The church is the Bride of Christ. And Jesus protects, cares for, and fulfills His Bride. Yesterday was a good example of how He blesses her.
At Grace Fellowship we experienced the presence of the Bridegroom in our midst. He was loving, caring and good. A believer would be able to sense it -- the reality of His love and faithfulness.
Three teenagers gave their hearts to Christ and asked to be baptized or join the church; two families, one with a teenager, and another with six kids, officially joined our church.
One member told me that the presence of the Lord was "thick" today. I kind of like that.
Much more made it a good day, but just suffice it to say that the Lord proved Himself again. Every once in a while the Lord's presence will be "thicker" than at other times...just to show us He still cares. \O/
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Do you want to feel better?
Create a new file or document on your computer and name it "Hillary Clinton", then close it. Then, go to the file and right click on it; choose delete. It will ask, "are you sure you want to send Hillary Clinton to the Recycle Bin?" Click Yes. You'll feel better.
Now, on your desktop, open the trash bin. Choose "Empty Contents?" When Hillary Clinton disappears you'll really feel better!!
If you want to make your day complete, name the file "Bill and Hillary Clinton", then follow the process. You are going to feel so good when Bill and Hillary go away.
Now, on your desktop, open the trash bin. Choose "Empty Contents?" When Hillary Clinton disappears you'll really feel better!!
If you want to make your day complete, name the file "Bill and Hillary Clinton", then follow the process. You are going to feel so good when Bill and Hillary go away.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Praise the Lord anyway!
Back in the 70s, while everyone else was doing Disco, I was operating a Christian Bookstore and pastoring a church. A great deal of excitment was occurring in the Christian community... the Jesus People Movement, a growing house church movement, and Christian coffee-houses.
A very popular book at that time was called "Praise the Lord Anyway!" It was all about how bad things often happen to Christians. We live in the same tragedy prone world as anyone else. But God should be praised anyway.
From one perspective, it was kind of a pyschological thing -- kind of a "keep your chin up", "take your knocks", "stick it out" thing. But the basis for this idea is planted firmly in the Word. Job said, "I brought nothing into the world, and I'll take nothing out of the world, God be praised." David talked about praising God, even in the trials of life.
My point is, even when faced with life's more difficult trials, God is still the same no matter happens to us. Was He holy, kind, majestic, all mighty, and gracious before our crisis? Then He still is DURING our crisis, and AFTER our crisis.
So, Lord, I want to praise You anyway. My family has walked through the valley of the shadow of death recently, but You were with us. Thank You, Lord. I want to praise You for just being You. \O/
A very popular book at that time was called "Praise the Lord Anyway!" It was all about how bad things often happen to Christians. We live in the same tragedy prone world as anyone else. But God should be praised anyway.
From one perspective, it was kind of a pyschological thing -- kind of a "keep your chin up", "take your knocks", "stick it out" thing. But the basis for this idea is planted firmly in the Word. Job said, "I brought nothing into the world, and I'll take nothing out of the world, God be praised." David talked about praising God, even in the trials of life.
My point is, even when faced with life's more difficult trials, God is still the same no matter happens to us. Was He holy, kind, majestic, all mighty, and gracious before our crisis? Then He still is DURING our crisis, and AFTER our crisis.
So, Lord, I want to praise You anyway. My family has walked through the valley of the shadow of death recently, but You were with us. Thank You, Lord. I want to praise You for just being You. \O/
Saturday, January 19, 2008
My Father's Obituary
Robert Deaton, 77, of Weatherford passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2008.Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church. Interment: 1 p.m. in New Gordon Cemetery, Gordon. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at White's Funeral Home.Memorials: Donations in his name are requested to the Christian Witness Ministry, 1512 Highglen Trail, Kaufman, Texas 75142.
Robert Deaton was born April 18, 1930, in Ranger to the late Charles Nathan and Delphia Chipman Deaton. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Rev. Deaton was a pastor and planter of new churches in Texas and Ohio. In addition to pastoring, Bob taught school in Cleveland, Ohio, and Mansfield.
The Rev. Deaton also served as chaplain with Victim Relief Ministries and operations officer for Christian Witness Ministries. He was a member of Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church in Weatherford.
The thing Bob loved the most was the Lord and was proudest of his family and his ministry for the Lord.
He was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Deaton.
Survivors: Wife of 59 years, Marene Deaton; children, Darril Deaton and wife, Dawn, Marlene Deaton and Ronald Deaton; grandchildren, Darin Deaton and wife, Alexis, and Denise Deaton; sister, Pauline Pennock; and brothers, Charles W. Deaton and Jack L. Deaton.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 1/17/2008.
Robert Deaton was born April 18, 1930, in Ranger to the late Charles Nathan and Delphia Chipman Deaton. A graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Rev. Deaton was a pastor and planter of new churches in Texas and Ohio. In addition to pastoring, Bob taught school in Cleveland, Ohio, and Mansfield.
The Rev. Deaton also served as chaplain with Victim Relief Ministries and operations officer for Christian Witness Ministries. He was a member of Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church in Weatherford.
The thing Bob loved the most was the Lord and was proudest of his family and his ministry for the Lord.
He was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Deaton.
Survivors: Wife of 59 years, Marene Deaton; children, Darril Deaton and wife, Dawn, Marlene Deaton and Ronald Deaton; grandchildren, Darin Deaton and wife, Alexis, and Denise Deaton; sister, Pauline Pennock; and brothers, Charles W. Deaton and Jack L. Deaton.
Published in the Star-Telegram on 1/17/2008.
Long week...finally over
Finally returned to Kaufman late this afternoon. It's been a long, busy week. We held my father's funeral yesterday and it lasted an hour and forty-five minutes. It was an encouraging service, uplifting in many ways -- laughter mixed with tears.
I helped conduct the service and spoke of my dad's unique life. He witnessed to Albert Einstein, traveled with Billy Graham, employed and witnessed to Lee Harvey Oswald, and shared the gospel with Jack Ruby in jail. He helped untold thousands of people and shared the gospel to just about anybody, anywhere. I told a lot of funny stuff about him, then opened the mikes for others to tell funny stories. It was really great.
I appreciate your prayers for my family. Continue to pray for my mother...she's strong, but still, it's a sudden and difficult loss.
While I'll be going to W'ford every so often to help mom with business/estate things, it will be great getting back into my routines at church. Grace Fellowship has been really good to us through this time. My heart rejoices at the people's outpouring of love.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Long week and only half way through
It's been a long week already. We took care of the funeral home business today. Dad's funeral will be Friday morning at 1o AM at Lakeshore Baptist in W'ford.
The shock of dad's unexpected death still affects everyone -- especially my mom. But throughout the day we've encouraged each other with funny stories about his life. So we've laughed and cried and laughed all day. As a matter of fact, one of dad's desires was for people to tell funny stories during the service.
Alexis and Darin need prayers...to complicate the whole week, she's experiencing some unexpected pain and will require a procedure tomorrow. We need God's grace this week.
I'll have to say one thing, I'm proud of the people at Grace Fellowship. My church family has been so supportive. I'm sorry there's not more people could do right now, because everyone wants so very much to do something. I thank God for the Body of Christ and for the local church I'm associated with. \O/
The shock of dad's unexpected death still affects everyone -- especially my mom. But throughout the day we've encouraged each other with funny stories about his life. So we've laughed and cried and laughed all day. As a matter of fact, one of dad's desires was for people to tell funny stories during the service.
Alexis and Darin need prayers...to complicate the whole week, she's experiencing some unexpected pain and will require a procedure tomorrow. We need God's grace this week.
I'll have to say one thing, I'm proud of the people at Grace Fellowship. My church family has been so supportive. I'm sorry there's not more people could do right now, because everyone wants so very much to do something. I thank God for the Body of Christ and for the local church I'm associated with. \O/
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday afternoon journal entry
I always tell disciples to read the Word and record what God said to them. Then, respond with what they would say back to God. Here's an example from my journal. It's part of a conversation I had with the Lord today:
12:27 P
"Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic..."
God: Late night TV is filled with charletons and thieves that rob people of their money and capitalize on their desire for the miraculous. If a person does not receive miraculous healing or financial help from on high they are told it is their fault -- their lack of faith. But it was the faith of friends, not the faith of the paralytic that brought My response. My grace is not boxed up by people's lack of faith.
Yes, I respond to your faith. And, yes, I answer prayers that are offered up in faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please Me." But praying for others, applying your faith on behalf of others, is the very definition of intercessory prayer. I love to hear intercessory prayer.
Example: Why should you even apply your faith and pray for the salvation of others? After all, they're not even believers and haven't even expressed faith for salvation toward Me. But it is your faith that appropriates My grace and power on their behalf -- that moves My Spirit to woo them to the Son. It is your faith that puts starts My divine wheels of salvation rolling on behalf of the unbeliever. Yes, they must come to a place of trusting Christ for salvation, but even that is not a mature faith that I require...it is childlike. Your faith can greatly affect the lives of others.
Darril: Lord, please remind me, even push me, to pray for others. Remind me to appropriate my faith -- as imperfect as it is -- on behalf of my fellow disciples; the flock you have given me; unbelievers that I know; the city and school district I live in. Thank You for recording this story in Your Word for me. It helps me understand how powerful my prayers for others can be. One of the things that I appreciate about You, Lord, is that You show how simple it is to live for You. Does it take effort, faithfulness, and perseverance? Of course, but it's not complicated.
Be glorified somehow in my life today. I just pray that at the end of the day You will have found something pleasing about my life...even if it's just my faith to pray for others. Amen.
"Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic..."
God: Late night TV is filled with charletons and thieves that rob people of their money and capitalize on their desire for the miraculous. If a person does not receive miraculous healing or financial help from on high they are told it is their fault -- their lack of faith. But it was the faith of friends, not the faith of the paralytic that brought My response. My grace is not boxed up by people's lack of faith.
Yes, I respond to your faith. And, yes, I answer prayers that are offered up in faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please Me." But praying for others, applying your faith on behalf of others, is the very definition of intercessory prayer. I love to hear intercessory prayer.
Example: Why should you even apply your faith and pray for the salvation of others? After all, they're not even believers and haven't even expressed faith for salvation toward Me. But it is your faith that appropriates My grace and power on their behalf -- that moves My Spirit to woo them to the Son. It is your faith that puts starts My divine wheels of salvation rolling on behalf of the unbeliever. Yes, they must come to a place of trusting Christ for salvation, but even that is not a mature faith that I require...it is childlike. Your faith can greatly affect the lives of others.
Darril: Lord, please remind me, even push me, to pray for others. Remind me to appropriate my faith -- as imperfect as it is -- on behalf of my fellow disciples; the flock you have given me; unbelievers that I know; the city and school district I live in. Thank You for recording this story in Your Word for me. It helps me understand how powerful my prayers for others can be. One of the things that I appreciate about You, Lord, is that You show how simple it is to live for You. Does it take effort, faithfulness, and perseverance? Of course, but it's not complicated.
Be glorified somehow in my life today. I just pray that at the end of the day You will have found something pleasing about my life...even if it's just my faith to pray for others. Amen.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday's late evening journal--somewhere in the Caribbean
11:30 P “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?”
Things haven't changed much, Lord, in 2000 years. The disciples, those closest to You--those who should know what You can do--are fearful and faithless. Of course, no one could tell them they were faithless. They had all the marks of disciples. They were found near You most of the time and they appeared set apart from everyone else. But in what should be an ordinary circumstance, they came up short.
All of us face storms and threatening situations. How can we be surprised when we experience conflicts? Jesus, calming our seas, mastering our conflicts, and delivering us from trouble should a "normal" way of life for the disciple. Fear should never diminish our faith.
I know too many believers that have all the marks of a disciple. They are found in or around church and Christian people, and they appear set apart and different from everyone else. But they are fearful and faithless. They are afraid to step out and live for Jesus. They are fearful to step outside their comfort zone and take some risks of trust. When trouble comes they don't act any different or react any different than the average worldling. In reality, they have no testimony. Their life does not draw people to a supernatural Lord -- they live such natural and powerless lives. They are believers, but they aren't disciples. Does this all make sense to you? \O/
Things haven't changed much, Lord, in 2000 years. The disciples, those closest to You--those who should know what You can do--are fearful and faithless. Of course, no one could tell them they were faithless. They had all the marks of disciples. They were found near You most of the time and they appeared set apart from everyone else. But in what should be an ordinary circumstance, they came up short.
All of us face storms and threatening situations. How can we be surprised when we experience conflicts? Jesus, calming our seas, mastering our conflicts, and delivering us from trouble should a "normal" way of life for the disciple. Fear should never diminish our faith.
I know too many believers that have all the marks of a disciple. They are found in or around church and Christian people, and they appear set apart and different from everyone else. But they are fearful and faithless. They are afraid to step out and live for Jesus. They are fearful to step outside their comfort zone and take some risks of trust. When trouble comes they don't act any different or react any different than the average worldling. In reality, they have no testimony. Their life does not draw people to a supernatural Lord -- they live such natural and powerless lives. They are believers, but they aren't disciples. Does this all make sense to you? \O/
Another cruise day
Well, Denise placed second in the ship's Karaoke Superstar Contest. After eliminations and trials they had the big final tonight with judges along the lines of American Idol. They gave first place to a old guy with golden Ray Price voice. He was good.
Went into Georgetown, Grand Caymen today...much, much better than Jamaica. Very clean and modern compared to Jamaica, and not the oppressive spiritual atmosphere. That's not to say that there aren't issues and warfare occuring on the island. I still say that America is the place to be, and the place to be from. God has been good to us.
I've appreciated the devotions I've had this week -- going through several chapters of Matthew. Will be in Cozumel, Mexico tomorrow then at sea all day Saturday. Thanks for your prayers. We're praying for our church family and friends.
Went into Georgetown, Grand Caymen today...much, much better than Jamaica. Very clean and modern compared to Jamaica, and not the oppressive spiritual atmosphere. That's not to say that there aren't issues and warfare occuring on the island. I still say that America is the place to be, and the place to be from. God has been good to us.
I've appreciated the devotions I've had this week -- going through several chapters of Matthew. Will be in Cozumel, Mexico tomorrow then at sea all day Saturday. Thanks for your prayers. We're praying for our church family and friends.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Late journal entry
11:05 P
I admit that we didn't travel the entire island of Jamaica today, but we went to the main shopping area called City Centre, and I was unimpressed. It was dirty, delapidated, and dark. In most places, the main tourist shopping area reflects the "best foot forward" of a city or island, but not Jamaica. The people pressed and pressed us more than I've experienced anywhere else to buy their goods or services. I guess they're just trying to make a living, but it was becoming a distraction. We could hardly have a private conversation. Lord, it's a dark and dismal place -- but much of the world is just like that.
You have blessed America, Lord, with so much -- so much we take for granted. You have blessed this country and the people with so many resources and benefits, yet most of us don't give You the honor and credit due Your Name. We just think we're special because we must deserve it. We deserve nothing. Everything good comes from You, even the vast and wonderful blessings we have in America. Truly, God bless America. \O/
You have blessed America, Lord, with so much -- so much we take for granted. You have blessed this country and the people with so many resources and benefits, yet most of us don't give You the honor and credit due Your Name. We just think we're special because we must deserve it. We deserve nothing. Everything good comes from You, even the vast and wonderful blessings we have in America. Truly, God bless America. \O/
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
11:13P
At sea, of course, somewhere in the Caribbean Ocean. It always makes me marvel at earlier sailors. Today they have sophisticated communications, global positioning satellites, and the highest technology onboard the ships. In the days of the explorers, like Columbus and Megellan, they had a compass by day and a sexton by night. I mean, they actually determined their course over thousands of miles of open sea by the positions of the stars. They were courageous, and they were risk-takers of highest order. That's how they accomplished great things. Every day and night they worked to survive. Not only that, they worked with a long range goal in mind. That goal kept them going. Whether it was discovering a new route to foreign ports or charting new seas and coastlines, they had a reason for the daily challenges. At the end of the day they had something they could point to with a sense of deep satisfaction and accomplishment.
I am a risk-taker. I am willing to go into uncharted waters -- as long as I have a greater, divine purpose for doing so. I will endure the daily challenges and immediate threats because of the long-range purpose that I serve. Sometimes the very people that I thought would travel this road in partnership with me, fail to grasp the vision...even become hostile to it. As long as the Lord assures me that the vision I have fits His purpose for my life and His church, I am constrained to stay the course. I pray that my efforts will aid the pilgrimage of future risk-taking disciples.
I am a risk-taker. I am willing to go into uncharted waters -- as long as I have a greater, divine purpose for doing so. I will endure the daily challenges and immediate threats because of the long-range purpose that I serve. Sometimes the very people that I thought would travel this road in partnership with me, fail to grasp the vision...even become hostile to it. As long as the Lord assures me that the vision I have fits His purpose for my life and His church, I am constrained to stay the course. I pray that my efforts will aid the pilgrimage of future risk-taking disciples.
Monday late evening journal
Missed my blog for Sunday. Been experiencing some problems getting online. This actually posted around 2:00 AM Tuesday morning, but I haven't been to bed yet and it's my Monday devotional and blog. Anyway, often when I am journaling I write as if the Lord and I are having a discussing. He tells me what He wants me to hear in His Word, and in my heart, then I respond to Him. That's the context in which the following is exerted from my journal today....
Matthew 6
"When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words."
Lord, some people go on and on in their prayers. They could be asked to bless the food, pray for a sick person, dedicate the offerings, or dismiss a service, but they'll only get to the point after they've prayed for a dozen other things that they pray for every single time they pray.
An example, Lord, goes something like this:
"Please pray for our food."
"Dear Father, thank you for this day, forgive our many sins, thank you for our many blessings...and bless our food. Amen."
Now there's nothing wrong with thanking You, Lord, for the day, our blessings, and for forgiving our sins, but the request was to bless the food. Lord, I always offer my public prayeres like lasers -- short, specific and to the heart of the matter. Sincerity, not longevity, seems to be Your desire. Right?
"Darril, that's right, but the opposite of long babbling prayers is just as offensive to Me: prayers that short but are insincere, and disrespectful. Prayers that fail to acknowledge the great wonder of the One you're talking to. Go ahead and pray short public prayers, my son, but take them to heart and don't make light of addressing Me. Teach disciples the proper respect for entering my presence." \O/
So my thought for you to consider today is this:
If you are not spending enough time in private devotions thanking God for everything and seeking forgiveness, don't use the public forum to catch up on your quiet time.
Matthew 6
"When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words."
Lord, some people go on and on in their prayers. They could be asked to bless the food, pray for a sick person, dedicate the offerings, or dismiss a service, but they'll only get to the point after they've prayed for a dozen other things that they pray for every single time they pray.
An example, Lord, goes something like this:
"Please pray for our food."
"Dear Father, thank you for this day, forgive our many sins, thank you for our many blessings...and bless our food. Amen."
Now there's nothing wrong with thanking You, Lord, for the day, our blessings, and for forgiving our sins, but the request was to bless the food. Lord, I always offer my public prayeres like lasers -- short, specific and to the heart of the matter. Sincerity, not longevity, seems to be Your desire. Right?
"Darril, that's right, but the opposite of long babbling prayers is just as offensive to Me: prayers that short but are insincere, and disrespectful. Prayers that fail to acknowledge the great wonder of the One you're talking to. Go ahead and pray short public prayers, my son, but take them to heart and don't make light of addressing Me. Teach disciples the proper respect for entering my presence." \O/
So my thought for you to consider today is this:
If you are not spending enough time in private devotions thanking God for everything and seeking forgiveness, don't use the public forum to catch up on your quiet time.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
From my midday journal
11:35 A
Christians are "the salt of the earth" because You say so, not because they've done anything special. I am the salt -- You made me "the salt" the moment I became a Christian.
The problem is, some salt loses its flavor -- it's influence -- and is good for nothing. It's still salt, but it's good for nothing. Lord, I know a lot of believers that are that way. They're "salt", but they have no flavor, no influence. They're good for nothing. They're useless.
I don't ever want to be good for nothing. Lord, please don't ever let me become useless. \O/
Friday, January 4, 2008
From my morning journal
09:47 A
Matthew 4:8..." the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me.”
1. The kingdoms of the world are really not the Devil's to give
2. It boils down to worship -- that's what the Devil has wanted from the beginning
3. The Devil is constantly making promises he cannot keep
In contrast:
1. All authority has been given to Jesus, on heaven and on earth. He earned the right to own the kingdom's of the world. He didn't try to take short cuts or an easier route.
2. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped -- Yahweh. Not Allah, Bael or any other god. Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written:
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.”
3. Jesus makes promises and keeps them all!
Lord, I want to acknowledge that You are God, Jesus is Your Messiah, and the Devil is my enemy. I want my life to be an act of worship. I want praise and service to be in order every minute. The temple I worship in is my Body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit; the altar of sacrifice is the cross; my sacrificial Lamb is Yashua ha Messiah.
Forgive my sins based on the merit of Jesus Christ, not for who I am. Disregard my sin and wash me clean. You will be glorified and exonerated today in Heaven by millions of saints and angels; be glorified and exonerated in my life also! Let me join the hosts of heaven in giving You praise and thanksgiving. You, Lord, are worthy of all the honor, glory, and power for all time; and for this time -- for today. 10:03 A
Matthew 4:8..." the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will fall down and worship me.”
1. The kingdoms of the world are really not the Devil's to give
2. It boils down to worship -- that's what the Devil has wanted from the beginning
3. The Devil is constantly making promises he cannot keep
In contrast:
1. All authority has been given to Jesus, on heaven and on earth. He earned the right to own the kingdom's of the world. He didn't try to take short cuts or an easier route.
2. God, and God alone, is to be worshiped -- Yahweh. Not Allah, Bael or any other god. Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written:
Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.”
3. Jesus makes promises and keeps them all!
Lord, I want to acknowledge that You are God, Jesus is Your Messiah, and the Devil is my enemy. I want my life to be an act of worship. I want praise and service to be in order every minute. The temple I worship in is my Body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit; the altar of sacrifice is the cross; my sacrificial Lamb is Yashua ha Messiah.
Forgive my sins based on the merit of Jesus Christ, not for who I am. Disregard my sin and wash me clean. You will be glorified and exonerated today in Heaven by millions of saints and angels; be glorified and exonerated in my life also! Let me join the hosts of heaven in giving You praise and thanksgiving. You, Lord, are worthy of all the honor, glory, and power for all time; and for this time -- for today. 10:03 A
Thursday, January 3, 2008
From my morning journal
09:04 A
This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him!
This is My beloved Son.
I take delight in Him!
If God thinks so highly of Jesus, shouldn't we? If God takes delight in Jesus, shouldn't we?
How can any other god, or other "delight" come before Christ? Christ is the One the Father takes delight in -- and no other!
If God puts all others, and all the world aside for His Son, shouldn't we?
Perhaps one problem is that we are not as familiar with Jesus, His ways, His sacrifice, and His affections as we should be. God knew all about Jesus and took delight in Him! Maybe if we knew Christ more intimately, we too, would "take delight in Him!" \O/
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thinking about some simple changes
I'm headed for a week's vacation next week, so some ideas I have will have to wait until I get back. I'm thinking about changing up the order of worship a little bit -- maybe even use a couple of different formats and rotate them.
DiscipleNotes. I've been putting DiscipleNotes in the weekly worship bulletin every Sunday for almost 2o years. I wonder how many people benefit from this addition to the bulletin. Perhaps I'll replace DiscipleNotes with the Scriptures that we read out loud each week. What do you think?
DiscipleNotes. I've been putting DiscipleNotes in the weekly worship bulletin every Sunday for almost 2o years. I wonder how many people benefit from this addition to the bulletin. Perhaps I'll replace DiscipleNotes with the Scriptures that we read out loud each week. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Keep It Simple in 2008
Okay, I have made a commitment to pay more attention to my blog in '08. I'll try to add an addition every day, even if it's just a few lines. So I hope you'll check it out. You can even make my blog page your start up page!
For today, I just want to suggest that you keep it simple in '08. Don't make great and overwhelming resolutions that you can't keep. It's better to just keep it simple and be successful than to be complicated and fail. If you have just one goal make it this one: I will grow as a disciple this year. The Lord will be pleased with my life at the end of '08. Some suggestions:
Read your Bible every day
Please get a plan to follow
Or you'll just go your merry way
and have a life that's hollow
Get a book to write things out
Your prayers and heart's desires
Talk to God, remove all doubt
For minutes or for hours
Take good notes on the pastor
Listen as the shepherd preaches
You'll grow in spirit much faster
If you mind what pastor teaches
Learn to have a servant heart
And meet the needs of others
If you will bow to do your part
You'll encourage all your brothers
\O/
For today, I just want to suggest that you keep it simple in '08. Don't make great and overwhelming resolutions that you can't keep. It's better to just keep it simple and be successful than to be complicated and fail. If you have just one goal make it this one: I will grow as a disciple this year. The Lord will be pleased with my life at the end of '08. Some suggestions:
Read your Bible every day
Please get a plan to follow
Or you'll just go your merry way
and have a life that's hollow
Get a book to write things out
Your prayers and heart's desires
Talk to God, remove all doubt
For minutes or for hours
Take good notes on the pastor
Listen as the shepherd preaches
You'll grow in spirit much faster
If you mind what pastor teaches
Learn to have a servant heart
And meet the needs of others
If you will bow to do your part
You'll encourage all your brothers
\O/
Monday, December 24, 2007
Day Before Christmas
Well, it's the day before Christmas
And all around town
Nothing is white
Everything's brown
While up in the north
They're layered with snow
But right here in Texas
It's drab but still cold
Jesus is living
and Santa's a myth
So you keep your Santa
It's Jesus I'm with
For New Years I'm praying
That God bless my church
That I'll love the people --
love til it hurts
I'll start the New Year
Clear-headed, no fog
And make daily entries
In this, my own blog
(at least I'll try)
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2008
And all around town
Nothing is white
Everything's brown
While up in the north
They're layered with snow
But right here in Texas
It's drab but still cold
Jesus is living
and Santa's a myth
So you keep your Santa
It's Jesus I'm with
For New Years I'm praying
That God bless my church
That I'll love the people --
love til it hurts
I'll start the New Year
Clear-headed, no fog
And make daily entries
In this, my own blog
(at least I'll try)
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2008
Saturday, December 8, 2007
He Gives and Takes Away...Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
It's sad when someone you love suffers a loss, especially one like losing an unborn child. If you're a prospective grandparent, you feel the loss on one level -- a significant level. But the greatest pain is watching your children suffer while you possess a sense of helplessness.
A parent always wants to fix things for his kids; kiss it and make it feel better; put a band-aid on it. But some things are out of a parents reach. All they can do is pray and just be available if needed.
You know the kids will grow spiritually if they respond to God's offer of love and comfort -- even expand their ministry and joy for serving. But right now, in the present, these words are not needed. They already know the Word promises that "all things work together", but right now, in the night of despair and through eyes filling rapidly with tears, recitation of this verse is not profitable.
Sometimes people do not realize that a pastor is "people", too. Every pastor has experienced heartache, personal failure, and family tragedy. We have cried ourselves to sleep and barely staggered our way through the day in sadness. Every believer should know that their pastor knows exactly what it's like to have a broken heart, a pain-riddled experience, and dark days. And all the while, trying to be the strength and rock for the rest of his family, friends, and church.
This is the kind of loss you don't get over -- but you can get past it....in time.
On the way to the hospital early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, a song came on the XM station we were listening to. "He gives and takes away...Blessed be the Name of the Lord." It makes for an emotional experience when you've had such a loss. But it serves as a reminder that God is still good; He sees the big picture; He hurts when we hurt; and He will still be God long after this day is past.
If God is the same today and tomorrow as He was yesterday, then He's still in charge and we just have to trust Him on some things. I remembered that old song today: "We'll understand it better by and by." The fact is, I don't care to understand it -- I don't ask "why?" anymore. Why a tragedy occurs is not nearly as important as knowing God is still God. I can't give up on Him now -- He's come through too many times before. I'll get past this...we'll all get past this. God will heal our broken hearts yet one more time.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!
A parent always wants to fix things for his kids; kiss it and make it feel better; put a band-aid on it. But some things are out of a parents reach. All they can do is pray and just be available if needed.
You know the kids will grow spiritually if they respond to God's offer of love and comfort -- even expand their ministry and joy for serving. But right now, in the present, these words are not needed. They already know the Word promises that "all things work together", but right now, in the night of despair and through eyes filling rapidly with tears, recitation of this verse is not profitable.
Sometimes people do not realize that a pastor is "people", too. Every pastor has experienced heartache, personal failure, and family tragedy. We have cried ourselves to sleep and barely staggered our way through the day in sadness. Every believer should know that their pastor knows exactly what it's like to have a broken heart, a pain-riddled experience, and dark days. And all the while, trying to be the strength and rock for the rest of his family, friends, and church.
This is the kind of loss you don't get over -- but you can get past it....in time.
On the way to the hospital early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, a song came on the XM station we were listening to. "He gives and takes away...Blessed be the Name of the Lord." It makes for an emotional experience when you've had such a loss. But it serves as a reminder that God is still good; He sees the big picture; He hurts when we hurt; and He will still be God long after this day is past.
If God is the same today and tomorrow as He was yesterday, then He's still in charge and we just have to trust Him on some things. I remembered that old song today: "We'll understand it better by and by." The fact is, I don't care to understand it -- I don't ask "why?" anymore. Why a tragedy occurs is not nearly as important as knowing God is still God. I can't give up on Him now -- He's come through too many times before. I'll get past this...we'll all get past this. God will heal our broken hearts yet one more time.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Losing the Wonder of Worship
“His Name shall be called Wonderful….”
It seems like nothing impresses us anymore. I can remember the absolute wonder I felt while watching our astronauts go into space and return again. Today, space shuttles fly into space and return with no more fanfare than a commercial airplane flight. The wonder is gone. Familiarity with the spectacular has robbed us of the wonder of space flight.Worship has become the same way to many of us. We’ve heard the music and sung the hymns a million times. We have listened to hundreds sermons and even have our own favorite super-preacher. We have refined all the techniques of worship so that nothing is new. But now, the wonder is gone.
Children are impressed by the simple things around them. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples to become as little children. Recently, I was with some people that began to notice the shapes of the clouds overhead. As they imagined what the clouds looked like, I remembered how I used to do the same thing when I was younger. Over the years, however, I had grown used to the clouds always being overhead. They weren’t special anymore.
What had changed? It certainly wasn’t the clouds. They still had funny shapes that looked like one thing or another. It was me that had changed. I had just lost the wonder of the clouds until I was reminded by my friends.
There is a marvelous wonder that accompanies true worship. Many of us, however, have come to depend so much on the props of worship that we’ve lost sight of the real Person of worship. The wonder and magnificence of worship has been lost in the familiar rudiments of the weekly church service.
Get back to Jesus this Christmas season, for He hasn’t changed. If you come to Him as a child you will experience the wonder once again. Perhaps it is time you reacquaint yourself with the Wonder of Worship.
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