Imperfect People!

Just before Christmas, Lanelle and I were in a Christian bookstore when the title of a book caught my eye. It was “Soul Revolution” by John Burke. I had read another of John Burke’s books several years ago titled “No Perfect People Allowed” which had an amazing influence on me and how I view people and today’s culture. So, as I stood looking at Burke’s newest book I was once again captivated by it’s title. Well, not so much by it’s title but rather it’s subtitle. It read, “How Imperfect People Become All God Intended“. The picture also grabbed my attention.  Standing there is a guy wearing blue jeans and a brown tee shirt with tatoos up and down his arms. In his hand is a Bible. In the world of Christianity today, there are many people who walk into our churches looking just like this. At least in our church. But that’s the beauty of it all. And besides, arn’t we all imperfect people?

The most amazing reality in my own life is that God, for whatever reason, chose to not only change my life, but to use me in the church planting world. And imperfect I was and am! So much so that I question God’s judgment. Not really, but I do wonder so many times…why me? Why would God use someone like me who has made such a mess of things, at times in my life, to accomplish His work? It’s not like He can’t find people out there who have lived a more obediant life. It’s not like He can’t find people out there that are more committed. It’s not like God can’t find people out there who even have a better grasp of the Scriptures than I do. So why? The only reason I can come up with is because for whatever reason, God chooses to equip those whom He calls (the imperfect) , not call those whom are equiped (The perfect). God certainly has a way of changing people’s lives. So anyway, getting back to the book. Lanelle bought the book for me for Christmas. I am just into the first chapter, but already I like what I read. I’m looking forward to hearing how Burke answers “how imperfect people become all God intended.” I will keep you updated!

~ Pastor D.

The most beautiful story ever told is the story of our Savior Jesus Christ being born in Bethlehem. Not only is it a beatiful story, it is probably the most famous of all stories. Thousands of years ago there was a group of shepherds tending their flocks when God sent forth a message that Christ had been born. They made their way to a manger and witnessed the arrival of Jesus. As quickly as they had come, they soon left and began to spread the good news. Over 2000 years ago the story began to be told and people believed. Over the past few weeks, churches all over the world have been still been telling the story. But this story is more than just famous, it is one of the most important accounts of Christ that we need to hear.

The birth of Jesus reveals to us God’s desire to dwell with humanity. It is a story of the incarnation of God. God to flesh! John wrote in his gospel, “and the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as the only Son…” (John 1:14) Without Christ in Christmas, we have nothing more than just a fairy tale. Without Christ in Christmas it is just a story. Without Christ in Christmas we have nothing more than a yellow brick road to darkness. This holiday season we have more to celebrate than just time off or time with family and friends. During this time of every year we have the amazing opportunity to celebrate the birth of the glorious One!

A Vision for the Arab World

This is what I have learned so far…The Arab World consist of twenty-two countries stretching from Mauritania in the west to Oman in the east. These countries have a combined population of 323 million people. 300 million of these people are Muslims. The Arabic language forms a unifying feature of the Arab world. The majority of the people in the Arab world adhere to Islam and the religion has an official status in most Arab countries. The majority of the Arab countries adhere to the Sunni form of Islam; however Iraq, Yemen, and Bahrain are Shia majority countries. Although greatly outnumbered, there is a sizable number of Arab Christians living in the Arab countries. Today, Christians make up 9.2% of the population in the middle east. Labanon boast the greatest percentages of Christians living within its border with 39%. Syria and Egypt’s population of Christians is near 10%.

Being uniquely centered in the Arab world, Egypt is quickly becoming a staging point for those willing to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the muslim world. For the Egyptian believer, there is a burning desire to bring about change in the hearts of many and they are willing to do whatever it takes. Many times that means persecution and oppression. One group of Egyptian Christians (names withheld) are answering the call God has placed upon their lives and are taking the responsibility for the future of the emerging church which is comprised of muslims who are turning to Christ as well as nominal “Christians” who are discovering authentic Christianity for the first time. I had the greatest priviledge of meeting several from this group. They were mostly young adults who will stop at nothing to carry out the vision God has placed on their hearts. They love Jesus Christ with everything they have to offer. They are willing to put their life on the line to see people come to know Him. One in paticular was a young lady who shared with me her vision which included living for Christ even if it meant surrendering the “normal life” of an Arab young lady. She was a missionary for Christ first. It means everything to her. Somehow I believe that one day she will be known by many as one who made a difference in advancing the kingdom of God. She is certainly on the right path.

As I think about all of this, I can’t help but wonder what I might could do to help. I wonder if there is anything I can do to help. I am not sure. The one thing I am certain of is the fact that what this world needs is Jesus. We can offer humanitarian gifts of food and clothes, but what good is that if we don’t give the people Jesus. I am also certain of this…that it begins with prayer. That is something we can all do. Please join me in praying for…
1. That the harvest will continue to come to the Arab world.
2. That God will raise up young people capable of discipling new believers.
3. Pray that these groups of Egyptian Christian will continue to grow with people on fire for God.
4. Pray that God would provide funding for these missional teams.
5. Pray for the “Christian by name” living in the Arab world that they too would be evangelized.
6. Pray that there would be those of us who are willing to partner up with the missional teams of the Arab world.
7. Ask God how you might could be involved in reaching those in the hardest of all areas to reach.

Life Change in Egypt – Part 2

It is amazing to me how God can get a hold of a man’s heart and change his entire perspective of things. My trip to Egypt answered many questions that I have been unable to answer and God’s voice speaking loadly into my heart has changed, very literally, how I see things. I am preaching part 3 of our Christmas series this Sunday and it is titled “Celebrating Christmas Through the Crown”. Obviously, I will be speaking of the reign of Jesus not only in our hearts but of His kingdom. Living in South Georgia, often our perspective is narrow and somewhat ignorant of what God is doing in other parts of the world. Being in Egypt allowed me to see that God is working in a big way there. The believers there are living out their faith by serving Christ as King and pouring into each other’s lives. They are being obedient to fulfilling the great commission by all means possible to them, even if it means persecution, which it often does. People are coming to know Christ in Egypt every day. But don’t just take my word for it. While in Egypt, I had someone send me by messenger a disc which contained serveral articles. Here are some inserts…

Egyptians Persecuted for Turning to Christ

By Gary Lane

CBN News

October 5, 2006

CBNNews.com – CAIRO, Egypt

 

 “For thousands of years, Egyptians have looked to the Nile River for their sustenance. It has provided them with fish to eat and water to irrigate their crops. Now, in the 21st century, a growing number of Egyptians are searching for living water and a different type of bread. Many non-believers are coming to Christ because of dreams and visions and Christian television broadcasts. As their numbers have increased, so has the persecution against them.”

 

 In Africa Alone Everyday 16,000 Muslims Leave Islam

By (I am withholding the name)

 

 “Despite the fact that Muslims by virtue of being poor and uneducated are much more reproductive than others, Islam as a religion is not growing but dying fast. Every day thousands of Muslim intellectuals are leaving Islam. They find Islam inconsistent with science, logics, human rights and ethics. Millions of Iranians already have left Islam. The enlightened Muslims of other nationalities are not far behind. This is the beginning of a mass exodus from Islam. Perhaps it is best to listen to the truth coming from the mouth of the horse. The Internet site aljazeera.net published an interview with Ahmad Al Qataaniأحمد القطعاني  an important Islamic cleric who said: “In every hour, 667 Muslims convert to Christianity. Everyday, 16,000 Muslims convert to Christianity. Every year, 6 million Muslims convert to Christianity. These are huge numbers. If this trend continues we can expect to see Islam become insignificant in Africa in just a few decades.” 

 

So what does this mean to me? What is it about this that I find so life changing? How does this change my perspective on God’s kingdom? Well, for starters, as I think about what I have just read it reminds me of the greatness of God. It reminds me that Christ is still King! It reminds me that His Kingdom is much bigger than Valdosta and CrossPointe Church. It reminds me that we are all a part of something huge! It reminds me that Jesus is Lord and nothing is going to stop His advancement of His kingdom. It reminds me that there are other believers all over the world fighting in the battle of good verses evil. It reminds me of the fact that in the end….God wins! That’s all.

 

In GOD’s most amazing grip…Pastor D.

 

 

Life Change in Egypt – Part 1

I am writing again about my trip to Egypt and I must say it has been a truely life changing experience for me. I think Egypt makes 24 different countries I have traveled to during my life and I can’t think of a time when I was more moved than I have been on this trip. I have many new Egyptian friends now and several who, only after a short while, I feel as though I have become life long firends with. The last day with them was simply unforgetable and I began to weep…no, not weep….but cry… cry like a baby as I thought about how my life will never be the same now that I have met them. Hearing the people’s stories and seeing the poverty and oppression…actually experiencing it myself…causes me to wonder what we can do to help. Wondering if we can do enough! It is my desire that we as a whole enter into and committ to a life long parntership with our Egyptian brothers and sisters. I can’t wait to share with all of you…my friends back home…about it all and the opportunities that have been opened up. Since arriving back in Cario I have recieved an invitation to return again and meet with several top level government leaders here in Egypt including the governer of the state and the mayor of Cario. To say the least I was blown away although I can’t say suprised! GOD has given me such a hugh vision for CrossPointe and I have always believed it was that we would make a global difference one day. I addition, I have been asked to return again this summer with a team to teach again. I wish I could give the details on this blog but I simply cannot. Time and other reasons just do not allow it.

A good friend and mentor once told me, “David, you have to get away at least three to four times a year. For the health of your church and to recieve the vision God has for you guys, you MUST get away because GOD speaks louder when you are away.” I understand EXACTLY what he was talking about now. GOD has spoken so loudly to me this week. He has taken me to a place spiritually that I have never been to before. I have spent time with GOD and He has moved in my heart for the people of Egypt like no other nation before. Please pray with me! Pray for the Christians and the Muslims! Pray for their country! Pray for their children! Pray about giving! Pray about going to Egypt! Pray about helping! As our church continues to grow it is my prayer that we continue to embrace more and more the great commission to go into our city and around the world. Its what I feel GOD is calling us to do. So get ready CrossPointe! I will be challenging you to go! To go to Egypt and other parts of Africa!

In closing, I will tell you a story. On the day we arrived we ran into a young man (in his late 20′s) here from another country that has given his life to serve here. It was not planned. It was I believe a divine appointment. In talking to him someone said to him, “thank you for the sacrifice you have made” He responded, “Sacrifice? This is no sacrifice! This is the greatest gift GOD could have ever given me. There is no sacrifice in my life. I don’t want anything else for my life.” WOW!!! If only we could all live for GOD like that!  I want to live my life like that!! Do you? ~ Peace!

Egypt!

I’m sitting somewhere in the desert in Egypt right now typing on my laptop. There is the sound of the Islamic call to prayer is playing out over a load speaker somewhere which reminds me of the fact that I’m in a place much different than my home. The people are so friendly although that is somewhat suprising to me considering the international view of the USA. I saw the pyramids today. Rode a camel through the desert. That was an adventure. We to a camel caravan to a place to view the pyramids and then circled back. I found out today that camels have two speeds…slow and fast. We did both but I can tell you riding a camel that is running wide open is none too comfortable. Anyway, I guess I better run for now. My internet time is limited. I can’t wait to insert pics when I can. Take care!

Christmas has come…well, almost!

Well, we started decorating the house today….for Christmas. This always puts me in such a bad mood. I don’t know why really, because I love Christmas. I imagine its because putting up a tree and all is so much work for just a short time. But hey, my kids are grown now and all I really have to do anymore is get the tree down from the attic, put it together, adjust a few of those troublesome lights so they will work, and then get back to munching on homemade candy while the fam does all the decorating. My wife and Marlee, my youngest, loves it. Me and Rebecca don’t. Anyway, I don’t want to be consdiered a grinch or anything, but then again, its probably to late for that…at least with 2 here in the house. But it seems like a lot of work to me for just such a short time.

Christmas, or at least the issues surrounding it, has also become such a debate these days. It has become so political. We can’t dare say Christmas without offending someone. Nowadays people are resorting to Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas or some other boggus wordage. What’s weird is that all my life I have known others who believe differently than I do and have heard them refer to their holidays, and never once has any of that offended me. Sadly, those who don’t believe in anything, and even most Christians these days, have made it more about swapping gifts and Santa Clause than anything else. Why would ol’ Saint Nick offend anybody? I don’t get it. Anyway, from this perspective, it might not be such a bad idea if somebody did steal it. So when did Christmas become so much about everything in this world except Jesus Christ? Who knows. And let us also be reminded, Christmas was never really so much about His nativity as it was really more about His divinity! Jesus was not some little baby born in a manger. Jesus was instead was the Son of God born of a virgin birth, fully man and yet fully God, who came to live and die here on earth. He was God in the flesh!  Well, at least that’s the way I see it! Merry Christmas everyone!

Oops!

Sometimes its easy to get a little carried away in this jeeping thing. Me and my friends sometimes forget we are supposed to be mature and responsible adults who….well forget that! Last Saturday I used my winch 12 times getting myself and others out of some sticky situations. My buddy John (seen hiding behind the tree) rolled his jeep over on a trip to the north Georgia  mountains. A little buffing and those scratches will come right out. Yea, that’s me posing for the camera looking as though I have a few words of encouragement for him. Not really. What do you tell a guy who just rolled his jeep on his first offroad trip out? If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch? ~ Later!

A Day of Thanksgiving!

I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! As I thought about all the food I was going to dive into later today as well as the time I get to spend with my family, GOD laid upon my heart those serving abroad. Many of our men and women are not able to spend a day of Thanksgiving with their families. This morning let us remember those who are fighting for our freedom. Today let us be thankful for them. And may we ALL have a Happy Thanksgiving!         ~ Pastor D

The Big Kahuna!

Interestingly, the word “Kahuna” is a Hawaiian word defined originally as a priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, or minister. By 1959, however, the term “Big Kahuna” was made popular by the film “Gidget” in describing a really big wave that all surfers long to ride.  Needless to say, over the years the term has grown in popularity. If you have ever had the opportunity to watch surfers as they ride these big waves, there are several things you notice right away. 1. The wave is gigantic! It is a huge movement of water. 2. The surfer has absolutely no control over what the wave does or where it goes. It goes where it wants to. 3. The wave is bigger than the surfer. Much bigger! 4. The surfer…well…he is just along for the ride.

When I think about what GOD is doing in the life of our church, I am blown away! No seriously, I can’t get over it! One young lady recently described CrossPointe as a “miracle in her life”. She meant it too! And I can see that. It has had the same affect on me. Here’s the thing, I see what is happening at CrossPointe kind of like the Big Kahuna. A huge large movement… of GOD!It’s gigantic! And I’m not talking about numbers. I’m talking about the magnitude of how being apart of it has changed so many lives. And like the surfer riding the “big one”, we also have no control of it. GOD does! He is responsible for where this thing is headed! And that’s a good thing because we all know GOD is much bigger than us. Much, much bigger!! But here is the greatest part of it all. Just like the surfer who one day has the opportunity to ride the big kahuna, we too are just along for the ride! The ride of a life time! What a privilege it is for me that GOD would allow me the opportunity to “ride the wave”. Without a doubt it is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of and I can’t wait to see where this movement of GOD is going to carry us!

~ Pastor D

New to Blogging

Well here goes! I’m starting this whole blogging thing and am actually excited about it. Maybe I have bought into the whole “well everybody else is doing it” thing…but then when was that ever a good thing. But then again, maybe its because its just a very cool way of communicating to the church! Yea…that’s it. Sounds good anyway. Regardless, I’m committed to making this thing work. (I understand that is the 1st rule of blogging…being committed)

My fear though is now that I have started this thing I will soon hear those horrible words, “pastor David, that’s so old school”. It seems that is always the way it is with me…a day late and a dollar short…behind the ol times! Another fear is that no one will ever read it or better yet they will read it and never respond. I will probably spend the rest of my crazy life typing up a storm, thinking the whole world is enjoying everything I have to say, only to find out in heaven that nobody EVER saw or read a word of my blog. Boy what a let down that would be.

I have thought of letting my blog be somewhat of a personal journal that is open to the public to read. And I’m sure there are some of you out there who are thinking, “well…Duh! That’s what a blog is dummy”. But I have already told you am new to this. Give me time…I will learn. And over time, maybe someone out there might find it usefull. Anyway, let me know what you think…

~ Pastor D

Election Day!!

Well, its a big day for our country! All of America is watching, waiting, hoping… Many people will be disappointed by Wednesday morning. No matter who wins the election, half the country is going to be mad, disappointed, worried or glad! It will be a day of emotion overflow! However, for those of us who are believers of a great King…one who has more power than any president or national leader…there is no need to worry. We know, although we need to be reminded sometimes, that God is in control. We can only begin to pray…pray for whoever finds their way into the oval office. Pray for our country to be united! Pray for us all to be reminded that we should all be Americans before being any national party. Let us Pray, Pray, PRAY!

~ Pastor D

Coldplay

Went to see Coldplay in concert last night in Atlanta! Most unbelivable and entertaining concert I have ever been to. Amazing!! Chris Martin is very talented. You may be wondering why I was at a Coldplay concert. I’m not really sure except that I liked some of their music. However, I find their music to be somewhat spiritual. Not that they are a Christian band…they are not. But they certainly believe in a divine power. It was very obvious in their music. In many of their songs they mention Heaven, having a place there, and God’s grace in a very positive way. Chris Martin has said he reads the Bible regularly. What an amazing influence they could have on the world if they were Christians…and maybe they are. I’m not sure. As for me, I have added them to my prayers. Great concert!! Thanks Matt!

~ Pastor D.

Being Schooled!

A lot of what I learned about church planting came from books I’ve read, people I have had the opportunity to talk to and conferences Ihave been to. However, nothing learned so far was as good as what I got the first day I spent with David Putnam and Shawn Lovejoy, who I guess you could say, have become my new mentors. I don’t mean to place them on some sort of unachievable pedestal or anything. And it wasn’t that they were just filled with an unimagineable amounts of knowledge. There is just something about spending time with people who have been before where you now go that is motivating and inspiring. They are without doubt the real deal. They are genuine. They have a heart for God as well as people! For the next year I will, along with a few others, sit under their leadership. I will learn from them the art of pastoring a growing church. My prayer is that I will discover things about my ministry and my life that up until now I never even thought of. I can’t wait to see all that God will teach me through these two men!

CrossPointe Update

The building project is going well. The new roof is moving quickly now and we are busy installing electrical boxes and conduit pipe, building the stage, and plumbing the building. Maybe before too long we will be able to start the sheet rock and then paint. Many of you have asked when we will move in. I have no clue! I would like to say by first part of January, but I don’t know what else is going to stall us. I do know this though, WE NEED THE SPACE!

The past two Sunday mornings have brought another surge of visitors which is awesome! However, we desperately need more room. Presently, it is “standing room only” in our second service. Our first service is filling up quickly. Wow! God is so awesome! Our new worship center will be able to seat 1200 people which will give us more than enough room (Ha…for now anyway!). Anyway, God continues to add to the church and we are meeting new friends every day! Praise God!

~ Pastor D

Men’s Ministry Worknight!

Last night was awesome men! We had a great turn out of men who came to help out with the building project! We are at a stage of running the electrical, finishing up the framing, and I even started painting the ceiling. (I know, its a nasty job but somebody has got to do it) Last night I was covered in black pain. But, the ceiling looks incredible in flat black! Spence and I painted for about two hours and we figured we knowcked out about 2000 square feet with about 10,000 square feet to go. But what a start and in only two hours! I can’t wait to get it all finished! But anyway, thanks a lot guys! Everyon did a great job…we got a lot done! Its cool how even the ones who didn’t know anything about construction say they have learned so much. And, what a great time for us to all just get together! God bless!

~ Peace

Islam

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Did you hear that? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Muslims have been and are making a global impact on our country and countries all around the globe. Why you might ask? Because they are passionate about what they believe in. So another question might be, what if they were impacted with the truth…the truth about who GOD really is? The truth about who Christ is. What if? Every day, all across the middle east, there are people coming to know Christ as their Savior. They are risking EVERYTHING to say that they are His followers. Some risking even their life. Places like Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, and Iraq are seeing a movement of God take place as muslims surrender their religion of birth to build an authentic relationship with Christ.

In a short time I will have the opportunity to travel to the middle east and teach at a pastors conference. But more than that, discover how God might use me to participate in the great things he has going on over there. It will be an opportunity to discover how CrossPointe Church could be involved in a global movement of GOD. I was asked recently if I would be willing to go to the hard places. The places where Christians are not welcome. That is a serious question. It is a question that can not be answered easily! My prayer is that as I move forward in all this that GOD would reveal the plans for us to reach not only Valdosta for Christ, but the ends of the world.

Hearing GOD!

Well, here it is Saturday night…I’m tired. But tommorrow brings a new day. A day when we can all gather again and worship the One who is worthy of all that we can offer. I will finish my series on Hearing God. It has been a great study for me personally because right now in my life I am so busy that often I pause and realize my day has been a lot less focused on God than it should be. Every been there?

I started out talking about how we need to be Ready to hear from God. Doing things to prepare. Like being still…and knowing He is God. That we should be ready and watchful. Last week I continued talking about how we should always be Receiptive to the voice of God. When he calls, we are open to what He has to say to us. Where He is leading and such. Finally, I will be speaking about being Responsive. There is probably nothing worse than hearing from God and yet not responding to what He has revealed to us. I know…I have been there. It is not a good place to be. To ignore the things God has laid upon our hearts.

The challenge is this. Let us all place ourselves in a state of readiness. Let us continue to pour our hearts out to Him through prayer. Let us be ready when He decides to whisper, or shout for that matter. Let us remember to always be receiptive to what He shares with us. Ready to apply it to our lives. And finally, be what He has called us to…an authentic follower of Jesus Christ.

Friends!

I think we take friendship for granted some times. I know I do. But ever so often GOD reminds me of the importance of friendship. I know, the word friend means different things to different people. It fact, I guess there are many different levels of friendship. Sometimes we call someone we met only one time in our entire life our friend. Other times our “acquaintances” we call our friends. Then there are those we tend to hang out with that we consider our “real” friends. And finally, there are those who we consider really close friends. I like having friends. My wife says I “never met a stranger”. Meaning, I guess, if I have met them, then I have applied the idea of friendship some way or another to that person. I’ll accept that.

I got an e-Mail from one of my close friends this morning. As I prepare to preach this Sunday on being thankful, I can’t help but think of how thankful I am of all my friends, but especially of my close friends. God has blessed me with several close friends in my life. I love them all. I don’t get to see any of them as much as I would like. But no matter how long we go between seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off. I have one friend who I can get with and we can spend all day together and not really say much at all. I thought that was somewhat strange until I saw a quote that said, “True friendship is feeling comfortable even in the silence”. (author unknown) That it how it is with my dad and I was well. He too is a close friend. Anyway, I thank GOD today for friends and I love you all. ~ Peace!

Black!

Mike Rowe, of Discovery channel’s ”Dirty Jobs” has nothing on Spence and me. Yesterday we sprayed the ceiling of the new church black. Flat black! And that is one dirty job. Think about it…spraying paint straight above your head. Spraying… black paint…straight above your head! You know the old saying…”what goes up must come down”. When we were finished, we too were black. But a flat black ceiling is a beautiful thing. We are not finished, but we got a lot done. If you get a chance, stop by and see it. I don’t know about you…but I’m getting excited about our new place of worship. The roof is going well. We will be in before you know it.  ~ Pastor D.

A Time of Giving Thanks!

The words of Scripture never cease to impact my life. It is the voice of God from God’s Word that truely motivates me and helps me celebrate my purpose for living! This morning I have been up early studying and praying and being moved by the Spirit of God. One thing I have come to really appreciate is the people who have partnered together with me in fullfilling God’s vision of CrossPointe. And I know exactly how Paul felt when he wrote these words…
“3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.“(Phil 1:3-6)

This morning I find myself extremely thankful for all who have been a part of CrossPointe Church. I love every last person not because they are a number…but because each one who is a part is a testimony of what God is doing. Each individual is a “God thing”. Sunday I was so amazed by God once again when a very sharp young man approached me and asked about coming along side me and exploring the possibility of being a church planter. We discussed the possibilities of an internship and we both became very excited. A “God thing” This is what I live for these days. The expanssion of God’s kingdom through the advancement of the gospel. Last night a group of about, I don’t know, maybe 60-70 men, gathered around a bonfire fire in the bitter cold and enjoyed each other’s company. Iron sharpening iron!

Yes…I am thankful. Thankful of God for loving someone like me. Saving someone like me. Using someone like me. But I am also so thankful for my family as well as everyone who is a part of my life. Because…when we get to the end of our life…that’s all we really have. God…our family…and friends. I love you CrossPointe!!

Advance the Gospel!

Interestingly, everything the Apostle Paul did after his encounter with Christ on that road to Damascus was to further the message of Christ. To advance the Gospel. To tell the good news about, not only who Christ is, but how transforming life can be as a follower. Paul devoted his life to serving Christ after Damascus. For me, after being impacted by the blood of Christ, pretty much sat on the side lines for a long time. Doing nothing to advance the kingdom of God. It wasn’t that I was against it. I really think it was because I was really never challenged with the idea of advancing the gospel. Sure, I had heard messages on the great commission. I had heard messages on being a good witness. It wasn’t the preachers fault. It was mine. I had always felt inadequate. I had no confidence that anything I might do would have any sort of impact on anyone else. And so, the challenge had to come from within. Really, I had to challenge myself to do what Christ calls every one of his followers to do. Advance the Gospel.

Today, my greatest challenge comes not from a desire to serve Christ, but from growing weary… tired…. thinking that nothing I do has any eternal value to it whatsoever. But Paul reminds us all, “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:9-10). The messgae is clear. As we answer the calling GOD has placed on our life, let us keep going…push on…be strong. It is not in vain. Persevere an be encouraged!! ~ Peace!

Carmel Cafe Latte!

Carmel Cafe Latte

For those of you who know me, Starbucks is one of my favorite meeting places. Why? Because I love their Carmel Cafe Lattes! Yesterday i met two young ladies there that had been visiting our church now for a couple of months. One was a believer…the other a life long Buddhist. As we talk we shared our stories. Time flew by as we talked and I enjoyed my latte! Then GOD showed up. Our conversation turned to spiritual things…mostly talking about how awesome God is. We talked about Christ. We talked about how Christ said He was the only way. And my new Buddist friend shared with me how empty her religion was. GOD had been drawing her closer and closer to Himself over the past few months and I shared what authentic Christianity really was. Tears were being shed and right there, in Starbucks, with people watching, we bowed our heads and she prayed to recieve Christ! Unashamedly!! GOD showed up at Starbucks drinking Carmel Lattes!!

There is never…let me say that again….there is never anything greater to me than seeing someone turn their life over to Christ! It was the greatest decision I ever made and I also honored whenever GOD allows me to be a witness to Christ transforming someone’s life. My new friend turned completely away from an empty religion and turned wholeheartedly toward a new life in Christ. No longer is she my new Buddist friend, but rather she is my sister in Christ! She says she wants to be baptized now. To that I say OK! I can’t wait to see all that GOD has in store for her and I look forward to watching her grow in her new found faith in Christ! Now if you will excuse me…I think I’ll head down to Starbucks! ~ Peace!