This morning my heart was broken as a very important man from my life moved from here to there. His name is Rod Hockley and was the first song leader I ever knew. He was a gentle soul with a huge heart. A man who helped me take many positive steps in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Listening to a message he preached he made a very important statement. "No one man builds a church." I know this because early on in my walk it was men like Rod, Duane Banks, and Ed Jasper who encouraged me to keep on keeping on. You were no "one man", but one of the important men who made a difference in my life.
Rod was a man of Faith, a man of Love, and a man of Hope. and now He is a man of Heaven.
Thank you Rod for loving me, encouraging me, and helping me along the way. You taught me to want a Mansion over the Hilltop, I just know that yours has solid tires and a good radiator.
You faithfully lived for God, now you live with Him. I'm happy for you.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Good < God
There are so many good people in our world. Nice People, Caring People, Loving People, Honest People and many of these people we come into contact with everyday.
But to find a God Person is truly an amazing experience. While they are nice, caring, loving, and honest there is something extra in them.
Its called Faith. Good things do not have to happen to them for them to be good. In fact a God person is good, especially when things are not so good.
They are nice when others are nasty. Some good people can do this but its so much harder without God.
They are caring when no one cares. Again, good people can do this but its difficult when you believe your the only one.
They are loving even in the face of hatred. Good people get hurt because they don't understand how someone can hate you when you love.
They are honest in the face of dishonesty. Good people expect if you are honest, people will be honest with you and are discouraged when treated wrongly. Rightfully so. But not for a God person.
God People put their FAITH in God believing that when people are nasty, uncaring, hating, and dishonest, God is there for them. God people have a foundation in Him that cannot be shaken or moved. Built on the Solid Rock, Nothing washes God People away.
I Love Good People but I want to be surrounded by God People as I know no matter what the storm, they will always be there ready to bear Love, Joy, and Peace in a world in turmoil.
and if I could add, I Loved the Good people who gathered together yesterday at newLife. You are Good People who make much of God.
But to find a God Person is truly an amazing experience. While they are nice, caring, loving, and honest there is something extra in them.
Its called Faith. Good things do not have to happen to them for them to be good. In fact a God person is good, especially when things are not so good.
They are nice when others are nasty. Some good people can do this but its so much harder without God.
They are caring when no one cares. Again, good people can do this but its difficult when you believe your the only one.
They are loving even in the face of hatred. Good people get hurt because they don't understand how someone can hate you when you love.
They are honest in the face of dishonesty. Good people expect if you are honest, people will be honest with you and are discouraged when treated wrongly. Rightfully so. But not for a God person.
God People put their FAITH in God believing that when people are nasty, uncaring, hating, and dishonest, God is there for them. God people have a foundation in Him that cannot be shaken or moved. Built on the Solid Rock, Nothing washes God People away.
I Love Good People but I want to be surrounded by God People as I know no matter what the storm, they will always be there ready to bear Love, Joy, and Peace in a world in turmoil.
and if I could add, I Loved the Good people who gathered together yesterday at newLife. You are Good People who make much of God.
Monday, September 16, 2013
GO DUCKS
This morning I was thinking about something that God led me to years ago in ministry and I thought that this morning I would reiterate it.
Ducks run with Ducks.
Its not that ducks can't run with geese, but they tend to prefer ducks.
Species tend to have fellowship and relationship with each other because of a commonality.
and this is as true in the world of men as it is in the animal world.
People who are Faithful tend to be drawn to faithful people.
People who are Hopeful tend to be drawn to hopeful people.
People who Love tend to be drawn to loving people.
While they might not always agree with each other, their commonality overrides their attitude towards each other, keeping them together.
and it made me think. Who has been cozying up to you?
Who is following, listening, communicating with you?
And what kind of Person are you drawn to?
I think that it says a lot about not who you think you are, but who you really are. I see this in Church life and I am always surprised that people don't recognize that the duck their running with or whose running to you speaks to who YOU are.
So today might be a good day to check out the kind of people to whom you have in your life and ask if they reflect positively on the Jesus you also claim to run with.
Again, GO DUCKS
Ducks run with Ducks.
Its not that ducks can't run with geese, but they tend to prefer ducks.
Species tend to have fellowship and relationship with each other because of a commonality.
and this is as true in the world of men as it is in the animal world.
People who are Faithful tend to be drawn to faithful people.
People who are Hopeful tend to be drawn to hopeful people.
People who Love tend to be drawn to loving people.
While they might not always agree with each other, their commonality overrides their attitude towards each other, keeping them together.
and it made me think. Who has been cozying up to you?
Who is following, listening, communicating with you?
And what kind of Person are you drawn to?
I think that it says a lot about not who you think you are, but who you really are. I see this in Church life and I am always surprised that people don't recognize that the duck their running with or whose running to you speaks to who YOU are.
So today might be a good day to check out the kind of people to whom you have in your life and ask if they reflect positively on the Jesus you also claim to run with.
Again, GO DUCKS
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Egyptian cell phones get no reception in heaven
In the bible there are many words that God uses as pictures to help describe a deeper truth.One of those words is Egypt.
I have always understood that when God uses this word in the bible it describes not only the physical nation of Egypt but it is a word picture for the world or worldliness. Meaning that as a Christian I never want to live loving the world. I never want to put the world before God. The world speaks of immediate pleasure and indulgence.
But this morning God opened my eyes to maybe a clearer view of this word. Beginning in Jeremiah chapter 46 we find God delivering a series of messages to the nations around Israel. Israel has already been taken captive because of their idolatry and God now turns His attention to the nations that encouraged Israels sin. and Egypt is the first nation God speaks to.
While most of what is said speaks to God's punishment, there in the midst of the message is a clearer description of Egypt than I have ever heard.
Jeremiah 46:17 (ESV) Call the name of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, ‘Noisy one who lets the hour go by.’
Isn't that kind of a strange name to give someone? Literally God is calling Egypt the "Noisy one who loves to kill time"
That is the characterization of Egypt -- and the world. It is one of the ways we can recognize the world: it loves noise, because it does not want to stop and think. And it loves to kill time, is always seeking ways to pass the time.
Think about how Egypt affects us everyday, even those who think that we are not worldly. Every day we seek to drown out the quiet with noise as we are uncomfortable in the silence. Music must be playing, TVs are on, Cell Phones constantly beeping and ringing. So many people I know can't rest without having ambient noise in the room. Even this morning in my prayer time I was drawn to a ticking clock in the living room telling me time was marching on and to get busy.
and Every day we seek to drown out our problems by killing time. Texting, TV, Video games and face book are not in themselves bad if used in a healthy manner. But when they are used to kill time, when time is wasted doing these things, time that could have been spent with God or family or Live people is forever gone.
and Everyday, our Egyptian lifestyle drowns out the still small voice of God.
Egypt only leads to slavery and bondage. (give up your cell phone for a day and see if your not in bondage to it)
God did not save us to live there, but with Him.
Go ahead, turn them off, Get Outside and Listen to the Voice of God.
Problem is, like the Israelites we prefer Egypt.
I have always understood that when God uses this word in the bible it describes not only the physical nation of Egypt but it is a word picture for the world or worldliness. Meaning that as a Christian I never want to live loving the world. I never want to put the world before God. The world speaks of immediate pleasure and indulgence.
But this morning God opened my eyes to maybe a clearer view of this word. Beginning in Jeremiah chapter 46 we find God delivering a series of messages to the nations around Israel. Israel has already been taken captive because of their idolatry and God now turns His attention to the nations that encouraged Israels sin. and Egypt is the first nation God speaks to.
While most of what is said speaks to God's punishment, there in the midst of the message is a clearer description of Egypt than I have ever heard.
Jeremiah 46:17 (ESV) Call the name of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, ‘Noisy one who lets the hour go by.’
Isn't that kind of a strange name to give someone? Literally God is calling Egypt the "Noisy one who loves to kill time"
That is the characterization of Egypt -- and the world. It is one of the ways we can recognize the world: it loves noise, because it does not want to stop and think. And it loves to kill time, is always seeking ways to pass the time.
Think about how Egypt affects us everyday, even those who think that we are not worldly. Every day we seek to drown out the quiet with noise as we are uncomfortable in the silence. Music must be playing, TVs are on, Cell Phones constantly beeping and ringing. So many people I know can't rest without having ambient noise in the room. Even this morning in my prayer time I was drawn to a ticking clock in the living room telling me time was marching on and to get busy.
and Every day we seek to drown out our problems by killing time. Texting, TV, Video games and face book are not in themselves bad if used in a healthy manner. But when they are used to kill time, when time is wasted doing these things, time that could have been spent with God or family or Live people is forever gone.
and Everyday, our Egyptian lifestyle drowns out the still small voice of God.
Egypt only leads to slavery and bondage. (give up your cell phone for a day and see if your not in bondage to it)
God did not save us to live there, but with Him.
Go ahead, turn them off, Get Outside and Listen to the Voice of God.
Problem is, like the Israelites we prefer Egypt.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Big things do come in small packages
Today is my Daughters 24th Birthday and in honor of her I want to share how she changed my life forever.
#1 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter. Little girls have a way of making grown men weak. Much of my loving nature came from her coming into my life.
#2 I am different because I am the father of a tough Daughter. She has been through so much and still has room to smile. At times when I wanted to weep watching her go through so much, she would be smiling and giggling. Her smile is usually because she is up to something but its a smile none the less.
#3 I am different because I am the father of a Challenging Daughter. Her health (especially when younger) has always been a challenge. Her physical problems made me grow up, man up, and step up.
#4 I am different because I am the father of MY Daughter. She is so much like me and I love that about her. She can be funny, she can be confident, (others say arrogant ~ only the insecure ones) she can be Crazy, she can be Caring. (OK the caring part came from DJ.) I can see so much of me in her and it makes me happy.
#5 I am different because I am the father of a Beautiful Daughter. She takes after her mom there, both inside and out.
#6 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter who will be an amazing wife.
I look at here and see so many strengths that will make her a great addition to any man. (Love You too Darrick)
#7 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter who will be a GREAT Mother.
I watch her with children and know that they will be loved, and cared for, but also be challenged to be greater. I am so Proud of her.
#8 I am different because I am the father of a Forgiving Daughter. I made so many mistakes in raising her. I led us into Bad religion and busyness of life, and yet she still loves me. That changes You.
On September 9 1989, a small package came into my life and changed it forever. I love you Kasey and so proud of the woman you have become and look forward to watching you be changed by your children as well. (he he)
You truly are a Gift from God and are one of the Biggest things to ever happen to me
Happy Birthday
#1 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter. Little girls have a way of making grown men weak. Much of my loving nature came from her coming into my life.
#2 I am different because I am the father of a tough Daughter. She has been through so much and still has room to smile. At times when I wanted to weep watching her go through so much, she would be smiling and giggling. Her smile is usually because she is up to something but its a smile none the less.
#3 I am different because I am the father of a Challenging Daughter. Her health (especially when younger) has always been a challenge. Her physical problems made me grow up, man up, and step up.
#4 I am different because I am the father of MY Daughter. She is so much like me and I love that about her. She can be funny, she can be confident, (others say arrogant ~ only the insecure ones) she can be Crazy, she can be Caring. (OK the caring part came from DJ.) I can see so much of me in her and it makes me happy.
#5 I am different because I am the father of a Beautiful Daughter. She takes after her mom there, both inside and out.
#6 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter who will be an amazing wife.
I look at here and see so many strengths that will make her a great addition to any man. (Love You too Darrick)
#7 I am different because I am the father of a Daughter who will be a GREAT Mother.
I watch her with children and know that they will be loved, and cared for, but also be challenged to be greater. I am so Proud of her.
#8 I am different because I am the father of a Forgiving Daughter. I made so many mistakes in raising her. I led us into Bad religion and busyness of life, and yet she still loves me. That changes You.
On September 9 1989, a small package came into my life and changed it forever. I love you Kasey and so proud of the woman you have become and look forward to watching you be changed by your children as well. (he he)
You truly are a Gift from God and are one of the Biggest things to ever happen to me
Happy Birthday
Friday, September 6, 2013
Cannibals, Cannabis, and Can we Care
I have this deeply rooted belief that a church ought to be a safe place to land for a sinner. It ought to be the last place you would find Judgementalism and the church should be the first place where you would find understanding.
Why?
Because all of us have the potential to fail God.
Peter knew this well as he wrote this after his famous denial of Jesus
2 Peter 3:17 (ESV) You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
But traditionally the church is known more for two things. Cannibalism
Galatians 5:15 (ESV) But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
and Cannabis usage. (Ignoring the reality of the problem)
See First Corinthians
Why can't we have a biblical balance where we care so much for the soul that when a person falls from God our goal is Restoration and not Rejection? I am not saying that we ignore the situation but we surely shouldn't shoot the person by either ignoring them because of what they have done or igniting a fire around them through gossip and here say.
If they come to us, its because they believe that we care and that we can help point them back on the right path. If they come to us, usually its because they are repentant and they are seeking restoration.
Lets give them a safe place to land. Lets not be the church that stones people, nor the church that's stoned about people.
Lets be the Church that leads them to the ROCK.
Have an Awesome day
Why?
Because all of us have the potential to fail God.
Peter knew this well as he wrote this after his famous denial of Jesus
2 Peter 3:17 (ESV) You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
But traditionally the church is known more for two things. Cannibalism
Galatians 5:15 (ESV) But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
and Cannabis usage. (Ignoring the reality of the problem)
See First Corinthians
Why can't we have a biblical balance where we care so much for the soul that when a person falls from God our goal is Restoration and not Rejection? I am not saying that we ignore the situation but we surely shouldn't shoot the person by either ignoring them because of what they have done or igniting a fire around them through gossip and here say.
If they come to us, its because they believe that we care and that we can help point them back on the right path. If they come to us, usually its because they are repentant and they are seeking restoration.
Lets give them a safe place to land. Lets not be the church that stones people, nor the church that's stoned about people.
Lets be the Church that leads them to the ROCK.
Have an Awesome day
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Something that just touched me today, Enjoy
Healer
Holly Ann
Door of Hope Church
At my worst
yet You are always by my side
And still my doubts
they get the best of me
yet You are always by my side
And still my doubts
they get the best of me
Consuming fire
It seems I am cold as ice
Come lift me higher
I long to follow You
It seems I am cold as ice
Come lift me higher
I long to follow You
Heal me
Comfort me
in these storms that I create
When I turn away
will You follow me?
Seems I’m always walking away
but its always, always Your grace
that leads me back home
Comfort me
in these storms that I create
When I turn away
will You follow me?
Seems I’m always walking away
but its always, always Your grace
that leads me back home
Protect me, oh Lion
Comfort me, oh Lamb
I need You, I’m crying out
Lift me up on eagles wings
Comfort me, oh Lamb
I need You, I’m crying out
Lift me up on eagles wings
(CHORUS)
You are my home
•••••
Holly Ann - piano / vocals
Braden Spotts - camera / editor / director
Matt James - sound / mixing
Matt James - sound / mixing
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