Give Him Praise

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to write and say thank you for reading my blog.  I don't claim to be a writer or a great communicator, but I'm trying to follow the Lord on this one.  I am finding it a little more difficult to keep up with my blog than originally planned, however, I do intend to continue to share my life and lessons with you all.  God has been so good to me and my family.  Words can hardly express the gratitude I have in my heart for what He has done.  I'm sure most of you can relate and would say exactly the same thing.  God is so good to us...Amen! 

I think it's safe to say that you can expect at least two blogs a week from me during the summer months.  I hope it's ok that I just let you all know via facebook.  I don't want to seem pushy about what I write but I would like everyone to know that I'm here.  I do want to share one quick thing concerning our "Night of Worship" that we had the other night.

Firstly, our youth praise and worship team led the service.  I couldn't be more proud of the students that I have with me on the team.  They are young leaders in the making and it's such an honor to see them maturing in the Lord.  So, we planned this night and were expecting God to show up...and He did!  If you were there you know exactly what I'm talking about.  The presence of God was thick and He poured His love out on us.  It was nothing short of amazing! 

You know, after all these years of serving God, I'm still blown away by the love He has for us.  I can honestly say, probably like you, that I have wronged Him in almost every way.  But, inspite of my sin and rebellion, He still loves me.  God's love knows no end!  That's why, I never get tired of giving Him praise, because He's just so worthy.  No one loves me like He loves me, and no one loves you like He does.

If you ever find yourself in a place where you think you have nothing to be thankful for, you can always be thankful for God's love!  Needless to say, we were all touched by the presence of God and that is my prayer for you today.  That you be touched, changed and transformed by the awesome presence of God.  Many blessings friends!!!   

My Little Girl

They don't come much sweeter or more pretty than my little girl, Jael.  Needless to say, she is the apple of my eye.  And, as her mother always says, she has me wrapped around her little finger.  Well, it's true.  I will not deny it.  As a matter of fact, we just celebrated her sixth birthday.  I can't believe it's been that long since we brought her home from the hospital, but it has.  You know, I am constantly reminded by my kids of the great responsibility we all share as parents.

When you really stop and think about it, it's just plain scary.  Fortunately for us, we already had Hayden and a little experience under our belts by the time Jael came along.  I'm not going to lie, it was tough.  A new child always is in their own way.  But you know what, every time I look at my kids, it's like I'm reminded of how truly awesome God is.  For those of you who don't have kids yet, you'll more fully understand what I'm talking about later on in your life's journey.  Children just have a way of putting things into perspective.  Ok, I get it, it's not all about me.

I believe, that if we really allow God to move and work in our lives, He will find very creative ways of teaching us the lessons we need to learn.  Like, patience.  That can be a hard pill to swallow.   However, when you have kids, it's like either you get it or don't...and eventually you have to.  Kids require a lot of patience.  I'd like to pause for a moment and give a huge shout out to my mother who had to put up with me for 18 years.  Love you mom!  Anyway, back to patience, all of us need more.  With our kids, our spouses, our coworkers, neighbors, extended family, etc, etc. 

One of the funniest things to me about patience is...most of the time it takes way too long to acquire them. I need patience NOW!!!  Sorry, my attempt at humor.  For some of us though, they seem to be in short supply.  Funny thought, have you ever had those moments when  your kids are driving you crazy and you try to talk but the words you speak make no sense?  Evie and I usually get a good laugh out of each other when that happens.  It's like you're trying not to snap so you clinch your teeth together and move only your lips, but somehow the brain is confused by this and you end up saying things like, "I told you...what...I....stop...each other...hitting."  It happens to me at least twice a week.

In all seriousness though, patience or long suffering, which by definition is "patient endurance" is a part of our character that God wants to develop.  The hard part is, well, the developing process.  Most of us don't like it because it takes too long.  The good news is, we all must face it.  Learning how to be patient and/or patiently endure is a part of maturing in Christ.  Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:2 to " Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I think the key to having patience for me, is just remembering how patient my Heavenly Father is.  How long has he patiently endured my childlike, rebellious ways.  There may be someone in your life right now that perhaps rubbs you the wrong way.  Or you may find that due to increased stress, you are less and less patient with your family.  Just remember, in order to develop patience, you have to face the process...which is nothing more than opportunity after opportunity to practice patience.  That is my encouragement for you today, to practice patience.  Many blessings!

             

When Lightning Strikes

It was one of the most terrifying moments in my life.  I've never felt that kind of power before.  It was almost as if time stood still.  Even now, my mind can play back every second as though I were wat

ching it in real time.  I must have been around 12 years old.  A storm had just rolled through and the sky was starting to clear.  Growing up in Arkansas, I was no stranger to thunder storms.  I loved how clean the air would smell after the rain.  Sometimes the air was thick and heavy like a wet winter coat, but not this day.

Now I have to tell you about the tree.  There stood in our front yard a huge oak tree, the trunk alone was the size of two men.  On one of the limbs hung a rather large chain that my dad would use to hoist up the lawn mower when it was time to sharpen the blades.  It was a beautiful tree and had provided shade on many hot days.  It was about 50 feet from our front porch. 

So the rain had stopped, I opened the front door to step onto the porch.  I had taken about 5 steps when out of no where there was a bright flash of light and the sound of a military canon.  I will attempt now to express through words what happened next.  You know that scene in Home Alone when Kevin is running through the house with his hands in the air screaming like a banshee.  Well, that's pretty much what I looked like.  My mom was witness to my entrance back into the house.  Now, I want you to imagine being in my shoes.  You casually walk out onto your front porch, then, BANG! lightning strikes!

It was a sad day for our tree.  Apparently the rather large chain was to much for the lightning to resist.  I can say with all honesty though, it blew the bark right off that tree, we have pictures to prove it.  Isn't it funny how sometimes in life, things just happen.  Life throws us a curve and we're left wondering what to do.  A dear pastor friend of mine would always say, "Life is what happens when you're making plans".  It's true isn't it.

Sometimes lightning just strikes, and it can be scary.  Another friend of mine just wrote me and said, "My husband has decided to leave my daughter and I, please pray for us".  Wow, talk about unexpected.  As Christians, what should our response be to the unforseen events that take place in our lives?  Is there a rhyme or reason to what happens to us?  I'm sure that like me, you've asked these questions yourself.  When lightning strikes, our first response is usually to run.  Scared and perplexed, we run and hide.  Some of us run back to our old habits.  Others fiind themselves questioning their faith. 

But God gives us a promise in Deuteronomy 31:6, " Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  I've learned over the years that no matter what comes my way, whether it be death, destruction, failure, or (fill in the blank), God will never leave me.  He will never forsake me.  As a believer, I am His.  He holds my life in His hands, and like the wonderful father He is, He will never let go.

My encouargement for you today is this, be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid...God will never leave you nor forsake you.  That is the confidence we have because of him.  And when lightning strikes, as it is sure to do, run to God not away from Him.  "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Hebrews 4:16 NLT

 

Firm Foundation

Like most teenagers, I grew up with a small amount of rebelliousness.  Psychologist would agree that it's perfectly normal.  Given the many changes teenagers endure during adolescence.  There is a desire to become independant from parents and to discover who we are as adults in the making.  So there were many times growing up that I would challenge my mother, especially when it came to going to church.  It just didn't seem fair that I had to go to church when my dad and older brother were at home.

Today, however, I thank God that my mother would stand her ground and on some instances, drag my butt to church.  Looking back I can see that being committed to attending church regularly with my mom has deeply effected who I am today.  I must add that, for my mom, it wasn't just church on Sunday mornings.  We were there for Sunday school, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening service, Wednesday night service and the occasional revival meetings.

I can see now the great responsibility we have as parents to, as Proverbs 22:6 tells us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  That is a promise that the Bible gives us as parents.  Sadly, what we are seeing in our culture today is a laxidasical approach to "Starting our children off right".  Parents seem to be more concerned with entertainment rather than preperation.  Children and teens are shuffled from one activity to another, staying busy seems to be what we're teaching our kids not faithfulness to the body of Christ.

Now, before you raise your pitchfork, let me just say, There are a lot of parents doing the best they can.  My point is this, if we're not careful, we may be inadvertently teaching our kids the wrong priorities.  Of course we know that just "going to church" is not all there is to Christianity.  But research shows that "When it comes to church engagement, those who attended Sunday school or other religious programs as children or as teens were much more likely than those without such experiences to attend church and to have an active faith as adults." -The Barna Group

As a youth pastor, my heart breaks when week after week I see parents and students missing from our weekly services.  Our teens today face an enormis amount of pressure.  Josh McDowell says that, "They are exposed to sexual temptation, school violence, alcohol, illegal drugs, and a variety of influences that threaten to undo all that we teach them."  Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know this. 

I often find that the amount of scripture and teaching I recieved as a child and teenager is what bubbles up in my times of need.  The foundation that my mother helped lay in my life is what I stand on as an adult.  Dr. Glen Schultz says, "At the foundation of a person's life, we find his beliefs.  These beliefs shape his values, and his values drive his actions."  Ever wonder why your teen acts the way they act, or says the things they say.  You must look at their foundation.  I always tell my kids that, what you put in you will get out.

Many studies reveal that young people who lack a basic biblical belief system are:
- 225 percent more likely to be angry with life
- 216 percent more likely to be resentful
- 210 percent more likely to lack purpose in life
- 200 percent more likely to be disappointed in life

From the same research they have concluded that these same students are also:
- 36 percent more likely to lie to a friend
- 48 percent more likely to cheat on an exam
- 200 percent more likely to steal
- 200 percent more likely to physically hurt someone
- 300 percent more likely to use illegal drugs
- 600 percent more likely to attempt suicide

Did you know that the majority of today's youth (70 percent) say there is no absolute moral truth.  Also, 81 percent of our students claim that "all truth is relative to the individual and his/her circumstances."  Where are they getting this?  Let's face it, we live in a postmodern world folks and it's everywhere.  When you turn on your TV, radio, and the web...it's all screaming that truth does not exist!

But there is hope, Romans 10:17 tells us that, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."  So, my challenge to parents is, stand your ground and "Start your children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  That's God's promise...Amen!





  

No More Diapers

Its not fun changing diapers.  I mean, let's face it.  It's just plain gross.  There are a few people out there, and you know who are, that take pleasure in cleaning the underside of a little one.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, and I love little babies.  And I've changed a few diapers in my life, but I guess I just get a little grossed out.  If you asked my wife, she'd tell you that I'm a big baby when it comes to dirty diapers.  Oh, and needles.  Just the thought of either one makes me cringe.

When Evie gave birth to our son, Hayden, I was the proudest papa on the planet.  He was such a good lookin little baby boy.  I still get chocked up just thinking about seeing him for the first time.  There he was, this beautiful little ball of flesh.  Needless to say, we were and are proud parents.  He even had a tan.  Or jaundice, it really just depends on how you look at it.

The time finally came when we got to take our little boy home.  I'm laughing as I write this, becuase if you could have seen us you'd be laughing too.  We were so careful.  Ok, we were extremely careful.  I think I only drove like 20 mph the whole way home.  But hey, he was precious cargo.  Its been almost nine years since we took Hayden home from the hospital and I'm amazed at how quickly time has gone.

Hayden has long since been out of diapers.  You would probably agree, that is a good thing.  Nobody wants to see a boy his age in diapers with a binky in his mouth.  I could take that one step further and say that we might be confused if we saw an adult in diapers, a binky and their baba (bottle).

Let's face it, it's just not right.  I know what you're thinking, where are you going with this?  Well, here comes the flip.  There is a great need for maturity in the body of Christ.  We have, how do you say, spiritual babies who should have long been out of diapers.  And something is starting to smell.

I want you to know that I'm not addressing the new believer.  We all start at the same place.  Immature, like newborns.  That is why  Paul urges us in 1 Peter 2:2 "as newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow up."  If you are a new believer, I encourage you to thirst for the word of God so that you might grow. 

As for the rest of us, there is a great need for maturity.  I'd like to make a few things clear.  No amount of supposed spiritual insight or experience reflects genuine spirtual growth, IF it is seperated from our basic growth in the knowledge of God's word.  In other words, it doesn't matter how long you've sat on that pew, how much time and energy or even money you give the church.  You can be spiritually immature and have been a Christian your entire life.  Your tenure as a believer does not equal spiritual maturity.

Listen to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, " Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly —mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?"

Wow, nobody puts it like Pual.  What is the sign of their immaturity here?  "For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?"  How often do we see this played out among God's people?  But Paul ain't scared, he calls them on the carpet about their worldliness, telling them, "Indeed, you are still not ready."  The implication being that they should be ready.  The diapers should be off by now.

The point is, it's time to grow up!  Hebrews 6:1 tells us, "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God."

How do we grow and mature in Christ?  We must be rooted in the Word of God.  Without this rootedness in the Word, we may be fooled about our growth.  Again, thinking that because we've been around for so long that we have spiritual maturity.  Like a tree planted by the water's edge, our roots should go deep in truth and love not just head knowledge.

My challenge for us today is this, that we spend time in the Word of God and remove ourselves from lovelessness, competiteveness and strife.  "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are."  1 Corinthians 3:16-17      
 

I'm ready to go home

"I have cancer", that's what the gentlemen across from me said while waiting for his ride home from the hospital.  There was a big trashbag full of medication on the table next to him.  He was a small man, perhaps he had been losing weight from the treatments.  Or maybe he had always been small.  Either way, he was friendly and somewhat optimistic about his situation.  We sat there for what seemed like hours.  Every few moments a few words were exchanged.  "I'm ready to go home" he said.  Those words rang out like a thousand gun shots.

The only thing I could think was, "Is he really ready to go home?".  Of course I knew what he meant by "home", but all I could think about was the state of his soul.  The longer we sat there the more uncomfortable I felt.  I could feel the lump in my throat growing as if I had swallowed a golf ball.  How long would I sit there and not ask the most important question in life?  Would I really let this opportunity for sharing God's love slip through my fingers?

I began to think about all the other times I allowed my fear to hold me captive.  Opportunity after opportunity to share the gift of life.  By this time, my mind was flooded by past failures and I could see that my window of opportunity was coming to a close.  Perhaps you can relate.  Maybe you know exactly what I'm talking about.  On the outside I was as cool as a cucumber, but my insides were in knots.  I knew what I had to do.  Now was the moment of truth.  I could no longer allow my own comfort or lack there of to determine my actions.

About that time, they called for us.  It was time for Evie's ultrasound.  We gathered our things and began to move.  I had failed.  Feeling sorry for myself I went over to him, extended my hand and asked his name.  "Charles", he said.  I'm Brian and I'll be praying for you.  Those words came out of my mouth but that's not what I was thinking.  "I'm Brian and I'm just trying to make myself feel better by being cliche." 

I'd like to say that I knelt down beside him right there in the lobby being led by the Holy Spirit and called heaven into that room on his behalf...but I didn't.  I'd like to say that I was obedient to the small voice of the Lord urging me to witness to him...but I can't.  What I can say to you is this.  God taught me a very valuble lesson that day, one I thought I already understood. 

I'm responsible.  And you are responsible.  As believers and the redeemed of the Lord, we are responsible to share the gift that God has freely given and desires to give.  I fear that most of us in the American church have become spiritual hoarders.  We take and take and take, piling up our spiritual mess all around us until we can no longer see the lost and hurting.  We justify our hoarding telling ourselves that, "someday I'll use that".

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that , "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."   Although we are weak and fragile, we carry inside of us the knowledge of God in the face of Christ.

Listen to his words later in chapter 5:20, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."  Lord, help me.  I ought to be like this.  I should be pleading with those around me, "BE RECONCILED TO GOD!"  It is my prayer for you and I that we take hold of this great truth, be clothed in boldness and be ambassadors for Christ sake before the sands of time run out. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Matthew 28:19

"A job worth doing, is worth doing right"

I remember the day so clearly.  June 28th, 2003.  It was a beautiful Saturday in Raymore, MO.  Evie was big and pregnant with our first child, Hayden.  We were surrounded by her family and life was good.  Little did I know that my world was about to be rocked by one phone call. 

Before I graduated high school I had already joined the Marine Corp.  I know, seems funny to think that I wanted to be a military man, but I did.  There was something inside of me that longed for adventure, discipline and a good challenge.  And boy was my dad proud.  You see, he joined the army at age 16.  You guessed it, he lied about his age, but his size told a different story.  He stood around 6'3" and looked very intimidating. 

Knowing my dad was proud of me was the highlight of that season in my life.  We didn't have a great relationship, but things were getting better.  I was fortunate to come along later in my dads life, he was a little more mellow.  My mom and dad had three kids, then ten years later I showed up.  My dad didn't want another child.  He suggested that my mom get an abortion.

In case you're wondering, she didn't. :)  My mom ended up giving her life to Jesus while pregnant with me.  My dad on the other hand, did not.  Needless to say, it was tough growing up in a divided home.  But I loved my dad.  He was hard on me, I'll spare you the details, let's just say when he got angry I paid for it.  But he did teach me one very valuble thing, and that is to always do your best.

That lesson has never left me.  It has been a constant in my life for almost 32 years.  It is what I live by.  He would always tell me, "A job worth doing, is worth doing right".  Even though I didn't fully understand it when I was a child, I know exactly what he was trying to instill in me now that I'm a man.  But as a Christian man, it means even more to me, because now, I give my best for the Lord.

In the nineth grade I almost lost him, his heart was failing and I missed a lot of school just spending time with him at the hospital.  He ended up having a quadruple bypass.  Unfortunately, that was not enough to convince my dad to stop smoking and work on his health.  There would be a few more surgeries and scares along the way.

Life is full of ups and downs, this I know.  It can take you places you don't really want to go.  For me, that was the day my sister called me, the date was June 28th, 2003.  I answered the phone in my usual playful way, but this time there was no laughter on the other end.  I heard my sister crying and my heart begin to sink.  I asked what was wrong.  All she said was, "Dad is gone".  I've never felt so broken.  It was like every cell was overtaken by grief and sorrow.

You see, it was also a beautiful day in Arkansas.  My mom and dad went for a motorcycle ride in the country.  Riding along on my dad's Honda Goldwing, mom recalls she was singing "you light up my life" in my dad's ear.  One second here, the next gone.  Not even a month later my son was born.  I wanted my dad to hold his grandson.  To see the joy on his face would have been priceless.  But my dad never got that chance.

But this is no sad story.  Why?  A few years before that fateful day, I witnessed the greatest miracle in life.  My mom and I were getting ready for church, as we did every Sunday, little did we know that is was no ordinary Sunday.  You see,  a few months prior we had given my dad a beautiful Bible with his name engraved on it for his birthday, believing that one day he would give his heart to the Lord.  And it just so happened that on that particular Sunday, my mother had the privilege of leading her husband to the arms of Christ.

Even though my dad never got to hold his grandson, and even though I miss him so much it hurts.  I know that he is with our Savior!  My encouragement for you today is this.  Don't ever stop praying for your loved ones.  We cannot see the future, but God holds every moment.  When we ask, when we pray, God listens.  Jesus tells us, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, today is the day of salvation!  Trust me, it doesn't matter how old or how young you are.  You can know the unconditional love that only God can give.

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.   For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”   For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  - Romans 10:9-13

Why we must look forward

Eight months. That's how long I've been here in the Mon-Valley area. Not very long if you consider most everyone here has been in this area their entire lives. When we arrived here in September 2011, we knew it was going to be hard for us as a family, but we never anticipated the trials and struggles that were to come. To say we had a rough start would be an understatement, but we were optimistic, knowing God has brought us here for a purpose.

So, let's do the math. Pack up, move your family over 800 miles away from everyone they know and love, add a ton of new people who don't know you then add to that the role of youth pastor, which for most, usually only last a few months due to stress, miscommunication and tons of work with little pay and you have a recipe for failure.

Fortunatley, I've learned that failure does equal the end, just like the past does not equal the future. Both success and failure are needed to become who God intends for us to be. Can I say that I've done everything in perfect love and humility, no. I've made my mistakes and hurt people along the way...but I can say it's never been intentional. Most of us never want to offend or hurt others, especially in the church. However, it does happen.

Jesus tells us in Luke 17:1 that "It is impossible that no offenses should come". Here the term "offenses" literally means "stumbling blocks". So we could read it as, "It is impossible that no stumbling blocks should come", which should prepare us for the inevitable...there will be times of stumbling. Think about it. We stumble over each other, don't we? Especially in the church where the enemy is working the most. It is his will and passion to cause division among the people of God. The very people that Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Of course we know that this is no ordinary love that Jesus is talking about, it is a new standard. A servantlike, selfless love. A love that according to 1 Corinthians 13:8 "never fails". It is a love like no other and it is how the world will know that we belong to Him!

Being raised within the "church" my entire life I have seen the ugly side of people. I've witnessed the pain and destruction that offense can cause between the people of God. I can honeslty say that God has given me a love for His people. Its why I do what I do. The plain and simple truth is, it's not our past offenses, hurts or pain that determine our future as the people of God. Its how we respond to those times of "stumbling" over one another that determines our future.

Unfortunatley, many times, we see the opposite of what God expects from us. Instead of reacting to offenses in love and forgiveness, we allow bitterness and hurt to take root. Before long, the joy of the Lord is far from reach and we find ourselves withdrawn and aloof from God's people. Many dear brothers and sisters in the Lord never return from this place. They just won't let go of their offense. They feed it, nurture it and allow it to grow.

John Bevere says that, "An offended Christian is one who takes in life, but because of fear, cannot release it." I'm burdened for believers who live in this fear, carrying around their offenses like stones around their necks. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Christians say, "Well, so and so did this and they said that" years after the offense. If we are going to experience the kind of love and joy that God has for us we must be willing to forgive. When we are unable to forgive, we have forgotten the great debt that God has forgiven us.

That is why, we must look forward! I'm asking that you join me on this journey of forgiveness. Letting go of past hurt and offenses...and looking forward to the bright future God has in store for His children. Make a point today to forgive those who have wronged you and ask God to help you walk in His love. God Bless - Brian

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:24-26