Daily Caffeination 07/31/07

Arise and Walk

Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”—Matthew 9:2

The Gospel of Mark gives us the account of a group of men who wanted to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. Jesus was teaching in a home, and the men could not get in because of the huge crowd. So they climbed up on top of the house and dug through the roof to lower their friend inside (see Mark 2:1–5).

When Jesus saw the faith of these men, he looked at their paralyzed friend and said, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you” (Matthew 9:2). Jesus was saying, “You no longer have to be afraid of the penalty for your sin. Your past is behind you. I am giving you another chance in life.”

Jesus then told him to get up, pick up his bed, and go to his house (Matthew 9:6). This man had a choice. He could have stayed on his sickbed forever. He could have said, “I can’t,” or “I won’t.” He had a choice, and he decided to respond.

There are people today who don’t want to change. They don’t want to leave their lifestyle or turn from the choices they have made. They will not take hold of God’s promises and provision and power.

If you want to change, if you want to break free from a vice that has you in its grip, a lifestyle you are trapped in, or an addiction that you can’t seem to shake, then Christ has a word of encouragement to you: “Get up and walk. You can do it. Be of good cheer, and arise.”

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Looking Ahead...

This weekend, I have the amazing opportunity to officiate my nephew Michael's wedding. I am looking forward to spending this time with my family down in Tennessee. It is important that we don't take our family for granted, especially parents.

I gotten to the point in my life where I realize that parents won't be around forever. I know that sounds a little morbid and honestly I am trying not to be. It is just that I realize my parents are getting older and they won't be around forever. So, I will make it a point to see them and talk to them whenever I can. Honestly, it is hard to imagine my life without them.

With that said, I am really looking forward to this weekend.

Then next Sunday, August 12th I have the great honor and opportunity to go back to Crosslight and preach. I have mentioned already, I value my relationship with Pastor Mike and I also appreciate the total trust he has for me, even though I am not "officially" on staff, he still wants me to preach for him when he is on vacation. Actually, he wants me to come back once every three months to preach.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I enjoy preaching. For 13 years straight I have preached an average of once a week. This includes the various chapels, camps, and Sunday mornings filling pulpits. I miss preaching, this why I feel I need to be in a position where I am the primary preacher/teacher as a Lead Pastor. When you have been doing something consistently for that long of time, you really feel empty when you are not able to do something you absolutely love and that God has gifted you to do.

With that said, I am looking forward to this opportunity...as the old saying goes, "I have fire shut up in my bones."

A Quick Shout Out....

Hey I really want to give a quick shout out to an awesome family...the Scott Family!!! Dean, Jackie, Hillary and Sean. I really love you all and miss you so much....looking forward to seeing you guys soon.

Thank you all for your love and continual support. :-)

A Message that Challenges

A couple weeks ago our awesome Lead Pastor Mark Batterson finished up the Hero series with John the Baptist. He had several great challenges as he always does in his message. He challenged us to know and accomplish our mission. He also challenged us to know who we are and to know we aren't.

I want to start off by saying that I DO NOT have it all figured out yet. However, over the last few years I believe that I know who I am...I have excepted who I am and what God has personally called me to do. One of the greatest things I have learned to be and to do over the last few years is being comfortable in my own skin and secure in who I am. I am also a very focused and determined person. I am actually pretty strong-willed and don't do very well being pushed around or taken advantage of.

Here is who I am...
1. Passionate
2. Relational
3. An Enabler
4. Loyal
5. Responsive
6. An Optimist
7. Positive
8. A Leader
9. An Entrepreneur
10. A Communicator
11. A Visionary
12. Focused
13. Learner
14. Consistent
15. Faithful

Here are my strongest giftings for ministry
1. Leader
2. Preacher/Teacher
3. Shepherding
4. Counseling

A few of my pet peeves/frustrations...
1. Pessimism
2. Lying
3. Micro managing
4. Complaining
5. Negativity
6. People who tear down others
7. Waiting until the last minute

I am also a "how" and "why" person. I want to how and why. I think this is who I am as a learner.

I feel my mission in life is to be used by God, to preach and teach His Word and to share His love so that lives can be transformed. There is nothing greater for me to see than a life that has been radically transformed by the Word and through His amazing love.

In many ways, I know I have a lot to learn in different areas. In other ways, I am pretty set my ways and many of these things have become my personal and ministry boundaries. I have experienced a quite bit over the last14 years in ministry that I am going to hold and keep with me as I plant my own church and there are things I will avoid as I go through that time.

Here are few things that I have learned and I know for certain I will do as I look towards the future.
1. I will be the primary visionary and teacher as the Lead Pastor
2. Not be afraid to do things differently
3. Be completely who I am
4. Hire people who will be self motivated
5. People first
6. Serve well
7. Bring people with you
8. It is not my church it God's church (Kingdom Mentality)
9. Take risks
10. Keep learning and keep growing
11. Never live in defensive mode
12. Set realistic goals
13. Pray audacious prayers
14. Keep a rhythm in life that you are comfortable with
15. This should be first...Keep the right priorities, we must have the proper perspective on everything we do.

This is who I am and what I am about, I am sure over time I will have some changes and add on to some of this. Again, I am thankful for the opportunities and the experiences God has allowed me to have especially over the 14 years doing what I love to do.

So who are you? Who are you not? Are you comfortable in who you are?

Who Influences You?

I had someone ask me this question this weekend. First, I want to say that I have been influenced in many different ways and through many different sources. I love to read, so I am influenced by various books. I have had different experiences, I have been influenced by many of my experiences and various opportunities.

Of course my primary influence in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, if I was to say five people that currently influence me this would be my current list.

1. My wife, Lora...she is my helpmate and counselor, she is my partner in life.
2. My mentor, friend and pastor, Mike Buckley...he is one of the few people I can be totally open and honest with and he totally open and honest with me. He is one of the most genuinely real people I know, he is a wise godly man and he tells you how it is. I thank God for Pastor Mike.
3. My best friend, my prayer and accountability partner, Mike Colon...Mike has been with me since I stepped in ministry and even before that. He and his wife Sonja, are probably the closest people in our lives and know us better than anyone else.
4. My parents...my parents are very wise and have a wealth of experience. Again, they have our total best interest at heart. I value my parents for who they are and I value their opinions.
5. Our good friends, John and Teresa Stillion...the Stillions are trusted confidants, they have a wealth of wisdom and experience. The have been great friends and supporters of us. We enjoy being around them and enjoy listening to what they have to share.

It is so important, especially in ministry to surround yourself with people that you can absolutely trust, people who you know will pour into you and have your best interest in mind. These great people are not only extremely supportive of me, but they want me to succeed.

I am so thankful that God placed these individuals but other in my life that I can count on.

Daily Caffeination 07/30/07

A Call to Courage

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33

Have you ever been afraid of the future? Maybe you feel as though you are in a rut, or maybe you are discouraged. Maybe you feel that you will have to face the problems and challenges of life all alone.

If any of these things are true of you, then take heart, because you are not the first child of God to feel that way. Jesus had a message for His disciples to give them hope as they faced an uncertain future, so they would not be afraid, but would be courageous.

During the last week of His life on Earth, Jesus knew His departure was at hand. So before He left His disciples, He wanted to encourage them. First, He warned them that they would face hardship and difficulty. But then He told them, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus said, “Be of good cheer.” Another way to translate that phrase would be, “Be of good courage.” It was Christ’s call to courage in the lives of His frightened disciples. It suggests the result, rather than the cause. In other words, Jesus was not simply saying, “Cheer up. Come on, put a smile on your face!” He was saying more than that. He was saying, “Be brave. Be courageous.”

If you are courageous, cheerfulness will follow. We will face tribulation in the world, but He has overcome the world.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/29/07

Presumption Versus Faith

The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. - 1 Chronicles 13:10

A life of faith often requires us to leave God's work alone. Responding to a need out of a desire to help move a vision along can be the greatest challenge for a Christian entrepreneur. There is a fine line between presumption and faith.

Uzzah learned that presumption could cost him his life. He was part of the crew that was to move the ark with the help of a team of oxen. When the way became rough, Uzzah responded in a natural way. He grabbed the ark to steady it. When he did, he was immediately struck down. God said it was forbidden to touch the ark. King David mourned the death of his servant and argued with God about this loss.

Walking with God in the workplace requires sensitivity to balancing our God-given talents and operating in the power of the Holy Spirit in and through our work life. A mentor once told me, "You almost have to hold back your natural gifting to ensure that God is the one who is guiding you. If not, you will not know if it is through your skill versus His hand that you are accomplishing the work." I find this the most challenging aspect of a walk with God in the workplace.

You can only grow in your understanding of this balance by being accountable to others in the process. By having other committed Christians walking close to you, they become the safety net to keep you from presumption and the deceit of the heart. God also gives godly spouses to help many in this area.

A Great New Resource

There is a great new resource out there for worship leaders called Worship Spice. I want to encourage all lead worshippers and those involved in implementing worship into your Sunday worship service to check them out.

One of the awesome things about this site is the fresh new worship from different genres of music. Also, there some gifted independent artists on there as well. Another cool thing about the site is the fact that it is not just music (Songs, lyrics, tabs and chord charts) they also have articles and devotions submitted by various bloggers and writers throughout the web.

Seriously, check out Worship Spice. I think it can be a great resource as they grow and expand over time.

Daily Caffeination 07/27/07

Let Go and Take Hold

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ ”—Isaiah 41:13

A man who fell over the side of a cliff was hanging on to a branch that was starting to give way. Recognizing it was only a matter of time before he would fall to his death, he shouted, “Is anybody up there? Somebody help me!”

Suddenly Jesus appeared, leaned over the edge, and said, “Young man, reach out and take my hand, and I will save you. But first, you must let go of that branch you are holding on to.”

The man didn’t want to let go of the branch.

Jesus told him, “You must take hold of My hand and let go of the branch, or I cannot pull you up.”

The man paused for a minute and said, “Is anybody else up there?”

A lot of us don’t want to let go. We still want to hold on to a part of our old lives. But there has to be a moment in each of our lives in which we have recognized we are sinners and have asked for God’s forgiveness. Then Jesus Christ comes in. But we have to let go. Then some changes must take place.

The Bible says there is a spiritual blindness in all those who have not yet turned their lives over to Jesus Christ. So we must have our spiritual eyes opened. We must turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (see Acts 26:18). As we yield to God and His will for our lives, then we will receive the forgiveness of sins. Then we will see the incredible benefits of making those changes.

But we have to let go of our branch and take hold of His hand.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

More from the Variety Show

Here is Joel and Nina Schmidgall from the Variety Show...

Wisdom From Our Superintendant

I have know and appreciated Pastor Larry's leadership for over 15 years. He sent out a email today to the Pastors in our district. I really appreciate His remarks and honesty as we approach a defining moment in our fellowship - the Assemblies of God. I love his last line...

"Talking through our thoughts and feelings is as important as praying and fasting in the process of making your best decision."

I was actually talking with my former Pastor, who continues to a great friend and mentor, Pastor Mike Buckley about this yesterday.

Who Am I? Part 4

Relationships is probably one of my strongest areas in life and ministry. I lead through building relationships.

Relational ministry is what I do best. I love counseling, I love spending time and doing life with others. In my opinion, building relationship with people is one the greatest ways to connect people to the faith. Over the past 13 years in ministry I have built some great relationships with people. Through many of these relationships, I have seen people come to faith in Christ.

If there is one approach I will always have when it comes to ministry is the relational approach. I genuinely love people and have the greatest desire to serve and help them grow in their faith.

Who Am I? Part 3

Never stop learning. The key to life is to continue to learn. Learn from your experiences (good and bad), learn from people (just watch them), and read...read...read.

I never want to get to the point, when I stop learning. When I stop learning, I stop growing, when I stop growing I get stagnant, when I get stagnant I become no good. Over the years I have learned to learn from everything. I watch people, I observe, I listen and retain information. Every situation is a learning experience, you can learn from every circumstance.

I have learned to be keenly aware of everything that goes on around me. I always takeaway something from everything. If you are constantly learning than you are in trouble.

If you want to keep growing as a person than keep learning.

Who Am I? Part 2

Priorities...

When it comes to priorities..1. God 2. Lora 3. Family 4. Friends 5. Ministry. The key is how you juggle everything. I think you set boundaries...always allow God to guide you everything. Everything drops for my wife. Family & friends matter more than anything else. If you don't have those people, the ministry doesn't matter.

I have learned over the years action is more valuable than the words you say to people. It is important to let your action reflect who you are.

When it it comes to to the top four I am willing to give up everything else. I am never willing to give up the top four.

Who Am I?

Get to know me better, as I share my pet peeves, my leadership style and my passions.

One of my biggest if not the worse pet-peeve of mine, is being micromanaged. I do not do well being micromanaged. It is the worst teaching method ever. It really does not allow you to truly grow or succeed or fail on your own. It is just being told what to do with without the teaching of the "whys". I hate being watched over as well.

I am an experiential learner and I like to be the main decision maker, however I do trust others with their input as well.

I just wanted to share how I tick and how I operate as a leader.

Daily Caffeination 07/26/07

Foxhole Christians

Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray.—Psalm 5:2

Before I became a Christian, I thought I already was one. Whenever I was in trouble, I cried out to Jesus. I thought I must surely be a Christian because I was praying. But I did not understand what being a Christian really was.

When the chips are down, most people do pray. It has been said, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” If your life is on the line, you will pray. I think back on my own life and recognize that whenever trouble hit, I would call on God. I would pray, “God, if you get me out of this crisis, I promise I will serve You. I will do whatever You ask me to do.” He would get me out of that one and I would say, “Thanks, God. See you next crisis.” So in a sense, you could say that I prayed. But my prayer life consisted of moments of crisis when I called out to God out of fear.

In the Book of Jonah, we find the story of a great storm that arose on the sea. We read that all the sailors on the ship with Jonah began to call on their gods. That is what people will do. They will call upon their god when they are in trouble. But that doesn’t mean God is necessarily living in their lives. It’s possible to pray and not even know the God you are praying to.

If you are a Christian, you should certainly pray. But praying does not necessarily mean you are a Christian. You need to have a personal relationship with God. You need to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/25/07

Ready and Waiting

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ” —Matthew 25:6

Some people may believe they are going to heaven and may even be looking forward to the return of Jesus, yet still not necessarily be Christians. As they look at the world today and realize that Bible prophecies are being fulfilled, they might even believe that Christ is returning soon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are Christians.

In the parable of the ten bridesmaids, Jesus told the story of bridesmaids who were attending a wedding (see Matthew 25:1–13). Five were wise, and five were foolish. The five wise bridesmaids had oil in their lamps, while the five foolish ones did not. And when the cry went out that the bridegroom was coming, the five bridesmaids who were wise were ready to meet him. But the foolish bridesmaids were unprepared.

Jesus told this story to illustrate the fact that you can appear to be a Christian. You can sit in church next to other Christians. You can carry a Bible like everyone else. You can even believe that Christ is returning soon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you know Him.

If you truly have a relationship with Christ, then the truth that He could come back at any time should dramatically impact the way you live. The Bible says, “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). In other words, if you really are a Christian and you believe Christ is coming back again, you will want to want to be a more godly person. You will want to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. You will want to avoid the things that would be wrong or sinful or spiritually detrimental, and you will be growing more like Him. Are you ready and waiting?

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Two Videos from the Variety SHow

Here are few videos posted on You Tube from the Variety Show - Wild, Wild West @ the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.

Check Out this Video

Hey at this year's NCC Variety Show - Wild, Wild West"that was held at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC everyone in attendance got to witness "the Point Pastor Shootout". Now it is your turn see the Variety Show Shootout. All that you have to do is go here and check out the video called Variety Show Shootout.

Please enjoy...

I also had the chance to dress up as the Chik-fil-A cow and break dance. I will post that video if it ever goes on You Tube.

My Autobigraphy Interview

Here is my little autobiography/profile on the NCC Zone Gathering Blog....check it out here.

Daily Caffeination 7/24/07

Just Before Dawn

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.—Matthew 14:25

In Matthew 14, we read about the disciples being tossed by the wind and waves in their boat on the Sea of Galilee. Then Jesus came, walking on the water, at the fourth watch of the night. The fourth watch was the last part of the night, just before dawn. This means the disciples had been at sea for at least nine hours in this fierce storm. So we see that Jesus came to them at the last conceivable moment.

This reminds us that God’s delays are not necessarily His denials. Jesus knew what He was doing all along. Why did He wait so long before He intervened? Probably because it took a long time for them to exhaust their resources and completely trust in Him.

Lifeguards will tell you that often the hardest person to save is the one who is panicking. But when an individual is exhausted, when he or she has no energy left, the lifeguard can pull that person back in to safety. In the same way, sometimes God will allow us to get to the end of our rope, to the end of our resources, so we will finally cling to Him.

The disciples were exhausted and afraid. “[Jesus] said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going” (John 6:20–21). For many of us, that is what Jesus is waiting for. He is waiting for us to say, “Come on board.” He will come on board if you will invite Him. He will take control of your storm-tossed boat, even in the darkest night, just before dawn.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

NCC's Fourth Location

Pastor Mark during his message @ NCC this weekend announced NCC's fourth location. Pastor Mark concluded our Hero series with John the Baptist. He share about how John the Baptist knew who he wasn't (he wasn't Messiah) and he share about who he was (he was a forerunner to Jesus), however he had a mission.

Pastor Mark challenged us individually to to know and live out our mission. Then he challenged us corporately as NCC to know and live out our mission, reaching this city for the Kingdom of God.

NCC is one church with multiple locations. With that said, Pastor Mark announce that our fourth location will be in the Loews Cineplex Georgetown 14. How exciting it is to be a part of what God is doing in Washington, DC. I am looking forward to working with the leadership team as we move towards this new launch.

Check out Pastor Mark's blog and look at what he shared with us this weekend.

Check Out the New Baptism by the Bay Video

Hey everyone, I really want to encourage you to go check out the Baptism by the Bay 2007 video. The Baptism by the Bay was July 15, 2007. The Baptism by the Bay was amazing and the video really capture how awesome it really was.

Dave, Jeremy, The Ox, Stephen Elliot, and Joe Portnoy did a great job get all this together. Jeremy Sextom was the man to bring it all together in this amazing package.

Please enjoy the video.

Daily Caffeination 7/23/07

The Day’s Curriculum

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.—Matthew 14:22

Although He knew that a storm was coming, Jesus said to His disciples, “Go to the other side” (see Matthew 14:22–24). Jesus sent them out on the Sea of Galilee because He knew there was a lesson for them to learn. He knew they would make it safely to the other side, so He allowed His disciples to go through the storm. You might say the storm was a part of the day’s curriculum for the disciples.

Life is like that too. We don’t always know when a storm is coming. We don’t know when a tragedy will strike. We don’t know when a crisis is going to hit. We don’t know when a hardship may come up in our lives. But God does, and He knows when we are ready to face these things.

Now here is the question: How will we face life’s storms? It has been said that into every life some rain must fall. To put it biblically, the rain falls on the just and the unjust (see Mark 6:45). Hard times happen to everyone, but as Christians, we have this promise: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Whatever we are going through, in His wonderful providence, God will turn it around for our good.

Courageous people are a lot like tea bags. We don’t know their strength until they are in hot water. It takes courage to face your trials. It takes courage to say, “I’ve made a commitment to follow Jesus. I’m not going to give up. I’m going over to the other side.”

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 7/22/07

Beware of the Thief

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. - Luke 12:39

What are the times when you and I are most vulnerable to being caught off guard by the enemy of our souls? One of those times is just after you've had a great victory. Consider Jesus when He was baptized and was about to begin His public ministry. He was taken away into the desert to be tempted by satan.

Leisure time is another place in which satan seeks to take us off our normal routine of personal quiet times. In the normal routine of life, our senses are tuned to the need to draw upon God's Spirit to see us through the activities of each day. However, when we get away from our routine and go on vacation, we can often drop these routines. We wrongfully think that we do not need to spend time with the Lord during leisure times. This is a grave mistake. The vacation becomes a test of character. During vacations we turn freely to what we love most. It reveals to us what is at the core of our existence.

A teacher in a large school reportedly said, "The greatest difficulty we encounter is the summer vacation. Just when we have brought a student to a certain discipline and place in their study habits, we lose him; when he comes back we have to begin all over again." It is the same in our spiritual lives. It only takes a small crack in the door of our heart to lose our spiritual focus.

This summer, be on guard when times of retreat are made available to you. Use these times for spiritual refreshment, not just physical refreshment, and you will keep the thief from entering your house.

A Quick Revelation

I just had a revelation a few moments ago, so I thought I would share. Alright, Todd McKeever if you are reading this, you might want to sit down.

I haven't had Starbucks in two months! Granted, I have had Ebenezers with my schweeeet discount, but NO Starbucks.

That is pretty amazing. Just thought I would share that with you.

Daily Caffeination 07/21/07

Expectations

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. - Philippians 1:20

Have you ever had expectations that did not get fulfilled? Perhaps a coworker let you down. Perhaps you were trusting God for something in your life that never materialized. Perhaps you became devastated by an unmet expectation that you felt you were entitled to. Expectations can be a difficult trap for each of us if we are not fully committed to God's purposes in our lives.

Paul wrote this verse from prison to the people of Philippi. He had an expectation that his life would bring glory to God, whether through his continued ministry or his death. His joy in living was not based on his expectations getting fulfilled, but on remaining true to the purpose for which God made him.

When we react to circumstances with bitterness and resentment as a result of unmet expectations, we are saying that we know better than God, and that God has made a mistake in not meeting our expectations. The process of resolving unmet expectations may require full disclosure to the individual who was the source of the unmet expectation, and of how the unmet expectation made you feel. This is not to make the person feel obligated to meet the expectation, but simply to share your feelings about it. If God was the source, then it is important to share this with the Lord. However, once we have done this we must let go of the situation and allow God to work in our hearts the grace that is needed to walk in freedom from the pain of the unmet expectation. If we do not do this, we will allow the seed of bitterness and resentment to enter in. This seed of bitterness will create leanness in our soul and eventually will spread to others.

Ask yourself today if you have any unmet expectations. How have you responded to them? Have you processed this with the Lord and others who may be involved? These are the steps to freedom from unmet expectations.

Daily Caffeination 07/20/07

Prepared for Choice Work

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.—Ephesians 2:10

A traveler was visiting a logging area in the Pacific Northwest and was interested to see how logs were chosen that eventually would be used for furniture. As the logs came down the stream, the logger would suddenly reach out and hook one, pull it up, and then set it down. He would sometimes wait for a few minutes before grabbing another. There didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to his choices.

After a while, the visitor said to him, “I don’t understand what you are doing.”

“These logs may all look alike to you,” said the logger, “but I can recognize that a few of them are quite different. The ones that I let pass came from trees that grew in a valley. They were always protected from the storms. The grain is rather coarse. The logs that I pulled aside are from high up on the mountain, where they were beaten by strong winds from the time they were quite small. They toughen the trees and give them a fine grain. We save these logs for choice work. They are too good to be used for ordinary lumber.”

It was through the trying and testing that the logs were prepared for choice work. The same could be said of us as Christians.

If you were to ask Moses how he became who he was, he would remind you of his trials with Pharaoh and his times of testing in the wilderness. If you were to ask Peter, he would probably point back to his denial and how he learned many important lessons.

Maybe you are going through something similar in your life today. Maybe God is preparing you for a choice work.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/19/07

Finding Fortitude

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.—Romans 5:3–4

When you want to get in shape, it is actually through the process of tearing your muscles down that you build them up. The first day of your workout is not so hard. But the next day, you’re in pain. Everything hurts. The next time, you feel weak, but you work out anyway. A couple of days later, you are still weak and sore, but you’re a little stronger. You increase the weights a little bit. Then you do a little more. Pretty soon, you notice that you are getting stronger. It is through the breaking-down process that the building up comes.

In the same way, we need to build up our spiritual muscles. God allows us to go through difficulties. He increases the weights on us. Pretty soon, we are benching a whole lot more than we ever thought possible. We are learning more than we ever thought we would learn. We are doing more than we ever thought we would do. Iron is entering our souls, and we are developing that heroic endurance, perseverance, and strength that only comes through difficulty.

The Bible tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4). In the original language, the word used here for “patience” means, “perseverance,” “endurance,” “steadfastness,” or simply “staying power.”

If you are going through a time of testing and trial, realize that God has a purpose in it. Who knows that He is not preparing you and training you today for what He will do in your life tomorrow?

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/18/07

Embracing Hardship

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.—Romans 5:3

The apostle Paul did not merely endure his hardships. He gloried in them. The meaning of the word “tribulation” that Paul used in Romans 5:3 comes from a term that describes a threshing instrument in which a farmer would separate the grain from the husks. It is the idea of being under pressure, such as squeezing olives in a press to extract the oil, squeezing grapes for their juice, or pounding garlic to release its aroma. Through the pounding process, something comes out that was not known before. In the same way, our lives can be pounded out on the threshing floor of tribulation.

Paul made a choice about his hardships. He said he gloried in tribulation because it produced something he needed. We have a choice as well. We can become bitter. Or we can become better.

Like it or not, tribulation will come into our lives. Scripture is clear on that. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The apostles encouraged the believers in Acts 14 to continue in the faith, saying that through much tribulation they must enter the kingdom of God (see Acts 14:22). And Philippians 1:29 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

When hard times come, you can either get mad at God, or you can try to learn what He wants to teach you. It is a choice. Hardships will come, but how you react to them is entirely up to you.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Love These Images from Baptism by the Bay

I love these three images capture by Joe Portnoy and Stephen Elliot from the Baptism by the Bay.

Daily Caffeination 07/17/07

Making the Lord our Banner

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. - Exodus 17:15

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. God instructed Moses to stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. Moses' staff represented something that God said He would use to bring glory to Himself. The staff represented what Moses had done for most of his life - shepherding. It was his vocation. When God first called Moses at the burning bush, He told him to pick up the staff; He would perform miracles through it.

God wants to perform miracles through each of our vocations. At Rephidim, God defeated the Amalekites only when Moses held his staff to Heaven. It was a symbol of dependence and acknowledgment that Heaven was the source of the Israelites' power. When he dropped his hand, the power was removed and they began to lose the battle.

Each day we are challenged to reach toward Heaven and allow God to be the source of victory in the workplace or be defeated. God calls us to let His banner reign over the workplace so that others may know the source of our victory. "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven' " (Ex. 17:14). The Lord wants those behind us and around us to know that He is the source of our power and success. With each victory is a testimony that is to be shared with our children and our associates.

Is the Lord your banner today? Reach toward Heaven today and let His banner wave over your work so that He might receive glory from your life.

Do You Want to Know Me Better?

You are a Visionary

Your imagination, self-assuredness, and knowledge of the world combine to make you a VISIONARY.

You have clear notions of how things could be, and the confidence to try to make them that way.

You enjoy having a routine, and prefer comfort and familiarity to risk and adventure.

Not needing others' approval to forge ahead, you are confident in your designs for the future.

Your imagination allows you to envision the world as a better place.

You're better at thinking of the big picture than you are with details, and you can see wonder in abstract things.

Style and appearances are important to you, and you have a good eye for beauty.

You are somewhat rigid in your beliefs, which comes from both confidence and an aversion to change.

You are good at creating works of art in forms with which you're familiar.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

You much prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute. Your decisions are well thought out, and you're not the least bit impulsive.

Generally, you believe that you control your life, and that external forces only play a limited role in determining what happens to you.

If you want to be different:

Appreciate the earthly, functional elements of things.

Your clarity of vision sometimes prevents you from being open to new ideas. Try expanding your horizon of experiences, and experimenting with novel ways of doing things.

You are Benevolent

You are a great person to interact with—understanding, giving, and trusting—in a word, BENEVOLENT

You don't mind being in social situations, as you feel comfortable enough with people to be yourself.

Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern: you take the time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgment.

You're a good listener, and even better at offering advice.

You're concerned with others at both an individual and societal level—you sympathize with the plights of troubled groups, and you can care about people you've never met.

Considering many different perspectives is something at which you excel, and you appreciate that quality in others.

Other people's feelings are important to you, and you're good at mediating disputes.

Because of your understanding and patience, you tend to bring out the best in people.

If you want to be different:

You spend a lot of time taking care of others, but don't forget to take care of yourself!

Sometimes you can get overcommitted, and when you sacrifice spending time with those close to you, it can make them feel unimportant.

Daily Caffeination 07/16/07

Conditions for Peace

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:7

One of the first things I remember about the day I put my faith in Christ was the sense of peace filling my heart. It was as though someone had lifted a heavy burden from me. It wasn’t until later, when I read the Bible, that I learned about God’s promise of peace to every believer. He has given it to us as a gift.

However, this peace does not come from what we are, but from what God has done. The cause of this peace is our being justified by faith. The effect of it is the peace that we experience. We cannot have this wonderful effect without the beginning cause. If we are fighting with God, if we are resisting His plan and purpose for our lives, then we will not experience this peace.

I think many people would like to have the wonderful results of the Christian life without having to pay the price. In other words, they would like to know they are forgiven. They would like to know they will go to heaven when they die, but they still want to live as they please. They don’t want to put their complete faith and trust in Jesus.

We cannot have the wonderful privileges of peace without first meeting God’s requirements. Colossians 1:20 says that through Jesus Christ, “God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.” The only way we will experience the peace of God that passes all human understanding is through the blood of the cross, the blood Jesus shed.

You cannot have the peace of God until you first have peace with God.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Love this Quote

"A communications tool is only as good as the number of people it can reach."—David Gurle, executive VP, Reuters

Pastors can learn a lot from this quote.

NCC's Baptism by the Bay

I was so honored to be at my very first NCC Baptism by the Bay. Today, 26 people made a public declaration of their faith in Jesus. What an awesome time that began with games, a picnic dinner, a time of worship with Steph Modder and a percussion team and then ended with baptisms.

It was such an awesome time celebrating with those who were being baptized. To me this is one of the great joys I get to be a part of as a pastor. It is one of the key identifying fruits of a community of faith. I am so proud to be serving at a church that places such an incredible value on the ordinance of baptism.

Here are some pictures from our time of play together, eating together, and celebrating together as a community.
Thank you Jesus for such a wonderful day. I am so glad I had the opportunity to witness these baptisms.

Daily Caffeination 07/15/07

Seeing Us for What We Will Become

..."The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." - Judges 6:12

God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord already had seen Gideon as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.

Gideon was an Israelite who lived during a time of oppression from the Midianites. God had allowed Israel to be oppressed because of its rebellion. However, the Israelites cried out to God, and He heard their cry for help. He decided to free them from the oppression of their enemies. God chose a man with little experience in such matters to lead an army against Midian.

When God came to Gideon through a visit by an angel, the angel's first words to him were, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." God always looks at His children for what they will be, not what they are now. The Lord had already seen this man as a leader of others, not just a laborer who threshed wheat.

The apostle Paul said, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13). God has reserved an inheritance for you and me. He has foreordained that we should accomplish great things in His name--not so that we will be accepted or become more valued, but to experience the reality of a living relationship with a God who wants to demonstrate His power through each of us.

What does God want to accomplish through you today? He used Gideon, with only 300 men, to deliver Israel from an army of more than 100,000. He demonstrated His power through one man who was willing to let God use what little faith he had to free a nation from oppression and bring glory to the God of Israel. The Lord delights in showing Himself strong through those who will trust Him.

Daily Caffeination 07/14/07

Independence That Leads to Sin

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20

The two young men had worked for many years in their family business. One day one of the sons decided he wanted to venture out on his own. He had been under the employment of his dad's business long enough. He felt he had learned all he needed to know. He wanted his independence. He wanted to take his stock options early, which would allow enough capital to begin on his own. The other son remained behind, working day in and day out, faithfully doing his job.

The first son went out on his own only to find it was more difficult than he had ever imagined. The immediate cash gained from the advance from his dad's business was a temptation that was too great for him. He spent all of the money, fell into sin, and failed to invest it in another business. He failed miserably. Finally, he came crawling back to his dad, seeking to be taken back as a mere laborer. The father took him back with open arms, fully restoring him to his original place. He experienced grace and love in a way he had never known before.

When we desire independence so much that we launch out without God's full blessing, we can expect to fall on our face. When pride enters our lives, it discourages us from dependence on anyone but ourselves; yet God says that we are to depend on Him alone. If we think we can go it alone, we will fail. On the other hand, in spite of the prodigal son's failure, he learned a great lesson of grace that he had not known before. This resulted in humility of the heart, which had a lasting impression for the rest of his life. Therefore, God even turns our failures into successes spiritually when we are willing to admit our failure.

Pride always goes before a fall. Check your heart today and ask God if there is any pride that is encouraging independence from total trust in God.

Daily Caffeination 07/13/07

Eyes on Him

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.—Hebrews 12:1–2

Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom once said, “Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.” Looking without, she had reason to be distressed. She lived in a concentration camp. She saw her sister and father die. She saw others die. Looking within, she felt depressed as she saw the darkness of her own heart. But seeing the example of her godly sister Betsy, who saw the bright side of everything and was always trusting God, she concluded, “Look at Jesus and be at rest.”

The Bible says that Abraham “did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:20–21). The word “waver” used in this verse could also be translated “stagger.” It would imply that this unwavering walk of Abraham took place with his eyes fixed on the promise of God.

Hebrews 12:1–2 urges us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

As we walk with God, people will let us down. People will disappoint us. Circumstances will be hard. The enemy will hassle us. This is when we need to remember why we started to walk with God in the first place. It was because of Jesus. So keep your eyes fixed on Him. That will keep you moving forward, because the only way we will make it as Christians is by keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

God's Promises

God always has a way of speaking to me and confirming things to me. To be honest, there are times when I second guess myself and I question. When those times come, God always steps up and shows that one thing or just gives me that revelation. Honestly, I am glad He does that or I would discouraged or even depressed pretty often.

Yesterday, I spent all day with my, well I am not going to call him my former pastor, because Pastor Mike will always be a pastor, a mentor, a friend to me. I had a chance to do some work at Crosslight and then preach at youth last night to my "kids". They will always be my "kids", i love them so much. Afterwards, it was storming and the sun was out, and what did I see a rainbow. Not just a rainbow, but a full brilliant rainbow that stretched over Crosslight.

Thank you Lord for your promises. I love you Jesus.

Some Pictures of Crosslight and the stage lights I installed yesterday in the remodeled, but not finished Crosslight Worship CenterThe Old Sanctuary, where I used to preachWhere I Used to Work For Six Years


Pastor Mike's office, I got to work in here when he was gone :-)

Two Annual NCC Events Coming Up

I am looking forward to these next two weeks at NCC. We have two huge annual events coming up. This weekend we have our Baptism by the Bay at Sandy Pointe State Park. One of the greatest joys for me as a pastor is seeing people identify themselves with Body of Christ and publically profess their faith through baptism. I get emotional thinking about it. Baptism is such a special time for the individual and should be an encourage for the entire community of faith as well, it is truly a celebration. Check out the video from last years Baptism by the Bay here. Check click the title Baptism by the Bay.

Next week, we have our annual Variety Show, which will be fun and of course full of laughs. The theme is Wild, Wild West...starring our very own Three Amigos, Pastor Mark, Pastor Joel and Pastor Heather. You may also see a little shoot out with some of the point pastors. Check out the video for some of the fun that happens at the NCC Variety Show here and click the Riverdance video.

Daily Caffeination 07/12/07

Just Getting Started

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.—Ecclesiastes 3:11

When I look back on my life at the things God has allowed me to do and the opportunities He has opened up, I can see the wisdom of His perfect timing.

Our tendency is to rush things. But just because something hasn’t happened in your life today doesn’t mean it won’t happen tomorrow. Just because it doesn’t happen tomorrow doesn’t mean it won’t happen a month from now or a year from now. Maybe one phase of your life is ending and another is beginning. Maybe everything that has happened to you up to this point in your life has been preparation for what is still ahead.

Moses didn’t get going until he was 80. Then there was Caleb, another Israelite who left Egypt in the Exodus. Along with Joshua, Caleb came back full of optimism and belief when they were sent to spy out the Promised Land. But when the Israelites believed the pessimistic report of the ten other spies, God was so displeased that He refused to allow them to enter the land.

Years later, when Joshua led a new generation of Israelites into the Promised Land, Caleb was among them. And at 80 years old, he said to Joshua, “So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there. . . But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said” (Joshua 14:12).

Joshua gave him his little segment of land as was promised, and Caleb drove out all of its inhabitants. Caleb believed God’s promises, and God was faithful. We need to do the same.

Daily Caffeination 07/11/07 - About to enjoy my day off by heading to Richmond :-)

Becoming a Valued Draft Pick

...Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.... - Zechariah 4:10

As children in elementary school we often played pick-up football. Two captains would alternate making the best choices among schoolmates to make up the two teams. I was often chosen first because I was a good athlete. It felt good to be valued by others for what they perceived I could contribute. Conversely, it must have felt crummy to be the last chosen or not chosen at all.

Such was the case for Zerubbabel. He was a man chosen by God to rebuild the temple. God saw something in Zerubbabel that He could use for His purposes. The people also recognized that Zerubbabel was a man in whom they could place their faith.

So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people (Haggai 1:14a).

Are you part of the remnant of Christ followers whom God is calling out today? Do not let the business of today sidetrack you from the importance of God's agenda for you. Can you recall the day God's Spirit rested on you? Have you walked in that anointing since that day? Satan's strategy is to keep us distracted with the urgency of the moment versus the importance of eternity. Ask God what your priorities should be today. Make His priorities your priorities.

Daily Caffeination 07/10/07

Remember to Forget

Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!—Micah 7:19

Have you ever done anything that you are ashamed of? Have you ever done things you wished you had not done? If you have repented of those sins and have turned your back on them, the Bible clearly teaches that you are forgiven.

There is something in us that wants to keep dredging up our sins. Maybe we feel that by doing so, we are somehow making amends for the wrong that we have done. Maybe by punishing ourselves, we think we are somehow appeasing God. But this is wrong and thoroughly unscriptural.

Acts 13:38–39 says, “ ‘Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do.’ ”

Speaking of our sins, God said, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins” (Hebrews 8:12). And Micah 7:18–19 says,

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Have you ever lost anything in a lake or in the ocean? It is pretty much a lost cause. Once it goes down, it goes way down. God has taken your sin and has thrown it into the deepest part of the ocean. Simply put, it is gone. Therefore, we should not choose to remember what God has chosen to forget.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/09/07

When Christians Stumble

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”—Romans 4:3

Contrary to what some might believe, the Bible doesn’t teach that if you are a Christian, you will never stumble. It doesn’t teach that if you are a true believer, you will not periodically make a mistake or fall short. But it does teach that if you are a true believer and have had a lapse or a stumble, you will always get up and move forward. That is the way to truly determine whether someone is a real believer.

Although Abraham was a friend of God, which Scripture specifically mentions three times, it is also clear that he had his lapses of faith. Yet the Bible says that “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Does this mean that Abraham was declared righteous because of the good things he did? Did God justify Abraham because he lived such a holy, pure, and flawless life? Hardly. Any honest look at the life of Abraham would clearly show that he was a flawed man.

Having said that, it is also important to point out that although Abraham deviated occasionally from the straight and narrow, he always came back.

If someone says he or she is a Christian but falls away and never returns to the faith, then he or she was not a believer. As 1 John 2:19 says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.”

True believers will be miserable in their sin and will eventually beat a quick path back to the cross of Calvary.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Brief Pray and Play Recap

After two days of praying and playing with our awesome team, I am totally exhausted. Lots of volleyball, best of 7 game of dodgeball, a much needed time in the pool in the 95 degree weather. We also had great times of prayer and lots of food, and oh the people we were doing this with was simply awesome. Great time! Now it is time for bed.

Good night...

Weekend Wrap-Up @ NCC

This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity and responsibility to not Point Pastor the Ebenezers location on Saturday night. I was so honored to be allowed to Point Pastor all three services at the Union Station location, Pastor Paul was out of town. For those who don't know, Union Station is flagship location for NCC.

Pastor Dave Clark did a great job this weekend sharing about our Hero, Elisha, 1 Kings 6:-23 about his faith. And we were all challenged to not rely on our five senses, but to rely on our faith in God.

All in all, we had another great weekend. Really enjoyed our times of worship as well.

Pray and Play Retreat

In just a few minutes Lora and I are going to be headed out for the Pray and Play Staff Retreat in Maryland. We are looking forward to this time. This will be a great opportunity to get to know and hang out with the rest of the staff away from the offices and to pray with and for one another.

I believe this is going to be a fun two days. We will get back tomorrow night. I believe this will build up genuine relationships and bring great unity to our awesome team. I feel totally blessed to be a part of this amazing team and looking forward to getting to know everyone on a deeper level.

I will off the internet until tomorrow night. Talk to you all later.

Daily Caffeination 07/08/07

Living as if You Were Dead

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11

What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin?

Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man.

Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all.

Daily Caffeination 07/07/07

The Consequence of Faith

We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4

If you commit yourself to live for Christ in and through your work life, there will be a consequence of faith. You can avoid hardship and have a much easier road in life if you choose to live an obedient life of faith in Christ. This is a spiritual law. None of us is excluded from identification with the cross.

When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).

Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God.

Looking Forward to Next Wednesday

I am so excited about next Wednesday, July 11th. Lora and I get to head down to Richmond and see our "family" there. I also get to hang out with my good friend and lifelong mentor, Pastor Mike Buckley. And to top it off I have the honor to preach for for the youth.

I know Wednesdays are my days off, but I don't feel like I am working, having this opportunity. I can not wait to get down there...I miss preaching, it one of my spiritual gifts and I am not able use it now, so it kind of building up in me.

My theme for my message is MERCY, my text will be 1 Timothy 1:15-17.

I will take advantage of these opportunities when I have the chance. After, being in ministry for 13 years and preaching and using my gift almost every week, it is in my blood, it has become a part of who I am as a pastor.

Daily Caffeination 07/06/07

Looking Up?

And await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.—Jude 1:21

There is a lot of disagreement in the church as a whole over what we call “eschatology,” or prophetic events. Most often, it seems, the differences lie in the order of events. Some don’t believe Christ could return at any time. Some believe that we will go through the Tribulation.

The bottom line is this: You need to believe that Jesus could come back at any time. This is an emphasis of the New Testament, and it can have a purifying effect on your life. As 1 John 3: 3 says, “And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”

A literal translation of this verse would be, “Whoever has this hope continually set on Him is constantly purifying himself.” If I live my life in a sense of expectation that Christ could come back at any time, then it will purify me.

Children who are prone to get into trouble will be on their best behavior if they know their parents might walk into the room at any moment. Likewise, if we know that Christ could come back at any time, it should affect the way we live.

In contrast to disobedient children who dread the arrival of their parents, we should look forward with great excitement to the return of our Lord. Like John, we should be able to say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). If you cannot say this, it would be an indication that something is not right spiritually.

I enjoy life and the opportunities God sets before me. But if tonight were the night for Christ’s return, I would say, “Bring it on!” Wouldn’t you? That is the way to live.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Fourth of July Fun

Being the Nation's Capital on Fourth of July. So what did we do? We had our good friends from Richmond, VA come in to town on Tuesday night to hang with us. We also had some more surprise guests stop in an visit for a few minutes on Tuesday evening as well. A family from Crosslight, the Zauners, were in Arlington visiting their family so they came by our place before they headed out of town. This was an awesome surprise, John is one of the deacons at Crosslight and Rebekah and Hannah were two of our "kids".

So yesterday for the Fourth, we pretty much hung out here at the house except for about a two hour walk to the Mall and back. We played games, Dutch Blitz and Spades, ate some food and just hung out and appreciated our time hanging with good friends who we miss so much. Then we watch the Capital Fourth on TV. Danny and Rachel had to drive back to the Richmond/Petersburg area so they left about 9:30 before the fireworks ended so they wouldn't hit a bunch of traffic.

I know many of you are probably thinking, "I can't believe you didn't go to watch the fireworks." Well Lora and I aren't really into the big crowds and we just wanted to spend quality time with our friends. Also, the the fireworks looked great on TV. :-) He had a wonderful day yesterday, and enjoyed for the most part our first Fourth of July in the city.

Here are few pictures...

Hannah
Rebekah
The Zauners (Sherry, Hannah, John, and Rebekah)
Danny and Rachel Wood

Daily Caffeination 07/05/07

False Promises

These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.—Jude 1:16–18

A common characteristic of false teachers is the offer of false promises. You see them promising, for example, that God will prosper those who give $10 with a hundredfold blessing—multiplying that amount and returning it to them. This is a false message, however. We should never give to get.

If I were to give an amount of money to God’s work, thinking it would multiply a certain number of times and would ultimately return to me, that would be a wrong motive. God will not honor it. It is also a false promise.

All believers should give, on a regular basis, of the resources and income that God has given to them. On the other hand, we don’t give to get something. The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver (see 2 Corinthians 9:7). We give because we have received. We give because we recognize that all that we have comes from God. We give because we want to share in the eternal reward of what God is doing by investing in the work of His kingdom. We give because God has commanded us to do so.

Jude wrote his epistle to refute those who were teaching that the grace of God gives people a license to sin. And Paul wrote in Romans 3:8, “And why not say, ‘Let us do evil that good may come’?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.”

In other words, there are those who say, “Go ahead and do wicked things, and God will bless you, because you are covered by grace.” Paul was saying that this is a perversion of the teaching of the grace of God.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Daily Caffeination 07/04/07 - Happy Fourth of July

Balaam’s Error

What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.—Jude 1:11

A Roman Catholic priest who had heard people confess every imaginable sin and crime, including murder and adultery, said that he had never heard anyone admit to being covetous. Yet coveting actually made God’s Big Ten—The Ten Commandments.

The Bible tells the story of Balaam, a prophet who was greedy for gold. He was hired by the Moabites to bring a curse upon Israel. He seemed to be a prophet working for profit. But as Balaam was preparing to carry out his assignment, God spoke to him and said, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12).

Balaam ultimately ignored God’s command. Then as he was making his way in disobedience to God, the donkey he was riding refused to go further. So he began to beat the donkey. And when the two reached an impasse, God opened the donkey’s mouth, who turned and said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?”

The animal had more sense than her master did. The Lord opened Balaam’s eyes spiritually, and standing in front of his donkey was an angel with his sword drawn. The angel essentially said, “It is a good thing for you that your donkey stopped. You were about to be killed.”

Greed kept Balaam out of harmony with the love of God, and it can do the same with us. We can become so focused on material things that they become more important to us than anything else.

Don’t let greed keep you out of harmony with the love of God.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Looking forward to the next few days

There is something that is at the core of who I am as a person, I place extremely high value on family and friends. Of course, not above my relationship with Christ and my wife. However, I am very loyal to my family and friends. I cherish every moment I spend with friends and family, I will drop everything or anything for them.

I am naturally a very loyal person and that extends over to the people I care about the most. I would give up for my family and friends.

I say all this to say that I am looking forward to tonight and tomorrow. Our good friends from Richmond, Danny and Rachel Wood are coming to visit us for the fourth of July. Danny and Rachel took over the youth ministry at Crosslight when we left there in May. I am looking to spending some valuable time with them. I miss them a lot along with all of our family and friends from the Richmond area. I especially miss my "kids"(from Crosslight Youth Ministry), I think about them often.

I can not wait for Danny and Rachel to get here.

Daily Caffeination 07/03/07

The Way of Cain

But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain. . . .—Jude 1:10–11

A fisherman who filled a bucket with crabs to take to the market every day was asked why he never put a lid on his catch. Wouldn’t the crabs climb out? The fisherman replied, “I don’t need to put a lid on the bucket. As soon as one starts to climb out, the others reach up and pull him down.”

People can be the same way. As long as we are all equal and on the same level, we can live with that. But as soon as someone starts doing a little better than the rest of us, we want to pull that person down.

The Bible warns of going “in the way of Cain.” The way of Cain, simplified, is the way of hatred. And so often, hatred is rooted in envy.

Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve. But instead of growing up to be a godly man, he became a wicked man. He even turned out to be a murderer. When God accepted his brother Abel’s sacrifice but rejected his, Cain was angry. His heart was filled with envy, which turned into hatred. And when Cain gave in to hatred, he ended up murdering his brother.

The way of Cain is to have a heart and life that is filled with jealousy, envy, and hatred. It is to reject all responsibility for your actions. It is also to lie to God about what you have done. The way of Cain leads to the curse that came upon Cain. That is why we want to make sure we don’t harbor anger or bitterness.

If you are experiencing envy or hatred today, nip it in the bud. Don’t allow it to continue.

Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries

Finding Value in Those You Do Ministry With

One thing, I have been blessed with the last 13 years in ministry are those people that I do ministry with. I have been a part of three great churches with a team of volunteers that made ministry a delight and joy to do.

I hear of friends and other pastors who express their frustration about not getting the support from those within their church or not having enough volunteers. What I have begun to notice more and more, the attitude of the people and those who serve at your church reflect the leadership.

Including my current Lead Pastor, the pastors I have served with and worked for have made it a delight to do ministry with them, they help make ministry fun. They have positive attitudes and they are visionaries, but most importantly they enjoy serving as well. When you find a pastor who enjoys putting the towel around their waist and washing feet, it is contagious.

Last week during the Buzz Conference, I witnessed this with the staff and volunteers here at NCC. it made me proud to be a part of another great church and to serve and minister with an amazing team.

I thank God for those great experiences I have had working with the pastors that I have worked with as well serving at the churches I have served at, this have made my ministry experience simply awesome. I am truly grateful for the place that God has allowed me serve.