Tennessee District Council

The Tennessee District Council of the Assemblies of God begins Monday night and goes through Wednesday. I will be out of pocket for a few days. This will give you an opportunity to read some of my older posts... or... not! I'll let you know how Council went later this week.

A Moment To Remember

Did you ever have a moment that took you back in time? Tonight was one of those nights. First Assembly had a concert in service tonight. Dean and Mary Brown were our musical guests. They have been traveling and doing Southern Gospel music for 35 years. It is a possibility that you have seen them on TBN from time to time. They did a great job and I believe they ministered unto our congregation.

Anyway, I got to do something I normally don't get to do in church... sit with my wife! I was able to finish up my service responsibilities and join my wife for the concert. When I came to where she was seated, my youngest two daughters were sleeping on the chair beside her.

My mind took me back to when I was a young boy growing up in church. My mom and dad would be at everything and I would be on the pew beside them. I can remember being tired and laying on a pew while the altar service went on through the night. I can also remember the Southern Gospel sound and the hymns that were sung Sunday after Sunday much like the ones I heard tonight.

Sitting beside my wife and seeing my two young daughters sleeping reminded me of my heritage. I lived at the church. I grew up at the church. Church was my life and I have no regrets or apologies to make. I'm thankful for parents who made sure I was there and who kept me there to witness the times of prayer around an altar and the moving of the Spirit in the life of the believer and non-believer. God had an impact on me as a child. I want my children to have the same heritage.

One day I want them to be able to look back and remember a mom and a dad that took them to church. And more than remembering church attendance, I want them to have had an experience with the living Christ which causes them to take their kids to church watching their young children sleep on the chairs next to them when a service goes late into the night.

Today's Quote

"Forgiveness doesn't prevent the consequences of our sin."
- Max Lucado

Where Is The Love?

Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (NASB)

Where is the love? Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that, "Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;" (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

I'll be the first to admit that I have fallen short when it comes to this standard put forth on love. Have you been impatient for things? Have you ever been unkind? Have you sought what you want at the sacrifice of another? Do you see your way as the right way even at the possibility of hurting another? We have all fallen short and we all can improve, me included.

Jesus left us a command. "Love one another!" We must love with our actions, our thoughts, and our words. To love in any other way would be a contradiction to His standard. There are too many who serve themselves. There are too many who cater to just their wants and desires. When we show preference to another, we live out Christ in front of them. Christ was a servant. He didn't require any special treatment or favors. Christ loved through servant-hood. He allowed children to interrupt His busy day. He spent time with people who were less desirable. He touched the untouchable, He noticed the outcast, He gave attention to the hurting, He spoke to people that society said He shouldn't... He loved. Jesus knelt down and washed His disciples feet which was considered a servant's responsibility. He stretched out His arms and died (Philippians 2:3-8) for you and me. Jesus loved.

Our goal should be to imitate Christ. There were two commandments that He considered the greatest: (1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. (2) Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

How would you describe your love? What are you doing to accomplish the two greatest commandments? If we don't love like Christ commands us to love, we are just a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Guest Blogger: Benjamin Harper

I recently read a blog by Benjamin Harper (Children's Pastor at First Assembly) and I want to share it with you.

Sweet! No wax.

Once upon a time when things were a bit more simple than they are today, people would use pottery for things other than for decoration. So it was very important to find a container that would actually hold things. Permanently.

We don’t form too many clay pots ourselves these days, but if we did then we would quickly find out that in the process of shaping them and baking them, pots would often crack, rendering them useless. For us it might not be a big deal just to throw it out and start all over again, but if making pots were your livelihood, then you might be tempted to find a way to sell that cracked pot.

And many potters did just that. Eager to make a living, they would fill the cracks with wax and let it harden, then cover over the pot so that the consumer wouldn’t know that there was ever an imperfection in the container. That is, until they got home and heated it up, and the wax melted and whatever it is that they were cooking ran all over the floor.

Those potters who didn’t want to be associated with such poor craftsmanship devised a way for their consumers to know that they could trust buying from them: they stamped the words in latin on the bottom of their pots "SIN CERA." Without wax. That way people could know that they could be trusted.

We use the same word all the time - SINCERE. As Christians, it should be the marking that is stamped into the fabric of our lives. Because when we learn to be sincere with those around us, especially with those who don’t believe in Christ, we prove ourselves able to be trusted. What’s more, we prove ourselves worthy of containing the very things that God would pour into us, so that when life puts a little heat under us, we don’t melt and become useless.

And just like those painted-over pots that feigned authenticity and usefulness, it doesn’t take very long for even the least discerning person to reveal an impostor.

Growing!

Today, we celebrated my daughter's three year old birthday. I am amazed at how quickly she has grown up over this past year. With three other young ladies in the house, I guess she is competing for position. Nevertheless, she amazes me how well she communicates and performs day after day.

My thoughts go to our walk with God. How far have you come from a year ago? Do you communicate your faith better? Do you live your faith better? Growth is a natural process in life. If my daughter was not growing, there would be a problem. In our walk with Christ, if we are not growing there are problems. Celebrate the life you have 'in Christ'. Enjoy your relationship with Him and grow... it's as natural as a child with her father.

Easter Sunday

What a day! Easter is always a special day as we celebrate the Risen Savior... Jesus Christ! Pastor David did a great job this morning. He preached an illustrated message using video, the choir, the human video team, and the band. We had one respond for salvation this morning. PTL! For those readers who do not attend First Assembly, I hope you had a great Easter. Let me know how your Easter went... post a comment!

Saturday

I played football today with some of our students. We went out to Sanders Ferry Park located on Old Hickory Lake and tossed the old pigskin around. The old man (that's me) has still got it. I intercepted one pass to run it back for a touchdown and while quarterbacking, I threw a pass to one of our college girls (Lisa) for a touchdown. We retired the game at 14 to 14. Everybody wins. I have a feeling the old man is going to be feeling it tomorrow when I can't walk or raise my arms, but I guess that's the price for a little fun.

We called the day Spring Fever, but it didn't feel like Spring. The wind was blowing in off the lake and it was cold. As long as you stood in the sun, it wasn't too bad. The shade was brutal. We ate (grilled hot dogs), talked, hung out, and played. It was a good day of bringing our students together. There is power in unity. There is something about bringing people together on a regular basis. Relationships are built... friendships are strengthened. We spend a lot of time 'working' as a student ministry. Sometimes, for the sake of sanity, you need to play... so we played. Now it's back to work.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday... there is an expectancy in the air. I hope you have a great Sunday!

Palm Sunday

I hope everyone had a great Palm Sunday. It has been a great day in the Lord.

Quotable

Today's Quote:

"Leadership is stewardship, it's temporary, and you're accountable."
- Andy Stanley

A Day Off

There's nothing like taking a day and enjoying your family. Thank God for a day off at home.

Home & Garden Show

I have met myself coming and going this weekend. Busy! First Assembly was involved in the Hendersonville Home and Garden Show. We were the only church represented among the city's event. We were able to get in through a vending food opportunity. The Chamber of Commerce contacted us and requested us to come and sell hot dogs. The hot dogs sales were not huge, but the contacts we made for the church were awesome. We couldn't help people with hardwood floors or garage doors, but we were able to point them to Jesus. The brochures we passed out said, "A hammer, three nails, and two pieces of wood can change your home forever." It's not totally original, but it is true. There were hundreds of people that came through the doors this weekend. I love getting into the community and loving on people. I think Jesus did as well.

Consequences!

How would the story be different if David would have walked away from what he saw on the roof that fateful night? As you remember... David couldn't sleep. He got up and took a walk on his roof and from there he saw Bathsheba bathing from a distance. Instead of walking away from the image, he chose to inquire, to solicit, and to take action. Bathsheba became pregnant, Uriah, her husband was killed (by David), David married Bathsheba, all was right... so he thought. Even though his sin was in secret God saw and God responded.

David's sin caused the sword not to depart from his house and more devastatingly, God took the child. Through all the conspiracy, deceit and lies... God forgave David but he had to pay for his sin. Here is what I want you to take away from this blog. Just because you have God's forgiveness, doesn't mean you are free from the consequences of sin. The Bible says we reap what we sow. David sowed and David had to reap. As Christians, we must be careful when we say... God forgives. Though that is true... our sin still holds consequences. And sometimes they are difficult. What am I saying? When you're on the roof late at night and you can't sleep and something crosses your path that you know is wrong... walk away! When you are confronted with sin... walk away! God is a gracious God, but He is still just. Don't let the devil sell you a lie that says... "Hey! It's going to be OK." Romans 6:23 says... "For the WAGES of sin is death," There is a price to pay for sin. Even though we might have His grace, there is still a ripple effect. It's not worth it. Live for God and walk away from the sin that trips us up. God is faithful!

Winter Jam 08

Check this out...

Winter Jam 08!

Let me know if you are interested.

Cracker Barrel and Jesus

Cracker Barrel opened today across from Chili's. Jenny and I had lunch there today. It's a Cracker Barrel... they all look the same... but hey... good food regardless!

I'm amazed at the growth in Hendersonville. People are coming into our neighborhood. How important is it as a church and as a Christian to be salt and light? I got the opportunity to talk to lady today who was at Cracker Barrel (trainer) from Arkansas. Her job is to come and train new employees how to do their job. She shared with me about her life... so... I got to tell her what I do! Cool. Take advantage of the opportunities given to you. You might not have them again.

New Theater

I went by the new Regal cinema at The Streets of Indian Lake in Hendersonville. Tonight was Regal's Grand Opening. Sixteen digital screens costing a quarter of a million each. You do the math... that's a lot of Speed the Light money. Get this... $2.00 to get in and a large drink and popcorn for $1.00 each. Great special... so... I took all four of my kids and my lovely wife to see a movie early evening. If you get a chance to go... they are having the special on Wednesday and Thursday all day. Go catch a flick... a clean one. Later.