Change

Romans 12:1, 2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

There is a lot of talk about change in today's church world. Change is important and it helps us to know how we should alter the way we do things in our personal lives in order to be more effective. Sometimes we even hear how it is essential to change even if just for change's sake, because we have developed bad habits along life's way. 

Yet, we exist within contradiction.

-On the one hand, we need stability and perform well when we feel secure and established in our working and home lives.

-On the other hand we can become stagnant, complacent and uncreative when we shy away from change or when we find we simply cannot cope with it.

How can we bring these two ideas together so that we can rest easier and deal better with change?

Here are some things to remember:

(1) We cannot usually predict when change will happen, but we can be better equipped to deal with it when it does if our attitude is right with God. 

(2) We can look at the limitations we all put on ourselves and how they hold us back from being open to change especially when God is leading us into a territory that is foreign to us.

(3) We can begin to understand how patterns occur and what we can do to alter and limit those habits and patterns from developing into negative situations.

(4) We can look at the various kinds of changes there are and some effective ways of approaching them with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Changing Seasons-My Way Is Your Way

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…”

Again, the text makes clear to us the fact that seasons in our lives are continually changing. I am more convinced today than ever before that God moves in seasons in churches and in individuals.

Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

My sermon title may seem a little unusual, but it serves the purpose, because the directions are the same for all people through the seasons of change that we all face.

-We cannot stop progress. Change will come whether you want it to or not.

-We are all given equal opportunities in each season to make right or wrong decisions that make a bearing on the direction of our lives.

-We can change the ultimate destination of your life. We all are given that right individually by God.

Behavioral scientists tell us that change is one of the major sources of stress in our lives - therefore many people try to deny or ignore change.

(1) We cannot stop progress-life will go on!

1 Chronicles 12:32 “…of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command…”

Acts 10:9-16 “The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.”

(2) We must make whatever change God requires for our destiny to be fulfilled!
Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

-Notice what God is doing around you.

-Be willing to trust in His plan rather than in your own.

Acts 10:34 “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

(3) We must take advantage of God’s plan in every season and make the best of it!

Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”

Romans 8:28 “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.”

(4) We must manage our season’s strengths and weaknesses as we press on to our destiny in Christ!
If you have not properly managed a season properly you can go back to learn its lesson, but it’s much more difficult the second time. Why?
-You are physically older.
-No one there is your age.

-You are learning out of sequence.

But God can help you make up lost time. “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25).

Dancing In The Dungeon

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Why is John 10:10 so popular? It describes the desires of Satan to kill, steal and destroy your life, and to counter that, Jesus has come to give life in abundance. Looking up definitions of the word “abundance” you come across the words “full, plenty, rich and over-flowing”. Jesus comes to give us a life that is full! We experience all that we could ever need and have an over-flowing life. I guess some people could take this to mean wealth and prosperity or success in the endeavors of life. But I think this fullness, and abundance must be defined from the spiritual side of life, not the physical or material side. So many people feel like their season is on of constant mourning and our consistently down in the dumps. It is almost like they are imprisoned in a dark, damp dungeon with no way out. Jesus, on the other hand, came to give us restoration and a change to celebrate our way out of the darkness and back into the light. He gave us the ability to dance in the dungeon and put the season of mourning behind us.

(1) What is the devil’s work?
-He hates mankind so much that he takes pleasure in stealing from you.
-He likes it when someone has no joy or peace in their lives.
-He puts fear on people, which has torment.
-His ultimate goal is to rob people spiritually, where they become spiritually bankrupt.

(2) Jesus has come to heal our emptiness and to fill your spiritual void that nothing in this world can satisfy!
Once in a while we look at people who seem so full of life, that are rich, powerful, successful, popular, and we think: wow they must be so fulfilled in that life. We are amazed when we hear of a multi-millionaire who commits suicide or a famous movie star or athlete who over-doses on drugs. But this only reveals emptiness, that nothing in this life can truly satisfy the soul. You see Solomon in Ecclesiastes where we see that everything in this world is vanity or as he says, “a chasing after the wind”. How does Jesus fill the emptiness?
-He fills it with real joy, love and peace!
-He fills us with the Holy Spirit!
-He satisfies the deeper needs that this world cannot touch.

(2) Jesus has come to take away the spirit of fear!
2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Another part of this abundance that Jesus gives is He removes the dread and the fear of living life. Without Christ death is always in the mirror and time is always working against us. Jesus comes and conquers death, and now we have hope. Only someone that has His abundance can look death in the eye and laugh.

(3) Jesus came to remove our anxieties!
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
We do not have to worry about how everything is going to work out in our lives. It is saying, God is in control of my life, whom shall I fear, of what shall I be afraid? We seek His kingdom and all the other things in life are given into His care. God will take care of you, if you will cast your cares upon the Lord. Faith is essentially giving God control of our lives, as He is already in control of tomorrow.

(4) Jesus came to take away your guilt!
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Condemnation is a terrible weight to carry around in life. The guilt of sin cannot be removed by therapy, counseling, or any medication. The guilt that people carry can only be washed away by the blood. People in this world are weighed down with guilt. They feel bad about things they have done, wrongs that they have committed, and no amount of community service, good deeds or any other charitable giving will take away the gnawing in their conscience. The longer sin is carried the heavier the burden becomes. Jesus gives us abundance, we are free from condemnation.

(5) Jesus came to take away our separation from Him!
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Sin separates us from God, but Jesus bridges the gap through the cross. We now have acceptance, and even boldness to approach God.We can dance in the dungeon because:
-We know where we are going, and who we are going with.
-We know in whom we have believed in and are persuaded that He is able to do all things for us.
-We know God is not our enemy, but our Friend and Father.
-We know we don’t have to be looking around for answers, but look up.
-We know we can sing in the prison, dance in a dungeon, and walk through the fire.
-We know we are not absent from life, but walk with victory through li

Mediocre or Excellent Gifts

The definition of being mediocre is: of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate; rather poor or inferior. No where in the Bible does God want less than our most excellent effort. The sacrifices that were unworthy were rejected, but the sacrifices that were the best were always accepted and honored.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

1 Corinthians 12:31 "But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way."

Striving for excellence means:

-to do our best and to be content to leave the rest for God.

-to live at peace with God, knowing that we are giving -- with His help -- our best efforts.

-to use our gifts to the best of our ability, but ultimately putting people first.

-to work like this: Colossians 3:23 (NIV) "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

-to humbly depend on God for our abilities, strength, and results, and to give Him glory.

-to live in contentment and peace, knowing that God is pleased because you are working for Him, and doing your best.

Often unbelievers have higher standards for Christians than Christians do for themselves. When it comes to our work for God, let’s make sure we are holding ourselves to the high standards set in God’s Word. We have the opportunity to “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10) to people around us by the way we do God’s work.

Excellence carries with it the sense of what is vital. In the Greek, excellence means to bear apart or to differ between; as with metals, you learn to tell one from another, the greater from the lesser. So things of excellence are things of greater value.

We should be able to test for approval the things which are the most valuable in life. None of us operates in life without some scale of values. The question is not whether we have a scale of values; the question is more which scale of values we choose. Do we choose God's highest values or some set of values we may prefer?

Where there is no scale of values, utter confusion follows. If you want to live a flustered life, then live life without an adequate set of ultimate values. In this situation nothing is of value, nothing of importance. To live life with everything of equal importance is to live life at a trivial level. Lesser things are as important as greater things.

If we choose as our ultimate value to make and save as much money as possible, then we have chosen a lesser value in God's economy. If we choose to put God's glory first instead of trying to be perfect, then we live by God's scale of values. It is a matter of what comes first. If our main objective is just to get by, then we are number one in our values and God is number two.

We need to decide what is important.

We must be excellence in our walk with Jesus, so we never hear the words “depart from me, I never knew you.”

Closed Doors

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.

God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. Another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.

The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances."

You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him?

If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school.

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).

One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering.

We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places.

The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you.

The Preacher and the Skunk

I have a friend who was sort of a mentor for young preachers from a nearby seminary that came to area churches to hone their pulpit skills when area pastors were on vacation or taking leave due to illness.

My friend had taken a new preacher to a little country church for services. It was summer and the church had no air conditioning so all of the doors and windows were open. Everything was going fine and the young preacher was doing well until in walked a skunk. The skunk paraded right down the aisle towards the pulpit. The young preacher noticed the skunk. He cautiously looked around the church for reactions from the congregation.

To his surprise no one else seemed to even notice the skunk. Uneasily the preacher decided to ignore the skunk and keep preaching. The skunk kept on moving toward the front of the church. The preacher managed to continue focused on preaching until the skunk reached the platform and headed for the pulpit. The young preacher scanned the audience for some sort of reaction. Surely, he thought, someone in the congregation had noticed the skunk.

The audience appeared attentive but yet oblivious to the dilemma of the young preacher. The skunk moved closer to the preacher. Finally, the time for action had arrived and the preacher decided he had to do something. He vaulted over the pulpit and ran out the back door.

Once outside he took a few moments to catch his breath as he waited for others to follow. Several minutes passed and no one else came out of the church. He decided to check out the situation. Cautiously he approached the door and peaked inside. What he saw amazed him, the congregation was still seated as if nothing had happened.

Finally, one of the elders walked out of the church holding the skunk. By this time the young preacher was extremely nervous and very confused. The deacon looked at the preacher holding up the skunk and said, "I guess we should have told you about the neighbor's pet skunk. He occasionally comes to vist."

Dirty Diapers

I recently listened to a radio ad placed by an excommunicated member of one of our churches. Of course he paid for the ad on the radio station that he owns. In the ad he attacked the pastor, the state overseer, and other members that had dealt with his situation. Not only did he use the radio, but he also stated he was going to put an ad in the local newspaper the following week explaining why he was removed from the membership of the church and further bringing damage to the COG in the small community that he lives in. In his radio ad he also said that he didn't give a d--- about when put thought with the emphasis that he was still a Christian.

My first thought was what in the world is going on? Has it come to the point that we have to air our dirty laundry to an unsaved, ungodly world in such a way that we all look bad? It's like taking a dirty diaper and holding it up to the world and saying, "It's mesy, it's nasty; but it's my poop. I don't care what you say or anybody else tells me. It's my poop and I want the world to see."

Discipline is never easy. The folks in the wrong always think they're right and the folks in the right always think the others are wrong. When I joined this denomination I agreed to live by it's doctrine and practices. Do I agree with everything that goes on? No. Do I like everything that goes on? No. But I made a commitment, a vow that I would honor what we taught and stood for, good and bad. Do I want a seculiar world to know out business? No. Do I want sinners and unsaved people to know that the church has to deal with bad apples like everyone else? No.

The solution is in the Bible. How about read it and practice it.

Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."

I am not interested in dirty diapers. I do not want the stench of your poop to cover the church that I love and care about and have given my whole life for. So the next time things don't go your way, put the diaper in the trash. Just put in a bag and disgard it-because if you don't the odor will affect you in ways you don't even want to think about.

A Message From God

Listen-up: I am God!

Today I will be handling all of your problems.

Please remember that I do not need your help.

If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.

Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box.

It will be addressed in MY TIME -- not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or remove it.

Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem.

If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper course of action.

Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep.

Rest my child.

If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.


Addendum -- Proverbs 30:5 (NKJ)   "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."

And You expect Me Not To Pray?

After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said:

"Let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self esteem. You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, and fair play, how and where to register to vote, how to balance a checkbook, and how to apply for a job. I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, offer advice, write letters of recommendation for student employment and scholarships, encourage respect for the cultural diversity of others, and, oh yeah, always make sure that I give the girls in my class 50 percent of my attention.

My contract requires me to work on my own time after school and evenings grading papers. Also, I must spend my summer vacation at my own expense, working toward advance certification and a Master's degree. And on my own time you want me to attend committee and faculty meetings, PTA meetings, and participate in staff development training. I am to be a paragon of virtue, larger than life, such that my very presence will awe my students into being obedient and respectful of authority. And I am to pledge allegiance to family values and this current administration.

You want me to incorporate technology into the learning experience, monitor web sites, and relate personally with each student. That includes deciding who might be potentially dangerous and/or liable to commit a crime in school. I am to make sure all students pass the state mandatory exams, even those who don't come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments. Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental or physical handicap. And I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, and a big smile AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!

You want me to do all of this, and you expect me NOT TO PRAY?"

Cast Your Nets

Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be successful according to the world's definition of success. We are driven by goals and accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge and "things" in order to prove our success.

In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success - one determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night without a catch, Jesus called from the shore. John 21:6 "He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some {fish}.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that the large number of fish did not define their success. They would have been successful even if the nets remained empty. They were successful the moment they were obedient and threw out the net. One thousands years earlier, King Saul was told to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them," (1 Samuel 15:3). But Saul allowed the Amalekite king and the best livestock to survive. He tried to cover His disobedience by saying the calves and lambs were for a sacrifice to God. "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22).

In any task we undertake for God, it's easy to become discouraged by our apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate - and those feelings increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must remember, the outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. God doesn't need our "fish" - He wants our devotion and trust. He desires that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let's take our eyes off the accomplishment of the "catch" and what we can produce. Rather, let's focus on walking each step according to His leading. Let's concentrate all our effort on obeying His call to cast out the net.

Blowing In The Wind

Ezekiel 37:9, 10 " Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army."

The wind of God is breathing life back into the church again. The deadness and dryness of the world has eroded the power and the glory of God for far too long. I believe God is ready to breath on us once again with His power, presence, and priority once again.

-The breath of His power- "So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army."

-The breath of His presence-"‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live."

-The breath of His priority- “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath..."

When God breathes His power upon the church He has three expectations:
1. That she lives.
2. That she stands up for what is right.
3. That she becomes a mighty force that the devil and hell have to deal with on a daily basis.

When God breathes His presence into the church:
1. He raises the dead.
2. Life is given; not just for a short time, but abundantly.
3. Good things will come from every where to replace the spirit that death had brought.

When God breathes His priority within the church:
1. She refocuses on her mission.
2. She acts in faith.
3. She believes for Divine intervention in all things at all times.

The answers to the problems the church is facing today is blowing in the life giving wind of God's Spirit. O Lord, blow on us today!

Will God Still Move On Our Behalf?

The question that I use as my title for the blog today has been asked of me several times in the past year. If fact, I think I have asked it myself several times. Will God still move on our behalf?

What does that question mean? Well simply put, will God honor His Word and be there when He need Him the most at the time we need Him the most. In these tough economic times both Christians and churches are hurting financially. It seems as though Satan is controlling the purse strings and that every extra amount of funds is being stolen from the believers. In turn, people are rebelling against things they know are truthful and blessed and staying away from church and backsliding on God.

So what does the Bible say? Does God still work on our behalf in our greatest time of need?

-God says nothing is too hard for Him!
Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?"

-God says He can and does still move mountains set in motion by our faith.
Mark 11:23 "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."-God has promised that He will provide what we need when we need it most.
John 14:12-14 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

-God appointed us as vessels to be a testment of His wondrous power to this generation.
John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

-God says just to ask in His name.
John16:24 "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

I still believe that He will make a way where there is no way. How about you?

Happy Valentine's Day

The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

It was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine's Day — should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America.

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.)

Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Why Do People Always Have To Have A Drama

1. Don’t leave a church out of your personal discontent. -- If discontent is rooted within you, it will follow you wherever you go, regardless of what church you attend. Many years ago, a certain lady who had attended our church for a few weeks came to speak with me. “Your church is so refreshing from all the other churches around here,” she complemented. Curious, I asked, “Just how many other churches have you attended?” “Oh, about thirteen,” was her reply. Privately, I realized that we were going to have problems with this new lady, because when it comes down to the basics, most Christian churches aren’t that much different from each other. Whenever a person finds dissatisfaction with several congregations, you can be assured that the problem is their own, not the churches. And sure enough, the woman eventually became discontent and left our church too, the same as the previous thirteen.

2. Don’t leave a church because you transferred your own personal frustrations there. -- Avoid pushing off your feelings of disappointment from other areas of our life onto the church. Sometimes unhappiness toward the church is a derivative from other personal problems such as: Family or marital difficulties, job dissatisfaction, personal offenses, memories of childhood abuse, mental stress, emotional illness, and so forth. People who struggle with deep internal problems sometimes develop a distorted estimation of the people or situations around them, and may blame them, including the church, for their anguish. Generally speaking, the church is not your problem. Remember that it and its ministers are there because they love you and want to help you -- not hurt you.

3. Don’t leave a church because your feelings got hurt. -- Hurt feelings are a “violation of self interests” and are usually a result of being too self-sensitive. In any church or gathering of people there may be many offensive things said or done, mostly unintended, but you don’t have to let yourself become offended. Those who are easily offended may simply be immature, too self-centered, or may retain self-sensitivities due to past, festering wounds. Hurt feelings are probably the greatest reason why people leave churches, but deepening your roots in Christ and His word can immunize you against such tenderness. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165 KJV).

4. Don’t leave a church over trivial criticisms. -- People sometimes have a remarkable ability of making a mountain out of molehill. I’ve known people to change churches merely because they didn’t like the way the pastor combed his hair, the length of the services, how the bulletin was typed, or other silly reasons. Of the many excuses that persons use to leave a church, this is among the most shallow. If all you seem to do is criticize and find fault with the church, you have an attitude problem. Regardless of where you go to church, you’ll find similar faults again, because the problem isn’t with the church -- the problem is with you.

5. Avoid leaving a church over its style or individuality. -- One of the most common explanations people give for switching churches is their “disagreement with certain beliefs.” However, I can recall many instances where people used this reason even though both churches believed and taught the same things. In reality, it was a dislike of the personality of the church -- its teaching methods, the style of worship, the structure of the services, or the pastor’s preaching style, etc. Many churches actually believe and teach the same things, but each might have a slightly different method, structure, or style which makes up it’s unique personality. No two churches are alike in their personality or methods, any more than two people are alike, but it’s not really very mature to abandon a church over such, shallow, external things. Our estimation of a church should be based on more spiritual, substantive issues, such as their beliefs, their love for one another, or their commitment to reach the lost, etc.

6. Don’t leave a church when faced with self conflict. -- Many people do not understand that spiritual growth requires confronting and overcoming conflict with our self-willed nature (James 1:3-4). The environment of the church provides two important features of growth producing conflict: (1) Authority who will challenge you with truth and correct you when you are wrong. And (2) an environment of believers, many of whom are imperfect and whose rough edges will serve as sandpaper to smooth out your wrinkles. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17). If anyone thinks he is spiritual, just get close to your brethren, and you’ll find out what’s really inside you. People are like “mirrors” in which we can see ourselves as we really are. If there’s bitterness or a lack of love, it will become exposed. It doesn’t matter how agitating, rude or unspiritual your brethren might be. This does not justify your intolerance or impatience with them. These attitudes are characteristics of your own immaturity -- a weakness in YOU that needs perfected. This is why some people run from church to church -- because it exposes their bad side. They see their own sins and blemishes revealed in their relationship with the brethren, or they become outraged when their self-willed desires or sins are challenged through convicting preaching or correction.

If a person remains a “island” to themself they will never have to face up to the spiritual immaturity within them. But exposing themselves to the environment of the church will cause them to face conflicts that must overcome in order to grow up. A sign of a spiritually mature person is that they can be loving and patient with anyone (1 John 2:10, Gal. 5:22-23), and they can humbly submit themselves to truth and the correction of authority (Heb. 13:17).


7. Don’t leave a church until you have contributed in some way to try help make it better. -- I have always noticed that the most critical people in the church are usually the ones who do the least. Have you prayed for the leaders? Have you made yourself available to serve or help in areas of ministry? Have you expressed helpful suggestions or brought your concerns to the leadership (in a non-judgmental fashion). Go to the leadership and share your heart without harsh criticism, verbal assaults, or nagging complaints, which only cause a leader to become defensive.
Never spread your “unhappiness,” criticism or dissatisfaction to members of the body -- this doesn’t do anything to help, and stirs up discord in the church, a sin God hates (Prov. 6:19).If you can’t keep from spreading your discontent to others, sadly, it may be in your best interest and for the peace of the congregation, for you to move on to another church. Compassionate leaders who are unable to reason with such persons would be wise, and justified by scripture, to encourage their departure from the fellowship. “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease” (Prov. 22:10).

39 Years Ago

Do you remember what you were doing 39 years ago today? I do. I was getting ready to get married to Ms. Rebecca Sue Brigman of Hamer, SC. It's amazing some things you remember the older you get and some things that you forget. But I do remember that Saturday 39 years ago.

I was an evangelist at that time and was planning on moving to the COG Campground in Mauldin (or Simpsonville according to which side you live on). We had rented a mobile home from Pastor E. F. Munn and were excited about moving in. We had already set up everything the week before the wedding so that when we got there Sunday night it would be in place.

We had the rehearsal dinner that night and mom and I got into an argument about something stupid. I also slammed the car door on my hand getting stuff into the old Hamer fellowship hall. We were just trying to get ready for our big day.

A lot has changed in 39 years. My best friend, my dad, has been in heaven now for almost 23 years. Both my parents-in-law have joined him as well. My Aunt Shirley, who was our Matron of Honor has gone on as well. Mom is still with us, Dennis and David have gotten married and raised their families, and Becky and I have 3 grandchildren now. The old Hamer church and fellowship building was sold to another group and the old Hamer Elementary school where we had our reception has been torn down. Yes, a lot has changed in 39 years.

However, the sweet lady God gave me for a wife has not changed one bit in my eyes. I still see the girl sitting at the piano on stage at Pee Dee Camp Meeting when I look at her. Her hair is a little gray now (so is mine) and she is about 10 pounds lighter, but she is still the best thing outside of Jesus that ever happened to me.

My only regret in life is that she has had to put up with so much as a pastor's wife. Not many women can do something like that, only those that God calls. After 39 years, all I can say is I'm glad God called Rebecca Sue Brigman to become Rebecca Sue Brigman Stone. When He made her He threw away the mold because He couldn't crate anything any better. Those who know her agree with me.

Thanks babe, for 39 years....and Happy Anniversary tomorrow.

There Is No Substitute

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

There is no substitute for love. There is nothing that can match it in this universe. John 3:16 shares with us the power that love has:

"For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

Nothing else can match that any where, any time, or any place.

-love is God.

-love is a connection between two hearts.

-love is a bond that can never been broken.

-love is a sacrifice.

-love is forgiving.

-love is something in your heart that makes you feel safe.

-love is to not feel lonely even if you are alone.

There is no substitute for love.

What's Important To You

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."

His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!"

"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."

"That's crazy," said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

"That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!"

"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for."

"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise."

"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."

Guaranteed Results

This is an intense exercise program. You can do a little at first and work up to the next level. The great part is you do not need a check up from a doctor to perform most of the exercises. The results vary from person to person, but the more you invest, the greater you will feel! What do you say we get started?

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize."

CHIN-UPS:  Lift your chin up and hold it there as long as possible. You are feeling so wonderful about your relationship with Jesus that you can't let it down. Rest. Repeat. Don't worry, just keep working at it, you'll get better at this one.

LIFTS:  Go to the area where you keep your Bible. Do not be concerned about it's weight, you can do this! Open it up and read a chapter. Rest. Repeat. Lift it over and over! You'll be amazed how strong you will become!

KNEE BENDS:  Find a nice private place for this exercise. Start by going from a standing position to a kneeling position. Well, you might as well speak with God while your there. Rest. Repeat. This exercise will take some practice, but you can do it! He is glad to hear from you!

SQUATS:  Start by finding your small children or grandchildren. Squat down to there eye level and tell them how much Jesus loves them. They might even be interested in knowing how much you love them, too! Rest. Repeat. Very good! How are you feeling at this point?

SHADOWBOXING:  You might want to shut the blinds for this one. Dance around a little bit, avoiding your enemies strikes. Deliver a cross, uppercut, jab, jab, cross and a knock-out punch! Great job! Rest. Repeat. Now, I must warn you. Be careful! This is only intended for exercise purposes, but if you are to mentally produce an opponent, we recommend Satan! Be careful with this exercise because he does hit back! Work on your ducking and blocking!

OVERHEAD RAISES:  This exercise is most effective done with music that praises the Lord. So, to get the ultimate stretch, extend both hands out and up to the sky. Really put them up there, stretch them high in the air! Rest. Repeat. How did that feel? Maybe a little uncomfortable at first, but your really getting the hang of it!

PUSH-UPS:  We've got work to do! This exercise can be performed anywhere and anytime, but our research shows that it is rarely done. The sad part is Jesus asks us very specifically to do it. I don't know about you, but based on that, I'm ready to get busy! So try these performing the exercise here: Push up your neighbor's trash to the curb, push up an elderly widow's snow to the street, push up a stranded person's car to a safe parking lot, push up a fallen fence for the disabled. You got the idea now and look at you! Finding all kinds of things to push up for Jesus Christ! Oh, and try this if you really want to get results: Give Him the credit!

SIT-UPS:  Sit-up and take notice of where you are after this program. Do you feel stronger? Do you feel closer to Him? Now, sit-up and know how much He loves you! We can exercise a lot of muscles in our body, but to grow closer to Jesus; we have to exercise our heart!

So, what is the real key to this program? Rest.   Repeat.   Rest.   Repeat.

I Refuse To Be Defeated

Romans 8:31 "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
In December 2010 God spoke to me and told me my ministry time in Union was finished. God had given me a vision for my present church almost 2 years before and circumstances did not avail me to go there at that time. Less than two years later the Lord opens the door again and boom we are here! I know beyond a shadow of a doubt God called me here and God ordained me to be the Pastor of DCOG. But nothing good comes without a struggle.

This has been a very difficult year in many respect because of the past of the church. I have had to try and gain the trust of the people and prove myself as someone who was called here and not using it as a stepping stone. I have had to deal with numerous problems with the physical structures of the buildings much in need of repair. I have also had to deal with attitudes and actions that have been left unchecked for a while which resist change and have no identity. But guess what? I refuse to be defeated.

I will not let Satan defeat me, I will not let doubt defeat me, I will not let fear defeat me, nor any such thing because the Lord is on my side. As long as He is with me and for me I will make it and He will give me the break through that I desire for my church. The power and the glory of the Holy Ghost has equipped me and I am expecting God to show up and show out. Not necessarily in a loud way, but in a way that brings respect and honor back to the house of God.

Refuse to be defeated. I have come to the conclusion if God is for me then no one can stand against me. I am trusting, I am believing, that greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world.

The way I see it we have two choices-either give up or keep keeping on. I chose the latter. I refuse to be defeated!

Living with The Choices We Make

I couldn't help wondering last night while watching the Super Bowl why in the world didn't the 49ers draft Aaron Rodgers instead of Alex Smith. You can say what you want about you got to have a good coach, good players, and all the rest of that stuff, but you've got to have somebody that's good enough to lead them down field to win.

Rodgers is a California product, grew up a 49ers fan, but was passed over in the draft because the coach of SF thought Smith was a better prospect. Seven years later we're still at the bottom, while the man they passed over is the MVP of the Super Bowl.

Sometimes it's hard to live with the choices that we make. the good ones help us, but the bad ones haunt us often until our dying day. That's the reason so many people never escape from the shadows they live under from their past. They made bad choices and they are in such a place that if they try and change them on their own the results could be a disaster.

However, that's why Jesus came. He came to help us deal with or to live with the choices we have made in life. He forgives the bad things we have done and remembers them no more. He also helps us to deal with them and not let them haunt or harm us on a daily basis. He is Savior, He is Master, He is Lord. If you let Him He will help you with any choices you have made in your life.

-Ask Him how to deal with the choices that you've made and are living with today.
-Believe that He will assist you in dealing with and making right the things that need to be handled.
-Trust Him and that from this point own the choices you make will be based on His Word and His direction.

Aaron Rodgers proved to the world last night he should have been the number 1 draft choice instead of number 24 that year. Green Bay is happy to live with the choice they made.

How about you?

God Doesn't Need Miracles

One of my former members from Union sent me a Facebook message regarding a local minister preaching that God didn't have to use miracles anymore to reach people. She said that in his sermon he said that we should only preach about grace and the cross and not about manifestations of God through His Spirit. I guess it depends on your definition of a miracle because...

-It was a miracle when my life was transformed by the mercy and forgiveness of God.

-It was a miracle when my past was forgiven and I was changed by the power of God.

-It was a miracle when I called upon His name, "Jesus", and He responded with eternal life.

-It was a miracle when I got up from the altar that He made everything brand new within me.

-It was a miracle that Jesus died on the cross just for my sins even before I was born.

-It was a miracle that through His grace I was freely forgiven and didn't have to earn my salvation (which none of us would ever be able to do).

You can label it anyway you want to, but when you preach the cross, grace, or Jesus you are preaching about miracles. If you don't believe me read John 3:16 one more time. It's the most miraculous verse in the Bible. Amen!

No, God doesn't need miracles to convince us of His love for us, but I'm glad He gave us one in Jesus. How about you?

Super Bowl of Caring

I do well remember the last time the Super Bowl really was exciting for me. Steve Young three 6 touchdown passes and the 49ers beat the Chargers. Man, I was so excited the next day when I got my World Champion T-Shirt and Ball cap. I've been a 49er fan for as long as I can remember and the eighties and nineties were sweet to us. Now if we had drafted Aaron Rodgers instead of Alex Smith we might have been back again.

But when the quarterback well ran dry (the last guy we had that was real good was Jeff Garcia), my Niners went in the tank. We have really fallen on hard times and every time things begin to look up we fall down again. But I am still filled with hope two days before the Packers and Steelers play in Super Bowl 45 I am still believing for next year. As long as there is hope the dream can stay alive.

That's why this Sunday if your church is having a Super Bowl of Caring service please get involved. Statistics show that most of us are just a paycheck or two of being homeless. There are people living on the street this year that were in homes just like yours last year. In fact many of them never thought they would be homeless today.

There are also children here and abroad that have been abandoned and orphaned during the course of the year. Man, I shudder to think of what would happen to kids I know and love if their parents were killed and then decisions were made about their futures by people who don't know or even care for them.  Or what about the widow or widower in the nursing home that has outlived their children? Does anybody really care if they exist or not? That's why so many who have infirmities due to age feel unloved because nobody seems to care if they exist or not.

On this Super Bowl of Caring Sunday make sure you make a vow to God to show concern for the homeless, the orphaned, and the widowed. If your goal in 2011 is to feed the hungry then do it. If it is to help the hurting and alone in a nursing home or those confined to home then do so. If you can help those that are homeless get back on their feet then do it. That's what the Super Bowl of Caring is all about-showing God's love to those who might need it the most.

The Message Matthew 25:41-45 ""Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

   I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
   I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
   I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
   I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
   Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'
 ⁴⁴"Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'
 ⁴⁵"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'

Today Is The Day

I am sick an tired of people saying God just doesn't work the way He used to in our churches. He is very much identified as the God of today in scripture. He has not changed one bit, but He is evermore the same.

-He's the God of All-Time!
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

-He speaks on a daily basis, but you have to listen to hear His voice.
Hebrews 3:7 "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “ Today, if you will hear His voice..."-If you want to hear what He says you must soften your heart.
Hebrews 3:15 "...while it is said:“ Today, if you will hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
-He has designated today as the day He will deal with your situation and provide answers.Hebrews 4:7 "...again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts.”
-Today He lets you know that you belong to Him.Hebrews 5:5 "So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “ You are My Son,Today I have begotten You.”

Today is the day you need to praise Him for what He's done for you. Today is the day that you need to act on his promises.

James 4:13-15 "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Pastoral Good News/Bad News

GOOD NEWS: You baptized seven people today in the river.
BAD NEWS: You lost two of them in the swift current.

GOOD NEWS: The Women's Missionary Society voted to send you a get-well card.
BAD NEWS: The vote passed by 31-30.

GOOD NEWS: The Deacon's Board accepted your job description the way you wrote it.
BAD NEWS: They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.

GOOD NEWS: You finally found a choir director who does things exactly the same way you do.
BAD NEWS: The choir mutinied.

GOOD NEWS: Your women's softball team finally won a game.
BAD NEWS: They beat your men's softball team.

GOOD NEWS: The trustees finally voted to add more church parking.
BAD NEWS: They are going to blacktop the front lawn of your parsonage.

GOOD NEWS: Church attendance rose dramatically the last three weeks.
BAD NEWS: You were on vacation.

GOOD NEWS: Your deacons want to send you to the Holy Land.
BAD NEWS: They are stalling until the next war.

GOOD NEWS: Your biggest critic just left your church.
BAD NEWS: He has been appointed the Head Bishop of your denomination.

GOOD NEWS: The youth in your church came to your house for a surprise visit.
BAD NEWS: It's in the middle of the night and they are armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to "decorate" your house.

Knowing Is Half The Battle

1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."

We live in a world today that is looking for the unusual, the different, and the odd thing. It has become very notable in the church without people titling themselves as Apostles and Prophets along with displaying specific spiritual gifts. The problem is so many that seek to show out do so only for their glory and not the glory of God. The Bible has a problem with people who follow every mandate of spiritual leaders that are not proven out by scripture. In other words, knowing who they are, how they live, and why they do what they do can enforce their effectiveness. However following every dictate from the lips of the unproven can lead to disaster.

Luke 6:39 says, "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?"

Here some facts that might upset you, but they show the trends of today regarding the shallowness of people's spirituality:

-If the shoe fits wear it. We like what these folks say so much that we ignore the other qualifications of leadership that the Bible and God require. It just sounds good to us and makes us comfortable so it must be okay.

-Man, that's different. The other side of the spectrum is we want something unique that seemingly nobody else has so we blindly follow every thing we hear and take it as a Word from God.

-He must be a prophet because only God could reveal that to him. Yes, God uses people and he will honor His Word. He even used animals to fulfill His plans in times past. But remember not everyone that says, "Lord, Lord", shall enter into the Kingdom of God.

God wants us to know those that labor among us. Not just by name, but by actions and by lifestyle. Don't take every thing that every "spiritual person" says to you as a prophecy from God. No them that labor among you. See their lifestyle. Make sure they live what they preach, teach, or say. Don't be fooled into being a pawn of the enemy, but stand up and be a soldier of the cross. As I said earlier, knowing is half the battle. The rest comes by faith.