transforming power of the Gospel, and the public declarations of a new life in Christ keep me wanting to do nothing else with my life, my time, and my efforts.

Love the Church

2011-05-06T09:03:00.002-04:00

I hear all the time that church is "overrated" or "not really important." Then some even go so far as to say that "church has done more harm than good."

The reality is that the greatest force of good in all of the planet is the church. Ordinary people driven by the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit can meet needs like no other. It is true that the church has its flaws, and some people really give the church a bad name. History proves that the church has been misguided and downright sinful during many eras.

However, when you find a church that takes the teachings of Christ seriously. When those people live the words of Christ without hesitation. Then, you find a church that brings a sweeping force of good to the world. Just check the front lines of almost every national and international natural disaster. The church is usually the first ones there and the last ones to leave.

If your a part of the body of Christ, the church, I don't write this to puff you up or inflate you with pride (that is clearly unacceptable, unbiblical, and sinful). I write this to remind you to stay the course, to continue to be driven by the love of Christ in you. I challenge you to stay motivated by the Gospel, the story of how much God was willing to give you in your darkest moment. I remind you that with every act of genuine love and service, you usher in the Kingdom of God into this world.

To ensure the lasting force of good in your church, hinge everything you do on the Gospel. When your people get the Gospel, they will do incredible things. The Gospel is the compass that keeps the people anchored and the church moving in the right direction simultaneously.

up for air....

2011-05-04T16:07:00.002-04:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

There's nothing like a big gulp of air when you've been under water for a while. That's the sensation I have as I type this post. Another 8 hours of Master's level work is in the books. Now to complete the final 20 hours. It's been a while since I began, but I see light at the end of the tunnel.

How do I find joy in school, and how do you find joy in your daily life of work, home, or whatever....????

Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.

Colossians 3:23 - Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

We can find joy in every situation simply because we recognize that every situation is an opportunity to represent Christ and work for Christ. It's all about perspective.

Helping Tornado Victims in Ringgold, GA

2011-05-03T15:47:00.000-04:00

The First Baptist Church of Quincy is collecting items for the tornado victimes in Ringgold, Georgia to be delivered this Thursday. We have partnered with a church in Ringgold, GA that is an official relief distribution center.

What Items Can You Donate?

Diapers
Toiletries
Non-Perishable Food Items (canned foods, bottled water, etc)

Where and When Can You Drop Off Your Donations?

All donations can be dropped off at First Baptist Church Quincy
Donations must be RECEIVED BY 6:00PM WEDNESDAY MAY 4

'celebration'?

2011-05-02T09:33:00.002-04:00

Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord GOD, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?

Ezekiel 18:23

As we process the death of our country's most wanted man, I want to remind you that as a Christ-follower, we must process this information through the lens of Scripture. Therefore...

Without a professing, authentic faith in the substitutionary atonement of Christ, Osama Bin Laden woke up in an eternal hell.

While eternal death and destruction are the wages that are paid for sin (Romans 3:23), it is not something that even God delights in. His justice demands it; His love put His Son on the cross to give humanity a chance to escape it. With his rejection of Christ, Osama is experiencing it now and forevermore.

1. May we not "wish" this even on our worst enemy.

2. May we pray that ALL would place faith in the person and work of Christ-even our enemies.

3. May we be reminded that just one sin (no matter its physical results) is worthy of eternal punishment.

4. May we be driven to worship when we consider Christ paid the penalty for our sin giving us an escape from eternal hell.

senior weekend info...

2011-04-28T14:19:00.003-04:00

Hey Seniors and Parents,

2011 Senior Weekend Info Packet

freedom from tyranny

2011-04-27T14:51:00.003-04:00

"By his willingly renouncing self-defiance, the Christian affirms his absolute adherence to Jesus, and his freedom from the tyranny of his own ego."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Payback, getting even, revenge - no matter what you call it - is an exaltation of self. It communicates who is truly on the throne of your heart, you. And when you are driven by revenge, you live in tyranny. You are ruled by an evil master who deceives you into believing that revenge is the key to your cell.

Instead of seeking the opportunity to "repay evil with evil", remember that the key to the prison of revenge is forgivness. The door is unlocked when you...

Love your enemy. Pray for those who persecute you.

-Jesus (Matthew 5)

getting over the hump...

2011-04-26T15:23:00.002-04:00

I am often asked, "Mike, I can't seem to get control over a particular sin. Any suggestions?"

For many the answer might be...

TRY HARDER

May I suggest something else....check out Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Notice what "instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldy desires"...the grace of God. That grace of God is the Gospel story. It's the reality that you and I are not capable of meeting God's standard and are in need of a substitute to meet that standard. It's the truth that THE ONLY substitute is Christ. We put full confidence in His death and resurrection thus eliminating the "try harder" mentality.

It is Christ who "redeemed us" and "purifies us." When we are concentrating on the sin we commit, we are blinded to the One who has already conquered that sin. Sin is not eliminated by our effort to remove or resist it. Sin is conquered when we are so concentrated on Christ and His cross that sin phases out of our life. The sin that controls us is then replaced with an life that is "zealous for good deeds."

may it be said of me...

2011-04-25T12:45:00.002-04:00

As a pastor, I have a lot of hopes and dreams. There are goals I want to acheive, and places I want to impact with the Gospel. But as I discussed with Sara Beth last night, there are two things I really want as a pastor.

As a pastor, I want to never tire of preaching the Gospel.
As a pastor, I want humility to be my foundational characteristic.

I want the people God gives me to shepherd to love Jesus more than me. I want them to crave His teaching and not mine. I want them to follow His leadership not mine.
With the Gospel as the message and humility as the method, I believe God's get all the glory and my life is fully satisfied.

Live Love 2011 Registration Form

2011-03-14T15:10:00.004-04:00

The Invitation of Jesus

2011-02-28T15:42:00.004-05:00

"Ultimately Jesus was calling them (His followers) to abandon themselves. The were leaving certainty for uncertainty, safety for danger, self-preservation for self-denunciation. In a world that prizes promoting oneself, they were following a teacher who told them to crucify themselves. And history tells us the result. Almost all of them would lose their lives because they responded to his invitation."
David Platt, Radical

The inviation has not changed in 2000 years. We are to abandon ourselves, our desires, our pursuits, our lives in exchange for Him, His desires, and His pursuits. It is only when we abandon ourselves do we gain Jesus.

Getting Ready for Radical...

2011-02-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Mission Nicaragua

2011-02-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

More information is available by clicking the following link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gdSfrDsVQ1ydZT0WUr6T0G8Iw4dmZRubg7AN2WVikuk/edit?hl=en&authkey=CKu6wrwL#

STARTING FEBRUARY 27!

2011-01-31T12:51:00.002-05:00

Click the following link for more information about Radical....https://docs0.google.com/document/d/1ZvmBemBpNxHoy1EDT-rgMv4l2S7kXhN1_GpbHhyWCHU/edit?hl=en#

Pulling for the "Enemy"?

2011-01-10T17:26:00.002-05:00

Tonight, most around the country (almost all around the South) will tune in for the BCS National Championship game between the Auburn Tigers and the Oregon Ducks. As an avid Alabama fan, I'm in a strange perdicament...

Who to pull for?

Oregon? Pulling for Oregon makes sense. Auburn is Alabama's hated rival and thus the last thing I should want is for Auburn to win the game. It makes it particularly hard when Alabama won it just one year agon.

Auburn? Although a heated rival, Auburn represents the entire Southeastern Conference (Alabma is also a member). Thus pulling for Auburn is like pulling for the SEC and helps solidfy the conference's domination as the country's best football conference.

This interesting scenario is the same choice that we face in church life. Many churches view other churches in their town as competition. If another church sees success, instead of celebrating with them, we find things to nitpick and complain about. When our church succeeds, we highlight why we're better than the church down the street. We compete rather than cooperate, and in the end, the Kingdom of God suffers because we are selfish rather than selfless for the sake of the Gospel. We refuse to cheer and help the church that is in our very own conference. May we see that the Kingdom is better than the address on our letterhead.

By the way, I'm not pulling for Auburn...I'm pulling for the SEC.

What Will Your Funeral Say About You...

2011-01-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

I attended the memorial service for an incredible woman of God today. Mrs. Ernestine Davis met Jesus face to face earlier this week, and today we celebrated that with her family. It's always a uniquely different service when there is complete confidence in a someone's eternal destination. There is the time during the service for remembering someone's life, but the focal point is always Jesus. Even in death, Christ takes the center of attention. That's the type of service we had today for Mrs. Ernestine. It was clear that she understood the Gospel (Jesus Paid it All) and her security was found in His Amazing Grace. Sure these songs are sung often at funerals, but today they were not just songs, they were a testimony to a woman's life and worship of her Savior. Her funeral spoke loudly and clearly: her life was lived for Jesus.

What will your funeral say about you and your faith? Will it be a stretch to link your life to Christ? Will it be easy for a pastor to point to you as an example of genuine faith? What will your funeral say about you?

Consistent Little Things...

2011-01-07T11:00:00.003-05:00

Do you want to leave a mark on the lives of the people around you? Then do little things with them and for them CONSISTENTLY. In the life of pastors and leaders, our tendency is to always be looking forward to the the next big thing. The next big sermon series, the next big event, the next big vision, the next big ___________..... While dreaming and planning these big things are extremely important, don't sacrifice the little relational things that really become the mark of your impact on people. Although we put in the time, energy and passion to the big things, the reality is that most people will forget them. But they won't forget....

-How you called them every Tuesday at 4PM for a quick conversation
-How you sent a personal note every Thursday morning to the sick among you
-How you always gave them a ride home after a long night of preaching
-How you gave them a nickname and refused to call them their real name

We know this works. Why? How many times have you heard someone say..."You remember how _______________ always used to ____________.

Develop consistent little things in your relationships and enjoy the long-lasting results.

Beware! Idiots are on the Loose...

2011-01-06T10:32:00.003-05:00

Knowledge is the aquisition of facts.
Wisdom is the application of that knowledge for your good.
The person who fails to walk in wisdom is an idiot.

For the Christ-follower, there is a major difference in the pursuit of biblical knowledge and the practice of biblical wisdom. It doesn't take a real genius to figure out how to live the Christian life. You discover the knowledge of who Jesus Christ is, what He did on the cross for you, and what He expects from you as His follower....and you do it.

Within the church, most people have the knowledge thing down. We know the characteristics of a genuine Christ follower. We know how we are to use our minds and bodies for Christ. We know what we should do and what we are to avoid in our lives.

The failure comes not in the knowledge, but in wisdom...the application of this knowledge. The person who fails in wisdom is an idiot.

Are you an idiot on the loose?

A Christmas Miracle: Olivia June Suber.

2010-12-21T12:15:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Sara Beth's oldest brother's wife had to have an emergency C-Section for Sara Beth's niece. We received a call at 1:30AM Sunday morning to come to Atlanta because the situation was not good. After 14 hours of anticipation in the hospital waiting room, God gave our family a miracle, Olivia June Suber at 5:56PM Sunday evening.

Olivia weighs only 1.5 pounds and was delivered 15 weeks early, thus the reason for the emergency C-Section. Although Olivia is very premature, doctors are giving the family hope that Olivia will survive and begin to thrive in an incubator over the next 12 weeks. There were incredible complications going on in Sara Beth's sister-in-law's body, and the life of Olivia was being threatened. We spent all of Sunday praying and begging God to do something to display His awesomeness, and sure enough, He did. Psalm 139 says that God "forms us" from day 1 in our mother's womb, and that His work from day 1 is "marvelous." For the first time in my life, I feel like I fully understand these verses. It was incredible to pray for a miracle and see it happen. Our God is truly awesome.

We will be back and forth from Atlanta several times over the Christmas break, and Sara Beth is still in Atlanta as I type. Please continue (or start) praying for this situation.

1. Pray for Olivia that her body would begin to grow stronger with each passing moment.
2. Pray for Adam and Heather (Sara Beth's brother and his wife) that they would find peace to walk through this tough time.
3. Pray that God would get all the glory for His miracle.

Revolution Recap: Cadence

2010-12-16T10:45:00.001-05:00

Wednesday nights are the home of Revolution, a night of study and worship with students in 6th-12th grades at First Baptist Church Quincy. It's my privilege to lead Revolution week in and week out. Here's a peak into where we were last night...

Cadence: a pattern of sound created from multiple sources of rhythm.

When you think cadence, think drum line. Think about how the bass drum works with the snare drum and they work with the cymbals and tom drums to create a recognizable beat. All of the individual parts work together to create something great.

Romans 12:1 says that we are present out "whole bodies" to God. This is our worship. To find cadence in worship, we must use not just our mouths, but our eyes, minds, feet, ears, hearts...in essence our whole body. When one part of our body is out of rhythm it throws the whole beat of our worship off. It's like a clanging cymbal that is out of place.

Individually, we are to worship God with our whole bodies, but then we are to join with others in worshiping our God. This is the purpose of the wise men of the Christmas story. Multiple people walking together towards worshiping Jesus. They had their own bodies in a cadence of worship, but they went the next step and joined the cadence of others in worship. This is the great job of the church. To find the cadence of worship with others.

It was a great night at Revolution. There was much feedback from the students about how they can use their eyes and feet to worship. Does what you look at worship God? Does how you view others worship God? Do you look for where God is working? Are your feet taking you to people who need Jesus? Are you feet leading you to places where you can bless someone else?

Worship is not theoretical. It's very, very practical. It's a whole body experience. How will you use your "whole body" to worship God today.

A Thought for the Married Men...

2010-12-14T09:52:00.003-05:00

Married Men....follow the steps below.

1. Stop what you're doing right now.

2. Grab your Bible, go to www.biblegateway.com, open up your Bible app....do whatever you have to do to get to a Bible.

3. Find Song of Songs (in some Bibles it's called Song of Solomon) and read chapter four.

4. Then call/text your wife and let her know you love her, treasure her, and still pursue her like you did when you first started dating.

The Bible is full of wisdom for every part of our lives. God cares about your marriage! God wants you to have fun and pleasure in your marriage. Don't let time and life stifle your passion.

Get Smart...

2010-12-08T10:36:00.006-05:00

I wrestle alot with direction and confidence in where my life is going. It seems every other week, I'm wondering about whether I'm in the right place or when and where the next move might come from. And I think alot of people find themselves facing the same questions. Here's a couple places we tend to go when we have questions...

-Fantasy Land: We dream about the "what if's" and the "if only's." This is a big trap. When you live in fantasy land you move nowhere. You will never do anything big without putting work in. I am convinced that there are some big dreams that have never been accomplished because the dreamer refused to be a worker. Do dream big dreams, but be willing to do the big work.

-"Successful" People We Don't Know: In an overly-connected world, we can find ourselves following anyone we want. Whatever our field of work may be, we tend to go find those that are doing well and try to pick up bits of advice and may even emulate their techniques. This can be a good thing, but all to often we find ourselves trying to be them in our context. The reality is that we have no idea the blood, sweat, and tears they put in to get where they are. We don't know their daily routines, their daily struggles, and the small things that they have done to get where they are now. We only see the "success." No one ever accomplishes anything great by being someone else.

Maybe here's where we should go...

Cry out for insight.
Ask for understanding.
Search for them like silver; seek them like hidden treasure.
Then you will know what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain the knowledge of God.
For the Lord grants wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:3-6

No one dreams bigger dreams for you than God. If that's the case, then why would we not go to him begging for direction?

Quick Question for Your Weekend...

2010-12-04T15:29:00.002-05:00

What is it that YOU could do to help introduce someone to Jesus and His Church in the next week?

Please note, the answer is not to call your pastor and ask him to "meet your friend." YOUR story and YOUR relationship with God is a way better avenue to connect YOUR friend's life to YOUR God.

Use the Season for the Sake of the Gospel

2010-11-30T15:12:00.002-05:00

No other time in the year presents a more natural time for us to invite family, friends, and neighbors to hear the Gospel than Christmas. The season brings a unique receptiveness to an invitation and we must do whatever possible to be the conduit that connects others to Christ.

This being said, if you are a pastor or church leader, don't let the season slip by without making numerous clear and relevant presentations of the Gospel at every church event. Don't just allow people to enjoy a musical; make them consider the Gospel. Don't just host a small group/Sunday School party; make them consider the Gospel. Don't just host tons of events to keep people busy; make them consider the Gospel. Every time.

Yes there are life application points we can learn from Joseph, Mary, the Wise Men, the shepherds...but the story of Christmas is that God gave the gift of Jesus to satisfy the penalty of sin because nothing else could. Seize the moment. Give people the Gospel this Christmas.

A Quick Thought for Black Friday

2010-11-26T08:16:00.002-05:00

Over two billion people (almost half of the world's population) will live on $2.00 today, tomorrow, and every coming day.

Thankful...

2010-11-24T08:57:00.002-05:00

for an incredible wife.
for being in relationship with God.
for the privilege to be His mouthpiece.
for an inspiring father.
for the love of my mom.
for the friendship of my brothers.
for the second family I married into.
for the church I'm called to serve.
for the students who call me their pastor.
for the food I can buy.
for the money I use and give away.
for learning to live with less.
for my four best friends.

Just One Sin...

2010-11-22T15:10:00.003-05:00

How big of a deal is just one sin?

Just one sin has given our existence war, HIV, death, corporate corruption, sex slavery, child pornography, racism, the Holocaust....just to name a few. Just one sin.

A small view of sin and its consequences is the fastest way to move away from God. Sin is a big deal. It was such a big deal to God that He destroyed and crushed His own Son, Jesus Christ for sin (see Isaiah 53).

If God hates sin, how long will you continue to justify it, rationalize it, and shrug it off?

Circumstantial?

2010-11-09T17:20:00.005-05:00

Though the cherry trees don't blossom
and the strawberries don't ripen,
Though the apples are worm-eaten
and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless
and the cattle barns empty,
I'm singing joyful praise to God.
I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God's Rule to prevail,
I take heart and gain strength.
I run like a deer.
I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Worship is not circumstantial. It is the confident choice to love and trust God no matter what is happening in our lives.

Being the Church in Quincy

2010-11-04T13:15:00.003-04:00

It has taken me two full days to finally take it all in. And honestly, I'm not completely confident that it's possible to fully comprehend what God did this past Sunday night. To even imagine that we could host an event like Rock the Block for our city is indescribable. This was not an alternative event on church property for church kids. This was a community-wide, city of Quincy endorsed event that captured anyone and everyone, especially the unchurched and lost. This is EXACTLY what a church event should be!

The sights and sounds from Sunday's Rock the Block will echo in my memory for a long time, and it's days like Sunday that become the catalyst for an incredible move of God in our lives and in the lives of people in our community. I am completely overwhelmed with what God accomplished through us, and my heart is spilling over with joy for the people I was able to serve with. Here's a simple snapshot with what has raced through my mind over the last 48 hours....

1. Did you see HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE EXPOSED TO THE GOSPEL SUNDAY NIGHT??!?!?!? Most of those I have spoken with have estimated between 3500-4000 people participated in Rock the Block, and I am convinced that everyone of them heard the Gospel from stage and saw the Gospel lived out by Christ-followers from our church & other churches. Not to mention the fact that every family receieved an easy-to-read explanation of the Gospel in their Trunk-or-Treat bag.

2. I saw what our church can do when we are motivated and confident in God's leadership and direction. This was a monstrosity of an event. It was bigger than anything we've done in recent memory. It would have been very easy to pass up. It would have been comfortable to do what we've always done. But God called us to greater things, and HE ALWAYS PROVIDES when we are obedient.

3. Did you see HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS THERE WERE UNDER THE TENT AT 5:45?!?!?! It was a holy army of the saints of God ready to march for the Kingdom! It was bigger than our church name or church affiliation. It was a group of men and women, youth and children, old and young, pretty and ugly (HA!) coming together to live out our calling to influence those far from God towards God.

4. The compliments I received from our city officials, leaders, and event participants were astonishing. It was an event that not only surpassed our expectations, but all those involved. But lest we be prideful, remember that Sunday was nothing of our own doing, but God being gracious enough to include us in His work.

5. While we can appreciate Sunday night, we cannot rest. We must determine not to slow down. We must determine to look for the next opportunity to make Christ famous in our community. We must continue building bridges with the lost. It is our great calling as a church.

kindess --> repentance

2010-09-16T16:39:00.006-04:00

"There is someone I love, even though I don't approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is me. There are plenty of things I do that I don't like, but if I can love myself without approving of all I do, I can also love others without approving of all they do."
CS Lewis

I am so amazed that we live expecting more grace for ourselves than we are willing to give to others. The same kinds of things we hope people forgive us for are the very same things we condemn in other people. We beat, nag, and guilt other people in hopes that they will leave sin behind.

All the while, God says, "it's my kindness (patient loving grace) that leads to repentance."

May we love people towards Christ not lead them away from Him by being an unfit judge.

me and you like God? it's possible...

2010-09-09T15:26:00.003-04:00

Here's my favorite quote from last night...

"You're never more like God then when you love your enemies."

Love is the very core of God's character, and thankfully, his love is not given just to those who love him back or who "deserve it" by what they do. In fact, all of Scripture points to the reality that God loves us before we ever loved him, before we ever attempted anything good or right. God is madly, passionately in love with his enemies. It was while we were still sinners, still enemies or God, that God demonstrated his love by sending Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8).

If God can love his enemies, than the call of Jesus to love our enemies, to do good to those who hurt us, to bless those who curse us is not that radical (Luke 6:27-36). It's not unrealistic. In fact, it's the very opposite. It's is our chance to be like God.

You are never more like God then when you love your enemies!

it's here....

2010-09-03T17:06:00.002-04:00

Football season that is.

1. I'm heading to Doak Campbell stadium this weekend with my good friend Blu to watch the Noles play Samford. I'll be wearing my Alabama championship shirt.

2. Bama kicks off tomorrow night and I'll be watching via live stream on ESPN3.

But even better...

I get to worship Christ with other believers Sunday. When's the last time you heard someone say that?

tough words from Jesus...

2010-09-02T15:00:00.004-04:00

“What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
for you have your only happiness now.

What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
for a time of awful hunger awaits you.

What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,
for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.

What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,
for their ancestors also praised false prophets."

Jesus, Luke 6:24-26.

These are the characteristics of those who do not know and love Jesus. They chase money. They chase comfort. They chase happiness at all cost. They chase fame. Sounds like many who sit in our churches week in and week out.

“God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.

God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.

God blesses you who weep now,
for in due time you will laugh."

Jesus, Luke 6:20-21.

These are the characteristics of those who do know and love Jesus. Money is a tool to use and give rather than hoard. Comfort is reserved for eternity after a life of being uncomfortable now. Making less of yourself now will lead to eternal joy. Sounds like the people we avoid bringing to our churches.

two quick thoughts...

2010-08-31T18:11:00.002-04:00

1. Even if you live in a rural setting, you should still expect excellence and revelance from your church.

2. Happy Birthday to my father-in-law, Joe Suber.

Intro to the Old Testament

2010-08-30T08:46:00.002-04:00

Today I return to the ranks of the seminary heads. I love a lot of things about seminary. I've learned to study the Bible like never before. I've been challenged to think and develop my theological stances not by what I've been told, but what I've read throughout Scripture for myself. And, I've met some really cool guys that are changing the world in their local setting.

This semester I'm really looking forward to my Intro to the Old Testament class. While many people look at the Old Testament as a summary of the "Old Testament Version of God", it is certainly not. Within each passage of the Old Testament, we can find a precursor for Christ. This is known as a "Christocentric View" of the Old Testament. Behind the scenes of the Old Testament, God is setting the stage when He can give His Son Jesus to fully satisfy the punishment of sin and restore a right relationship with humanity. You can Jesus Christ all over the pages of the Old Testament. From beginning to end, Scripture and history was, and is, and will always be about Jesus Christ.

Don't be intimated by the Old Testament. Search for Christ inside of it, and see how amazingly patient, loving, and good our God is to set the stage for His miraculous redemption plan!

a link for parents & pastors

2010-08-28T09:16:00.003-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/27/almost.christian/

30

2010-08-27T09:40:00.002-04:00

So I am at a pretty significant point in life....staring at 30. With just four more months left in my 20's, I find myself where many people have been before: questioning my life's significance thus far. Really, what have I accomplished so far? What am I moving towards? What would the world be missing if I were not here?

These are huge questions of priority and life direction. However, I think I fall into a common trap: looking in the past and the future for my significance rather than the present. We've all been around those people who live in what they accomplished years ago (think about your 'athletic' friend who plays softball every night of the week to live out his baseball dreams), and those people who say, "When I get this" or "In just a few years..." Remembering the past and planning for the future is not bad, but I can't do it over and if I'm consumed by tomorrow I'm inept today. That's why me and you must be driven by this...

Be careful how you live. Don't live like fools but instead be wise by making the most of every opportunity. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Each moment is an opportunity. Thus, what are you and I going to do with the multiple moments that life presents today, right now? What will you do right now that will have significant impact on the Kingdom of God? The past is gone. The future is not promised. All you have is right now.

a BIG Jesus...

2010-08-26T16:17:00.004-04:00

How do you picture Jesus?

Seriously. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and bring to mind your picture of Jesus Christ.

Even without being there with you, I could probably guess what your picture looks like.

1. Most of you are thinking about Jesus on the cross.
2. Some of you are thinking of a manger scene (if it were a little closer to Christmas, this would be the main picture).
3. Some of you see a white dude, with flowing brown and a sparkling smile (see the profile pic on this blog! HA!)
4. Some of you see a dude holding a lamb.
5. Some of you see that weird painting that every old church and grandma has on their wall.

Anything wrong with those thoughts? Not really. The main issue is that while these mental images bring up a pretty, simple, comfortable, humble, American-looking Jesus, it's not the picture that Scripture paints of Him as He is now. Check out how Revelation 19:11-16 describles him...

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head he wore many crowns...The armies of heavend followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. he will rule them with an iron rod...On his robe at his thigh was written this title: KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.

That's a BIG Jesus, and that makes a BIG difference in how we respond to him. While it's good to remember the baby, the crucified, the risen, the simple Jesus from Galilee, don't ever forget that He is the unconquered, undefeated, undisputed KING OF ALL THE UNIVERSE. That changes how we respond to him, how we worship him, how we approach him. Have a BIG Jesus.

sex at church...

2010-03-11T15:13:00.002-05:00

So there was tension all over the place last night at Revolution. Students freakin' out. Parents wondering what in the world is goin' on. Words like intercourse and oral made me nervous. But all in all, it WAS AN AWESOME NIGHT. We started our newest series called GOOD SEX. It's all about looking at sex and sexuality through a biblical lens. God created sex, and he created it to be good. We can't ignore it or demonize it anymore. We must relay to students God's plan for their sexuality. Besides, they marinate in a culture of sex. So why not give them God's own plans and thoughts on the subject. Last night, I laid the groundwork for why we're doing the series GOOD SEX.

1. Almost everyone, everywhere is talking about sex.

2. Sex is happening more often and sooner than parents think.

3. God has a lot to say about sex.

Getting students to understand sex and sexuality through a biblical perspective is important. So in the words of Ms. Salt & Ms. Pepa...Let's talk about sex baby!

a new perspective...

2010-03-02T11:22:00.002-05:00

For the last two days I've had the chance to be at the Youth Pastor's Summit in Orlando, FL. It's been sweet as I've been down here with Matt from FBC Havana and Westely from Thomas Memorial. We've spent a lot of time just brainstorming, praying, and helping each other as we seek to reach students in Gadsden County.

For me personally, I was just rocked by a statement from Dr. Mark Ferguson....

People are not an interruption to ministry; they are the ministry.

It's exactly the statement I most needed and most feared hearing. I'm ready to head home and hook up with some people that I've been viewing as interruption.

top five of the last five weeks...

2010-02-11T10:10:00.003-05:00

Last night I wrapped up a 5 week series titled, "How to Stay Christian in High School." Don't let the name fool you; this applies to all of us. Here's the top five thoughts from the series:

1. Christianity is not just about avoiding the bad influence, but becoming the God-influence.

We don't live in holy huddles and baptist bubbles to hide from the world. Instead, we allow God to transform our lives so that we may be a part of his transforming the world. Sure we need to live in holiness and purity (avoiding bad influences is needed at some point), but we don't shelter ourselves and tell the rest of the world to go to hell because we are scared, prideful, or apathetic.

2. Everyone's story is dynamic.

You don't have to have a dramatic, over the top testimony to share it. If you do have one of those stories great, but if you don't your story of how God changed you is just as valid and great. Because the main of your story is not your past actions, but the incredible work Christ did on the cross, and how you are presently following Him.

3. Remember whose you are.

At the point in time where God interrupted your life and you believed Jesus was God's Son, you placed total confidence and trust in Christ's death for your sin, and you willingly and genuinely told God you would follow Jesus Christ, three important things happened. Your life was purchased by God through Jesus' blood and you now belong to God. He didn't purchase you to be a slave but a son or daughter. And he has called you to partner with Him to share His salvation and love to all of the earth.

4. I only have one identity.

Don't fool yourself. You can't be one person at one place or with one group of friends, and another person at a different place or with different friends. One of those identities is fake. There is only one real you, and you can find out who the real is you by looking at the choices you make when you are alone. That's where integrity and identity are formed.

5. God starts, continues, and finishes the job.

Philippians 1:6 is one of the greatest promises in all of the bible. God doesn't leave jobs undone, especially our salvation. He began the work in you. He continues working in you despite how many times you fail. And he will finish the work in you in the end. This means your salvation is dependent on Him. It's freeing. No more "Am I good enough"? No more trying to earn God's love. We live in the confidence that God does it all, and our job is to live our lives worshipping Him in obeying Him, loving Him, and loving others.

It was a great series. If your a student and you need to talk about any of this. Hit me up with a text or on Facebook. Moms and dads, this is where we've been over the last few weeks. Take a minute to talk to your student about what God spoke into their lives.

For the Kingdom.

2010-02-09T15:32:00.001-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

2010-02-09T15:09:00.002-05:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

a good night...

2010-02-04T09:01:00.002-05:00

Last night we had our first ever Ski Trip Awards ceremony. It was a blast. Parents came, food was served, pictures were shown, and trophies were given out. As we wrapped up the night and Sara Beth and I were left cleaning the kitchen and sweeping brownies off the floor, I couldn't help but think that when parents are involved and invest into our student ministry it only gets better.

There are definitely times and places where not having a parent around is a benefit. Let's face it. A student won't open up when a mom or dad is around, and especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. But the reality is that it's mom and dad's biblical responsibility to raise up their student under the teachings and leadership of Jesus Christ. I'm simply a partner in that process. And while I haven't done a great job of partnering in the past, I'm intentionally seeking to improve in that department.

But moms and dads, you can help. Don't see Wednesday nights as a break, a "better alternative" or a baby-sitting service. We work hard to produce a quality experience for your student to intersect with Christ. While we have fun and play games, my number one priority is to see your students and your student's friends come to understand God's love, His Gospel, and respond with their entire lives. The hour and half they spend with us on Wednesday is more important than their homework, a ball game, a movie, or a date.

And on a final note...38! That's right, we were pushing the 40 mark last night in students. That means nearly 40 teenage people heard a clear presentation of the Gospel last night, and how it radically changes their lives. That's why numbers are important!!! Let's keep it rollin!

intentional...

2010-01-28T15:47:00.002-05:00

An honest truth: I don't talk about Jesus enough.

I teach about Jesus at least twice a week. I spend 8 hours on Mondays studying in Master's level courses about Jesus. I spend hours every week inside my office reading the words of Jesus. Yet...

I still live in disobedience when I walk through life, day after day, not introducing the people around me to Jesus. I'm hiding a treasure that doesn't belong to me. I'm honestly comfortable conversing about weather, sports, news, and politics. But the scene changes when the name comes up...you know the name...JESUS.

Whatever my excuse...it's unacceptable. I'm the man who listens (and teaches, and reads, and studies) to the Word and walks away without doing what it says (James 1).

I open myself up to let you know that you're not alone. You're not the only one who struggles with this. But we cannot stay here. We cannot keep quiet anymore. We must become intentional with not only our relationships but intentional with our words.

Oh God open my mouth to reveal your remedy to the world.

Headin' for the Slopes

2010-01-14T12:43:00.003-05:00

What do you get when you load up one bus and a car with 32 students/chaps and 2000 pounds of luggage? AN EPIC WEEKEND OF AWESOMENESS IN NORTH CAROLINA. That's right, we're hittin' the slopes of Sugar Mountain, NC this weekend for what will be a great start to 2010. Not only are we jumpin' moguls and setting ski speed records, we'll be joining 1500 students at Appalachian State University to worship God through teaching, music, drama, and whatever awesome stuff Student Life comes up with.

There's a few things you could pray about for us while we are gone....

1. Pray that what is learned and expereinced during worship is not left in the mountains. I expect God to radically change lives this weekend, not just for a week but for a lifetime.

2. Pray that our church will have an incredible morning of worship while our students are away. I always want FBCQ to be the place the lost, the saved...pretty much everyone wants to be on Sunday mornings.

3. Pray for our physical protecttion. We don't want anything to take away from what God wants to do in people's lives this weekend.

4. Pray for our adult leaders. Pray that God will use them as a tool to craft Himself into them. Pray for the conversations on the bus, the hotel room, the ski lifts. As my buddy Jonathan Merritt says, "conversations creates change." Pray that life-changing conversations happen this weekend.

the hardest people to talk Christ with.

2009-12-21T11:29:00.003-05:00

I have found it's easier for me to talk to a complete stranger about Christ than with my own family members. I have a few theories about why this is...

1. I make false assumptions about my family's relationship with Christ: Everyone is my family is a Christ-follower!!! It's the thought that runs through my mind every time we get together, but the reality is they are not. Sure they might have been raised in church, but evidence in their lives now show that Jesus probably has not influence on them.

2. Of all people, they know my screw-ups: You're most comfotable around your family, but sometimes that's a great problem. You can be yourself around your close family, but sometimes that comfort lowers your guard. You feel you can "get away" with saying things, doing things, watching things, gossiping, lying. While the comfort is nice, we need to make sure we don't lose our influence due to our comfort.

3. I feel there will be time later: While the reality of death faces us every day, we tend to think it will never intersect with our family. Sure the older members of our family are getting closer to death , but not my cousins, brothers, aunt, uncles, and etc. But James 4:14 is not just true for grandparents, but for every person.

Maybe you don't struggle with these, but I know they trip me up constantly. But this Christmas I want it to be different. I don't want to assume. I don't want to lower my guard. I don't want to wait. I want the closest people to me on earth to be the closest people to me in eternity. What's family for 75ish years compared to family for eternity.

As my friend Dean Inserra preached this weekend, "re-gift" Jesus Christ this Christmas. God gave us an indescribable gift not for us to keep, but to share. And start at home.

friday five

2009-12-18T13:05:00.003-05:00

Here's five randoms for your Friday.

1. I'm so giddy about it snowing in Washington DC this weekend. We leave Tuesday for DC and I hope the snow is still on the ground up there. I've never had a truly WHITE CHRISTMAS. (In 1987-88, it did snow on Christmas at my house in Tallahassee, but it wasn't really that much.)

2. The Park Christmas Shindig is this tomorrow night. Every Christmas Sara Beth invites all of our friends from our college days over to the house for a night of Christmas mayhem. It's one of my favorite nights of the Christmas season.

3. Ever since I was introduced to Tony's Chachere's Seasoning a few weeks ago, I have become an addict. At least once a day I stop by the pantry, open the seasoing can, pour some in my hand and lick it off. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

4. I love House Hunters International.

5. The only time I get new undershirts during the year is at Christmas.

Have a great weekend, and go gather with people and worship Jesus this weekend!

a source of great pride this Christmas....

2009-12-17T13:58:00.004-05:00

I'm not a parent just yet, therefore I cannot fully comprehend the feeling of pride that a parent has in their child after a great accomplishment. However I do believe that last night I caught a small piece of that feeling following the 2009 Axis Student Ministry Christmas Party.

Let's start with the history. Two months ago I allowed a brainstorming session to happen with our students to plan our 2009 Christmas party. I wanted this to be the biggest, baddest Christmas party in Christmas. I asked them to think big, to dream, to go crazy in thought. No idea was off limits. I wanted this thing to be huge. We planned, and dreamed, and thought, and wrote. We were going to rock it out this Christmas.

Then came the dagger. Just two days after making these massive plans, I read Luke 14:12-14. Then I clearly heard God whisper, "Don't be selfish." In an instance, I felt the weight of my stupidity and selfishness. I knew I had to undo all the plans, all the excitement, and all the expectations from our students. God had spoken, and I felt the weight of letting down students or missing the chance to live the Word.

An incredilbe response. The next week, I went before my students and told them what God had spoken into my life. I apologized for not modeling the servant mindset that I so desparately teach and want them to live. I read Luke 14:12-14 for them. And then I broke the news about our change of plans. I won't tell you there response; take a look for yourself.

Over thirty of our students gathered with nearly fifty kids in the Quincy community to host a party for families and kids who might struggle through the Christmas season. We played games, made crafts, presented Christ, and even had a visit from Santa Claus. It was one of the best nights I've ever had in student ministry. It was a night where I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in the students God has given me. There are days where I feel like I actually used my time like Jesus would have used his time. Last night was one of them.

Sunday's Thoughts...

2009-09-20T23:49:00.003-04:00

It was a great day in Q-town today. Here's a few highlights from the day.

-Equipping our church to make evangelism a priority is always my favorite thing to do. If a church is not making more disciples, are they really a church? We all have friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors that need Christ. Let's take Christ to them. Supporting and becoming part of the GO Ministry is one way to hlep.

-Part of evangelism means creating a worship service that's worth coming to. Gus seriously challenged our church to be a church where lost people want to be. Lost people loved to hang out with Jesus so when they hate the church it's a reflection on us.

-Our God Saves...serioulsy, I love singing that song. The world desperately needs to hear it.

-People Need the Lord...maybe it's an old-school song, maybe you think it's cheesy. But next time you sit in crowded restaurant at lunch, look around. People who need the Lord are all around you. Man up and do something about it!

-Playing flag football with the students was a blast. Too bad I'm still awesome. I may walk on at Bama next week. My only problem is I can only run 12 steps before stopping and I'm slower now than I was 6 months ago.

-Seeing Wes and Stoney launch into their role as servant leaders (aka "deacons") was great. They're young, family guys who will help carry FBCQ foward in the future.

-Writing a historical background study on Luke 20 at midnight the day before it's due is not smart. Ah well. The practice of ministry is so much better than the academic study of ministry.

Ready for a big week. Hoping to share Christ with a couple people along the way. Hope you do too! Outtie.

3 Things to Do This Weekend...

2009-09-18T12:00:00.005-04:00

1. Tell those you love how much they mean to you.

This week, I've been with a wife who lost her husband. She's thirty-two; he was thirty-seven. I've been with a daughter who lost her daddy. She's sixteen; she was a daddy's girl. Totally unexpected, totally unexplainable. I know God is in complete control, but death, especially unexpected death of the young, is tough, real tough. At twenty-eight, the passing of this friend has hit close to home for me and alot of people I know. Life if is vapor, a blade of grass, here today and gone tomorrow. Make sure you're always expressing your love to those who you are close to.

2. Take time to prepare for your worship service.

Don't look at this weekend's worship service as another feeding time. Sure I hope the Holy Spirit speaks to you and you grow this week, but instead, why don't you go to church already full on what God is doing and speaking to you? Then your worship can be an outpouring of what God has already done in your life rather than an expectation of what is to come. What if we spent more time preparing our hearts for worship than preparing what we wear?

3. Spend time doing "nothing" with your wife/kids.

If you're a married guy, ask the wife to go for a walk, or catch a movie on TV. If you're a dad, throw the football with the son or take your daughter out for ice cream. Some of my favorite times with Sara Beth is spent on the couch watching an old 90's movie on Starz.

Enjoy your weekend. Pull for you college team. Do nothing. Tell people you love them. Get ready for Sunday. It will be a great weekend if you do.

Chew on this thought...

2009-09-09T14:42:00.003-04:00

The church doesn't have a mission; the mission has a church.

I'm just saying this rocks my world as a pastor. What are your thoughts?

Pursue the Relationship not the Purpose

2009-09-08T16:56:00.003-04:00

I ran across this quote in my time with God this AM.

Pursue your relationship with God. He'll lead you to His purpose.

Too often I'm find myself wanting what God wants me to do rather than just wanting God. I'm interested in the plans and places He's going to take me rather than worrying about his companionship along the way. The journey with God becomes more about my purpose than my relationship with God. And while my head spins and I lay awake at night wondering if I'm at the right place, am I doing God's will, am I carrying out my purpose in life, I miss just being with God. If I'd just pursue the relationship, the purpose would come. God wants me to know His purpose and will for my life, but He wants me to know Him first.

Monday Thoughts

2009-08-31T17:22:00.002-04:00

Just a few thoughts from yesterday.

1. Tim Schroeder. Whoa! If you were at Quincy on a String last night you know exactly what I'm talking about. Tim brought out the "Flying V" Gibson electric and brought the house down with his solo licks and rockin' (AND I MEAN ROCKIN') version of "This is the Day." It was incredible to watch and play drums with him.

2. Joshua Balingcongan. I can't say enough about him. He was so great leading worship yesterday, and what an honor to be able to present him with a guitar. THANK YOU CHURCH FOR MAKING THAT HAPPEN FOR HIM.

3. First Quincy Guests. Not sure if you noticed (IF YOU DIDN'T NOTICE YOU MUST HAVE BEEN ASLEEP), but we had many guests worshipping with us. It is always great to have guests worshipping with us. Make sure you make it a point each week to welcome and greet those around you who you may not know. One of the reasons a guests comes back is how they are greeted and welcomed when they come.

It was a great day at First Quincy yesterday. I love serving Christ with Gus, Bill, and Connie, and I love worshipping with all of you.

What get's you fired up...

2009-08-27T14:45:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday, I had the chance to sit in on a town hall meeting with Congressman Allen Boyd of Florida concerning the government's move on health care reform. Let me clear. I have an opinion on the issue, but no one will know that position besides Sara Beth. Political opinions do more to divide people than anything else, so for the sake of unity, I don't want people forming an opinion of me, for good or bad, based on a political opinion. I'd much rather be judged on how I love, serve, and care for people. Therefore, my attendance to the town hall meeting was for the simple reason that people were there. I'm into people. I want to meet them. I want to get to know new people. And I want to build relationships with people so that I may share the love and message of the Gospel. And in Quincy, Florida, there was no better place to meet people than at the town hall meeting. So I went. I observed, and I took notice. Here's what stuck out to me.

People were very passionate about the topic of health care reform. Very passionate.

No matter their opinion, support or opposition, people had and voiced a very strong opinion. In all honesty, I loved the passion, the energy, the willingness to speak up. It was refreshing in the apathetic climate that our culture is so used to. My problem is that I rarely see that kind of passion, energy, and willingness to speak up about Christ. Here's where we put that passion...

1. Sports. 100,000 people cheering on 18-22 year olds like it's life or death. And on top of that we'll spend three hours before the game hanging out getting ready to go in the stadium. When's the last time we celebrated a baptism like that?

2. TV. I know people block off certain nights of the week in order not to miss an episode of their favorite show. When's the last time you gave up just one night to have a lost coworker over to dinner?

3. Music. In a few weeks, thousands we'll hit the civic center to sing songs with Kenny Chesney about beer and summertime. When's the last time you didn't complain that we sang too much at church?

4. Vacation. We book our calendars months in advance and put extra money in savings for a week at the beach. When's the last time you planned a trip to serve the helpless and saved money to help someone in need?

God loved you so much that while you were an utterly helpless, rebelious, sinning enemy of God he sent Jesus Christ to die for you (Romans 5). And because of Christ (and only because of Christ), you have the opportunity to be in a RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!!!! You are forgiven of your rebellion and sin. You are promised his presence inside of you while you live on earth. You are promised a never-ending life with him when you die. And you have the privilege to serve him right now.

So I ask, what fires you up?

Just a thought...

2009-08-19T13:33:00.002-04:00

I'll share a quick thought that I shared last night with some of our Sunday School teachers and classes at our training session.

"I pray that we gage the success of our Sunday School not on the perfect attendance of those already on the roll, but instead on the number of lost and unchurched people that end up apart of our class by this time next year."

Whether it's Sunday School or Sunday morning worship, the goal is not the attendance of those who always come; the goal is seeing how many lost and unchurched people we can have impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Who do you know this week that you could invite to Sunday School or the worship service. Think about it. You know someone; I know you do. WE ALL DO! Got it? Now, go invite them. And, I can't wait to meet them Sunday morning.

Tear the roof off...

2009-08-11T16:57:00.001-04:00

Luke 5:19--but they couldn't reach him (Jesus) because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. They lowered the sick man down on his mat right in front of Jesus.

Four guys so desperate to get their friend to Jesus that they literally tore the roof off of a house. Undeterred by an overcrowded house, unafraid of the religious leaders who would no doubt be offended by their interruption, unrelenting in that they would rather cause a ruckus then risk their friend missing Jesus; these guys knew what Jesus could do for their friend. They knew what the Son of God offered their friend. They knew that there were no other options. They acted with urgency.

82% of people polled said they would attend church if they were simply invited. We don't have to tear a roof off, and we sure don't have to fight overcrowding. But week after week, Sunday after Sunday, we claim that Jesus shows up at our service. Yet with no urgency whatsoever, we abandon our friends to lie on their mat paralyzed in sin, while we go sit and listen to the Master. Here's the reality: Those four guys truly believed Jesus could do something for their friend. Those four guys truly believed that if their friend could just get to Jesus then something would happen in his life. Those four guys truly believed Jesus. Their actions show it. I guess that means our actions show just what we believe about Jesus too.

Follower?

2009-08-10T16:24:00.002-04:00

Today when I logged onto blogspot, I noticed something new on my page. It said I had a "follower." Not knowing what in the heck that meant, I clicked the link and found that my bro-in-law Adam became a follower of my blog. He obviously has too much time on his hands. I had no clue someone actually followed me on this thing. Sure I figured people checked it out when they reached the end of the internet, but for someone to make a decision, to take the effort and unashamedly say that they follow my blog...seriously?

But as I sat back on ponder my new found follower, I actually felt a deep sense of conviction. I thought about Jesus. Do I make a concerted effort, a decisive action to let Jesus Christ know that I'm not just checking Him and His story out, but that I'm actually a genuine follower? Do I take the time to check-in and follow the story of Scripture on a regular basis? Do I unashamedly let the world know that I'm a follower of Christ? Sometimes I think the reality is that Jesus would be as suprised to find my name as a follower of His as I was to find that I had a follower on this blog.

Oh Christ, may I love you enough to follow you in whatever you say and wherever you lead.

A Big Thank You...

2009-08-05T08:38:00.002-04:00

Philippians 4:10--How I praise the Lord that you were concnerned about me...(and Sara Beth*)

Even 9,000 miles was not far enough to seperate the prayers of God's people from us. I assure you, as we were 40,000 feet above the earth for 20.5 hours, we knew you were praying. As we were walking into Buddhist and Islamic schools we knew you were praying. As we entered villages to share Christ from house to house, we knew you were praying. When we laid down at night for rest, we knew you were praying.

All of you were as much a part of this journey as we were, and for that we thank you. More importantly we thank you for partnering with us for the expansion of Christ's Kingdom. Nearly 1400 people heard the name Jesus Christ for the first time in their lives. Your prayers opened the doors for that to happen.

My hope is that you would continue to pray for those we shared Christ with. Pray that the Holy Spirit would bring them to faith in Christ. Pray that missionaries Keith and Tracy Richards would have opportunities to follow up with all that we shared with. Pray that God's Kingdom would reign in rule in Thailand.

The last couple of days...

2009-07-28T09:40:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! Just a quick update tonight before we start our team worship. I'll just give you a list of what we've been up to for the last couple of days.

1. We were able to go into another Buddhist school yesterday. Shared Christ with the students and teachers there. Again, almost all of them had never heard of Jesus Christ.

2. Took another motor-scooter ride but this time in the sidecar, or should a say sidecage.

3. Got to spend some time in Phuket at the beach. It was pretty crazy down there. Made a wrong turn down the alley with the guys and ended up down a Thai massage alley. Not where four American guys want to walk through.

4. Took over the Phuket Mall Karaoke station in the middle of the mall.

5. Went to our first high school of the trip. The students were very responsive to the Gospel and several were asking questions after hearing it for the first time.

6. I never want to sing Pharoah-Pharoah, The Pizza Hut Song, or Hokey Pokey ever again.

7. Walked through a few Thai villages this afternoon and handed out free DVD's that share the Bible in Thai.

8. Had a birthday party for the our missionary's kids.

9. Watched the sunset over the Indian Ocean. I've now also swam in 3 of the 4 oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian).

We're feeling great, and we're definitely feeling the prayers of our family and friends back home. Please keep it up as we finish strong over the next few days. Can't wait to see everyone in a few days and share everything that God has done this trip.

Suwadeekra!

Church in Deen Kow...

2009-07-25T07:07:00.002-04:00

Today we had the privilege to join the church at Deen Kow for their worship celebration. We treked through the mountains and finally made it to the place where the church meets. It was a community pavillion that had a few fans and a beautiful open air view of the Thailand mountains. It was in fact the most beautiful "sanctuary" I have ever met in for a worship service.

Next came an even greater honor when I was asked to preach the morning message. It was an incredible honor to preach to the entire church with a translator going along right next to me. God led me to II Corinthians 13 and James 5. As a part of the service, we had a time of prayer and annointing with the Thai believers. I led our team in annointing with oil and praying over a Thai believer who was unable to walk and covered with bedsores, a Thai seeker who had just gone through a failed home abortion attempt, and an older Thai woman who was paralyzed on her entire right side. It was an incredible time, and I expect God to heal these people. In fact, two women shared testimony that God has healed them from seizures and near blindness in the last year. These Thai believers see God work miracles because that is the only thing they can hope for.

Keith (our missionary) was so moved by the service that he asked me and another of our team to go with him to pray over another man who could not make it to the service that morning. We arrived at the home, a square concrete block structure as big as an American garage. We entered the home in which the smell of closing death permeated the air. The man could not move and laid near motionless as we moved towards him. He may have weighed 80 pounds. We annointed him and prayed over him. Afterwards, Keith told us that the man suffered from HIV/AIDS and death was imminent. It was a sobering experience to say the least, and one that will never leave my mind...ever.

Following the worship service and prayer visit, we grabbed lunch, and headed to a village to drop off Dat-Ta. This 9 year old Burmese boy had been staying with us while we were going to the schools. If I could get away with it, he'd be in my bag on the way home. But he had to go back to his home in a remote mountain village. SB and I were asked to come along to drop him off and meet his family. Needless to say it was another sobering visit. Although, we did meet his mom, sister, and brothers.

This afternoon, we had a few hours of free time and ended up at a local park to feed monkeys. Yes, they just run around and grab bananas and fruit right out of your hand. It was awesome, but SB was scared to death. She said she had watched Outbreak too much to trust those monkeys.

We're now at the missionary's home for dinner and worship, and it's time for me to head out. The trip has been amazing. I've seen things that I will never forget. I have been able to preach and witness to people in areas that have never heard of Jesus. I've seen Muslim kids enthralled by the story of Jesus Christ and His love for them. I've sweated off at least 15 pounds (hopefully!!!). I've watched SB lead and minister to children and adults like never before. It's truly amazing.

We've found paradise...

2009-07-24T09:22:00.009-04:00

I didn't get a chance to update yesterday, but I couldn't wait to update today. I'll try to keep this short.

Today we had the chance to go to a Muslim school on an isolated island in Phang Gna Bay. It started when we got to the dock and I had the chance to help a local Thai fisherman unload his catch. Shrimp, crabs, and a BLACK TIP SHARK!

Next we caught a wooden long boat for a 40 minute boat ride to the island. Yes, the wooden longboat was like the one you see on National Geographic. We had a Thai boat captain that steered the boat with a long stick.

The boat ride took us through absolute paradise!!!

When we hit the shores of the island we were greeted to a breath-taking view and a motor-scooter gang that drove us up to the school.

Then we hit the school for the day. We spent the next six hours telling Muslim children about the one TRUE AND LIVING GOD and His Son Jesus Christ. It was incredible. At the end of the day, we found out two really awesome things.

1. This was the first time the children (5 years old-14 years old) had ever heard the name Jesus Christ. They were exposed to salvation for the first time in their entire lives. Some of the teachers had never heard either.

2. This was the first time the children had ever seen anyone from the United States or any other country...EVER!!! They were enthralled by us Americans, and the Gospel was shared for the first time!!! We're asking for "child-like" faith and savation to cover that little island.

There's a ton of pictures I would love to post, but we are fixing to start our nightly worship with the mission team. After the visit to the island we had a fantasically scary ride back through Phang Gna Bay. The boat was rockin' with thirty of us on there. But it was so awesome. We grabbed a great seafood dinner and now are winding down for the night.

A few things before I go...

1. God gave us our first sunny day today. We had to have it to get to the island. Perfect timing.

2. Today I saw the most beautiful things my eyes have seen in 28 years. God is an amazing Creator.

3. The Gospel is so simple. I know that some of these kids are trusting Christ this week.

4. The Thai people are so fun, laidback, and welcoming.

5. The food is spicy but fantastic.

6. Watching kids that have never heard the name Jesus sing "Jesus Loves Me" breaks me everytime. I have not made it through the song yet.

Keith (the missionary to Thailand) just yelled at me and said, "GET OFF THE INTERNET." Gotta go. Love to all our family, friends, and our church family. We miss you and will see you in a week or so.

Hittin' the Schools...

2009-07-22T07:10:00.003-04:00

Sawadeeka! (Hello).

It's the end of day three for us, and today was a fantastic day!!! We started the morning bright and early with Thai breakfast and then it was time to hit the two schools for the day. All I'm saying is that SB and I wish we could pack up some of these Thai kids and bring them home with us. They are beautiful and full of joy. Never-ending smiles and laughter filled the air all morning. I left my mark on the kids by teaching them how to say "What's Up!" and giving them high-fives.

At the schools, we break into four stations (rec, music, english, and bible story). The first school was in a Bhuddist section of Phang Gna while the second school was in a Muslim section of Phang Gna. It was incredible telling these kids about the "ONE TRUE AND LIVING GOD" while Bhudda and Mohamed sat in the background. SB is in the English section teaching kids basic english. I help in the bible story by sharing with the kids the Gospel using the Evangicube. We have a translator that helps translate the Gospel message and then the kids are given a tract in Thai to take home. It is an incredible experience sharing with these kids. While the language may be different, I know that "God's Word will not return to Him void." SB also had a chance to share her testimony with the kids and she did great.

On the fun side, I spent some time with the music station doing the hokey pokey and chicken dance. I also had an "arm-pit pooting" match with the boys. It's amazing to be here and experience giving God's love to these Thai people. God is working in and through our team, and He is being made famous among the nation of Thailand.

The food is fantastic, full of flavors and spice. We had a "Rodi" last night which is fried dough and bananas covered in condensed sweet milk. HOLY MOLY was it good! SB and Nathan Jernigans "kankles" have finally gone away. After 20 hours on a plane both their sets of feet were swolen up huge. It was funny! I almost convinced Nathan he was the world's first pregnant man.

Well, I've got to sign off as we are about to begin our nightly Bible study and worship service. We meet in the missionaries home each night for worship. I feel like I'm living in the days of Acts. Hopefully God will do as he did then and "daily add those who were being saved."

We love and miss everyone, but it has been awesome. CHECK OUT WWW.PTBC.ORG and go to the "Ministries" tab. Then check the "Missions" section and click Mission Thailand. You'll find plenty of pictures from our time so far.

Day 1: Covering Phang Gna in Prayer

2009-07-21T05:31:00.002-04:00

Greetings from the other side of this planet! You're in bed getting ready for Tuesday morning to arrive while we are finishing up Tuesday with a nice Thai meal.

Our first full day in Thailand has been great. In order to help us recover from our long journey, our plans today included a tour of Phang Gna and a few stops for prayer walking. We hit the ground running tomorrow with stops in two schools and a journey into a Muslim fishing village. Pray that God begins preparing the Thai people for their first encounter with Jesus Christ. Culturally the people are so friendly, but they are in need of hope and a future. They are in need of Jesus. Pray that God removes all the barriers between the Thail people and Christ. Also, pray that God removes the barriers for us...things like, language, culture, and general hesitancy on the part of the Thai people.

I asked God for an Acts 2 experience this week. I asked that God's Holy Spirit would break the language barrier that seperates me and our group from the Thail people. I'm just saying, that would be sweet!

Lastly, my lips are still on fire from lunch, and thank God for Pepto Bismol.

Sitting in Seoul...

2009-07-20T04:54:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! As I write this, you're all sound asleep. It's 4:30AM EST, but in South Korea it is 6:00PM Monday, July 20. We had a long (14 hour) flight from Atlanta to Seoul but thankfully it was smooth sailing. We found a Burger King in the Seoul Airport so we feel somewhat familiar.

The best part so far has been the Seoul urinals. They look so cool. They almost beckon you to the bathroom. We're boarding our next flight from Seoul to Phuket, Thailand in thirty minutes so I'm off to puke. See ya.

Thailand or bust...

2009-07-19T08:14:00.002-04:00

We'll be in the air in less than four hours. Thanks everyone for keeping us in your prayers as we travel. Also, be in prayer for the people of Thailand who are going to encounter Christ (some for the first time) in the next two weeks. We are praying that many would come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. Keep checking back as I will try to update as much as possible.

Free Night Tonight!!!

2009-07-09T16:32:00.001-04:00

We've got the afternoon off after our ministry work. We're headed to Felix's Fish Camp for dinner and then to Daniel & Amy Driskell's house for the night. The students have done awesome and they are looking forward to a great night tonight!

2009-07-08T16:49:00.001-04:00

We've made it to downhill...

2009-07-08T16:26:00.002-04:00

Everyone know that once you hit Wednesday afternoon it's all downhill the rest of the week. Well, it's 3:30PM (CST) and we're hitting the downslope, but it's been a great ride so far. All of our students have done a great job in their respective ministry tracks. Here's a breakdown:

Social Ministry (Hannah, Emily, Savanah, Cameron, Justine Stoney, & Sara Beth)

These guys have been hard at work at a local food bank and today they spent the day with a nursing home and children's home. All report that it has been a great week so far.

Children's Ministry (Bethany & Chelsea)

Both girls have said it has been awesome. They are leading a VBS for an inner-city church in Mobile. Today, they led the Bible study for the entire VBS. That's what I'm talking about!

Painting & Construction Ministry (Vince, Cliff, & Kaitlyn)

After not being able to do construction yesterday because of rain, the guys said everything has been great. They are painting and prepping a house for Ugandan refugess who escaped persecution and now live in the United States.

Games & Recreation (Matt, Lance, Joshua, Mike & Ronnie)

This group has work in an inner-city after school program providing crafts, recreation, and Bible study. So far it's been a great week.

Day 1 has come to a close...

2009-07-07T00:18:00.003-04:00

The students are now in their rooms getting ready to sleep...ok, they are in the rooms, but I am sure they are far from sleeping. We had a great first day as we had opening celebration and then spent some time with our ministry tracks planning out the next 4 days. We've got students doing children's ministry, construction, games & recreation ministry, and social ministry. I've already seen our students stretching themselves and establishing themselves as leaders within their respective groups. Tonight I challenged them to be the leaders in every situation this week by being the first to serve. Be the students who never complain. Be the students who do everything they are asked. Be the students to do things before being asked. If they do that in genuine humility, God will establish them as leaders. Looking forward to a great week. We hit the ground running at 6:30am. Therefore...GOODNIGHT!

We Have Arrived!!!

2009-07-06T17:23:00.002-04:00

We battled through the rain and finally arrived at MFUGE (University of Mobile campus)!!! It looks to be a great week, and God is going to doing something great in and through our students this week. Please remember to pray for them this week. Here's a few suggestions to pray for them about.

1. Their journey with Christ: Pray that they will leave all the distractions behind and focus on what Christ wants to speak into their lives this week. Pray that their walk with Christ becomes stronger and their desire to serve grows greater.

2. The people they will minister to: Pray that the Holy Spirit would begin to prepare the hearts of the people our students will serve this week. Ask God specifically that people repent of their sin and begin a relationship with Jesus Christ this week.

3. Their physcial safety: Pray that God will put a hedge of thorns around them that would keep them free from any injuries or sickness. Bind the physical attack of Satan in their lives in Jesus name.

Check back often as I will be making updates about what all is happening this week.

from Him. through Him. for Him.
Mike

unleashed...

2009-01-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13

Talk about a job description. The question I ask myself and all those in church leadership is "Are we preparing our people or planning services and events?" Unity, growth, knowledge, maturity, and the whole measure of Christ is at stake.

three thoughts for 2009...

2008-12-31T09:33:00.003-05:00

1. This is the year for equipping. To all of those who are apart of the family at FBCQ (students & adults), this is the year where the expectations are being raised. My goal is to give you the tools, resources, and opportunities to make the Kingdom's work apart of your every day life.

2. This is the year for less is more. We're not filling up the calendar with random, time-filler events this year. Everything will be centered on encountering God, enhaning relationships, or embracing community. Our job is not to be a social hub or baby-sitting service. We will be intentional about worship, discipleship, and sharing Jesus with the community around us.

3. This is the year for personal growth in Christ. No more spoon-feeding service here! It's time for all of us, including myself, to be feeding ourselves on God's Word rather than being church drones who show up each week and wait for a pastor to stuff us with the Word. Our churches should be packed with people who are already full of God and His Word ready to explode rather than starving, malnourished souls begging for a crumb. Pick up the Word and let's ingest it this year.

Goodbye 2008. Thanks for the memories, the victories, and the lessons learned from defeat. Hello 2009. Ready for the ride. Love and safety to everyone tonight and for all of 2009.

it's all over now....

2008-12-27T11:23:00.006-05:00

After surging through December with parties, service projects, shopping, and travelling, Christmas is over. I must say that this was a very unique Christmas for us this year, and one that will probably change Christmas for Sara Beth and I forever. Here's why....

1. We did all of of our shopping online. I may have gone to two stores in this month. It was liberating and amazing how unstressed this Christmas shopping season was.

2. All of the gifts we bought helped someone else around the world this Christmas. This year, Sara Beth and I bought gifts where at least 70% of the cost of the gift went to provide basic necessities to a child or family on some part of this globe. Our families received a gift, but so did people who really needed help.

-We bought t-shirts for our brothers, neices, and nephews that help teenagerin Los Angeles, transients in St. Augustine, children in Mexico, people who needed a well in Rwanda, and an Iraqi boy who needed a heart transplant.
-We bought purses that were handmade by former prostitutes in Calcutta. Our purchases help these ladies have an income without having to sell their bodies.
-We bought a portfolio for our dad that helps an organization build bridges and roadways in Africa.
-We bought a family chickens in honor of Sara Beth's dad.

This was probably the most rewarding Christmas giving we've ever done. I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas. Thank God for Jesus.

takin' it to the streets...

2008-12-17T15:43:00.002-05:00

Looking forward to a big night tonight with our students. We'll be hitting the local Wal Mart to pass out hot chocolate, candy canes, and the love of Jesus Christ to our community. Maybe just maybe, by this small attempt to show love and a giving spirit, someone will see Jesus Christ. Maybe someone will experience love for the first time in a long time. Maybe someone will see teenagers taking the time to care about the people in our community. Maybe we can create a positive picture of Jesus and The Church to people who have been burned in the past.

We're going to where people are tonight, and we're taking Jesus Christ and His love with us.

...let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven...Jesus, Matthew 5:16

great weekend...

2008-12-15T14:12:00.002-05:00

Friday.........We spent a cold Friday night on the corner of the church passing out hot chocolate and candy canes to those who attended the 2008 Quincy Christmas Parade. I didn't expect such a large crowd, but person after person came by and received a cup of hot chocolate and the love of Christ-followers. Many people were quite shocked by the gesture, but it gave us a great opportunity to connect with people in a non-threatening environment and just share joy, love, and Christ with them. We met several people from our community, and many of them returned on Sunday night for our Christmas festivities.

Saturday.......After spending the day working out the drum parts to our church Christmas musical, Sara Beth and I headed over to my folks house for their annual Christmas party. The party was fun, but the real excitement began afterwards when Sara Beth cranked up the Karaoke with my parents, her parents, and some other family was in town. Then came the disco dance moves from my dad and cousin Jonathan. It's fun seeing parents let loose and have a good time.

Sunday.....Huge day yesterday. Unfortunately we said by to our piano player and his wife, Daniel & Amy Driskell. These guys have been huge for me and our student ministry, and they will definitely be missed. We know God is going to use them for the Kingdom in Mobile, AL. Aside from that sadness, we had our 2008 Christmas service last night. A birthday party, a night at Bethlehem, and worshipping the Child of Wonder capped off a great weekend. The community was present. Jesus was present. And I truly believe people walked away yesterday with a renewed focus on the Christ of Christmas.

a fresh look and renewed vigor...

2008-12-10T14:16:00.003-05:00

If you've been by in last two months you're now keenly aware of one of my single greatest flaws....consistency. I'm a visionary. I'm a creator. I'm an ideas guy. What I clearly am not is a follow thru-er. I ooze with excitement over an innovative idea or a change in the routine, but give it a few months and I've moved on to the next new thing.

Hence the fresh, new look and a renewed vigor to spend some time here at ParkThoughts. Maybe, just maybe this is the turn around for me. Let's hope so.

By they way, life went on while I was away...

1. Folks from every background and color descended on the campus of FBCQ for our Fall Festival--This is huge!
2. We elected Obama. Pray for him and all of our leadership whether you "like" him or not. Biblically, it's a command.
3. My boy Luis placed his faith in Christ.
4. My boy Bryant followed Christ in believer's baptism....man that river was cold, but so worth it!!!
5. I finished another semester of my siminaree edukashun.
6. Bama finally lost...still a great season, and I could argue a good reason for them to play for the championship.
7. My buddy Scott started blogging. Check it out.

I'll be seeing you around for the next few weeks...hopefully, if I can last that long!!!

pumped for the weekend...

2008-10-14T22:41:00.002-04:00

This is a big weekend for me and the students of Axis Student Ministry. We are headed off to Adventures Unlimited in Milton, FL for a weekend of camping, kayaking, a high-ropes course and a challenge to be the Rebelution. That's right, the Rebelution. This weekend, students will be called on to resist the low expectations that society places on teenagers and make a commitment to do big things in life right now. Paul said, "when I was a child, I thought, reasoned, and acted like a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish thing." Society has given teenagers the impression that the teenage years are a vacation from doing anything important and significant. It's time for teenagers to stand up and rebel against that mindset. Teenagers across the world are joining the rebelution, and I hope a few from Quincy, FL will sign up this weekend.

Check out The Rebelution.

PS--Dean, I agree with your poll by the way. If Bama can beat LSU, then we'll talk.

4 years...

2008-10-09T00:57:00.002-04:00

It's 1AM and as I write this my beautiful wife is sleeping right next to me. She fell asleep at 11:55PM and missed the clock rolling over to midnight to signify the beginning of this day--October 9. What's special about October 9? For Sara Beth and I, it is the day we began our joureny together in marriage. Four years ago today, weez got hitched!

It seems just like yesterday that I was hanging with my boys waiting to enter the sanctuary to "Eye of the Tiger"--and yes, we totally entered to that song! Just seconds before the wedding, my future brother-in-law said, "It's not too late to run. We'll cover for you." It was a great ceremony, and my older brother Darron did a great job with the service. A full band rocked the church on our march out, and a kickin' party began to celebrate the commitment. We rolled out of the reception on a Harley (SB's dream), and the marriage officially began.

So what do I say now four years later...

1. I love her more now than ever before.
2. She's my best friend, and my closest companion.
3. She's the perfect partner in ministry.
4. I've grown in my compassion and love for all people because of her.
5. I am still captivated by her beauty--inside and out.
6. I laugh everyday with her (and sometimes at her)
7. The woman can flat out cook.

Thank you God for Sara Beth.

PS--We're off to the beach with no computers, no cells, and no agenda. Wow! Let me go to sleep now so it will come faster!

the guiding Hand...

2008-10-07T17:11:00.004-04:00

A fundamental belief of evangelical Christianity is the sovereignty of God. God is in complete control of His creation. He is always acting in ways to fulfil His purpose and direction in this world. Nothing escapes His knowledge or direction. And His control is not just extended to those who accept His purpose, but to every person, place, thing, or event in the timeline of history whether for good or bad. He uses anyone and everything for His glory and to accomplish His plan.

With this in mind, I prepare to tune into the Presidential debate. I plan to listen for key issues, core beliefs, and a vision for America that I can believe in and support. I plan to exercise my right to vote for the leadership of our country on November 4. And when the winner is announced on November 5, I plan to be on my knees praying that God would guide and lead our new President, whoever he may be.

Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases." Whether a Democrat or Republican takes the reigns of our White House come November 5, there is a hand that guides his heart. And whether we or that President recognizes it or not, that Hand is the sovereign rule of God carrying forward His purpose and plan.

Listen carefully. Vote wisely. Pray earnestly. Share Christ urgently. And know, God is control.

PS--"God is in Control" by Twila Paris is the one song that sticks in the mind of every youth choir member of the early 90's. Thank you Associational Youth Choir Musicals for this part of my memory that I cannot erase.

great weekend...

2008-09-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

Let me give you six reasons why I had a great weekend:

1. Friday night the Simmons family came over for dinner. Scott is my one of my best friends, and he is an incredible example for me. His wife Jen is phenomenal too and she made some scrumptous cookies for dessert. Their one year old daughter Karsyn kept us laughing all night. She's the first one year old that I've ever seen that can do sign language and tell you that she is one (if you ask her how old she is she holds up her pointer finger). Karsyn is Scott's puppy as he is always teaching her new tricks.

2. Saturday I spend the day on the shore of St. George Island. It was 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. It was the perfect day, and I had my beautiful wife right next to me. It was a great getaway for us, and I got some much needed reading done. I could so move to the beach.

3. Saturday night I enjoyed an IBC root beer (from the bottle--always the best) with my brother David as we enjoyed watching Bama whoop some Georgia Bulldog tail. Going into the game, I thought Bama might keep it close but I really thought we were another year or two away from winning this big of a game. Boy was I wrong. 31-0 at halftime!!! I'm not on the national championship bandwagon yet because we still have some big games left (Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee, LSU, & Auburn).

4. Sunday morning's service rocked. There was an energy in the room during worship that was fantastic. Gus brought it when preaching the parable of the fig tree. I was so convicted. God is patient with us, but at what point does his patience run out? We must produce spiritual fruit in our life! Can you imagine God saying to you that "You are just wasting space! Time to cut you down!?!?!?!? May we never be people that just waste space.

5. Sunday night we had Quincy on a String. A night full of worship (in all styles you could imagine) and laughs. My only question is why can't we be like this every time we meet for church? Smiling, laughing, enjoying, participating...it's what a church service should be every time.

6. Sunday night after Quincy on a String we had homemade ice cream. Nothing better than capping off the weekend with some homemade ice cream from all those wonderful cooks at FBCQ. Fantastic. Our staff is considering asking the church to have homemade ice cream every other week. (OK so maybe it's just me asking for this, but it's still a good suggestion).

By the way, Dean Inserra (www.deaninserra.com) has the best college football poll in America right now.

big night for bama...

2008-09-27T18:17:00.002-04:00

Things are lining up for Bama to make a serious move in the polls this week if they can pull off the upset of Georgia. USC and Florida both lost and a victory over the Dawgs would mean #1, #3, & #4 would all have lost this week. Bama could be in the top 5 for the first time in a long time. According to my buddy Dean Inserra's (www.deaninserra.com) ranking system, Bama should be #1 with a victory tonight because Bama would have a victory over a #3 (Geogria) and #9 (Clemson).

Other than Bama, things have been hectic this weekend. Two book critques and a systematic theology exam have taken most of my time. Thankfully, I've been doing a lot of preparation for this stuff on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Nothing like studying in the sun.

Sunday night is Quincy on a String. A night of music, guitars, banjos and fiddles. That's cool, but it's the homeade ice cream following Quincy on a String that I'm pumped about. Homemade ice cream is in my top three favorite desserts.

Roll Tide.

8-oclock-blu's

2008-09-23T18:36:00.002-04:00

When a few college students came to me and said, "we ain't got nothin' for us" I realized a couple things. One, these college students slept through high school English class. Two, these students want to stay connected to Christ after youth group. As a student pastor, nothing bothers me more than when graduating seniors fall out of the church. There is a myriad of reasons for this. Irrelevant churches. Churches that expect 18 year olds to fit in with "the adults." Youth groups that teach students games but not God. Laziness. But the number reason I hate to hear is "we ain't got nothin' for us."

That's the thought of many college students who live in Gadsden County. That's not a reason anymore. Starting in October, college students have something in Gadsden County. 8-oclock-blu's (that's pronounced "blues"). Every other Thursday night (starting Oct. 2), college students are invited to a relaxed atmosphere where discussions about life, culture, God, and randomness will be had. No pressure. No strings attached. Come as you are and bring your friends. More info will be on facebook shortly, but for now, email 8oclockblus@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Why the name 8oclockblu's? It's simple. We're meeting at Blu's house at 8 o'clock. Email for directions.

no excuses...

2008-09-18T12:55:00.002-04:00

I have no excuses for why I haven't updated in such a long time. I'm simply a procrastinator and I'm lazy. At least I know who I am. But I will say that I'm asking Christ to change these things in me, because I've been trying to fix myself for 15 years and it hasn't worked yet. Here's a few things that have gone in my life since I last posted.

1. My bro-in-law Philip left for ATL. Up and gone. I'm glad for him though because he's starting a new chapter in life.

2. I'm back in class. Every Monday I'm heading over to Graceville to work on completing my Masters. Slow and steady wins the race.

3. Tropical Storm Fay came through. It wiped out our Block Party and knocked down a few limbs but we survived. It's spooky riding around your town at midnight when there are absolutely no lights on.

4. My Granny met the Savior. On Labor Day weekend, my granny died and got to meet Jesus. It was tough for my dad and his family. I had the privilege of leading her memorial. It's so much easier to grieve with hope (I Thes. 4:13)

5. PG (Pastor Gus) caught pneumonia. He spent 10 days in the bed which meant I filled in on two Sunday mornings. I know our church will be glad to see him back this week.

6. The Block Party was rescheduled for Sept. 21. It's been a madhouse getting ready for it, but I'm pumped about meeting the community and people far from God.

7. Alabama's 3-0 and looking good. Put a whoopin' on the best from the ACC and a couple easy wins so far. Georgia's around the corner and I hope we're ready.

8. Sara Beth and I started working out. I keep the blinds closed so you can't see how stupid we look doing cardio in the living room. I will say that Comcast OnDemand is sweet. 100's of free workout routines. My goal is 10 lbs by the end of the year.

So now you're caught up. Nothing major going on here. I will say that I'm pumped about the next few months around FBCQ. Block Party coming up this weekend. Fall Retreat for our students in October. Community-wide Fall Fun Night and many more opportunities to reach our community for Christ. See ya Sunday.

a prayer for love and 3 1/2 hours...

2008-08-20T10:37:00.000-04:00

In one of the greatest passages on prayer in the entire Bible, I read of a prayer request that I believe all of us at FBCQ need to be praying this week. In James 5:13-18, we are encouraged to pray for those suffering hard times. We are to pray for the sick. We are to pray songs of praise when we are happy. And in verse 17, we read of a prayer Elijah prayed in 1 Kings 17, that is very appropriate for us this week.

James 5:17-18--Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

I'm not asking God for three and a half years, I'm asking God for three and a half hours this Sunday afternoon!!! The same God who held the rain back in I Kings is the same God who can hold the rain back on August 24.

John 16:23--I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.

I'm asking each person to pray "earnestly" and in the name of Jesus Christ that nothing would keep God from getting glory this Sunday, not even a tropical storm. I'm asking each person to pray "earnestly" and in the name of Jesus Christ that every single one of us would lay aside our comfort and agenda so that we may love people and welcome people with open arms. May we be deliberately passionate about putting others ahead of ourselves. God delights when His people take the name of His Son to the community. This Sunday is so much more than a party or a picnic. This Sunday is more than just another event on the calendar. This Sunday is a chance for God to receive glory when the people of FBCQ love God by loving people.

let's get ready to rumble...

2008-07-24T16:24:00.002-04:00

As if I'm not consistent enough with this blogging thing, you won't see anything new for the next few days as I'll be at Student Life Camp with some of our students. Summer camp is always a great student ministry experience. Aside from dealing with sickness, guy/girl drama, jr. high boys gas-passing, and six days of not sleeping in my own bed, it's a week like no other. Worship will be incredible. The teaching will be even better. The recreation will be great. The break from the routine is appreciated. Summer camp tends to be a week where students finally take the time to listen to God speak. There are no distractions. No cell phones. No myspace. Just their fellow students and a few hundred more seeking to worship and have some fun. While our students are away, here are few things you might pray for.

1. Pray that students would not just hear God speak, but that they would listen.
2. Pray that students would come back dangerous for the sake of the Gospel.
3. Pray that students would be contagious to those that didn't go with us upon their return.
4. Pray that students would forget everything they left behind and focus for one full week.
5. Pray that all of us would bring glory to the name of Christ in all we say in do while we are gone.

I'm expecting the Holy Spirit to go to work next week. He has a habit of doing that when we're ready, waiting, and willing.

See you in a 10 days.

a complete reversal...

2008-07-22T10:56:00.002-04:00

"At Grove City Church, everything we do is for people who are not yet here."

Re-read that statement again. One more time. I feel the passion in that statement. I see the heartbeat of that church. I hear the selflessness of that body of Christ-followers. This statement gives focus, vision, and purpose to those who choose to worship at Grove City Church. It is a constant reminder that their church isn't about the members. It isn't about the tradition of years gone by. It isn't about the comfort of those who've been there for 50 years. In fact in this church, the most important people in the service are the ones who aren't even in the room. This is no country club. This is God's church at work. This church is alive, moving, and growing. Isn't about time we stopped doing for ourselves and start doing for those who are not yet at FBCQ.

a man's man

2008-07-15T15:28:00.002-04:00

You might have seen the title of this post and thought you were in for a long read on how the world's view of a "man's man" and the Scriptures view of "man's man" are so different. Although I will endulge in that endeavor in the near future, today's latest post is just my opportunity to share with you three times in my life where I've really felt like a manly man.

1. Today--I changed the oil in my motorcycle by myself today. The sweat pouring from my brow and the black ooze filling the crevices of my fingers and hands got my testosterone pumping. I even wiped some on my face just so I looked even cooler.

2. Last month--Nothing is more manly than a rib eating contest. I sat down against the competition and went toe-to-toe (err...stomach-to-stomach) with nothing but a plate full of ribs in front of me. Although I lost and and I had to be rolled out of the restaurant, I left with a smile on my face knowing that I scored some major man points.

3. September 2007--For three weeks, I belly crawled under my house to fix the duct work on my home's air conditioning system. I had some help from my brother-in-laws, but those days and nights of reconnecting and wrapping ducts left be exhausted and exhilirated at the same time.

While I must admit all of these things don't make me a better husband, a better follower of Christ, or a better servant (all things that God puts on his man's man list), they do make me feel pretty dang manly. Now if I could just get a full 'stache going I'd be off the chart manly.

wow are we oblivious...

2008-07-09T10:55:00.002-04:00

Last night I stayed up way past my bedtime to watch Primetime on ABC. Primetime is an investigative reporting show that usually exposes some kind of injustice going on in our world. Last night's episode was particularly interesting and disturbing at the same time.

During the episode last night, the reporter wanted to see how fast he could buy an 11 year old girl in Hatai. That's right...I said buy. In Haiti, modern day slavery is at it's pinnacle. Having the right amount of money and finding the right people will land you your very own human being for whatever purpose you might desire. Girls and boys are sold daily for sex, physical labor and all sort of other things. The reporter planned to be in Haiti for a week, but to his suprise he had reached an agreement to buy an 11 year old girl in less than 10 hours. If that's not incredible enough, he paid a whopping $300 for her!

I'm sure most of you have seen things that go on in the rest of the world like this, and I would have to say most of you are probably like me and numb to it all. Maybe we're numb because we're overexposed to it through the instant information age that we live in, but I think if we're honest we're numb because we're too busy worrying about ourselves. Our view of the world is limited to the meeting tomorrow, the ballgame this weekend, what's for dinner, the project at the house we've been putting off, and anything else that fits into our tightly wound, scheduled life. What if we cared as much about Haiti and Haitian people as we did American and our American friends? I'm not opposed to supporting American, and in fact I do very much, but I also want us to remember that God who created and blessed our great nation is the Father and Creator of "every tribe, tounge, and nation." His glory is to be revealed to the residents of suburbia as much as the tribe in the darkest jungles of South America. Open the lid of the American box, and allow God to be the God of all nations. In fact, I can't wait for the day to join the millions of brothers and sisters from Asia, Africa, Austrailia, and every other corner of the earth before the throne. And it's our job to bring as many of these brothers and sisters to the throne with us as possible.

With that in mind, who's ready to take His name and glory to "ALL OF THE EARTH"? The plans are being made right now for the possibility for First Baptist Quincy to have an eternal impact on the international community in 2009. Guatemala's doors are beginning to open and I hope a few of you are ready to walk through them with me. Begin praying now, and if God leads, call, email, or see me about joining the journey to make His name great amoung all the nations.

mystery visitor

2008-07-08T12:06:00.003-04:00

Every other month I receive a copy of Outreach Magazine (it's one of my favorites). At the end of each edition, there is a section called the "Mystery Visitor." In this section, Outreach Magazine gives a report from a company called Guest Reflections who sends an anonymous person to a random church in order rate their experience at the church. The visitor is not a "church expert" but just an average, unchurched community member. No one in the church knows the person is coming. Following the visit, there is an anonymous letter sent to the church staff reporting on the visit and a letter grade from "A" to "F" is given based on the scores from each category. Here are the six categories that the anonymous visitor must grade.

1. What were your first impressions?
Here the visitor talks about things like how easy it was to find where they were suppossed to go and how people looked at them and greeted them.

2. What was the inside like?
This is basically a question about what the church building was like. Was it traditional, modern, easy to navigate, inviting...things like that.

3. Describe the service.
Here the visitor gives insight to the worship service. Could they follow the order? Was the pastor engaging? Was the message clear to understand? What was the music like? Was there things they liked and disliked?

4. Was there an invitation to respond?
At some point during the service was there a chance to repsond to God working. No matter the method (ie...formal invitation, card in the offering plate, class after the service with counselors), did the church offer a chance to respond?

5. Did you connect with anyone at the church?
Here is the usually the hot topic where the visitor reflects on whether or not they felt welcomed during the visit. Did they meet anyone new? Did the greeting feel genuine? Did you feel like you knew when the next opportunity to come was clear?

6. Would you visit again?
Of all the responses, this is clearly most important.

The reason I love this section is because at the end of the page five words catch my attention: "Could this be your church?" I often find myself reflecting on First Quincy when I finish the article. How would the average, unchurched visitor rate their experience here. Would we give a good first impression? Would they feel welcomed? Would they be engaged by the worship experience? So many times I find myself at dinner Sunday afternoon reflecting on what I got out of the service instead of thinking about what a visitor might have experienced. So put yourself in the shoes of the average visitor to First Baptist Quincy and reflect on these six categories. Think about, and if you feel like, let me know how you think we're doing. It might be next month that our grade is in the back of my favorite magazine!

it's foolish to not have focus...

2008-07-07T14:29:00.003-04:00

My pastor has been taking our church though a series on the parables of Jesus. It's been great so far as we've seen how even stories told nearly 2000 years ago contain principles that timeless and relevant in every generation. Yesterday was the parable of the rich fool. In a nutshell, it's a parable about a successful farmer who allows greed to consume his life. Even though he is very successful already, his selfishness guides him to do whatever it takes to earn the next dollar. Sure the heart of the parable is to warn us against the danger of greed and to convince us to invest our money, time and energy into following God, but there is subtle point that struck a nerve in my mind that I think may affect all of us.

Jesus tells the parable after being asked by someone in the crowd to make a judgement about an inheritance. In those days, it was common for the Rabbi to handle making civil judgements to avoid court, so a guy in the crowd wanted to settle a dispute between him and his brother. An inheritance was at stake, and this guy wanted Jesus to make an official decision for the money to be split evenly. Jesus responsed with this question, "Friend, who made me judge over you to decide such things as that?" It seemed to be a cold answer to an expected question, but after careful consideration, there is an important truth that we most understand.

Jesus wasn't being a jerk, he was staying focused. Although all of the world at that time expected Jesus to become an earthly king for the Jews and rule over every aspect of their lives, his rhetorical question silenced the crowd and sharpened his focus. Jesus had more important business to take care of then settle a silly money squabble. He was here to reveal the glory of God, and be the bridge to connect mankind back to God. Did he have the authority to make the decision? Sure. He just wasnt' going to let something superficial, something expected from the people take time away from his mission. He was focused. He wasn't afraid to say "no", and he wasn't afraid to challenge the expectations of the people around him. He knew his passion and wouldn't sell it for anything.

As a church, are we too worried about the way we've done it before or the way people expect it to be done? Do we have the guts to say "no" to something that would shift our focus? Do we even have focus? Do we have a passion like to Jesus to reveal the glory of God and connect people to the Creator through Jesus Christ? Are we just a bunch of "yes-men" and "yes-women" who will continue to have event after event, and service after service that serves no other purpose but to make us feel comfortable? We need focus like Jesus. We need guts like Jesus. If we fail to sharpen our focus we'll just be another group of people hosting meetings, services, and events that do little to impact the kingdom of God and the lives of people around us. And will do it under the false pretense of calling ourselves the church. Sounds like a bunch of foolishness if you ask me.

bittersweet...

2008-07-03T16:32:00.003-04:00

So long Thew. Just this morning, Sara Beth's baby brother Matthew packed his truck and made his move to Kennesaw, GA. He's heading out to spend a few months living and working with his older brother Adam all the while trying to figure out if this is going to be a permanent transition for him. We shared dinner last night, prayed over and for him, and sent him off. While part of all of us will miss seeing Thew around all the time, the other part of us is excited about the new adventure that life is taking him on. It's definitely a bittersweet taste of life.

Above all, I pray that Thew finds his place in this world and sees that life is more than just a good job, a nice family, and a decent paycheck. I pray that he discovers early that life will only be fulfilling when he trusts that God has a plan for him and he goes after that plan with all that he's got.

There's a dangerous trap that his been laid before Thew and all of us. You know it as the "American Dream." The belief that success is defined by what you possess and how you compare to the neighbors next door. The 3 bed/2 bath house, two cars in the garage, a couple of talented kids, and a cozy retirement. It will become very appealing to Thew in the next few months, and it creeps its way into everyone of us at some point in our life. In fact, I've found that it's a constant battle that we must be ready to fight. I say all of this because it's a place where I've been and a place where I find myself desperately trying to avoid on an almost daily basis. Leave it to Jesus though to give me something to fight with. His words so smooth, so full of truth, and so life changing oftentimes go undervalued. But as you and I enter this battle, I pray that His words are at the front of our minds and direct the steps that we take.

What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?--Mark 8:36

Don't give up your soul, your satisfaction, your joy for a few dollars and a side of comfort. In the end, it will be simply bittersweet.

Thanks Dad

2008-06-16T11:24:00.003-04:00

What a great day I had yesterday. Sara Beth loves to take any chance she can to have family & friends over to the house for lunch, and yesterday was no different. Being that it was Father's Day, we had her family and my family over for lunch and an afternoon of conversation and relaxation. It was a great day. It was an honor to do that for our dads, and I just wanted to take a few moments to tell you why my dad is worth honoring.

-He is an incredible example of a Godly husband
-He always put my mom, my brothers, and me before himself
-He is the leader in his home
-He uses his position at work to serve those around him
-He rides a John Deere
-He never missed a ball game in 12 years
-His advice from my youth comes more true every day
-He has no middle name
-He has unquestionable work ethic
-He respects his encounter with God when he prays
-He is a model of humility

There are so many other qualities about my dad that I'm thankful for and hope to imitate in my own life.

a journey through joshua...

2008-06-10T14:56:00.003-04:00

I'm not always sure why God leads me to certain books of the Bible for my personal study, but I always know that He teaches me something whether I understand the initial prompting or not. This afternoon, he lead me to open up to Joshua. It's time for a few weeks studying this Old Testament book. Typically, I'll read one chapter trying to discover the important theme and then look to digest the details surrounding the theme. If you want to join with me in this, then check our Joshua chapter 1 and then finish reading this post. Either way, here are few thoughts that I see from this opening chapter.

1. We don't win or earn good things; God gives them--The Israelites were finally ready to enter the land that God promised them 40 years ago. Because of the previous generations disobedience to God, they were not allowed to enter the incredible land God had for them and God caused them to wander in the wilderness for forty years until their generation died out. Once the new generation had arrived, God called Joshua to prepare for the new land. However, the thing that strikes me most is that seven times we read that this special land for Israel was "given to them." Seven times God reminds Joshua and Israel that this land was not earned by their superior wisdom or military power, but it was prepared and given to them by God himself. Knowing that God is giver of good things both to Israel in the Old Testament and to us in 2008, leads us to a second though we must consider.

2. If God is the giver of good things, then fear is destroyed and courage is expected--Because Joshua and Israel realized God was giving them this land, they had nothing to fear and were courageous enough to take on overwhelming odds. Even though they were expected to fight the elements and the inhabitants of the land, their faith in God's faithfulness overshadowed fear and led to incredible courage. Whatever good thing God has chosen to give will require obedience. You will have to take action. But, no matter the odds or the size of opponent, fear is extinguished and courage begins to swell as we know that our God cannot and will not break the promise to give us good and incredible things for His glory.

3. People expect courage from their leader--This was the most personal truth as I read chapter one. In the last few verses of chapter 1, the tribes of Israel expressed their alligence to Joshua's command, but issued a command of their own: "Be strong and courageous!" Those who follow a leader want their leader to be knowledgable, compassionate, gentle, empathetic, but they also want them to be courageous. Leaders must be willing to take a risk, to fight overwhelming odds, and make tough decisions. They must be willing to lay themselves on the line for what they believe in. But this expectation can be overwhelming if isolated from the first two truths of this chapter. We must remember that God is the giver of all good things. This should remind us to discard fear and embrace courage. As a leader, you have no excuse for being a wuss. You must lead with strength and courage. It's expected from those who follow and it's expected from God himself (v. 9--This is my command; Be strong and courageous!).

What a great opening chapter to Joshua. Thank God that the good things in life aren't based on your skill, your strength, or your merit. Then leave fear behind and be courageous. Man up. Woman up. Obey God's leadership in your life and then get ready to see the impossible happen.

an apology and a thank you...

2008-06-09T16:40:00.005-04:00

I've never been good at staying consistent on a daily routine. I'm sure this comes as no suprise to you if you have noticed the length of time that has passed since my last post. I'm not prideful enough to believe that anyone really cares that I've failed to post anything new in a few weeks, but if you have been by here lately and come up empty on your quest for my thoughts, then I apoligize.

Last night, our students hosted the 2008 Syrup Soppin' & Bluegrass Concert with the Bottom Dollar Boy$. It was a great time, as we slapped on bibs and got sticky all while enjoying some banjo pickin' and some southern whalin' on the mic. The event helped raised money for our students who are going to summer camp this year. I want to say thank you to all of those who attended and showed their support for our students by purchasing tickets. An even bigger thank you goes to those who helped by making biscuits, cooking sausage, and serving in the kitchen. The event was a big success and one that I hope to see become a staple on our calendar--even if it's not a fundraiser.

In other news, I just started reading a biography on Abraham Lincoln. He's got a pretty sweet story. I had no idea that at age 7 Abraham was saved by his brother from being scalped by indians. He survived a near-drowning at age 12 when he slipped into a river. I just always thought of him being the President with the coolest beard of all time.

graduation day is coming...

2008-05-19T13:09:00.003-04:00

High school graduation always leaves me feeling bi-polar. Here's what I mean:

1. I'm happy to see them finish such a major accomplishment in life--Statistics tell us that many students don't finish high school, and I believe finishing high school is life's first major social, economic, and personal obstacle to overcome.

2. I'm sad because many of them will be moving on--When you spend your time praying for, leading, hanging with, and investing your time in the life of students, you inevitably lose a connection with them when they move on from high school.

3. I'm happy because life's first big adventure is coming their way--Finally moving out from the umbrella of you parents is a major step for many students. Life becomes an incredible adventure as you experience new freedom. You learn to think and choose on your own. You finally get to explore your passion and purpose without limitations.

4. I'm sad because many students walk out of the church never to come back after they graduate--The statistics on the forefront of every student pastor's mind are the one's that show the disconnect that happens between the church and college students. Statistics show that anywhere from 60-84% of students involved in youth group during their teenage years are no longer in church following their freshman year of college. It is the dark spot of student ministry.

So I'll fight my bi-polar state over the next few days, but I cannot ignore that ginormous statistic. Why the disconnect and what can we do? Let's talk about this week.

epicenter

2008-05-13T16:59:00.003-04:00

So I just finished Joel Rosenberg's latest book Epicenter. Rosenberg grabbed national attention when many of the fictional accounts in his previous works, The Last Jihad & The Ezekiel Option, seemed to eerily come true. Before 9/11, Rosenberg outlined an almost identical account in which Muslim extremists hijacked a plane and used them as missles to fly into high rises in Denver. The attacked sparked international outrage and led to an American invasion into Iraq over weapons of mass destruction. In the beginning of another work, Rosenberg details the assassination of Yasser Arafat and a deadly attack on a US envoy in Gaza. Within months of the publication, a major attack occured on an enovy in Gaza and Yasser Arafat was dead. Much of the media began covering his work and Rosenberg became an overnight celebrity and was hailed the modern day Nostradomus. How did this guy know all of this was going to happen?

Rosenberg credits common sense and the Bible. He says that the dots have been there all along, but people are refusing the connect them. Secondly and most importantly, Rosenberg argues that the skeleton of all of the events in the Middle East are found in Ezekiel 38-39. While there is no detailed account of these specific events happening in Scripture, Rosenberg took the blueprint from Ezekiel 38-39 and lined them up with his knowledge and experience in natinal intelligence and international diplomacy. The results were his ablitiy to come up with realistic modern day scenarios acted out by countries that Ezekiel links to end time events.

The manifestation of events Rosenberg describes is quite remarkable. No one can doubt the strange link between his predictions and things happening in recent days in our world. But the question I wrestle with all of this is how do I handle the "end times"? Are we really living in the "end times" anyway? What do I believe the Bible says about the end of life on earth? Should I scour the news and look for possible links to prophetic fate of earth? Should I ignore the signs that the world could be over in minutes with the launch of a few nukes? Should I just live life oblivious to what's going on in the world around me? These are the questions I ask myself when I think about the "end times."

And then I refocus. While I like to allow my mind to run free for short amounts of time entertaining all of the wildest imaginations of the end of the earth, I regain my focus and realize that every day I walk be people that need Christ before everything goes down. I guess the questions that I try to focus on when I think about "end times" are these: "If it were to all end tomorrow, would I have loved Christ enough? If it were to all end tomorrow, would I have talked about Christ enough? If it were to all end tomorrow, would other people be ready because of the life I lived?