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.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
pray for the world...
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.
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.
Monday, May 23, 2011
help with Mission Nicaragua
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
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
my favorite...
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.
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.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Love the Church
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
up for air....
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Helping Tornado Victims in Ringgold, GA
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
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
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