A Special Day

Sunday was one of those days it seemed like everything was a blessing.  We had so many visitors from the community and other places.  Our singing was uplifting.  Steven Wilson did an excellent job presiding over the Lord's Supper.  Many of you had kind words after the sermon topic.  Isn't Jesus amazing?  Is it possible to read John 8 and not walk away in awe?  This coming week we will dive into the amazing power of Jesus, as we study some of His miracles.

Before worship I had the privilege of teaching the young adults.  It seems like every week we gain a few more people.  We are bringing in chairs.  I believe they have enjoyed being together.  For this ageing preacher, the blessing is mine.  It has been very encouraging.  Sunday evening some of them took a trip to the beach to ride horses.

 

It was great having our teens back after spending the week serving others in West Virginia.  I'm not going to steal Joel's thunder, as he is hoping to get a slide show together to tell us more about their trip.  My 15 year old came home excited.  They worked with other groups in this effort, which means they were able to meet other Christians from all around.  Here is a picture of everyone working that week.  Good luck picking out our teens.

I want to briefly address the Supreme Court ruling this past week.  It has been a very difficult weekend for most Christians.  Some things to remember: 1) We shouldn't be surprised by the ruling.  We have all seen this coming.  One thing is for certain, sinners are going to act like sinners. (I Pet. 4:12)  It still hurts, especially for those of us raised in a much more conservative society.  2) Stop reading everything the media puts out about this ruling.  Because we believe in God's design for marriage we will be called bigots, racists, and a few things I cannot repeat.  Looking at these things, or reading the comments from these articles will only make you mad and depressed.  Don't forget, sinners are going to act like sinners. Think on wholesome things (Phil. 4:8-9).  3) Don't get involved in the hateful speech.  One of our first inclinations is to fight fire with fire.  People are lost and need Jesus.  Don't represent the One who can save them/change them with hate and anger.  We are called to represent the Christian hope with gentleness and respect (I Pet. 3:15-16).  4) Don't stop associating with unbelievers who agree with the ruling or are homosexuals themselves. Read I Corinthians 5:9-10.  5) Stop judging those outside of Christ, only One is given that job.  Read I Corinthians 5:12-13.  Stand for holiness but do so without getting into judging wars.  6) Stop walking around as if we are a people with no hope.  This may be the most disappointing thing I saw this weekend.  Christians who see this ruling as the end of the world.  Will it create many problems for believers?  Yes.  But we should be the most joyful people on earth.  The Book of I Peter is addressed to Christians suffering persecution for their faith.  They were living in a society with morals worse than our own.  But listen to the words of I Peter 1:3-12; 3:14.  7) Live your life for Jesus.  Live in such a way that it would shame those who persecute you.  (I Pet. 3:16-17)  Clean out those logs that sometimes get lodged in your eyes (Matt. 7:1-4).  Be Jesus to your world, because He can still amaze the most hardened of sinners.  8)  Keep praying.  Whether we realize it or not, God is still in control of the nations.  He will do what He wants to do.  Elijah once sunk into a depression when his nation, which was God's holy nation, had fallen so far from God.  Evil rulers.  Corrupt priests.  Weak followers.  But Jehovah knew some things Elijah didn't know, even as a prophet.  (I Kgs. 19:18)  God gave him one of the most powerful displays of His work.  He isn't always in the big loud things in the world, sometimes it is in those still small whispers we tend to ignore.  (I Kgs. 19:11-13)  9) Pray for those in authority.  I have seen a lot of words being posted to social media about how Christians feel about this latest decision, but I have yet to see those words formed into a prayer.  I'm not saying it isn't being done, but it seems we have spoken more to those we disagree with than the one who can change the heart.  (I Tim. 2:2)  10) Finally, and also goes with I Timothy 2:2, we are to live in peace and quietness with the rulers of our world.  It is time we stop attacking our government.  Does this mean you like these sinful decisions being made?  No way.  But we should live in peace as much as it depends upon us.  Don't antagonize.  You can still go to the voting polls, but nothing will have a greater influence than living like Jesus and pointing others to Him.  Let's stop talking about Supreme Court decisions and start talking to others about the Supreme Being.  Maybe that is why our nation has gotten to this point, we have stopped sharing Jesus.  This is just my two cents.  Joe Wild is still teaching on the subject of homosexuality on Wednesday nights.  This is a proper place to discuss these issues.

Ok, so there has been a lot of depressing pictures on social media lately, so I thought I would share something that should cheer you up (or give you a good laugh).  I found this jewel last week.

Now that you have a smile on your face, share it with others.

Tracy

Father's Day Extra

Here are the other responses that were not read Sunday.  I had asked people to tell one thing about their dad that amazed them.  By the way, I don't know who wrote them as we receive these surveys anonymously.

"Playing wiffle ball in our front yard was a common evening activity for us when we were little.  All of the normal baseball rules applied, except for a few extras - if you stood on the plate while batting, it was an out; and if you threw your bat (instead of dropping it) when you got a hit, it was an out.  When we started little league softball/baseball, none of us ever had to be taught not to stand on or too close to the plate while hitting, and the on-deck batters were never in danger of getting hit with our bat as we threw it after getting hit.  It wasn't until I was a little older that I understood why my dad added those extra outs in wiffle ball.  It was easy learning when we thought they might result in outs!  Planning and thinking ahead is a trait that has always impressed me about my dad (possibly because it does not at all come naturally to me.)  This is just a simple story, but it shows that even when we don't realize it, my dad is usually thinking ahead of the rest of us."

"My Grandpa could do everything.  And he was always doing something, making cast net, fixing a car, or building an addition onto a home.  Grandpa was also frequently in the kitchen helping Grandma create the next meal too.  Early every morning, as soon as the train sounded, he would be the first person up and start the coffee brewing before breakfast.  He loved to fish and with his freshly-caught bounty from the Indian River, we had many family meals over a Fish Fry dinner.  As far as I knew, there was nothing he couldn't do, even make my Grandma a little coo-coo. :)"

"To say dad is amazing is an understatement!  One example I treasure about my dad is his example of being a Godly husband.  Most parents put their kids on a pedestal and he always made sure we knew that was mom's place, not ours.  I must say, as a kid, I didn't always care for the reminder.  But now as an adult, it's engraved in me and I appreciate it so much today.  I'm looking forward to 'irritating' my kids one day when letting them know their requests are not number one ;)  Thanks, dad, for that example!"

"Growing up we played a lot of wiffle ball in our front yard.  One night while playing my brother (who was probably 6 at the time) got a nose bleed.  My dad stopped the game and immediately took him inside.  They both returned a few minutes later, my brother with cotton balls stuck up each nostril, and we continued the game like nothing happened.  My dad was always very good at keep his priorities in line. :)"

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Father's Day

Father's Day is one of the best and worst days of the year, depending on your situation.  For me, it is a great time.  As a child, I am blessed to have been raised by a good dad that I can call any day of the week.  As a father, it is a blessing to hear from all my children on the same day.  Add to that, I had KFC for lunch ("preach the Word and eat the bird"), watched some baseball, took a nap, ate at Sonny's for supper, had a gelato from Rita's, and watched the sunset on the beach with the family.  A truly blessed day.

This picture reminded me of our text yesterday.

On the other hand, Father's Day is dreaded for others.  It brings up the pain of good father's who have since passed away.  For many, that pain exists throughout the year, but on this day it intensifies.  Even worse, I know some fathers who have lost children due to a premature death.  This day is just another awful reminder.  On the other hand, there are others who struggle with a different kind of pain.  They are the ones who were abused, neglected, or abandoned by their fathers.  They even struggle with the Biblical concept of God as a Father.  Some fathers have lost their children to a sinful way of life.  There are dads who still have children alive, but they might as well be dead, because they never hear from them.  To you, I pray for the peace of the Spirit within your soul.  In times like these, lean on our amazing God.  He loves you more than you can ever understand.

 

Speaking of an amazing God, we studied one of the touching moments of Jesus.  He really does care about us and our families.  Even in times we do not completely understand.  This Sunday we will look into the Amazing Grace of God, as we study the woman caught in adultery.  Do you know people who struggle with their sins?  Do you know people who just cannot believe God can forgive them for their past?  The fact is, we all need this story, whether we are the one who needs to be forgiven or the one who needs to forgive.

 

Speaking of worship, I thought the singing was outstanding yesterday.  David Brooker did a really good job.  He lead one of my favorites songs he has taught this congregation - "How Deep The Father's Love".  The crowds were good, especially since we have some away on vacation or on the youth work camp in West Virginia.  It was good to be in this place.  Praise God!

 

Father's Day has come and gone and now I hit the rough part of my summer.  Lex left early this morning, for the airport, to go back to Oklahoma.  He will leave out Thursday for Swaziland for his mission trip.  I ask you pray for him in his travels and what the team is setting out to accomplish.  Missy and Bella also left early to take their summer pilgrimage to Alabama to see Missy's mom.  She will return in a couple of weeks before we head to the Caribbean Lectures.  Bella, on the other hand, will be there a month.  Micah is away on the youth trip and will get back at he end of the week.  But at least they left me with Max, our family dog.

 

Now to wrap things up.  Don't stop being amazed at Jesus.  As you come to His feet, don't just be amazed, be transformed.  We will never be perfect, but we can become more like Him.  Care for people the way He cared for them.  Reach out to others who hurt.  Make a difference in their life.  Help ease their pain, even if you cannot perform miracles.  However, you do know the One who can.  Have a great week.

 

Back from the Keys

Since March, I have been reading the Gospels as many times as possible.  The goal: to know Jesus better.  There isn't a parable or miracle that is unfamiliar, but I am looking for something more - to engage all my senses into these stories.  To put myself into the sandals of those first century witnesses.  After the first few weeks of reading a theme developed - the people were absolutely blown away by Jesus.  Even before they understood He was the Son of God.  Even those who were only looking for a handout.  Even those who wanted to kill Him.  And certainly those who believed.  What was it about Jesus that amazed them?  It was a variety of things, from what they saw, heard, felt, etc.  All the senses were engaged.  I want to feel that too.  I want to know what they knew.  For five days I was been able to relax in the Florida Keys with no deadlines or work related issues.  My phone on vibrate and the daily alarms turned to off.  After a few days my mind relaxes.  Now I can really sink into a book.  A simple pace with times of reflection while surrounded by one of God's most beautiful creation.  I didn't even finish the Book of Mark.  There is still much to be learned, but enough to be amazed by this Savior.  I cannot wait to get back in the pulpit Sunday.  This week we will be studying a fathers encounter with Jesus.  Amazing!

Speaking of fathers, this Sunday is Father's Day.  Invite your dad, children, or grandchildren, to worship with you this week.  Take them out to a nice lunch or enjoy a meal together at home.  I enjoyed spending some time with my children this week.  When we moved here, over six year ago, all my kids were home and took vacation with us.  Now, we are squeezing in a shorter vacation to take advantage of Lex being home before he leaves for Africa.  Noah is back in Alabama working a couple of jobs and unable to attend.  We only have two children left in the nest.  Time flies, but I enjoy these moments.  I am 44 years old and cherish the moments I have with my dad.  I'm blessed.

Ok, that's enough.  Preachers get all mushy after a few days of R&R.  So I will end with a few pictures from the trip.

I will save you the other 500 pictures from the trip.  Lex isn't pictured in the family photo because he stayed back at the house and worked on a school paper.

A Great Beginning!

Sunday was a day of beginnings, for one, our new sermon series.  I don't normally begin with my preaching, but today I will make an exception.  Yet, it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the topic - Amazing Jesus.  If our Lord was amazing people in the womb, a few days after birth and at the age of 12, imagine how much more astonishing He will be when His ministry begins!  My goal isn't for you to have a greater head knowledge of the Christ, but a greater love and appreciation for Him.  I want you to walk away each week saying, "I am blown away by Jesus!"  This Sunday is all about Messiah being the amazing God, as seen in His Transfiguration.  This story is a statement of who He is.

Staying with the topic of new beginnings, several Bible classes are underway.  Really it began Wednesday night.  I have had a couple of people ask if we still have space in the personality class.  Absolutely.  If you are interested come on.  The only thing you missed was the personality test, which you can take at home.  This week we begin with the first temperament - the sanguine.  I have heard good things about the other classes going on as well.  I am pretty excited about teaching the young adults this summer, which is also on personalities.  We had a good number Sunday morning.

Speaking of young adults and new beginnings, they began a summer of activities last night.  They had over 20 go bowling.  It sounded like everyone had a good time together.  If you know of anyone, in this age group, who would like to get involved, let one of the ministers know.  They do not have to go to this church, they could be a neighbor or someone you work with, etc.  In fact, yesterday we had several young adults visiting with us.  It was really encouraging.  Here are a few pictures.

 

 Yes, Mya is one of the young adults

Staying with the topic of young adults, it was great having my oldest son lead singing yesterday.  Before I moved here, my dad would occasionally lead for me.  I know it doesn't mean anything to you guys, but it's kind of special to me.  However, the real reason to mention Lex is he filled in for us during a pinch.  It's summer and our song leaders are on the go.  They need a break too.  Lex didn't have a lot of advance notice to pull things together.  He also helps with the singing where he attends in Oklahoma City.  It is great to have him home, even if it is for a short time.  And yes, momma got a picture.  Although, it wasn't like he graduated from elementary school.  If you were here yesterday you know what I'm talking about.  If not, I'm not going to tell you as punishment for missing.  :)

Keeping with the subject of singing, last night we had our monthly "Circle-Up Singing" and birthday celebration.  We went "Old School" by allowing anyone to request a song.  Lonnie Ledford and myself were the only song leaders, but we knocked out all of them but 2 or 3.  Fortunately we had two of our young girls to take charge of writing out the songs and page numbers on the whiteboard.  They also found the time to have a message for me on the other side when we finished.  What is most impressive is they drew this upside down.  I've always wanted my name in lights, but I guess a whiteboard will have to do.  Seriously, I love how these girls want to get involved.

Kari and Bella

Last, but not least, one of our own, elder Joe Wild, was named Coach of the Year for the Treasure Coast.  This is a big accomplishment and we know he couldn't have done it without Glenda.  Word on the street is Joe wore an ear piece while Glenda gave instructions from the stands.  At least that is the rumor Glenda started.  Seriously, something the papers will not report is the Christian influence Joe has on these kids.  Those players were never cussed out.  They never watched their coach get mad and go into a tirade.  They never put his character in question.  For that alone Joe should be named Coach of the Year.

Let's end with that idea.  Go out and live a positive influence for Christ in your world.  Even if everyone else in your industry tries to get results by using profane, abusive speech, you choose a different path.  Even if others feel like lying and cheating is the way to get on top, you live a life of integrity.  It is a choice.  Allow the Spirit of God to guide your life.  Make bold decisions.  Live for Jesus, because what He has promised us is AMAZING!

Let the Summer Begin!

We live in Florida, it always feels like summer, but we officially begin our summer activities.  Here are some of the things beginning this week.

NEW BIBLE CLASSES.
Wednesday Night offers two opportunities.

1. Homosexuality is a 6 week study in the Hebrews Coffee Shop.
2. Me and You and the People in the Pews (personality class) will be offered again in the Lynn Center #105.  There is a 25 person limit.  We will take the personality test this week.

Sunday Morning offers 2 classes.

1. God According to God in the Auditorium.
2. Me and You and the People in the Pews for YOUNG ADULTS in the upstairs Lynn Center.

NEW SERMON SERIES begins this Sunday called Amazing Jesus.  When God put skin on He walked among His creation amazing them every step of the way.  I have been looking forward to this series for a few weeks now.  The purpose is to awaken us to the majesty of Christ.  This Sunday we learn He was amazing people before His ministry ever began.  Invite your non-Christian friends,  those who are struggling, or people who are looking for something greater in life.

NEW YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAM:  Besides the new Bible class on Sunday mornings, David Paladin has put together some activities for the summer as well.  If you are a young adult or have any in your home, please let us know if they would like to get involved.  Also, we want to hear from them as to the kind of things they are interested in.

Sunday was an uplifting day for me.  First of all, I got to teach out of one of my favorite books of the Bible (II Samuel) and one of my favorite characters (David).  If you were in class I apologize for going so fast, I could talk about David and Absalom for weeks.  After that, I was blessed to preach from another couple of my favorite books (Psalms and I Samuel).  Such power messages are found within those pages.  Finally, my oldest, Lex, came in that afternoon.  It was a good day for this preacher.  Now to focus on my other favorite books (the Gospels) and ultimate character (Jesus Christ) in Scripture.

Let's take our joys and share them with others.  I'm not talking about bragging about how great our lives are, but a spirit that brings a positive and joyful atmosphere to others (especially if their life isn't so wonderful).  Start reading through the Gospels.  You might want to commit to only reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John through the summer.  Take a single story and meditate on it.  Put yourself in that place.  Feel the emotion of seeing Jesus, smell the Sea of Galilee, taste the loaves and fishes, see the miracles, hear the response of the crowds.  Let God's Word come alive.